August, 2010 Issue (page 194)

Broadway on Park Avenue
Article by BlackBarbie Bravin
Photography by Filipa Thespian
Published in The Best of Second Life Magazine (BOSL), August, 2010

The Dazzlers and the Pyramid Theatre hit it off! This is truly a show you don’t want to miss! If you are able to get a seat, you’ll find yourself enjoying highlights of some of the biggest shows on Broadway! Filipa Thespian, Owner of “The Pyramid Theatre”, teams up with it Pyper Dollinger’s “Dazzlers Dance Troupe” to present this unique tribute to Broadway in Second Life (SL).

Prepare to be pampered during this black tie event, as you are served by waiters and waitresses throughout the intermissions, adding that personal touch. The special twists and creativity of each set, are sure to impress even the most discriminating theater connoisseurs.

Built as a platform to bring her real life (RL) love of theater to Second Life Residents, Thespian explains that she hopes to continue attracting RL entertainers seeking to expand their presence to the virtual world of SL.

“You could say theater is in my blood,” says Thespian. “I practically grew up backstage at a rather large theatre in my area where my mother was executive director and an accomplished actress. Today, I work for the family business where we create and publish original plays and musicals.”

The spacious theatre with ample seating and space for dining is nestled in backdrop on Park Avenue, a full sim filled with shopping boutiques, surrounded by mountains and streams.

“I created the Pyramid Theater, and Park Avenue sim, with a lot of passion for the realism of the theatrical experience and a desire to share it with the SL community.”

A number to be performed by Dollinger and her well-known Dazzler Dance Troupe is “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables. Dollinger detailed that this had a special meaning to her as it was released while she was a member of a dance company in Illinois, and had a close friend in Desert Storm, the first Iraqi war. “I wanted to do ‘Bring him home’, since it is a similar story of praying for the soldiers to come home safe. I danced it for my friend, and was in tears each time I performed it, as well as everyone in the audience. It means a lot to me and brings back memories.”

“I’ve known Pyper for years, and always included the Dazzlers in my Swirl fashion shows,” Thespian comments. “When she told me about her idea for a Broadway review, I just ‘plotzed.’ She got excited about moving into the Pyramid, and I started building sets. Given her passion for dance and the songs we’re performing, coupled with my love of theatre and the sets I‘m building … well, I think the audience will have a great time!”

Showcasing every weekend from early September until October, allow yourself to experience this heart-felt, special treat, and prepare to be entertained and dazzled!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Park%20Avenue/83/84/32