Becky Gulsvig View Comments Becky Gulsvig is about to stick it to the man! The Broadway alum will enroll in the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest Main Stem hit School of Rock—The Musical on October 10 when she succeeds Mamie Parris in the role of disapproving girlfriend, Patty. Parris is set to play her final performance on October 9 before her previously reported move to the composer’s Cats, where she will assume the role of Grizabella on October 17.Gulsvig is fresh off playing Cynthia Weil in the first National Tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; she recently originated the role of Cinderella in the off-Broadway production of Disenchanted. Gulsvig made her Broadway debut in Hairspray as Lou Ann and went on to take over the role of Amber Von Tussle. She was in the original Broadway cast of Legally Blonde The Musical and later starred as Elle Woods in the first National Tour.Currently in performances at the Winter Garden Theatre, School of Rock is based on the 2003 film of the same name, featuring music from the movie, as well as an original score by Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, a book by Julian Fellowes and direction by Laurence Connor. The show follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.The cast also currently includes Alex Brightman, Jenn Gambatese and Spencer Moses. Show Closed This production ended its run on Jan. 20, 2019 School of Rock – The Musical Star Files Becky Gulsvig Related Shows Mamie Parris
Andy Karl Will Headline Groundhog Day on Broadway
Andy Karl Related Shows Andy Karl is coming back to Broadway! Andy Karl is coming back to Broadway! Andy Karl is coming back to Broadway! After London critics and audiences repeatedly fell for the two-time Tony nominee as he headlined Groundhog Day at the Old Vic, it is now confirmed that Karl will lead the production when it lands at the August Wilson Theatre. The previously reported much-buzzed about stage adaptation of the 1993 film is set to begin previews on March 16, 2017 and officially open on April 17 at the venue.Karl received Tony nods for his two most recent Broadway performances: On the Twentieth Century and Rocky. His additional Main Stem credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Jersey Boys, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde and Wicked. He recently appeared on Law & Order: SVU as Sergeant Mike Dodds, playing son to his former On the Twentieth Century co-star Peter Gallagher.Directed by Matthew Warchus, the musical features a score by Matilda scribe Tim Minchin and a book by Danny Rubin (who co-wrote the original film). No word yet on further casting; Karl played Phil in London opposite Carlyss Peer as Rita.Groundhog Day follows TV weather man Phil (played by Bill Murray in the film), who reluctantly goes to cover the story of Punxsutawney Phil for the third year in a row. Making no effort to hide his frustration, he covers the story and moves on, expecting his job to be finished. However, he awakes the “following” day and discovers that it’s Groundhog Day again, and the fun happens again and again and again. He soon realizes he must take advantage of it in order to secure the love of a coworker.Jersey Boys is scheduled to close at the August Wilson on January 15, 2017. Andy Karl in ‘Groundhog Day'(Photo: Manuel Harlan) View Comments
Show Closed This production ended its run on Sept. 17, 2017 Groundhog Day Star Files
Tony Nominee Alice Drummond Dies at 88
Alice Drummond & James Greene in ‘Endgame'(Photo: Martha Swope) Alice Drummond, a stage and screen character actress who received a Tony nomination in 1970, has died at the age of 88. Her death, caused by complications from a fall earlier this year, was confirmed to The New York Times by her friend June Gable.Drummond made her Broadway debut in the 1959 revival of Lysistrata. She went on to perform in productions including Peer Gynt, The Ballad of the Sad Cafe and Malcolm before appearing in The Chinese and Dr. Fish, which earned her a Tony nomination. Her additional stage credits include Thieves and Summer Brave on Broadway and The American Dream and Marvin’s Room off-Broadway.Born Alice Ruyter on May 21, 1928 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Drummond attended Pembroke College (now merged with Brown University). In 1951, she married Paul Drummond, and the two moved to Manhattan. The two divorced in 1976.Drummond was also known for her numerous featured roles on screen, both comedic and dramatic. Her film credits include Where’s Poppa?, Ghostbusters, Awakenings, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Doubt.She last appeared on Broadway in the 1983 revival of You Can’t Take It With You. No immediate family members survive her. View Comments
Muscadines Back.
Muscadine season is back. And it’s been a long wait. Most fruits are now availablenearly year-round, because they’re grown somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere during ourwinter season — but not muscadines.These great grapes are grown commercially only in the southern United States. Theymature during late July, August and September. Southerners have been eating wildmuscadines since we first set foot in this land.At one time muscadines could only be found in the wild. But in the early 1800s a numberof superior wild varieties were selected for cultivation. One of these was”Scuppernong.” Found on the Scuppernong River in North Carolina in 1810, it hasbecome the common name for all bronze muscadines.The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and EnvironmentalSciences has bred muscadines for more than 70 years. This work has led to a series ofexcellent varieties well-adapted to the state.A big breakthrough came about 25 years ago with the release of “Fry”muscadines. These grapes paved the way for the modern fresh-market muscadine industry.Fry is well-known for its large size and rich, sweet flavor. Georgia now has about1,200 acres of muscadines. Other varieties of note are the bronze “Summit” and”Tara,” a fairly new, self-fertile muscadine.The most recent release from the UGA breeding program is “Scarlett,” alarge-fruited, red grape.We used to think muscadines just tasted good. Indeed, that’s reason enough to grow themand get excited about the season. But in recent years, work at Mississippi State University has shownthem to be powerhouses of healthful eating.Muscadines are among the world’s richest sources of ellagic acid (thought to helpprevent cancer) and resveratrol, which helps reduce heart disease in the so-called”French paradox.” (Frenchmen with rich diets who drink red wine have much lessheart disease than people in the rest of the world.) Muscadines are a great source ofdietary fiber, too.Fall is a good time to order plants for your own backyard. A number of Georgianurseries propagate muscadine plants. Many garden centers have them in stock.When planting, be sure to plant self-fertile varieties with female-flowered types forcross-pollination. You can find details about planting muscadines on the World Wide Web atwww.ces.uga.edu/pubcd/L225-w.html.If you have trouble finding plants, contact the county Extension Service office. If you’d like to learn even more about growing muscadines, you may want to come to the1999 Muscadine Conference (during the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers AssociationConference) Jan. 8-9 in Savannah. To learn more about the GFVGA, call (706) 845-8200.
Pregnant nutrition
By Morgan RoanUniversity of GeorgiaA woman planning to have a baby should eat a healthy diet before she gets pregnant, said Connie Crawley, an Extension Service nutrition and health specialist with the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences.After the first three months, the woman needs to consume about 300 calories more each day than usual. “An increase in healthy foods is best,” she said. “You don’t have to eat a lot of extra food to raise your caloric intake. One sandwich or three cups of skim milk will satisfy the extra 300 calories.”Pregnant women should follow the guidelines suggested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid. Eat at least three meals with one or two snacks each day. “Small, frequent meals are best,” she said.”The average woman gains half a pound to 1 pound each week after the first trimester,” Crawley said. “Most women only gain 1 to 4 pounds during the first trimester. An average-size woman will gain 25 to 30 pounds while pregnant.”FolateIt’s important for women of child-bearing age to take folate before they get pregnant, Crawley said. This will prevent neural-tube defects like spina bifida, a problem of spine development, and anencephaly, a poorly formed brain and skull.”The major organs of the baby are formed within eight weeks of pregnancy,” she said. “This is why it’s important for the woman to take 400 micrograms of folate in a supplement before and after conception.”Many multivitamins or prenatal vitamins contain the right amount of folate. Always check the label to be sure.Calcium Calcium helps the baby’s bones grow properly and protects the mother’s bones. Pregnant women should take about 1,500 milligrams each day. Calcium is found in milk, other dairy products,calcium-fortified juices, leafy green vegetables, fortified soy milk and calcium supplements.Fiber To help prevent constipation, a common problem duringpregnancy, pregnant women should eat more fiber. “Whole grains are a better source of fiber than refined grains,” she said. Five to seven fruits and vegetables a day are good, too.Iron Meats, dried beans and peas and dark leafy green vegetables are good sources of iron. Eating enough of these foods will prevent iron deficiency. Doctors will tell most pregnant women to take an iron supplement, too.Foods to avoid Some foods, such as swordfish, shark, tuna steaks and other large fish, contain high levels of mercury. Don’t eat these in large amounts. They may cause neurologic damage to the baby.Cook meats well to kill the bacteria that could cause serious complications for the unborn child. “Even precooked meats such as lunch meat and hotdogs should be heated,” Crawley said, “to kill any bacteria.”A harmful bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes can be found in soft cheeses (like feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses and Mexican-style cheeses like “queso blanco fresco”)that may be made with inadequately pasteurized milk. This bacterium can cause miscarriage, premature birth, blood poisoning or other life-threatening complications.”Cream cheese and aged cheeses are safe to eat,” Crawley said. “Another safety suggestion is to rinse vegetables and fruits with water and wipe them off well before eating.”ExerciseIt’s safe to exercise during pregnancy. Running and other strenuous lower-body exercises, though, aren’t good. They may put a lot of stress on the baby.”Walking or swimming is better because it promotes more rhythmic motion than bouncing,” Crawley said.During pregnancy, perform exercises that won’t throw your balance off. “Water exercises are best,” she said. “They’re supportive and relaxing.”
Food nationality
By Nancy WiedmannGeorgia Beef BoardGroups representing America’s cattle ranchers, pork producers,seafood producers and produce grower-shippers are supporting aproposed plan to label domestic produced fruits, vegetables,beef, pork and seafood with labels displaying their U.S. origin. Some produce already labeledThe fresh produce industry supports the program as well.”The fruit and vegetable industry is committed to providingconsumers country-of-origin information on our products,” saidUFFVA President Tom Stenzel. “This legislation provides theframework for the produce industry to implement our commitment towidespread origin labeling, with strong oversight by theDepartment of Agriculture to measure our results, andcomprehensive reporting back to the Congress.”Today, more than 75 percent of produce offered for sale in U.S.retail stores carries some labeling mechanism such as a stickeror package, which can be adapted to include origin labeling.”We (producer groups) all agree that the goal is to giveconsumers useful information about where their food comes from,”said Kathy Means, vice president of government relations at PMA.”This legislation puts the labeling responsibility in the handsof marketers and the decision-making in the hands of consumers.” Country-of-origin labelsThis new voluntary market-based program could offer consumersadditional choices and information about agriculture products’origins as well as benefit U.S. producers by promotingAmerican-grown foods.Announced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman BobGoodlatte (R-VA) and Ranking Minority Member Charles Stenholm(D-TX), theproposed “Food Promotion Act of 2004,” will amend theAgricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary ofAgriculture to establish the voluntary labeling of produce, meat(including beef, pork, veal, lamb) and seafood withcountry-of-origin information. The labels are aimed at encouragingconsumers to choose American products at their supermarkets.The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), National PorkProducers Council (NPPC), National Fisheries Institute (NFI),United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (UFFVA) and ProduceMarketing Association (PMA) voiced strong support and gave thanksto Representatives Goodlatte and Stenholm for spearheading thebipartisan effort aimed at giving both consumers and producers amarket-driven, cost-effective labeling program.
Informs consumers, doesn’t burden producers”Cattle producers have been working for years in support of alabeling program that promotes U.S. beef without overburdeningproducers,” said Jan Lyons, NCBA president and a Kansas cattleproducer. “The initiative put forth by Representatives Goodlatteand Stenholm represents a market-based solution which promotesAmerican beef, without the costs and liabilities of a governmentmandated program.”America’s pork producers have long supported a workable,voluntary country-of-origin labeling program that may add valueto America’s pork products. “The proposed voluntary country-of-origin labeling system isdesigned to inform consumers without unduly burdening producers,”said Joy Philippi, NPPC vice president and a pork producer fromBruning, Neb. “We’ve long supported producers, packers andprocessors who choose to explore alternative markets to builddemand for their products.””The current regulation, as written, is unworkable, especially inthe context of wild-caught seafood,” said Justin LeBlanc, vicepresident of government relations at NFI. “A voluntary programachieves a marketing advantage for seafood producers without thecost and confusion of the mandatory rule.”
Freeze damage
By Faith PeppersUniversity of GeorgiaJust as things were looking up for Georgia gardeners after last month’s rain, it’s freezing. Their drought-stressed plants will be hit hard, says a University of Georgia expert.“Plants were already whacked pretty good by the drought,” said UGA Extension horticulturist Bob Westerfield. “The rain will help some with our water shortage, but it’s a good thing too late for most plants. This freeze will just make it worse for plants.”Plants that are already in poor condition when winter weather hits are far more susceptible to damage, Westerfield said. “In drought, stressed plants will loose part of the canopy and some of their roots. They won’t be as strong.”Plants that are still trying to recover from being so dry, may not have enough potassium or other nutrients that help protect them from winter damage, Westerfield said.“The recent rain we got will help prevent some further plant damage, but it won’t help with the stress they have already accumulated,” he said. “Most of the rain came at one shot. It’s a good help for the drought and the water supply, but plants can only absorb so much water at one time. So it doesn’t necessarily help plants.”Plants need moisture to protect them from cold, dry wind just like people do. “You need to get moisture to plants in the winter if you can,” he said. “It’s like trying to avoid chapped lips. You want to keep the cold wind from drying them out and giving them tip burn.”Plants that are dry in winter are more susceptible to damage in spring.Another problem Georgia landscapes usually face is rapid temperature change. Plants benefit from gradual cooling that triggers them to become dormant in stages, Westerfield said. “It has been so warm that they got lulled into a false summer, and they get shocked by this cold,” he said. “I’ve seen some turf that wasn’t even dormant. It will be dormant after this cold.” Going from warm to cold so fast can cause serious problems. Plants that have cracked due to dry conditions can split and become more damaged during a fast freeze, he said.There are things you can do to help your plants through winter. Mulch – That same layer of mulch you put out to conserve moisture can serve as a warm blanket to protect plant roots from freeze. Don’t fertilize – Hold off on fertilizing except winter annuals like pansies. Prune – If you see drought or freeze damage on plants, prune them. Prune plants to shape and size, too. Cut back to clean, green tissue. It can save on water needs down the road. The best time to prune in Georgia is the first week of February.Radical pruning won’t help save water. “Good, healthy, clean cuts done at the right time of year is best,” he said. For more tips on protecting your landscape from freeze, go to http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/C872.htm or call your local UGA Extension agent at 1-800-ASK-UGA1.(Faith Peppers is a news editor for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
Water saving
By Stephanie SchupskaUniversity of GeorgiaDrought is predicted for Georgia this summer. To help home gardeners,University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and green industry experts put their heads together and developed tips Georgians can use to keep gardens green while saving water.Landscape plants ultimately do more good than harm for the environment. They add oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They help keep homes cooler in the summer, reduce erosion and storm water runoff and provide wildlife habitats, said Matthew Chappell, a UGA Extension nursery specialist.A good garden provides a sustainable environment, he said, one with less disease, less insect problems and less maintenance. “If you plan and design your garden before you plant it, the maintenance end should be less intensive,” he said.This includes installing plants that do well in all Georgia conditions, whether it’s extreme heat, cold, drought or above normal rainfall.“Many cacti would have done brilliantly this past summer, but in a normal year, cacti would not perform well in a Georgia landscape,” Chappell said. “In other words, they would likely die.”Chappell and other UGA and green industry experts with the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council developed a list of ways gardeners can conserve water in their landscapes. It’s based on work by UGA Extension specialists Gary Wade, Clint Waltz and Bob Westerfield, in addition to lessons learned through the experiences of urban agriculture industry businesses that have been committed to conserving water for decades, he said.“The water problem is not just an Atlanta problem,” said Bobby Flowers, who designs and manages the grounds at Valdosta State University. “We need to be more conscious in what we do. The water problem is becoming less of a north Georgia problem and more of a statewide problem.”Georgia gardeners can still dig in the ground, even when water is short, and maintain healthy gardens. But there is a stigma attached. This past summer, green lawns went from a status symbol to a sign of extreme wastefulness.“Georgia gardeners want to be assured that they’re not sinning anymore,” said Wayne Juers, formerly with Pike Nurseries. The 16 tips found in the handout should reassure Georgia residents it’s OK to garden if they do it wisely. “There are hundreds of ways you could save water in the landscape, either culturally or with technology, but this short list will give you the biggest bang for your time and biggest bang for the buck,” Chappell said. “The vast majority of these tips are absolutely free. All they require is an investment of your time and energy.”For the short list, go to the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council Web site at www.urbanagcouncil.com. Look for the publication “Saving Water in Your Landscape: Best Management Practices for Landscape Water Conservation.”For a much more detailed discussion of water conservation practices in the landscape, check out the UGA publication “Best Management Practices for Landscape Water Conservation” online at pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubs/PDF/B1329.pdf.
Grow transplants
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent Frank Watson discusses how to jumpstart a spring garden by growing transplants indoors.
Georgia Coastal Botanical Garden
For 100 years a 50-acre, bamboo-studded tract of U.S. Highway 17 outside of Savannah has been attracting plant enthusiasts, scientists and day-trippers to the southeast corner of Georgia. As it enters its second century, the land, recently renamed the Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden at the Historic Bamboo Farm, is poised to take on a new role — as a cultural and educational center for Georgia’s oldest city and the entire region. “Our goal is to build the premier garden on the I-95 corridor between those located in Miami, Fla. and Richmond, Va.,” said Norman Winter, who took over as director of the gardens this fall. “We want a place where people can come out and walk through an incredibly beautiful picture of nature while getting inspired about their home landscape.” “The garden will truly become a place to escape the every-day stresses of life, whether it is by watching the flight of the hummingbird or butterfly feasting on nectar rich flowers or sitting on a great lawn and listening to a jazz concert. “UGA Extension has operated the garden as a research station and public outreach center since 1983. In the last few years, a dedicated and vocal group of local supporters have worked to help the garden expand the learning and civic opportunities located there. There are plans and funding to build a new formal garden, a model of the original Trustees Garden in downtown Savannah, a grand lawn and band shell and — as a centerpiece — a new 5,000 square foot visitor education center. The garden’s staff and supporters broke ground on the Andrews Visitor and Education Center on Nov. 24, and plan to have the building done in November or December, 2014. “Today we’re opening a new chapter in our mission to provide education, public outreach and applied research in horticultural and environmental sciences,” said Alan Beals, president of Friends of the Coastal Gardens, at the recent ground breaking. “The impact of this center in fulfilling this mission will be considerable. In the foremost, the center will provide new educational opportunities for people throughout this community and throughout the region … We can expect these gardens to achieve the status of a premiere destination.” The center funded by Savannah couple Jim and Barbara Andrews will include a large community room, a gift shop, a large terrace leading to the formal garden and a media room for documentary screenings. The new education and visitors’ center will increase the number of events the garden will be able to host and help draw new visitors to the museum. While the gardens are going through their metamorphosis over the next few years, their facilities will still be open to the public for summer camps, regular gardening workshops, educational tours and special events. Along with new buildings and plantings, the garden will also see an increase in funding for maintenance and operations from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, which administers UGA Extension programs across the state. Horticultural landmarks at the gardens — including the Judge Arthur Solomon Camellia Trail, the water garden, the Dwarf Palmetto and Palm Collections, the rose and cottage gardens, the orchid and bearded iris collections and the bamboo stands — will still be open. To find out more about the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm or how to help the facility into its next chapter, visit their website http://www.coastalgeorgiabg.org.