2003-05-30 09:46:54
Photo: Andy Alpern
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Boston Rock Opera returns to its original home The Middle East Downstairs, to celebrate ten years dedicated to staging classic rock opera and concept works with casts drawn from the fertile Boston music, theater and modern dance scenes. This one night event, Saturday June 7th, will feature performances of The Point! by Harry Nilsson, which BRO debuted at this year's First Night celebration; Skypaint, a new "pop opera" by local composer Russell Chudnofsky; and the 10th Anniversary All Star Band performing highlights from BRO's past productions.
The evening starts at 8:30 sharp with The Point!, followed by the All Star Band and then Skypaint. Tickets are $15 and can purchased in advance from the Middle East box office or through Ticketmaster.
The evening begins with BRO's tribute to Nilsson's rock fable The Point!, the story of Oblio, a round-headed boy born in the Land of Point, his faithful dog Arrow and their adventures in the Pointless Forest. The show features Ramona Silver as Oblio, dancer Tanina Carrabotta as Arrow, and local rock legend Mr. Curt as the Storyteller. They are joined by a cast of 12 additional performers and a 7 piece rock band music directed by Joel Simches. BRO co-founder Eleanor Ramsay directs.
More than 25 vocalists and musicians have already committed to being part of the 10th Anniversary All Star Band including BRO co-founders Mick Maldonado and T Max with Gary Cherone, Chris Mascara, Linda Viens, Christine Zuffery, John Powhida, John Surette, Bill Bracken, Izzy Maxwell, Lisa McColgan, Holly Sugar, Cathy Capozzi, Suzi Lee, Joel Simches, Mike Loce, Malcolm Travis, and Larry Dersch. The ensemble will perform material from all of BRO's past productions including songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, Preservation, S.F. Sorrow, The Beatles's Abbey Road and Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the Rocky Horror Show, and Happiness Stan. Mick Maldonado music directs this special set.
Russell Chudnofsky's Skypaint follows its hero Skypaint, a dreamer and "painter of skies" through alienation and loss in a world that finds humanity merging with technology. A cast and band of eight performers, including author and musician Russell Chudnofsky, Sarah Borges, Tom Sturm, Rob Dulaney, and Phil Magnifico bring the story to life. This production is enhanced with animation by artist Larry Sampson that captures the cinematic quality of the sci-fi work.
Founded in 1993, Boston Rock Opera has gained an excellent reputation and cult following for its lovingly crafted presentations of classic rock opera, conceptual albums and story songs. Prior productions include Abbey Road, Aqualung, Billion Dollar Babies, Jesus Christ Superstar, S.F. Sorrow, Preservation, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and The Rocky Horror Show.
More information about Boston Rock Opera along with special streams of highlights from past performances and more details about the 10th anniversary show can be found at the website: www.rockopera.com.
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