Alaska News

Arts scene: 'Mary Poppins,' Sitka Summer Music Festival, Dimi Macheras, Northern Aurora Flute Ensemble

Popping out

The final performances of the international touring production of "Mary Poppins" take place this weekend in Atwood Concert Hall. Full of tunes and jaw-dropping special effects -- is he really dancing on the ceiling? -- the show with Madeline Trumble in the title role has its swan song here in Anchorage with presentations at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. After that, the cast disperses and the sets go on the auction block. Tickets, if any remain, are available at centertix.net.

Strings of spring

In advance of the Sitka Summer Music Festival next month, cellist and festival director Zuill Bailey will present an afternoon outdoor concert at the Alaska Botanical Garden on Campbell Airstrip Road (one block south of Tudor Road) at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Bailey will be joined by David Leisner, an artist among the top ranks of America's master guitarists, in a program that will include some of Leisner's own compositions, Bach cello pieces and what should be an intriguing rendition of the "Arpeggione" Sonata by Schubert. The duo presented that last-named piece at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater in New York earlier this spring. Tickets are $25 and seating will be limited, so get yours in advance online at alaskabg.org or by calling 770-3692 ext. 0. More information, including the full program, can be found at sitkamusicfestival.org.

Chickaloon cartoon

Dimi Macheras, an Athabaskan with a family connection to the village of Chickaloon, has been making a reputation as a talented cartoonist whose art melds Native stories with contemporary themes. He's the guest of the next Smithsonian Spotlight presentation at noon Thursday at the Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. Macheras will talk about his work, what he's up to now and toss out some teasers regarding "Guttertown," described as an "upcoming urban-fantasy cyberpunk project." Free with museum admission.

Flaunting flutes

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The Northern Aurora Flute Ensemble, a polished group from the Alaska Flute Studies Center including Makala Bascome, Barbara Eberhart, Ashley Noland, Lee Tyson and Caitlin Ward, will release their new CD, "Between the Seas" in a concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at Wilda Marston Theatre on the ground floor of Loussac Library. They'll present new music from around the world on a variety of pucker-powered instruments from piccolos to bass flutes. Admission is $15, $10 for students.

Compiled by arts reporter

Mike Dunham

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