Rhythm of the Night.. presented to the world by the Big Arts Strauss Theater on Sanibel Island, FL

http://www.bigarts.org/theater.html 

 Bekki's Review:

First of all, if you don't have any clue that the previously named Sanibel Schoolhouse Theater even exists, peeps, you have been backin up thru life. Here is the address: 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel (239) 395-0900. 

This is one of the most fun productions I've seen on Sanibel for a LONGGG LONGGG time!!

With it's Latin influence throughout the show, you will see the love of the music by realizing that the Choreographer, Bobby Logue, distinctly has a love for the music. He created the show around his love for the genre of Latin Music. I've been a friend and a fan of Bobby for like.. ever! I'm so proud of him in this production! ROCK ON, BOBBY!!

He developed, directed, choreographed, designed costumes for, and performs in the entire show.. most every person in the ensemble are constantly on stage.. singing, dancin', romancin'. this show has it all. It only took him 25 years to pay tribute to the style of the Latin sound.. thank heaven mercury aligned with mars and it finally got here!!

Juan Luis Espinal, comes to us from the Dominican Republic, and this 

production is right up his language. Gorgeous man, fabulous singer, heck of a dancer.. a total delight in this production.. And juggles! and so enjoys being able to sing in Spanish on stage.. they ALL do!! Trained in the conservatory program at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute after learning his degree in markting at the Instituto Technologico de Santo Doming.

 Christopher Dean Anderson. I adore watching him sing, and dance.. heck of a voice. the show wouldn't be the same without him.. He's appeared in feature films, television, music videos and fashion industry highlights, and his choreography  has won numerous awards. Rock ON, Christopher!!!

 Marley Dove, the pixie of the group.. wait til you hear her sing Man of La Mancha in the Second Act (Segundo Acto), takes your breath away.. this is her first show st Strauss Theater. Her home state is North Carolina, a trained gymnast (yeah, you'll realize that when you see her in action!!) Currently lives in New York City.. and we are so happy to have kidnapped her for this short time!

 Tempestt Perrin, I want to grow up to be as graceful as she is.. I"m more the wade in and be a MAC truck, next to her! Elegante.. and get this: She graduated magna cum laude ith her B.A. in dance from Sam Houston State University and has trained with Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensives, Debbie Allen Dance Intensive, and Broadway Dance Center. No, slouch, this one!!!

And last but never least: 

 Sheridin Wright, tall, gorgeous, you can't miss her, Trust me!! I love watching her, heck I love watching them all.. from the group dances, the partners dances. She's been dancing since childhoood as part of the Roanoke Ballet Theatre in Roanoke University. While studying aboad in France, she discovered  ballroom dancing.. and it SHOWS!!!

Please go see this production.. Rhythm of the Night runs now through Aug. 15 at BIG ARTS’ Herb Strauss Theater. For information and tickets, visit online at bigarts.org..

DANGER, SHAMELESS PLUG: And be sure to go on Tuesday, August 11, I'll be spending my birthday, celebrating my most venerable age of being both wise and maintaining devastatingly good looks.. come join us!! There MIGHT be cake!! (fingers very crossed!!)

The shows start at 7pm.. you can buy water, candy bars, get tickets for the 50/50.. and beware of Shamless Plug.. WHOEVER WINS THE 50/50 will also be gifted with one of my hand-painted reusable grocery bags.. my website: 

http://www.bekkis-eco-boutique.com/bekkisclothgrocerybags.htm 

now, back to Rythm of the night!

Broadway Palm's 167 th performance: FOOTLOOSE!

http://www.broadwaypalm.com/Content/default.asp 

FOOTLOOSE

JULY 9 - AUGUST 15, 2015

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the adjustment to his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the local laws, including a ban on dancing, so he and some of the other kids decide to shake things up! The Oscar-nominated Top 40 score includes Holding Out For A Hero, Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the title song, Footloose.

  MY REVIEW: If you liked the movie you will LOVE the real, live action production! Everyone has the most wonderful, powerful voices, you will be taken to ear heaven.. and the dancing (thanks Amy) is perfection!

The biggest stand out of all the performers, even those were outstanding, but the most visible of all is the character of WILLARD.. played by Joe and he is EXACTLY as funny and painfully shy on stage as in the movie.. you'll adore him and want to take him home and just hug him.

The rest of the cast totally rocked the whole show as well. Ladies, you'll love all the cow boys dancing.. makes the word Macho sound totally sissy. Everyone in the cast is total eye candy, ear joy and mind-blowingly great.

i DO have to mention another couple of incredible things you might not notice, but is very noteworthy: 

1. Jayar Garcia is the consummate stage manager: 

the staging for this production is HUGE.. so many sets that he has to make certain are spot on AND he performs throughout the show as well. Totally amazing, Jayar.. EXTRA great job!! 

Something else I need to be excited about: my buddy Victor Legaretta gets to stay in town the rest of the year with other productions both directing and starring in, both on and off broadway!!! WHOOOT!!!! I love me my Victor-sightings!

And Chase McCall, dang, man~! Check out his one-arm push-ups in the gymnasium scene as well.. 

And such a Good job, all!

~*~*~

Below is more info that needs to be brought forth!

SHOW MENU (mm mm mmm)

Chef Carved Roast Beef*
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Panko Breaded Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce
White Fish Over Orzo Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil and Parmesan
Fried Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce

Honey Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes
Rice, Broccoli and Cheese Bakes
Sweet Corn with Roasted Red Peppers
Green Beans with Almonds

* Indicates Evening Only

Full Salad Bar With Caesar Salad, Tossed Salad and Assorted Fresh Toppings and Dressings
Rolls and Butter

A Delicious Selection of Composed Salads and Fresh Fruit

Ice Cream Table with Vanilla and

No-Sugar-Added Pecan Ice Cream and a variety of toppings

(Sugar-free Chocolate Ice Cream Available Upon Request)

Dessert Buffet includes Sugar-free Cheesecake and Assorted Cakes and Pies

So, come and join the fray for food and entertainment to see FOOTLOOSE!!! you will LOVE it!!! 

~ Bekki (bekkihere@gmail.com or Bekki.Shanklin on Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/bekki.shanklin)