Community Corner: Notable March Events

February 28, 2024 | by Missy Smith

March Community Corner

Share a Smile
March 1: S&T Bank and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia are teaming up for “Share a Smile” fundraiser day. Make a donation at various bank locations or online to support S&T’s mission for meaningful, impactful community involvement. www.chop.edu

Women’s History
March 1: Arts at Millersville University joins Lancaster’s First Friday celebrations with “We the People” at the Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a poetry showcase and open mic by Thunda Khatt and the opening reception of an art exhibition featuring Millersville alumni Kerry Sacco and Ann Thomas. www.artsmu.com

Home + Garden Show
March 1-3: Visit the 2024 PA Home + Garden Show for the latest trends and practical advice in home improvement, gardening and landscaping, interior design and more from HGTV celebrity guest experts and more than 200 home and garden professionals. www.pahomeshow.com

Get Fit
March 1-31: Get fit with Capital Blue Cross Connect, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, at a series of in-person and virtual wellness and fitness classes. Sign up for a variety of classes including yoga, barre, Pilates and tai chi. Find a full list of classes on their website. www.capitalbluecrossconnect.com

HBG Flea
March 2: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Ice & Fire
March 2: Enjoy Harrisburg’s annual Ice & Fire Festival with an ice slide, ice skating, fire dancers, ice carvings, fire pits and smores, local school and community performances, kids activities, food trucks, an artisan market, vendors and more, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ice sculptures will be displayed throughout the city. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Book Sales
March 2, 16: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Maple Sugar Festival
March 3: Explore the annual Maple Sugar Festival at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 12 to 4 p.m. Visitors can try tapping a tree, see maple syrup and candy making, and learn about the types of maple syrup. Kids can have fun with various activities, and products will be available for purchase. www.forthunter.org

School Visit
March 3: The Circle School will host an open house for visitors and families to learn about the school’s democratic approach to education. Event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the school, 727 Wilhelm Rd., off Progress Ave., in Susquehanna Township. www.CircleSchool.org

Horticulture Program
March 4: Hershey Horticulture Society hosts its monthly program at Brownstone Lodge, 215 W. Governor Rd., Hershey, at 1 p.m. Constance Schmotzer, Penn State-York extension consumer horticulture educator (retired), will present “10 Biggest Gardening Mistakes/No Dig Garden.” The event is free and open to the public. www.hersheyhorticulture.com

Roots & Shoots
March 4: Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to “Roots & Shoots,” a youth service program developed by Jane Goodall, at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6 to 7 p.m. Kids learn how to foster respect and compassion for all living things, promote understanding of cultures and beliefs, and take action to make the world a better place. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Let’s Cook
March 5: Penn State Extension offers the class, “Let’s Cook the DASH Diet,” 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Cumberland County Extension Service, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Participants learn how plans focused on fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. www.extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-dash

Let Music Live!
March 5: Harrisburg Choral Society presents “Songs of Celebration” at 3 p.m. at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd St., Camp Hill. Tickets available online, from Choral Society members or at the door. www.harrisburgchoralsociety.org

Choral Concert
March 5: Arts on the Square presents the Furman Singers, a 60-voice choral group from Furman University of Greenville, S.C., at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg at 7 p.m. Following the concert, an exhibit of the watercolors of Elaine Wilson will be open for viewing in the Arts on the Square Gallery in Geneva Hall. www.marketsquarechurch.org/concerts

Tonight’s Sky
March 6: Explore the night sky with the planetarium director at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, at 2 p.m. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets and special celestial events. www.statemuseumpa.org

Legislators’ Forum II
March 7: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2023 Legislators’ Forum II, with area members of the PA Senate at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. Pre-register online. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Film Friday
March 8, 9: Head to Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for a special Film Friday of 2023 Oscar-nominated short films. View animated short films at 1 p.m. and live action short films at 6 p.m. on March 8 and documentary short films at 1:30 p.m. on March 9. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Curious Kids
March 8, 29: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, invites kids in kindergarten through second grade to “Curiosity Kids” at 11:30 a.m. On March 8, kids can explore engineering and build structures, and, on March 29, they can study birds’ beaks and make a simple bird feeder. www.statemuseumpa.org

Train Show
March 9: Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will host its Railroad and Model Trains Show at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5; kids under the age of 12 are free. www.harrisburgnrhs.org

Birds & Coffee
March 9: Visit the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for bird watching and a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Discover which birds visit feeders most often and learn how to identify them. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Heath Program
March 9: Penn State Health Specialty Services, 429 N. 21st St., Camp Hill, hosts a free event about urinary incontinence and overactive bladder, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dr. Adrian Sosenko will discuss behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes, exercises, medications and injections, nerve stimulation and surgical options. www.pennstatehealth.org

Empty Bowls
March 11: Carlisle Arts Learning Center’s “Empty Bowls” project fights hunger one bowl at a time at Project SHARE, 5 North Orange St., Carlisle, 6 to 7:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit Project SHARE. Tickets are $25. www.carlislearts.org

PA Birthday
March 12: Celebrate Pennsylvania’s birthday by learning about its history at the State Museum of PA, 12 to 4:30 p.m. Free general admission for the celebration. Limited-timed tickets for “Curiosity Connection” will be available for families with children 5 and younger. www.statemuseumpa.org

Mini Med School
March 12, 19, 26: Penn State College of Medicine will host its 25th annual Mini Medical School, with a unique curriculum on the field of medicine and the college’s contributions to research and healthcare. This free, virtual event is open to everyone, 6 to 8:30 p.m., each evening. med.psu.edu/mini-medical-school

Food Rally
March 14: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants, and enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

3rd in The Burg
March 15: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Irish Celebration
March 15: The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick host a St. Patrick’s Day Party that will honor “Irishperson of the Year” Pat Halpin-Murphy at HMAC, 1103 N. 3rd St., 6-10 p.m. Event features Irish music and dancing. Proceeds benefit PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Spring Wreath
March 16: Decorate a spring wreath with natural materials at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cones, nuts and seedpods will be supplied, and participants may bring additional materials. Sip tea or coffee while adding finishing touches. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

St. Patty’s Parade
March 16: Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 2 p.m. The Lucky Charm 4-Miler race through downtown Harrisburg precedes the parade, beginning at noon. www.harrisburgstpatricksdayparade.com

TV Trivia
March 16: Join the Cumberland Singers for “TV Time Trivia” at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Rd., Mechanicsburg, 3 p.m. Tickets include four rounds of trivia, a raffle ticket and music between rounds. Guests can compete for prizes, including best TV character costume. www.cumberlandsingers.org

Menopause Seminar
March 17: Dwennimmen African Dance Community presents a menopause awareness workshop with Dr. Sharee Livingston OB/GYN and African dance fitness with Tracey Jennings at the Sara Lindemuth Anna/Carter Primary School Gymnasium, 4 to 6 p.m. Facebook: Dwennimmen African Dance Community

Women of Excellence
March 19: YWCA Greater Harrisburg will host its 35th annual “Tribute to Women of Excellence” awards dinner at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The tribute will honor 27 outstanding women who dedicate time and talent to making a difference in central PA. www.ywcahbg.org

Eyewear Show
March 21: Premier Eye Care Group, 3903 Hartzdale Dr., Camp Hill, hosts a style show featuring top brands in eyewear, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, enter a glasses giveaway and get a discount of up to 30% off purchases. www.premiereyes.com

Speaker Event
March 21: Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania and Midtown Scholar Bookstore host the “Keystone Speaker Evening” with guest speaker Marie Yovanovitch, at Hershey Country Club, 1000 E. Derry Rd. The evening includes a social hour, book signing and dinner before Yovanovitch’s presentation and Q&A. www.fpaharrisburg.org

Art Auction
March 22: Harrisburg Habitat for Humanity’s 19th annual “Art Builds Homes” art auction will be held in the Empire Room at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., 6 p.m. The event includes an artist reception with hors d’oeuvres, tastings, raffle tickets, a cash bar, a silent auction, a dessert bar and live art auction. www.harrisburghabitat.org

Kids Discover
March 23: Kids ages 5 to 10 are invited to explore nocturnal wildlife with a naturalist at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Call for owls, discover adaptations that let animals roam at night and look for night-flying insects. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Flower Walk
March 24: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1:30 to 3 p.m., to take a walk to find skunk cabbage, other cold tolerant plants and anything left over from winter. You may even spot a few flowering trees. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Bowling Benefit
March 24-25: Register your bowling team for Bowl for Kids’ Sake to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s one-to-one youth mentoring program. Enjoy pizza, drinks, raffle prizes and bowling at ABC West Lanes, Mechanicsburg. www.capbigs.org

Music Awards
March 28: Save the date for the annual Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the red-carpet pre-show. The Englewood, 1219 Research Blvd., Hummelstown, will host the after-party. www.cpmhof.com

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Musical Notes: Lucky month for music

February 28, 2024 | by Skye Leppo

Beach Weather

There were only one or two gigs on my radar for March when I started working on this column, and, boy, was I underestimating the absolute deluge of great live music coming to the region this month. Don’t just take it from me, though. If you’re unfamiliar with some of the names I’m about to share in this column, give ‘em a listen and maybe plan to catch a show if you want to shake off the winter freeze and joyfully thaw among other live music enthusiasts.

HOPE YOU ALREADY BOUGHT TIX
3/13, Silversun Pickups, H*MAC

The summer between my sophomore and junior years of college, I worked four jobs, and as a result, spent a crazy amount of time in my borrowed ‘04 Ford Escape, constantly blowing out the speakers while blasting “Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)” from Silversun Pickups’ 2012 release “Neck of the Woods.” Of course, this was after spending a ton of time with their earlier albums like “Carnavas” and “Swoon,” which were usually peripheral noise on the soundtrack of my high school days. I’ve never seen the band live, and, unfortunately, for this girlie, the show is already sold out, but kudos to H*MAC for securing this tour stop. Those attending are sure to have an awesome experience.

GROOVE INTO WARMER VIBES
3/15, Harrisburg University Presents Beach Weather, XL Live

Admittedly, I only knew Beach Weather from a feature the band has on “My Body ft. Your Lips” by the band Beaches (who, side note, have been on constant rotation in my playlists recently, but that’s a different story). Beach Weather’s 2023 album, “Pineapple Sunrise,” is a smooth collection of milky pop/rock songs in the vein of The Neighborhood or Glass Animals. And, from a glimpse at the group’s social media, their shows look really fun, especially the live versions of “Unlovable” and “Sex Drugs Etc.

OMG—OH MY GUSTER!!
3/27, Harrisburg University Presents Guster, XL Live

1991 was a great year—it brought the world your favorite local music writer. But, more importantly, it delivered us the sheer wonder that is Guster (though at that time, they were going by “Gus”). I have unabashed love for this Boston rock outfit, who are the brains behind hits such as “Satellite,” “One Man Wrecking Machine,” “Fa Fa,” “Amsterdam” and so many others. They’re also among the funniest bands you could see. They have really great stage presence and banter, and their encore cover songs are something of a legend among fans. See you in the front row?

Honorable Mentions

3/2 — Joan Osborne, The Englewood
3/2 — Diana Krall, Hershey Theatre
3/6 — Ledisi, Appell Center for the Performing Arts
3/8 — Dead by April, H*MAC
3/11 — KMFDM, H*MAC
3/12 — Brit Floyd, Hershey Theatre
3/16 — The Bad Toupees, The Hershey Italian Lodge
3/16 — Kilmaine Saints, XL Live
3/17 — Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Appell Center for the Performing Arts
3/17 — Seasons, West Shore Theatre
3/20 — Dark Star Orchestra, XL Live
3/21 — Everclear, XL Live
3/23 — Jeffrey Gaines with Meaghan Farrell, West Shore Theatre

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Frozen Friendship: The quirky “Problemista” will put a smile on your face

February 28, 2024 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Image courtesy of A24.

Alejandro wants to make toys. He has come from El Salvador to the United States to get a job at Hasbro, but, as usually happens, one’s dream does not always match one’s results.

Writer and director Julio Torres also stars in this tumultuously whimsical film, “Problemista,” which, though with faults, is pretty much a guarantee to delight and confuse.

In order to keep his green card until Hasbro responds to his job application, “Ale” gets a job at FreezeCorp, a company that puts people into a cryogenic sleep until they can, one day, figure out a way to wake them up. There, he meets our title character, Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a fussy, high-strung art dealer whose late husband, Bobby (RZA), painted eggs. Now, Bobby is in a state-of-the-art freezer, and Elizabeth must sell his art collection to pay for FreezeCorp’s services, making her even more tense than she already is.

Ale meets Elizabeth shortly before being fired from FreezeCorp, and, in need of someone to sponsor him so he can remain in the country patiently awaiting Hasbro’s call, he accepts Elizabeth’s suggestion that he freelance with her. And so the staggeringly chaotic journey begins.

Both Torres and Swinton bring astounding energy to their characters—the chemistry between the two is what makes the film work so well. Ale’s quiet nature and quirky gait make him a likable protagonist, and maybe it is that calm that reins in the storm. Somehow, even the most stress-inducing scenes with Elizabeth will endear her to the audience. It probably also helps that those moments of terrorizing the waiter or chastising employees are sandwiched between scenes of an entirely different version of crazy—Ale’s surrealistic dramatizations of his attempts to find under-the-table work on Craigslist (hilariously enough, Craigslist is played by a person, Larry Owens).

The story has its weak points—its ending, unfortunately, being one of them. Even Elizabeth’s impulsivity cannot make this reviewer satisfied by how clumsily the story tied its last knot. And the pacing can be too brisk at times, leaving a whirlwind to sift through as Ale and Elizabeth jump to the next task at hand. But “Problemista” has an overall charming effect, just like the friendship that takes the spotlight.

“Problemista” will play at Midtown Cinema this March. Don’t miss your chance, as it will probably be a quick run.

Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

March Events
At Midtown Cinema

First-Run Film Openings
“Love Lies Bleeding”
“The Monk and the Gun”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Io Capitano”

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Hundreds of Beavers” (2024)
Friday, March 15 at 9:30 p.m.

Down in Front! comedy riffing
“Birdemic: Shock and Terror” (2010)
Friday, March 29 at 9:30ish

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Harrisburg Zoning Board denies parking relief for Midtown apartment project

February 27, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

The proposed project site at 320 Reily St., Harrisburg.

An apartment building proposed for Harrisburg faced a setback this week, as the zoning board turned down parking relief for the project.

The Zoning Hearing Board on Monday approved a special exception and variance application for a 144-unit building proposed for 320 Reily St. However, that approval excluded relief from parking requirements.

The project, proposed by Harrisburg-based GreenWorks Development, would include 160 parking spaces, located in lots at 1511 N. 3^rd St. and 1530 N. 4^th St. The developer requested parking relief, as city code requires 191 spaces for a project of this scope.

The three-member board denied the requested relief for those 31 spaces, while approving the rest of the project.

GreenWorks originally proposed the project in 2021 and received zoning relief. However, because they did not subsequently file a land development plan, their prior approval expired. Since then, GreenWorks updated the plan to include 11 fewer units and almost doubled the amount of proposed parking.

The board stepped out of the room to discuss its decision on the proposal in private and did not provide justification for its decision.

However, board member Claude Phipps mentioned that the developers could consider reducing the number of apartments to diminish the number of required parking spaces or bring forward a new request for relief.

“We want 100% compliance in that area,” Phipps said. “They need to stay within the code requirements for parking; that’s what we’re saying.”

The board also is requiring that the project have an easement or deed restriction to link the off-site parking lots to the project site for use by the apartment building’s tenants only.

Several city residents attended the meeting to share input on the project, with one woman also voicing concern over parking.

“Generally my concern is assuming that each unit will only have one car,” resident Rachelle Lowe said. “I don’t know that that is realistic because of visitors. I just want to make sure that parking is adequate.”

A few other residents spoke in support of the project and the requested relief.

“Parking mandates prevent homeowners, business owners and developers from being able to make decisions based on what they need,” said William Rowe. “Unnecessary parking is also a poor use of valuable real estate in a city like Harrisburg.”

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Harrisburg University promotes financial literacy through annual competition for students

February 26, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg University

Local students have a chance to make some cash by showcasing their knowledge of money management.

Harrisburg University is currently accepting applications for its annual Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition to benefit students and encourage learning personal finance skills.

“In high school, students are learning personal finance skills critical for independence in adulthood,” said Dr. Eric Darr, president of HU. “Understanding the basics of money management sets them up for a future with good financial habits and success. Harrisburg University is pleased to have the opportunity to host this competition, placing a spotlight on the importance of financial literacy.”

The contest, which is co-sponsored by the Pa Auditor General’s office and Members 1^st Federal Credit Union, kicked off in January.

For the 11^th year, HU is inviting Pennsylvania high school students to submit a short essay or poem about the role that financial literacy plays in their lives. This year’s theme is “What Does Financial Literacy Mean to Me?”

The university will select three winners and three honorable mentions during April, which is Financial Literacy Month. Winners will be announced at a presentation at the state Capitol Rotunda on April 26 at 11 a.m.

The first-place winner will receive $2,500 in cash, second place will receive $1,500, third will receive $1,000 and each honorable mention will be awarded $500.

Additionally, each student who submits an entry to HU’s contest will be offered a $1,000 tuition scholarship if they choose to enroll as a full-time student at HU.

The deadline for submissions is March 17. Students must submit their entries online, here.

For more information about Harrisburg University’s Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition, visit their website.

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Dauphin County offers additional glass recycling location in Harrisburg

February 26, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Glass recycling container

Harrisburg residents now have another option to recycle glass.

Dauphin County announced on Monday that, in partnership with the city, it is accepting glass for recycling at the Dauphin County Recycling Center, adding another location to the list of drop-off sites in Harrisburg.

The city’s public works department does not currently collect glass as part of its curbside recycling collection. Residents who wish to recycle glass must take it to one of 10 containers throughout the city.

“Our recycling center frequently receives calls about glass recycling,” said county Commission Chair George Hartwick. “While most curbside recycling programs do allow it, some do not, so this partnership will be helpful to residents who want to be environmentally responsible, bolstering our citywide and countywide efforts to reduce litter and illegal dumping.”

The Dauphin County Recycling Center is located near the Steelton Borough line, at 1625 S. Cameron St.

The initiative began on Monday, at no additional cost to the county. Harrisburg has provided a two-yard dumpster for the collection and will service it weekly, or as often as needed.

The recycling center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“This is a great way to promote the partnership between the City of Harrisburg and Dauphin County to help streamline everyone’s day-to-day lives,” said Dave West, Harrisburg’s director of public works. “Instead of going to one place to recycle glass and one place to recycle everything else, now residents can do it all in one place. It’s a great idea, and one that will also help pull glass from mixing in with waste.”

For more information about recycling in Dauphin County, visit their website.

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Harrisburg sets spring opening for Broad Street Market tent, receives free plumbing services

February 26, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market temporary tent

Harrisburg announced that a temporary tent to house displaced Broad Street Market vendors is slated to open early this spring, after receiving a significant donation.

According to the city, Harrisburg-area-based McClure Company has committed to install plumbing in the market tent for free, following months of the city struggling to find contractors for the project.

“Every time you turned on the news, it was impossible not to hear about it,” said Shayne Homan, president and CEO of Susquehanna Township-based McClure, in a statement. “It became harder for us to sit back and watch it unfold, when we knew we had the capacity to do the job. We just wanted to figure out financially how to make it work and help the city out.”

Harrisburg has largely completed the construction of a tent-like structure to house many of the market’s brick building vendors who were displaced by a devastating July fire. However, the city since had trouble securing bids for electrical and plumbing work.

McClure has already been working with the city to install a new HVAC system in the city’s Public Safety Building when the company became interested in donating to the market tent, Homan said.

McClure’s estimated donation of parts and labor totals around $65,000 to $70,000, according to Homan.

Crews with the company, many being members of the Local 520 Plumbers & Pipefitters union in Dauphin County, will work to supply water to the 16 vendors who have designated space in the market tent.

Homan estimates that it will take a week to mobilize his teams and another two weeks to complete the work.

Several days ago, Harrisburg also finalized a contract with KCS Electric to complete electrical work in the tent.

According to the city, once work is completed, vendors will move into the structure, with opening expected in the spring.

“None of this happens if Harrisburg isn’t a proud, union-strong city,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams. “The road to get our Broad Street Market back has not been easy, but it will be worth it. McClure’s generous donation gets us one step closer to a grand re-opening.”

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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Burg Review: Savor a song and a meat pie at Open Stage’s darkly comedic, skillful “Sweeney Todd”

February 24, 2024 | by Gina Napoli

Open Stage’s rendition of the wickedly hysterical tragicomedy, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” is peppered with darkly comedic spots, infused with intense suspense, and splashed with just a little taste of gristly gore.

Directed by Stuart Landon and Music Director Nicholas Werner, Open Stage adheres to their Season 38 theme, “Out of the Darkness,” to deliver the classic, multiple award-winning, oft-adapted, horror musical featuring victim-cum-villain Sweeney Todd (Brad Barkdoll). The penny dreadful tale is told mostly through operatic song in a dismal, Victorian-era setting, appropriately reminiscent of the inside of a slaughterhouse.

Barkdoll plays Sweeney Todd as a misunderstood murderer, a sort of vulnerable anti-hero ruffian. Singing about his bloodthirsty need for revenge, he takes on his character’s crazy eyes, under a homicidal trance. When he lunged toward the audience and swung his razor, I felt unsafe for an instant, until I remembered that I’m at the theater and it’s all just pretend. But in that moment, I recoiled and wished for a seat just a little farther back. Barkdoll is scary good, with vocals most impressive when he’s singing tongue twisters in “The Barber and His Wife” and “Epiphany,” and in his duets with Mrs. Lovett (Rachel Landon).

As Sweeney Todd’s literal partner in crime, Landon serves up a warm, funny baker with deliciously sinister undertones. Barkdoll and Landon show evident chemistry, especially during the hilarious and rollicking, “A Little Priest,” as the pair drink to their evil arrangement, and while singing to Sweeney Todd’s razor during the creepy ballad, “My Friends.” Landon adds a dash of humor to her solo, “The Worst Pies in London,” and a pinch of nurturing during “Wait.” Extra points to Landon for not missing a beat while handling kitchen props, especially her knife-tossing skills.

Slathering her maternal nature like butter on a crust, Landon sings a beautiful duet with orphan Tobias Ragg (Gabrielle Dina) in “Not While I’m Around.” Playing a cute and plucky boy, Dina’s chirpy voice rings out during the irresistible sales pitch, “Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir.”

Playing Sweeney Todd’s long-lost daughter, Johanna, Jasmine Graham hits those impossibly high notes perched several lines above a five-line staff on sheet music. In Graham’s solo, “Green Finch and Linnet Bird,” when her voice combines with Werner’s piano, it sounds like someone left an old-fashioned music box open on a forgotten dresser. Together with her suitor, Anthony Hope (Tyler Shadle), their voices mesh well together in that pleasant, unjaded, easy-on-the-ears way that young love does, especially during their duet, “Kiss Me.”

Also remarkably hitting and sustaining high notes typically outside the traditional range: TJ Creedon and Josh Dorsheimer. Further, both actors bring to life farcically comical characters (Pirelli and Beadle, respectively) who make the audience laugh out loud.

Marinated in an outpouring of talent, the entire cast blends together solid, skilled vocalists and musicians, with standout songs, “God, That’s Good!” perfectly setting the mood, and “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” dramatically sandwiching the musical score.

If you and your guests (over 17 years old recommended) happen to visit the snack bar at intermission, be careful what you order. Although there is no audience participation, best to check for missing audience members, just in case. And if you find something tasty, may you enjoy it as much as the ensemble cast shamelessly enjoyed Mrs. Lovett’s succulent meat pies.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” will run February 24 through March 16 at Open Stage, 25 Court Street, Harrisburg. For more information, check their website at https://www.openstagehbg.com/show/sweeney.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 23, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Ward of Health cut the ribbon on its new downtown Harrisburg location.

We’ve made it to the end of another week in Harrisburg, and we’ve been here to cover the local news. In case you missed any of our reporting, make sure you get up to speed by clicking the links, below.

Dauphin County announced the awardees of its annual gaming grant funds, our reporting found. To view the full list of projects that will receive funding, click here.

Dr. Charles Crampton broke racial barriers and rose to prominence in early 20^th century Harrisburg, but not without setbacks and scrutiny, our magazine story reported. However, his local legacy is still seen through the youth he inspired.

Harrisburg City Council approved a contract with SitelogIQ to develop a five-year capital improvement plan, our reporting found. The company will evaluate the city’s buildings, facilities and energy utilization, among other assets and make recommendations.

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Veteran tiny home project nears completion, receives boost from local business

February 23, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Crews with Renewal by Andersen installed doors and windows in tiny homes at Veteran’s Grove.

A unique project to provide homes for unhoused veterans is getting closer to completion.

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA) on Friday demonstrated substantial progress on its multi-year project on S. Front Street in Harrisburg, installing windows and doors on 15 tiny homes with help from a local business.

Renewal by Andersen of Central PA provided the more than $500,000 in windows and doors and volunteered their time to install them on Friday.

“This is part of our DNA, of who we are,” said Scott Brodkorb, CEO of Renewal by Andersen. “We feel there’s a responsibility to give back to the community.”

(From left) Scott Brodkorb, CEO of Renewal by Andersen, Linda Johnston, chief culture officer of Renewal by Andersen and Tom Zimmerman, co-founder and chair of Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania

In June 2023, VOPA broke ground on “Veteran’s Grove” on a five-acre plot of land at 1105 S. Front St., along the riverfront past the PennDOT building. The organization is currently finishing up construction on the over $4.1 million project, including the tiny homes and a community center.

After Friday’s work, next steps include adding siding to the houses, as well as painting and installing flooring inside, according to Tom Zimmerman, co-founder of VOPA and chair of the board. He estimates that VOPA will be ready to open its doors to residents by late spring or early summer.

“It’s surreal,” Zimmerman said. “This is where we are going to be servicing our veterans and helping them be able to become model citizens in our community.”

Crews work on the Veteran’s Grove community center.

Zimmerman said that VOPA will be reaching out to local service providers to take referrals for potential residents. Housing will be provided for free to veterans in need, and the length of time that they live at Veteran’s Grove will depend on each person’s needs, he said.

“I can’t wait until we can really start our operation,” Zimmerman said.

For more information about Veteran’s Outreach of Pennsylvania, visit their website.

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