The cast of “Space Oddity,” Brad Barkdoll, Sabrina Williams, Tyler Shadle, Jasmine Graham, TJ Creedon, Maggie Haynes.
It’s been seven years since we lost one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Known for his shifting, experimental sound and eccentric stage persona, David Bowie was instrumental in shaping many different genres of music while holding authenticity close to his heart. Every step of the way, he made music that meant something to him.
While we no longer physically have David Bowie himself on this earth, we still have that music. And we’re gonna play it.
Open Stage’s tribute show, “Space Oddity,” does its best to encapsulate the best bits, which is a hard task as Bowie’s music spans decades and genres.
Wayne Landon, longtime fan of Bowie and producer of the show, notes that bringing Bowie’s music to the stage again is the ultimate tribute to a great musician.
“Bowie always liked to collaborate,” he said.
And what a collaboration this will be. With six vocalists and a band, the show presents the full range of Bowie’s music career, in all its extravagance.
And it’s a show that aims to bring together all the different shades of Bowie fans, including the musicians involved in “Space Oddity.” Jasmine Graham, who sings in the show, didn’t discover Bowie until much later in life.
“I was more a Michael Jackson fan,” she said. “But I’ve been surprised by a lot of [Bowie’s] lyrics, like ‘This Isn’t America.’ I didn’t expect them to go that deep.”
The show hopes to capture that surprising vibe that was so common for Bowie. TJ Creedon, staging director for the show, promises it will be like you’re in a room with “some rockstars from Mars.” From the costumes to the musical sets to the lights, the show can be nothing but a good time for all.
“Maybe it will even encourage some non-theater people to come out,” Creedon said.
Brad Barkdoll, who shares the role of musical director with Tyler Shadle, said that he, and everyone involved, is excited to share the performances with an audience.
“We’re coming together to showcase someone who was a little strange and who wrote fantastic music,” Barkdoll said. “It should be a good time.”
“Space Oddity” runs Sept. 8 to 16 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg, and Sept. 17 outdoors at Italian Lake Park, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
Popcorn Hat Players
“Rapunzel” en Español
Sept. 16 at 1 p.m.
TMI Improv
Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Popcorn Hat Players
“The Little Mermaid”
Sept. 23, 30 at 1 p.m.
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
“Space Oddity”
A Celebration of David Bowie
Sept. 8 to 16 at Open Stage
Sept. 17 at Italian Lake Park
EFF Live!
An evening of erotic fanfiction
Sunday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Black NewsBeat with Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Sept. 19 & 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Join us in the studio audience for an episode taping.
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