Photos Released of the New 'Phantom' UK Tour

John Owen-Jones (Phantom) and Katie Hall (Christine) in
the Phantom's lair.
(photos credit: Michael Le Poer Trench and Robin Savage)

Producer Cameraon Mackintosh has kept a tight leash on revealing any performance videos or even production photos of the new re-imaginged UK Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of the Opera'. Finally some photos of the new production have been released. The revelation is the costumes by Maria Bjornson are not changed.  It is the new set design by Mick Potter that will likely be the subject of argument for those who have seen the original.

So far these photos reveal that there are steps (pictured above) that lead down to the Phantom's lair amid floating candles. For the "Masquerade" sequence (pictured below) the grand steps of the opera house are gone. Instead the playing space is opened up to be an ornate circular ballroom with a large oval mirror above the revelers.

Visit thephantomoftheoperatour.com for tour dates, tickets and more information. Tour dates in the UK are scheduled into 2013. It's unlikely any announcement will be made anytime soon regarding if the tour will play London or international cities.

The company during "Masquerade"

Angela M. Caesar (Carlotta) in the "Hannibal" scenes.

John Owen-Jones (Phantom) and Katie Hall (Christine)

John Owen-Jones (Phantom)

ProBax Seats Installed In August Wilson Theatre

August Wilson Theatre (photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Anyone can tell you that sitting in a Broadway theatre seat for two-half hours can be literally a pain in the butt. Following the example of the Ambassador Theatre Group in London which installed ProBax seats in their West End venues, Jujamcyn Theatres installed the brand of seating technology at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City.

Design of the ProBax seats installed
in London theaters.

The August Wilson is the first theatre in North America to have the ProBax seats installed. The seating technology requires no changes to the seat frame, design or upholstery and can be upgraded by changing the base of the cushion alone. The seats are ergonomic using dual density foams that encourage anatomically correct posture and are expected to last longer than regular seating. This same technology is applied for use in movie theaters, cars and aircrafts. The ultimate goal is for the comfort of the audience.

But more amazing about the transformation is that each seat cushion and seat back at the August Wilson was changed without the loss of a single performance of the musical 'Jersey Boys' taking place between the end of a Sunday, January 8 matinee and the start of the Tuesday, January 10 evening show. The venue currently has a capacity to accommodate 1,250 theatergoers.

But will the new seats help audiences enjoy a Broadway play? Or will it prevent others from putting their feet up against the back of seat in front of them? No word yet if other New York theaters will gain the new seating. Click HERE to read The New Yorker's unique perspective on the ProBax seats.

Project Runway Meets Broadway: 'Godspell' Challenge

Although it took a while, reality competition series 'Project Runway' finally offered its first challenge linked to Broadway. The episode which aired last month on the Lifetime network featured 'Godspell' composer Stephen Schwartz explaining the challenge.

Each designer had to create a costume for a character in the musical revival of 'Godspell' who is very rich and who wants everyone to know how rich and showy she is. The look had to be something that the character may have pulled from her own closet or thrift stores and was colorful and exaggerated but looks great.

Adding to the difficulty of the challenge is the costume would be placed on the character by the other actors in the musical so it was also a separates challenge. The cost for their raw materials was limited to $200. The episode was part of the special "Project Runway All-Stars" season. The winning look was designed to be runway worthy but adapted for the actual Broadway stage production. Guest judge was two-time Tony winner ('Anything Goes' 2011 revival, 'Thoroughly Modern Millie') Sutton Foster.

Click HERE for more information and videos from the 'Godspell' challenge episode. Visit mylifetime.com for more information about the series. 'Godspell' plays the Circle Theatre In the Square Theatre in New York City. Visit godspell.com for tickets and more information.

The photos below show each look that walked the runway and the name of the designer appears below each photo. The winning design and the costume as it appears on Broadway appears at bottom.

Design by Mondo Guerra
(photos: Lifetime Entertainment Services)

Design by Austin Scarlett

Design by Michael Costello

Design by Jerell Scott

Design by Kenley Collins

Design by Mila Hermanovski

Design by Kara Janx

The winning look by Mondo Guerra and adapted look for the 'Godspell' musical.
The photos above are ranked from highest to lowest as they were featured
in the results portion of the "Project Runway All Stars" episode.
Kara Janx had the losing design and she was out of the competition.

Mondo Guerra and 'Godspell' actress Lindsay Mendez.

Sculptures as Illusions Invade Park Avenue

(photos credit: nyclovesnyc/flickr)

Between now and June 30, nine-stainless steel sculptures designed by Venezuelan artist Rafael Barrios will be displayed along New York City's Park Avenue between 51st and 67th Streets. Each sculpture weighs about a ton and appear to be huge, three-dimensional perspective illusions.

The sculptures when seen from one angle appears to be thick and solid three-dimensional pieces. While from another perspective they appear paper thin. The technique which Barrios has been perfecting since the 1970s is called "virtualism" characterized by the sculptures look of floating metal.

The presentation is part of the art program along Park Avenue that has been running since 2000. Visit fundforparkavenue.org for more information about the project.

One pedestrian took this video of one of the sculptures on Park Avenue:

Movies To Travel By: "Midnight In Paris"

Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams at Giverny.
(production photos: Sony Pictures Classics)

We all likely have a romantic vision of Paris. Woody Allen captures that feeling in the first ten minutes of his 2011 film "Midnight in Paris" offering postcard view after view of the "city of light." It's almost worth the admission just to admire these picture perfect images of Paris even after the story begins and characters begin inhabiting the foreground.

"Midnight in Paris" is a romantic comedy fantasy and to reveal its story is likely to reveal its surprises. In his four-star review of the film, Roger Ebert indicates in his first sentence that the review contains spoilers and that he can't imagine a way to review the film without discussing the delightful fantasy at the heart of Allen's new film.

Without giving much away, here's an excerpt from Ebert's review: "The film is sort of a daydream for American lit majors. It opens with a couple on holiday in Paris with her parents. Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams) are officially in love, but maybe what Gil really loves is Paris in the springtime. He's a hack screenwriter from Hollywood who still harbors the dream of someday writing a good novel and joining the pantheon of American writers whose ghosts seem to linger in the very air he breathes...He'd like to live in Paris. Inez would like to live in an upper-class American suburb...One night, he wanders off by himself, gets lost, sits on some church steps, and as a bell rings midnight, a big old Peugot pulls up filled with revelers."

The story then takes a turn that is one of the most magical and whimsical in recent moviemaking years. It is one of the best films of 2011 and among the best of Woody Allen's career.

Rachel McAdams and Owen Wilson at the Palace at Versailles.

Owen Wilson perusing the street markets of Paris.

Film locations, beautifully photographed by cinematographer Darius Khondji, include the Palace at Versailles, Sacre-Coeur, Ile de la Cite, Giverny, John XXIII Square near Notre Dame, and the streets near the Pantheon. Even the Hotel le Bristol where Gil and Inez stay contains images of luxurious accommodations that we can only dream about. Quaint street makets and fine restaurants complete the wonderful locales in the film. The first scene with Gil and Inez includes images of a Monet painting come to life. Visit movie-locations.com for more details of the film's various location.

"Midnight in Paris" is Woody Allen's highest grossing film domestically and internationally. Its global box office stands at over $151 million. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards including best picture winning the Oscar for best original screenplay.

Woody Allen took care in casting all the roles. Besides Wilson and McAdams, Kurt Fuller and Mimi Kennedy play the parents of Inez. Great supporting work is provided by Michael Sheen, Alison Pill, Tom Hiddleston, Kathy Bates, Marion Cotillard, Adrien Brody and Lea Seydoux. Even Carla Bruni, who was the First Lady of France at the time of filming, is excellent in her few scenes as a tour guide at the Rodin Museum.

Two actors who should expect more roles to come their way are Corey Stoll (spoiler warning: he plays Ernest Hemingway) and Nina Arianda as Carol, a friend of Gil and Inez, both of whom make great impressions onscreen in their few scenes. But it is Wilson who carries the film with his quiet charm.

"Midnight in Paris" is available on DVD and Blu-ray and songs featured in the film is available on CD. On iTunes, click HERE to download the film or HERE to download the music.

Michael Sheen, Nina Arianda, Rachel McAdams and Owen Wilson
at Versailles.

Owen Wilson and Lea Seydoux on the Point Alexander III.

Left to right: Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Corey Stoll and Daniel Lundh.

Marion Cotillard and Owen Wilson strolling the streets of Paris.

Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams at the Hotel le Bristol

Carla Bruni and Owen Wilson at the Rodin Museum.

On the set with Marion Cotillard, Owen Wilson and writer/director
Woody Allen.

Alison Pill and Tom Hiddleston evoking a style of Paris in the past.

Owen Wilson taking a stroll along the Seine.

Owen Wilson sitting on the steps of the Church of St. Etienne du Mont.

Manoa Valley Theatre: Hawaii's Off-Broadway Playhouse

The walkway to the Manoa Valley Theatre crosses through a former
church cemetery. (photos credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

After reviewing 'Spring Awakening' this week, this gives me the opportunity publish a post about Manoa Valley Theatre. The venue bills itself as "Honolulu's 150-Seat, Off-Broadway Playhouse" and that is for the most part true. This complements the productions at Diamond Head Theatre, also located in Honolulu, which often presents local premieres and revivals of big-budget Broadway musicals. Both theatre companies however can and have presented both Broadway and off-Broadway productions.

MVT was founded in 1969 by graduate students of the University of Hawaii as the Hawaii Performing Arts Company. The Manoa Valley Theatre name was not adopted until the company's second decade and named for the lush, green valley where their venue is located.

Manoa Valley Theatre presents an annual six-show season. The 2011-2012 season includes Hawaii premieres of 'The 39 Steps,' 'God of Carnage,' and 'Spring Awakening'. 'Little Shop of Horrors,' 'Dividing the Estate' and 'Honk!' make up the balance of the current season.

The versatile auditorium can be accommodated to host productions
with traditional, in-the-round or cabaret seating. Pictured above is
the seats along the right of the auditorium. On stage is the set for their
production of 'Spring Awakening.'

The theatre company occupies land on which a former church stood and evidence that remains is the cemetery and church bell monument that fronts the theatre facilities. Seating for each show can be different as required by the production requirements. Audiences should always inquire if the seating is traditional or in-the-round or cabaret. None of the seating is reserved so it's first come first served with subscribers allowed priority entry.

I used to be a subscriber of Manoa Valley Theatre but due to cost of subscriptions, play selections and their reliance on cabaret type and audience participation productions, I opted to only attend select productions. As much as I love theater I made the difficult choice of subscribing to only one of Hawaii's two major theatre companies. Both Manoa Valley Theatre and Diamond Head Theatre offers the opportunity for local audiences to see New York productions once the rights become available.

Performances usually run evenings Thursdays to Saturdays and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The theatre has no parking facility so as a courtesy audiences are allowed to park in stalls near East Manoa Road at the neighboring Manoa Marketplace shopping center.

Visit manoavalleytheatre.com or call 808-988-6131 for more info. The theatre is located at 2833 East Manoa Road in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In lieu of a marquee, banners announce the current productions at
Manoa Valley Theatre.

Review: 'Spring Awakening" at Manoa Valley Theatre

When Manoa Valley Theatre in Honolulu announced the Hawaii premiere of the musical ‘Spring Awakening’ as part of their 2011-2012 season, there was a question if the show would remain as provocative in a community theatre as when it premiered in New York City in 2006.

Audiences can be assured that the local creative team behind this ‘Spring Awakening’ have not tinkered with the subject matter and will likely surprise or even stun those unfamiliar with the work.

Based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 German play of the same name, this rock musical adaptation depicts a dozen young people making their way through the thrilling, complicated, dangerous and mysterious time of sexual awakening: masturbation, abortion, homosexuality, rape, child abuse and suicide.

The musical retains its 19th century European time period and MVT costume designer Dusty Behner have dressed the actors appropriately: the girls covered in long dresses (think “Little House on the Prairie”) and the boys in matching black school uniforms. This plays in stark contrast to composer Duncan Sheik and book writer/lyricist Steven Sater’s pop-rock songs and the set designed by Andrew Doan that splits the stage into two levels. Most of the action takes place in front of white walls that span the length of the stage upon which the cast fills with graffiti throughout the performance. The upper level playing area has a background depicting buildings and structures of the era.

Leading the excellently chosen young cast is Elise Levin and Jonah Ho’okano. Levin plays the innocent and questioning Wendla who by her curiosity entices her radical classmate Melchior (Ho’okano). No doubt their scene at the end of act one will be the controversial talk during intermission. Both are fine actors who never once appear coy or uncomfortable in their roles.

Elise Levin (Wendla) and Jonah Ho'okano (Melchior)
(photo credit: Manoa Valley Theatre)

'Spring Awakening' company.
(photo credit: Bruce Asato)

Another storyline follows Moritz, a doomed student played by Garett Taketa who seems oddly a bit more mature than his co-stars but reveals a confused vulnerability. Among the peripheral players Joel Libed as Hanschen offers moments of comic relief. His arrogance in his scene with the fragile Ernst (Gerald Mandac) is tempered to reveal depth and poignancy.

Craig Howes and Liz Stone play all the adult roles and though they competently play the authority figures, both fail to punch up their dialogue losing several moments of humor and insight into the morals of the time.

But it’s the songs of Sheik and Slater that will entrance audiences. Titles such as “The Bitch of Living” and “Totally Fucked” may aim to shock but become show stoppers for the cast. Just as captivating are “My Junk” and “Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind”. Its score is one of the most unique, memorable and has no comparison that has played the Great White Way. Many may akin the music to Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” but the scores are not similar and comparison unfair. There’s moodiness in Sheik’s score that is very different to Larson’s music.

Unusual and fascinating, ‘Spring Awakening’ is likely to attract audiences especially through word of mouth among the students at nearby schools and University of Hawaii. An extension would be in order in hopes that many others will be willing to take a chance and discover this Tony Award winning best musical.  MVT takes a gamble and produces a version that is different from the Broadway original and it pays off artistically and critically.

‘Spring Awakening’ is presented at Manoa Valley Theatre in Honolulu. Performances run March 8, 2012 to March 25, 2012; 7:30pm Thursdays, 8pm Fridays; 3pm & 8pm Saturdays and 4pm Sundays. Ticket prices: $35 general; $30 seniors and military; $20 for those 25 and younger. Unreserved seating. Auditorium opens 30 minutes before curtain time. The production is recommended for ages 14 and older and contains very strong language, sexual situations and partial nudity. Visit manoavalleytheatre.com for tickets and information. Call 808-988-6131 or visit the theatre box office at 2833 East Manoa Road. (Review of 3/10/12 performance).

Garett Taketa (Moritz) and Craig Howes.
(photo credit: Bruce Asato)

'Spring Awakening' company (photo: Manoa Valley Theatre)

Airlines Expand Overhead Bins

(photo credit: msnbc)

In response to checked-bag fees and more passengers boarding with larger carry-on bags, many airlines have replaced overhead bins with larger ones or will usher in new jets with expanded bins.

The Associated Press reports the following:

• United will replace bin doors on all of its Airbus A320s. The doors curve out more to let passengers slide bags into bins wheels first. These planes will hold 106 roll-on bags, up from 64.
• New American Airlines 737 jets will hold 48 more bags than the planes they are replacing. These planes however hold 24 more seats. Older 737 are getting new bin doors that curve out more.
• Delta Air Lines is adding new bins to 767 jets on international routes which hold 26 more bags than the ones they are replacing.
• Boeing is designing the bins on its new 787 Dreamliner to hold a standard 9x14x22-inch roll-aboard bag wheels in first. It you bought your roll-aboard from Costco, it should fit as bags from the retailer were used to test out the fit of the bins.
• US Airways had already enlarged bins in 2008 on its 757 planes flying long-haul routes that allow bags to be stowed wheels in first.

At the same time airlines may be getting tougher in enforcing carry-on bag rules. It is reported that if you cannot find space for your carry-on bag in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, you may no choice other than to check your bag. Be careful because airlines may still be able to charge you a checked bag fee even if you have to check it at the gate. In the cabin, flight attendants may or may not be available to help you search for space for your carry-on bag in the cabin.

Note: The MSNBC video below may not play on mobile devices.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Food Etiquette Rules When You Travel

(photo credit: lifehacker.com)

We should always display our best table manners no matter where we are. But many would be surprised at the table etiquette observed around the world. Budget Travel details some of these rules to keep in mind.

• In Thailand, don't put food in your mouth with a fork. A fork is used to only to push food onto your spoon.
• In Japan, never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice. Chopsticks should be placed together on the right in front of you parallel to the edge of the table. During funerals the rice of bowl of the deceased is placed before their coffin with their chopsticks upright in the rice.
• In the Middle East, India and parts of Africa, don't eat with your left hand. The left hand is associated with bodily functions and therefore considered dirty.
• At a traditional feast in the Republic of Georgia, it's rude to sip your wine. Glasses tend to be small so down the whole glass at once.
• In Mexico, never eat tacos with a fork and a knife. Mexicans think it looks silly and snobby to do so.
• In Italy, drink a cappuccino only before noon. Order it afterwards and you'll be branded a tourist. Order an espresso instead. Italians feel that a late-day cappuccino upsets the stomach.

(photo credit: dairygoodness)

• In Britain, always pass the port to the left (and remember the Bishop of Norwich). The origins of why this tradition is important are unclear. If you're at a meal and the decanter stalls, then ask the person with it, "Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?" If they say they don't know him reply, "He's a very good chap, but he always forgets to pass the port." Passing the decanter to the right is a big gaffe.
• In France, don't eat your bread as an appetizer before a meal. Eat it as an accompaniment to your food, especially to the cheese course at the end of the meal. Placing bread directly on the table is acceptable and preferred in France.
• In China, don't flip your fish. It's bad luck to flip your fish after finishing one side. The most superstitious Chinese will leave the bottom part untouched, while others will pull off the bone to get to the bottom.
• In Italy, don't ask for parmesan for your pizza. Putting parmesan on pizza is seen as a sin and many dishes in Italy aren't meant for parmesan. It they don't offer it, don't ask.

(photo credit: cellartours.com)

• Don't eat anything, even fries, with your hands at a meal in Chile. Manners are more formal in this country than in other South American counties. So while it may be practical to eat with your fingers, don't do it.
• In Korea, if an older person offers you a drink, lift your glass to receive it with both hands. Doing so is a sign of respect for elders, an important tenet of Korean culture. After accepting the pour, you should turn your head and take a discreet sip. Also don't start eating until the eldest male has done so and don't' leave the table until that person has finished.
• Never mix (or turn down) vodka in Russia. The beverage is always drunk neat not even with ice. Adding anything is seen as polluting the drink's purity. Also offering a drink is a sign of friendship. If offered one it's a good idea to take it.
• When drinking coffee with Bedouins in the Middle East, shake the cup at the end. Unless you shake the cup, anyone Bedouin will continually pour you more coffee. Shaking the cup is done by tilting the cup two or three times when you hand it back.
• In Brazil, play your tokens wisely. At a Brazilian steakhouse servers circle with cuts of meat and diners use tokens to place an order. Use your token for something you want by placing it on the table with the green side up. If you don't want anymore, flip with the red side up.

Click HERE to read the full article on budgettravel.com.

American Airlines Announces Main Cabin Extra

In 2000, American Airlines implemented "more room throughout coach" that the airline heavily advertised which added extra leg room on several of their aircrafts by removing at least two rows of seats. By 2004 and with the difficult economy, American replaced the removed seats to squeeze in more passengers to generate more revenue.

This month the airline announced that select rows in the front of the coach cabin in their aircrafts will include extra legroom (approximately four to six inches) classified as Main Cabin Extra. The changes in American Airlines cabins will begin later this year. Those seated in these rows will also enjoy priority boarding privileges.

The first jets that will include Main Cabin Extra is the airline's new Boeing 777-300ER which will fly select international routes starting in December.

Main Cabin Extra will be complimentary to elite mileage members who hold Aadvantage Executive Platinum and Aadvantage Platinum status as well as those holding a full-fare economy ticket. Until December 2013, Aadvantage Gold members will be able to gain complimentary access to the cabin as well. After that date, Gold members and other passengers interested in Main Cabin Extra will be able to purchase the privilege when booking a flight or up until airport check-in cut-off time. Prices will range between $8 and $108 per segment. The longer the airline flight, the longer the segment and the higher cost for Main Cabin Extra.

As an elite member I'm looking forward to this change. Up to now the only way to get the extra leg room in coach on American was to reserve a seat in the exit row located mid-way in the coach cabin where some of the seats did not recline. This feature will allow extra leg room but access to the front of the coach cabin and allow not only early boarding but also allow these passengers to be among the first to deplane.

Visit aa.com for more information and FAQ about Main Cabin Extra.

Times Square in New York City Transformed to Cherry Blossom Square For One Day

(photos credit: Japan Culture NYC)

It's been 100 years since the cherry blossom was brought from Japan to the United States and Japan is celebrating the centennial in New York City.

The special event of turning Times Square cherry blossom pink was a kick-off to a week of celebrations. The display which officially launched on March 1st will repeat a few times each hour during the month.

Other events include Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall transformed on March 3rd into a showcase for Japanese food and merchandise and will include performances (think drums and harps) and cooking demonstrations. A Japan Booth at the New York Times Travel Booth at the Javits Convention Center on March 2nd-4th welcomed visitors to explore their dream Japan vacation.

Visit japantravelinfo.com for more information on the week of special events.