V4 / Is7
JULY 2016
PHILLIP ARRAN
UK’s own Phillip Arran takes on Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical here in the Land of Enchantment.
Priscilla at NHCC
A FREE Publication
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Kate Vargas
New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
Blue Sky
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PG 12
COVER STORY
UK’s own Phillip Arran
UK’s own Phillip Arran takes on Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical here in the Land of Enchantment. PG 5
PG 9
Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Dolls presents the regional premier of the Tony® winning show.
Kate Vargas The home grown musician is making her mark in the music industry.
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU
TURN IT UP
PG 11
PG 15
UFC 200 Lounge 54 presents a viewing party for the upcoming bout.
Blue Sky Producers Lab Learn more about this amazing resource.
THE SPORTS CONNECTION
BEHIND THE SCENES
PG 17
EXTRAS
Running of the Chihuahuas Learn more about this annual event. PG 18 UPCOMING EVENTS 3I
www.NMEntertains.com
New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
NME STAFF Teresa Robinson-Ewers Publisher/Editor-in-Chief NMEntertains@gmail.com Ariel Bisbee Photography & Mulitmedia Director Jan Baca Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS Winter Elise Susan McAfee-White Michael Radcon Sonja Dewing NME Board Teresa Ewers Ariel Bisbee Darlene Esquibel Winter Elise Eddie Robinson SUBSCRIPTIONS New Mexico Entertainment magazine is $24 a year within the Continental United States. Please place your order online at www.NMEntertains.com. Please note the first issue will take 4-6 weeks. All events submissions can be placed at NMEntEvents@gmail.com
231 Sierra Dr. SE, Ste. 11 Albuquerque, NM 87108 505.450.4706
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New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT, THE MUSICAL
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New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
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hey say that no one should rest on their laurels. When it comes to The Dolls, they go way beyond that. Founder Ken Ansloan, after a successful run with their last show, Cinderella, An E! True Hollywood Story, decided they needed to take their next show one step further. Making the decision to direct and become Executive Producer of Priscilla Queen of thea Desert, The Musical, led to many first for the drag ensemble. Ansloan and Co-Director and Producer, Jessica Osbourne, sat down with PRIDE & Equality and New Mexico Entertainment for a dual interview to talk about their decision to take on this beloved show and what they have in store. You chose a very larger-than-life show for your next production here in Albuquerque. Why Priscilla? Ken Ansloan: I wanted to take The Dolls to the next level and do a bigger show than we had ever done before. I thought of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical”. I applied for the rights which weren’t available yet. So I put my name on a waiting list. To be honest, when they called me to let me know that the rights had become available, I had forgotten about it. When they told me that my production would be the regional debut, I was both nervous and excited.
Jessica Osbourne: Ken approached me and told me that he had optioned the rights and that he was on the waiting list to do the show and asked me if I would assistant direct/ produce if they came available. I saw the show years ago when my good friend, Phillip, was in the show on the West End and loved it. I figured if there was ever a musical to do this could be the most fun and entertaining. So I said hells yes! What has been some highlights in doing this show? KA: The highlights have been having auditions and seeing all the talent that is here in Albuquerque. The Dolls have been a troupe for so many years and we have worked together on countless productions. That has been wonderful and we are like a family, BUT getting to meet new talent is very exciting as well! JO: Sort of how things have come together really. When we found out we had dates, I found out that my friend, Phillip, was moving to the USA to be with his now husband and that he would be looking for a project. We were honored when he said yes to playing Bernadette and so excited. It was so exciting to see so much talent come out of the woodwork in Albuquerque to audition. But I think one of the most exciting things was having a bus
What a drag! Photography by Russell Maynor
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donated to us so that we can move around Albuquerque to sell tickets and spread the word! So keep an eye out for us! There are a lot of die hard fans when it comes to the movie. What will the musical offer that the movie doesn’t? KA: The main difference between the movie and the musical is the addition of The Divas. They are like the Greek Chorus of the show and they get to sing many exciting songs. It is also wonderful to see all the songs that are in a movie tell a story. The musical uses these songs to express the actors feelings. The writers have done a wonderful job of incorporating these songs into the storyline. JO: Live singing and music! There is nothing quite like it. Also experiencing their journey whilst experiencing glitter and your favorite hit songs is an experience
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New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
like no other. Now The Dolls are known for their acting chops, but for the first time, with this show, you’ll be performing with a live orchestra. How does that feel and what others first have you experienced with this show? KA: It is so exciting to have a live orchestra. This is a definite first! We have a musical director, Nathaniel Robert Flake, and he is amazing. He has made us all feel so at ease with this transition! The Dolls are also known for all our amazing costumes. The costumes in this show are going to be even more amazing (if you can believe that). We have had original costumes made before, but this is the first show where every single costume has been made specifically for this show. Joe Moncada is our costume designer and I don’t know how he is doing it, but he is making
every single frock and headdress. Everything is being adorned. I think this show has more sequins and feathers than you’ll find in all of Las Vegas! JO: I feel like this is the next step for The Dolls. There has always been a musical type quality to their shows, with songs intermingled between the scenes furthering the plot. At first, it was drag, we added live singing during the past year and now full blown live music…it seemed like the natural progression. What do you want people feeling when they leave the theater after seeing Priscilla the Musical? KA: The message of Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is an extremely heartwarming one. I want them to take away that message, but I also want them to know that they have seen a loud and proud musical and be singing and boogieing to the songs from the 8I
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musical for weeks to come! JO: The joy of familial love - both born and found. They’ll come out with that feeling of your heart wanting to burst. There’ll be so much love in that room, you could hardly stand it! - Teresa Ewers Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is running from July 1-24 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Journal Theater. Tickets can be purchased at http://www. nhccnm.org/event/dolls-presentpriscilla-queen-desert-musicalrental/ NME -Teresa Ewers
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hat if told you an 8-year old flutist from Corrales, NM would grow to be an Americana/Folk Singer-Songwriter who travels to islands off the coast of Portugal to perform songs lyrically fueled by the New Mexican culture? Though this sounds like the plot of a rags-to-riches blockbuster about a small town musician, it’s actually the story of Kate Vargas. Kate Vargas began her journey through music at Corrales Elementary School. Where a teacher with the nickname “Mr. Musica” helped kick start her curiosity and passion for music. Years later, at the age of 12, Kate joined a Jazz program at 9I
New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
Photo by ® Wick Beavers
TURN IT UP: KATIE VARGAS
Albuquerque’s Outpost. It was here that Kate learned to play guitar and began to truly blossom into a Singer-Songwriter. Gifted from a very young age with the ability to write from the heart, Kate began to mesh her poetry and musical abilities to create the sound we hear from her today. For Kate, pursuing music as a career was never an option. She could never fathom doing anything else as a career. Pulling inspiration from artists such as Leonard Cohen, Nina Simone, and Bob Dylan, Kate believes in the power of words. Emphasizing the importance of lyrics and the way they’re delivered is essential in teasing
out the imagery in Kate’s music. Because of Kate’s natural gift for writing, her lyrics have an uncanny ability to pull the listener into a storybook filled with fictional creatures and lovers yearning to find each other. Many of Kate’s songs are directly inspired by the folklore of New Mexico. “Mama Watch Me Sink,” from Kate’s debut album Down To My Soul is a song about the weeping woman, La Llorona. The track paints an eerie picture of Maria watching her children sink into the Rio Grande backed by driving folk guitar and somber chords. The delightful and awesome
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New Mexican stories will most certainly continue on Kate’s upcoming album, due for release in late Summer or early Fall 2016. “Second Skin,” a new single, tells the tale of the Navajo Skinwalkers and is sure to send chills down the listener’s spine. Though currently spending time in Europe spreading the joys of her music, Kate intends to set a proper tour for the US in the coming years. Needless to say, New Mexico will definitely be on her list of stops. Kate’s music, info, and news can be found at her website www.kate-vargas. com. NME - Michael Rascon
THE SPORTS CONNECTION: UFC 200
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ounge 54 at Santa Ana Star Casino, New Mexico’s Best Bet, will host a viewing party for the upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bouts. UFC 200 will be held Saturday, July 9, featuring the Light Heavyweight Title Championship between Daniel Cormier and Jon “Bones” Jones and the Women’s Bantamweight Title Championship between Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes. The lineup features 12 match-ups including the Light Heavyweight Title Championship and the Women’s Bantamweight Title Championship. In the main event, champion Daniel Cormier (17-1) will fight to defend his title as he faces interim champion Jon “Bones” Jones (22-1) in the Light Heavyweight Title Championship. The 11 I
New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
main card also includes the Women’s Bantamweight Title Championship between champion Miesha Tate (18-5) and challenger Amanda Nunes (12-4), a heavyweight match-up between World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE’s) Brock Lesnar (5-3) and Mark Hunt (12-10-1) and an Interim Featherweight Title Championship between Jose Also (25-2) and Frankie Edgar (19-41). A heavyweight showdown between Cain Velasquez (132) and Travis Browne (18-3-1) rounds out the main card. Admission to the UFC viewing party at Lounge 54 is $10. Doors open at 5 p.m. Guests must be 21 years old or older to attend. For more information, please call (505) 867-0000 or visit www.lounge54atthestar.com. NME - Provided by Santa Ana Star Casino
COVER STORY: PHILLIP ARRAN
UK’s Own
PHILLIP ARRAN
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New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
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ust hearing Phillip Arran’s voice, it’s easy to hear that he is not a native of New Mexico. But an opportunity to take part in a familiar show led to Arran becoming a regular visitor to the Land of Enchantment. Arran is currently on the Journal Theater stage at The National Hispanic Cultural Center playing Bernadette in The Dolls’ production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical. This role is not new to Arran. He was part of the original West End production in London, so his love for the show is strong. Arran sat down with us to learn more this talented thespian. WHAT LED YOU TO TAKING PART IN PRISCILLA HERE IN ALBUQUERQUE? “Quite random! I worked with Jessica Osbourne (Co-Director/ Choreographer) in London back in 2000 and knew that she was now here in ABQ. I was in town for Thanksgiving last year (I recently married an Albuquerquian) and met up with Jessica. We discussed that The Dolls were hoping to do Priscilla this year and as I was part of the original West End production in London a few years back (understudying the role I am now playing), I told her I would love to be part of it if the timings worked out. Here I am!!”
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WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE STAGE THAT YOU ENJOY? I think it’s in the blood. I’ve loved performing since I was a young kid. I did everything from singing in church choirs, school plays, concerts etc. until I discovered the world of amateur operatic societies and it opened a whole new world to me. The rush of adrenalin when an audience is having a great time is really something else. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTION THAT YOU’VE WORKED ON? Having been doing this professionally for 25 years and worked in all aspects of theatre especially, I have several, for different reasons. However, as corny as it sounds, Priscilla is by far my favorite as I realized an ambition in being part of a brand new musical’s original cast in a West End theatre. Witnessing the creative process during rehearsals, the media buzz, the opening night parties and subsequent high-life invitations was amazing, not to mention playing to full houses with standing ovations every performance. WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU HAVE COMING UP? At the moment I am looking for new opportunities in the television and movie industry. Not to say if a role in a Broadway
musical came up I wouldn’t jump at it. YOU’VE BEEN ON THE STAGE. EVER THINK OF WORK BEHIND THE SCENES AS DIRECTOR? I have actually worked as a director and resident director back in the UK on a number of productions. I started my own theatre company back in my native Wales and did
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everything from fundraising, marketing, producing, casting, designing sets & costumes to directing and performing in some of the early productions. I love being creative as a director, but do miss being on stage when in that role. NME - Teresa Ewers Inserts: Arran at the red carpet for Kinky Boots and on stage for Priscilla.
BEHIND THE SCENES: BLUE SKY PRODUCERS LAB
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ocations all across New Mexico have seen their fair share of movie and TV filming. Most of these projects are thanks to state tax incentives and the availability of experienced film crews. What we don’t see a lot of in New Mexico are the earlier stages or resources used such as writers, actors, and producers. Blue Sky Producers Lab has a vision and a plan to change that. “We basically want to build New Mexico up for the future and package projects (TV, movies, online series, etc.) from the start,” says Sean Cardinalli, one of the team who’s come up with the Lab. In order to do that, Blue Sky Producers Lab is taking on the business of accelerating good projects. They’ll review submitted ideas and start with the top five projects they feel are worthy. From those top five, they’ll help the aspiring filmmakers make connections, find investors, and get them from point A (where you have an idea) to point B (where you have a finished product). But it won’t be easy. As their website quotes “To make a real independent film…one must sacrifice personal, 15 I
New Mexico Entertainment • July 2016
financial, and physical well-being.” The business of filmmaking takes serious commitment. For those willing to make this commitment, they will have to deal with a lot of changes and input, hard work and collaboration, and above all have to be coachable and learn from those with experience. The men behind the lab; Sean Cardenalli, Anthony DellaFlora , Kenneth Segura Knoll, and Daniel Landes; have years of experience in the industry. “I think that all four of us have a strong desire to build this foundation in New Mexico where we are less beholden to Hollywood proper, or New York, or wherever.” Will they change the landscape of New Mexico entertainment? They certainly plan to, five films at a time. If you have an idea, script, treatment, or something in line with creating a movie, TV, or online show, that can be produced in New Mexico, and the cap is no more than 5 million dollars, you might be their next big project. You don’t have to be from New Mexico, but it helps! You can find more information at their website www. Blueskyprolab.com. NME - Sonja Dewing
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EXTRAS: RUNNING OF THE CHIHUAHUAS 2016
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id you just picture bunches of Chihuahuas running around in a sea of adorable pandemonium? Or perhaps Chihuahuas dressed in ridiculously silly costumes? Then you’re on the right track! Race track that is. This year’s running of the Chihuahuas will feature up to 200 races throughout the day (within certain weight limits – they wouldn’t want those larger dogs getting unfair advantage!), a single “Race of the Littles” of 1-4 lb dogs (can you say “Too Cute!”), costume contest, doggie/owner look alike contest, beer garden, wine garden, food trucks, inflatable jumpers, etc. Micaela Brown, CEO of Inspire People Media, brought this entertaining event to Albuquerque in 2013 and is making it even better this year. She was initially inspired by “seeing how much New Mexicans love their pets – specifically Chihuahuas!” Besides bringing pure entertainment to Chihuahua fans, 17 I
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the event will be donating to Paws and Stripes. This local, nonprofit organization saves pets from the shelter, trains them, and matches them up with wounded military veterans who need the support due to post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. All dogs are welcome to attend, and you don’t have to have a dog to come and enjoy the event. The running of the Chihuahuas will happen on August 20, 2016. It runs from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM. General Admission is $10 online, $15 at the gate. Children under 10 and non- racing dogs are free. Tickets can be found at http://www. runchihuahua.com/ tickets-1 NME - Sonja Dewing
CALENDAR OF EVENTS ® Johnny Louis, FilmMagic
July 14-31, 2016
ELEVENTH ANNUAL NEW MEXICO JAZZ FESTIVAL Albuquerque & Santa Fe Venues www.TicketsSantaFe.com
UNTIL June 12, 2016 EL RETRATO NUEVOMEXICANO AHORA/ NEW MEXICAN PORTRAITURE NOW - ART EXHIBIT National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th St SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 By popular demand, the National Hispanic Cultural Center extended the community gallery exhibit El Retrato Nuevomexicano Ahora/ New Mexican Portraiture Now, and adding programming featuring the amazing artists whose work is included in the exhibition. The exhibit will run through June 12, 2016 UNTIL December 30, 2016 NOB HILL’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Nob Hill Main Street 4310 Central Ave. S.E. Albuquerque, NM 87108 Celebrate 100 years of this historic Albuquerque neighborhood with various events throughout 2016 http://www. NobHillis100.com Until August 5, 2016 SCIENCE IS EVERYWHERE - SUMMER CAMP 2016 National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th St SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 http://www.nuclearmuseum.org June 3 - July 22, 2016 SURFACE: EMERGING ARTISTS OF NEW MEXICO Harwood Art Center 1114 7th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 http://www.harwoodartcenter.org June 6 - August 5, 2016 EXPLORA! SPRING AND SUMMER CAMPS Explora 1701 Mountain Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87104
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Members enjoy a summer of playful learning with free admission and discounts on camps and parties. http://www.explora.us (505) 224-8323 June 6 - July 24, 2016 BOSQUE SUMMER CAMPS 4000 Learning Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Open to students in grades 1-12 Music, art, science, athletics, drama, ACT prep, entrepreneurship, cooking, leadership and much more! http://www.bosqueschool.org/Summer_ Camps.aspx (505) 898-6388 June 9-12, 2016 ALBUQUERQUE PRIDE 2016 http://www.abqpride.com/ (505) 873-8084 June 18 & 25, 2016 MORNING TOONS - CARTOONS WITH NEW MEXICO ENTERTAINMENT Guild Cinema 3405 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Grab your pajamas, your blanket and take part in this Saturday morning event all through the month of June with your family and friends. New Mexico Entertainment brings you cartoons from your childhood on the big screen at The Guild Cinema. Kick back, have some breakfast, and enjoy the toons! This is a LIMITED seat event. www.nmentertains.com/#!nme-events/j4a7f (505) 450-4706
CALENDAR OF EVENTS UNTIL June 12, 2016 EL RETRATO NUEVOMEXICANO AHORA/ NEW MEXICAN PORTRAITURE NOW - ART EXHIBIT National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th St SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 By popular demand, the National Hispanic Cultural Center extended the community gallery exhibit El Retrato Nuevomexicano Ahora/ New Mexican Portraiture Now, and adding programming featuring the amazing artists whose work is included in the exhibition. The exhibit will run through June 12, 2016 UNTIL December 30, 2016 NOB HILL’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Nob Hill Main Street 4310 Central Ave. S.E. Albuquerque, NM 87108 Celebrate 100 years of this historic Albuquerque neighborhood with various events throughout 2016 http://www. NobHillis100.com Until August 5, 2016 SCIENCE IS EVERYWHERE - SUMMER CAMP 2016 National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th St SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 http://www.nuclearmuseum.org June 3 - July 22, 2016 SURFACE: EMERGING ARTISTS OF NEW MEXICO Harwood Art Center 1114 7th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 http://www.harwoodartcenter.org
June 6 - August 5, 2016 EXPLORA! SPRING AND SUMMER CAMPS Explora 1701 Mountain Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 Members enjoy a summer of playful learning with free admission and discounts on camps and parties. http://www.explora.us (505) 224-8323 June 6 - July 24, 2016 BOSQUE SUMMER CAMPS 4000 Learning Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Open to students in grades 1-12 Music, art, science, athletics, drama, ACT prep, entrepreneurship, cooking, leadership and much more! http://www.bosqueschool.org/Summer_ Camps.aspx (505) 898-6388 June 9-12, 2016 ALBUQUERQUE PRIDE 2016 http://www.abqpride.com/ (505) 873-8084 June 18 & 25, 2016 MORNING TOONS - CARTOONS WITH NEW MEXICO ENTERTAINMENT Guild Cinema 3405 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Grab your pajamas, your blanket and take part in this Saturday morning event all through the month of June with your family and friends. New Mexico Entertainment brings you cartoons from your childhood on the big screen at The Guild Cinema. Kick back, have some breakfast, and enjoy the toons! This is a LIMITED seat event. www.nmentertains.com/#!nme-events/j4a7f (505) 450-4706
® Johnny Louis, FilmMagic
June 26, 2016
JASON ALDEAN Isleta Ampitheater
http://www.livenation.com/ events/550704-jun-26-2016-jason-aldeansix-string-circus-tour-2016
Submit events to NMEntEvents@gmail.com • View full calendar at NMEntertains.com 19 I
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