Burg Review: Open Stage’s “Constitution” deftly, passionately explores America’s founding document, no debate about it

May 11, 2024 | by Gina Napoli

We the people, in order to form a more perfect audience, promise to participate when called upon in “What the Constitution Means to Me,” Open Stage’s new narrative dramedy, directed by Stuart Landon. We vow to hoot and holler in our pursuits of happiness, in much the same way we are expected to involve ourselves in our country’s great experiment of our federal constitutional republic.

At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, when founding father Benjamin Franklin was asked whether we have a monarchy or a republic, Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” He once wished he could cryonically preserve himself and later un-pickle himself hundreds of years later, just to see how the experiment turned out.

I wonder what Franklin and his peers would think of Tony-award-nominated, Pulitzer-finalist playwright Heidi Schreck (Karen Ruch) – a woman *gasp* giving public speeches, critiquing the government he helped to create. Women weren’t intended to be covered under the Constitution, reflecting its time in history, authored centuries ago by white men who were far from perfect.

Just as we have three branches of the federal government, Schreck pens us a three-person play that is as educational as it is personal.

And Ruch delivers a vulnerable performance that is equal parts funny and sad. Through Ruch, we meet 15-year-old Schreck on a tour stop at her hometown American Legion speech contest, which is how she earned herself a free ride to college. A self-described Constitutional zealot, Schreck’s passion for civics often overrides the parliamentary procedure and protocols that her audience of Legionnaires live and die by.

This play doesn’t shirk its duty in highlighting the problematic sections of the Constitution. Who is a person under the law, like women and Native Americans, or the curious fraction three-fifths of a person? Then there are the minefields of reproductive rights and would-be citizens that the founding fathers basically left as fallow fields, open to interpretation in the ever-present areas in the document that are every shade of gray.

Ruch easily slips in and out of character, breaking that fourth wall to connect personally with we, the people in the audience, taking us down several purposeful rabbit holes. With her cherubic facial expressions, Ruch brings a youthful enthusiasm to Schreck’s 15-year-old self. With lightning-fast mood changes, as her character ages, Ruch slides into a more seasoned viewpoint. With good humor and compassion, she delves into vaulted secrets, family scandals, mental illness and generational trauma. Then just as seamlessly, Ruch glides back into “Karen” to get personal.

Performer David Richwine also connects with the audience on a heart level. He shares his experiences about not only positive male role models, but also toxic masculinity, and what it means to be a man. Richwine also doubles as the role of the American Legion’s Moderator, a humorless parliamentarian. Richwine manages to make his character funny, even while he plays him straight.

Schreck entrusts the young Americans with the activism baton, although there is no finish line for this relay race. In the spirit of the high school civics classes of yore, built into the show is a high-school-style debate. Joining Ruch onstage is a local student from Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School’s debate team, Emma Sweigart. Tapping into an oomph – an unafraid posture that most of us would need a time machine and a pot of coffee to recapture, Sweigart deftly argues her point and nails her role. I won’t spoil it by telling you the topic, or who’s arguing which proposition/opposition, but I hope you’re ready to get involved and choose a side.

If you bring a young person (14 and older, please), they may hear some shocking things. But even the language and sexual references aren’t as shocking as how many of our founding fathers found themselves in unethical predicaments. No matter who sits next to you, when that proverbial curtain falls, this play is sure to inspire you and your plus-one to have a lively “third act” – intense conversations about what the Constitution means to you and yours.

“What the Constitution Means to Me” runs May 11 through June 1 at Open Stage, 25 Court St., Harrisburg. For more information, check their website at www.openstagehbg.com/shows/constitution.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 10, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Stallions in Harrisburg will become “Karma” under new ownership.

We wish our readers a wonderful Mother’s Day this weekend and hope the rain doesn’t hinder your celebrations! Before you head out to find a last-minute gift for mom, read up on this week’s news, below.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights local exhibits in Carlisle and Harrisburg that showcase activism through art.

The Broad Street Market announced a date for the soft opening of its temporary structure, our online story reported. The tent will open to the public, after months of construction delay, on May 23.

Dan Hartman, Harrisburg business administrator, shared that he would leave his post in June, our online story reported. Hartman is in charge of overseeing day-to-day operations in the city.

Home sales and prices in the Harrisburg area both moved higher last month, our online story reported. Click here to find data for Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties.

Honeypump, a rock cover band, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. In our magazine story, read about the popular local band and what has set it apart over the years.

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) Harrisburg Peace Promenade dedicated the trees in honor of community activists, artists and religious leaders, our online story reported. The trees were planted in Exemplar’s Grove, a portion of Riverfront Park, which includes historical monuments, commemorative benches and trees.

Midtown Cinema this month is showing the film, “The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed.” Click here to read our reviewer’s take on the “quietly hilarious film.”

Slice of Midtown, a new pizza shop, will open in Harrisburg this summer, our online story reported. Judd Goodman of Federal Taphouse and Ozzie Cabrera of Niko’s Pizza and Tonino’s Pizza plan to open the shop at 1100 N. 3rd St.

Stallions club in downtown Harrisburg is slated to become “Karma,” as new owners plan updates for the space, our reporting found. Harrisburg resident Nelson Mena and partner George Fernandez will operate the club, which they plan to retain as a hub for LGBTQ nightlife.

Open Stage’s “What the Constitution Means to Me” evaluates and examines constitutional rights. Find out what to expect from the show, which runs from May 11 to June 1, here.

Sara Bozich has found all of the best events happening this weekend and packaged them up for you in her Weekend Roundup. Take a look at what’s to come, here.

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In Harrisburg area, home sales, prices up in April, says report

May 10, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

A house for sale in Harrisburg

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both moved higher last month, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

In the three-county region, 496 homes sold in April, compared to 448 in April 2023, as the median sales price rose to $255,000 from $245,000 over the period, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 227 houses sold, a drop of six from the year-ago period, though the median price increased to $230,000 from $213,900, GHAR stated.

Cumberland County had 227 home sales versus 193 a year ago, while the median price rose slightly to $287,600 from $285,000, GHAR said.

In Perry County, 35 houses changed hands compared to 19 in April 2023, as the median sales price inched up to $220,000 from $219,000, according to GHAR.

The pace of sales picked up in April, as “average days on market” dropped to 26 days versus 34 days the prior April, GHAR said.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 9, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Seymour’s Plant Boutique and Apothecary opens in Mechanicsburg Worth noting: It’s Mother’s Day weekend — lots of ideas for Saturday or Sunday. Things on my agenda this weekend: Doing Mother’s Day with my mom at The Ultimate Doors (and dinner before), then HU Presents Rodrigo y Gabriela on Saturday.

For your weekend planning

Harrisburg University Presents Rodrigo y Gabriela at XL Live on Saturday
WIN tickets to see Frank Turner on May 23
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Camp Hill’s Plein Air Art Walk is May 18
The first SoMa Block Party of the season is just 2 weeks away!! Add to calendar now!
Just announced: SoMa Fest (a mega block party) on June 1
Proudly PA! festival returns on June 8 to Fort Hunter Park
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Dan Hartman, Harrisburg’s business administrator, to leave his position in June

May 8, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

City Business Administrator Dan Hartman (file photo).

A top Harrisburg official plans to leave his post next month.

City Business Administrator Dan Hartman told TheBurg that he has informed city leaders of his intention to leave the position.

Hartman began in his role when Mayor Wanda Williams took her post in January 2022. He also served as part of Williams’ transition team in the months prior. His hiring was officially approved by City Council that February.

In Harrisburg, the business administrator role is a top position, responsible, along with the mayor, for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. His last day will be on June 7.

According to Hartman, he is leaving the city to go back to working for the state government from which he received a “fantastic offer.”

The city has already begun looking for a new business administrator, and Williams is currently fielding calls from candidates interested in the position, said Matt Maisel, communications director for the city. Hartman is aiding in the selection process as well.

“Dan is making sure whoever fills his large shoes is someone who is capable,” Maisel said.

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Broad Street Market sets opening date for temporary building

May 8, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

The Broad Street Market’s temporary building

The Broad Street Market’s temporary structure is set to open near the end of the month.

Market officials announced on Wednesday that the tent-like structure will hold a soft opening on Thursday, May 23, following months of construction and delays.

“Following last year’s tragic fire, the Broad Street Market’s customers, vendors and supporters have understandably been waiting a long time for this day,” said Eric Hagarty, chair of the market’s board, in a statement. “But Harrisburg is a resilient town, and the community has stepped up to finally make this day a reality.”

The temporary market, located just across the street from the market’s stone building, will house six former brick building vendors, as well as three new vendors.

The following vendors will open in the temporary market building:

Doggie Delights
Fisher’s Deli and Bakery
Lil’s Pretzels
Peach Ridge Produce
Rijuice
Two Brothers BBQ
Taylor Chip
Diaspora
Cherished Treasures

The tent will follow the same hours as the market, opening on Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The city shared its idea to create somewhere to house vendors displaced by a destructive July fire in the market’s brick building just days after the fire. Officials originally stated that they hoped to have the tent finished in one month. However, the city has pushed back the opening of the tent several times, citing trouble securing contractors.

Eventually, the market received donations and free services from Harrisburg-area-based McClure Company, which installed plumbing, and a group of local carpenters from the Local 431 Union. Harrisburg also contracted KCS Electric for electrical work in the tent.

In addition, Touch of Color Flooring donated commercial-grade vinyl flooring, and Midtown Property Management is providing free leasing and facilities support to the market.

“When the public has the chance to see the new space on May 23, we think it will be apparent that despite the exterior, it is so much more than a tent. It’s a wonderful, vibrant place to get the produce, meats and treats we’ve been missing for months,” Hagarty said. “And it’s the first step on the market’s road to lasting recovery.”

The temporary tent is slated to remain open while the city rebuilds the market’s brick building, which city officials have stated could take anywhere from three to five years.

For more information about the Broad Street Market, visit their website. For updates on the market rebuild and temporary tent construction, visit the city’s webpage.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Activism through Art

May 7, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

There must be something in the water in Carlisle.

A wellspring of creativity bubbles forth, all starting at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) and branching out to communities near and far. Sparking social discourse from conduits, aqueducts and faucets from Cumberland County west to Pittsburgh, their messages hold impact across the state of Pennsylvania. In terms of communicating ideas and promoting causes, there may be no more powerful vehicle to do so than art. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the question comes, what medium will have the greatest impact in advancing this message?

With the month of May being dedicated to mental health, galleries showcase three disparate areas of need, all worthy of social commentary. The trio is inexplicably appropriate in that arts activism addresses the much-needed conversation around the umbrella of helping and saving mankind, one cause at a time.

Art advocacy takes center stage this month from Cumberland County to Midtown Harrisburg, and even to the state Capitol. Youth initiatives, gun violence and mental health all represent topics for discussion and action.

“Children Thrive with the Basics 5!” at CALC

Mo Geiger, an art activist/educator instrumental in so many Cumberland County art movements and productions, mounted the interactive exhibit currently at the YMCA in Carlisle and at CALC through the end of the summer. The upper gallery at CALC embraces the platitude, “Care and love go hand in hand as both are complex components of life through all stages, ages and relationships.” The exhibit, “Children Thrive with The Basics 5!,” which opened April 19 and runs through May 25, is presented in partnership with the United Way in Carlisle and Cumberland County. For the exhibit, five artists interpreted and visualized tips for positive interactions with young children. View works from Artzbeat, Luke Gawron, Molly Goehring, Michelle Moats and Carol Reed. Concurrently, the exhibit at Carlisle’s YWCA showcases large-scale reproductions of the original artwork on display at CALC.

Coming up soon from the Carlisle Arts Learning Center, the timely topic of gun violence will be seen through the lens of the exhibit, “American Roulette” and will be on view at H*MAC in Midtown Harrisburg from May 21 to June 23. It will provide a visceral exploration through imagery in collaboration with the Charles Bruce Foundation, which supported eight local authors as they wrote a novel, “American Roulette,” about a mass shooting. Abria Donato, gallery director of CALC shared, “The goal of this exhibit is to be a catalyst for local and regional conversations fueled by this national crisis…it is easy to become numb and tune out the tragedy. Half of the effective conversation is listening. How can we become better listeners around the conversation of gun violence in America?”

As a special note of interest, 70 portraits and quotes from participants in the “I’m Fine.” project workshops adorn the doors of senators’ offices on two floors at the state Capitol building. Six years ago, when Carrie Breschi and Maureen Joyce formulated the idea for their “I’m Fine.” project, they had no idea that sculpting mental health through art would take them across the state for workshops and mask making promoting mental health wellness. The project culminated in a three-month tour de force exhibit of over 1,200 masks on view in the upper gallery of Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM). “I’m Fine” at the museum was a massive undertaking in collaboration with Alice Anne Schwab, executive director of SAM, and Bonnie Mae Carrow, director of exhibitions.

To celebrate the closing of this powerhouse exhibition, the founders are holding pop-up events at ModernRugs just across the street from SAM. Artists and creatives are offering unique giftware for purchase in support of the project. One of the specialty items at the art market is a stunning Ginkgo necklace by artist/jeweler, Alison Rosen. The “I’m Fine.” project’s trademark logo features the ginkgo leaf, symbolic of resilience and longevity. These pop-ups will be held on Thursday through Saturday, May 9 to 11, and May 16 to 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ModernRugs showroom at 1404 N. 3rd St. Closing celebration events take place Friday, May 17 for 3rd in The Burg at SAM and ModernRugs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Art is the great communicator of ideas, causes and change. The clock is ticking on mental health awareness, creating crucial childhood initiatives and eliminating gun violence all in the hopes of making our world a safer and better place and mankind a gentler species.

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Stallions nightclub in Harrisburg to become “Karma” as new owners plan updates

May 6, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Stallions on N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg will become Karma in July.

A longtime Harrisburg nightclub will get a fresh remix as new owners plan to make substantial updates.

Stallions nightclub downtown will become “Karma” as a Harrisburg couple is purchasing the club, which has for decades served as a hub for nightlife in the LGBTQ+ community.

“We want to bring to Harrisburg more of a diverse and dynamic nightlife experience,” said Nelson Mena, who will be the managing partner of Karma and co-owner with his partner George Fernandez, CEO of Harrisburg-based Color & Culture and Latino Connection.

Nelson Mena

Mena, who is a Dominican Republic native, is hoping to bring new life to the club, which has operated on N. 3rd Street since 1985, while also preserving it as a community establishment.

“We are aware that it has become a fixture in Harrisburg,” he said. “They’re iconic, and we don’t want to erase the legacy. But we want people to receive a breath of fresh air.”

Stallions will remain open as the club transitions leadership and names, with a planned opening as Karma in July, Mena said. The club will at no time be closed.

Mena said that Karma will offer an “elevated” experience with dancing, live music, DJs, cocktails and entertainment.

The couple plans to freshen up the building with light renovations to modernize the style. They will begin by keeping the first floor and basement space open, while doing work on the second and third floors and in-house chef’s kitchen.

“People are going to walk in and see amazing updates,” Mena said.

Special events will include drag brunches, karaoke, happy hours and all ages events, among other activities.

“I’m so excited for our community,” Fernandez said. “Stallions was my first LGBTQ+ club experience. Finding a space where I could be myself was a gift. This isn’t something just for Harrisburg, but for our entire region.”

Mena is looking forward to bringing a vibrant nightlife scene for the LGBTQ+ community and allies in Harrisburg—something that he’s experienced in the Dominican Republic and during his and Fernandez’s travels.

“Every time I step into a club, specifically an LGBTQ+ club, I tell George the same thing—we don’t have this in Harrisburg,” he said. “I’ve always thought about owning a club.”

When he and Fernandez found out that the Stallions owners were looking to sell, they jumped at the opportunity, Mena said.

“It felt like it was meant to be,” he said.

The business’s new name, Karma, references the rebirth and reincarnation of the club, Mena said. To help fulfill that new vision, he is also looking for local talent—bartenders, singers, dancers, drag performers and more to get involved with Karma.

Mena also plans to implement a security team to ensure the safety of all patrons.

“We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe,” he said.

Karma will be located at the current location of Stallions, 706 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit Karma’s website.

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Harrisburg restaurateurs join forces, prepare to open pizza-focused Slice of Midtown

May 5, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

The future location of Slice of Midtown

Two long-time Harrisburg restaurateurs are joining forces on a new pizza and sub shop in Midtown.

Judd Goodman of Federal Taphouse and Ozzie Cabrera of Niko’s Pizza and Tonino’s Pizza plan to open Slice of Midtown at 1100 N. 3^rd St., according to the pair.

The shop, which is slated to debut this summer, around mid-June, will offer pizza, cheesesteaks, hoagies, grinders, wings and some Italian dinner entrees, Goodman said.

“The void of pizza, cheesesteaks and salads at an affordable price to that area was the deciding factor (in opening),” he said. “We are also catering to the late night crowd on Friday and Saturday to satisfy the live music and late night enthusiasts.”

Another positive is the restaurant’s proximity to major employment centers in Harrisburg, such as the state Capitol Complex and the federal courthouse, Goodman added.

The building is located at the corner of N. 3^rd and Herr streets, which last housed Sushi Yatta, a short-lived business that closed in 2022. Before that, a convenience store and various shops occupied the first-floor retail space.

Since Sushi Yatta closed, the building’s exterior has sustained some visible damage, but that will be fixed shortly, with new windows and frames, Goodman said.

This is the second pizza shop that has announced recently that it will open soon in the immediate area. In late April, TheBurg reported that Knead Pizza plans to reopen its shop just a block away, at N. 3^rd and Boas streets, though only on Thursdays and Fridays.

Slice of Midtown will build on Cabrera’s recipes, with all breads, rolls, pizza dough, sauces and dressings made from scratch, according to the owners.

The eatery will be takeout-only, as the snug space doesn’t permit for seating, Goodman said. There also will be delivery and pick-up options via an app.

Goodman said that hiring for Slice of Midtown will begin in late May or early June. For more information, email [email protected].

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 3, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Knead Pizza in Midtown announced that it would reopen.

We finally got a taste of summer here in Harrisburg this week and loved seeing everyone out and enjoying the sun. Unfortunately, this weekend is looking rainy, but lucky for you, our May issue of the magazine just dropped, giving you the perfect rainy day reading material. Find some of our magazine stories, along with our daily reporting from this week, below.

The Broad Street Market fire was a tragedy for Harrisburg, but our publisher acknowledges the significant community support that has followed. As the market’s temporary tent gets close to opening, he thanks the residents and organizations who have lent a hand.

Community Corner fills you in on all of this month’s special events happening in and around Harrisburg. To find a complete list of all of May’s happenings, click here.

Concerts in May include metal, rock, alternative and even a capella shows. Our reviewer shares all her top choices, here.

Ghost guns are increasingly being used by youth and those who aren’t legally allowed to have firearms, our online story reported. Harrisburg is weighing options to help prevent these untraceable guns from getting into the wrong hands.

Knead Pizza will reopen its Midtown shop nearly two years after it closed, our online story reported. Knead suddenly closed in 2022, following efforts by its employees to unionize.

Our May issue of the magazine spotlights local restaurants. Our publisher especially looks forward to outdoor dining as the summer rolls in.

Midtown Action Council has merged with Friends of Midtown to combine resources and better serve the community. In our magazine story, find out what this means for the group and what they have planned.

Sara Bozich has complied all of this weekend’s best events happening in the Harrisburg area. Find them, here.

Theatre Harrisburg’s “Seussical” brings Whoville to Harrisburg, says our reviewer. Find out what else to expect from this fun, silly musical, here.

Uptown Partners, owner of the bankrupt Governor’s Square apartments in Harrisburg, is still working to determine a buyer for the properties, as the process has again been delayed, our online story reported. Additionally, at a court hearing, the company was ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines for city code violations.

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Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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