JULY MTA SPOTLIGHT TOD KUBO So our July spotlight is firmly focused on Piedmont Players, specifically on the one and only Tod Kubo. The incredibly talented and gifted Tod is currently directing and choreographing The Bodyguard with Piedmont Players, which opens on July 11. Let's find out more about this amazing spirit! Tod! Tell us about you!! I was born and raised in Los Angeles CA. I went to Mission Viejo High School then continued my education at Cal State Long Beach and the University of San Diego. After living in NYC I made the Queen City my hub in 2007. Do you have a favorite musical you have directed? It’s difficult to state one favorite musical I’ve directed. As much as I love the classics, I can definitely say contemporary musical theater is my favorite genre to direct. You have been involved in so many amazing locations throughout the world. Any special memories of any of these places? I’m very grateful to have done the bulk of my work internationally. Working in Prague, Amsterdam, and Paris have been my favorite international cities so far. Any funny or memorable moments onstage or backstage you would to share? In live theatre there’s a constant feeling of staying on your toes and keeping up with our ever changing industry. The most memorable moments are when a performer has to cover for a mistake during a live performance. You see their incredible improv skills at work. As much as we prepare and rehearse, you never know what’s going to happen in live theatre. Anything on that bucket list for shows you would like to direct? There’s definitely too many to name but currently Jagged Little Pill, Sweet Charity and Evita are on the top of the list. Anything about you that most people would not know? Many might assume that I started my journey as a dancer, but the reality is that I first began playing the violin at eight years old. If it weren't for my early studies in violin during my time in public elementary school, I honestly wouldn't be where I am today. After the violin, I sang in a choir, and at the age of ten, I started my dance training. My passion for music, particularly classical music, is profound. When I listen to any musical score, be it contemporary or classical musical theatre, I connect with the instruments and their messages within the score. This connection shapes my direction, vibe, and tone as I stage and choreograph a show. Ultimately, my experiences with music in elementary school were vital; the arts truly saved my life and provided me with the foundation to tackle my future artistic endeavors. Let's say you have a bowling party. Along with your closest friends and family members, you can also invite five to six people...famous, not so famous...still with us, or not still with us. Who would you invite? Gene Kelly, Charlie Chaplin, Gower Champion, Gregory Hines and Jerome Robbins. Tell us about your amazing team and cast! The journey of directing and choreographing "The Bodyguard" has been exhilarating balancing act with my schedule. This movie came out right after I graduated high school in 1992. I've watched the movie at least 100 times and the soundtrack has been the backdrop of my life. Directing this production is a true honor or me and our incredible creative team and cast. I am consistently amazed by the talent, dedication, and passion each member brings to the table. Our cast features talent from Salisbury as well as Charlotte, Greensboro and multiple surrounding cities. Our cast has truly embraced their roles, infusing their performances with energy and emotion that captures the essence of the original film while adding their own take on the stage musical. The creative team has been a dream to work with, bringing innovative ideas and a collaborative spirit that pushes our vision every rehearsal. We all feel fortunate to work on such an iconic catalog of music together. While the process has been challenging with its fair share of stress, that just reflects the heart and effort we’ve all poured into this show. It's a labor of love, and I couldn't ask for a better group of people to share this journey with! Anything else you would like to share with your theatre family? While my work takes me across the U.S. and internationally, I truly appreciate the home I've found here in Charlotte since moving in 2007. I take great pride in our ever-evolving metro area. The community and local theater scene is blossoming rapidly, and whether it's a project I'm involved in or productions at our fellow theaters, I encourage everyone to get out and engage as audience members. We may face some challenges ahead, but I look forward to uniting with our theater community and focusing on what truly matters, connecting people. Well, thank you Tod for sharing so much with your Metrolina family. But more importantly, thank you for sharing your amazing talent and heart with your theatre family and with the community. Our lives have been so enriched with your gifts. And do check out The Bodyguard with Piedmont Players!! It will run July 11 through July 27th. (fb)

IT'S ANOTHER EXCITING EXCELLENT WEEKEND OF THEATRE COMING UP IN OUR METROLINA THEATRE AREA: The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Rock Hill Theatre...Blues for Mama presented at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (July 6 only)...Ain't Go No Men with NarroWay Productions... and there may be more! And you can still support your local theater families monetarily if you are in the position to do so. On the MTA Website http://metrolinatheatreassociation.net/ , we have a page that lists the companies in our area. You can click on an individual company to go to their website and see how you can help. And as always: Go See Somethin'...THEATRE'S GOOD FOR YA!! (fb)