The College Showcase Must Go On (Virtually!) – Part 7
We’ve been compiling videos from college seniors all around the country for our new daily showcase series. Although their performances were cancelled, the show must go on- virtually
The Daily Distraction: Pearl Bailey Goes Medieval on the Muppets
These are frightening times, and we all must take necessary precautions as we social distance and self-isolate. That being said, you deserve a break every now and then. Welcome to Playbill’s Daily Distraction.
Day 13: Pearl Bailey Is Madame Rose But Also a Renaissance Queen and the Muppets Are There??
The Daily Distraction is the Bailey Distraction for today, as Pearl Bailey was born March 29, 1918. Though the entertainer is known for musical performances like Hello, Dolly! and on screen in Carmen Jones, the Tony Award recipient stopped by The Muppet Show in 1978 and performed a rendition of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”
Yes, the song was already used in a Daily Distraction: Rita Moreno in The Ritz. But you know what Rita Moreno’s version was missing? Jousting.
The sketch is some sort of Camelot tale, using show tunes from the Great American Songbook, including Fozzie Bear singing Guys and Dolls, Gonzo singing Annie Get Your Gun, and Miss Piggy singing West Side Story (we’re sorry, Rita). After all this, Bailey, residing over the festivities, finds an excuse to sing a jazzy version of the Gypsy tune. The Muppets join in—modulating, even!
As Bailey herself says, “You know, Rowlf, this don’t make any sense at all.” She’s not wrong. But we’re watching anyway—what else do we have going on?
Need more distractions? Click here.
VIDEO: See Cynthia Erivo Sing ‘He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands’
Cynthia Erivo took to Instagram today to post a video of herself singing ‘Somewhere’ From West Side Story.
Alvin Ailey Launches Online Streaming Series With Screening of Revelations
The Ailey organization will launch a new online streaming series, Ailey All Access, March 30 with a screening of the acclaimed dance piece, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. The move to online programming is one of many in the industry as theatres, concert venues, and other cultural hubs temporarily close their doors in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to screenings of full-length works, Ailey All Access will feature virtual dance classes, original short films from the dance community, and more.
Introduced by Artistic Director Robert Battle and featuring commentary from some of the dancers, the screening of Revelations will kick off at 7 PM ET. Earlier that day, at 3 PM, dancer Hope Boykin will teach a Revelations-inspired virtual choreography workshop.
“Alvin Ailey created the ultimate prayer about overcoming adversity through hope and faith,” shared Battle. “During this period, it is fitting that we are launching Ailey All Access with his Revelations on the Company’s birthday. I know in my heart that he would be proud to see that we are taking on a challenge and seizing an opportunity to explore new ways of lifting up hearts, minds and spirits with the transformative power of dance.”
The performance series will continue with regularly scheduled weekly performances each Thursday, beginning April 2 at 7 PM ET with Yannick Lebrun’s intimate Saa Magni and Bradley Shelver’s high-energy Where There Are Tongues, followed by Judith Jamison’s Divining on April 9.
Other upcoming broadcasts include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Camille A. Brown’s City of Rain and Rennie Harris’ Lazarus. Check out the full slate of offerings at alvinailey.org/ailey-all-access.
Lincoln Center Theater Postpones Summer Plays From Sarah Ruhl and Bryna Turner
Lincoln Center Theater has announced the postponement of its summer season.
New York City Ballet Cancels Entire Spring 2020 Season
The New York City Ballet has scrapped its entire Spring 2020 season, which was due to kick off April 21 and run through May 31. The cancellation affects all performance and events, including workshops and the May 7 gala “In Pursuit of Beauty.”
All performers and additional staff will receive pay and benefits through the spring performance schedule; dancers and musicians are still expected to resume rehearsals in the coming months for summer engagements.
In response to the financial blow (a projected $8 million) caused by the shutdown, NYBC will launch a relief fund and encourage patrons to contribute; the organization is also in talks with its labor unions (including dancers’ AGMA, musicians’ Local 802, and stagehands’ Local 1) for continued protections.
Ticketholders for affected performance will be contacted shortly with refund, exchange, and donation information.
Despite the cancellations, some members have gone digital to reach an audience. Tiler Peck, a NYCB principal dancer and Broadway alum, teaches classes every weekday via Instagram.
WATCH: New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck Teaches Ballet in This Exclusive Video Class