Backstage SoCal chatted with Harper about her love for musical theater, her Orange County roots, and what makes this touring Broadway musical special.

Where did you grow up? What school did you attend? 

I grew up in Laguna Beach and graduated from Laguna Beach High School, class of 1996. I actually spent my senior year in Germany, studying Classical Ballet at the John Cranko Ballet School; the School of the Stuttgart Ballet. After graduation from the Ballet School I received my first professional contract as a dancer in the Ballet Company at the Volksoper in Vienna, Austria. 

How long have you been involved in theater, and what inspired you to get into this industry?

I have been involved in the performing arts; dance, singing and acting since I was a very young child. I belonged to the Youth Theater Ensemble at the Laguna Playhouse and was very involved in TV and Film growing up. I also danced with Ballet Pacifica, the local Laguna Beach Ballet company and Los Angeles Classical Ballet. I’m not sure if something inspired me to get into the industry, I just remember I loved being in the theater. My mother would work backstage at the Laguna Playhouse and I loved spending time with her there, watching the actors and wanting to be part of that world.  I was very fortunate growing up in Laguna Beach and having the artistic opportunities to dive into it all.

What does it mean to you to perform a Broadway show in your hometown?

It’s always very special to be able to perform again “at home.”  Since I’ve mainly performed in Europe and New York it’s wonderful to bring this caliber of theater closer to home where family and friends can come and watch. The last time I toured through California was with the Broadway musical PIPPIN and that was the first time I performed again at the Segerstrom since I was a child in the San Francisco Ballets “The Nutcracker”, you can imagine what a wonderful feeling this was to be dancing, singing and acting again on that very same stage just 30 years later.  

In what ways is the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” musical unique from the classic film? 

Well let’s start with the obvious parts, its live on stage with singing and dancing! I guess one part that is unique to our production is that all the “child” roles are played by adults except for the role of Charlie in order to show Charlie’s innocence. This is unlike the movie where the children are all played by actual children. Also I find our production is true to staying timeless but we still have moments that are very updated to our time today with the use of technology and the effects it has on our lives.

What are some exciting elements about this theatrical production? (set, choreography, costumes, etc.)

Oooh, I don’t want to share too much because there are so many special and exciting elements. I’m just going to say we have some very spectacular LED walls which make so many different pictures possible, and a very fun and cozy Bucket Shack. Our Oompa Loompas are an exciting creation by Basil Twist and the Jim Henson Company. If you know what happens to Violet then you can only imagine how the costumes add a very spectacular element to the production, and of course the fun choreography from Joshua Bergasse and the artistic vision of our director, Jack O’Brien and his creative team have made this production very special.

Are there any changes or updates to the original story?

We do have a few changes to the original story, as most musical productions today have, but this is mostly due to telling the story in a 2.5 hour time span. If we would add everything from the book or movie we’d probably be sitting in the theater for another few hours. I find our production is a mix between both movies, the classical and the modern film but by still staying true to the book.

What is your favorite scene in the musical? 

My favorite scene in the show is the end of the first act when the whole company is on stage together at the Factory gates, and then the end of the show when Charlie is in the Imagination Room and in the Glass Elevator. These are some beautiful moments in the production.

What part of the musical do you feel generates the most excitement from the audience? 

I feel the most excitement from the audience comes in the second act when Willy Wonka says close your eyes and count to three, just go along and enjoy the beauty that comes before you, and then just you wait till those Oompa Loompas come on stage!

Is there anything else you would like readers to know? 

Come see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and enjoy 2.5 hours of family fun live theatre entertainment! I guarantee the comedy and heart transcends all generations. 

ROALD DAHL’S ‘CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: May 28 – June 9, 2019; Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. The 2:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, June 8, 2019 will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.

How much: Start at $29

Online: SCFTA.org

Phone: (714) 556-2787

The post Q&A: Laguna Beach actress stars in Broadway musical ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Lisa Wiehebrink is on a double mission to change the world for both children and their furry friends.

The Orange County-based author and founder of the Tails That Teach non-profit, an organization dedicated to educating youth on the importance of kind and gentle treatment of pets and people, believes that by teaching kids to care for their pet with love and empathy, they will grow to practice those qualities through adulthood.

Wiehebrink wrote two children’s books “Gray Whiskers” and “Love Me Gently,” to educate kids about kindness towards their pets and people, as well as partners with schools, shelters and local and national organizations to spread the word of kindness and empowering children to make good choices as they learn the responsibilities of caring for a puppy. She is also the founder of National Rescue Dog Day, to bring awareness to the countless number of dogs in shelters waiting to be adopted, promote humane education for young children, and encourage spaying and neutering. 

Wiehebrink is the wife of KTLA meteorologist and sportscaster Henry DiCarlo, mother of two sons Henry III and Jack, and a Cal State Fullerton alumni. Backstage SoCal chatted with her about the Tails That Teach organization, her book series and her mission to make the world a kinder place.

What inspired you to write the “Love Me Gently” and “Gray Whiskers” books?

I witnessed a young boy pulling his puppy roughly with its leash and explained to him that it probably wouldn’t feel good if someone was doing the same to him. Innocently, he responded with, “I didn’t think of that way.” It was at that point that I realized the profound connection between animals and people and there was a need for books that taught children life lessons of kindness, compassion, and empathy in a way they could easily relate. The books parallel needs of people and pets, which are often very much the same.

Can you share a moment in “Love Me Gently” and/or “Gray Whiskers” that you feel has the strongest impact on your readers?

I use repetitive phrases in my books to keep children engaged while reading. The very first time I read to a classroom, the kids unexpectedly began repeating the phrase, “and that makes him happy,” along with me and it was at that time that I realized the importance of my message.

In what ways have you seen your books impact the way that children interact with their newly-adopted dogs? Any particular stories you want to share?

My books empower children to be responsible for their actions. They serve as guides and offer relatable, real-life scenarios. Parents and educators often tell me they notice the child practicing the lessons they learn in the books such as gentle touch, patience, respect of boundaries, forgiveness, and kindness-not with just pets, but people too. A parent recently shared with me that she delightfully caught her son explaining to his younger brother he shouldn’t pull ears and tails because he wouldn’t like it if someone did that to him.

What was the inspiration behind creating the Tails That Teach non-profit organization?

I wanted to develop a method for donating books to humane societies and schools across the country to inspire kindness to all living beings.

What are some of the accomplishments or major movements the Tails That Teach organization has made so far?

To date, our books have been donated to schools and animal organizations in over 20 states to enhance their character and humane education programs by starting them off on the “right paw.” Thanks to the Angels Baseball Foundation, we were able to donate over 7,000 books to K-2 students in the Anaheim School District. TTT is also the proud founder of National Rescue Dog Day observed annually on May 20 to honor rescue dogs in our lives and to bring awareness to the countless shelter dogs in need of homes.

How has your life changed personally since you started the organization/began writing your books?

I have a proud purpose of being a catalyst for change. Helping kids understand how to treat people with kindness starts with how they treat their pets. If I can save one dog from being returned to the shelter and one child from being bullied, I’ve made a difference!

What is the overall message or goal that you and your organization hope to spread/accomplish?
To save the lives of animals and change the lives of children.

Are there any current developments that you want others to know about in regards to the organization?
I’m working on a third book that focuses on empathy. This book will complete the trilogy of kindness, compassion, and empathy. We are also working on an initiative to rehab animal shelters in need of repair and upgrades.

How can others become involved in the Tails That Teach organization?
By sponsoring a school district or animal organization, we can give every child ages five to eight a special print book with full page recognition of the sponsor to teach them about kindness and encourage literacy.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
The world needs positive change. It’s time to get back the core basics of kindness, compassion, and empathy. We must lead the next generation in a better direction to create a fundamental shift.

For more information, visit: www.tailsthatteach.org 

National Rescue Dog Day: www.nationalrescuedogday.com 

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On May 20, 2019, National Rescue Dog Day will honor rescue dogs around the country that are often times overlooked, and face euthanization after entering the crowded shelter system. Through National Rescue Dog Day, Tails That Teach aims to raise awareness to the approximately 3.3 million dogs that end up in U.S. shelters every year and the critical need for spay and neuter, while encouraging the public to adopt rather than shop for their new pup.

Tails That Teach is asking rescue-loving celebrities and influencers to post a photo with their rescue dog, tag or mention the rescue organization in which it was adopted, and use #nationalrescuedogday. Also, consider a call to action by verbally sharing an inspiring story, plea to adopt/break down shelter stigmas, encouragement for responsible pet ownership, the importance of spay/neuter, all to spread awareness to help save lives.

“There is something very special about rescue dogs,” said Lisa Wiehebrink, Founder of Tails That Teach. “They teach us forgiveness, gratitude, and unconditional love. They remind us of the beauty of second chances and to never look back, only forward. They truly are man’s best friend.”

ABOUT TAILS THAT TEACH: Tails That Teach, Inc., has a mission to save the lives of animals, while changing the lives of children. The organization educates young children about kindness, compassion, and empathy by bridging the connection between people and animals. Their captivating books, Love Me Gently and Gray Whiskers, are donated to animal organizations to enhance humane education and community outreach. They are also provided to elementary schools to supplement character education and promote literacy. From Miami to Maui, Tails That Teach books can be found in 16 states across the United States and growing. For more info, visit Tails That Teach Inc.: tailsthatteach.org

ABOUT NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY: National Rescue Dog Day was founded by Tails That Teach Inc’s Founder, Lisa Wiehebrink, to bring awareness to the countless number of amazing dogs in shelters waiting to be adopted, to promote humane education for young children, and to encourage spay/neuter. The day was inspired by Cooper, Lisa’s family pet rescued in 2009, and now the main character in the Tails That Teach book series that teach children how to be and kind and gentle to their pets so they grow up to be compassionate, responsible pet owners. For more info, visit nationalrescuedogday.com

The post How to Be a Hero: 2nd Annual National Rescue Dog Day appeared first on Backstage Socal.

It’s the great battle of creativity and invention with Thomas Edison versus Nikola Tesla in their quest for finding energy sources for the world in the spectacular new show “Currents” presented by the song, dance and percussion troupe Mayumana. Blending physical movement with technology, the lively show will bring a journey between two troops — each representing a different view of the essence of light and electricity — to the Segerstrom Center of the Arts on April 6. 

“Currents” artistic director Boaz Berman chatted with Backstage SoCal about the inspiration behind the heart-pounding production. As a professional percussionist, music director and musician, Berman is also co-creator of the shows and was one of the original 10 cast members of Mayumana.

What inspired the story behind “Currents”? 

The show ‘Currents’ was inspired by the war battle of currents between Tesla and Edison, we picked this as inspiration to create a show that talks about different forms of energy. Once they are coordinated and synchronized, it became harmony. The show presents different forms of energy and we are doing it by the music and movement; one thing synchronizes and works together in harmony and becomes much stronger. That’s the idea. 

What unique elements separate “Currents” from other Mayumana shows?

Well, each element in the show is completely different than the other. So this show is about forms of energy and how it works together and it is accompanied by a very dynamic and powerful video. So what we do in this show is we are visualizing the music, basically, when we use the video projection. And this is the most unique thing for our shows. Usually we are not doing video projections in our shows. And each show is having a different storyline or inspiration. The DNA always is the same. We are doing rhythm, movement. Sometimes with the back story, sometimes just as inspiration in the background; music, rhythm, movement, and basically we try to bring some energy and joy to the audience. 

Can you describe acts/parts of the show that get the audience’s largest reaction? 

Well there are two parts that get a lot of applause. One is, we call it boys table. It’s three boys and a girl sitting behind a table, and we invented this language that they are talking with their hands on the table using rhythm patterns and then with cups. So, and there are different solos that each one of them do and the other imitates the end of the solos. This is something very, very unique and classic for Mayumana and gets a lot of applause. The second is a virtuosic water buckets solo, which one of the actors is doing a solo on a water bucket that I think is very surprising for the audience. 

What does the stage look like? Can you describe the stage production? 

The stage basically is a black box, but half of the stage we are putting up video screens, seven of them, and they are put into lines. So the actors sometimes walk between them, and the video projections are cut into seven stripes and from different angles you can see different shapes of video. This is the stage and then props goes in and out with the parts. 

What is the inspiration behind the various costumes? 

In the beginning, the inspiration was to create a tribe, a Mayumana tribe, because we had two kinds of forms of energy so we had two kinds of costumes. Today, as the show evolved and we’ve become longer. Our new part is mainly about energy. So the costumes are like a mixture from the dance worlds.  

Are there any particular acts/dancers/artists that you feel readers should keep an eye out for?

There are no stars in Mayumana on purpose. Everybody is different. When you talk to the audience after a show, each one can point out different actors that they really connected to. And this is our goal. They are very different. Each one is coming from different backgrounds and have different energy on the stage. The crowd usually connects to not one specific a performer. 

What do you want people to know about the “Currents” production? 

The thing that is important to us for people to understand is basically we are doing art. We are doing what we like. We are trying to enjoy the stage. The actors really love what they’re doing. And the slogan of Mayumana is the art of joy. So if people are finishing the show and they have a boost of energy, they want to go dance, sing and basically feel very optimistic, we did our job. Then we are very happy and our battery is charged and good. 

MAYUMANA — ‘CURRENTS’

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6

Tickets: Start at $39

Phone: (714) 556-2787

Online: SCFTA.org

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For the first time ever, Costa Mesa will be introduced to a whole new world.

The dazzling, colorful, tuneful, highly anticipated Broadway musical “Aladdin” is making its way to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a three-week run, March 6-23. Inspired by the Academy Award-winning Disney film, the musical has it all: an action-filled premise, memorable love story, quotable comedy, exciting choreography and a load of recognizable songs that are sure to stir memories.

The production crew alone is a cast of all-stars. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, the show features music by Tony Award and Academy Award-winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Newsies,” “Sister Act”), lyrics by Academy Award winner Howard Ashman (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”), Tony Award and Academy Award winner Tim Rice (“Evita,” “Aida”) and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (“The Wedding Singer”), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (“The Book of Mormon”).

Clinton Greenspan who performs in the lead role of “Aladdin” and Lissa DeGuzman who performs as “Jasmine” share the magic behind the beloved musical:

What inspired you take on these roles?

Greenspan: Honestly, my personal life was one of my biggest inspirations in taking on this role. I think back on all of the times I found myself getting into trouble, but knowing I was going to do better. In the beginning of the show, Aladdin sings ‘Proud of Your Boy,’ which is directed to his mother who passed away months ago. It’s the moment we see Aladdin’s determination in making a change for himself and everyone who sees greatness in him. I have always been a mama’s boy and I relate that moment to my relationship with my mother because she’s been my leading lady and my inspiration to constantly look forward.

DeGuzman: This role means a lot to me. I find Jasmine a very, very important female character, especially for these times. I personally love how forward-thinking she is and that she’s not willing to settle. And I think that’s a very important thing to teach and ingrain in one’s life. I know I want to live my life not wanting to settle and reaching for the stars. And she has things working against her. She has societal norms and she has her father, and she has Jafar trying to get everything, but she knows what’s right for her and she is not afraid to say no and is a strong female character in that sense. And I think that’s really important for nowadays.

What special parts do you personally bring to the role?

Greenspan: I like to say I bring my own kind of goofy and youthful approach to the character.

DeGuzman: I think there’s parts of her that can resonate with every woman, and I help to bring them along for this two-and-a-half hour journey with her. She loves and she believes in love, but she’s also strong and is a leader. And I hope to achieve those traits that resonate with each woman who comes in and sees the show. I know that’s a lot to achieve, but I’ve always hoped to do that and leave the audience thinking of this memorable, strong, inspiring woman.

What special elements separate the Broadway musical from the beloved film?

Greenspan: The two have many similarities, but the Broadway show has added songs that were originally involved in the animated film but did not make the final cut. In addition, Aladdin has three friends who take on the much admired position of Abu. I believe this adds a new and meaningful dynamic to Aladdin’s lifestyle and the show’s overall approach. You have more ways of relating to our story.

DeGuzman: We all grew up with this story. But what’s really cool about the stage version is the songs. It has all the songs from the animated feature that you would want plus songs that were originally written for the animated feature but were cut, and then new songs written for the stage version. So we have songs from three different places. So it’s a timeless tale because this stage version has been in the making for so long.

What has been your most memorable experience so far with the tour?

Greenspan: I would have to say my most memorable experience, so far, with this tour was the day I was told I would be taking over the role of “Aladdin.” After a year in the incredible ensemble and understudying the title role, I was about to fill the shoes of the incomparable Adam Jacobs.

DeGuzman: What’s cool about Clinton is he was an ensemble member understudy and I was understudying Jasmine. So we actually got to learn the show together as Aladdin and Jasmine, but as the understudies and then also doing our ensemble and swing positions in the original cast. So we were always each other’s first and we’ve known each other for these full two years, and we get along great, and we can joke about old times when we didn’t play these rules. And how it’s so surreal and crazy that we are playing these roles and how grateful we are to be here together.

What is flying in the magic carpet like?

Clinton: I speak the truth when I say it’s still an emotional experience. Once you’re in the air, you can’t help but feel like you are flying in the night sky.

DeGuzman: The magic carpet is just as magical riding it as it is seeing it. Disney is amazing with magic and it’s so safe and so amazing. I love riding that carpet every night. I’m not terrified at all (laughs).

Disney’s ‘ALADDIN’

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: March 6 – 23, 2019, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; 2 & 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7 and March 21; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: Start at $26.50

Online: (714) 556-2787; SCFTA.org

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Prog rock icon Neal Morse and his quintet band of noble rockers has hit the road to bring their newest concept album “The Great Adventure” across the world.

The album, which released in January, is a two-disc follow-up to their 2016 hit album “The Similitude of a Dream.” The band will make a stop at the Whittier Center Theatre on Friday, March 8 to perform the album in its entirety.

The band’s current lineup features Neal Morse (Spock’s Beard, Flying Colors, and Transatlantic), Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs, Twisted Sister, ex-Dream Theater), guitarist Eric Gillette, bassist Randy George and keyboardist Bill Hubauer. “The Great Adventure” is the ninth studio album with Morse, Portnoy and George, and the third collaboration with the current lineup.

Lead vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Neal Morse shared his thoughts on latest album, the status of prog rock, and future projects (including a new rock opera!):

How has “The Great Adventure” been embraced by the music community so far? 

It seems to be going great! The reviews are awesome and the concerts are going down extremely well. Not sure what more we can ask for as a band. We’re all very happy with how things are going.

As a group of solid solo musicians, how do you find your chemistry in the songwriting/recording process? And the live shows? 

The chemistry in this band is extraordinary! Really great. It’s a really interesting blend of personalities. Of course we don’t always agree which is part of what makes bands interesting. When we were making “The Great Adventure,” there was some disagreement about whether we should make a sequel and a double album and all of that, but we worked through it and the result is so much more than the parts. The sum of the whole is greater than anything we could ever have done on our own as solo artists. I think people really appreciate that and that’s why they love bands so much, because they like all the different elements coming together in interesting ways. And we definitely have that with The Neal Morse band.

How has prog rock changed over the course of the past decade? 

I’m not really sure. I’m not really a trendsetter or follower. I kind of just do my musical thing and try not to pay attention to too much else. Having said that, it does seem like there’s a great momentum in the prog community at the moment and one place you can really experience that is a place like Cruise to the Edge. Amazing to see all these great bands, older and newer and hang out with everyone, but of course, it all comes down to the music. 

What are your biggest challenges in today’s music industry? 

The biggest challenge for me is to make the best music I can make. That’s always the biggest challenge for me; of course there are other things that happen in the business side of things, but that’s all quite boring. The real thing that I am up to and all of us musicians should be up to is always trying to make the music the very best it can be and to not settle for anything less. Sometimes that’s hard to know, but ultimately we take our best shot and trust God for the rest.

What do fans experience in your live shows? 

On this tour we are doing the entire new album “The Great Adventure” and a really cool encore with a lot of retrospective stuff. The presentation is really great with Rich Mouser who mixed the album doing the live sound and Gerald Sell running lights. We really have a great thing going also with the video wall produced by Christian Rios.

Do you have a “defining” moment or accomplishment in the band’s career that is particularly special to you? 

We have had many actually! One would be the moment when we listened down to the entire “Similitude of a Dream” album right after we had finished writing and arranging it, and Mike said, “Gentlemen, I think we just made the album of our careers.” Another amazing moment for us was performing “The Great Adventure” on Cruise to the Edge just a few weeks ago. It was pretty amazing.

How would you define your genre? 

I define progressive rock as music that progresses from one form to the other, or one style to the other and goes outside of traditional song form. Usually to help people understand, it’s better to just use a reference. If they’re over 40, then you can say Yes and ELP. If they’re under 40 then say Rush and they’ll usually get it.

Who are your music influences? 

A lot of classical music as my father was a choir director and classical music guy. So, Beethoven, Wagner, and so on, and then, the Beatles, ELP, YES, Genesis, King Crimson, and lots of other people.

Do you have any future projects you want readers to know to look forward to? 

Yes there’s a lot going on! A rock opera that I have written called, “Jesus Christ The Exorcist,” is coming out on Frontiers Records in June. It features a lot of great singers and players like Ted Leonard and Nick D’Virgilio. Also, there will be a new Flying Colors album coming out later this year. But one of the things that I’m most excited about is my new Waterfall app. It’s a subscription-based music streaming app with all of my catalog as well as things that were done in the past like Spock’s Beard and Transatlantic. You can find links to all my stuff at www.radiantrecords.com.

The Neal Morse Band

Where: The Whittier Center Theatre, 7630 Washington Ave, Whittier

When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 8

Info: www.nealmorse.com

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The American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School presents their annual production of “The Nutcracker” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Dec. 14-23, featuring 40 students from their local school. The young dancers will perform alongside the world renowned ABT company.

Lani Mefford, from Huntington Beach, is cast as the lead role of “Clara” and Chase Rogers, from Ladera Ranch, is cast in the lead role as “Nutcracker Prince.” Mefford and Rogers have both performed with the ABT school for four years.

Mefford who was once an understudy for the role of Clara, redeems herself as she made her way up the ballet hierarchy to perform as a principle for the role of Clara. When she first found out she was cast as Clara, she said she was “overjoyed” and that her dreams had come true.

“I love being on stage because it brings in my inner self and my personality,” said Mefford. She added she feels like she is able to portray her real self when on stage.

Rogers, who has played the role of “Nutcracker Prince” once before, is now determined to better his performance.

“Playing [the Nutcracker Prince] again feels good because I really get to perfect it all this time, like add more detail and make it more magical for the audience,” said Rogers.

Although both students are not principles in the same cast — there are two different casts in the Segerstrom Center production — they both agreed that the scene “Snow” is one of their favorite acts.

“There is so much interaction between the Nutcracker and Clara, and I love interacting on stage,” Mefford said, when explaining why this scene is her favorite from the production. Rogers describes the scene Snow as “magical and inspiring.”

Mefford said the acting rehearsals that are set aside from their normal ballet rehearsals with ABT helps her get into character. Rogers adds that the male strengthening classes ABT provides also help him to portray a stiff body, as if he really is the Nutcracker Prince.

Both students stated they are grateful to experience the exposure these shows provide, so when they further in their ballet career, they will know what to expect when performing on stage.

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE: THE NUTCRACKER

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky; Music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky; Music performed live by Pacific Symphony

When: December 14 – 23, 2018; Wednesday – Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Tickets – Start at $29

Online – www.SCFTA.org ; www.ABT.org

Phone – 714-556-2787

The post Q&A Meet the Leads: ABT and Segerstrom Center’s ‘The Nutcracker’ appeared first on Backstage Socal.

The original four-member group, made up of Nick Lachey, his brother Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre, will make stops throughout Southern California during the 98 Degrees at Christmas tour, including the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside on Nov. 12 and the Wiltern in Los Angeles on Nov. 19.

The group will serenade fans with Christmas classics from their latest 2018 album “Let It Snow” and their 1999 multi-platinum-selling holiday album “This Christmas.” They will also throw in some of their greatest hits, including “The Hardest Thing” and “I Do (Cherish You).”

Jackie Moe of Backstage SoCal caught up with Timmons for a Quick Q&A:

Moe: I was super excited when you came out with the new holiday album, because the 1999 album has been a Christmas staple in rotation for the past nearly 20 years. What was the inspiration behind putting together “Let It Snow”?

Timmons: We really wanted to make music together, but we weren’t quite sure about the new way of going about it. We’re really traditionally about putting out the CDs, going through the record stores, going on tours for a couple of years to promote it. And that’s all changed. So we sort of attempted to put music out, but we didn’t want to go out on the road to promote it and with a traditional studio album, you have no choice but to tour.

We all have families now, we don’t want to continuously be on the road; plus we are all doing different things in our careers. So we thought a Christmas album might be a way to do a short tour. We feel very thankful that people think of that 1999 album as one of the classic Christmas albums now. So we thought of this as a way to do two things at once. We could put new music out and we can attach it to a holiday season, so we wouldn’t have to go out on the road and be away from our families so much.

It was crazy because we recorded it in July last year, and trying to get into the Christmas spirit while it’s 120 degrees outside in Las Vegas, or 90-some in L.A. was funny. But we found ourselves loving the music. Obviously the Christmas music is always vocally balanced and full of rich harmonies and really intricate in composition, and we really love music so that’s what we were really excited about to go back into the studio together.

Moe: How about the chemistry between you guys? You all have had separate careers from eachother for some time now, so I can imagine it must’ve been different working together again in a studio. How did that go in the recording process?

Timmons: I think it was a lot different than we did in the past. Early on, we went right from singing with no instruments and acapella to getting signed and trying to figure out what our sound was like with music behind it. So we were sort of thrown into the fire and weren’t really given time to develop our own individual sounds. All of us have the ability to sing lead and of course we harmonize together, but I think in the years apart where we didn’t have eachother to lean on onstage and take breaks from singing when someone else would be singing lead or the focal point would be on one member and we would sort of fall into the background… when we were doing our own things as solo artists and were out there performing on our own, there’s nowhere to hide.

So I think the years have given us some time to develop who we are on stage and develop our singing muscles and our own styles and flavors, and I think that is sort of reflected in the new recordings. I think we’re better singers now onstage and with regards to speaking in interviews and all of those things too, we’ve gotten a lot more polished in those regards. And I think we’re just in a better place. Something that people are noticing also is that we are having a lot more fun. We have nothing to lose. When we first went out, there was so much competition and there were so many comparisons going on, and we were always working and on the road, so it was very stressful. But now it’s all about fun. It’s going out there and spending time with our fans who have been around for 20 plus years and just enjoying eachother’s company; it’s not like being in a business, it’s like being with brothers.

Moe: You mentioned connecting with older fans, how do you connect with newer fans today?

Timmons: That’s a really great question. We didn’t know how fans were going to respond to us. Music is so different now. Justin Bieber has a different style, Usher has another style; Chris Brown has his own style, and One Direction is a totally different type of boy group. We were fortunate to go out with New Kids On the Block in 2013, who have a little bit of an older fanbase than ours. And Boyz II Men who are in between our fanbase. So we were able to get exposure to new generations of fans, and those fans were bringing their kids. We were fortunate to play for at least one million people that year. We’ve gone out with bands like Backstreet Boys too, who have their own fanbases, so we’ve been able to absorb some of their fans too.

Just getting out there and performing and showing that we’re enjoying ourselves and putting on high-energy shows despite the fact that we are known for singing ballads is what keeps us going. And we always have great bands backing us and great productions. I think those things have made us feel really good. We don’t want to seem like we are trying to hold onto fame or that we are desperate in any way. We are just enjoying being out there while we can, but also have the ability to go back to other things that we do, rather it be production or TV shows or hosting things. Fortunately for us, we haven’t had to do any of this, which makes it feel even better.

Moe: How about your live shows? Anything particularly new or exciting with this year’s holiday tour?  

Timmons: In the very beginning of our career, we were doing smaller theaters and clubs. Then when we were signed, we quickly started playing shows for thousands and going on arena or amphitheater tours and it became less intimate very quickly. So they were super loud, super crazy and much less intimate. So for this tour, we decided to not have any opening acts and get up close and personal with the fans and make it more theatrical and about the experience rather than just loud music, flashing lights and all that.

It’s more about the experience. And we experienced that last year; we didn’t know what to expect, but the fans showed up. And we had a lot of people saying this was the best type of show for us.

Moe: Since your early days, you guys have never really placed a focus on choreography in your live shows as the bands that you are often compared to have. Yet Drew and Nick have both been on “Dancing With the Stars” since. So have you guys developed any sort of choreography in your current shows?

We’re still far from the dancers that Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync are, but we’ve definitely become a lot more comfortable throughout the years now than back in the day. It sort of becomes like a reflex; being comfortable on stage and being confident. We’re just guys who would just stand there and sing, but we were almost expected to go out there and do choreographed moves, even though we weren’t that type of group. But we were sort of lumped into the area of ‘N Sync and Backstreet Boys who sort of hinged their performances on dancing… it was intimidating for us.

We were athletes who had two left feet and bulky and muscular and our bodies didn’t lend themselves towards that type of coordination. But it just naturally throughout the years became more comfortable as we got into choreography. We’re still not great dancers but hopefully it’s more stimulating for fans now than us just sitting on stools or crossing back and forth on stage.

Moe: As a band who was known to be more vocally-based, it was only natural for you to be signed to the Motown label early on. Yet you were always compared to and titled a “boy band.”

Timmons: I appreciate you knowing that. Looking in from an outside view, if you see something that looks like something else, you assume it’s something else… and then you scratch below the surface and you sort of understand a little bit more as you become a fan or become more educated on what the people do.

So yeah, initially we were a vocal group so much so, that the staff at Motown didn’t want to put our pictures out there. They wanted the public to think we were an urban act. So they were trying to sort of fool radio into thinking we were a black group. I don’t know if that was the best strategy on the planet and it certainly didn’t work for us. So when the new Motown president came in, he said: ‘These guys look like the Backstreet Boys or ‘N Sync who are all over TRL and selling millions of records. Here’s a novel idea: why don’t we put their pictures on the covers of their records and start putting their videos on MTV?’ So it really all was just a matter of marketing.

And while we consider ourselves a vocal group, being coined a boy band bothered us at first but didn’t bother us later in our careers when we experienced the success that comes with that term. But yeah, we still consider ourselves a vocal chamber. We still have our two tenors, a baritone and a bass. We do intricate arrangements on stuff; we love to perform vocals. We produce music, engineer stuff, but we look it as hey, we’re lucky to be successful. So we see it in a positive light that we are so fortunate to have been in the position and have the experiences and afforded the luxury that we have.

 Moe: What can fans expect from 98 Degrees in the future? 

Timmons: We are definitely talking about recording something. Like I said, we understand music has changed and the way that you put it out there has changed. I think it’s a great thing that we can even just put a single out. We just love recording together and we are having fun so we are going to explore that opportunity. And as long as the fans give us a chance to go in the studio and record together and accept us a group, we are going to do it. So I think you can expect that in the future.

98 at Christmas Tour

A full list of tour dates and on sale details can be found at www.98degrees.com

The post Q&A with Jeff Timmons: 98 bring the heat for the holidays appeared first on Backstage Socal.

The winner of the 36th annual Seattle International Comedy Competition, Dino has appeared on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and Comedy Central’s “Adam Devine’s House Party.” Backstage SoCal caught up with Dino for a Quick Q&A:

Is comedy your passion or did you naturally fall into it?

Dino: Both. My family is very funny so making people laugh was currency growing up.

What qualities of other comedians do you most admire? 

Dino: Originality and the willingness to take a risk.

Backstage SoCal has seen you do a mixture of personal stories, observations and absurd jokes on stage. What is your writing process like?

Dino: It’s all three. I’ve also had a hard time sitting down at a coffee shop and writing pure jokes. Things will happen to me or I’ll see something and start laughing. I might mention it to another friend, usually a comic, and if we start laughing I know that’s something funny. Then I bring it to the crowd. Switching between those different styles of joke-telling keeps it fresh. Still, I want the show to be something you have to see and can’t categorize.

Do you have any backstage routines? 

Dino: I try to keep it pretty loose. I bring my Bluetooth speaker and some water; really exciting stuff. I like to party.

What challenges do you face as a current comedian?

Dino: You’re competing with the phone. We’re all addicted to it, so the show has to be good enough to make you forget about all the shit you can get to instantly on your phone.

When interviewing comedians, they often talk about “comedy breakthroughs” they’ve experienced in their career – basically when they realized they were funny. Have you experienced this “breakthrough?”  

Dino: Yes, I was a year into comedy. I did a show in my hometown, outside at a baseball stadium, at a Mixed Martial Arts festival in an Octagon to a thousand drunk pissed off people. They were mad because most of the fights had been cancelled, so they called my friend and I to do an impromptu show. And nobody likes a surprise comedy show, and they hated us. It was like the movie ‘Gladiator;’ they heckled, threw things and oddly I wasn’t bothered in the least. I walked out of the Octagon and into the stands and did 25 minutes. I knew this was the life for me.

Can you tell us a story of your most treasured career moment so far?

Dino: Probably the Octagon outside show, but doing ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ was a really cool moment. Doing comedy on a late night talk show was always a goal of mine and being able to do that felt like an accomplishment. I was asked to do it so that felt even better than auditioning and Jimmy has a lot of respect for comedians. They bring the crowd into a separate room that looks just like a comedy club; my mom and best friends came. They said I had the biggest guest list to date (laughs).

If you could sum up why people should come see you live, what would you say? 

Dino: Because I need them to.  Also, I’m a professional but still unknown so it will feel like discovering your new favorite band. It’s only $10 in advance. If that doesn’t sell you nothing will.

Follow Dino Archie on Twitter and Instagram!

Dino Archie

Where: Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine

When: 8 p.m. Oct. 9

Online: irvine.improv.com

The post Quick Q&A: Comedian Dino Archie will headline Irvine Improv Oct. 9 appeared first on Backstage Socal.

What do you hope to achieve as a panelist at StyleWeekOC? 

Louise: I absolutely love getting in front of young people who are looking for a career in
media, beauty or fashion. I hope to inspire them and give them an inside look into my career, and as many practical tips as possible. And I also just love talking about shoes… if they would rather just talk shopping!

What various topics do you plan to present at the StyleWeekOC panel?

Louise: I’m open to any questions people want to ask! The most common for me are how to get started in the industry, and any favorite products or trends I’ve got my eye on at the moment.

What makes a good fashion blogger? 

Consistency. Posting consistent, good quality photos, and having a point of view that’s honest  – or funny – or both. More and more I think followers want authenticity, even if that means seeing the not-so-perfect moments. Also, engaging with your audience is so important. Answering questions and replying to comments, is crucial to having a really committed following.

Do you have any daily habits or routines that help you find balance?

Yes – ironically making sure I take time offline! I share a lot of my personal life, but equally I keep a lot of it private, so relaxing without my phone by my side and reading a good book, is a luxury to me. Working out is a great stress reliever, and so is a good gin and tonic…

What does it mean to be you to be such a heavy influence in lifestyle,
fashion and entertainment? 

It is very flattering, but I don’t think of it so much like that. Moreover, I just enjoy putting looks together and shooting them, or coming up with article ideas like I used to at different magazines, based on the feedback I get online.

What has been your most treasured career moment?

Having my book, Front Roe, published a couple of years ago – I slogged over every word over the course of 7 months, whilst filming a TV show on a desert island in Asia, and it
was so worth it!

Follow Louise Roe on Twitter! 

The post Quick Q&A: Fashion influencer Louise Roe appeared first on Backstage Socal.

It is rare to experience jazz like a Las Vegas rock concert, but Brian Culbertson has spent over two decades making his show feel like one.

The award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer has invested in everything from giant LED video panels to large screens to custom films of guest artists that are synced up to his live music. While many artists pocket the money made from touring and record sales, Culbertson has put most of it towards developing his show, so that every night feels different.

“I could’ve easily just gone out and done the same show and pocketed a whole lot of money. But you know what? I’ve felt great every night doing my shows and that is worth way more to me than making a load of money,” said Culbertson, “When I’m on stage, I don’t want to feel like I compromise, ever. I mean, there’s no pyrotechnics or anything like that. But I want to push and do as much cool stuff as I can.”

In the past year alone, Culbertson and his band have traveled throughout the entire country, playing 77 shows in various cities, including the Newport Beach Jazz Festival in June. The band will return with its “Colors of Love” tour to the intimate Newport Beach Hyatt’s Back Bay Amphitheatre for the annual summer concert series on Friday, Sept. 21.

The Newport show will be unique for two reasons, says Culbertson: the 1,000 seat outdoor venue is so intimate that the night will focus more on the music and intimacy than the “rock show” feel of the band’s larger concerts. And a new lineup of musicians will be featured, including saxophone artist Marcus Anderson.

“Marcus is an artist in his own right. He recently played sax with Prince during the last three years before Prince passed away. He’s incredible and so awesome to see,” said Culbertson.

Also joining the band will be instrumentalist and singer Stanley Chance Howard, who has performed alongside notable artists such as Prince and Candy Dulfer. The Newport show kicks off the band’s first tour together and Culbertson ensures the Orange County audience will experience a “high energy, funky night” of old and new jams.

Just like most jazz artists, Culbertson said his music does not fall into one or two genres. He describes his sound – which has been influenced by the likes of band Earth, Wind & Fire, saxophonist David Sanborn, pop artist David Foster and jazz artist Marcus Miller – as a combination of funk, jazz and R&B.

“For lack of a better word or description, I’d say it’s a good mix of those three. When I tell that people that, they sort of go like, ‘Oh OK, I sort of get it.’ When you just say I’m a jazz artist, people have no idea what that means, because it’s so broad these days. They ask questions like, ‘Oh, is that the stuff that I can’t stand to listen to?’ (laughs) And I’m like, ‘No, it’s melodic, but it has a beat.’ So, yeah, if I just give those three descriptions, people get it.”

The 45-year-old Chicago-based musician may shudder an “oh my god” when reminded that his music career already spans over 25 years, but his 18 album catalogue, which includes over 30 Billboard No. 1 singles, proves that the past two-and-a-half decades have been a success. He has also performed and recorded with major artists such as Michael McDonald, Barry Manilow, Herb Alpert, Chuck Brown, and is the founder of the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, in which he continues to serve as artistic director.

Culbertson has spent over 20 years touring incessantly all over the world with no plans of stopping any time soon. The band has a fairly heavy schedule ahead, including stops in South Africa, Hungary, and jazz festivals throughout the U.S. In addition, Culbertson is currently working on producing a live Blu-Ray and 2-Disc CD of his latest tour, titled “Live in Las Vegas: The Colors of Love Tour,” set to be released in mid-fall.

Staying connected and continuously growing his fan base is Culbertson’s main objective, and so he’s stays active on his social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He said that he is often recognized from his social media by fans throughout the world.

“I was actually on a little holiday in London recently and throughout the time I was there, I got stopped by several young people in their early 20s who recognized me from following me on Instagram. I didn’t even mention on my social media that I was in London,” said Culbertson, “I’m like in a chocolate shop and the girl working there was like freaking out getting pictures with me… it was so bizarre and cool to see young people accessing me and my music this way.”

Culbertson said he plans to continue to change up and develop his show as long as he is playing so that his fans will always experience something different from him.

“I want to continue to thrive in the industry. It’s important to do as much touring as possible. For many, many years, I honestly didn’t make money or lose money in touring because I was quote unquote investing in the show,” said Culbertson, “I really felt strongly about taking any and all money that I make and put it towards putting on the best show that I possibly can… I have been able to build up this dedicated fan base who come out because they know we are always going to put on the best possible show we can.”

Brian Culbertson

Where: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21

More info: series.hyattconcerts.com

The post Keepin’ the funk fresh: Brian Culbertson returns to Newport Beach appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Record stores and radio stations have spent nearly four decades situating the eclectic East-meets-West band Hiroshima into a defining genre – to no avail.  The multiple gold records of the Southern California music legends continue to be placed in every existing jazz to R&B to rock to soul category there is.

“We truly don’t fit into one genre and it’s been kind of an issue of us with all of the record labels we’ve been with; we’ve been with five different labels in different times. But not being categorized in one type of music has gone well for us so far,” said Dan Kuramoto, Hiroshima’s lead keyboardist, woodwindist, composer and producer.

“Gone well,” indeed – the Grammy Award-nominated group will celebrate 40 years next year of continuous recording, touring and creating chart-topping albums. With over 4 million in sales worldwide, the band has now reached that special part in their career where they can pick and choose when and where they want to perform and still count on a large following to show up.

One of this year’s west coast stops will be at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach’s annual summer concert series on Friday, Aug. 17. Dan said this Orange County show will be unique because it will feature Latin percussionist extraordinaire Richie Gajeta-Garcia performing alongside the group.

“Richie is really amazing and we haven’t carried a percussionist in a while, so this night will be special. We are going to play all of our most popular songs, but people haven’t heard them like this because they haven’t really heard them with the percussion element,” said Dan, “I think people are going to be really happy because it’s going to be familiar music but souped-up with Richie’s percussion. Also we are kind of coming up with a fresh approach just coming off from a break.”

Along with Kuramoto and Gajeta-Garcia, the Los Angeles-based ensemble includes virtuoso June Kuramoto (koto/composer), Kimo Cornwell (piano/ keyboards/ composer), Danny Yamamoto (drums/percussion), and Dean Cortez (bass). The group has blended jazz, pop, and rock with traditional Japanese folk music and instruments to create their signature sound – but it is June’s koto-playing that has truly distinguished the band.

Born in Japan and growing up in Los Angeles, June was mentored by and played with some of the top kotoists in the world. After she met Dan in the 1970s, she was inspired to form Hiroshima as a band that embraced the Japanese and American music culture. The pair were married but divorced in 1984, remaining good friends and bandmates throughout their careers and to this day.

“June is our star on the Japanese harp and she is considered the best in the world. She sort of redefined her genre of music in that regard; if you ever met her, she is very humble and very funny and you would never get a sense of that,” said Kuramoto, “All of the major jazz musicians, such as Stanley Clark, have all been quoted saying June is by far the best koto player in the world, and the only one that can play all of these diverse styles of music. She’s a genius and our sound is defined by what she does.”

Hiroshima released their latest new project #20, “Songs With Words” featuring two amazing guest artists Terry Steele and Yvette Nii, the vocalists who performed on the 2010 Grammy-nominated “Legacy.”  Hiroshima does a live recording of their vocal hits through the years including “Roomful of Mirrors,” “Never, Ever,” “Dada,” and more for the all-vocal album.

The band is planning their upcoming year with stops throughout the country beginning in the fall. They are also currently recording their newest album, which Dan says may include songs performed in their live set list, but their concerts mainly focus on the band’s greatest hits.

“Next year will be our 40th year in recording, which we are currently recording the album now. Whether or not we are going to tour, or how much touring we are going to do, we don’t know. So these dates are precious because we don’t know if we are going to do them again,” said Dan, “I don’t want to use the word retire but we are taking it as it comes. We all get together and have lunch and ask ourselves, ‘What do you feel like doing?’ (laughs) We are not the kind of band that is going to do a farewell tour, it just seems too weird. We will probably just stop playing one day when we’re ready. So these show dates are especially precious to us.”

Dan said the band is influenced by an eclectic variety of genres and artists since they first started, which has allowed them to be diverse and create their unique sound:

“We sort of defined ourselves as basically being reflective of Southern California music and culture. My father was born in L.A., I’m third generation Japanese American, and the band has always been multicultural; the drummer is Japanese, the bass player is Puerto Rican, the keyboardist is Hawaiian Chinese; we’ve never had a whole Japanese group. But we embrace a lot of Japanese culture and music because that’s in our roots and our star ketoist helps create that.”

For a band that has built such an influential career and legacy, Dan remains humble and in awe that they have had continued success and are still able to do what they started in the garage in the 1970s.

“Jimmi Hendrix and Miles Davis are the two artists we listen to most on the tour bus. We actually even toured with Miles Davis; he chose us to be his opening act on his 1990 east coast tour a year before he passed away. It was an amazing honor and awesome to sit on the side of the stage and see Miles play every night. We didn’t even know he knew we were alive, so for him to handpick us, that will forever blow my mind.”

In the ever-evolving music world that currently places an emphasis on digital fan followings and engagement, Dan laughs at how bad the group is at connecting with their fans on social media.

“We’re really not good at it. We haven’t really gotten on board with the social media aspect which seems to be the strong vehicle for music. But what drives us is our faithful fan base. Since there isn’t really radio anymore and we don’t have a large social media following, we have been so fortunate by word of mouth and our faithful fans,” said Dan, “What seems to work for us is that we don’t fit any category; the kindest genre people have placed us in is ‘timeless.’ We came up in a time where you would be called fusion, or jazz rock, or something like that, but we just want to be original.”

Concrete plans for the future include a new album, which does not have a title or release date as of yet, and several stops including jazz festival concerts along the east coast in the fall. The band’s more spiritual plan, however, is to continue to inspire young artists.

“We hope to hang in there and hold that door open so musicians can see the possibility that they can express themselves and see that they don’t have to follow some idiom or style. That they can be their own person with their own music done their own way. People see that in us and we hope that young artists see that through us.”

For more information on Hiroshima, please visit hiroshimamusic.com

Hiroshima

Where: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach

When: 6 p.m. Doors; 7:30 p.m. show, Friday, Aug. 17

Ticket info: hyattconcerts.tix.com

The post Jazzy Hiroshima remain unique and undefined four decades later appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Get your walking shoes ready, it’s time to start preparing for the 2018 CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by the Disneyland Resort. This is the 28th year for the fundraising walk, which attracts thousands of participants eager to walk five kilometers around the Disneyland Resort, Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

The official walk ambassador for this year is Justin Helper. The 11-year-old was born with lissencephaly; which means his head and brain did not form to its full size. Because of it, he cannot walk or talk, and is fed through a tube. CHOC has helped Justin’s family as they continue to nourish and care for him, including helping get him to his many doctor visits. Because of CHOC’s help, his family wants to give back and have formed their own walking team for the walk called “Justin’s Helpers.” Justin and his team will be at the front of the walk, pacing the nearly 14,000 participants.

Participants can either walk with an existing team, or form their own, with each person getting a T-shirt. In addition, teams and individuals are encouraged to get sponsors that will donate money to CHOC based on each kilometer the person walks and a team’s number of participants – donations are tax deductible and participants can donate more to CHOC if they wish.

The actual walk takes place Sunday, August 26, 2018, at the Disneyland Resort, with the opening ceremony on Main Street U.S.A. inside Disneyland at 6:15 a.m. Participants are encouraged to get to the Disneyland Resort much earlier, as they will still have to go through the security checkpoints. The on-site CHOC Walk information booth will open that morning at 5 a.m. in the Esplanade.

While many under care at CHOC participate in the walk, some cannot. They will have their own special “Minnie Walk” (now in its 25th year) at the hospital in June. Only patients and their parents or guardians and family may participate in that special event.

Want to go?

What: Walk in the Park

Where: Disneyland Resort

When: 6:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26

How much: $85 early bird registration (3+ years); $95 late registration after Aug. 13

More info: To register or make a donation visit: www.chocwalk.org.

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Web: leftcoastbrewing.com

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