Edison Exec

September 2008 Showcases

Wow, what a ride. I might not touch on all I saw, but here are some highlights - some just good and others excellent.

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas - Scottish violinist and cellist
This was the first of many and a great way to start. A light and refreshing sound, it was playful and very danceable, even stuck in our seats, it lifted the spirit. Having studied with Alasdair since the age of 11, Natalie's youth, performance and background add to the overall aesthetic.

Kevin Spirtas - cabaret singer/actor
Kevin is all charm matched with tremendous vocal chops. It's a real talent to be able to flirt with an entire audience at one time. He's a great performer and proud to say he's a St. Louis native.

Shidara - taiko drummers and musicians
The full resonance of this ensemble aligns every vertebra, chakra and internal organ. The strength, power and beauty of this event are amazing and deserve experiencing.

Project - trio: flute, cello and bass
This is my first experience with a beat box flutist. Surprisingly, this distinct sound is a fun addition. His could learn to stand up straight and minimize the gyrations though. The visual gets a bit comical - what happens when you introduce orchestra geeks to Jolt cola. First and foremost, the sound is fantastic.



Too many of these artists are dressing way too casually for a showcase situation. It may be just a 20 minute showcase, but we need to see what they'll look like on our home stages, and the jeans and t-shirts just aren't cutting it. The Lovell Sisters and Project were the worst culprits.



Corbian, Inc. - "Darwin"
Wow!!! What a show. 20 minutes and this act stole the show, a total crowd pleaser. It's like Bill Nye the Science Guy meets the Black Light Theatre of Prague. Ninja-fighting dinosaurs and soaring fish illuminate a touching story.

Circus Incognitus - Jamie Adkins
A beautiful celebration of circus and clowning arts, this shows Adkins as a true master of manipulation. This one took the evening.

Lady Bird, Pat & Betty - "Tea for Three"
This is a remarkable portrayal of three intriguing women. Elaine Bromka transforms quickly from one to the next, calling forth a wide range of historical references and memories.

Robert Post - Post Comedy Theatre
This one was a real surprise. While a real slow starter, his instant costume and character changes gave this mystery a hilarious twist.

Nai Ni Chen Dance
The primary male dancer was most notable, but I was overall more impressed than I've been with this company.
KC Ballet
Two male dancers opened this program. Though nicely danced, the emotionally ambiguous presentation left me wanting. The next piece from "Carmen" had a much clearer emotional intent supporting the strength of the dancers.
ODC
A strong presentation and strong dancers - again though, the fully flat affect can be difficult to pull off and not all the dancers were as successful in achieving the intended impact.