Glam, Glitz and Community This Friday

There’s nothing like the glitter and excitement of opening night and it’s going to be even more colorful this Friday at the opening of The Birdcage with a fabulous gala and silent auction following on at the nearby Hotel Ambassador (Paseo Colon, Calle 26/28). 

This wonderful extravaganza has been adapted for the LTG stage by Andrew Gardener, and is a charming blend of The Birdcage and La Cage Aux Folles. Musical numbers have been added iterspersed with the story to give a well rounded tale of two Jewish, middle aged gay men who run a night club in South Beach, Florida. Their son, the product of one night of romance with a straight woman, wants to marry the daughter of a moral and upstanding Senator. Fun and laughs ensue when the couple must play it straight to impress the daughter's parents. 

The Gala after the first performance of the Little Theatre Group comedy, The Birdcage, will benefit Open Arms Costa Rica, a non-profit charity serving the children of Costa Rica. Tickets are ¢8,000 which includes beer, wine and goodies.  

The Birdcage opens at the Laurence Olivier Theatre, Av. 2, Ca. 28. The Gala starts right after the show just one block away at 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17. For info and reservations, call 8858-1446 or visit www.littletheatregroup.net <http://www.littletheatregroup.net/>  

Rehearsals of this show were fantastic, and the sets and costumes are stunning, can't wait to see the final product!

Most Original Theater Show of the Year-- THIS WEEKEND ONLY

The English speaking, Little Theatre Group of Costa Rica is presenting a one-weekend only show.

LTG asked theater members to write original monologues on the topic of love. The response was extremely varied, and this opportunity is one of a lifetime to see authors performing their own pieces on such a personal topic.The show features everything from a scary, yet impressionable great mastif, to Russian lessons, to the absurdities in life.

I will disclose that I am both a co-director and an actor in this special performance. Showtimes are Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 and Sun. at 2:30. Reservations and more info here.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867

Calm Art, Wild Art - San Jose, Costa Rica

This week also brings visitors and expats alike opportunities to be classy and to get funky. 


Classy
The French Alliance has a new exhibit open titled, 'The Beautiful Summer'. Costa Rican artist, José Solórzano. Comprised of 12 pieces the artists created the works between 09-10 concentrating on the idea of recent yet no longer viewed scenery, dissolving into memory. On display until June 10. 


The National Theater continues to bring us 'mini-concerts' on Thurs. afternoons. This is a great, affordable way to see a show in the theater. This week Costa Rican pianist, Juan Pablo Andrado will perform for an hour starting at 5 p.m. He'll be presenting a collection of works by Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849), celebrating 200 years after his birth. Get your tickets early. 1,000 c.


Variedades Theater will open a month-long run of 'The forests of NYX' a play about 10 greek female goddesses come to save modern day problems. This is the second time this show is being performed under the same director, Luis Carlos Vazquez. Opens Fri. June 3 and will be in Spanish at 8:00 p.m. Pricing was not available. 

Funky

Legendary guitarist, Richie Kotzen, who has played with Poison and Mr. Big, will be performing at Latino Rock Cafe, Fri. June 4. Sounds like nothing other than a great chance to see a great electric guitarist jam at a great cafe. ROCK ON!! 15,000 colones, 9 p.m.

One of San Jose's crazier galleries, Jacob Karpio is hosting what I anticipate to be a wild Saturday night. Hosting an opening for MTV nominated, Uragyuan artist, DANI UMPI. This artist is mostly known for his music but will also be showing his recent works in visual media. Titled, 'Everything Included', music, art, scenesters, and wine can only lead to 'everything' happening! free, starts at 8:30. 

English Speaking Theater in San Jose, Costa Rica

! Opening night is finally here!

In addition to running tours, I've also reconnected with the stage. I am playing Frances in 'No sex please, we're British'. It has been rewarding to work with a team and be accountable to a project bigger than any one of us.

It's a special opportunity to participate in English-speaking theater in Costa Rica of all places. There truly is a thriving arts community here, both local and expat. If you enjoy theater check these groups out for regular performances here in San Jose, Costa Rica. Hope to see you at one of my shows.

• No Sex Please We're British
• The Little Theater Group
• Compania Nacional de Teatro
• Teatro Popular Melico Salazar
• Complete theater listing