‘Rock of Ages’ heads through the Palace

Tony-nominated, ‘American Idol’ finalist headlines tour of new rock ‘n’ roll musical

Constantine Maroulis’ love for the theater extends back further than most might give him credit for.

Best-known for his stint as a Season Four finalist on “American Idol,” many were slightly surprised when his name showed up among the nominations for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical at the 2009 Tony Awards for his role in “Rock of Ages” (which sets up shop at the Palace Theatre Dec. 7-12.) But long before his stint on “Idol,” the rock ‘n’ roll singer was being groomed for the stage.

The 35-year-old, Brooklyn native studied at the Boston Conservatory, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater while playing in rock bands in his spare time. (“I really just sort of immersed myself in the performing arts,” he said.) He’s landed starring roles in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Rent” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and after graduating he started rocking seriously with his band “Pray for the Soul of Betty.”

Only at the suggestion of girlfriend in 2004 did he audition for “Idol.”

He quickly became known exclusively as a sensitive rocker, releasing a self-titled solo album in 2007, but his heart remained in the theater, and he jumped at the opportunity to star on Broadway in “The Wedding Singer” in 2006, which led to his Tony-nominated turn in “Rock of Ages,” a flashy tribute to classic ‘80s rock by Chris D’Arienzo and David Gibbs.

After finishing out his contract on Broadway, the producers came calling once again and convinced him to star in show’s national tour.

Maroulis took time out of his touring schedule to chat with Metromix about his role in the show, the Tony Awards craziness and his plans for a new album.

I’m sure you’ve heard this plenty of times, but congratulations on your Tony nomination. For a lot of people the success of this show came out of nowhere. Were you expecting “Rock of Ages” to become as big as it has?
I felt like we had a great show on our hands and we had some great buzz going. It’s kind of the anti-Broadway musical, so we weren’t sure how people would take it, but we got great reviews and the shows were packed every night … We opened the show in early April and the cutoff for Tony considerations is at the end of April. … From the time I was nominated to the actual Tonys was crazy. We were doing eight shows a week, there was tons of press and I was doing all the other Tony stuff, things like appearances and luncheons. It’s definitely unlike awards for the movies, where you’ve wrapped up the show and then you’re doing all this stuff. By the time the awards came up, I basically hadn’t slept in a month. But even still it was a huge day for me and my family. It felt like my work had finally been accepted by the theater community.

For those who are unfamiliar with “Rock of Ages,” what is the show about?
It’s a big ol’ rock ‘n’ roll show. It’s a Broadway musical, it’s a comedy, it’s a love story, it’s a lot of things. It’s told through songs of 1980s. It takes place in 1987 on the Sunset Strip in [Los Angeles] with the big hair, sexy videos, and the rise of the MTV generation. The story happens mostly in the Bourbon Room, a popular spot that’s been threatened to be closed by a German developer, he’s kind of the show’s villain. … I think the audience is taken for quite a ride. It’s a show for everyone, but guys that say they don’t do Broadway shows can come too and have the greatest night of their life.

How does your character fit into the storyline?
I play a guy named Drew who moves out to the Sunset Strip with just a beat up guitar and a duffle bag. He’s a big dreamer. He lands a job at the Bourbon Room, which is a coveted position because it’s where all the rock ‘n’ roll icons partied. Even if you’re cleaning up their puke, it’s a big deal. He meets Sherrie on his first day in L.A.—a girl much like him, she wants to become a movie star. There’s this instant connection, but throughout the show they keep missing each other and of course other madness ensues.

Why did you decide to go on tour with the musical after leaving the show on Broadway?
I did everything I set out to do in New York. I got the message out there and I completed my job as an actor and star of the show. After I was done, the producers came to me with an offer to go on the road. I considered it for a while and decided, let’s go ahead and get out there and engage those “Idol” fans.

What’s the future hold for you? Are you planning to do more theater or are you going to start putting out more of your own music?
This show has been a great extension of my music. I’ve been doing a live show in New York called “A Night at the Rock Show,” where I do a solo tribute to some of my favorite rock songs. I’ve also got a new album in the works. I’ve been working with my independent label Sweet Fire Studios in Brooklyn. I’m not trying to achieve rock stardom or anything—I’m just trying to do good work. I’ve gotten a bunch of songs together that I’m working on. I’m planning to put something out next year sometime. There are still roles I want to play, Broadway shows I want to produce. I’m a hustler, I work really hard. I’m always updating my Twitter page. That’s probably the quickest and easiest way to find out what I’m up to.

“Rock of Ages” runs Dec. 7-12 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad Street, Columbus. Tickets are $22.50 to $77.50, call 800-745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com. For more on Constantine Maroulis visit ConstantineMaroulis.com.

~from Metromix.com

Review: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’

New show has plenty of sentimental holiday spirit

Hoping to offer an alternative to the humbug aftertaste left by their annual showcase of David Sedaris’ “The Santlaland Diaries,” Contemporary American Theatre Company is staging a unique take on the classic holiday film “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

Billed as “A Live Radio Play,” the production features a cast of five (Liam Cronin, Rick Clark, Stanzi Davis, Mary Gray, Don Ervin) on Christmas Eve, 1946 in Studio A of Manhattan radio station WBFR, taking on all the roles in Frank Capra’s iconic tale. We recently caught one of the shows, currently on an extended run through Dec. 18 in Studio One of the Vern Riffe Center.

The buzz: Who hasn’t seen Capra’s famous feel-good tale about the down-and-out George Bailey, his absent-minded guardian angel Clarence and the people of Bedford Falls who ultimately becomes the story’s hero. Joe Landry simply takes that well known tale and filters it through a “live” 1940s radio broadcast, complete with loose-leafed scripts and makeshift sound effects.

The verdict: By definition the phrase “live radio play” denotes an evening of listening, which could also mean a boring night out, but the show’s five actors gives you much more than a stoic reading of the film. Cronin is his own dream team as he hilariously navigates a host of voices and accents including the villainous Henry Potter, an absent-minded Uncle Billy, little Tommy Bailey and the voice of God himself. And under Jon Putnam’s perfectly timed direction the actors scurry about tapping shoes and slamming doors in order to create a bevy of live sound effects to accommodate the story. Missed cues and late arrivals also add to the fun. A beautiful period set (courtesy of set designer Michael S. Brewer) and a collection of everyday equipment used to the create the story’s ambient noise also makes the show a treat for the eyes.

Bottom line: Five strong and tiresome performances, perfect timing and a heaping dose of holiday spirit makes “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” a perfect seasonal diversion. What’s popular can sometimes be right, and if the story’s longevity as a Christmas classic isn’t enough, put your trust in the five vocal masters that turn what could have been a one-trick show into an entertaining night of impressive theater.

“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” runs Nov. 23-Dec. 18 in Studio One of the Vern Riffe Center, 77 S. High Street, Columbus. Tickets are $11.50 to $40. For more information call 614-469-0939 or visit CATCO.org.

Shadowbox moving back downtown

Rock comedy club will head to the Brewery District this summer

Arshot owner Bill Schottenstein and Shadowbox CEO Stev Guyer.

It’s finally official. After seven years of planning and negotiating, Shadowbox Live is moving back downtown.

Stev Guyer, the rock ‘n’ roll/sketch comedy club’s co-founder and CEO, signed a 30-year rent-to-own lease with Arshot Investment Corporation on Dec. 1, with plans to make the official move during the summer of 2011, according to a press release from the troupe.

Shadowbox has secured a 31,000-square-foot space in the Worly Building located at 503 S. Front Street in the Brewery District. The building also houses CD101.

The $3.25 million deal comes after a lengthy negation process. Many people may remember Shadowbox’s original downtown spot in a warehouse on Spring Street, which they inhabited from 1994 to 1999 until a tragic fire destroyed the 120-seat theater.

Ever since their move to Easton Town Center in ’99, plans have been in place to head back downtown. A $5 million to $7 million deal with Arshot was announced back in 2008, with provisions for the company to build a new 350-seat Shadowbox space in the Brewery District, but it was quickly stalled by the recession. A scaled-down deal was finally agreed upon. Shadowbox is kicking in $1 million worth of donations from the club’s beneficiaries and has saved $250,000 for renovations, while Arshot plans to invest the other $2.25 million.

The new space is more then triple the size of the current 8,000-square-foot space at Easton and will allow for a 318-seat theater (up from 214), a new rehearsal space, more offices and storage, and even expanded programming.

The troupe typically runs a themed music/comedy show Thursdays through Saturdays with Sunday musicals operating on a scattered schedule throughout the year. But the new space will feature musicals year-round, a late-night movie series and a variety show much like those held at 2Co’s Cabaret, a Shadowbox spinoff operated in the Short North from 2000 to 2006.

They’ll also be adding a new restaurant/bar called The Backstage Bistro that will open this winter and start with a limited breakfast and lunch menu before expanding to dinner and bar service.

Three more shows are scheduled for the Easton location, and plans for Shadowbox Live’s debut showcase at the Worly Building are underway.

Guyer said the finalized move is a huge sigh of relief for the troupe. The group of musicians, actors, bartenders, waiters, office mangers and entrepreneurs has worked six days a week practically around the clock in a space that has never quite done their talents justice.

“Our plans are still quite fluid,” Guyer said in the release. “But one thing is for sure, we’re going home.”

~from Metromix.com

Review: ‘The Santaland Diaries’

One-man show continues to be entertaining

If you’re the type of person who overflows with holiday spirit this time of year, you might want to have Vince Vaughn’s famous “earmuffs” in tow if you’re planning to catch a performance of “The Santaland Diaries.” The one-man show—David Sedaris’ foul-mouthed tribute to the season—runs at the Vern Riffe Center until Dec. 26.

The story follows Sedaris’ real-life journey as Crumpet the Elf in the “Santaland” section at a Macy’s in New York City. It’s a job he begrudgingly took because his screenwriting career had yet to take off.

We sat in on Contemporary American Theatre Company’s Dec. 2 opening to see what all the fuss was about.

The buzz: Based on the popular essay that practically launched Sedaris’ career as an acclaimed humorist, “Diaries” was transformed into a one-man, one-act play in 1996 by famous Broadway actor/director Joe Mantello. The show’s debut at New York’s Atlantic Theatre Company (originally starring Timothy Olyphant) sparked a cult following that’s been pushed into community and regional theater companies nationwide. CATCO picked up the show five years ago, and Jon Putnam’s recurring portrayal has become a calendar fixture for Columbus theatergoers ever since.

The verdict: Putnam’s portrayal of the sarcastic Crumpet is definitely a comedic force to be reckoned with. He flounces dejectedly in and out of mocking the story’s various characters, all while pulling off Sedaris’ biting comedic timing with ease. Geoff Nelson’s swift direction nimbly moves Putnam about the Riffe’s small Studio Three stage, which helps keep the audience’s attention during the 60-minute monologue.

Bottom line: Sedaris’ dry wit has been transfixing audiences for years, and “Diaries” is no exception. The writer’s pitch-perfect humor is what makes CATCO’s pricey $35 ticket worth the extra dent in your wallet this holiday season

“The Santaland Diaries” runs Dec. 2-26 in Studio Three of the Vern Riffe Center, 77 S. High Street, Columbus. Tickets are $35. For more information call 614-469-0939 or visit CATCO.org.

Take Five with J. Osceola

With all the serious news we’re surrounded by every day, it’s nice to read something fun, short and simple every once in awhile. With that in mind, we’re offering a series of quick interviews called “Take Five.” We’ll feature local athletes, musicians and artists, along with some national celebrities who are passing through town.

This week we caught up with local hip-hop sensation J. Osceola. The 25-year-old rapper (born Jay Willis) was raised on the north side of Columbus’ (on the corner of Hudson and Osceola, hence the stage name) and has been on the rise locally for many years. He recently got attention from Pharrell Williams’ label, Star Trak, (a deal that unfortunately fell through). He’s also been featured on local and regional radio stations. Tracks from his new album, “The Brain Food Project,” are currently making waves, and he’s currently shooting a video for the single “You Can’t Stop Me,” a rousing, feel-good anthem with an inspirational message. The video is set for release by January.

Hoping to present a more intelligent brand of hip-hop, Osceola’s music focuses on the positive, unlike much of the lyrical content in today’s popular hip-hop. “People get confused and think because I don’t cuss in my music that I’m like Will Smith,” said the rapper, who listens to everything from Stevie Wonder to Nirvana and counts The Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z and Nas amongst his major influences. “I’m not a gospel rapper or anything like that, but you don’t have to glorify the negative to be cool.”

Osceola took time to chat with us about his start in the music industry and his love for Columbus. Check out what he had to say below:

How long have you been performing, and when did you decide you wanted to pursue the art of rapping as a career?
I’ve been rapping since I was a kid, really. But I’ve only been doing it professionally for about three years now. Back when I was a lot younger my sister took me to a Wu-Tang concert down at [Newport Music Hall]. It had a pretty profound effect on me. I remember watching them and having that ‘a-ha’ moment. I actually got to go backstage and hang and rap with them. It was really at that moment that I decided this is what I wanted to do with my life. I think I was in like fifth grade or something. That was the point when I went from rapping at the lunch table to putting songs together and trying to talk to producers.

Who are some of your favorite independent recording artists in Columbus?
It’s not just because I’m friends with him or have worked with him, but Iyeball from [Fly.Union], and just Fly.U in general—they are definitely my favorite group. [Iyeball] is amazing as an artist and producer. He does everything—he producers, he engineers, he raps. There’s really just no limit to what he can accomplish. I’m also a fan of [Rashad Thomas], who’s in a band called The 3rd, and L.e. for the Uncool is another one of my favorite artists. … There’s definitely a handful of very talented people in this city.

Where’s your favorite place to perform or watch others perform?
I would have to say [Skully’s Music Diner]. It’s a big enough venue to pack out and have a large crowd, but small enough that you can be intimate with the audience. It’s the best [place to perform] in my opinion. You get the best of both worlds. Also it’s in that environment in the Short North area that just has a good vibe.

Where’s your favorite place in Columbus to have dinner or catch a bite to eat after a show?
That would probably be Northstar. I’ve pretty much had almost everything on the menu. And they serve a lot of healthier food and I like that. I’m not a vegetarian or anything but I do like to get a lot of their vegetarian dishes. I also like Sushi Rock. I’m big sushi fan and I like the vibe there. It’s a nice chill spot and it reminds me of a couple of sushi spots I’ve been to in New York where they sometimes bring out a DJ. Taj Mahal is also a favorite. I like Indian food a lot. I like real cultural foods in general.

Put together your dream recording session?
That’s a tough one. Let me see, I’d have Ryan Leslie producing the track, Alicia Keys would be doing the hook, and I’d have Jay-Z as a featuring artists with a sixteen. That song would be pretty major. But I would love to do collaborations with a whole bunch of different artitsts in genres. I’d love to work with Rage Against the Machine, but I heard they’ve broken up. If they were still together I would love to do a song with them. For me it’s all about just putting out good music, I don’t like putting people in a box.

~from Metromix.com

Short North Shopping Guide 2010

Last year we unveiled our inagural Short North Shopping Guide—an inside look at 10 places you should check out during the holiday shopping season—and based on the number of page views it received, it appears you liked it. So this year we headed back out to the arts district and came up with a new set of of shops to keep your eye on.

It’s no secret that the Short North Arts District has come to define the shopping experience for the chic and sophisticated in Columbus, and that was on full display during the first Fashion Week Columbus last month. It’s become one of the only alternatives our city has to the hellish holiday mall chaos.

Many shops will be hosting special holiday deals and later hours starting with Black Friday (Nov. 26), which leads up to the pomp and circumstance that will be this year’s Short North Holiday Hop on Dec. 4. The Holiday Hop typically draws one of the district’s largest crowd of the year—perhaps trailing only the Pride Festival and Highball Halloween. This year at the Holiday Hop you’ll have a chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree to your favorite places in the Short North on behalf of Time Warner Cable Mobile Internet. It’s definitely a night you won’t want to miss.

Before you head out to start your holiday shopping, check the list below for gift ideas at this year’s top Short North picks.

Le Chocoholique

601 N. High Street, Columbus
614-223-4009
LeChocoholique.com
Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday

Monica Barr and Dana Jablonski were gourmet chocolate lovers who could only find their favorites when globetrotting for their respective employers … at least they were until five months ago, which is when they dropped everything and opened a chocolate shop of their own. The aptly titled Le Chocoholique specializes in top quality chocolates from around the world.

“Most of our stuff is imported or comes from family-owned shops in 12 states … there’s really only a few other cities in the country where you can find some of the chocolates we have here,” Barr said.

Gift ideas

“The big thing right now are the ultra dark chocolates because they’re good for your health,” Barr said.

Preference is the name of the game at Le Chocoholique. Individual chocolates range from 50 cents to $3, but a box set of 8 to 10 could go from $10 to $70. Another popular item has been the gourmet Buckeyes (pictured) that are made locally, which are $1.75 each.

Voodoo Lounge

780 N. High Street, Columbus
614.294.0500
VoodooDenimLounge.com
Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday

When Dr. Mojoe closed its doors less than a year ago, Kevin Van Order felt a void had been left behind. So in March he and three co-partners opened Voodoo Denim Lounge, a designer jean boutique with a rock ‘n’ roll aura.

“We felt a denim boutique was still needed based on the success of Dr. Mojoe,” Van Order said. “We set ourselves apart from everyone else because we not only have a great selection, but we have the knowledge about the mechanics of properly fitting a body into a certain fit so you look great in your jeans.”

Gift ideas

Voodoo offers 15 to 20 different brands from all over the world, ranging in price from $100 to $200. There’s also a wide selection of T-shirts and accessories.

“We’ve got everything from flair to skinny to lighter and darker,” Van Order said. “And it’s a great investment because you’re getting a pair of jeans that you’ll be able to wear for four or more years.”

Lindsay Gallery

986 N. High Street, Columbus
614-291-1973
LindsayGallery.com
Open Noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday

For many years Duff Lindsay had been a collector of American folk art. It’s a hobby he turned into a successful business in 1999. The Lindsay Gallery features work by self-taught artists—a distinction that Lindsay said sets the work apart.

Gift ideas

The gallery will be hosting an extensive showing of local up-and-coming artist Joey Monsoon, whose paintings are abstract, fantastical portraits of the human body (a piece from his collection is pictured).

“It’s a strange mix of reality and fantasy … it’s like he’s painting these people from the inside out,” Lindsay said.

Because the gallery features the work of mostly self-taught up-and-comers, the prices are pretty reasonable for a high-class piece of art, Lindsay said. All of Monsoon’s pieces are less than $1,000, with the median price being $500. Monsoon will also be on hand during the Holiday Hop to interact with patrons, and his show will be enhanced with sculptures by other local artists.

Bakery Gingham

647 N. High Street, Columbus
614-371-0848
BakeryGingham.com
Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday

The holidays are definitely a great time for those with a sweet tooth, and Bakery Gingham’s custom desserts are perfect as gifts for cake and cookie lovers. The bakery was founded in 2007 and opened a second location in the Short North in 2009 (there’s another store in German Village). Both locations will be providing their popular seasonal flavors through New Year’s Eve, store owner Amanda Ellis said.

Gift ideas

Ellis recommends some seasonal favorites for gift shoppers, including their gingerbread cupcakes, peppermint chocolate and the snowball coconut cake with coconut butter cream icing.

“The red velvet cupcakes (pictured) are also a favorite,” Ellis said. “The mini cupcakes are perfect for holiday parties … they’re a nice size for that kind of affair.”

Individual desserts range from $1 to $3 but can be ordered for any occasion in practically any capacity. The cakes range from 6-inch ($35) to 12-inch ($65) rounds and are custom made.

Substance

783 N. High Street, Columbus
614-299-2910
ShopSubstance.com
Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Who should shop at Substance? It says who right on the sign: “For Fashion Conscious People.”

In a post-“Inconvenient Truth” society, that’s everybody … right? The female clothing boutique, started by New York City fashion designer Christina Getachew nearly five years ago, specializes in garments made from environmentally sustainable materials.

Gift ideas

The shop’s price range starts at $15 and goes all the way up to $1,000, Getachew said. “Most of our regulars appreciate they can get a lot for under $100 and can get luxurious pieces at that.”

The boutique will be hosting a “25 gifts for under $50” sale throughout the holiday season. The list will include items like recycled paper beads from Uganda, leather message bracelets and sweaters with an asymmetrical neck line.

Items like the Harding Coat by Spiewak (pictured, going for $200) can also be purchased at the store’s website and wil be ready for pickup at the shop. It’s a great way to avoid those pesky shipping fees.

Go Figure

988 N. High Street, Columbus
614-297-8070
GoFigureConsignment.com
Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

Two years ago Sherri Brunner noticed something was missing from the Short North—a shop for girls with a slightly fuller figure. So she opened Go Figure, a consignment shop where curvaceous girls can buy and sell clothes just for them.

“The Short North needed a place for the bigger girls to shop,” Brunner said. “Along with our consignment items we have 15 local designers that we support, including clothing, jewelry and leather makers.”

Gift ideas

Brunner said her custom jewelry has become pretty popular. A line by Lauren Lui runs about $60 each. She also houses pieces from the locally based Red Panty Designs, which has dresses for around $75. And there are purses by Bullseye Leather going for $45.

The store’s consigned pieces (such as the shoes pictured, $28) are all from name-brand designers but at half the department store price. (Consignments are by appointment only. Those interested should call 614-297-8070.)

Sherrie Gallerie

694 N. High Street, Columbus
614-221-8580
SherrieGallerie.com
Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday

After 25 years in the Short North, Sherrie Hawk still has a few tricks up her sleeve. The veteran artist and owner of Sherrie Gallerie—which specializes in sculpture and three dimensional works—is hosting an ambitious six-artist art fair during Holiday Hop.

“I’m going to have six different booths set up, and the artists can bring all the work that they have,” Hawk said. “We haven’t done anything like this before, and I don’t see others around here doing anything like this on this scale.”

The artists being featured include Marilyn Parker, Laine Bachman, Gail Larned, Pomo Designs, Michael Jones and Debbie Mosley, and their works range from handmade jewelry to ceramic and glass sculpture.

Gift ideas

During Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend, the gallery will host exhibits by Ron Johnson (painter of colorful 3-D canvas works made using acrylic and polyurethane) and Christian Faur (who creates intricate portraits using crayons).

The price range at Sherrie can go from $12 porcelain rings and earrings to $5,000 for the larger sculpture pieces. The average price for the jewelry is about $40, and ceramic items are typically in the $50 to $150 range.

“Handmade jewelry makes a really special and personal gift,” Hawk said. “Gifts of art always make people feel special.”

Cookware Sorcerer

688 N. High Street, Columbus
614-228-8678
CookwareSorcerer.com
Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

Nancy Haitz and her husband, Ron, have been running the Cookware Sorcerer for nearly 20 years. And though they get most of their business around the holidays, it’s at this time of year when new cooks make the most mistakes while buying cookware as gifts or for themselves.

“When you’re starting off you don’t need to buy some big piece set,” Nancy said. “What any good cook needs is good cutlery—one good quality big knife and little knife will take you a long way.”

For more advanced cooks, the cookware mostly depends on what you’re trying to make. However, during a recession, when luxury cookware isn’t the first thing off the shelves, “most are looking for quality items they can use every day that will last, like a good pepper mill,”  Nancy said.

Gift ideas

If you’re looking for something that will last, Haitz recommends enamel cast iron pots, made by Lodge, a company based in Tennessee that has been making sturdy pots and skillets for more than 100 years.

When purchasing cookware, breaking the bank isn’t necessary, Nancy said. The prices range from $25 to $150. But if you’re hoping to get an order in by Christmas, be sure to have it placed in the store before Dec. 1, she said.

The Lamp Shade

990 N. High Street, Columbus
614-299-6442
TheLampShade.com
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

The Lamp Shade has been decorating homes in Columbus since 1973. The store has changed hands a few times over the years but is now owned by Marianne Lannan who moved the store to the Short North in 2006. The shop specializes in trendy lamp and lamp shades, encouraging customers to bring their lamps in and fit them with different shades until they find one that’s just right.

Gift ideas

Dress up an old lamp with a new shade and you’ve got the perfect gift without the expensive price tag. “We have some great 15-inch porcelain lamps with silk shades that are $75 each,” Lannan said. The store’s price range is $5 to $50.

“Lamp shades are our specialty, but it’s not all we carry,” she said. “We sell a lot of little porcelain accessories, cocktail napkins and towels that are seasonal and a lot of different types of home décor.”

For the Holiday Hop, Lannan is bringing in internationally-recognized jewelry weaver Tracy Van Niel to make and sell her colorful earrings and bracelets (pictured) that start at only $15. Other holiday items the store keeps in stock include porcelain holly-patterned items, pillows, kitchen and guest towels, candle rings, small twig trees, coasters and place card holders/ornaments.

Sole Classics

765 N. High Street, Columbus
614-299-2290
SoleClassics.com

Sole Classics is a sneaker lovers paradise. Built for the hardcore classic shoe fanatic, the store includes a wall-to-wall selection of everything from high-tops to low-tops, Chucks to Vans and everything in between.

Dionte Johnson, a 24-year-old Columbus native, recently took over the shop that has been open since 2006. He helped shift the stores exclusive, classic shoe identity to feature more accessible name brands. The shop also sells clothes for the hip-hop set, including T-shirts, hoddies, jackets and accessories for men and women.

Gift ideas

If you’re buying for a sneaker lover, Johnson’s top three gift ideas are the Vans OTW Collection (pictured, $75), the Nike Air Max Premiere ($110) and the classic Reebox Pumps ($120).

~from Metromix.com

Review: ‘The Life and Death of Richard the Third’

Available Light gives Shakespeare classic a rock ‘n’ roll twist

Who knew England’s Machiavellian King Richard III had the wardrobe of David Bowie and the attitude of Tony Soprano? Apparently Available Light Theatre did. The local company’s production of “The Life and Death of Richard the Third” opened Nov. 11 at the Columbus Performing Arts Center with a flashy updated rendering.

The buzz: Written in 1591, “Richard” is arguably one of Shakespeare’s best works. It’s a suspenseful history lesson about the king’s bloody rise and fall from power during his three years (1483-85) as the king of England. Available Light has become known for popular deconstructions of famous works, so the troupe’s artistic director, Matt Slaybaugh, set his sights this year on reworking “Richard.”

The verdict: If you saw Available Light’s brilliant retelling of “Pride & Prejudice” your experience with “Richard” might leave something to be desired. Much like “Prejudice,” a truncated cast takes on all the characters, but their re-imagining of the play comes up short. Slaybaugh skillfully turns act one into a play within play, portraying the crippled Richard (Ian Short) as a director forcing his subjects to act out his brutal murdering of all those in succession before him so he could take the throne. The device, however, isn’t worked well into the overall staging, causing slight confusion on when the actors are acting or “acting.” But the stunning 12-member cast commits to every nuance Slaybaugh throws at them, offering perfect comedic timing and later stark emotion during Richard’s reign of terror.

Short’s Richard is a stunning mixture of villain and paranoia. He is more Count Olaf than Ziggy Stardust, as his makeup and costume portends, but Short somehow sells the rock ‘n’ roll gimp-legged king even as he impressively dances about the stage on crutches. Short’s master class portrayal of the vicious tyrant is trumped only by an equally brilliant supporting cast (a fully choreographed ensemble rock number nearly steals the show). The females—Emily Bach, Acacia Leigh Duncan, Eleni Papaleonardos and Danielle Mann—are especially strong. Each is a powerhouse in their own right, portraying all the women scorned by Richard’s bloodshed. But do prepare yourself for the long haul—the AVLT production topped off at three hours with a 10 minute intermission.

Bottom line: Available Light is on the precipice of something great with “Richard.” We just wish they would’ve pushed the boundaries more, like we know they can. Even Michelle Whited’s costumes saw similar hope. Half of the cast is clad in futuristic neon-colored period interpretations while the other half stays in typical medieval garb. A consistent deconstruction could have elevated the production from an adequate, slightly tweaked representation to a radically brilliant redefinition.

Available Light Theatre presents “The Life and Death of Richard the Third” Nov. 11-20 at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave., Columbus. Tickets are on their popular Pay What You Want system. For more information or to reserve your tickets, call 614-558-7408 or visit AVLTheatre.com.