Now streaming: the November episode of ‘The Munro Review on CMAC’
It’s time for Episode 27 of “The Munro Review on CMAC.” This month’s show focuses on the busy cultural month of November and includes a special field story:
It features three major segments:
• You’ve seen him as a drunken Santa in “A Christmas Story.” Now, Shawn Williams of Good Company Players is ready to play another dysfunctional Christmas character: Buddy in “Elf: The Musical.” Williams talks about what it’s like to crash Macys at Christmas, maple syrup on spaghetti and more. The production opens Nov. 14 at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater.
Pictured above: Devynn Braswell of the Fresno Master Chorale performs in the CMAC studio. Photo: The Munro Review
• Producer Kyle Lowe and I took a road trip to UC Merced a couple of weeks ago to get a look at the new arts building on campus. Professor Jayson Beaster-Jones gives us a tour of the impressive facilities and talks about the university’s unique Global Arts Studies Program, which combines the study of visual arts and music, as well as the interactions of sight and sound in film, television, dance, theater, video games, and other multimedia.
• How to have fun on a TV set? Invite a bunch of singers from the Fresno Master Chorale. I talk with music director Anna Hamre, Celeste DeMonte and Chris Simmons about the ensemble’s upcoming Nov. 17 concert featuring two joyful works: Gjeilo’s “Sunrise Mass” and Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo.” Then we get to hear singer Devynn Braswell, accompanied by Edgar Contreras on guitar, sing a selection from the concert. I really appreciate all these singers taking the time to share their talents with my viewers.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER SPONSORED CONTENT
Plus: This month’s show includes a recap of stories and reviews I covered on the website in October, and I offer a preview of upcoming events in November.
Web extra: Merced Multicultural Arts Center
While Kyle and I were reporting in Merced, we visited the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, which has long been closely connected to UC Merced. There’s a great Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos exhibition on view through Nov. 9 (a free reception will be held 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2), and the center boasts classes, activities, an art gallery, theatrical performances and more. I talk to Colton Dennis, executive director of the Merced Arts Council; and to UC Merced art professor Richard Gomez, whose students contributed an altar to the Dia de los Muertos exhibition.
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