3 minute read
Theater Review: Ben Butler
internationally.
The duo have worked with many celebrities on award winning projects, including Julian Lennon, Quincy Jones and Ketchi.
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According to Weber, Betty experienced a most religious upbringing, combined with a life of poverty. Often the Rabbi allowed her to sit in while the men learned Torah, something unheard of in her day. Her dream? To write poetry and someday visit the state of Israel. Betty was never able to visit Israel, however she and her daughter honor her, capturing her great story through music.
Weber’s settings of some of the songs were arranged with the assistance of her son, Enrico. Melodic themes reflect hauntingly unusual times, combining classical with new age music. Lopez Yañez’s melodic and spectacular vocals resonate with the population, creating hope, crossing many boundaries, forming a connection between generations.
Betty, who thought her family was the greatest, traveled to the United States from Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution. She created a book of poetry, eloquently describing her life experiences and transition.
Upon arriving in the U.S., Betty shared her collection with a neighbor in her building who scoffed at her poems, causing Betty to feel embarrassed and burn this treasure of poetry. What remained were 12 meaningful poems.
For the musical dynamic duo team, working together has been a dream, as during the pandemic Lopez Yañez relocated to San Diego and Weber was able to take a semester sabbatical from teaching at San Diego Miramar College to work on this project. Weber’s husband John converted a closet into a recording studio where they created magic.
Lopez Yañez came to know her great-grandmother through their family reunions in Wisconsin. They would sit on the couch as Grandma Betty shared her stories. Both grandparents spoke Yiddish.
“She was so proud of everyone in her family!” declared Lopez Yañez.
One song, “Mushrooms,” describes Betty in her youth as she picks mushrooms for her family with little else for them to eat.
Inspirational, educational and entertaining, these songs will live on in the hearts of many for generations to come.
LEARN ABOUT RUTH AND EMILIA AT RUTHMAKESMUSIC.COM, EMILIALOPEZYANEZ.COM, AND RUTHANDEMELIA.COM.
THEATRE REVIEW
Ben Butler at North Coast Rep
“I was always a friend of Southern rights but an enemy of Southern wrongs." -Ben Butler
North Coast Rep does a terrific job in its delivery of Ben Butler by writer Richard Strand.
A Civil War story, Ben Butler takes on racial stereotypes through the use of wordplay. At various times sarcastic, droll and witty, this clever dialogue and terrific acting make this play captivating and thought provoking. The story is about an escaped slave who shows up at Fort Monroe seeking sanctuary. General Benjamin Butler is then faced with an impossible moral dilemma, either follow the letter of the law and return the slave back to the Confederacy or make a game changing move that could alter the course of US history. What ensues is a battle of wits between Shepard Mallory, the slave, and General Butler.
One of President Lincoln’s top Generals, Benjamin Butler was hated and reviled by many, lauded and praised by others. He was unique, accomplished, imposing and original. He did many great things, and perhaps as many that were not so great. He was also a lawyer, politician and businessman. Some of his actions helped to change the course of American history.
The cast of four is extraordinary. Richard Baird, Brian Mackey, Brandon Pierce and Bruce Turk have brought their skill and talent to bear to create a wonderful artistic venture.
