2011 PPAC Awards for Excellence... or, A Call to Action

A wonderful time was had by all at the 11th Annual Pikes Peak Arts Council Awards for Excellence last Friday.
The ceremony, hosted by Jim Jackson and Babette Matdiva of the recently renamed Millibo Art Theatre, made audiences both laugh and cry (in immense appreciation).
I can honestly say the only low point of the evening at the COPPeR was that I didn’t win a raffle prize. Arg! Much to the protest of Jim, I threw myself out of my seat and gnashed my teeth. But, the show went on…
Cash prizes were awarded to local artists in everything from Outstanding Production (Theater) to Excellence in Dance and more. You can see the complete list of winners below. We tip our hats to all the awesome artists and organizations in the Pikes Peak region, and it was a pleasure to recognize a few of them at this fabulous event.
Mark Arnest gave special recognition to Maestro Lawrence Leighton Smith. Arnest beautifully claimed that Maestro Smith was “the most overqualified person ever to audition.” Smith was inspiring during his “finest moment,” when he stood with the musicians in 2003, as the Colorado Springs Symphony faced bankruptcy. Instead of skipping town to pursue another conducting job, he fought for another organization, and to stay in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic was born. Upon gracing the stage, Maestro Smith simply replied, “thanks very much.”
The pinnacle moment of the evening was the presentation of the award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts to Wayne and Mary Mashburn. Having been philanthropic members of the Colorado Springs community for 34 years, the Mashburns were the “giant shoulders” that even Eve Tilley stood upon. They graciously accepted the award in front of a standing crowd.
This evening proved that art in the Pikes Peak region is both impactful and necessary. The program and list of nominees could be a To-Do List of sorts. It’s filled with mention of some of the finest individual artists, groups, organizations and presentations in the region, and I think every attendee discovered a new opportunity in our arts community.
Consider this: in Maestro Smith’s stead, comes a new era, the JCD Era. Wayne and Mary Mashburn appear to just be getting started. New art organizations are blooming everyday. And, each and every one of them deserves the support of residents and visitors of our fair region. The event was evidence that there is no lack of opportunity for artistic expression and experience in our community. I hope you’ll join COPPeR as we continue to support art in the Pikes Peak region.

Yours in creativity,
PeakRadar Gal

Opera Theatre of the Rockies' The Barber of Seville

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Opera Theatre of the Rockies’ dress rehearsal of the Barber of Seville. It was a special evening showing for students in the Colorado Springs area, with probably 80% of the crowd under the age of 18. I was skeptical at first, with the crowd’s incessant “shhhhhhushing,” but as soon as the curtain went up, a quiet gasp rolled through the audience. The set was intricate and captivating. With the first few lines, the audience was giggling (thank goodness for the translation box above the stage).
The Barber of Seville is a comedy, with Figaro the barber providing several hilarious one-liners and antics. Personally, I found him incredibly charming and totally dateable; even his striped jacket proved his impeccable fashion sense. Quirkiness is totally my style.
The rest of the cast was superb. The energy and comedic timing lead me to believe that these actors have been working together their entire lives. Even the stage hands were costumed and became part of the plot, something I hadn’t seen before but really enjoyed.
Toward the end of the first act, the crowd started getting a little restless, so I think intermission came not a moment too soon. As soon as we returned to our seats however, the audience was ready for the show to continue.
Overall, it was an excellent production. Talented performers, adorable costumes and overwhelming music made the night a great success. I certainly hope anyone reading this gets the chance to see the Barber of Seville this weekend!
I would like to give special thanks to Susanne Wheeler for allowing me to attend what became the greatest night of my week!

Viswa Subbaraman conducts the Colorado Springs Philharmonic