Engaging, endearing, “A Christmas Carol” opens for 20th year at Open Stage

November 26, 2019 | by Amy Mastrangelo

Nicholas Hughes stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in Open Stage’s 20th anniversary of “A Christmas Carol.” Photo: Marc Faubel

Do you watch “A Christmas Carol” every year? Sometimes, it feels good to return to the things we know best.

An annual tradition locally, as well, “A Christmas Carol” had its 20^th annual premier at Open Stage this past Saturday, adapted by Rachel and Stuart Landon from the Charles Dickens story, and it is a compelling reimagining of the classic story. It revisits the traditional characters and events, yet sprinkles in some differences to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Several surprising elements keep everyone intrigued—even those who know the story inside and out. And, if you aren’t as familiar, this holiday season is the perfect time to experience it.

On Saturday, several young cast members (The OSHkids Performance Co.) joined us in the lobby and began singing Christmas carols in their tweed caps, plaid scarves and oxfords. Once finished, they led us to the stage, which was cloaked in a light fog. We heard low rumbling sounds, reminiscent of an old London port by the Thames. We walked right past Tiny Tim and the Cratchits, and one performer asked an audience member if they’d like to buy an apple. The interaction invited us to not only witness the scene, but join it.

Suddenly, a large door burst open to reveal a woman (Terri Mastrobuono) shaking a tambourine along with her acting troupe. The actors wore masks with puffy cheeks and big noses to entertain the crowd and poke fun at the nefarious town grump, Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge.

However, the spectacle is broken up by rain, and the play shifts indoors to where we find Scrooge himself (played by Nicholas Hughes) lying in his bed. His caretaker (Patty Cole) enters, crooning a funny, off-key rendition of “Silent Night.” We soon learn that Scrooge’s business partner, Marley, died seven years ago on this very night (Christmas Eve).

Hughes, as Scrooge, wears sideburns, and the corners of his mouth sag as he speaks. He spits the word “pudding” and shoos off young carolers with a fireplace poker. While he occasionally squints his eyes and raises his bushy white brows, he remains quite expressionless otherwise. He intimidates the street solicitors who owe him money, and they tremble in his presence.

When the fog rolls in, Scrooge returns to the comfort of his own bed but is greeted there by the ghost of Marley. Covered in chains and dressed from head to toe in macabre silver hues, Marley has wispy hair, ragged robes and looks as if he has returned from the depths of a shipwreck. He warns that Scrooge will be visited by three ghosts: Past, Present and Future.

Scrooge wakes to a rather terrifying Christmas morning, which was executed very well onstage. There are disorienting flashes of greenish-blue light while masked performers pop up around his bed. The bed, impressively, begins to spin and move on its own to the side of the stage to make way for the ghosts.

Thanks to brilliant sound effects, the Ghosts of Christmas Past (also played by Mastrobuono) and Present (Karen Ruch) speak in normal voices interlaced with otherworldly male undertones and sinister echoes.

Scrooge leaves the safety of his bed and blankets to stand in the center of the stage and face the third Ghost of his Future. Here, we see Scrooge at his loneliest and most vulnerable. Though I won’t spoil what he looks like, this final ghost has a threatening presence standing in the shadows and looming behind Scrooge’s shoulders.

Open Stage’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” is engaging throughout and features endearing cast performances in its finale. From moody to joyful to downright cantankerous, Hughes’s portrayal of Scrooge is not to be missed. Friends and family of all ages are sure to enjoy it.

“A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 29 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, call 717-232-6736 or visit www.openstagehbg.com.

Angled parking, wider sidewalk coming to Harrisburg’s Capitol neighborhood

November 25, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Road work on N. 3rd Street in front of the State Museum.

If you walk or drive near the state Capitol, you may have noticed that big changes are afoot.

Today, workers were busy painting lines in front of the State Museum, where the parking configuration is changing from parallel to angled.

According to Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse, that change is a part of larger plans in the area.

“There are several components that are working together,” he said.

The city opted for front-in, angled parking in front of the museum for two reasons, Papenfuse said.

First, the city soon will install eight electric-car charging stations in front of the museum, funded by a $40,000 state Department of Environmental Protection grant. These charging stations will require vehicles to pull in front-wise.

Also, next year, the city will complete the sidewalk-widening project around the Capitol, extending it along N. 3^rd between State and North streets. About eight years ago, the state widened a strip of concrete surrounding the Capitol along Walnut and N. 3^rd streets, but stopped at State Street.

That sidewalk project will eliminate about nine parallel parking spaces. However, those nine spaces will be made up by the new angled configuration in front of the museum, which permits a greater density of parking, Papenfuse said.

The new parking configuration has removed the right-hand lane traveling north on N. 3^rd Street just before Forster Street. Starting today, there are just two lanes on N. 3rd in that area: a center lane and a separate left-turn lane, which was first created about three years ago.

Farther down 3^rd Street, the city has reduced the number of vehicle lanes from two to one from Walnut to Chestnut streets. It then took the left-hand lane to create a new bike lane.

Papenfuse said the bike lane was created as part of an east-west connector project that is designed to link the downtown with bike-friendly spaces as the Capital Area Greenbelt and Riverfront Park. He said the bike lane also should make 3^rd Street more pedestrian-friendly.

“Hopefully, the city is becoming safer,” he said.

Harrisburg extends leaf collection into late December

November 25, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

These street trees in Harrisburg still have most of their leaves.

Does it seem like leaves have dropped late this year?

The city of Harrisburg thinks so, so is extending its leaf collection program through Dec. 20. Originally, leaf collection was supposed to end next week.

The city’s tips for leaf collection are:

Put leaves in brown paper bags at the curb the night before street sweeping. Plastic bags are not accepted at the composting site.
If you’re unable to bag your leaves, you can pile them into the street the night before street sweeping. Please be sure not to block drains.
Follow the posted street cleaning schedule even if your collection day is a holiday. There will be no leaf collection on holidays.

For questions on leaf collections, residents can call the city at 311. For street sweeping questions, contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606.

There is one caveat. If there is a major snowfall before Dec. 20, leaf collection will cease for the year, according to the city.

TheBurg, Jeff Woodruff to receive 2020 Arts Awards

November 25, 2019 | by Scott Tilley

TheBurg and Jeff Woodruff are the 2020 recipients of the Awards for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region.

Theatre Harrisburg announced its selections last week, citing TheBurg and Woodruff, the long-time executive director of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, for their contributions in advancing the arts in central Pennsylvania.

“This is a tremendous honor for TheBurg staff,” said Lawrance Binda, editor-in-chief of the award-winning community magazine and news organization. “It helps validate our belief that the arts play an essential role in a healthy and thriving community.”

Theatre Harrisburg established the “Arts Awards” in 1989 to honor artists and arts leaders, philanthropists and visionaries, educators, organizations and companies. Each year, a panel of past recipients selects one individual and one company/organization to receive the award.

“Deeply embedded in the community, and believing that the arts are a fundamental part of a healthy community, TheBurg has become particularly noted for both its arts coverage and its artistic design, with each issue featuring stories about painters, illustrators, theater, musicians, performers and other artists, as well as art spaces,” according to the Theatre Harrisburg announcement. “TheBurg also commissions the work of local illustrators, painters, photographers, cartoonists and designers.”

TheBurg also was praised for its role in organizing 3^rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and cultural event in Harrisburg, and its core support for the Harrisburg Mural Festival, a Sprocket Mural Works project that has resulted in dozens of murals in Harrisburg over the last few years.

Woodruff (pictured) was lauded for his 17 years at the helm of the HSO.

“Under Woodruff’s leadership, the HSO has grown substantially,” according to the Theatre Harrisburg announcement. “He has overseen the expansion of the HSO Pops series from three concerts to five, collaborative efforts between the HSO and several other arts organizations in the region, and dramatic expansion of the HSO’s educational programs into the schools.”

Woodruff plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.

TheBurg and Woodruff join an impressive roster of past recipients, including such distinguished people and organizations as Anne and Don Alsedek, Marcia Dale Weary, Clark and Melissa Nicholson, WITF and Market Square Concerts.

The Arts Awards will be presented on May 31 in a gala at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in downtown Harrisburg. The event is open to the public with proceeds benefitting Theatre Harrisburg. Visit www.theatreharrisburg.com.

Pictured above: TheBurg staff members Lauren Maurer, Lawrance Binda, Kelsey Tatge and Megan Caruso.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 22, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse this week announced details of the city’s annual holiday parade.

Our local government coverage was heavy this past week, with meetings to cover almost every night. We also ran numerous business, culture and feature stories. In case you missed anything, we have it all recapped below.

Capital Region Water has voted to implement a new stormwater fee beginning on July 1. Drinking water and wastewater rates also will rise, starting on Jan.1. Read our online story, which has all the details.

Gamut Theatre Group opened its fall play, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” to accolades from our theater reviewer. Check out the review to find out why she was so impressed.

Green Ridge Acres celebrates 10 years in the Broad Street Market with produce, baked goods and much more. The market has special Thanksgiving hours this coming week, so pay them a visit, but first read our feature story from the November magazine.

Harris Family Brewing has received zoning board approval for its future brewery on Allison Hill, bringing it a step closer to opening the state’s first black-owned brewery. Read about their plans in our online story.

Harrisburg’s holiday parade steps off on Saturday for its annual march downtown. Find out what’s old and what’s new this year from our online story.

Human trafficking in central PA is serious issue, one that several groups are trying to help solve. Read about the efforts of one organization and how it’s coming to the assistance of victims.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority has a new member: Harrisburg resident Doug Hill. Hill was sworn in last week to fill an open seat on the state-appointed body tasked with overseeing the city’s five-year financial plan. Read more here.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore is bringing in the animals this weekend—a dog and a donkey, more precisely. On Saturday, the bookstore hosts two authors who have written books about the life-changing power of animals (along with the animals). Click here for the details.

Open Stage last weekend opened its quirky, irreverent seasonal show, “Who’s Holiday!” Our editor was so inspired that he wrote a review entirely in verse. Click here to find out what he thought and to read his embarrassing poetry.

Sara Bozich recommends that you find something fun to do this weekend—and she’s here to help. Pick and choose from her extensive list of events and activities by visiting her weekly blog.

Susquehanna Art Museum has several places to showcase exhibits, including in the vault of the former bank building where it is located. That’s where our fine arts writer headed to see an exhibit called “Dreams,” which he wrote about in his recent blog post.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily email of news and events delivered right to your inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Have Donkey, Will Travel: Author to visit Harrisburg, donkey in tow

November 21, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

Two bestselling authors are visiting Harrisburg this Saturday and along with them comes a special guest—a donkey.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore brings in Christopher McDougall and Alexandra Horowitz, two New York Times bestselling authors to discuss their new books, one about a donkey and the other a dog.

“They’re both great writers, and we think they’ll be a hit with the Harrisburg community,” Midtown Scholar Manager Alex Brubaker said.

Sherman the donkey—the star of McDougall’s book, “Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero”—will be there to meet fans across from the bookstore at 3rd and Verbeke streets.

“We’ve never had a donkey before,” Brubaker said. “It’s a really unique experience to meet a donkey in person, especially a donkey with some fame.”

McDougall’s book tells about his experience training a rescue donkey in central Pennsylvania. Not only did he help Sherman become healthy again, but he trained him to run. The trainer and donkey ended up competing in a world championship burro race in Colorado, where they ran side-by-side.

“Running with Sherman” has recently been picked up by Netflix, which is making a movie based on the book. McDougall is also the author of “Born to Run,” which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

On the other hand, Horowitz’s book, “Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond,” details the unique relationship between human and dog. A dog scientist, Horowitz examines the ways dogs reflect us and change our lives.

Before the book presentations, McDougall will participate in a fun run through Harrisburg, which anyone is welcome to join.

Both authors will then discuss their books, which will be followed by an audience Q&A session and a book signing. The events are all free, family-friendly and open to the public.

“Donkey and books, what’s better?” Brubaker said.

Sherman the donkey will be across from Midtown Scholar Bookstore from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and the fun run will begin at 4 p.m. in front of the bookstore. Author presentations will begin at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.midtownscholar.com.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

November 21, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

A busy weekend (for me) ahead. We’re hosting a Happy Hour Mixer downtown tonight (join us!). Tomorrow, I’m revisiting the Wild Game & Mushroom feature at the Hershey Lodge (Saturday is the last day!) via double date. Saturday is Market day, then perhaps some shopping followed by a friend date to check out Cristiano Winery’s new tasting room. On Sunday, we football. I think tot-chos are on the menu.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Harrisburg mayor: Water system privatization “off the table,” as new stormwater fee delayed 6 months.

November 20, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

The Capital Region Water board of directors on Wednesday night

Harrisburg is dropping the idea of potentially privatizing its water system, as Capital Region Water (CRW) has agreed to delay the start of a new stormwater fee for six months.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that the city would cease any effort to sell or lease the municipal water/sewer system following discussions with, and changes by, CRW to its stormwater fee implementation schedule and evident progress in finalizing a stormwater plan.

“Ultimately, I’m hopeful that CRW can get the job done,” he said. “Privatization is off the table.”

On Wednesday night, CRW passed its 2020 rate schedule, which will implement a new stormwater fee, but not until July 1. Originally, CRW had planned to begin the fee on Jan. 1.

“This is a better plan,” Papenfuse said, following the CRW board meeting. “A delay of six months means a big difference to a lot of people.”

The delay, he said, will give some property owners “a chance to work through the appeals process” for their stormwater assessments. It also gives CRW more time to get final approval from the federal government for its plan to cut the flow of pollutants into area waterways.

CRW plans to spend some $315 million over the next 20 years to slash the amount of wastewater that flows into Paxton Creek and the Susquehanna River during heavy rains. That plan, which relies heavily on building out green infrastructure to prevent stormwater from overwhelming the combined stormwater/wastewater system, has yet to be approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Papenfuse said that he hopes that CRW and the EPA will reach a final agreement during the first half of 2020. He had cited this lack of final approval as part of his objection to the stormwater fee, which will raise some of the money to pay for the system improvements.

In July, his administration issued a request for information to explore the possibility of selling the system. Four qualified companies responded, and the city interviewed three of them, Papenfuse said.

Papenfuse said that the interviews were “very informative and interesting,” but, in the end, the city decided to stick with CRW.

“I’m pleased to give them an opportunity to do it,” he said.

Rate-wise, most of CRW’s residential customers in Harrisburg will begin paying a $6.15 per month stormwater fee beginning on July 1. That amount equates to $74 per year ($37 for 2020).

The non-residential rate will fluctuate based on the amount of impervious surface on the commercial properties. Most commercial property owners will pay the standard residential rate of $6.15 per month, times a multiplier based upon the amount of additional impervious surface on their properties over 700 square feet.

CRW said that it would mail out assessments to property owners detailing their new stormwater fees.

This plan differs markedly from one presented just a week ago during a CRW budget workshop. At that time, CRW stated that it planned to impose the stormwater fee incrementally over the next three years, beginning on Jan. 1.

On Wednesday, CRW board Chairman Marc Kurowski said that board members changed their approach following further discussions with the city, as well progress with the EPA.

“It was a lot of different things,” he said. “It wasn’t one single item.”

The 2020 wastewater fee also changed during the past week. During last week’s budget meeting, that fee was due to be unchanged.

However, on Wednesday night, the CRW board approved a 4.5 percent increase, from $7.65 in 2019 to $7.99 in 2020 for 1,000 gallons of water.

This change prompted Harrisburg resident Evelyn Hunt, who serves as a community “ambassador” between CRW and her Allison Hill neighborhood, to object.

“I thought that was going to be a zero,” she said. “It’s changed from zero to 4½ in a period of a week. When you give a presentation as to what it’s going to be, don’t come back a week later and say it’s 4½.”

Board member Alisa Harris told Hunt that the rate changed due to revised financial data.

“We received information just today,” she said. “I assure you, it was not just to change things.”

CRW also approved a rate increase for the third component of its service—drinking water. For 2020, drinking water rates will increase by 2 percent from $9.65 to $9.84 per 1,000 gallons, plus a 2 percent increase in the “ready to serve” charge.

The drinking water rate is the same as proposed during last week’s budget workshop.

For more information about Capital Region Water, visit https://capitalregionwater.com/.

Hill joins Harrisburg’s oversight board, bringing ICA back to full strength

November 20, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

ICA board member Ralph Vartan (center) introduces new member Doug Hill (left) as board Chair Audry Carter looks on.

Harrisburg’s state-appointed financial oversight panel is back to full strength, as a new member has been appointed to fill an opening.

On Wednesday, Doug Hill, the executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, attended his first meeting of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA), appointed by Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

“I know he’ll be a great addition to our board,” Vartan said, introducing Hill. “On a personal note, I’m excited to serve with him.”

A Harrisburg resident, Hill replaces David Schankweiler, who resigned in September from the board for unspecified reasons. Hill joins members Audry Carter, Tina Nixon, Ralph Vartan and Kathy Speaker MacNett, as well as two non-voting members.

“My wife and I have lived in Harrisburg for 12 years,” Hill said, in explaining his interest in joining the board. “We’re impressed with how the city has turned around, and I want to be part of this turnaround.”

The ICA is tasked with overseeing the city’s five-year financial recovery plan, which will allow Harrisburg to exit Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed municipalities.

Moreover, the ICA on Wednesday identified three overall themes to advance the financial recovery of the city. These are:

- Sound financial management and reporting
- Community and economic development
- Operational excellence

ICA members are appointed for the expected five-year lifespan of the board. To serve, they must live in or own a business in the city.

“Winter Wonderland” set to march for Harrisburg’s annual holiday parade

November 19, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse spoke today while announcing the details for the city’s annual holiday parade.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Harrisburg is welcoming the holiday season with decorated floats, balloons and food trucks for its annual holiday parade.

This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland,” which will be showcased through various activities on parade day. The festivities begin at noon on Saturday.

“There is no bad seat for this parade,” Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said.

There will be over 100 floats from various organizations as well as musical acts, vintage cars, theater groups, marching bands and characters from the “Grinch,” “Star Wars” and “Paw Patrol.”

Large snowflake, Rudolph, turkey, snowman and snow globe-shaped cold air and helium balloons will hover over the street during the procession. The balloons are about 15-feet tall and provided by StarBound Entertainment.

The route begins at Market Street then heads to 2nd Street. From 2nd Street it marches toward North Street, then Front Street and ends at City Island.

Not only will there be plenty to feast your eyes on, but to actually feast on as well.

“This year, we’ve got some incredibly exciting food trucks,” Papenfuse said.

These awards will be handed out at the Holiday Parade.

Along Market Street will be five food trucks, including 717 Tacos, Tiki T’s Mini Donuts and More, Knead HBG, Get Rollin’ Gourmet Eggrolls and Bartlebaugh Concessions. A map and menu show the trucks’ locations and what they’ll be serving up. Food will be available beginning at 10 a.m.

During the parade, there will be a carnival game for the kids and after the parade, families can head to Strawberry Square to meet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

Awards will be given for marching bands and drill, step-and-dance teams. Winners will be chosen on the basis of the music, performance and theme of the act, explained ExploreHBG’s Director of Marketing and Communications Devan Drabik. Judges will include members of the local media, and an awards ceremony will take place in Strawberry Square.

“We have some fantastic new awards this year,” Papenfuse said.

Parking for the parade will be $10 at the Market Square Garage from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Street parking is free for four hours by using the code “LUVHBG” on the ParkMobile App. Parade route roads will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsors for the event include Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, ExploreHBG, Capital BlueCross and others.

“I hope everyone will make it out and get in the holiday spirit,” Papenfuse said.

Harrisburg’s holiday parade begins on Market Street at 12 p.m. on Nov. 23. For more information, visit www.harrisburgpa.gov/holiday-parade.

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Happy Weekend!

What are you doing this weekend?

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