By Eva Trieger
CARLSBAD, California — When it comes to ushering in summer, nobody does it better than New Village Arts. Once more, a fine June evening in the bucolic Carlsbad Flower Fields, paired with two of the area’s multi-talented actors, and familiar show tunes that never go out of style! That is definitely a trifecta of treats!
In a phone interview with Artistic Director Kristiane Kurner, her excitement of 500-watt energy, nay, LED power, was almost visible, and we weren’t FaceTiming. She shared many exciting milestones for New Village Arts this year, and Leonard Bernstein’s New York is just the first of many dreams come true.
Kurner’s own fond memories of attending graduate school in New York City and her recent sabbatical made this show especially rewarding. However, starring two “triple threat” actors and a live band raised her elation to a whole new level. Trevor Rex and Johnisa Almariya Breault are both incredible singers, dancers, and actors. Trevor is well-known to many NVA devotees, and Johnisa soon will be! This young woman of multiracial ethnicity has performed in film and on several California stages. She has formal training in voice and ballet. Exploring Bernstein’s NYC with her, Trevor employs his mastery of all aspects of musical theater and draws from his own New York experience, In 2020 this tour de force won Dancer of the Decade for his role in Smokey Joe’s Cafe.
Kurner described the show as “a love letter to New York.” As two best friends discover the thrill of New York, they also encounter the “possibility and heartbreak inherent” in the Big Apple. The show exudes the joy of a living, breathing, larger-than-life city where patrons will recognize songs from the musical genius of Leonard Bernstein and his contemporaries. I can think of no better venue for sharing that joy communally than our own Flower Fields.
Additionally, this theatre company, which knows how to have fun, is hosting a Bollywood dance class. A series of four classes taught by two women is halfway through its first session. However, since the class has provided so much fun, there may well be another session planned. Keep your eyes peeled on the NVA website so you don’t miss the chance to sign up (newvillagearts.org).
Another exciting and landmark offering is The Mechanicals. This play, written by teaching artist Aleta Barthel, will run August 12, 14, and 15 at the Flower Fields. It is based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The actors, a neurodiverse troupe, shared each of their own dreams, which Barthel and Samantha Ginn incorporated into the script. Ginn will soon assume the role of Director of Education for New Village Arts.
In other fabulous news, the much-anticipated Community Arts Center will be breaking ground on July 7 with a 10:30 a.m. ceremony. This very special hub is deservedly named for Dea Hurston. It is the first arts center to be named for an African American woman outside of New York. Those of you who are subscribers or are just very lucky had the pleasure of seeing 1222 Oceanfront: A Black Family Christmas. Hurston’s play, rich in humor, courage, truth, and joy will grace the new stage in December when the center throws open its doors. I know I said that NVA knows how to do summer. This show proves they also know how to do winter!