Romeo And Juliet

Romantic selections will be played under the light of a silvery moon by the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra during its annual Summer Pops concert Sunday at the Starlight Bowl. The program opens with Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture" followed by the passionate "Bolero" by Ravel. It will be an evening of romance for all ages, Maestro Steven Kerstein said. A highlight will be a performance by La Canada Flintridge soprano Lisa Christine Abel, this year's winner of the Hennings--Fischer Burbank Philharmonic Young Artists Award.

Joyce Rudolph, Enjoy! BURBANK -- A variety of styles will be a part of a new dance appreciation series created by the artistic director of the Media City Ballet Company. The Sunday Afternoon at the Ballet begins Feb. 24 with "Romantic Ballets" celebrating Valentine's Day and featuring "Romeo and Juliet Pas de Deux (dance for two)," Natasha Middleton said. It will be followed on March 24 by "Works of Jerome Robbins" and on April 28 by "Folk Dance and Ballet."

Debbie Gates, executive director of Burbank's only Shakespearean theater company, has announced the first free Shakespeare Festival from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 10. Cast members of her company, Shakespeare at Play, will present "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Stough Canyon Park, in front of the Starlight Bowl. Adding to the atmosphere will be strolling minstrels, jugglers, gypsy dancing and sword fights. The event is co-sponsored by Target and the city of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department.

This letter is regarding the Don?t Tell Bailey Theater Company?s amazing production of ?The Laramie Project? at the Colony Theatre (?Play brings protests,? May 31). I happen to be Scott Bailey, the very same Bailey that ironically wasn?t supposed to be told about the show. I?m glad I was told about it though, because sitting in the Colony Theatre on May 29-30 was the most moving experience I have ever had as a teacher or as a theater-goer. I do, however, need to clear up a couple of misconceptions.

Joyce Rudolph Burroughs students and faculty produce 'West Side Story' BURBANK -- John Burroughs High School students and faculty are combining efforts on a musical production of "West Side Story." This presentation of a modern-day "Romeo and Juliet" tragedy is a collaboration of the vocal and instrumental music, drama and dance production departments and features performances by students and faculty. It is directed byparent Jose Payo. There will be four performances at 7 p.m. on May 17, 2 and 7 p.m. May 18 and 2 p.m. May 19. Tickets are $8, $5 students and seniors, and $20 for a four-performance pass.

The Burbank Tournament of Roses Assn. has done it again. It is turning out another cloying, cutesy-poo float with (ugh!) canned music, and putting our city's name on it. I do wish the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Assn. would ban canned music on ALL floats. It makes it sound just like the Macy's Parade, and detracts from the magnificent live bands that have a hard enough time being heard over the babble of the television commentators. But that's another issue.

Molly Shore Queen Tatania and King Oberon, rulers of the fairy kingdom from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," have been duking out their child custody dispute on a local stage. Their saga has been reenacted at the Starlight Bowl as part of the Kids on Stage summer workshop. When the children formed two groups on stage at a recent practice, actors Tracy Perry and Jean Gaskill coached them with bits of dialogue and expressive body language from three Shakespearean plays.

Send DATEBOOK items to Burbank Leader, 221 N. Brand Blvd., 2nd Floor, Glendale, CA 91203 or fax to (818) 241-1975. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication. TODAY The Falcon Theatre continues preview performances of "Where's Poppa?" at 8 p.m. at the theater, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. The dark comedy is about a middle-age son and his overly possessive and jealous mother. Gordon Hunt ("Mad About You") directs the stage adaptation of Robert Klane's novel.

Joyce Rudolph This summer's Starlight Bowl entertainment will be a little bit country, a lot of swing and plenty of rock 'n' roll. Sawyer Brown, one of country music's biggest names, joins the Sunday concert series lineup this year. Within its first year of performing back in 1984, the group won the Country Music Assn.'s Horizon Award. It has since earned Top Vocal Group honors from the Academy of Country Music and six consecutive TNN/Music City News Top Vocal Band prizes.