The hottest Performing Arts Substack posts right now

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When Louis Armstrong Conquered Chicago

The Honest Broker • 12035 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎶 Music Jazz Biography Cultural History Entertainment Performing Arts
  1. Louis Armstrong changed American music by creating new rhythms and melodies that had never been heard before. His unique trumpet playing and singing style influenced countless artists.
  2. Ricky Riccardi has been studying Louis Armstrong for years and has written a detailed biography telling Armstrong's life story in three parts. This highlights both Armstrong's early struggles and his rise to fame.
  3. Armstrong's move to Chicago was a significant turning point in his career. He felt nervous at first, but once he started playing music, his confidence grew, showing how talent can shine through even initial doubts.

How the Star of 'Wicked' Just Sabotaged Her Own Movie

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Theater Entertainment Performing Arts Social Issues
  1. Cynthia Erivo reacted strongly to a fan's edited poster of 'Wicked', claiming it was offensive and degraded her. Many thought her response was an overreaction and not necessary.
  2. This kind of response from Hollywood actors is becoming more common. Some stars seem to let their egos get too big, which can harm their own films.
  3. There's a growing trend where people in entertainment see themselves as victims of oppression. This makes it hard to enjoy their work when they focus on perceived grievances instead of celebrating their art.

Great Movies You Might Not Have Seen, Part 4

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Media Literature Performing Arts
  1. There are many great movies that most people haven't seen, and they are worth checking out. These films often have unique stories and perspectives that can inspire and entertain.
  2. One movie, 'After Life,' explores what happens when you die and how people choose a significant memory to carry with them. It's both a thoughtful and fun take on life and memory.
  3. Another interesting film, 'Temple Grandin,' tells the inspiring true story of a woman with autism who revolutionized the livestock industry. It highlights her unique understanding of animals and her journey in overcoming challenges.

On Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and the curse of charisma

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 784 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Performing Arts Public Speaking Entertainment Media
  1. Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock create their comedy in different ways, which shows in their performances. Chappelle is known for his powerful speaking that draws people in.
  2. Chappelle has strong oratory skills that put him on par with great speakers like MLK and Obama. His ability to captivate an audience is exceptional.
  3. Despite his charisma, there can be downsides to being such a compelling speaker. It raises questions about how that might affect him as a performer.

Du Fu and Li Bai critique modern media

Wyclif's Dust • 536 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Media Literature Music Performing Arts
  1. Modern media offers a wide range of content that can be just as good as classic art. Today’s shows and movies have a depth that critics often overlook.
  2. The technology we have now helps artists reach more people and improve their work. Better sound and video mean more exciting performances.
  3. Mass media also helps educate audiences about what good art looks like. As things get personalized, there are more chances for niche, artistic works to thrive.
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The Sugar Plum Sisters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Dance Theater Family
  1. Olivia and Mary Thomas MacKinnon share a deep love for dancing and perform together in 'The Nutcracker'. They have a close bond as sisters and roommates in New York City.
  2. When they were young, they had a friendly rivalry over the lead role in a special performance of 'The Nutcracker'. They decided to share the role, showcasing teamwork over competition.
  3. Their journey began in their living room, a reminder that even small spaces can become stages for dreams and creativity.

From the pine wood to Pinewood

The Fry Corner • 2817 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Literature Writing Acting Entertainment
  1. Switching between acting and writing makes for an interesting career, and each role has its perks. Acting often provides a more social and relaxed environment compared to the solitary nature of writing.
  2. There’s a sense of longing for the other role while doing one, showing how each path has its own joys and challenges. It’s like wanting warm cookies when you’re eating cake.
  3. Having the option to choose between acting and writing is seen as a privilege, highlighting the flexibility in one’s career choices. It's great to have different ways to express creativity.

My new standup special just went live on YouTube

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 213 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Comedy Entertainment Media Performing Arts Social Issues
  1. A new standup special just came out on YouTube, and it's all about funny topics like dating, cancel culture, and more. It's meant to be a laugh and worth checking out.
  2. The special is his first release after a previous project involving performing on substances, and it's focused entirely on traditional standup humor.
  3. Sharing the special can help it gain more views, which is important for its success on YouTube. So if you enjoy it, consider sharing it with friends.

Why We Can't Stand Up

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Feminism Performing Arts Women empowerment Storytelling
  1. Women in comedy often struggle to take up space and feel confident on stage. They sometimes feel they need to apologize or shrink themselves, which can hold them back.
  2. It's important for women to embrace their voices and power. By doing this, they can inspire others and feel more connected to their true selves.
  3. Creating safe spaces for female performers leads to more honest and relatable entertainment. It's crucial for women to support each other in the industry and share their stories without fear.

Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Comedy Storytelling Performing Arts Women empowerment
  1. Women are speaking out about topics that are often seen as taboo, like relationships and aging. This honesty helps to break down barriers and opens up important conversations.
  2. Supporting female-led performances and productions is a way of resisting the suppression of women's voices. Events like 'Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back' celebrate women's stories through comedy and storytelling.
  3. The focus of these discussions is on real-life experiences, including motherhood and identity. Sharing personal stories allows women to connect and support each other in navigating life's challenges.

The Greatest Performance Ever

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Travel Storytelling Cultural heritage Entertainment
  1. Travel can be full of wild and unexpected experiences. Meeting new people and sharing adventures can change how you see the world.
  2. Cultural performances, like wayang kulit puppet shows, can be exciting and engaging for all ages. They bring communities together and celebrate traditions.
  3. Being a part of artistic performances helps preserve culture. Having the right tools, like a banana tree for puppetry, can be essential for delivering a true and heartfelt show.

'We like to challenge our audiences'

NN Journal • 536 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Theatre Performing Arts Entertainment Diversity Audience engagement
  1. White Cobra theater company founders aim to challenge their audiences with serious plays alongside lighter shows
  2. The company tours across the UK, exploring different locations and building a local following
  3. Richard and Kate, the founders, prioritize audience enjoyment over financial gain and work with a mix of professionals and local talent

Writing As Performance

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Writing Storytelling Acting Creativity
  1. Writing should be a heartfelt expression, not just about craft or style. It’s important to connect with your audience sincerely.
  2. Courage and honesty are key in both acting and writing. Pushing through discomfort makes the performance more engaging.
  3. The physical presence in performance is different from writing, but both should strive to create a genuine and relatable experience for the audience.

Songs are shelters in time

Austin Kleon • 619 implied HN points • 14 Jan 22
🎶 Music Music theory Songwriting Performing Arts Music history Music Reviews
  1. Music can be a great source of comfort, helping us feel safe and supported during tough times.
  2. Practicing skills consistently can lead to improvement, and taking part in activities like '100 days of practice' can be a great way to commit to personal growth.
  3. Reading books about grief can help us understand and cope with loss, and sometimes it's good to explore these topics before we face them ourselves.

On Glow, A Pre-Christmas Earwarm

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Virtual reality Performing Arts Fashion Art
  1. In 2060, the concept of media consumption may evolve to include immersive VR performances of music albums called earwarms.
  2. Earwarms like 'On Glow' integrate live audiences into the experience through AR/VR sessions, setting a new trend in media delivery.
  3. Artists like Ribad collaborate with engineers like MeMo to create interactive and visually immersive performances that blend nostalgia with modernity.

Vaudeville Vixen

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Performing Arts History
  1. Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment mix that included various acts like musicians, comedians, and acrobats.
  2. Female stars like Eva Tanguay played a significant role in vaudeville, earning fame and fortune from their performances.
  3. Eva Tanguay, known as 'The I Don't Care Girl,' challenged societal norms through her provocative performances, costumes, and independent attitude.

May our Pixels Meet

Seven Senses • 259 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Performing Arts Digital Art Art history
  1. Art and storytelling can change lives and connect people. They help communicate feelings and ideas we all share.
  2. Creating art is a personal journey that needs practice and often feels vulnerable. It's important to share these creations with others.
  3. Being curious and open-minded is key. Asking questions can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with ourselves and the world.

NYC Street Performance #2 and Surprising Stats Pt. 2

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music Performing Arts Mental health Social Issues Urban life
  1. In 2021, 9% of teens tried to commit suicide, highlighting a serious mental health crisis among young people.
  2. Jake Sussman started a company to connect people with therapists after seeing the difficulties his students faced in getting mental health care.
  3. Performing music can create a deep emotional connection, both for the performer and the audience, making the experience feel effortless and joyful.

Operas I've heard, ranked

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Music Performing Arts Opera Art Literature
  1. The ranking highlights that 'Die Meistersinger' is seen as a masterpiece, especially for its overture and Act III.
  2. Some lesser-known operas, like 'Juha' by Merikanto, are praised for their originality and uniqueness in style.
  3. Many of the operas mentioned have specific acts or moments that stand out significantly, showcasing the importance of individual highlights in a complete work.