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                    LACKWANNA BLUES Reviewed by Celia Ipiotis                                           Junior Mack, Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Photo by Marc J. Franklin. Lackawana, NY, was one of those towns that lured many hopeful laborers up north only to test their spirits and claim their bodies. That hotspot of mobility and stagnation was home to Santiago Ruben-Hudson. Vivid memories of childhood animated Santiago-Hudson's autobiographical one-man show  Lackawanna Blues  at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater. Positioned on a relatively bare stage with only a stool, couple of chairs, table and the guitarist Junior Mack next to him, Santiago Hudson peppered his conversation with the soulful sound of a harmonica wailing the blues. Read full review.
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                 MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY Review by      Celia Ipiotis                                       Leslie Andrea Williams in Chronicle. Photo by Brian Pollock At a time of great unrest, and only 3 years until the start of World War II, Martha Graham's 1936 "Chronicle" stood as a fierce manifesto rejecting the rise of fascism in Europe. Unnervingly aprt for our time as well.Despite the all-femlae cast, there's nothing delicate or pretty about these warrior women pounding their feet, and slashing, angular arms against leaps propelling them to freedom. The youthful Graham dancers plunge into politically charged  Chronicle  particularly the determined and stately Leslie Andrea Williams who fans her full skirt exposing the blood red bottom under the black sheath in the "Spectre" (created in 1914--the start of World War I). Section II, "Steps in the Street:Devastation--Homelessness -- Exile"  finds  a fine and intense Marzia Memoli commandin
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CELIA IPIOTIS SPEAKS WITH CATHERINE TUROCY: BAROQUE OPERA

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On May 9, the ornate El Museo del Barrio theater will host two highly anticipated one-act Baroque opera-ballets: Pierre de La Garde's lyrical "Leandre et Hero" and Jean Philippe Rameau's comedic "Io."  Written in the mid 18th century, Catherine Turocy, one of the foremost dancers, choreographers, directors and authorities on the reconstruction of Baroque Dance paused for a few minutes to express her excitement about a project that includes a world premier and contemporary refashioning of two nearly 300 year old operas. CI: Clearly, this project is a breathless undertaking by Opera Lafayette which includes the participation of your historical NY Baroque Dance Company, founded and directed by you and Ann Jacoby, the contemporary Sean Curran Company, Stage Director Nick Olcott, Music Director Avi Stein, Artistic Director Ryan Brown and Costume Designer Machine Dazzle(best known for his design collaborations with cabaret artist Taylor Mac). CI: For people w
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