For its first decade or so of existence, Detroit-based record company Motown was the American Dream in excelsis. Founder Berry Gordy nurtured his small, local business into a worldwide success. Gordy was smart, resourceful and hard-working. Most importantly, he knew white kids could dig R&B just as much as the black kids. The label’s slogan,... Continue Reading →
In a Holidaze? Have We Got a Show For You!
After ripping open holiday presents on Wednesday, don’t pack away those red and green decorations just yet -- The Straz Center has more holiday fun in its stocking. Cirque Dreams Holidaze, the longest-running cirque holiday spectacular, will dazzle in Morsani Hall Thursday and Friday, Dec. 26-27. The Broadway-style production is an infusion of contemporary circus... Continue Reading →
Guest Service Excellence Crosses Industries, Continents
The city sounds familiar but the accent isn’t what you expect. When the Straz’s new senior director of guest services mentions he’s from Boston, you expect the steamrolled vowels endemic to the U.S. city’s natives. Anthony Winter-Brown’s accent is decidedly English, though. He’s from the other Boston, the original, actually, In Lincolnshire. In the U.S.,... Continue Reading →
Jarod’s Journey Has Taken Him From NGB to ABT
Next Generation Ballet®’s annual production of Nutcracker always adds an extra sparkle to the holidays. This year’s presentation will shine even brighter when, for the first time, an NGB alum from a major American ballet company returns to perform in Nutcracker. Jarod Curley, a soloist with American Ballet Theatre, spent “the two most intense years... Continue Reading →
Artists We Love: Jack Lemmon Brought Familiarity, Humanity to His Roles
Jack Lemmon’s most celebrated roles occurred in film – Ensign Pulver in Mister Roberts, Felix Unger in The Odd Couple and Jerry/Daphne in Some Like It Hot. The touring Broadway musical of Some Like It Hot will be presented at the Straz Dec. 10-15. Broadway musical Some Like It Hot, sponsored by Bank of America... Continue Reading →