Tag Archives: Aladdin

Broadway Grand Rapids announces 2023-2024 season

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By John Gonzalez
WKTV Contributor

Broadway Grand Rapids President and CEO Meghan Distel and Bob Bucci from Broadway Across Grand Rapids announces the 2023-2024 season. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Not one, but two Michigan premieres highlight a “thrilling”new season for Broadway Grand Rapids, which announced its 2023-2024 shows on Monday as part of a preview at DeVos Performance Hall.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, BGR will bring the Michigan premiere of Broadway’s most Tony Award-winning new show of the season, “MJ,” and the musical comedy revival of “Funny Girl,” announced president and CEO Meghan Distel.

Other shows include: “Disney’s Aladdin,” the entertaining “TINA- The Tina Turner Musical,” and the critically acclaimed new play, Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird.” In addition, patrons will have the option to add the ever-popular “Les Misérables” and “Wicked.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 35th anniversary season with such a stellar line-up” Distel said. “From ‘MJ’ to ‘Aladdin,’ the season is diverse, wildly entertaining, and truly offers something for everyone. It’s the very best of Broadway, adds vibrancy to our city, and keeps Grand Rapids on the map as a cultural destination.”

Ticket Prices

Five-show season packages which include “Funny Girl,” “TINA-The Tina Turner Musical,” “Disney’s Aladdin,” “To Kill A Mockingbird,” and “MJ,” start at $225 and are available now at BroadwayGrandRapids.com/Subscribe, at the Broadway Grand Rapids box office located at 122 Lyon St NW (Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or by calling the dedicated subscriber hotline at 1-866-928-7469 (Monday – Friday 10a.m. – 5 p.m.).

Season ticket holders have the option to add “Les Misérables” and “Wicked” to their package now. All subscribers are guaranteed the same seats for each show in the five-show package and receive exclusive benefits including interest free payment plan, flexible exchanges, online ticket management, and ability to auto-renew year after year.

For current season ticket holders, the deadline to renew is Monday, March 27.

All performances will be presented at DeVos Performance Hall in downtown Grand Rapids.

Subscription Series

Broadway Grand Rapids President and CEO Meghan Distel and Bob Bucci from Broadway Across Grand Rapids announce that “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” will be part of the 2023-2024 season. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

FUNNY GIRL – Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” this bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical – “TINA–The Tina Turner Musical” is the triumphant story of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits. “TINA–The Tina Turner Musical” presents Tina’s journey against all odds to become one of the world’s most beloved artists of all time. Featuring her much loved songs, “TINA–The Tina Turner Musical” is written by Pulitzer Prize award-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.

Disney’s ALADDIN – Discover a whole new world at ALADDIN, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.

Jacob Dickey, who stars as Aladdin in the Broadway production of Disney “Aladdin.” performs during the season announcement event. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD – All rise for Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is “the most successful American play in Broadway history” (60Minutes). New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR).

MJ – The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to Grand Rapids. MJ, the multi–Tony Award-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.

Package Add-Ons

LES MISÉRABLES – Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award- winning musical phenomenon. LES MISÉRABLES. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France. LES MISÉRABLES is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22 languages. LES MISÉRABLES still undisputedly “one of the greatest musicals ever created” (Chicago Tribune).

WICKED – WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin — smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is “a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think.”

For more information about events visit www.BroadwayGrandRapids.com

Gonzo’s Top 5: GR Ballet Junior, St. Paddy’s Day, and the ultimate sports show

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By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

It was just announced that Major League Baseball is officially back, which means Spring training games are right around the corner. Locally we have the Fulton Street Farmers Market this weekend. And St. Patrick’s Day is next week.

It feels more like Spring every day.

I have more signs that warmer days are ahead in my Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

5. Fulton Street Farmers Market

Are you looking for another sign of Spring? Well, it’s a great time to head out to the popular Fulton Street Farmers Market. With a great assortment of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, hand-crafted food items, and unique artisan products year-round. Hours are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. The summer season begins May 7 and expands hours and days. The Fulton Street Farmers Market is located at 1145 Fulton St. SE. Learn more at fultonstreetmarket.org. The Fulton Street Artisans Market opens June 12.

A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

4. Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company: Aladdin

This production has been two years in the making after the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company had to cancel its planned performances in March 2020 due to the pandemic. The familiar story of “Aladdin ” was choreographed by Grand Rapids Ballet School director and Junior Company artistic director Attila Mosolygo, who said: “It will be an amazing production of dancing and performance,” in a recent interview with D.A. Reed for WKTV. Performances are March 11-13 and 19-20 at the Peter Wege Theatre in Grand Rapids. More info at grballet.com.

READ: Tea time anyone? GR Ballet School’s Junior Company will stage ‘Aladdin’ after a two-year postponement

Conklin Celi Band performs at Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub. (Supplied)

3. Grand Rapids St. Patrick’s Day Parade

We all know the big day isn’t until March 17, but you can get a jump start on your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations at 11 a.m. Saturday (March 12) at the annual GR St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The West Catholic High School Marching Band makes an appearance, as well as dignitaries and organizers of the Grand Rapids Irish Committee. The Parade will start at the Grand Rapids Library Foundation on 111 Library St. NE and end on Ottawa Ave. NW. More info at experiencegr.com. Also, immediately after the parade, you can check out the Conklin Céilí Band at Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub, 1535 Plainfield Ave NE, for a set.

Greta Van Fleet

2. Greta Van Fleet

The Michigan retro rock band that rose from obscurity from the small town of Frankenmuth to international stardom is back on the road on its Dreams in Gold Tour, which includes several Michigan shows. This weekend you can see the guys at 7 p.m. Saturday (March 12) at the DeltaPlex Arena. Opening the show are Rival Sons and The Velveteers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $59.50; reserved grandstand seats are $49.50, $59.50 and $69.50. Learn more at deltaplex.com.

1. Ultimate Sport Show

Who’s ready for Spring. And fishing? This weekend you can experience everything you need to know to have a great season at the Ultimate Sport Show at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Discover the latest in outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats and more, as well as taxidermy, antique lures, fishing simulator and even a trout pond. Overall there are nearly 100 fishing and hunting seminars on five stages, including “Lake Ultimate,” the 110,000 gallon indoor lake. The first 250 people in line on Saturday and Sunday get a pre-rigged K&E Bass Stopper worm. My friend Tony Gates of WLAV will host this annual competition on Lake Ultimate on Saturday from noon-1 p.m. The kid that catches the single biggest fish will win a 1/2 day weekday Charter Fishing Trip for up to 6 people with Captain Lance Valentine. Show hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday (March 11), 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for those ages 6-14. More info at UltimateSportShow.com.

That’s it for now.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.


John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Tea time anyone? GR Ballet School’s Junior Company will stage ‘Aladdin’ after a two-year postponement

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  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

The talented young dancers of the Grand Rapids Ballet School’s junior company were all set to “recreate” the ballet “Aladdin” back in 2020, and then like many stages, their’s went dark as the pandemic dropped its curtain.

And while that moment was bitter for cast and crew, young and old, “Aladdin” will finally fly in, starting this weekend — with a special tea party available.

The ballet school’s junior company will take the stage March 11-13 and March 19-20 at Peter Martin Wege Theatre to “share the familiar story of ‘Aladdin’, an impoverished boy living in Agrabah who falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine.”

A crop of promotional material from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

Choreographed by Grand Rapids Ballet School (GRBS) Director and Junior Company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo, the ballet “Aladdin” was inspired from the folktale in the book, “One Thousand and One Nights.” The adventure features a thrilling quest with mysterious characters along the way including a fierce dragon, a magic genie, and a powerful sorcerer.

“It will be an amazing production of dancing and performance,” Mosolygo told WKTV.

This production, actually, has been two years in the making after GRBS had to cancel their planned performance on opening night in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

“The students have been working extremely hard the past three months helping me recreate this ballet and they are thrilled to be given this second chance to perform it,” Mosolygo said in supplied material.

Keeping ‘Aladdin’ ready to fly

The path to this opening night, however, was not an easy one.

The planned opening night of “Aladdin” in 2020 was one that GRBS dancer Serafina Wagneveld remembers well.

“There we were, at the height of excitement, ready to go,” said Wagenveld, who will perform the role of Jasmine in the 2022 production. “At the beginning of the day we still didn’t know if we would go on.”

Then came the announcement that “Aladdin” would be postponed.

“Even then, we didn’t fully grasp what was happening,” Wagenveld said. “We were sad but hadn’t lost hope.”

As the pandemic continued, however, it became obvious that the performance GRBS Junior Company had worked so hard for would not be taking the stage anytime soon.

Attila Mosolygo. (GR Ballet)

Mosolygo told WKTV that, due to pandemic restrictions, it was more than five weeks before he was allowed back into the building after the cancellation. Walking on stage with every curtain ready to be pulled, every prop in place, Mosolygo said — “I could almost hear the music — but nothing happened.”

 

Online classes began but were difficult for the dancers, many of them improvising in their homes by performing ballet on stairwells and on kitchen counters. “It was all new and we were doing our best,” said Wagenveld.

Mosolygo said he noticed a definite shift in the mindset of students over the last two years.

“Virtual classes work in some ways, and they don’t in others. When you come to an art form that is so hands-on, to try to learn anything off your iPhone, off your tablet, off your computer — over time it’s not fun. Their attention and willpower went away.”

Wagenveld personally felt the hardship of the ongoing pandemic — “There was nothing you could be sure of anymore.”

Because of the mental and emotional toll, the dancer decided last year to take a break from dancing. But she couldn’t stay away for long.

“It wasn’t long before I came back,” said Wagenveld. “It (dancing) brings out my creativity. It is a unique way of expressing myself that not all people get to experience.”

And the junior company’s leader understands his dancer perfectly.

“Ballet is an art form, a self-expression of who you are,” Mosolygo said. “Dancing goes beyond words.”

Through the hardships the pandemic brought, Wagenveld and her classmates were able to find a silver lining. And the ability to have in-person classes again this school year and the chance to perform “Aladdin” has created excitement among the dancers and staff, healing some of the heartbreak that came with having to set aside the performance two years ago.
 

“We are more appreciative of what we have, not taking them for granted,” Wagenveld said.

Tea with Aladdin & Jasmine

For an added experience, GRBS Junior Company is hosting Aladdin & Jasmine’s Royal Tea, a “unique and memorable event, fit for both princes and princesses alike,” on Sunday, March 13, at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market in the Greenhouse space. 

The event features a photo booth, a meet and greet with “Aladdin” characters,” a kid-friendly craft, all topped off with a brunch built for kids and adults. After the Royal Tea, attendees will travel to the land of Agrabah at Peter Martin Wege Theatre to experience the thrills of “Aladdin” beginning at 2 p.m.


Tickets for “Aladdin” are available now for $18 online, via phone at (616) 454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at GRB’s Box Office. Tickets to Aladdin & Jasmine’s Royal Tea are available for $49 per person.