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Articles by Randy Stewart
USA Protective Coatings Offers Up to 25% Off Garage Floor Coatings and Painting Through August 31
The local, family-owned company is helping Northeast Florida homeowners save on garage floor coatings and painting through August 31.
Springfield Little Theatre closes the season with 'Guys and Dolls'
Nathan Lane played the lead role of gambler Nathan Detroit in the 1992 Broadway revival of the classic Frank Loesser/Jo Swerling/Abe Burrows musical “Guys and Dolls.” Chyrel Miller, director of Springfield Little Theatre’s new production of the show, says that Lane called it “his favorite Broadway musical — and you can’t get any better recommendation than from Nathan Lane!” Little Theatre's production continues through Sunday, June 16 at the Landers Theatre, 311 E.
National Tour of 'Shrek the Musical' comes to Hammons Hall
Timmy Lewis, who has had a busy career in TV and off-Broadway, portrays the arrogant, dictatorial Lord Farquaad in the new Broadway touring production of Shrek the Musical, which comes to the Juanita K. Hammons Hall Tuesday through Thursday, March 19-21, all at 7:30 p.m. We talked by phone about his career, how he was cast as Farquaad, and how his interpretation differs from what you saw in the animated version (with John Lithgow voicing the character).
'The weirdest play I've ever directed': Missouri State University's Karen Sabo on 'Mr. Burns'
"I've been directing for over 20 years," says theatre professor Karen Sabo, "and this play is a three-act play that is almost like two different plays." Sabo joined KSMU Arts News on Friday ahead of performances of Mr. Burns this weekend. By way of describing the plot, Sabo says, "In acts one and two, we are following the same group of survivors of a pandemic that's much worse than the pandemic we've all lived through.
Drury University Theatre produces the Restoration comedy 'The Spanish Wives'
Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, the British Parliament abolished the monarchy, and Oliver Cromwell set up a republic that barely lasted 11 years. The British monarchy was restored in 1660, ushering in an era known as The Restoration, in which theater and opera flourished. In 1696, English author and playwright Mary Pix wrote a farcical, satirical comedy called “The Spanish Wives” that became rather popular in its day.
A brief guide to March 2024's First Friday Art Walk
It’s rare that the first Friday of the month falls on the first day of the month, but it’s happening in March, as the First Friday Art Walk will take place on Friday, March 1 at 16 venues throughout downtown Springfield. We were joined on Arts News once again by Springfield Regional Arts Council’s director of marketing and community engagement, Rachel Lambert. She highlighted several of the March 1 Art Walk venues for us.
'Mean Girls' touring production coming to Hammons Hall
Hammons Hall will present the national Broadway touring production of the stage musical version of Tina Fey’s 2004 comedy film “Mean Girls” Monday through Wednesday, November 5 through 7, at 7:30 p.m. Josh Inmon said he was sure that “so many people are familiar with the title, and I know a lot of people are excited it’s coming to town, and we are too! We can’t believe that it’s almost here.” The stage musical version — with book by Tina Fey who created the original comedy film — first...
Springfield Little Theatre, Mosaic Arts Collective present 'In the Heights' at the Landers
Springfield Little Theatre and Mosaic Arts Collective will gift Springfield with a stage full of vibrant music and dance, as well as an engaging story of community versus gentrification, with the musical In the Heights at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St. The collaborative production opens Friday, January 26 and runs through February 11. On KSMU's Arts News, we talked with one of the show's directors and two cast members.
To celebrate Christmas, Springfield Chamber Chorus stages 'Empowered by Love' concerts
Chris Brammer, founder and artistic director of Springfield Chamber Chorus, joined us on KSMU's "Arts News" with information on the group's Christmas concert, "Empowered by Love" — actually two concerts this weekend, at two separate venues. The first, more formal performance will be Saturday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m. at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, 900 East Cherry Street.
Queen City Chorale presents 'Carols for Choir and Harp'
Southwest Missouri abounds with performing organizations devoted to choral music. One of the newest of these is the Queen City Chorale, founded two years ago by Kenny Kabak, who is also the group's conductor. Kabak visited KSMU's "Arts News" to talk about his group's winter concert, "Carols for Choir and Harp," on Sunday, December 10 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 North Campbell Avenue.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre brings 'Treasure Island' to Fox Theatre stage
Springfield Contemporary Theatre will take audiences on the journey of a lifetime with Ken Ludwig's stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," opening Friday, December 1 and running through December 17 at the Historic Fox Theatre, 157 Park Central Square. We were joined on KSMU's "Arts News" by the production's director, Jeffrey Mindock, and by Azzie Smith, the 18-year-old actor portraying 14-year-old Jim Hawkins.
Missouri State University Theatre & Dance presents '9 to 5: The Musical'
Missouri State University Theatre and Dance will present "9 to 5 the Musical" on the stage of Coger Theatre November 30 through December 4. Among the most popular film comedies of the past 40 years (actually 43... has it been that long?) is "9 to 5," the story of three overworked, underpaid and under-appreciated office workers who manage to exact revenge on their "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" of a boss.
Coming soon to Springfield Art Museum: Arts Council's 2023 $100 & Under Holiday Art Market
Leslie Forrester, Executive Director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council, visited KSMU's "Arts News" to promote the Arts Council's 2023 "$100 and Under Holiday Art Market," taking place during the First Friday Art Walk on December 1 at the Springfield Art Museum (1111 E. Brookside Drive) from 5 to 8 p.m. This event showcases the talent of 30 local artists, featuring an eclectic mix of media, styles and forms.
Springfield Little Theatre presents 'Elf The Musical' for the holidays
Opening Friday, November 17 at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St. in Springfield, is Springfield Little Theatre's production of "Elf The Musical," a stage adaptation of the hit 2003 film starring Will Farrell. Josh Inmon, director and choreographer of SLT's production, joined me on KSMU's "Arts News" to talk about the show. Like any theatrical director, Inmon is now able to heave a huge sigh of relief: His work is over.
MSU Opera Workshop presents 'Speed Dating, Tonight!'
Dr. Ann Marie Daehn, head of the Opera Workshop program in the Missouri State University Music Department, visited with Randy Stewart on "Arts News" to discuss three upcoming events, two of them involving contemporary opera composer Michael Ching. The Opera Workshop first performed Ching's popular one-act comic opera "Speed Dating Tonight!" in 2015, two years after it premiered. "Part of its charm is that, now, it's a completely different version," Dr. Daehn said.
Concert by Missouri Philharmonic warns 'Be Careful What You Wish For'
The Missouri Philharmonic is a local civic orchestra made up of professional, amateur and student musicians. Music Director Amy Andreassen joined us on KSMU Arts News to talk about their fall concert next week.
For the first time ever, Ozarks Lyric Opera presents Beethoven's 'Fidelio'
Ozarks Lyric Opera will present, for the first time ever in Springfield, a production of Beethoven's only opera, "Fidelio." Two performances will take the stage at the Gillioz Theatre on Friday, October 20 and Sunday, October 22.
Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy 'Fairview' opens this week at Springfield Contemporary Theatre
What happens when one woman tries, desperately, to provide the perfect birthday party for her mother, the family matriarch? Opening Friday, October 20, Springfield Contemporary Theatre provides some answers — and a great insight into the human condition — in Jackie Sibblies Drury's Pulizer-winning stage comedy, "Fairview." We talked on Arts News with the production's director, Keisha McMillen, and two of the show's actors, Jasmine Martin and Derrick DeVonne King.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre presents powerful 'fusion-oratorio,' 'Considering Matthew Shepard'
It's the anniversary of an American tragedy. Twenty-five years ago this month, Matthew Shepard, a young gay student at the University of Wyoming-Laramie, was kidnapped, severely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in a lonely field. Composer-lyricist Craig Hella Johnson's powerful, Grammy-nominated fusion-oratorio, "Considering Matthew Shepard," will be presented in a joint staged-concert production by Springfield Contemporary Theatre and Springfield Chamber Chorus.
Springfield Little Theatre presents Disney Pixar's 'Finding Nemo Jr.'
Springfield Little Theatre will present a two-weekend run of the Disney Pixar stage musical "Finding Nemo Jr.", based on the hit 2003 animated movie, starting Thursday, October 12 and running through October 22, at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut Street. The show's director, Lorianne Dunn, joined me on "Arts News" to discuss this "gigantic, spectacular show." Interestingly, there is no full-length "Finding Nemo" Broadway musical — yet.
Springfield artist Terry Bloodworth discusses his new blown glass show at Waverly House
Waverly House Gifts and Gallery will open a new show Friday, Oct. 6, called "The Power of Light and Line." It will feature blown glass by Terry Bloodworth and paintings by Mary Hamilton. Bloodworth joined us on "Arts News" to talk about the show and his multi-decade career in glassblowing. He described himself as "semi-retired," but when the opportunity arises, he'll be found back in the studio creating.
Tall tales, humor and heart: Springfield Contemporary Theatre's production of 'Big Fish' continues two more weekends
The stage musical version of the celebrated novel and well-regarded Tim Burton film continues for two more weekends, Thursdays through Sundays, until September 24 at Springfield Contemporary Theatre's new performance venue, the historic Fox Theatre at 157 Park Central Square in downtown Springfield. Gretchen Teague directs this production, with music direction by Alex Huff. On "Arts News" this morning, I talked with SCT Managing Artistic Director Rick Dines and actor Eli DePreist.
Missouri Philharmonic will charge admission to its next concert - but offers free access to dress rehearsal
The Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Amy Andreassen, is made up of professional, amateur and student musicians from throughout the region. The orchestra's 2023-24 season begins next week with a program including Johann Strauss I's "Radetzky March," Mozart's "Symphony No. 40," and the "Gran Duo" for violin and double bass by Bottesini. Until this season, the orchestra has subsisted entirely on donations, offering concerts free of charge.
'Jesus Christ Superstar' opens Hammons Hall's Broadway season
Josh Inmon, assistant director of the Juanita K. Hammons Hall, joined us on Arts News this morning to preview the 2023-24 Great Southern Bank Broadway Series at the Hall. We also talked about the numerous "rentals" that come to the Hall every season — touring acts such as musicians and comedians — including Alice Cooper, who brings his new "Too Close For Comfort" national tour to Springfield on August 15.
43rd ArtsFest on Historic Walnut Street is happening next weekend - rain or shine
Leslie Forrester, executive director of Springfield Regional Arts Council, joins us on Ozarks Public Radio's Arts News to talk about one of Southwest Missouri's largest outdoor arts festivals. Hear what attendees can expect to see, hear and taste — even it it rains; and the need for more people to sign up as volunteers to work various aspects of ArtsFest next weekend.
Premiering tonight: 'Pippin' features aerialists and a genuine circus juggler at Springfield Little Theatre
Randy Stewart joined the full-time KSMU staff in June 1978 after working part-time as a student announcer/producer for two years. His job has evolved from Music Director in the early days to encompassing production of a wide range of arts-related programming and features for KSMU, including the online and Friday morning Arts News.
Gillioz Theatre to offer expanded Midweek Movie Matinee schedule
The Gillioz presented an abbreviated schedule of seven Midweek Movie Matinees last season, and they are ramping up the series this year, with 21 weekly films, two movies a month now through November, every other Wednesday at 2 p.m., says Gillioz Theatre Executive Director Geoff Steele. He adds that, due to the time of day the movies are being show, the series is tailor-made for those age 60 and over — but they're open to people of all ages, says Steele.
Missouri Philharmonic to play Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
Music Director Amy Andreassen joined us on KSMU's "Arts News" to talk about the orchestra's upcoming presentation, "Extremes," on Thursday March 30 at 7:30 p.m. at The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing, 3060 North Kentwood Avenue. The concert will feature a single work, the Symphony No. 5 of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich. It runs about 50 minutes.
Still relevant: 'Hedda Gabler' at Springfield Contemporary Theatre
Sound familiar? In Henryk Ibsen's 1891 classic, recently-married Hedda Gabler desires independence, power and equality. Are they within her grasp as a woman? It's a question we're still asking today. Oscar-nominated screenwriter and playwright Patrick Marber created a dynamic new translation of “Hedda Gabler” for director Ivo van Hove at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2016.
Messiah Project recruiting singers for new women's chorale
The Messiah Project Women's Chorale will perform their concert, titled "Awake My Soul and Sing!", on Saturday, April 29 at All Saints Anglican Church, 2751 E. Galloway St. in Springfield. Rehearsals begin Monday, March 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the All Saints church sanctuary.
MSU Theatre & Dance produces two labor union-inspired dramas
The Missouri State University Theatre & Dance Department presents two drama productions the first two weeks of March, both dealing with labor unions vs. management: "Sweat" by Lynn Nottage, directed by Kristy Thomas, in the Craig Hall Balcony Theatre Sunday, March 5th at 2:30 p.m., and Monday, March 6 and Thursday, March 9 both at 7:30 p.m. Alternating with "Sweat" in the Balcony Theatre is "Waiting for Lefty" by Clifford Odets, directed by Dr. Kyle A.
Missouri Philharmonic's next concert celebrates 'The Sound of Love'
The conductor of the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra here in Springfield, Amy Andreassen, joined us this morning on “Arts News” to talk about the ensemble’s upcoming concert on February 16, titled “The Sound of Love.” They’ll play three works, starting with the “Tuscaloosa Tango” by Daniel Léo Simpson. "It was written fairly recently, but it's a fun one," Andreassen says. "And we actually have a surprise to go along with that one.
Springfield Little Theatre presents 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'
Lisa Hamaker, Development Director at Springfield Little Theatre, joined us on “Arts News” to discuss SLT’s new production of the stage version of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” a musical based on Ian Fleming’s novel and the motion picture, opening tonight (Friday, January 23) at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut in Springfield.
Springfield Chamber Chorus travels "In the Footsteps of Pilgrims" this weekend
Springfield Chamber Chorus presents a special concert called "In the Footsteps of Pilgrims," featuring guest instrumentalists. They include pianist Brant Jester; percussionist Spencer Jones; cellist Emilia Sarah; and trumpeter Jim Shannon. They'll give two performances of the program: in the Atrium of First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, 820 E. Cherry St., across from Hammons Hall, Saturday Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; and at, Sunday Dec.18 at 3 p.m. at University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 S.
All Saints Anglican Church presents a "Nine Lessons and Carols" service this weekend
KSMU listeners have heard interviews on “Arts News” with Lindsey Robison since, he estimates, at least 1990 or 1992. Most of these have dealt with his activities as founder and director of Messiah Project, Inc. But this morning he came to KSMU to talk about a Christmas concert by the Choir of All Saints Anglican Church in Springfield, of which he is a member. We were hoping to have the choir’s director, Dr. Heather Nelson, with us, but she wasn’t able to make it to the station.
OTC Fine Arts presents Lauren Gunderson play "I and You"
Herbert notes that Lauren Gunderson is considered to be the most often-performed playwright at the present time, next to Shakespeare. “She's just an incredible playwright," Herbert says. "This is such a beautiful and amazing play. “'I and You' is about two high school students. One of them has chronic liver disease and has been home for school for several months.
Missouri State's Opera Theatre and Symphony Orchestra present "Hansel and Gretel"
The production, sung in English and shortened to a length of about an hour, will take place Sunday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Admission is free and open to the public; there are no tickets required. Dr. Ann Marie Daehn, director of the MSU opera program, joined us on “Arts News” to talk about this performance. “It is the most amazing collaboration,” Daehn said.
Waverly House hosts a fall benefit for a new initiative at Springfield Little Theatre
On our weekly program, Arts News, KSMU's Randy Stewart hosts live interviews with artists, performers, directors and administrators from the region's visual and performing arts scene—and presents a comprehensive calendar of arts events. Arts News airs at 10:00 a.m. each Friday. To play this interview, click the "Listen" button above. Every fall, Waverly House Gifts and Gallery in Springfield presents a special fundraising exhibit for a local organization.
MSU presents a 'thought-provoking, dark comedy' about the final days of Judas Iscariot
Our weekly program Arts News with Randy Stewart highlights the events and news of the arts community in Springfield and the surrounding areas. The live program airs on KSMU at 10:00 Friday mornings. You can play this interview by clicking the "Listen" button above. “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” by Stephen Adly Giurgis is running through November 6 in the Craig Hall Balcony Theatre on the MSU campus. Dr. Kurt Heinlein directs the production.
Comedian Maria Bamford Performs at The Blue Room Comedy Club
Our weekly program, Arts News with Randy Stewart, highlights the events and news of the arts community in Springfield and the surrounding areas. The live program airs on KSMU at 10:00 Friday mornings. You can play this interview by clicking the "Listen" button above. Acclaimed alternative comedian Maria Bamford comes to the Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St. in Springfield for four shows this weekend.
SCT presents Lisa Loomer's latest rewrite of her play, 'Roe'
Springfield Contemporary Theatre presents “Roe,” a play written by Lisa Loomer and directed by Rachel Jamieson, October 21 through November 6 in the Springfield Art Museum auditorium. Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that enshrined a woman's right to an abortion, is still in the news nearly 50 years later. Since first writing the play in 2018, Loomer has revised it many times.
New Local Theater Company Debuts With The Broadway Musical Version of "Little Women"
A new theater company is about to debut in Springfield, and on KSMU’s “Arts News” we talked with one of the company’s founders, and one of the lead actors in the company’s upcoming inaugural production.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre Presents "SCT Sings Broadway Rock 2"
One of the few live performances to take place in Springfield at the height of the COVID shutdown last fall was Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s one-night concert “SCT Sings Broadway Rock,” performed at Mother’s Brewing Company, 215 S. Grant in downtown Springfield. SCT returns to Mother’s for “SCT Sings Broadway Rock 2” Sunday evening June 11 at 6:30pm. SCT’s Managing Artistic Director Rick Dines and performer Maggie Marlin-Hess joined us on KSMU’s “Arts News” to discuss the revival.
Pandemic Check-Up: A Look At Springfield Pottery And The Moxie Cinema
For this “Ozarks Checkup”, we’ll talk with two local people in the arts about how they made it through the COVID-19 shutdown: Mike Stevens, manager of the local not-for-profit art-house movie theater The Moxie Cinema; and Nathan Falter, clay and pottery artist, educator, and proprietor of Springfield Pottery and Community Clay Center.
MSU Tent Theatre Resumes This Summer--Without A Tent
After cancelling their entire live-performance season last summer due to COVID-19, Missouri State University Tent Theatre returns to action for their 59th season starting June 16—albeit indoors in Craig Hall Theatre, as the patio behind Craig Hall, where the tent has been erected all those years, is undergoing construction for the new John Goodman Amphitheater. Mark Templeton, Managing Director of Tent, visited KSMU’s “Arts News” to talk about the current season.
"Matilda The Musical" Closes Springfield Little Theatre Season
For the first time in—well, neither of us is sure how long it’s been, but almost certainly before the pandemic shutdown!—Lorianne Dunn, Education Director at Springfield Little Theatre, came to the KSMU studio to talk about the mainstage show closing SLT’s 2020-21 season, “Matilda The Musical”, opening tonight at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut, and running for the next three weekends. Lorianne Dunn, Education Director at Springfield Little Theatre.
Springfield Regional Opera Presents Missouri Premiere of "The Real Ambassadors"
Springfield Regional Opera will provide a rare opportunity next Friday, June 4th, at the Gillioz Theatre, with their one-night-only Missouri premiere performance of “The Real Ambassadors,” the jazz musical written early in the civil-rights era by jazz legend Dave Brubeck and his wife Iola, with the collaboration of another iconic jazz figure, Louis Armstrong.
Springfield Little Theatre Revives Wacky Musical Comedy 'Nunsense'
Chyrel Miller joined us on “Arts News” to talk about Springfield Little Theatre’s new production of an old favorite, the comedy-musical-cabaret show “Nunsense,” which she has directed. Performances are scheduled May 6-23 live and in-person at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut, and available each night as an online stream. The show features book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggin.
Drury University Theatre Presents Annual "Broadway Cabaret"
The Drury University Theatre and Dance Department will present the final production of their 2020-21 season, the annual “Broadway Cabaret,” Wednesday April 28 through Sunday May 1st at 7:30pm each evening in Wilhoit Theatre on the Drury campus. Director Josh Inmon stopped by KSMU’s “Arts News” to discuss the production.
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