First I would like to thank not only Lily (Director/Producer) but also all of the great people I met during my visit to the set of Alice in Wonderland. I thank you for your time and your cooperation. I appreciate the opportunity to take time to learn more about the show and share it with all of my readers. Cheers.
Why did you Choose Alice in Wonderland?
"Well, We do a series of shows. A winter and summer show every year. The winter show is always a kids show, so we thought we would do Alice in Wonderland. It's much like the Disney favorite but with a modern twist."
Did you compose the music yourself or did you use a set list?
"It's a Mix. We took some from the original Disney score, also about a third of it is musical score that I wrote. The other third is a collection of pop tunes from the Beatles to Pink Floyd. They're rehearsing a J Dilla tune right now. There's all sorts of music."
So it's like a modern feel with classic Alice in Wonderland? (At this point, I'm becoming even more excited about the entire show.)
"Right! Right."
That's cool! Anyone of any age can really enjoy it, no matter what type of music they like.
"Yes. What's interesting about the band is we have both members of the Reno Jazz Syndicate and the Reno Philharmonics. It's sort of a combination between some classical elements, some rock elements and also a strong jazz presence. So the scoring is actually for the tenor sax, trumpet, bass clarinet, violin, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards."
How long have you been working with Lily and the Tahoe Players?
"I've been with them a while. I was there for Les Misérables and Shrek as well."
How young is the youngest member of the cast? The oldest?
"I believe the youngest is 6 years old, The oldest are 12 and 16. It's interesting working with kids because it's not the same as working with adults. It's more of a getting it together as a whole, rather than one individual at a time type situation." (I could tell he meant it as a compliment to these very talented kids.)
Are you building and supplying the stage?
"Yes,we are. They are working on it now as you can see. Lily brought in some architects and they've been working on it pretty steady." The set will be two parts, the top half will be of Alice in reality, where the bottom half (the stage) will be the non reality." (The way he described it, I could envision the dream too)
Lily mentioned you perform for schools too, is that right?
"It's affiliated with Washoe Schools, and we have these shows for them Wednesday through Friday. The schools come and pack the room with elementry schools from around the area. For them to bring out the kids to see the creative arts, instead of going out to wherever, they can come here instead. Then on Saturday we have our opening show for the public." (We both agreed this is an important thing for kids today, there's not enough arts.)
Have you performed here in the John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Showroom before?
My Interview With Tristan Selzler
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| Pictured: Tristan Selzler: Music Director |
Why did you Choose Alice in Wonderland?
"Well, We do a series of shows. A winter and summer show every year. The winter show is always a kids show, so we thought we would do Alice in Wonderland. It's much like the Disney favorite but with a modern twist."
Did you compose the music yourself or did you use a set list?
"It's a Mix. We took some from the original Disney score, also about a third of it is musical score that I wrote. The other third is a collection of pop tunes from the Beatles to Pink Floyd. They're rehearsing a J Dilla tune right now. There's all sorts of music."
So it's like a modern feel with classic Alice in Wonderland? (At this point, I'm becoming even more excited about the entire show.)
"Right! Right."
That's cool! Anyone of any age can really enjoy it, no matter what type of music they like.
"Yes. What's interesting about the band is we have both members of the Reno Jazz Syndicate and the Reno Philharmonics. It's sort of a combination between some classical elements, some rock elements and also a strong jazz presence. So the scoring is actually for the tenor sax, trumpet, bass clarinet, violin, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards."
How long have you been working with Lily and the Tahoe Players?
"I've been with them a while. I was there for Les Misérables and Shrek as well."
How young is the youngest member of the cast? The oldest?
"I believe the youngest is 6 years old, The oldest are 12 and 16. It's interesting working with kids because it's not the same as working with adults. It's more of a getting it together as a whole, rather than one individual at a time type situation." (I could tell he meant it as a compliment to these very talented kids.)
Are you building and supplying the stage?
"Yes,we are. They are working on it now as you can see. Lily brought in some architects and they've been working on it pretty steady." The set will be two parts, the top half will be of Alice in reality, where the bottom half (the stage) will be the non reality." (The way he described it, I could envision the dream too)
Lily mentioned you perform for schools too, is that right?
"It's affiliated with Washoe Schools, and we have these shows for them Wednesday through Friday. The schools come and pack the room with elementry schools from around the area. For them to bring out the kids to see the creative arts, instead of going out to wherever, they can come here instead. Then on Saturday we have our opening show for the public." (We both agreed this is an important thing for kids today, there's not enough arts.)
Have you performed here in the John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Showroom before?
"Yes actually, we performed Shrek and Les Misérables here. This is definitely one of the best rooms, because of the staff here. The sound guys, the light guys, they're just masters. Everyone's really great."
How long have you been in this type of music industry?
"I've been here since about 2003, that's when I found the Reno Jazz Syndicate. They're a group of musicians working all over town. From Reno, Sparks, Tahoe to Truckee, Sacramento and San Fransisco. We have a number of ensembles. A few of our players in the pit actually."
At this point it was his cue to go back in and help the cast with rehearsal. I thanked him again for his time and we parted ways. I ran into Lily again before I skittered off and thanked her again for this wonderful opportunity to share her play with my readers.
If you are interested in seeing what the +Tahoe Players have to offer, come see the show. The two showtimes are 2PM and 8PM; Saturday, January 24th, 2015 in the Celebrity Showroom at the Nugget. Click the banner below for your tickets today.
How long have you been in this type of music industry?
"I've been here since about 2003, that's when I found the Reno Jazz Syndicate. They're a group of musicians working all over town. From Reno, Sparks, Tahoe to Truckee, Sacramento and San Fransisco. We have a number of ensembles. A few of our players in the pit actually."
At this point it was his cue to go back in and help the cast with rehearsal. I thanked him again for his time and we parted ways. I ran into Lily again before I skittered off and thanked her again for this wonderful opportunity to share her play with my readers.
Every person I met was completely wonderful. I will repeat it again.
~~~~~~~~~~
Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Adaptation
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What an awesome interview. How cool that you got to go behind the scenes. The show sounds like it's gonna be awesome.
ReplyDeleteWhat I think is spectacular is how it is young children performing. When I first saw this was going to be here locally, I had no clue it was going to be a youth performance.
DeleteWhat a great interview. Thank you for introducing us.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. Thank you for taking the time to learn about them too.
DeleteWhat a great interview. This sounds like an awesome show and it must have been neat going behind the scenes.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really neat thing to go back behind the scenes while the show was getting put together with fine details. It reminded me of being back in chorus and drama when I was in highschool.
DeleteThis sounds like such a fantastic live show to see. I love talking to those behind the scenes. Great interview!
ReplyDeleteI think the show is going to be great. Plus who wouldn't love children performing a fun play featuring some of Pink Floyd songs. Not to mention, as Tristan mentioned, who better to sing the children's portion of "Just Another Brick In the Wall" lyrics than a group of children. It just wouldn't be the same with adults.
DeleteThis sounds great! One of my favorite things about a movie is the soundtrack, so I'm always eager for shows like this.
ReplyDeleteOh me too Krystal! I love the way a soundtrack is so methodically picked out to be perfect for each scene. It's amazing.
DeleteWhat a terrific interview! I especially like your side notes. I agree about the lack of fine arts appreciation in public education today. We need to make sure our kids understand why it's important to envision, dream of, and strive towards a well-balanced life.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great for kids to experience live theatre. I wish performers like this would come to my kids' schools. We try to take them to performances ourselves, but not all families are able to do that.
ReplyDeleteHave you looked around on bulletin boards around the neighborhood? I know here in Reno, there are places that people post all sorts of listings about these types of shows. I hope that you can find some live theater near by. It's really fun.
DeleteWow, that show sounds like a lot of fun to see. I love that it's a classic story with a modern twist.
ReplyDeleteExactly. It's a way to bring the old and the new together for all generations.
DeleteWow he has the coolest job! That sounds like such a great mix of music. Disney, Beatles and Pink Floyd? Wow!
ReplyDeleteRight? It's my kind of musical score.
DeleteAwesome interview. We have a children's playhouse here in Portland and it's so cute to see them get all worked up over their rolls. My kiddo's faves have been Pinkalicious and The Hobbit so far.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Pinkalicious? I would love to know more about this.
DeleteHow awesome that you were able to interview them! And, so neat that they were so nice!
ReplyDeleteYes! What's more exciting is how helpful they were. I can only hope my next interview or exclusive is just as nice and cooperative.
DeleteVery thoughtful interview! I think a musical version of the classic tale is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I saw the advertisement there at the local casino and just knew it was something I would love to see. I think the idea of children performing also gives it a nice twist.
DeleteGreat interview. It is always great to get some insight into the mind and heart of the artist
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic interview. I would love to go see the show.
ReplyDeleteThat is seriously awesome. Not only to see the set, but to get to that interview. I am a big musical nerd....I totally love that kind of stuff.
ReplyDeleteMy niece and I adore everything Alice in Wonderland. We would totally love to see this show! I like that they put a modern twist on it!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like it would be a great show. I love Alice in Wonderland!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds neat. Awesome interview.
ReplyDeleteThe music sounds great. If I lived in the area, I would catch the show.
ReplyDeleteI liked reading this interview. It's nice to learn a new perspective. :) And I bet it is different to work with kids versus adults!
ReplyDeleteWow what a fantastic interview
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and I imagine a great show!
What a wonderful interview. I loved Alice and Wonderland growing up. I can only imagine how good this production is going to be!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it will be awesome! I love that little kids are in it. Great interview!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it is going to be an amazing show. I would love to go and see it. Great interview.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's a great show! Interesting to work with all kids!
ReplyDeletehow fun to get the behind the scenes scoop! Alice in Wonderland is a great story in any adaptation.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a good show. It's so nice that you got to interview the music director.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun! I would love to see this show!
ReplyDelete