'A New York State of Mind' coming to the Playhouse

April 24, 2008 12:31 pm

— The Cumberland County Playhouse presents A New York State of Mind 2008’s performance of the Triple Threat Dance and Theater Education Program, May 1-4 on the Mainstage. Sponsored by CCP’s Education Sponsor, Hughes Real Estate Services,A New York State of Mind takes a trip to the Big Apple with Playhouse young performers and staff who bring energy and talent to Playhouse professional company shows, in youth and teen roles, all year long.
Eldar Valiev, dance director at CCP, is director of this production, supported strongly by choreographers Lilia Valieva, Jennifer Austin, Ashley Austin, James Davis, Michele Colvin, Aven Chadwell, Sara Nelson and Katie Greene; with musical theater numbers staging by director of education and Playhouse leading lady, Nicole Begue. Valiev, a graduate of the Kirov Ballet’s Vaganova Academy in Russia, commented, “The kids and professional staff have worked very hard over to create A New York State of Mind. It’s a pleasure to work with them and their families, who provide so much to the education program. We truly could not achieve all of this without their help.”
Dancers jump on the subway on the way to Lincoln Center for ballet, the Museum of Modern Art for modern dance, to Harlem for jazz and tap, and Broadway for numbers from classic musicals. Participants include students from Cumberland, Putnam, Fentress, Overton, Bledsoe, White, Van Buren, Loudon, and Roane counties. A New York State of Mind tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, $16 for groups (15 or more adults/seniors), and $10 for kids/students.
Ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern and musical theater classes are all part of CCP’s Triple Threat Education Program, which trains students to be “triple threat” singers-dancers-actors. There are students of all ages, boys and girls, men and women, from age 3 to adult. Registration dates for the summer workshop (June 23-July 3) and for dance and musical theater classes are Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 1, 2-5 p.m.; and Sunday, July 27, 2-5 p.m. All registrations will be at the Cumberland County Playhouse in Studio A. For more information about the CCP Triple Threat Program, please call Eldar Valiev, dance director, at 484-8710, ext 246.
Also playing at the Playhouse is First Baptist of Ivy Gap, sponsored by Crossville Ford-Lincoln-Mercury; and Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, sponsored by First National Bank of Tennessee. Tickets can be purchased from the Playhouse Box Office at 484-5000. Visit CCP online at www.ccplayhouse.com to view their full season schedule and additional information.