Passion, hard work behind 'Takin' You Back'
By: Tauni Malmgren
Issue date: 7/8/09 Section: Monsoon
Beth Dell, managing director for Beowulf and a UA theatre alumna, said jazz vocalist Liz Cracchiolo is fun and energetic with a great heart. For the fifth consecutive year, Cracchiolo, who is the star of the yearly benefit concert, will be confirming Dell's praises by singing reinterpreted classics for charity. She usually sings to benefit Tee Up for Tots, a local non-profit providing research in the battle against pediatric cancer. This year she added the Beowulf Alley Theatre to receive part of the proceeds as well.
According to Dell, this new funding for Beowulf is important in helping to revitalize the downtown community, in which the arts are a fundamental catalyst for this kind of progress.
"I was raised in community theatre and believe strongly in grassroots community as the step to enhancing not only the quality of art but the quality of life," Dell said.
The concert will be an intimate affair for Cracchiolo and the audience in the 95-seat theatre. One can tell from having a conversation in the space where Cracchiolo will perform, that the acoustics are ideal for her sonorous and spirited vocals. Her songs fuse pop, jazz, and rock, lending to the event's theme of reintroducing songs that the audience may already know in a new, rich audial perspective.
The foodies in the audience can count on tasty treats during the concert's reception provided by local restaurants Elle, Cup Café, and Jax Kitchen.
"(This concert is) a great way to do something very positive for our community and enjoy some terrific entertainment," Dell said.
Beowulf Alley Theatre, 11 S. 6th Ave., (520) 882-0555, July 10 and July 11, 7:30 p.m. July 12, 3 p.m., $32. Go to beowulfalley.org for online discounts and further information.
