Martinez native has blast while touring U.S.

When Rita McDonald of Martinez talks to her son on the phone, she hears a musician who is thrilled about touring the country.

He's having a blast.

"They're in a different state like every week," she said. "He's having a ball. He loves the cast."

McDonald's son, Alex McDonald, has been performing as a trumpet player on the 2001-2002 U.S. tour and Broadway engagement of BLAST! - a production that includes music and choreography.

McDonald, who is a 1996 graduate of Evans High School, couldn't be reached for comment due to his traveling schedule. He's been touring throughout the country for the past few months, but he'll be a little closer to home at Atlanta's Fox Theater just in time for Valentine's week.

The Atlanta showing of BLAST! will take place today through Sunday with show times at 8 p.m. through Friday and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Catherine Major, marketing director for the tour, said local residents should enjoy what the show has to offer.

"It's really the visual interpretation of music," she said, adding that it includes everything from flag choreography to unicycles.

She said another plus is that we have a local resident involved. McDonald plays an integral part in the performance, playing his trumpet and sometimes assisting with flags.

"Alex is also a conductor in the show," she said.

For more information on the show or tickets, call 404-817-8700 or visit the Internet at www.broadwayseries.com.