2016 in review: The nights on Broadway

2016 was a good year for the arts in and around Red Oak. 

In July, the Wilson Performing Arts Center brought a special workshop to the stage to benefit youth actors in and around Red Oak. Called “Broadway Advantage,” the workshop featured training from two well-known theater professionals. Steven Applegate, a musical director, conductor and pianist, and Tabor native Kelli James, who has enjoyed a lengthy Broadway career, including the role of Eponine in the Broadway production of “Les Miserables” in 1986, led the training. 

James said there’s not one particular road to success, and students preparing to graduate high school or college got the chance to ask questions and get advice for what they need to do after graduation to prepare them to pursue a career. 

“Whether you go to college, a university, or study independently, preparation and finding yourself is the real key,” commented James. 

One of the key elements of the workshop was developing the skills of the students to the point where they would be ready for a full-on Broadway audition. 

“It was basically an overall development of their skills. I also looked over their resumes, their headshots, and their books of music so when they go to any audition, they are as prepared as any professional would be,” James advised. 

James said she’s looking at holding future workshops here and in Nebraska to keep providing skills to local actors. 

“I feel it’s really important to me to come home and provide them something they can’t usually get unless they travel outside of our area. I’d like to make our Broadway Advantage workshop home right here in southwest Iowa,” said James. 

At the end of the week, the participating students performed for a packed house at the WPAC during “Night of a Thousand Stars” on July 29, with a concert event showing off their singing and acting skills. 

2016 was also a rousing success for the SW Iowa Art tour, which was held on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18. 

The tour began in 2014, spearheaded by Malvern artist Zack Jones, Red Oak artist Cece Werner, and Macedonia artist Paul Koch, with the intent of connecting rural artists to the public.

“We thought it would be nice to be able to do some type of tour where we all host an event on the same weekend and then help cross promote each other and tap into the regional area, including Council Bluffs and Omaha,” said Jones, who opened his gallery and work space, Project Art Church in a 139-year old former Presbyterian church in 2013. “We want to connect communities through art.”

The first year, Jones said, the tour saw 14 artists and galleries participate. Last year, that number jumped to 41. He expected as many as 60 artists from as far north as Woodbine and Harlan, as far east as Winterset and as far south as Shenandoah to be involved in the regional event.

Last year, Jones said nearly 300 visitors made a stop in Malvern as part of the tour. There were multiple stops in Red Oak and Montgomery County.