Art Music Vaudeville
Cherry Blossom showcases local artists
By Brett Campbell
Cherry Blossom Musical Arts has been one of the most exciting recent additions to Eugene’s performing arts scene, and the “art music vaudeville” company has been, well, blossoming, with performances at the Oregon Country Fair and in Ashland at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. On Nov. 15, Cherry Blossom presents its latest visual music fundraiser at the UO’s Agate Hall. In return for supporting one of the city’s wellsprings of original art, you’ll get locally baked sweet treats; a new duet by Portland’s superb Agnieszka Laska Dancers set to original music by Cherry Blossom’s Paul Safar and Nancy Wood; more of Safar’s music, including a new string quartet, “Stella’s Waltz” for piano and ballerina and more; various Cherry Blossom video projects; and some of the city’s finest classical musicians, jugglers, tap dancers and other off-center cabaret acts.
Brett Campbell - Eugene Weekly (Nov 13, 2008)
The key to artistic progress is often collaboration-artists from various fields working together, hanging out together, creating together. Unfortunately, too many forces conspire to separate artists, so it's been gratifying to see opportunities emerging recently for progressive artistic collaboration in Eugene. One is Cherry Blossom Musical Arts, which created last year's children's music theater production "Nisse's Dream", which sold out every show. Next weekend, Cherry Blossom convenes a broad specrum of Northwest artists at Lord Leebrick Theater for what promises to be the most compelling show of the season for regional performers, creators and arts lovers."
Brett Campbell - Eugene Weekly (Apr 13, 2006)
On Visual Music 2006-
"See how directors Nancy Wood and Paul Safar, with bold-hearted simpatico, invite dancers,poets and musicians to co-create new-sprung audacious theater."
Louisa Lindsay-Sprouse - Young Writers Association (Apr 5, 2006)
"Nisse's Dream, an original children's musical thater production by Eugeneans Paul Safar and Nancy Wood, is that rare breed of kid's entertainment: It's fun. It's wholesome. It has a positive message. And the kids you know will love it anyway, without even realizing they're learning something in the process."
Sara Brickner - Eugene Weekly (Aug 12, 2005)
"Nisse's Dream is a lovely, high quality project full of sweetness and charm"
Landis Smith, Producing Director - Enchantment Theater Company, Philadelphia PA (Jul 5, 2006)
On Nisse's Dream CD
"The music is wonderful and the story and delivery are fun"
Peter Alsop - Children's Entertainer and Family Psychologist
"Nisse's Dream is an upbeat musical performed by excellent musicians and singers. It's original, non-commercial, non-violent and home grown, while at the same time sounding professional and smooth. The music is sophisticated, far more complex than people often think kids will listen to, and it exposes complicated music to children in a very attractive package. Many songs beautifully blend two messages simultaneously. Nisse's Dream is playing on stage this summer, August 12-21 at the Lord Leebrick Theater. If you get a chance to see it, your kids will likely love it. My kids did.
Kaseja Wilder - Talking Leaves (Apr 5, 2005)