We used to say in the studio "that's a wrap," and so it is with Spoleto Festival 2008. As I write this column, I am reminded of Bob Hope's favorite song "Thanks for the Memories."
"The Break/s" is a fascinating journey into the world of hip-hop. Actor and activist Marc Bamuthi Joseph effortlessly blends movement and verse as he performs and dances for more than an hour. Background footage filmed throughout the world is used as his backdrop. This performance was part autobiographical and part documentary. Even though I am glad I saw this show, it was not my favorite; however, I admire Joseph's passion.
At the "newly remodeled" Memminger Auditorium, I saw the premiere of the "newly remodeled" version of Anthony Davis' opera "Amistad." It was quite a unique experience to see opera in the round -- orchestra and all.
"Amistad" is the story of the African captives who mutinied against their Spanish captors. The ship "Amistad" ran aground off of the coast of Long Island in 1839. Believing the Africans to be slaves, the Coast Guard seized them.
The second act of this opera deals with the 1841 landmark Supreme Court decision that upheld the Africans' assertion that they were not slaves but free men. The cast was large -- 20 contract performers, eight local actors and the Westminster Choir. This choir is part of Ryder University in Princeton, N.J., and has been the choir in residence for Spoleto since 1977. The music was interesting, but not melodic in the least -- no beautiful arias or uplifting choruses. For all of the grandiosity of this much-heralded performance, I came away disappointed.
A band of three young, black string players make up the Carolina Chocolate Drops. They have been lauded as leading the revival of traditional string music. After hearing them perform, I understand why. They studied under the great Joe Thompson, the 89-year-old fiddler said to be the last traditional string band player.
Even though all are classically trained, their passion is reviving old-time string music characterized by some as bluegrass. The sold-out audience gave them a standing ovation and demanded an encore. For more information about this amazing group, visit www.carolinachocolatedrops.com.
As part of Piccolo Spoleto, I saw K. Brian Neel from Washington state. Neel was the writer, composer and performer of "Vaud Rats," a ukulele operetta. This show tells the story of Cecil B. DeUkulele, who goes from performing at ritzy vaudeville houses to dumpy bars. Neel weaves this tale using music, singing and comedy.
Although a very engaging artist, it was obvious that the word never got out about this show. I went the last night, and there were only 22 people in the audience.
Mary Kay has a Posse is Charleston's only all-female improv comedy group. It is part talk show (think, "The View") and part long-form improv, but all parts are funny. These gals are original and outrageously, politically incorrect. This group is one of the many hilarious shows that The Havenots offer at its Theatre 99. If you are planning a trip to Charleston, check out www.thehavenots.com so you can catch them when you come. I promise you will leave with a smile on your face.
I can say with all truthfulness that Morgana Shaw has Bette Davis eyes! She is the talented actor in the one woman show "All About Bette: An Evening with Bette Davis." This play premiered to rave reviews in Texas in 2006. It tells the highlights and "low lights" of one of Hollywood's leading divas. (By the way, I understand this play is headed to Broadway. I hope they will trim 15 minutes and make this a 90-minute, no intermission play. As I have said before, it is difficult to keep the energy level when a one-performer show takes an intermission.)
I realize that time constraints keep many from experiencing this art bonanza, so let me close by saying that Orangeburg is fortunate to have many marvelous venues. The Orangeburg Arts Center has an art gallery, classes and performance opportunities. The Orangeburg Part-Time Players offers a complete season of shows, and South Carolina State University has the wonderful Henderson Davis Players. Claflin University also has many art programs open to the public. Don't wait until Spoleto 2009 -- enjoy the artistic offerings available in Orangeburg.
Orangeburg native Boo Sheppard, retired host of Time-Warner's "Orangeburg Inside Out," lives in Charleston with her husband, Macon.