To me the real strength is in the poetry of the music, in particular when we are talking about Dylan and Mitchell. A lot of the issues they sang about are still valid today in terms of what is STILL going on in the world, thirty and forty years later: Scott Deturk
Fresh from their sensational 2006 success STRESSING OUT Scott and Kristine Deturk have once again assembled an extremely talented all youth cast, consisting of advanced students of Scott and Kristine DeTurk's Academy DeTurk.
That production brought tears to my eyes and I can't wait to see this one. There is something about watching young teenagers pushing their limits musically and making a statement that touches me deeply ~ and Scott and Kristine Deturk pull this off consistently.
They will perform PEACE AND HARMONY, a musical that incorporates a medley of some of the politically influenced tunes of the 1960s and '70s from Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon and others, with monologues addressing topics ranging from the occupation of Iraq, bombs, racism, aging, homelessness, and the environment.
Performances will be held on July 27 and 28 at 7:30 PM and on July 29 at 2:00 PM at Ross School located at Lagunitas and Allen in Ross.
San Rafael residents, Kristine a professional actor and the director for the show, and Scott, a composer and pianist with numerous musical credits to his name, started Academy DeTurk four years ago, but have been teaching together for eight years. They started the academy because they wanted to prepare kids in a very realistic, professional way so that they can succeed in the performing arts and, in the process, they have created a unique teen age theater Academy.
But this is a theater company with a strong and pertinent message particularly when it comes from their all youth cast ~ as Scott and Kristine willingly share;
" The creation of PEACE AND HARMONY began nearly four years ago to coincide with the race for the 2004 elections. Our intention was to help open the eyes of our students, their friends and families and the greater community to some of the important world-wide political questions of that time " says Kristine. " We have tried to create a theatrical snapshot through the lens and sensibility of music created in the 1960's and '70s when people took to the streets to protest many of these same issues."
"It was also intended to expose our students to the style and substance of the music of that era while giving them a sense of their own power to facilitate positive change. With another major election looming, these same questions seem to resonate louder than ever." continues Scott. " We don't claim to have the answers but think it important for all of us to do what we have the power to do and keep asking these questions to those in a position to answer them."
Tickets to Peace & Harmony are available at the door. $10 general admission and $5 for children. Cash and checks only. In addition to the big picture issues addressed in Peace & Harmony, the students will be taking a collection at each show to benefit three organizations they have selected: Mama Hope, Growing With Books, and Ross Recreation. More information about this show and Academy DeTurk's performing arts program is available at www.AcademyDeTurk.com
or by calling (415) 456-4297.
Allen L Roland http://blogs.salon.com/0002255/2007/07/22.html
