I'm "Movin' Out"

Throughout last night's performance of "Movin' Out," the ushers at San Luis Obispo's Performing Arts Center had one request: Read the program.

Granted, some of the action in the Tony Award-winning Broadway extravaganza can be puzzling. But the basic premise -- love, loss and social change against the backdrop of the Vietnam War -- couldn't be clearer.

I caught the first, sold-out performance of "Movin' Out" last night. A second show starts tonight at 8 p.m. at the PAC.

My conclusion? "Movin' Out" is more than a musical.

It's best described as a dance-ical, a high-energy burst of modern dance movements choreographed by Twyla Tharp and narrated by pop icon Billy Joel's piano rock hits.

Perched above the stage with a capable six-pece band, the Piano Man (Matthew Friedman last night, Kyle Martin tonight) comes aross as a omnsicient uncle -- winking at his charges' foibles and expressing sadness and anger when it all goes wrong.

Below, dancers with tight abs and impressive stamina add their own flavor to every song. Styles range from elegant classical ballet to saucy salsa and airborne kicks and jumps.

The audience grows so used to the interplay between song and dance that the few lines of spoken dialogue are almost jarring.

As for the music, a few selections in "Movin' Out" seem like a strange fit. (I fail to see the link between "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" and enlisting for the U.S. Army.)

Most, however, mold nicely to the story.

"Movin' Out" uses "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "Goodnight Saigon" to chilling effect to reflect the horror and confusion of Vietnam. And handful of love songs -- "She's Got A Way," "Shameless" -- make the onstage romance seem even sweeter.

It's a tribute to Joel's skill as a storyteller that the unusual pairing of wordless dance and motionless songs works so well.

For more information about "Movin' Out," call 756-2787 or visit www.pacslo.org.

-- Sarah L.

Back at the PAC

It’s a packed week at the PAC.
Over the next few days, audiences will see choirs, an up-and-coming comedian, a family-friendly musical and Latina divas at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo.
The fun starts Saturday with a joint concert by Cal Poly’s finest vocalists.
Cal Poly organist Paul Woodring will man the majestic Forbes Pipe Organ during inspirational tunes sung by Polyphonics, The University Singers and the Early Music Ensemble.
Cal Poly’s barbershop quartets and outstanding student soloists will also take the stage.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at the PAC. Tickets are $13 to $15.

Sunday brings the zany, energetic Broadway musical, “Seussical.” Kids will recognize several characters from Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s books, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, and an imaginative young Who named Jo Jo. The show, by Theatreworks USA, is appropriate for ages 4 and up.
Catch the fun at 3 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $18.

Fast-forward to Thursday, with a visit by East Coast stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia.
Known for his hilarious “Secret Public Journal” routine, Birbiglia performed in San Luis Obispo a year ago as part of a comedy tour featuring regulars of radio’s nationally syndicated “The Bob and Tom Show.”
This time, he brings along a cast of Comedy Central favorites and indie musicians. (Note to parents: This show is rated “PG-13.”)
Tickets for Mike Birbiglia are $27. The show is 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1.

Friday features the Divas Latinas, led by Chilean-born flutist Viviana Guzman.
The group, which also features singer Rosa Rojas, guitarist Gyan Riley and percussionist John Waller, expresses the riches of Latino cultures through song and dance.
From tango to flamenco, they focus on fire and passion.
That performance starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. Tickets are $35.

All of the above shows are at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo. For more information, call 756-2787 or visit www.pacslo.org.

-- Sarah L.

Fall into fall's best music

Fall means fun on the Central Coast.

Music and theater take the stage this week as some of the region’s finest performing arts venues kick off their fall concert season.

On Thursday, the King of Rock n’ Roll returns with “Blue Suede Shoes: Elvis, the Early Years.”

San Luis Obispo Little Theatre brings its show about the life and genius of Elvis Presley to the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. It enjoyed a popular first run this spring.

Backed by a live band, the musical-and-dance extravaganza features more than 20 Elvis hits, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender” and “Viva Las Vegas.” It’s directed by Bill McLaughlin and choreographed by Emmy Award winner Suzy Miller.

“Blue Suede Shoes” will run through Sept. 22 at the Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. in Arroyo Grande. Tickets are $25 to $35.

INFO: 489-9444, www.clarkcenter.org

*****

On Friday, guitarist and songwriter Victor Martinez performs contemporary music rooted in the folk traditions of Southern Mexico.

As Martinez explains, he mingles the native Oaxaca sones – songs merging indigenous, Spanish and African music – with influences as varied as ragtime and British pop-rock.

“Victor Martinez, instead of vocal chords, has his voice muscles intertwined with the deepest roots of his Oaxaca,” wrote Julio Ramirez of the Cultural Institute of Oaxaca. “…And so the color of his voice, the flavor of the fruit, the allegories, the lullabies, flow from the heart of this public man.”

Martinez performs at 8 p.m. Friday at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $20.

INFO: 756-2787, www.pacslo.org

I hear San Luis Obispo singing …

The first-ever California International Choral Festival and Competition kicks off tonight with a welcoming ceremony full of international flair.

The San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble will greet visiting choirs from Spain, Uganda, Finland and other countries with a concert of works in their native languages.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $15.

Local music-lovers can check out the choirs for free on Saturday morning as each of the seven groups performs its own interpretation of two required pieces for judges.

Later that day, the folk song competition brings color, energy and fun to the PAC. The visiting choirs will perform their countries’ folk songs while clad in
traditional garb. That’s at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday brings the choir’s choice competition at 1 p.m. — each choir performs a 12-minute program of their best work — and the grand finale awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

That final concert will feature an encore performance by the top three choirs, and a mass concert of “This is My Song” from Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” “Cantate Domino” by Sweelinck and “O Magnum Mysterium” by Lauridsen.

Again, ticket prices are $15 for each concert. For more information, call 756-2787 or visit the festival Web site.

Can’t make the main festival?

Fringe activities include an outdoor “choir stroll” through San Luis Obispo before Saturday’s evening concert, featuring the voices of the Fresno Youth Choir.
Visiting choirs will also sing during morning services at several local churches on Sunday.

-- Sarah L.

The hills of SLO are alive ...

The hills of San Luis Obispo are alive with the sound of organ music.
The Performing Arts Center pulls out the stops this week with a series of concerts and other events highlighting its brand-new Forbes pipe organ.
The festivities kick off tonight with a sold-out solo organ recital by Todd Wilson, chair of the Organ Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
He’ll play selections by Bach, Mozart and Maurice Duruflé.
Wilson serves as music director and organist at The Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, Ohio. He’s also the organ curator at Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Music fans can learn more about the organ Tuesday at a free brown-bag lunch and lecture. The staff of renowned organ builder C.B. Fisk will explain and demonstrate what makes the massive instrument work.
On Wednesday, Wilson will perform with the San Luis Obispo Symphony and a community choir.
Members of the public are invited to take their own turn at the keyboard on Sunday. Would-be organists can sign up for 10-minutes slots following a brief orientation.
All events will be held at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo.
For more information or to buy tickets, call 756-2787 or visit the PAC Web site.

THE SCHEDULE:

Solo organ recital
8 p.m., tonight
Sold out

Brown-bag lecture
Noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday
Free

Organ concert
8 p.m., Wednesday
Sold out

Open Keyboard session
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday (June 17)
Free

ABOUT THE ORGAN:
Built by C.B. Fisk of Gloucester, Mass., the pipe organ is three stories tall and features more than 2,700 pipes ranging from 32 feet long to the length and width of a pencil.
It’s a gift to the PAC from Burt and Candee Forbes, founders of the local computer development firm Ziatech Corp.

Big, bold "Hairspray"

You know you’re in for a good time when the cast seems to be having as much fun as the audience.
Halfway through last night’s performance of “Hairspray,” a dirty joke sent the actors playing Edna and Wilbur Turnblad into uncontrollable giggles. When one of the audience members busted out a hearty “Haw haw haw,” I nearly doubled over with laughter myself.
The touring production of “Hairspray,” the hit Broadway musical about a girl with big hair and big dreams, came to the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.
As a fan of the 1987 cult movie, I wondered if the stage version would live up to John Waters’ sweet, slightly twisted comedy.
Fortunately, the musical packs enough kitsch, color and humor — with a few knowing winks at history — to satisfy even the most cynical theatergoer.
Set in 1962 Baltimore, “Hairspray” focuses on dance-crazy teen Tracy Turnblad, who longs to become a television celebrity and win over the local heartthrob. But that’s not enough for Tracy — she also wants to bring black students onto TV’s all-white “Corny Collins Show.”
The score, flavored with Motown, rock and jazz, gives the “Hairspray” cast a chance to belt.
Nearly every major cast member has a show stopper, from mean show mom Von Tussle (Happy McPartlin) to trendsetter Seaweed (Christian White).
Of course, the true stars of “Hairspray” are the larger-than-life ladies.
As Tracy, Brooklyn Pulver pairs a sweet stage demeanor with a big, boisterous voice. Motormouth Maybelle (Yvette Monique Clark) steals the scene with “Big, Blonde and Beautiful.” (Her habit of speaking in rhyme gets annoying, however.)
And Jerry O’Boyle, in drag as Tracy’s housewife mom, brings plenty of oomph to his queen-sized character — making a truly Divine appearance at the end of the musical.
Catch “Hairspray” tonight and Thursday at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo.

Organ concert changes hands

Music lovers will see a new face at the keyboard when the Performing Arts Center’s pipe organ debuts this summer.
French organist Olivier Latry was scheduled to play June 11 and 13 to herald the organ’s arrival in San Luis Obispo. However, the organist at Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral injured his arm in a fall, PAC officials said.
His replacement is Todd Wilson, chair of the Organ Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Wilson is organist and director of music at the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, as well as organ curator at Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra.
He played at the dedication of the organ at Salt Lake City’s Mormon Conference Center and served as organ soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

ABOUT THE CONCERTS:
Although the June 11 recital is sold out, tickets are still available for the June 13 concert featuring Wilson, the San Luis Obispo Symphony and a community choir.
Tickets are $25. For more information, contact the PAC ticket office at 756-2787.
In addition, PAC officials are organizing two educational events for the public.
On June 12, staff with legendary organ builder C.B. Fisk will discuss the pipe organ’s design and construction during a brown-bag lunch.
Local organ enthusiasts can take a turn “pulling out the stops” during a free open keyboard session on June 17. Sign up in May to reserve your 10 minutes of playing time.

ABOUT THE ORGAN:
Built by C.B. Fisk of Gloucester, Mass., the pipe organ is three stories tall and features more than 2,700 pipes ranging from 32 feet to the length and width of a pencil.
It’s a gift to the PAC from Burt and Candee Forbes, founders of the local computer development firm Ziatech Corp.

-- Sarah L.

PAC concert canceled

Sorry, Broadway fans.
"100 Years of Broadway" was set to visit the Performing Arts Center on April 19.
Unfortunately, organizers said, the San Luis Obispo show was canceled because of an unavoidable scheduling conflict on the behalf of star Rita Moreno.
A Puerto Rican actress with a show business career spanning six decades, Moreno is best known for her role as Anita in 1961's "West Side Story," for which she won an Oscar.
According to publicist Adam Friedson, there's no indication when "100 Years of Broadway" might return to the Central Coast.
Everyone who bought tickets to the show can seek refunds through the PAC ticket office at 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo. It's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call 756-2787 or visit www.pacslo.org.

-- Sarah L.