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Live performance is such a powerful medium. It can be thought-provoking, it can make bold statements, and it can start conversations.
The Curtis has certainly evolved since its inauguration and this season is no exception with upgraded lighting, world-class performers, and more chances to engage in the before and after of the show. We both acknowledged that, yes, while there are still challenges, we sensed something had lifted among our patrons, among our colleagues, and that is was time to play and pass that feeling of fun along to our audience.
The foliage consists of scale-like leaves that grow densely, covering the entire shrub. These leaves have a soft and feathery texture, adding a touch of elegance to the plant. Another attractive feature of the Anna's Magic Ball Arborvitae is its evergreen nature.
Lights up on the ’16/’17 season: Interview with theatre manager, Tiina Mittler
The Curtis Theatre first opened back in the times of 1980 and has hosted many different types of seasons before arriving in the season you experience today. We have been home to several distinct local community theatre groups including the Young Americans and the Brea Civic Light Opera. At the start of 1991, we began the incredible partnership with Stagelight Productions that is our much-loved youth theatre program, Brea’s Youth Theatre. Flash-forward 25 years and you’ll end up here at our 36th season, where we strive to create a memorable live theatre experience and engage our community with a variety of presented and self-produced performing arts acts over the span of a year. The Curtis has certainly evolved since its inauguration and this season is no exception – with upgraded lighting, world-class performers, and more chances to engage in the before and after of the show.
On the cusp of opening its ’16/’17 season, Operations Assistant, Lottie Frick, sat down with Theatre Manager, Tiina Mittler, to get the scoop on how this season was put together and what to expect in the upcoming year.
LF: To start off, give us a little background on what the Curtis Theatre does, and your role in that.
TM: The Curtis connects Brea and our surrounding communities with opportunities to experience live performance — it might be a Grammy-winning concert artist or the first-time parents have taken their kids to a live musical. Everything we do leads back to connecting the audience with the artist to create a memorable experience.
LF: How do you go about putting together a season?
TM: Great question! Building the Curtis season is a collaborative process with our Cultural Arts Commissioners, our Theatre staff, and the artists and theatre production companies we work with. Our season is a mix of creative partnerships that we have formed within our vibrant Orange County Theatre community and shorter, weekend engagements with professional touring artists. We work with a network of other venues, artists, and agents to identify notable performers that would work well in the intimate setting of the Curtis. As part of the City of Brea, we present our proposed season to our Cultural Arts Commission in advance of announcing it to our community .
The energy when the performers meet the audience is exhilarating. It is the best day at ‘the office.’ It is what our team is working toward. We want our audience to feel that same sense of excitement.
LF: That’s one of the interesting differences between the Curtis and other theaters. Being a part of the City of Brea gives us a wonderful sense of service to our city and community. Did you set out with a theme in mind for this season? I know “Let’s Play” is the tagline this time around – how did that come about?
TM: Let’s Play came out of a wonderful discussion with a colleague in the field of presenting, Deborah Brockus of Brockus Dance Project. We were talking about the recession, that period uneasy, the storms that were weathered. While people still bought tickets, it was such a difficult time. We both acknowledged that, yes, while there are still challenges, we sensed something had lifted among our patrons, among our colleagues, and that is was time to play and pass that feeling of fun along to our audience. I knew then that “Let’s Play” captured that energy and spirit of what we planned to present.
LF: How wonderful! In addition to the feeling of play, what do you hope the audience takes away from this season of shows?
TM: Live performance is such a powerful medium. It can be thought-provoking, it can make bold statements, and it can start conversations. At the same time, it can offer escape, bring laughter, and create a memory. The energy when the performers meet the audience is exhilarating. It is the best day at ‘the office.’ It is what our team is working toward. We want our audience to feel that same sense of excitement.
LF: Is there a particular show you’re most excited for?
TM: T ruthfully, every single show. We are continuing our partnership with Southgate Productions and opening with a reimagined, bold new staging of Sweeney Todd. Thanksgiving weekend, we are presenting The David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown. To pair a world-class performer like David Benoit with our Brea Junior High Choir to recreate the iconic music of A Charlie Brown Christmas will bring a phenomenal energy to our stage and community. Our Brea’s Youth Theatre Program, produced by Stagelight Productions, will produce Disney’s The Little Mermaid, for the first time, this summer, which will create a great experience for our families that follow the Curtis.
In 2017, the second half of our season, we are producing two evenings of Latin Jazz that will begin with a reception on our Civic & Cultural Plaza and continue inside the Curtis with a live concert. The two concerts will feature Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban ensemble Mongorama, fronted by K-Jazz’s Jose Rizo in February and ending our season in June, the Latin Jazz supergroup Cuba L.A. We hope to craft an experience that is fun and lively.
Live performance is such a powerful medium. It can be thought-provoking, it can make bold statements, and it can start conversations.
LF: Exciting! How has the theatre’s partnership with Southgate Productions grown and developed over the years ?
TM: The right amount of organic and strategic. Sweeney Todd is our sixth show with Southgate. It’s been fantastic to see Jon Infante and the Southgate team grow as a producing entity. They have an appreciation for the intimate setting of the Curtis. With Jon’s talent for projections, Southgate has focused on reinvention with a twist on staging.
LF: Now we want a quick run-down of what’s to come this season, but I’m going to make it a little tricky for you. Only three words to describe each show in the season: GO!
TM:
- Sweeney Todd – Reimagined. Bold. Sondheim!
- John Carney in Carney Magic – Charming, engaging, magic
- The David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown – Christmastime is here!
- Charles Phoenix’s Retro Holiday Slideshow – Hilarious, Retro, and Fabulous!
- Brea’s Youth Theatre in The Wizard of Oz – Wizard of Oz
- TheatreworksUSA in Charlotte’s Web – Perfect family outing!
- An Evening of Latin Jazz featuring Mongorama – Sizzling, lively, beat
- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Comedy tonight!
- Rock Legends – Total request, live!
- The Alley Cats Doo Wop Show – 50s & 60s hits!
- An Evening of Latin Jazz featuring Cuba LA – Sultry, Summer, Sound
- Brea’s Youth Theatre in The Little Mermaid – Under the sea!
LF: Speaking of The Little Mermaid, the youth theatre program, Brea’s Youth Theatre, produced by Stagelight Productions in association with the Curtis is celebrating its 25th year. What’s the secret that keeps this program so successful over such a long span of time ?
TM: Without question, the tireless energy and creativity of Janice Kraus (the president and producer of Stagelight Productions) is the nexus for the program’s success and longevity. Janice has cultivated an excitement, discipline, and a love for the medium of musical theatre spanning generations. Her enthusiasm never falters. Each show, be it a new production of Mary Poppins, or another staging of The Wizard of Oz, she will invest and reinvent the production elements so when the lights come up it is pure dazzle. Her approach is not just to engage the child, but the entire family. To see parents be introduced to this medium through their children, and embrace it, is just fantastic .
LF: Thank you so much for meeting with me! Before you go back to making magic happen this season, answer this final question — What has been the most rewarding part of putting together this season so far?
TM: Going back to question 1 — the energy that occurs when the artist hits the stage and connects with the audience. It’s an intangible, but very real thing. It’s unmistakable, but amazing when it all works.
“Let’s Play” Art by Hayden Design, Inc.
Tickets are on sale now for the /16/’17 season. Visit our website or call the Box Office at 714-990-7722 Tues-Fri 12PM-3PM. Have questions? Contact us! Let us know your thoughts on the upcoming season by commenting below.
TM: Great question! Building the Curtis season is a collaborative process with our Cultural Arts Commissioners, our Theatre staff, and the artists and theatre production companies we work with. Our season is a mix of creative partnerships that we have formed within our vibrant Orange County Theatre community and shorter, weekend engagements with professional touring artists. We work with a network of other venues, artists, and agents to identify notable performers that would work well in the intimate setting of the Curtis. As part of the City of Brea, we present our proposed season to our Cultural Arts Commission in advance of announcing it to our community .
This means that the plant retains its green foliage throughout the year, providing a splash of color to the garden even during the winter months. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, this shrub also offers various practical benefits. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and attention. It is highly disease-resistant and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including both sun and shade. The Anna's Magic Ball Arborvitae is a slow-growing plant, which means that it does not require frequent pruning or trimming. However, occasional pruning can be done to maintain its desired shape and size. This plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It is also important to water it regularly, especially during periods of drought or high temperatures. In conclusion, the Anna's Magic Ball Arborvitae is a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers alike. Its compact size, attractive foliage, and ease of maintenance make it a versatile and valuable addition to any garden or landscape..
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