Go Memphis

Pay close heed to Thomas Wilkins' first Memphis concert, for it has a message. "It's a look at how more recent composers look back at older composers or styles to reference or synthesize their styles," Wilkins said in a recent telephone interview. Full story »

It wasn't an assignment he would have chosen for himself. Steven McMahon, Ballet Memphis dancer, got word from his boss that his first big-time ballet as a choreographer would be "the great American fairy tale." The young Scotsman wondered if she'd made a mistake. He? Choreograph "The Wizard of Oz"? When his ballet adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" debuted in 2007, it helped establish McMahon as the company's go-to guy for in-house choreography. McMahon has reworked "The Wizard of Oz" for its revival at the Orpheum this weekend. Full story »

For some people, getting onstage and telling a personal story -- then having a troupe of actors play it out in front of them -- might sound like something out of a nightmare. And for others, it's a way to get in touch with the soul of a community. Playback Memphis, a new theater company staging one of its improvisational performances Friday and Saturday, is part town hall meeting, part group therapy, and part entertainment. Full story »

Thomas Wilkins has been music director of the Omaha Symphony since 2005, is principal guest conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and is his 10th season as resident conductor of the Detroit Symphony. What he wants now is to replace David Loebel as conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Wilkins leads Friday night's chamber music concert with a program titled “In Other Words.” Full story »

The late Mattie Emma Ridgway was never an opera buff, which adds a touch of irony to her posthumous patronage of opera buffa. Thanks to her, Mozart's comedy about fidelity, "Cosi fan tutte," has undergone a wardrobe update ... kind of. The Opera Memphis production, opening Halloween night at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre, will be staged in 1920s-era attire. The inspiration? Her closet. Full story »

The deliciously dark "Gorey Stories" at Germantown Community Theatre is a welcome break from the routine fright-fests of the season. Full story »

“Fiddler on the Roof” has been around 45 years, running forever on Broadway, revived over and over, and touring frequently. And the awards! Oy! Little wonder. The timeless tale of tradition vs. modernity plus a dairyman’s cart-full of great music has ensured its popularity, especially in community theater. Collierville’s Harrell Theatre is staging “Fiddler” with some delightful moments, although not quite enough of them to call it a success. Full story »

At 61, comedian Lewis Black is as vitriolic as ever. And that means he’s also as productive as ever. His new live concert film, “Stark Raving Black,” opened in select theaters Oct. 8 to positive reviews. On Friday night, Black takes the stage at the Orpheum theater with some set pieces from the film, as well as brand new material. Black is known for his salty rants on everything from politics to society, so some of this interview had to be bleeped out in the interest of sensitive readers. Full story »

FRIDAY: Something wicked this way draws ... It's Good to Be Bad: Monster Portraits of Villainy: Monsters, villains, and folks who are good at being bad will be represented in this art show of black and white monster airbrushed portraits by artist Lin Workman. Event is free, family friendly and open to the public. Costumed attire is encouraged and will be rewarded. Art show reception, 6-10 p.m. at the Adam B. Shaw Studio, 2547 Broad Ave. Visit: LinWorkman.com. Full story »

How do you capture the city of Memphis in a Broadway musical? Tonight in New York City, the country's top theater critics will take their posts in Broadway's 1,400-seat Shubert Theatre to judge whether the latest original rock and roll musical lives up to the name on the marquee: "Memphis." The creators know they're playing with history. They're playing with the soul of America. No doubt, they're also playing with fire.
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At Willows Sporting Clays and Hunting Center at Harrah's, you can hunt and not hurt a thing except clay targets (and don't be so sure about even doing that). It's a 14-station course and each station has three shooting activities for different skill levels. As my level was exactly zero on a 100-point scale -- I'd never held a shotgun -- I got a quick lesson from Willows manager Barry Kelly, who made it all sound so Zen. Full story »

Though pageants and talent shows have always been a part of Southern life, the Orpheum Star Search is still among the newer ways a talented kid can get noticed. The latest hopefuls, including two classical musicians and a slew of singers who cover everything from jazz standards to soul hits, vie Saturday night. Unlike other talent competitions, finalists at the Orpheum get to sing with a live band. Full story »

The creation of the program for Saturday night's Memphis Symphony Orchestra concert was a collaborative effort, says guest conductor Alastair Willis. But it is, in fact, very much a reflection of his sensibilities as he makes his debut with the MSO. This is also an audition of sorts for the 38-year-old former associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony, who is one of three candidates being considered to replace David Loebel as conductor and music director for the MSO. Full story »

Earlier this week, Alastair Willis was in town getting ready for his first date; the one with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra where, if things work out, he could become the next conductor and music director. You know how it is with first dates — it’s about good impressions, making the right choices and hoping there are more dates to come. But Willis is not the only suitor. He’s one of three announced candidates being considered to take the position held for a decade by David Loebel. Full story »

If, as Shakespeare has written, “the lunatic, the lover, and the poet are of imagination all compact,” then Dan McCleary is in good company. He makes his living quoting Shakespeare, and if that weren’t looney/romantic/poetic enough, he aims to do it in Germantown. The Tennessee Shakespeare Company had a "wildly successful first year," McCleary says, and on Saturday opens “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” at the Poplar Pike Playhouse. Full story »