Smash hits coming to Segerstrom Center
Previewing a theater season at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is like walking into a shoe retailer and eyeing a variety of styles created by the best designers.
There is the classic, the vintage and the contemporary.
And red patent-leather high-heel boots? Segerstrom has those in stock, but more on that show later.
At an Aug. 18 preview, the center unveiled the music, talent and magic planned for its 2014-15 season with performances by the casts from a hefty lineup.
The audience cheered as acrobats from “Pippin” performed seemingly impossible feats and applauded excitedly when it was announced that the American Ballet Theatre would present a classic.
Judy Morr, executive vice president of the center, and Bob Bucci, of Broadway Across America, a presenter of live theatrical events, hosted the presentation of upcoming shows, which featured not only the live performances but also video montages.
“We have been doing this for 28 years, and audiences love our musical series,” Morr said. “There’s no end to what we could do together.”
The musical journey started with a figurative trip to Dublin with actors Alex Nee on guitar and Dani de Waal on piano performing the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly,” which is featured in the center’s current show “Once.”
Things then sassed up and sizzled at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall when Bucci strutted on stage in thigh-high red leather boots.
“So I’m here to talk about a new show,” he said, trying to remain composed as members of the audience clapped, whistled and laughed.
“‘Kinky Boots’ is coming to Orange County,” he said to applause.
The audience watched a video segment of the musical featuring music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein. Inspired by a true story, the show tells of a struggling British shoe factory’s young and serious owner, who helps a client in need of sturdy stilettos for drag queens and kings.
“I have a whole new respect for ladies who wear heels,” Bucci joked. “This show is eye-catching, thrilling and it has heart and legs.”
The Broadway series’ new production of “Pippin”, which premiered on Broadway 40 years ago, showcases impressive acrobatics. With a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and a score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz of “Godspell” and “Wicked,” “Pippin” tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence.
“Pippin” was brought to life by Mike Schwitter, who knew the role well, having once played the prince in high school. The New Jersey-born actor, who flew in for the night’s performance, belted out “Corner of the Sky.”
Schwitter said the musical is timeless and viewers of all ages can relate to the story.
“I think people should take away what’s at core: for man to find his purpose,” Schwitter said. “This character finds out that being ordinary is extraordinary.”
The audience marveled at lead acrobat Viktoria Grimmy’s dazzling somersaults, twirls and foot juggling that would put a Miss America talent act to shame. Grimmy, a fifth-generation circus performer, is a specialty artist who performed for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.
Grimmy balanced a hula hoop on her nose, juggled two others and proceeded to swing all three in the air. The expert twirled the rings around her waist and then motioned for Schwitter to toss additional ones, leading to her spinning 15 hoops.
“It all comes together so seamlessly,” said Schwitter after Grimmy bowed to a cheering crowd.
Morr then played a video clip of Broadway hits, jazz, cabaret and classical music, and special guests who are scheduled to perform during the season.
Dance enthusiasts seemed especially excited to hear that the American Ballet Theatre will present the world premiere of choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s “The Sleeping Beauty.”
“If you don’t like that, how about Shirley MacLaine or Tony Bennett or Johnny Mathis or Judy Collins?” Morr said of the long list of stars who are coming to the center and hall.
The audience was treated to a sneak peek of Broadway’s latest, “Motown the Musical,” the story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from boxer to music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more.
Trisha Jeffrey, as Diana Ross, and Jamarice Daughtry, portraying Berry Gordy, sang “You’re All I Need to Get By” to a swaying audience.
Jeffrey said her favorite songs to sing for the show are “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There” because of the lyrics.
Daughtry said it’s the tale behind the music that he wants the audience to take away.
“For me, it’s an understanding of Mr. Gordy’s story,” he said.
The audience was introduced to a video segment with a shout-out by the Grinch. The center’s “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” premiere runs from Dec.10 to 14.
“I’m coming to Costa Mesa to hide the South Coast Plaza Christmas tree,” he snarled.
The preview also featured video montages of “Dirty Dancing” and “Annie the Musical.”
To celebrate the Tony Award-winning “The Phantom of the Opera,” Eric Ruiz, the understudy to the Phantom, and Celia Hottenstein, the understudy to Christine Daae, sang “All I Ask of You,” from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical version.
The production features a new scenic design, choreography and staging, by director Laurence Connor.
“It’s a different take,” Ruiz said. “It reveals the different aspects of what people come to know and love. It’s all still intact.”
Is there still a crashing chandelier?
“Yes,” Ruiz and Hottenstein said with a laugh.
2014-15 SEASON
International Dance Series
• Mikhailovsky Ballet, Nov. 28-30, 2014
• Tango Buenos Aires, Jan. 17-18, 2015
• American Ballet Theatre, March 3-8, 2015
• Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg, June 5-7, 2015
Broadway and Curtain Call Series
• Pippin, Nov. 11-23, 2014
• Kinky Boots, Dec. 30, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015
• Dirty Dancing, Feb. 3-15, 2015
• Annie the Musical, May 13-24, 2015
• Motown the Musical, June 16-28, 2015
• The Phantom of the Opera, Aug. 5-16, 2015
• Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Dec. 10-14, 2014
• Nice Work If You Can Get It, March 17-22, 2015
• Guys and Dolls, April 14-19, 2015
Jazz Series
• Billy Childs, Oct. 17, 2014
• Cecile McLorin Salvant & Aaron Diehl, Nov. 14-15, 2014
• Dianne Reeves & Gregory Porter, Jan. 16, 2015
• Blues at the Crossroads III, Feb. 7, 2015
• Elling Swings Sinatra, Feb. 27-28, 2015
Cabaret Series
• Brian Stokes Mitchell, Oct. 10, 2014
• Johnny Mathis, Nov. 8, 2014
• Judy Collins, Dec. 6, 2014
• Laura Benanti, Feb. 12-14, 2015
• Ann Hampton Callaway, May 7-9, 2015
Chamber Music Series
• Emerson String Quartet, Oct. 10, 2014
• Hagen Quartet, Oct. 28, 2014
• Szymanowski Quartet with Pianist Joseph Kalichstein, Feb. 1, 2015
• Calder Quartet, March 11, 2015
• Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, April 15, 2015
Special Bonus Productions
• Shirley MacLaine, Sept. 20, 2014
• Yanni, Sept. 21, 2014
• Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Nov. 29, 2014
• Fiesta Navidad, Dec. 23, 2014