G l e n n M i l l e r O rc h e s t ra t o b r i n g b i g b a n d m u s i c t o F E C
One of the most popular and sought
after bands today, the Glenn Miller
Orchestra is considered by many to be
one of the greatest bands of all time.
The current band began playing together
in 1956 and has remained touring ever
since. On Friday, March 18, SEAcoast
and the FEC will open the dance fl oor so
that audience members can truly enjoy the
cabaret-style concert the way big band
music was intended.
The legendary Glenn Miller was
one of the most successful of all dance
bandleaders back in the era of Swing
during the 1930s and 1940s. Miller’s
band was unmatched in its string of hits.
Miller disbanded the orchestra in 1942 at
the height of its popularity to volunteer
to serve his country. It was while in the
military that he organized and led the
famous Glenn Miller Air Force Band. It
traveled Europe entertaining servicemen
and performing numerous live and radio
shows. His most popular orchestrations
include “In the Mood,” “Moonlight
Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,”
“A String of Pearls,” and “Pennsylvania
6-5000.”
On Dec. 15, 1944, Major Glenn Miller
disappeared into the English
Channel in a single-engine plane
and was never seen again.
The release of the movie The
Glenn Miller Story starring Jimmy
Stewart and June Allyson in 1954
renewed interest and demand for
the return of the Glenn Miller
Orchestra. In June 6, 1956, under
the direction of drummer Ray
McKinley, the reformed orchestra
performed its fi rst concert and has
remained on the road ever since,
traveling the globe.
Today,
the
18-member
ensemble continues to play
many of the original Miller
arrangements from both the
civilian band and Air Force Band
archives. It also plays some more modern
selections arranged and performed in the
Miller style and sound.
The March 18 concert will take place
at 7 p.m. Tickets range in price from $10
to $30.
For more information or to purchase
tickets, call the FEC at 541-997-1994 or
visit www.eventscenter.org.
C R OW re h e a r s a l s b e g i n fo r s p r i n g p ro d u c t i o n o f
S h re k t h e M u s i c a l, J r.
In a faraway kingdom, the green
ogre, Shrek, fi nds his swamp invaded
by banished fairytale misfi ts, runaways
who’ve been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a
tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek
sets off with a wise-cracking donkey to
confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task: if
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he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the
Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be
returned to him.
But, a fairy tale wouldn’t be complete
without unexpected twists and turns along
the way. Part romance and part twisted
fairy tale, “Shrek The Musical, Jr.,” is
an irreverently fun musical comedy with
lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, and music
by Jeanine Tesori.
This marks CROW’s fi fth mainstage
production at the Florence Events Center.
The show will be performed April 15,
16 and 17, and for invited school audiences
on April 14. Local audiences may recall
that last spring, CROW produced a
main stage production of “Once Upon A
Mattress,” which dazzled and delighted
local audiences. CROW is a Florence-
based nonprofi t organization dedicated to
giving back to the community by providing
quality performing arts experiences to
local youth.
Artistic director Melanie Heard is
a credentialed teacher, and founder of
the program. “We are not your ‘typical’
children’s theatre organization,” says
Heard. “There is no charge to participate
in a CROW mainstage musical, and this
differentiates us from 95 percent of all
other youth theatre organizations in the
nation.”
“It’s much more than just theatre. It’s
an opportunity to hone crucial life skills
such as teamwork, motivation, dedication
and self-esteem,” says Heard. “We hope
that these things will serve our kids well,
no matter what life path they may select.”
In addition to providing a very
professional work environment for the
cast members, CROW utilizes the highest
caliber costumes, sets, lighting design,
choreography, music, sound, stage makeup
and more.
“Just wait till you see this year’s fi re
breathing dragon,” says Heard.
The Florence Events Center website: www.eventcenter.org