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Tuesday, 26 November 2024
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Written by Anna White
Fayetteville’s oldest dance studio, the Blume School of Dance, is rigorously preparing for its upcoming holiday performance of The Nutcracker. Now in their 70th year of business, this year will mark the 55th time they’ve delighted the community with the classic presentation.
The performance also pays homage to the studio’s founder, Charlotte Blume, whose legacy lives on in the standard of excellence dancers expected from her. Charlotte Blume was a school teacher by trade and, according to Dina Lewis, Executive Director of the Blume School of Dance, “wanted so greatly for everyone to experience the arts.”
Since Charlotte Blume’s passing, some parts of the show have seen changes. Lewis noted the addition of a fog machine, snow machine, and backdrops. But the music and choreography have remained much the same.
“I try to be just a caretaker of her work,” Lewis remarked. “I’m just trying to keep it moving forward.”
Observant attendees will notice elements of Charlotte’s legacy sprinkled throughout the performance. Lewis detailed props and costumes that serve as reminders of her history, including two Dewdrop costumes with refurbished, light pink tutus that were Charlotte’s; a stool that Charlotte used while teaching, which is positioned on stage during the opening act; and a red dress that belonged to Charlotte which will be worn by one of the dancers. According to Lewis, the red dress is always worn by a dancer who “exudes the character that Charlotte had.” Lewis described that character as diligence and focus embodied by the phrase “work, work, work.”
Charlotte Blume’s meticulous preparation of costumes is another aspect of her legacy. Lewis says that Charlotte believed every costume was important.
“It has to fit the color scheme. It has to fit the child. It has to fit the child's coloring. She wanted everything to be just so. And that's really what we've tried to keep on and keep alive. Its that part of Charlotte, that perfectionism.”
Lewis makes sure that the dancers understand the studio’s history, and talks frequently to them about Charlotte. She added that they expect their students to be not only exceptional but want them to demand excellence of themselves. She pushes the dancers to find what they’re truly capable of, saying, “Show me what I know you have in you.”
Dancers for this year’s Nutcracker are aged six to eighteen and have been preparing for this performance since early in the year. Auditions took place in May, dance camps were held in June and July, and rehearsals started in August. Lewis described a “nonstop” schedule that sees many dancers in the studio 5-6 days a week.
While some adaptations are made for the dancers as they prepare for the Nutcracker, it doesn’t ease their workload. Lewis said they “adapt and make it even more difficult for them and see what they can accomplish on stage.”
Nevertheless, the dancers are disappointed when the performances end.
“They are sad because they want to keep dancing the Nutcracker for the rest of the season,” Lewis explained. “They absolutely love it.”
She says they hope the production is an opportunity for attendees and dancers to create consistent memories and traditions.
“I hope they can see every child's glimmer in their eyes, their pure satisfaction. They are performers, and they are performing for their community, and they are very much about giving back that art, that excitement for the season, and hoping that they have fulfilled some type of memory for the community.”
Tickets for Blume School’s public presentation of The Nutcracker on Dec. 14 and 15 can be purchased through the Crown Complex at https://bit.ly/40UaA1C. The same production will also be performed exclusively for students at Cumberland County Schools on Dec. 6 (sold out), 9 (sold out), and 13. Students include public, private, and home school groups, as well as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Tickets for exclusive student showings can be purchased by contacting Dina Lewis at 910 600-9204.
(Photo: Dancers with the Blume School of Dance have been preparing for their roles in The Nutcracker. Photos courtesy of the Blume School of Dance.)
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Tuesday, 19 November 2024
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Written by Adam Taylor
At 86 years old, Ridley Scott is showing no signs of slowing down. As the acclaimed director returns with Gladiator 2, a sequel to his 2000 Oscar-winning epic, Gladiator, Scott proves once again that age is no obstacle to creating ambitious, large-scale films.
Over a remarkable career spanning five decades, Scott has crafted some of cinema's most iconic films, moving seamlessly between genres and creating a legacy that blends artistry with blockbuster entertainment.
As a lifelong fan of Scott’s work, it’s hard not to feel immense excitement and admiration as he takes on yet another massive project. His films have a signature look and feel — an attention to detail, a sense of grandeur, and an exploration of humanity in the face of adversity. Watching Scott’s movies is like being transported to another world, and his unparalleled ability to create such immersive stories has solidified him as one of the most influential directors of our time.
Scott’s Hollywood journey began with Alien (1979), a groundbreaking sci-fi horror that introduced the terrifying xenomorph and catapulted Sigourney Weaver to stardom. Known for its claustrophobic atmosphere and meticulous practical effects, Alien showcased Scott’s gift for suspense and for designing visually striking worlds.
It quickly became a classic, setting the standard for sci-fi horror and securing Scott’s reputation as a director capable of blending cerebral concepts with terrifying realism.
Then came Blade Runner in 1982, a film that struggled initially at the box office but would ultimately become one of the most influential movies in cinema history. Set in a dystopian future, Blade Runner explored profound themes of identity, humanity, and technology. Scott’s hauntingly beautiful portrayal of Los Angeles drenched in neon lights and perpetual rain, captured the imaginations of generations of fans and filmmakers alike.
Today, Blade Runner is regarded as a sci-fi masterpiece, praised not only for its visual aesthetics but also for the questions it raises about what it means to be human.
For me, Legend holds a special place in Ridley Scott’s filmography, standing out as a mesmerizing fantasy that captures both the whimsy and darkness of fairy tales. Released in 1985, Legend is a visual feast, brimming with lush forests, mythical creatures, and an unforgettable sense of enchantment.
Scott’s meticulous attention to detail shines in every frame, from the shimmering landscapes to the haunting beauty of the sinister Darkness, brought to life by Tim Curry’s towering performance. There’s a delicate balance between innocence and menace that makes Legend feel both timeless and haunting. It’s a film that, for me, showcases Scott's ability to take viewers to otherworldly places, blending his masterful visuals with a story that’s both mystical and deeply human.
Scott didn’t limit himself to sci-fi and fantasy; his versatility is evident in Thelma & Louise (1991), a landmark film in feminist cinema. The road movie, starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, captured the trials and tribulations of two women pushing back against societal expectations.
The film received critical acclaim, earning Scott an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Thelma & Louise showed that Scott was just as capable of handling complex, character-driven narratives as he was of orchestrating sci-fi worlds.
However, it was Gladiator (2000) that cemented Scott’s status as a director who could create a blockbuster on a grand, almost mythical scale. Gladiator was a cinematic spectacle, sweeping audiences into the brutal and beautiful world of ancient Rome.
The film starred Russell Crowe as Maximus, a betrayed Roman general who seeks vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. Winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Gladiator was hailed for its epic storytelling, unforgettable score, and visceral fight scenes. For Scott, Gladiator was more than just a film—it was a modern myth that demonstrated his ability to balance commercial appeal with artistic depth.
Over the years, Scott continued to produce hit after hit. He ventured into horror again with Hannibal (2001), the intense war drama Black Hawk Down (2001), and the sweeping Crusades epic Kingdom of Heaven (2005). His Alien prequels, Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), revisited the universe he’d built decades earlier, exploring the origins of the xenomorph and delving into existential questions about creation, faith, and fear.
Last year’s Napoleon (2023) marked Scott’s return to historical epic filmmaking, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the infamous French leader. Known for its breathtaking battle scenes and intimate portrayal of Napoleon’s complicated relationship with his wife, Josephine, Napoleon reaffirmed Scott’s masterful command of the historical genre and his ability to bring depth to larger-than-life figures.
Even in his mid-80s, Scott’s vision remains as sharp as ever, and his dedication to crafting visually rich and thought-provoking films is truly inspiring.
And now, Scott is back with Gladiator 2, one of the most highly anticipated sequels of the decade. While much of the plot remains under wraps, the film is expected to follow the story of Lucius, the young son of Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen in the original), and feature a stellar cast, including Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Denzel Washington. Given Scott’s skill at bringing history to life, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to ancient Rome, hoping to once again feel that mix of awe and adrenaline that defined Gladiator.
Gladiator 2 will be screening at the Cameo Art House Theatre, a perfect venue for fans to experience Scott’s work in a more intimate, art-house environment.
What makes Ridley Scott’s career especially remarkable is his constant evolution. While many filmmakers slow down as they age, Scott’s ambition and innovation have only grown. He embraces new technologies, experiments with storytelling techniques, and continues to attract top talent, proving that he is just as relevant and daring as he was when he made Alien and Blade Runner.
As a dedicated fan of Ridley Scott, seeing him still creating with such energy and enthusiasm is profoundly inspiring. His films don’t just entertain—they challenge, provoke, and transport us to worlds beyond our imagination.
Whether it’s the tension in a dimly lit corridor in Alien, the rain-soaked cityscapes of Blade Runner, or the thunderous clashes of gladiators in the Roman Colosseum, Scott’s artistry remains a constant reminder of the power of cinema. At 86, he’s a living legend, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in film and leaving an indelible mark on generations of moviegoers.
With Gladiator 2, Scott is once again proving that his creative fire burns as brightly as ever. The film promises to be a fitting addition to his legacy—an epic journey filled with drama, action, and the timeless themes that make his work so compelling.
Gladiator 2 fights its way into Nov. 21 at the Cameo Art House Theatre in downtown Fayetteville. Advanced tickets are on sale at cameoarthouse.com
(Graphic courtesy of the Cameo Art House Theatre)
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There might be many traditions at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, but one has been 33 years in the making. This year, like so many years before, the actors at Cape Fear Regional Theatre will be performing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Herdsman will return to the stage to remind audience members of some bigger themes of the holiday season. 