By Rich Corsi, Director of Programming

Well, here we are again—ready to kick off another CAPA season. The upcoming year is pretty exciting with a few Columbus debuts, some acts Columbus hasn’t seen in a while, and some dear friends that will be making their annual return to our great venues once again.

Hard to believe we were booking hotels and catering for Thanksgiving weekend’s presentation of A Christmas Carol and December’s Dave Koz show when its 90 degrees outside. It seems like summer just began, but it makes you realize that winter, unfortunately, is not too far away.

We had a couple of instances this year where we were one show short on both our Spectrum Series and Family Series. Then, out of nowhere, we received a call saying the Temptations happened to have an open date in November. It’s been years since they played Columbus and are always such a pleasure to work with, so we opened our doors and welcomed this legendary act once again. A couple days later, we received word that one of the hottest children’s shows around, Imagination Movers, wanted to stop in Columbus on their upcoming tour. Funny how things work out sometimes.

There are some exciting dance presentations this season too—Ailey II will return and perform “Revelations” for the first time in Columbus and the Complexions Contemporary Ballet will make their Columbus debut in the spring. Also, after almost 10 years, we were finally able to secure a date for the always-in-demand Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

Something I am always happy about is when we have the opportunity to engage our artists in educational components while in Columbus. Punch Brothers and Tiempo Libre will each hold a music master class, and Ailey II will conduct a dance master class. It means a lot to students to be able to interact with professional artists, so any time we can incorporate education elements, we definitely do.

Thanks again for all your interest in and attendance at our presentations. Without your support, none of it would be possible. It makes me think of a line from the film Field of Dreams—“If you build it, they will come.” Our season is built, and we now hope you will come—and enjoy.

- Rich

Our guest blogger this week is Mindy Hayward. Mindy is the Marketing Manager for BalletMet, and has been working with CAPA & Broadway Across America as a Marketing Consultant for WICKED. Mindy has worked on both engagements of WICKED in Columbus, which makes her an expert on the topic of all things revolving around the show.

The Ohio Theatre is a flurry of excitement as the Broadway blockbuster WICKED prepares to open a 5-week engagement starting on Wednesday. Load-in (when the stage crew starts to install sets, lights, etc.) began Monday, so I had to sneak down to the theatre and take a peek. To say the room was “electric” doesn’t begin to describe the atmosphere.

In the back of the theatre, electricians were running cables for WICKED’s extensive light control board. Dozens of stagehands were preparing the well-known Time Dragon proscenium to be hung above the historic Ohio Theatre stage. Even a casual observer would know this show is something special.

Others have been working behind the scenes for months. Immediately after WICKED closed in Columbus in 2007, booking teams in New York and Columbus began working on return dates for the production. For the past few months, marketing and public relations teams have been helping to spread the word about WICKED, and ticketing teams have been hard at work filling group and individual ticket requests so that every WICKED fan has an opportunity to see this amazing show.

“The untold story of the Wizard of Oz” played to 66,000 people when it first visited Columbus in 2007. If you weren’t able to see it then, you definitely won’t want to miss it this time. Find out what happened before Dorothy dropped in on Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. Tickets are still available! Join us at the Ohio Theatre this summer as the Land of Oz comes to life as you’ve never seen it before.

By Rolanda Copley, CAPA Publicist

Ever wonder what it would be like to be backstage at WICKED? Well, now’s your chance! Get an exclusive, sneak peak behind the curtain of WICKED this Sunday, July 25, at 2 pm when WSYX ABC 6 airs a 30-minute special on Broadway’s biggest blockbuster. The special presentation reveals never-before-seen backstage footage, as well as actor interviews and a detailed look on how the Broadway spectacular came to be. WICKED’s creative team, including Academy and Grammy Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, explains how the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire was brought to the Broadway stage.

And remember, there’s still time to get your WICKED tickets! It opens at the Ohio Theatre on Wednesday, July 28, and runs through Sunday, August 29. Tickets start at $37.50 and can be purchased at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com/wicked. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. The Ohio Theatre Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm.

Good seats are still available. For best available seating, please try weeknight and Sunday evening performances, as well as the special Thursday matinee on July 29.

by Dustin Grovemiller, Donor Relations Manager

If you take into account all of the theatres that CAPA operates and maintains here in Columbus, you’d be looking at about 375 years of history. Doesn’t that seem like something that’s worth four hours of your time?

The reason that I bring this up is that on Saturday, July 24, CAPA will be hosting it second annual “Theatre Crawl.” The Crawl is a unique opportunity to explore three of our community’s historic venues in one morning. While CAPA does offer tours of our theatres on a regular basis, the opportunity to visit more than one at one time is pretty rare–in fact, it only happens once a year!

Focusing on the three theatres owned by CAPA–the Ohio (1928), the Palace (1926), and the Southern (1896)–tour groups will be able to hear about the history of each building, spend some quality time exploring the venues, and will even get an extra look at areas not typically included on regular tours. As part of the Crawl, our guests will also get to hear the Ohio Theatre’s principal organist, Clark Wilson, demonstate the “Mighty Morton” Theatre Organ and discuss what makes this unique instrument one of the finest theatre organs still in operation today.

The only downside to this unique event is that space is limited–to be able to work all this activity into one day, we can only accommodate about 100 people. So if spending time getting to know some Columbus landmarks sounds like a good idea to you, act quickly! Tickets are available through the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office and are $15 for the general public and $10 for CAPA donors. Lunch is included as part of the activities. More information about the Theatre Crawl can be found here.

It’s CAPA’s job to maintain these magnificent buildings so that they can be enjoyed by both artists and audiences alike. We hope that you’ll consider joining us in remembering why our community is so lucky to have all this history, all the memories of performances past, here among us.

By Joe Cortez, Web & Social Media Coordinator

Everywhere we look, we’re bombarded by mobile applications. There’s an app to listen to music, find restaurants, connect to our networks, play board games…the list goes on and on. This is something that we have paid attention to – after all, the more advanced mobile devices get, the more we expect from them. In that spirit, CAPA has developed its first mobile application for iPhone and Android-based phone users—the 2010 Summer Movie Series app, presented by PNC.

From this app, you can check out what movies are coming to the Ohio Theatre, call the CAPA ticket office to purchase movie ticket strips, and get directions to the Ohio Theatre. You can also connect to us on Facebook and Twitter from your mobile device (if you haven’t already done so).

The CAPA Summer Movie Series mobile app is a step towards the continued fusion of arts and technology. It allows us to better serve our audiences (you) by providing information and convenience no matter where you are.

Take some time to check out the new CAPA Summer Movie Series mobile app by visiting http://www.capasummermovies.com/ with your iPhone or Android-based phone. Add it to your home screen so you can have it with you no matter where you go!

By Elena Perantoni, Venue Rental Coordinator

One dreary Thursday afternoon a couple weeks ago, I decided to take break from a hectic day and sit in the balcony of the Ohio Theatre for a moment. But I wasn’t alone. I had forgotten about the tour scheduled for that afternoon—a tour that included a light show and demonstration of the original Robert Morton theatre organ. I was soon in awe of what I was seeing and hearing. I’ve scheduled such tours, but never had the opportunity to experience one myself.

I often take for granted that a gorgeous, 82-year-old historical landmark is 50 feet from where I sit every day. The more I work in theatre, and especially now with CAPA, I find that it’s not just the shows and the audiences that make live theatre so spectacular. The theatres themselves contribute quite a bit to the atmosphere and enjoyment of the performances we’re seeing.

Audiences of the CAPA Summer Movie Series get the opportunity to take advantage of three behind-the-scenes tours on Saturday, June 12, Saturday, June 26, and Saturday, July 10 at 4:30pm each day. These one-hour tours give insight into the rich history of the Ohio Theatre including its original construction and the massive campaign to “Save the Ohio” in 1969. Tour-goers will also be treated to the many magnificent sounds of the “Mighty Morton” theatre organ.

Tours are free, but reservations are necessary and space is limited to 100 guests per tour. Reservations can be made by visiting www.capasummermovies.com or by leaving a message at 614-719-6743. Please be sure to specify the tour date you prefer. Tours do involve stairs.

The coolest history lesson you’ll ever get followed by classic movie magic in the gorgeous Ohio Theatre is an unbeatable combination for a summer evening in downtown Columbus.

See you at the theatre!

By Rolanda Copley, CAPA Publicist

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since the Lincoln Theatre reopened. But here we are, one year later, and all three floors of the Lincoln are going strong. That is something Columbus can be proud of.

The Lincoln is unlike any other theatre CAPA owns or manages, and in fact, is a rarity in this country. The Egyptian Revival-style décor the Lincoln wears so beautifully became very popular in the late 1920s after the discovery of King Tut’s tomb fascinated the world. Sadly, today there are very few Egyptian Revival-style theatres left.

Secondly, the Lincoln Theatre is multi-functional in that all three floors can operate independently and simultaneously on any given day. No other theatre in Columbus has as much versatility, let alone modern amenities. She is truly a marriage between history and technology.

Come and see for yourself how truly special the Lincoln Theatre is as we celebrate the one year anniversary of her renovation and reopening. On Monday, May 31, the Lincoln (769 E. Long St.) will hold an open house from 12-4 pm. Take a free, self-guided tour and enjoy a short video in the main theatre about the renovation of this historic gem.

Several of the Lincoln’s resident arts groups will be in the second-floor Cardinal Health Ballroom with literature and information about upcoming classes and programs, and The Jazz Arts Group’s Jazz Academy will also be offering tours of its top-floor facilities and have information available about upcoming classes and programs.

At 1 pm, there will be an induction ceremony in front of the theatre under the marquee to debut the first name on its Walk of Fame, awarded to Columbus native and award-winning author and journalist Wil Haygood, followed by the cutting of the Lincoln Theatre’s first birthday cake by Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

It will be a day to remember!

by Dustin Grovemiller, Donor Relations Manager

One of my responsibilities here at CAPA is the planning and coordination of the annual CAPA Gala. The Gala is really the only major fundraising event that CAPA holds on an annual basis. As you can imagine, if you’re only doing one big shindig a year, it’s really got to be something. Thankfully, I work with many individuals who have really great ideas and are dedicated to making this a great event. Our Gala chairs, planning committee, and fellow staffers really stepped up to pull off a fantastic evening in support of CAPA, which raised about $135,000.

This year’s Gala was held on Friday, April 30, at the Southern Theatre and the Grand Ballroom at the adjoining Westin Columbus. We always hold the Gala at one of our theatres (it’s been at the Ohio for the last two years and at the Palace in 2007), but this was the one I had been waiting for. The Southern is my favorite of the CAPA theatres, not to mention that it’s a jaw-droppingly beautiful space and it’s in the same building as an equally beautiful hotel.

The evening’s “Broadway Bound” theme highlighted CAPA’s new partnership with Broadway Across America, and we tried to add a lot of “awards ceremony” flair to the event. When guests arrived, they walked the red carpet and mingled on the Southern’s stage to enjoy a cocktail or two. The program for the evening showcased the upcoming Broadway season and featured singer Sarah Hiance and pianist Nathan Laing performing songs from those shows. The Gala patrons then moved to the Westin for a fabulous dinner (the entree was Mongolian Marinated Petite Fillet with Five-Spiced Salmon. We can’t say enough about the excellent work done by the Westin’s chef and staff), with yet more music by another talented local musician, pianist and singer Matt Munhall. Following dinner, our guests returned to the Southern for dessert and dancing on the stage, getting to cut loose to classic tunes covered by the Bill Foley Band.

By all accounts, it was a much enjoyed event. You can see for yourself at the web site of our photographers for the evening, Ben Simon and Emily Scott: http://www.bensimonstudio.com/.

The best part of this year’s Gala, however, wasn’t that we raised money, promoted CAPA, or even just threw a great party. We had the pleasure of honoring two individuals who have made significant contributions both to CAPA and to our community–Barbara and Dr. Ralph Lach. We got to hear from family and friends about the remarkable impact that the Lachs have made. To show our gratitude for their commitment and many years of service (Barbara has been on the CAPA Board since 1980), CAPA is officially renaming the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office in their honor. As our central ticket office, it’s one of the places at CAPA that, like the Lachs, truly touches all of our theatres.

Thanks again to everyone who helped make the 2010 CAPA Gala a success.

By Rich Corsi, Director of Programming

It’s hard to believe this is the 40th CAPA Summer Movie Series, presented by PNC. After being involved in one form or another for the past 19 years, I know it takes a lot of work and a lot of people to put it together, and I am proud to be a part of it.

We usually start looking at the movie lineup in December. Lance Carwile, consultant for the CAPA Summer Movie Series, operates as a liaison between CAPA and the big movie companies like SONY Pictures, Warner Brothers, Criterion, etc., and will contact the movie companies, book the films, and send the contracts to CAPA. Let’s just say, without Lance, this would be a much more difficult process.

Assigning dates to the films is the most complicated and time-consuming part of the process. Many 35mm prints may not be available on the dates we request, so we shuffle things around until the entire puzzle fits together.

There are two things about the Series that still amaze me even after so many years. First is the fact that after 40 years, we are still able to present “series premieres.” You would think we would have shown every movie ever made by now!

Secondly, watching the crowds arrive and seeing their excitement is still an awesome feeling. In talking to folks over the years, it seems an evening at the Summer Movie Series is much more than just attending a movie. It is an event. It’s being greeted at the front door by the CAPA ushers, listening to the magnificent “Mighty Morton” theatre organ prior to the show, and escaping reality for a little while to enjoy a great film you wouldn’t otherwise be able see on the big screen. It’s the experience the architect of the theatre wanted you to have since opening the doors of this movie show palace in 1928.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the thousands of folks coming through the doors of the Ohio Theatre for the Summer Movie Series again. Some may be attending for the first time, and some may have been here so many times, they could give a tour of the theatre themselves! Whether it’s a date night or a treat for the children or grandchildren, you just have to love the Summer Movie Series.

See you at the Ohio!

by Joe Cortez, Web & Social Media Coordinator

When you see Pilobolus on our website, you may immediately think that it is nothing more than modern dance. What you probably don’t know about them, however, is that Pilobolus is more than dance. For instance, did you know that Pilobolus has produced short films for the past two seasons of NFL broadcasts? Or that they have performed in more than 64 countries around the world, including a performance for the Queen of England? And in addition, Pilobolus has made numerous television appearances, including CBS’ 60 Minutes, The Late Show with Conan O’Brien, Oprah, and have won an Emmy for their work in television? Sure, modern dance may be one aspect of Pilobolus’ work – but they span so much more than just what you’ll see at the Palace Theatre on Thursday night.

This week, I had the opportunity to catch up with some of the dancers of Pilobolus, and ask them about their motivations. Read from them how they got started, and their favorite performance pieces that you will see here in Columbus!

Q: When and why did you begin dancing?

Nile Russel, dancer: I began dancing when I was about 5 yrs old.  My mom put me into tap lessons after school with Ms. Jackie Flynn.  I went every day after school. I loved being able to move, feel rhythms, and bounce my body against the music, but it sucked being the only guy in class.  It wasn’t until high school and, more so, in college that dance became my passion, however, I think tap and Ms. Flynn have influenced my  approach to dance.

Erika Jimbo, dancer: I began dancing with my sister when I was about 5 years old.  My mother enrolled us both in a ballet program because she always wanted to learn when she was younger, but was never given the chance.  She thought it would be fun for us.

Chris Whitney, dancer: I started my formal dance training the summer following my senior year of high school.  Since the age of 11 I had been involved in theatre productions, musicals, Shakespeare, et cetera.  It was during a high school production in Cleveland that I met Bill Wade, then Director/Founder of the Y.A.R.D. (Youth At Risk Dancing) at Cleveland School for the Arts.  I spent the first six weeks of my summer taking classes at a summer intensive run by Mr. Wade and from then on was hooked.

Matt Del Rosario, dancer: It all started when I was attending the University of Hawaii.  I began as an inspired education major, but before long I started skipping class to surf.  My “Oh, I’ll go tomorrow” attitude led to me failing multiple classes.  So, I decided to take a dance class to boost my GPA.  I signed up for beginning ballet with Paul Maley, who happened to be an alumnus of North Carolina School of the Arts.  It was the hardest thing in the world, but I really enjoyed it and didn’t give up.  Paul got me in contact with NCSA and that year the dean of NCSA’s dance department flew to Hawaii to audition me at home.  After the audition she invited me to come to the school, and that’s how I got started.

Q: What’s your favorite piece to perform?

Annika Sheaff, dancer: “Rushes”, from 2007, is a piece that I was lucky enough to help create.  We collaborated on it with the Israeli choreographers Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Pollack, who I think are genius artists.  I was able to help create a world, and a  character within that world, that over the past three years I have become attached to.  I learn more and more about the character each time I perform the dance.  It is amazing to feel that even though I have performed Rushes hundreds of times, every performance is still new for me, and I can always dig deeper into it.

Matt Del Rosario: My favorite piece to perform would have to be “Gnomen.”  There is a sense of brotherhood and compassion that I really respect about this piece.

Our thanks goes to the dancers of Pilobolus for taking the time to talk to me about their experiences!

Its not too late to get tickets to see Pilobolus in concert! Use the password “DANCER” and you can get 50% off tickets! To order tickets, call 614-469-0939, visit the CAPA Ticket Office at the Ohio Theatre or the Palace Theatre Ticket Office 2 hours before the show begins, or click here to order from Ticketmaster!

And for all of our Facebook fans: we’ve got a special photo gallery up on Facebook right now! Click here to check it out!