AURORA April-May 2018

CArtsR & HistoryE AWorthT DiscoveringES

AURORA’S KIDS ROCK

spotlight MESSAGEfrom the Editors

Readers of Aurora Creates know that the city’s Cultural Services Division, schools and other organizations AURORA DANCE create tremendous opportunities for our youngest residents to participate in the arts. This issue of Aurora ARTS RECITALS Creates celebrates the work of four are More Than a Performance special programs doing a great job serving our kids—Aurora Dance One of the most cherished American on physical, mental and emotional Arts, Little Foxes Summer Theatre, rites of passage for many girls (and challenges simultaneously while Downtown Aurora Visual Arts and we hope one day for boys, too) is the pursuing a goal. Dancers take pride in Visions Performing Arts’ “Rock da annual dance recital. Since dance is conquering new steps, and knowing Mic” program. a performing art, recitals are often that their artistry will be on display for considered to be the highlight of a friends and family gives them the added Everyone who works with children Odancer’s experience each year. Though encouragement to work hard. knows how important the arts are to the thought of rehearsals, costumes and their development. Educators say dancing for a large audience may seem Recitals create lifelong memories. the arts nurture the development of overwhelming at first, participation Recital performances provide dancers fine motor skills, neural development in an annual recital is an incredible with the opportunity to share what they and problem-solving abilities and opportunity that harvests a variety of have learned with their friends and can be used effectively to teach and benefits for both the dancers and their families. Costumes become treasured understand other subjects such as families. keepsakes, and recital pictures become reading, writing, math and science. the highlights of photo albums and Therapists tell us the arts are Recitals boost confidence. Taking part scrapbooks. For families, recital is a time valuable because they are frequently in a recital or performance helps dancers to celebrate their dancers’ achievements, the only activities children engage overcome shyness, fear, anxiety and and for dancers, the recital instills stage fright. Stepping onto a stage, a passion for the art of dancing and in where they are encouraged to be performing for an audience and hearing performing. creative and are not penalized—but the applause, creates a self-confidence actually commended— for making that dancers carry with them and apply Aurora Dance Arts, a program of mistakes. Kids describe the arts in all aspects of school and later life. the city’s Cultural Services Division, as fun. Parents tell us the arts are is thrilled to be able to provide valuable because creativity doesn’t Recitals promote teamwork. One of opportunities for our city’s youth to discriminate on the basis of age or the most desired qualities employers experience these benefits with two gender, so participating in the arts are looking for is the ability to work sets of recitals this year. The youngest is a great way for families to do effectively with others in different students will perform “Celebrate the something together. circumstances. By working with their Seasons” at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, fellow dancers on a group performance, May 19. The older students will perform We’ve never heard of a family that dancers learn and practice working “Icons of Music” at 7 p.m. Friday, June didn’t recognize the value of the arts as a team in a variety of challenging 1, and at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2. All for its youngest members (singing situations. performances will take place at Hinkley to babies) and its oldest (visual arts, High School. Tickets, which go on sale music, theater, and dance are all very Recitals provide goals. Employers also May 1, are $8 per person (family four- popular senior activities). So why like employees who can rise to the packs are available at a discount). For do so many of the rest of us turn challenge. The key is being able to work more information call the Dance Office away from the arts in the in-between hard and keep moving forward when at 303.326.8308 or visit AuroraGov.org/ years? You know kids benefit from you encounter obstacles. Preparing for Dance. the arts. Start looking now for a recital teaches students how to take summer arts programs for your kids.

Check out the profile of Aurora Dance Arts graduating seniors on page 6.

1 |AURORA CREATES SPOTLIGHT ON World-Renowned Pianist Ammiel Bushakevitz

International pianist Ammiel Bushakevitz music is needed and if I can make a AB: The arts are an essential part of a will perform a free recital in Aurora difference in the world through it. I have general education, and children should while in Colorado after teaching a good friend who often volunteers to have access to art and music lessons, master classes for the American Music help those suffering in Third World regardless of their economic background. Teachers National Association in countries while I am performing in a I do not believe that classical music is Greeley. Bushakevitz was born in Israel tailcoat to a (often) privileged audience. more valid than other forms of music, Iand raised in South Africa, studied That makes me think whether what I but I do think that the ability to read at the Mendelssohn Hochschule für do as a concert pianist really makes a music and to have the technical skills that Musik in Leipzig, Germany, and at the difference. I do know that music can classical music grants is greatly beneficial Conservatoire Supérieur de Musique bring great healing, comfort and joy, to everyone. The sign of a successful in Paris. He is an Edison Fellow of the regardless of one’s social status or civilization is how much leisure time British Library in London and an award- domestic circumstance. What keeps me their citizens have; thus I believe that winning musician who has performed going is when I see that my performance governmental support of the arts is at notable venues around the world. In can take an audience to a world away essential to the cultural and intellectual Aurora, Bushakevitz will perform a free from the mundane and the prosaic. development of a nation. piano concert featuring music by Franz Shubert and Franz Liszt at 7 p.m. Friday, AC: What would you say is your core AC: Why is education so important June 8, at the Aurora Central Library, repertoire? to you and what’s your ultimate goal 14949 E. Alameda Parkway. Since when you do those workshops and AB: There is always wonderful music seating is limited, registration is required benefit concerts? to discover, and I have a broad range at AuroraLibrary.org or 303.739.6630. that interests me. My musical interests AB: The educational aspect of music is AC: You are still young but have been span from Eastern European folk music vital and is really fun for children and playing since age 4. After all this time through to avant-garde jazz, but I adolescents. It’s also something from playing, what inspires you to continue suppose that my greatest love is for the which I personally glean a huge amount taking your music to every corner of classical core repertoire: the so-called of pleasure. In 2018, I am honored the world? First Viennese School of Haydn, Mozart, to be teaching workshops on five Beethoven and Schubert. continents, from post-graduate level at AB: This is a question that reaches to my top universities to children in developing core and which is essentially a question AC: What’s your take on making countries who have never before seen a about the meaning and purpose of life. the arts, in your case music, more grand piano. The question is about how much classical accessible to all peoples?

TWO CULTURAL Art in Public Places Commission and staff Services Division Programs Honored Congratulations to two city of Aurora Cultural Services Division programs for their recent recognitions! The city’s Art in Public Places Program, in partnership with the Regional Transportation District, received the Business for the Arts Award by the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts for the public art along the R Line. And the Aurora History Museum received the Business for the Arts Award by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Aurora History Museum staff C April - May 2018 | 2 april

Opening Reception: “Rock da Mic” – 05 “Inside Us” 28 Youth Showcase 4 – 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. $ DAVA Presented by Visions 1405 Florence St. Performing Arts People’s Building Aurora Dance Arts 07 Performance Family Friendly Art Class: 4 – 7 p.m. (open house) 29 Happy Anniversary Aurora Meadowood Recreation Center 3 –5 p.m. $ 3054 S. Laredo St. Aurora History Museum Aurora Dance Arts Opening Night: Performance 13 “Passing Strange” 3 – 4:30 p.m. (various times) 7:30 p.m. $ Aurora Town Center Aurora Fox Arts Center 14200 E Alameda Parkway 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Sip and Paint: Colors of Colfax 7 – 9 p.m $ Aurora History Museum Aurora Dance Arts recital 15051 E. Alameda Parkway City of Aurora Cultural Program City of Aurora Cultural Program Opening Night: “Bullets Over Broadway” 7:30 p.m. $ Vintage Theatre Productions 1468 Dayton St.

Little Foxes Auditions for 14- Alice in Wonderland Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sun., 5:30 – 8 p.m. 15 Aurora Fox Arts Center

“Dust Storm” at Theatre Esprit Asia Lecture: The History a musical journey a musical journey 18 of Buckley Noon $ Aurora History Museum City of Aurora Cultural Program

A little history on the Fox Originally built inPolynesian 1946, the Aurora Fox Arts and Arts Center was Aurora’s only “movie 21palace” serving theCulture needs of a growingPrograms The Aurora Fox population and military personnel stationed at Fitzsimmons Army11:30 Hospital a.m. and Lowry– 3:30 p.m. Air Force Base. Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s the Fox TheaterAurora with itsHistory Art Moderne Museum entrance and 61-foot neon sign was a popular destination for children and adults. The 1970’s, however,The witnessed Aurora a period Fox of Gala decline for the Fox as new commercial areas opened and people6 p.m.began flocking $ to these shopping centers with acres of parking and large movie houses.People’s Building Book and lyrics by Stew Book and lyrics by Stew 9995 E Colfax Ave. Saturday, April 21, 6 p.m. The fate of the Fox as a movie theater Music by Stew & Heidi Rodewald Music by Stew & Heidi Rodewald was sealed when a disastrous fire in 1981 caused extensive fire and water damage, Created in collaboration with Annie Dorsen Created in collaboration with Annie Dorsen but between 1983 and 1985, civic groups, the city of AuroraOpening and private companies Night: April 13 – May 13 April 13 – May 13 worked together to fund a restoration and TICKET 27rehabilitation of “Dustthe theater. Storm” The building reopened on March 8, 1985 as the Aurora Fox Arts Center, 7:30permanent p.m. home $ for the Aurora Fox Arts Center and rental home for local performingTheatre arts organizations. Esprit Asia ACAD Gallery Theatre 1400 Dallas St. Tickets $18-$37 Tickets $18-$37

AURORA FOX ARTS CENTER AURORA FOX ARTS CENTER AURORA FOX ARTS CENTER 9900 East Colfax Ave., Aurora, CO 80010 9900 East Colfax Ave., Aurora, CO 80010 9900 East Colfax Ave., Aurora, CO 80010 AuroraFox.org • Box Office 303.739.1970 Special Guest Performer Alex Brightman, Tony AuroraFox.org • Box Office 303.739.1970 AuroraFox.org • Box Office 303.739.1970 Award Nominee for “House of Rock”

3 | AURORA CREATES may

Aurora Singers presents Aurora Dance Arts 05 “Broadway Again” 19 presents “Celebrate 2 and 7 p.m. $ the Seasons” East Middle School (youngest dancers) 1275 Fraser St. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. $ Hinkley High School 1250 Chambers Rd. Aurora Cinco de Mayo 05- Sat. Noon – 8 p.m. Kim Robards Dance Sun. Noon – 6 p.m. Spring Recital 06 Fletcher Plaza 7:30 p.m. $ 9898 E. Colfax Ave. People’s Building 9995 E. Colfax Ave. “Rock da Mic,” an open mic format Lecture: Helping Veterans Polynesian Arts and performance opportunity for young 16 at the Sturm Center Culture Programs performers April 28 at the People’s Noon $ 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Building and May 26 at the Aurora Fox Aurora History Museum Aurora History Museum Studio Theatre. 15051 E Alameda Parkway DAVA’s 25th “Rock da Mic” – Anniversary Celebration 26 Youth Showcase 6 – 8:30 p.m. $ 6 p.m. $ The Hangar at Stanley Presented by Visions Marketplace Performing Arts Classical 2501 Dallas St. Aurora Fox Studio Theatre 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Piano Concert with Ammiel Bushakevitz Friday June 8, 7 p.m. ONGOING Aurora Central Library 14949 E. Alameda Parkway “US 40 and the American Art 2C on Havana Road Trip” Various locations on Havana Street Please register for this free Aurora History Museum between Alameda and Yale avenues event at AuroraLibrary.org or call 303.739.6630. Through May 6 Through September Space is limited.

Enjoy an evening of music “Passing Strange” Temporary Public Art Exhibit performed by world-renowned Aurora Fox Arts Center Various exhibits through the year pianist Ammiel Bushakevitz. An Edison Fellow of the April 13 – May 13, $ 2nd Floor Mezzanine, Aurora British Library in London and award winning Municipal Center musician who has “The Audience” performed around the world, will come to Vintage Theatre Aurora to perform an Through May 13, $ exclusive concert. Performance will feature a “Dust Storm” cheese and wine intermission. Theatre Esprit Asia ACAD Gallery Theatre April 27 – May 20, $ and the Library & Cultural Services “Bullets Over Broadway” Vintage Theatre April 13 –May 27, $ “Wings to Satellites: A History of Buckley Air Force Base” Aurora History Museum Through June 3 “Inside Us” DAVA April 5 – June 8 ART 2C ON HAVANA April - May 2018 | 4 CelebratesDAVA 25 Years

Established in 1993, Downtown Aurora at 9758 E. Colfax Ave., was one of Youth Program award. If that weren’t Visual Arts (DAVA) is a nonprofit many community art projects launched exciting enough, DAVA renovated its organization dedicated to strengthening during what one student called the building in 2016, transforming a 1950s the community through the arts with a “wild west” days along Colfax Avenue. retail space into one of the premier arts primary focus on youth engagement. In The early ‘90s saw DAVA’s first youth education sites in the region. With three addition to providing high-quality, out- programs appear, as young people who new studios, lights and an outdoor plaza, of-school experiences that develop art, had worked on that same mural came DAVA is poised for the next 25 years of Esocial and life skills, DAVA also uses the back to explore their ideas through the youth succeeding through the arts. arts as a positive social and economic arts. From simple approaches in clay, force along the East Colfax corridor in painting and sculpture, DAVA grew DAVA invites you to celebrate its Original Aurora. to embrace installation work, public 25th anniversary from 6 to 8:30 p.m. art projects, film, kinetic art and much Wednesday, May 16, at the Stanley Throughout DAVA’s history, its staff more. Marketplace. The event is a special has worked to engage the community fundraiser to celebrate this amazing through a series of public art projects In 2007, DAVA received its first national milestone. Be a part of dinner, films, both in the schools and locally, as award for innovative approaches to student speakers and fun. To learn more well as create a cultural workforce prevention, and then in 2014, DAVA about DAVA and the anniversary event, through free arts education for ages was invited to the White House to visit DavArts.org. 3 to17. “Aurora,” the clay tile mural recieve a National Arts and Humanities

ARTWORKS BY DAVA YOUTH at Aurora History Museum

The Aurora History Museum presents Since 1993, DAVA has offered a DAVA and hundreds of other “Artworks by DAVA Youth,” an range of programming that starts community arts programs around the exhibition showcasing artwork created with developing creativity and school country provide direct evidence that by students at Downtown Aurora Visual readiness at age 3 and culminates in a children are learning and growing Arts (DAVA). The exhibit will run May Job Training in the Arts program for through the arts, developing their 8 through July 29 and will explore middle school and high school students. creative solutions for living in the 2lst ideas about health, peace, innovation DAVA is part of a national movement century. Tand imagination through 2-D art, known as creative youth development, sculptures and short films produced by offering out-of-school programming Admission to the Aurora History children and teens in DAVA’s award- based on the core principles of artistic Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, winning afterschool and summer art excellence, sustained programming, is always free. For more information, programs. The exhibit also highlights and a focus on social justice. visit AuroraMuseum.org or call DAVA’s history in Original Aurora over 303.739.6660. the last 25 years.

5 | AURORA CREATES LITTLE FOXES’ Call for Auditions for AURORA DANCE Alice in Wonderland

ARTS RECITALS The Aurora Fox Arts Center will once Auditions will be held April 14 and audition appointment at AuroraFox.org again offer its Little Foxes Summer 15, and approximately 20 actors, or 303.739.1970 and come prepared Theatre program for children. For more ages 6 through 18, are needed. The to perform a one-minute memorized than 20 years, the city of Aurora’s Cultural Services Division has a non- monologue from a published play. Cultural Services Division has provided discrimination casting policy. Auditions, opportunities for student actors from therefore, are open to members of Rehearsals will take place from May 29 Aurora and the greater metro area to all races, sexes, creeds, orientations to June 18. The show opens June 19 and Twork with professional directors and and abilities. Members of diverse runs through July 7 on Tuesdays through designers and perform on the Aurora backgrounds and abilities are encouraged Saturdays. All auditions, rehearsals and Fox’s main stage. This year’s production to audition. There is a $100 fee per actor performances will be at the Aurora Fox will be Tim Kelly’s adaptation of Lewis if cast in the play. Scholarships may be Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Carroll’s classic “Alice’s Adventures in available, inquire at auditions. For detailed information on the Little Wonderland,” and will be directed by Foxes auditions and rehearsal times, and the city’s Cultural Arts Supervisor Lisa Children interested in auditioning additional requirements for the auditions, Mumpton. should sign up for a five-minute please visit AuroraFox.org. PROFILE ON Aurora Dance Arts Graduating Senior • Years with Aurora Dance Arts: 15 • Favorite recital piece: “Bully” from “You Got Schooled” in 2015 because it was absolutely beautiful and emotional. I also loved performing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in 2016. It’s a huge role and the dances were so much fun to perform. • High school: Thomas Jefferson High School • Future plans: I haven’t figured out what I am doing yet for college, but I hope to Ypossibly major or minor in dance. • What dance means to me: Dance is my escape from all the struggles in my life and Rachel my way of expressing my emotions. Golledge • Favorite dance quote: “Dance is a way to express your emotions when words don’t do them justice.” ~Anonymous

• Years with Aurora Dance Arts: 11 • Favorite recital piece: “Bully” from the recital “You Got Schooled” in 2015. And my favorite production role was the Jabberwocky in “Alice in Wonderland” in 2017. • High school: Smoky Hill High School • Future plans: To attend Colorado State University as a double major in Human Development/Family Studies and Dance. Hope to become a child life specialist. Y• What dance means to me: I don’t dance for competition medals or to be the greatest of all time. I dance because of love for the artistry of dance, and because I’m passionate. Maddy • Favorite dance quote: “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” ~Martha Graham Kling

April - May 2018 | 6 CULTURAL SERVICES BROADWAY Trent Armand Kendall DIVISION Comes To Aurora AuroraGov.org/Arts Get ready, Aurora, because two [email protected] Broadway stars with wide-ranging and stirring careers will light up the Aurora Fox Arts Center in April and May. Art in Public Places Alex Brightman 303.739.6747 Trent Armand Kendall to Star in “School of Rock’s” Alex Brightman to “Passing Strange” Headline the Aurora Fox Gala Aurora Fox Arts Trent Armand Kendall will headline the Tony Award-nominated actor Alex Aurora Fox’s production of “Passing Brightman solidified himself as a Broadway Center Box Office Strange” in the challenging role of Stew. star for his performance in the role of Dewey 303.739.1970 Tony Award-winning “Passing Strange” is Finn in the hit musical adaptation of Andrew a fast-paced but moving rock musical about Lloyd Webber’s “School of Rock.” And he is a young man’s journey of self-discovery coming to Aurora to headline the Aurora Fox through Europe. Gala on April 21. Aurora History Kendall has graced stages on Broadway in “With his indefatigable comic energy and Museum “Into the Woods,” “Purlie,” “The Wizard explosive physicality, Brightman makes a 303.739.6660 of Oz” and “Gumbo.” He has been seen on winning scoutmaster,” wrote David Rooney London’s West End in “Five Guys Named from the Hollywood Reporter. Moe” and “Hey! Mr. Producer.” In addition Brightman’s most recent work includes Bicentennial Art to his extensive Broadway, off-Broadway collaborating with famed and Tony Award- and regional roles, Kendall has toured with nominated director Alex Timbers on a Center “The Color Purple,” “Smokey Joe’s Café” musical adaptation of the blockbuster film 303.344.1776 and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor “Beetlejuice.” He debuted on Broadway in Dreamcoat.” He also has numerous 2008 in “Glory Days.” Later, he took on television and film credits, including starring the role of Boq in the Tony Award-winning roles in “Blue Bloods,” “Law & Order” and and best-selling musical “Wicked.” Other Classes: Aurora “Strangers With Candy.” Along with being a Broadway credits include “Big Fish” and Dance Arts virtuosic performer, Kendall is also a writer the Tony Award-winning “Matilda.” Outside and producer whose new show about Louis of Broadway, he was seen on the west coast 303.326.8308 Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald played at the in The Old Globe’s world premiere musical Strauss Theater in Sanibel Island, Florida. “Nobody Loves You” and recently starred In “Passing Strange” the young protagonist as Zangara in the off-Broadway production Classes: Pottery, rejects the comforts of home – his middle of “Assassins” for Encores!/New Your City Theatre, Music and class Baptist upbringing – and travels on Center. Visual Arts a picaresque journey to find “the real.” Some of Brightman’s television credits Complicated by his need to rebel against include Showtime’s acclaimed series SMILF, 303.326.8650 his mother and society, he finds himself USA’s “Royal Pains,” Comedy Central’s “passing” through place to place and from “Important Things With Demetri Martin,” lover to lover, only to find out that “the real” and an upcoming episode of “The Good he’d been searching for would come at great Fight” on CBS. cost. “Passing Strange” runs from April 13 to May 13 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, Brightman will be the featured entertainment 9900 E. Colfax Ave. for the Aurora Fox Gala, 6 p.m. April 21 at the People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., where the new season will also be announced.

For tickets to both events, visit AuroraFox.org or call the Box Office at 303.739.1970.