Starting September 28, Gioachino Rossini’s classic rom-com “The Barber of Seville” opens at The Lyric Opera of Chicago. For 8 special performances, this production promises to delight audiences with fantastic music, stage design and multi-talented actors.
According to a recent press release from The Silverman Group, the upcoming comedic production is filled with “secrets, silly ruses, outlandish plot twists, and sparkling melodies, all in the name of love. ‘The Barber of Seville’ has ebullient music led by Lyric’s own music director: Sir Andrew Davis is on the podium to start his 20th season as principal conductor at Lyric.” The alluring visuals come from a group of “Tony Award winners & nominees: director Rob Ashford’s lovely and airy production, with sets by Scott Pask, costumes by Catherine Zuber, and lighting by Howard Harrison.” Gifted actors Adam Plachetka, Marianne Crebassa Marianne Crebassa, Lawrence Brownlee, Alessandro Corbelli, and Krzysztof Bączyk play beloved characters Figaro, Rosina, Count Almaviva. Bartolo, and Basilio respectively.
The press release also mentions that this Italian classic actually inspired Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd’s “The Rabbit of Seville”.
“The Barber of Seville” performance dates are September 28 and October 2, 5, 10, 13, 18, 21 and 27 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for the image and info.
DiAnn Mills: Keeping the romance alive is vital for all couples who’ve made lifelong commitments to a relationship and for those contemplating this vital step. Romance is easy in the dating stage. We want to look, say, and behave our best. The cliché “dress to impress” fits men and women.
To say the early stages of a relationship are a game or challenge diminishes the integrity of a meaningful connection between a man and a woman. The process doesn’t call for a winner or loser. Both share in the joy. Yet too often we can fall into that pit called “I love, but I’m not in love.”
After twenty-six years of marriage and writing many novels that show how characters fall in love, I’ve acquired a few tips to help keep the flames of love burning hot and strong. Our goal is “I love, and I’m in love.”
Never take each other for granted. That attitude paves the way for ruffled feelings and regret.
Respect each other. My husband and I work together in the writing ministry. We understand our work is a powerful expression of our autonomy and speaks to each of our gifts and talents.
Practice quality time. It always supersedes quantity.
Show love. Once you learn a love language, use it. Add special touches to your loved one’s day that are termed extra: a note, special meal, affection, anything that expresses devotion. When we sacrifice for someone we love, it’s more meaningful.
Schedule regular date nights away from home. Budget for a babysitter or petsitter if necessary. Well-planned dates help recapture those special moments when love first began.
Establish a solid friendship. We must enjoy being around our loved ones.
Find a mutual hobby or interest and get involved together. Make it fun!
Fight fair. When arguments ensue, vow to not bring up past hurts and allow the other person to express their feelings.
Communicate the good, bad, and ugly. Honesty is required, even when it hurts.
Pray together. Share your questions, findings, and concerns about God in deep discussions.
Understand the importance of individual time alone to grow mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Plan life together: vacations, weekends, children, visits to grandchildren, retirement, etc.
Choose a mature relationship that isn’t demanding or codependent.
Explore Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. If a loved one lacks one of these areas, commit to helping them find answers.
Establish a hands-off approach to mobile devices at mealtimes.
Avoid discussing work during meals.
Real-life relationships take work, but the joy is a treasured romance that models true love and commitment.
DiAnnMills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014. Connect with DiAnn here: http://www.diannmills.com.
BTSCelebs sends a special thanks to DiAnn Mills and Tyndale House Publishers.
BTSCelebs found out this week that Go Joo Won recently joined an agency called Wants Maker Entertainment and opened a brand new Instagram account this spring!
It’s been close to 5 years since Joo Won graced television screens in a leading role. After SBS’ “Run, Jang Mi” aired its finale, GJW made guest appearances and seemed to hunt for a new agency to represent him. This year, he came back strong in the shows “Love in Sadness “(MBC),”Haechi”(SBS) and he was even a part of the featured couple in TV Chosun’s reality series “Taste of Love”.
Brand new recording artist Coby James made his debut this summer with the catchy pop single “Paradise”. The multitalented musician co-produced, wrote and performed the instruments on the delightful song that boasts about finding satisfaction in Christ alone. BTSCelebs virtually interviewed the rising star recently to learn more about his backstory, music and plans for the future.
BTSCelebs: Who is Coby James?
Coby James: I’m a 17 year old who has a love for music and is narrating what a Christian in high school goes through. Bringing a new Pop flare into CCM with influences like Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and Shawn Mendes. I’m also bringing back to Christian music the old style of writing about the stories of our lives like Steven Curtis Chapman once pioneered.
What piqued your interest in music?
My love for guitar, singing, self expression and pure love for the art. I want to make the best art that I can in the little time I have on this earth. If the God of everything makes perfect art, shouldn’t I strive for excellence in the gifts I’ve been given?
Tell us about your experience being on stage for the very first time.
I started leading youth band in 10th grade. I was also given the opportunity to open for Shane and Shane in concert early in my 11th grade year. That was my first big show on stage, and I loved every minute of it. It was at that moment that I knew ‘this is what the Lord created me to do.’
Why was “Paradise” chosen as your first single?
I think I chose it because it was the obvious stick out as a single. It has a catchy chorus, a fun guitar hook and a solid message about Christ being the only thing that can fill that void within us that we try to fill with worldly things. I felt that it was a good representation of who I was as an artist and felt that people would hear the influences that helped shape my sound.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the song?
That nothing in this world will ever truly satisfy us. We can reach for that unattainable goal that is the ‘American Dream’ but its always just out of reach because the second we think we have it, we find that we still feel empty. Christ is the only One that truly fills us and leaves us content. We were made to love Him. Nothing can replace that.
Do you have any special surprises planned for “The Hope Encounter” Tour? Any cover songs or duets with your tourmate?
Well I would really love to sing with Danny, but that’s really a question for him haha. I am starting a song with a Steven Curtis Chapman cover that is one of my favorites. And I’ve adjusted some of the arrangement to help suit the acoustic set so that should be fun! Honestly, I’m just so excited to share what I have planned. It’s an incredible opportunity.
What can music lovers expect from you in 2020?
Hopefully lots of stuff! I’m taking it one step at a time. But I do believe a full length album isn’t too far away after this EP. I have over 35 songs to pick from, so I’m itching to get them out to you guys! I don’t really know what’s in store yet, but I’m hopeful and excited.
Listen to Coby’s debut song below:
BTSCelebs sends a special thanks to Coby James and his management team for the exclusive interview and images.
4th Ave posted on Facebook today, “BREAKING NEWS Just announced, Mikey has decided to leave the group. We are now on the hunt for a new member! Dm any suggestions!
Stay tuned for new music. We are back in the studio August 9th recording our 3rd EP! Thank you for your love and your support, WE LOVE YOU! #4thAveMusic”
Christy Carlson Romano is bringing back the best of the 2000s!
On June 27th, the famous actress and singer kicked off a brand new YouTube series titled “Christy’s Kitchen Throwback”. CKT is completely free to watch and features some of your favorite stars from productions like “Kim Possible”, “Lizzie McGuire“, “Even Stevens”, “The Cheetah Girls” and even the 90s film “Matilda”. Two of my favorite episodes so far have been her making Ron Stoppable’s Naco with Will Friedle and two Even Stevens cast members joining her for the classic “We Went To The Moon” song.
Take a look at those special episodes below:
You can see all of Christy’s enjoyable videos on the official YouTube Channel under her name Christy Carlson Romano.
Photos and Videos Credit: Christy’s YouTube and Instagram
