Orlando actor takes the wheel in ‘Driving Miss Daisy,’ steers conversation on race in the arts
SANFORD, Fla. – No one drives Miss Daisy quite like Michael Morman. He’s reprised the role of Hoke Colburn in “Driving Miss Daisy” seven times, most recently in the Theater West End production, which just finished its run in Sanford. With each subsequent production, he evolved his performance, understanding the meaning of Colburn’s words and actions more fully with age. In “Driving Miss Daisy,” one scene stands out to him. After his closing curtain call in “Driving Miss Daisy,” Morman realized something.
’Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker’ creator works to bring inspiring show back to stage
And in the wake of the pandemic, the focus this year is bringing “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” back to the stage to continue building an arts legacy for local underserved youth. “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” is a ballet interwoven with elements of African American culture, dance and music. Seeking more diverse representation in the arts inspired Beverly Page of Orlando Community Arts to create the modern adaptation of the classic nutcracker with a soulful spin. “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” first debuted at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in 2012. To supplement the costs, Page is selling custom-made “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” merchandise online with Walmart and Etsy.
Opera adapts to pandemic, hosts drive-thru show in a parking garage -- and the results are stunning
DETROIT – When one thinks of the opera, images of a parking garage are unlikely to come to mind, but some unexpected creativity during the pandemic allowed people to experience the opera from their vehicle. This proves it: When you can’t pack people into a theater, you find another way to perform. Michigan Opera Theatre opened its season in late December this way. Each act performed on a different level of the opera house garage. Watch nextREAD: Michigan Opera Theatre names Yuval Sharon new artistic director
'Chariots of Fire,' 'Lord of the Rings' actor Ian Holm dies
FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2012 file photo, actor Ian Holm appears at the premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" in London. Holm, the acclaimed British actor whose long career included roles in Chariots of Fire and The Lord of the Rings has died, his agent said Friday. Holm died peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by his family and carer, his agent, Alex Irwin, said in a statement. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP, File)LONDON Ian Holm, an acclaimed British actor whose long career included roles in Chariots of Fire and The Lord of the Rings has died. Holm died peacefully Friday morning in a hospital, surrounded by his family and carer, his agent, Alex Irwin, said in a statement.