This week at CAPA, music from Green Day’s American Idiot invades the Palace Theatre. Promising to be a high-octane “punk-rock opera,” there are emotional high notes and low notes throughout, portrayed almost completely through song and movement – challenging the cast to bring Green Day’s music to life sans dialogue! We wanted to share some cast insights (pulled from various articles and reviews) with you before you see the show… feel free to follow the links for the full articles.

On finding your way: Alex Nee, the actor playing Johnny in the national tour, explains his character in relation to himself – “I feel like I’m going through the same transition period as Johnny. I’m 21 years old. I’m realizing I can’t always keep acting like a kid, and I’m trying to figure out what it means to grow up. Each character is struggling to find their place in the world. It’s OK to fail. We’re all just trying to figure out how to be a human being.” - Read the full article!

On the energy behind the show: Ensemble cast member Dustin Harris Smith explained to Dayton’s MostMetro.com, “‘There’s a lot of belting and screaming, and we do it healthily and have to take care of our voices, but every now and then someone has to take a performance off just based on the wear and tear of the show. There are a few people in the company who have never called out, and,’ he added with a laugh, ‘there is something very wrong with them, and they are freaks.’” Read the full article!

Billy Joe Armstrong (Green Day’s lead singer) on seeing Green Day’s music come to life: “We’ve always thought that somehow there should be some sort of stage version because that’s what we were thinking in our heads. The musical arrangements that Tom Kitt did… it’s amazing. And their energy… it’s just inspiring.” Watch a clip of the story of American Idiot.

On the “punk-rock opera” and musical theatre: “We now live in an age where the people who grew up with rock music are outnumbering the people who didn’t,” Michael Mayer, director and co-author of American Idiot, says. “And I feel that the future of musical theater kind of depends on our ability to embrace and pull together the popular music of the day – as has been Broadway tradition since the beginning – and theater craft.” Read the full article!

Green Day’s American Idiot runs through this Sunday, March 24. Tickets are still available online and through the CAPA Ticket Center (614-469-0939)!

American Idiot contains adult content and strong language.

CAPA has just opened a brand new ticket center as a tool to serve you better. Located just a few feet from its previous location, the new-and-improved CAPA Ticket Center now occupies the former Ohio Theatre gift shop space, so we have moved from the east side of the Ohio Theatre marquee to the west side. While the sleek, modern design simply looks AMAZING, the redesign of the space was custom-made for just one thing—better serving you!

Features of the new CAPA Ticket Center:

- We have increased our customer service stations from two to five (one of which is wheelchair accessible) and equipped each station with a monitor on a swivel arm. Now we can simply turn the monitor to face you, making it comfortable for you to view and choose available seats from a venue’s seating chart.

- Monitors in the front window and behind the counter will make sure you know about all the great events coming to CAPA venues.

- While you’re there, check out the autographed Ohio Theatre stage door on display in the lobby. Joe Worman, Ohio Theatre stage manager from 1955-95, asked all the big stars who performed at the theatre to sign the stage door, amassing an impressive autograph collection spanning seven doors. Now you can check them out one at a time as we periodically rotate them into the space.

It’s all about YOU, Columbus! So, come check us out!

As I left for this year’s CAPA Gala, my friend offered some advice, “Get all your clapping out during the show!” I laughed and promised not to clap, but dancing around with outbursts of “Cool! Real cool!” was never mentioned.

The Gala was spectacular. Thursday, April 19, saw more than 300 attendees enjoying cocktails, dinner, and live auction at the Ohio Statehouse followed by an amazing performance of West Side Story from the Broadway in Columbus production at the Ohio Theatre.

Tonight, Tonight! A Fashionably Late Event—a YP cocktail party before the show—had 90 attendees, putting the total number of people coming out to support CAPA close to 400, with over $122,000 raised.

As the night was winding down, I ate a piece (or two) of trece leche cake from Sidebar 122 and thought about how remarkable this year’s event was, and as I drove home, I hummed “Mumbo” the whole way.

Dayna Brownfield
Advancement Intern

CAPA Gala 2012

Every time I put on a frilly dress—especially one with excellent twirling capability—somewhere, in the back of my mind, Anita’s voice loudly sings, “I feel pretty! Oh! So Pretty!”. And as I hop around the room, pretending like I a have the coordination for Broadway choreography, I think about West Side Story and imagine I’m a part of it.

West Side Story is the one musical of which I have somehow become an amateur expert. I studied it in school, have heard it sung by friends (in and out of key) in ranges from soprano, alto, tenor—and once falsetto, and had the dancing broken down by a sister in love with its motion and color.

This year, Jessica Goldman, Courtney Mignery and Chad Readler are planning “Tonight, Tonight! A Fashionably Late Event” for April 19^th. The event, an annual fundraiser held in conjunction with the 2012 CAPA Gala, will have hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and later, will whisk attendees to the 8pm production of Broadway Columbus’ West Side Story.

Join us for an evening of singing, dancing and musical fighting action!

And you know, I will definitely be there, twirling dress and all!

Thursday, April 19^th, 2012 @ 6:30PM – 10:30PM

The Ohio Theatre

$75 each/$140 per couple

$55 each/$100 per couple

*Prices differ based on seat location for West Side Story tickets)

To purchase tickets, call the CAPA Ticket Office (614-469-0939).

Dayna Brownfield
Advancement Intern

Since I can remember, my grandmother would pull me close and tell me stories about when she and my grandfather moved to Columbus shortly after they were married. He attended college while she worked downtown, walking the same streets I do today. Most vividly, I recall her excitement as she detailed walking down State Street, looking in the shop windows to see what was playing at the Ohio Theatre.

“Your grandfather and I, we love the theatre,” she said. “And he always loved coming into the city and seeing a movie there when we were young. Although, I made sure to pick something without singing. I know he loves to sing, and I love him, but after a while, that’s just too much singing.”

The image of the two of them, young and laughing as they walk into the Ohio, always seems most vibrant around the holidays. With the holiday season in full swing, I think of all the new memories waiting to be made by similar couples at the Ohio.

When you give CAPA gift certificates, you not only make it possible for your loved ones to enjoy a night of spectacular entertainment, but to take many trips down memory lane for years to come.

CAPA gift certificates can be purchased in any amount above $5 and may be used to purchase tickets to any show in a CAPA venue. Order your gift certificate today by calling 614-469-0939 or visiting the CAPA Ticket Office at 39 East State Street.

Dayna Brownfield
Advancement Intern

The kick off to the 2011-2012 CAPA season is fast approaching. (Technically, the season began on July 28 with Steve Earle at the Southern Theatre. When Steve calls, you simply say, “What date would you like, Mr. Earle?” It’s always a pleasure working with him and his crew.)

Season brochures have been mailed out and are beginning to hit mailboxes. Here at CAPA, we are going through the process of getting all the show details put together. It’s amazing how many hotel rooms, airport pick ups, drop offs, meet and greets, catering, etc. has to be coordinated to make a show happen. But there’s nothing better than when you hear, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome…” I still get chills when an artist is welcomed by an audience on their feet.

We had a really good time putting the season together this year. Presenters, agents, and artists all seem to be on the same page. Agents want to sell their acts, artists want to play as much as possible, and presenters want to bring as much entertainment as they can to their venues. With that being said, everyone was very cooperative in getting deals done for artists to come to Columbus this season.

I hope you agree we have some incredible acts coming to our venues this season. Friends like Richard Thompson, Dave Koz, Imagination Movers, Ailey II, Second City, and Over the Rhine will all be returning. It’s amazing how fast their tickets sell, so don’t wait and miss out!

We are excited to have Ballet Maribor in to perform Radio and Juliet. We have been trying to get them for two years, and were finally able to make it happen in October. The legendary Frankie Valli is back after a six year absence. Harlem Gospel Choir and Ladysmith Black Mambazo are both coming back and are excited to perform in Columbus again.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone out at our shows this year—artists, friends, regular patrons I know, and new patrons I haven’t met yet. I’ll be in the front lobby for about two hours before each curtain, so let me know how you like this season and if you have any suggestions for next season.

See you soon!

Rich

By Anna Steffen, Tour Coordinator

Now that I have your attention, did you know that when the Ohio Theatre first opened in 1928 as Loew’s Ohio Theatre, you could see a movie for as little as 25 cents? Back in those days, going to see the “talkies” was a special occasion, and the movie “palaces” were glamorous, opulent, and “ritzy.”

The CAPA Summer Movie Series is back for another season of action, adventure, music, laughter, and romance. Additionally, we will be offering FREE public tours of the Ohio Theatre on Saturday, June 25; Saturday, July 16; and Saturday, August 13, at 4:30pm each day.

You’ll learn the rich history behind the Official Theatre for the State of Ohio as our docents guide you thru this “palace for the average man,” and hear about the many famous names that have graced her stage or screen, including Bob Hope, Jean Harlow, Elizabeth Taylor, Victor Borge, and Judy Garland.

The Ohio Theatre’s Spanish-Baroque architecture includes two elaborate organ chambers, velvet seats, gold-leaf detailing, a hand-painted ceiling, and a 2.5 ton grand chandelier. Can you spot the “flying horses” in the auditorium? (Hint: look up!) You’ll also see many of the theatre’s original furnishings including the King and Queen’s chairs, ornate drinking fountains, and the restored Spanish galleon, Our Delicate Lady.

The highlight of your tour will most certainly be a demonstration of the Ohio Theatre’s famous “Mighty Morton” organ by CAPA Summer Movie Series’ featured organist, Clark Wilson (and David Fleisher on June 25). He’ll introduce you to the Morton with a few stories of its history and treat you to some classic Ohio tunes.

So come inside, get out of the heat, and enjoy one of Ohio’s most treasured and most beautiful historical landmarks!

Tours are free, but reservations are required and space is limited. To make a reservation, click on one of the following links or call 614.719.6743. Please specify preferred date. Tours do include stairs.

June 25 Ohio Theatre Tour – Click here to register
July 16 Ohio Theatre Tour – Click here to register
August 13 Ohio Theatre Tour – Click here to register

By Carl McCoy, Development Coordinator

Did your invitation to the Royal Wedding get lost in the mail? (I know mine certainly did!) If you’re nursing the blues from missing one of the most talked about social events of the year, I might just have something that will help cheer you up – The CAPA Gala Fashionably Late Party.

This exciting event on May 21 includes a cocktail party at the Ohio Theatre, complimentary wine and beer (cash bar for mixed drinks), desserts by Cameron Mitchell Catering, and outdoor dancing on the esplanade overlooking the Columbus Commons.

And perhaps the best part about this see-and-be-seen event…it’s affordable! Tickets are only $45.

Mark your calendars! Click here to get your tickets, or call 614-469-0939 to get your tickets. Join me in enjoying a cocktail (or two), breaking-in the dancin’ shoes, and having a fabulously good time at CAPA’s Fashionably Late Party May 21 from 9-11:30pm.

Already have your tickets? Tell your friends to come as well! RSVP here on Facebook so we know to expect you!

Just announced: FREE glass of champagne at Fleur after the Fashionably Late Party with your ticket or event program! Visit their website at www.luvfleur.com to learn more!

By Erin Senften, Broadway Marketing Manager

We are thrilled to announce the 2011-12 lineup for Broadway in Columbus! The coming season will bring Broadway’s hottest talent and most innovative productions to the magnificent splendor of your Ohio and Palace Theatres. The brilliance and quality of Broadway in your own backyard is truly an experience not to be missed.

That’s why I would like to personally invite you to become a Broadway subscriber. Subscribers lock in the best seats for the whole season—BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL, SHREK, BLUE MAN GROUP, WEST SIDE STORY, and MEMPHIS—with just one purchase at a discounted rate. Subscriptions are available at several different price levels, so there’s sure to be a package that’s comfortable for you. Subscribers also receive exclusive benefits throughout the year, including the opportunity to purchase tickets to season specials before they go on sale to the public. The coming season’s specials include MAMMA MIA! as well as the Columbus premiere of THE CARETAKER starring Sir Jonathon Pryce!

It’s an exciting time to be a Broadway fan in Columbus, and we look forward to experiencing the 2011-12 season with you!

By Elena Perantoni, Programming Assistant

Happy Birthday to yooooou….
Happy Birthday to yooooou….
Happy Birthday dear Ohio Theatre!
Happy Birthday to yooooou!!
[Music and original lyrics by Mildred Hill and Patty Hill]

Wow, lady! You look good for 83! Better than ever, I’d say. But I guess I’m kind of biased. See, I have the distinct honor to work within your walls each day, and have I ever mentioned to you how grateful I am for that?

As a fellow March baby, there are several things I think we have in common. Pisces is a mutable sign, which indicates that you’re a restless soul, always longing for movement. Boy, is that an understatement! You’re not one to settle for a night off, Ohio Theatre. I believe you’re at your best when your marquee is lit, your stage is full, and your audiences are cheering.

When your doors first opened on March 17, 1928, you were christened the Loew’s and United Artist’s Ohio Theatre (although now you go only by your surname – how very Cher of you!). Your first love was movies, and you premiered new ones every Thursday. In the 1930s-50s, that meant two films, cartoons, newsreels, and organ interludes. Eventually though, as folks flocked to the suburbs and their shiny new televisions, attendance dropped and your hallowed halls were in jeopardy of being demolished. Luckily, at the tender age of 41, a newly organized group called CAPA (or the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts) raised the money to purchase you and dutifully restore every possible authentic detail. It must have felt so wonderful to once more get the attention you deserve.

For many years prior to your renovation, you were referred to as “the shabby old dowager of State Street.” Now you are the “Official Theatre for the State of Ohio” and a vital part of downtown Columbus. Nothing pleases me more than to see your marquee lit up on a beautiful Ohio evening. As you continue to grow and shift with the times, one thing will certainly never change – we are so very fortunate to have you!

And now, Ohio Theatre, this is your life! (Or at least some very entertaining anecdotes from it…)

• Your original construction cost was $865,000. Your purchase price in 1969 was $2.5 million. Current value: priceless.
• Regular organ use ended in 1942 when Roger Garrett, the resident organist from 1933-42, enlisted in World War II. The “Mighty Morton” theatre organ currently used during the CAPA Summer Movie Series and other special events is the very same organ that Roger Garrett used to play.
• Your lower level used to house what was referred to as the “Africa Corner.” Anne Dornan, one of the first women to graduate from the Columbia School for Architecture, went on an African safari to procure just the right accoutrement for the corner which was decorated with, among other things, zebra hides and elk heads.
• I alluded earlier to the fact that we’re birthday buddies, our special days falling just 4 days apart. You turn 83 this year, and I was born in the great year of 1983. I did some research and was able to find the number of patrons that have entered your doors since that great year. It’s a big number. Are you ready for it? 8,528,985 people! That’s more than 10 times the current population of Columbus! Your attendees over the past 28 years could fill Ohio Stadium more than 80 times.

Thank you, Ohio Theatre, from just one of many people that have been lucky enough to work for you over the years. We appreciate you more than you know.

Happy Birthday!