An Evening with Groucho and much more
X Marx the spot
This summer vacation, the McKinney Theatre presented An Unconventional Summer Season.
The Flying Karamazov Brothers’ wacky juggling act was on June 10. The nearly sold out McKinney audience welcomed the Brothers and their flames, kilts, balls, clubs, and piano accompaniment. They are not biological brothers, but Pavel, Dmitri, Alexei, and Maximov, as they call themselves on stage, have been performing together since 1973.
On Tuesday, July 8, An Evening with Groucho brought to life the hilarious material of American comedy legend Groucho Marx. Groucho Marx’s daughter, Miriam, enjoyed the show from the first row. Frank Ferrante and displayed impressive athleticism as he danced and lept through the air.
The McKinney’s pulse was jump-started on Friday, July 18 with Street Beat’s Drum Eclectic. There were fourteen dynamic performers including break dancers, singers, a saxophonist, and percussionists who used trash cans for sound. Street Beat was founded by drummer and producer Ben Hansen, who began by teaching inner city children to love music using trash cans, paint buckets, and sticks to create amazing sounds.
On Saturday, July 26 The Billys performed. Made up of Billy Elvis, Billy Fiddle, Billy Banjo, and Billy Bow, the foursome wore overalls, cowboy hats, and cowboy boots. Their bright vocal harmonies, led Billy Elvis, were set off by Billy Banjo’s, rhythmic banjo picking.
This Fall season The Shangri-la Chinese Acrobats will be performing amazing feats on Sept. 28. October will include many musical performances. “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Winterdance will be in November, and “The Nutcracker Ballet” will be presented from Dec. 19 through Dec. 21.
All fine arts at Saddleback are supported by the Angels for the Arts organization, whose mission is to enhance art appreciation throughout the college campus and throughout the community. They raise funds for Saddleback’s art series, art scholarships, master classes, and galleries. To find out more about The Angels or to make a donation call: (949) 582-4656.
