September 9, 2009.

Spotlight: The Shubert Theater

The Shubert Theater has a long history in New Haven — it was originally opened in 1914! Because of its location (outside of but still close to New York), the Shubert attracted a large following among producers as the place to try out shows before bringing them to Broadway.

Five Rodgers and Hammerstein shows had their world premieres at theShubert in the 1940s and 50s (Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and the Sound of Music). In 1947, A Streetcar Named Desire premiered at the Shubert, beginning Marlon Brando’s career!

Unfortunately, the theater’s popularity declined in the 1970s, culminating with its closing in 1976.  The city of New Haven then purchased and refurbished the theater, which finally reopened in 1983, and was part of the revitalization of New Haven’s downtown area.

Today, the Shubert is a main venue for Broadway touring companies.  It is also a part of the Yale arts scene - many Yale School of Music productions take place at the Shubert, which is one of the five major theaters active in New Haven (others include the Yale Repertory Theatre and the Long Wharf Theater).The theatre is also a major concert venue in New Haven.

OOTB has even had a bit of experience with the Shubert. The group opened for Ben Folds when he performed at the Shubert, and Max and Emily have sung there separately (in Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dido & Aeneas, and the Yale School of Music’s Die Zauberfl öte, respectively).

“The Narwhal Song”

This is a shout-out to all those who selected “Narwhal” on the audition questionnaire!

September 8, 2009.

Random Internet Thing of the Day: ToneMatrix

The only way to see how cool this audio toy is to experience it. Just click on squares in the ToneMatrix to get started. Hit space to clear the matrix to start over.

Auditions Day 2

The rush table is in the Branford Courtyard.

We have bagels and coffee and CANDY. Come say hi!

image source: http://cheezburger.com/View.aspx?ciid=4895254

September 2, 2009.

HAPPENING ON CAMPUS: Paid choir position with Yale University Chapel Choir

Yup, you are reading that right! Full email as follows:

“We are a 24-member ALL PAID ensemble consisting of undergraduates and graduates from every corner of Yale. In past years, a cappella members have contributed significantly to this choir, and we would love to continue that tradition. Max Blum will actually be joining us this year as our Tenor section leader.

September 2, 2009.