Get Bach: Market Square Concerts revs up a season ranging from Baroque to modern masters.

August 31, 2018 | by Lori M. Myers

According to Peter Sirotin, artistic director of Market Square Concerts, music is more than a group of notes strung together on a page. On the contrary, it speaks volumes about the times in which it was written.

“I believe that music has the power to connect us to the particular culture, historical period and our personal experiences on a deep level, sometimes almost immediately,” he said.

Market Square Concerts’ upcoming season is a testament to all that Sirotin tells us. For instance, the opening concert on Oct. 9 features all six Brandenburg Concertos by J.S. Bach, allowing the listener to “experience the atmosphere of 18th-century royal festivities and village merriment, personal longing and joy,” Sirotin said.

All in fewer than two hours.

The energy of these pieces forces audiences to sit up, take notice and, perhaps, view the Baroque era as something other than fussy and “old.” Indeed, Sirotin said, the Brandenburg Concertos have tremendous vitality and imagination and are central to the history of western classical music composed between 1717 and 1720. Some pieces use as few as three instruments, others as many as 17.

Market Square Concerts will collaborate on this program with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra featuring its principal players, as well as celebrated harpsichordist Arthur Haas. Jeff Woodruff, the HSO’s executive director, will give a pre-concert talk about the Brandenburg Concertos on the evening of the performance.

“I have loved these works since childhood and performed most of them on occasion,” Sirotin said. “But I always wanted to present them in one evening, in all of their splendor.”

More splendor follows on Nov. 10 when Market Square Concerts presents the Brown-Urioste-Canellakis Trio, three talented, young musicians who have already amassed impressive awards. Pianist Michael Brown, also a composer, will regale the audience with his piano trio, “Reflections,” written for his friends and fellow musicians, violinist Elena Urioste and cellist Nicholas Canellakis, and in honor of Sharing Notes, an organization that brings interactive classical music performances to Chicago-area hospitals.

On Jan. 9, young Spanish violin virtuoso, Francisco Fullana, winner of the Avery Fisher Career Grand, together with Chinese pianist, Jiayi Shi, will perform a program of music by Beethoven, Enescu, Debussy and Bartok. Fullana comes to Harrisburg thanks to “Partners in Performance,” a grant awarded to Market Square Concerts to promote high quality performing arts in small communities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us, particularly because Mr. Fullana will also visit Cumberland Valley, Mechanicsburg and Hershey middle and high schools for special educational presentations as part of our educational outreach program ‘Soundscape,’” Sirotin said.

Another unique aspect of this performance is that Fullana will play on the 1735 “Mary Portman” ex-Kreisler Guarneri del Gesu violin on loan through the Stradivari Society of Chicago.

“This is one of the 10 or so best violins in the world,” Sirotin said. “And, in the hands of Mr. Fullana in the wonderful acoustics of the Market Square Presbyterian Church, it should make for a memorable experience.”

While the church will be the location of the first three performances, the next one, on Feb. 20, will take place at Temple Ohev Sholom on Front Street in Harrisburg and will feature a return visit by the award-wining Doric Quartet from the United Kingdom.

The group’s program will offer listeners a chance to closely follow the evolution of the string quartet through the lighthearted music of Joseph Haydn, an exuberant piece by Felix Mendelssohn and, finally, to Bartok’s Fifth String Quartet, reflecting the turbulence of the 20th century and considered a “pinnacle of Modernism,” according to Sirotin.

Market Square Concerts returns to the church in Harrisburg for its final two performances. On March 24, Grammy award winner and 2009 Musical America’s Ensemble of the Year, the Pacifica Quartet, will perform three string quartets by Dmitri Shostakovich.

“The program will feature his String Quartets number 1, 7 and 3, which are my personal favorites because they so vividly communicate many aspects of life in the USSR as I remember it growing up,” Sirotin said. “From always speaking in hushed tones to multilayered, absurdist sense of humor, to the obvious farce of government propaganda and to the quiet intensity of daily life under the watchful gaze of the secret police apparatus.”

The season will conclude on April 24 with the Rolston String Quartet, a young Canadian group, which will perform works by Haydn, Ligeti and Brahms.

Music tells us stories and digs into our souls. The 2018-19 Market Square Concerts season allows audiences to experience all of that through the creativity of today’s most brilliant performers.

For more information on Market Square Concerts, visit www.marketsquareconcerts.org.

The Damage Done: This month, WITF focuses on the tragedy, the hope arising from the opioid crisis in central PA.

August 31, 2018 | by Keira McGuire and Brett Sholtis

Caeli Donaldson began using heroin when she was about 17 years old. Before beginning the methadone program she continues today, she went through about 15 rehab facilities, recovery houses and detox programs.

Caeli Donaldson had what she refers to as a beautiful childhood.

It wasn’t until she was about 14 that she began to experiment with alcohol. She quickly moved on to other drugs, and, by the time she was 17, she had tried heroin.

At that point, there was no turning back.

As much as she loved her parents, she would lie to them if it meant feeding her addiction. She would steal from her younger brother. The person Caeli was while addicted to heroin was completely the opposite of what she was prior to her addiction. She knew the risk of using and was prepared, more than once, that it may be her last time. She still couldn’t stop.

Similar stories play out every day in families across the country. The opioid epidemic is a public health emergency. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 116 people died every day in 2016 from opioid-related drug overdoses. Another 170,000 used heroin for the first time.

Opioid addiction doesn’t just affect the user. Through coverage of the opioid crisis over the past five years, WITF has learned that the ripple effect from opioid addiction touches parents, first responders, teachers and children.

Vickie Glatfelter lost her son, Bob, to a fentanyl overdose in April 2014. She is now among the growing number of grandparents raising grandchildren. Glatfelter shared her story on “HealthSmart: Drugs and Young People” in 2015. She, like so many others that have been impacted, feel that sharing is the only way to increase knowledge and reduce stigma within our communities.

After first telling her story in 2015, Caeli Donaldson shared her continuing journey with opioid addiction in 2017 on “HealthSmart: The Opioid Epidemic.” Caeli allowed WITF to come with her on her daily trip to the methadone clinic. She says methadone, although controversial, is her path to a healthy life.

Stacy Zeigler knows that controversy well. In 2018, WITF introduced listeners to Zeigler in a “Transforming Health” radio feature that shows the stigma former heroin users face even as they attempt to stay clean. Like many people, Zeigler’s drug addiction began when a doctor prescribed her an opioid for pain. When she couldn’t get pills, she made the jump to heroin. As her addiction spiraled out of control, Zeigler lost her job, custody of her children, and almost lost her life to an overdose. She wanted to get clean, and, when she enrolled in a medication-assisted-treatment program, she got off heroin and never relapsed. Zeigler chose to share her story to fight stigma around these treatments, which rely on regulated opioids like methadone and buprenorphine, as well as regular counseling sessions.

Impacted Most

First responders are on the front line of the opioid epidemic and have witnessed the devastation firsthand. Pennsylvania invested $5 million to arm first responders with naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug. That money provided police, EMTs and other first responders with more than 60,000 naloxone kits.

In 2018, “HealthSmart: Front Line of the Opioid Crisis” introduced viewers to Joseph Stevens, the chief of York Regional Emergency Medical Services. Stevens recalled finding a parent who had overdosed in a car with their 2-year old in the backseat. Stevens expressed his unwavering desire to save lives with naloxone, but also his frustration with saving the same lives multiple times.

Schools and teachers have also been impacted by the opioid epidemic. In homes where opioid abuse is present, school may be the only place that is free from chaos for a child. But, just because you remove a child from that environment during the day doesn’t mean they can escape it mentally.

In 2018, WITF introduced viewers to Eric Schlosser, the guidance counselor for four schools in the York City School District. He is the only guidance counselor for roughly 2,500 students. He says many of those students deal with a lot of stress at home and, instead of worrying about their education, they worry about parents at home abusing opioids.

In fact, out of all of those affected by the opioid epidemic, it may be children who are impacted the most.

In 2018, WITF introduced listeners to 12-year-old Jarryn Myers, who talks about losing his father to a heroin overdose—and helping police to identify the man who sold his father the fatal dose. Myers also testified in court to help prosecute the drug seller. The man was charged with drug delivery resulting in death, a charge that district attorneys are using to stanch the flow of heroin in communities. Critics say the strategy doesn’t work and unfairly targets minorities. However, for some who have lost loved ones to addiction, the charge is one way to get justice and closure.

Isabella Nye, was born addicted to opioids. She spent weeks in the NICU with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) before she could leave the hospital with her mother, Lisa. Isabella is among the growing number of babies born with NAS today. In fact, it’s estimated that a baby is born every 25 minutes suffering from opioid withdrawal. Lisa used heroin until she found out she was pregnant with Isabella and then she began a methadone maintenance program, which she continues today. Lisa chose to share her story because she knows that there are other pregnant women out there afraid to come forward with their addiction.

Over the past five years, countless community members have shared their struggles with opioid addiction through WITF. The faces, ages, genders, races and income levels of these people have all been different, but they all shared a desire to tell their stories to help reduce the stigma tied to this disease and to change the path for someone else.

WITF features a week of special programming the week of Sept. 24 on WITF TV. The week will include the WITF Original Production, “HealthSmart,” with episodes in prime time focusing on the opioid epidemic. Five episodes will air across the week including a new episode at 9 p.m. on Sept. 26 when “HealthSmart” takes a look at the children impacted by the opioid epidemic. Thursday night also includes a statewide broadcast. “Battling Opioids: A Project of Pennsylvania Public Media Part 1” is a collaborative effort among all the PBS stations across Pennsylvania. This 90-minute program, which airs Sept. 27 at 8 p.m., will focus on stigma, prevention and treatment.

Keira McGuire is the producer and host of “HealthSmart.”

Brett Sholtis is WITF’s “Transforming Health” reporter.

WITF is a community publisher for TheBurg.

She’s Making Movies (On Location): At 11 years old, Lily Compton is already a veteran of short films.

August 31, 2018 | by Yaasmeen Piper

Lily Compton stars in her short film, “Picochi.”

At 9 years old, most of us were just trying to avoid our homework and get home before the streetlights came on.

At 9 years old, Lily Compton had submitted her first film into Vidjam, an annual, 48-hour filmmaking frenzy, becoming the organization’s youngest filmmaker to date.

Now 11, Compton already has 20 short films under her belt, with more to come.

“At Vidjam, someone came up to me, and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, when you’re an adult you’re going to be so great,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, cool…when I’m an adult…” she said. “That’s really been pushing me.”

Since her first Vidjam, Compton has submitted a short film every year for the Harrisburg-based competition. Her films feature an array of elaborate costumes, makeup and props created from scraps, things people lend her and items from her parents “Free Store” in back of the Harrisburg Improv Theatre.

Her latest film, “Mental,” which was submitted to the Vidjam competition in June, stars Compton as a psychiatric patient who believes she’s being visited by people of her past life. The film begins with Compton’s character in the hospital before being transported into a grassy field, surrounded by strangers in all-white clothing. They run around, splashing in the creek and holding hands before the strangers become sinister, their makeup resembling skull faces, their clothes black, and they chase Compton, revealing who they are.

“I changed my style up with ‘Mental,’ and you could hear people in the crowd crying,” Compton said. “People came up to me and congratulated me, even days after.”

Even at age 8, Compton was comfortable behind the lens. She ran around her house and her neighborhood with her mother’s Sony Handycam, creating what she called “documentaries.”

She roped friends into starring in her films, which they either loved or quickly grew tired of.

Compton’s mother Somers, co-owner of the Harrisburg Improv Theatre with her husband Jacob, met the founder of Vidjam, Sam Miller, years ago, before he started the film group. As Vidjam grew, Miller developed a relationship with the Comptons and the theater. The Comptons helped Sam with props and costumes and supported him any way they could. Somers then encouraged Lily to take a stab at the Vidjam competition.

“My mom, who really supports me and my filmmaking, was like, ‘Lily, there’s this film contest, and you should join it,’” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh, okay,’ and just got a team together for it.”

Lily’s team consisted of her friend and fellow filmmaker, Ben Hill, and a couple of actors she found after scouting the streets and asking, “Do you want to be in a film?” In 48 hours, she helped write and direct their first Vidjam short film. But she missed having full control over her films.

“I thought that I wanted to be more part of my films,” she said. “The next film I wanted to break free of that and try editing on my own because, during that time, I had been experimenting with different editing softwares. So, the next one that I did was the ‘Picochi.’”

“Picochi” is an ugly duckling-type tale starring Lily as a ginormous bird, Picochi. After the bird is born, it begins searching for a companion, but everyone who comes in contact with Picochi scurries off or is an inanimate object. Then finally, Picochi finds a human friend. The humorous, touching film was submitted into the 2017 Vidjam competition.

“There is heart in her films,” Miller said. “It’s a sort of heart, sentimentality and awareness that I think a lot of us as older filmmakers and writers may be scared or hesitant to tap into.”

Aside from being a quadruple threat in filmmaking—writing, acting, editing and filming—Lily loves to dance, sing, write her own songs and draw. She is also involved with the Harrisburg Improv Theatre’s Kidprov, which her father runs.

Even though she has many different talents, her passion lies with filmmaking and acting. In the years to come, she plans to keep submitting to Vidjam and continue working on her acting and filmmaking future.

“I just think you’re never too young to pursue your dreams,” she said. “I don’t feel like people have to wait until their older to pursue what they love.”

To view Lily Compton’s films, visit vidjam.org or their YouTube @Vidjam.

The Loud Sound of Silence: “Deej” takes viewers deep into a busy, unheard life.

August 31, 2018 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

The first thing we see is a visual depiction of sensory overload.

Extreme close ups of painted imagery flit across the screen with an abundance of color, whisking past the screen just as quickly as they come into frame, narrated by words of poetry.

These words, it turns out, are written by DJ Savarese, a non-speaking autistic man in Illinois—and the titular subject of director Robert Rooy’s documentary, “Deej.”

DJ did not have the means to communicate for several years, until his adoptive parents began encouraging him to learn to read and write. Now, DJ speaks by typing into a computer, from which an automated voice speaks for him.

“Reading and writing are rarely taught to non-speaking autistics,” DJ commiserates, noting that most people assume if someone can’t speak, they also can’t think or feel.

“Will you free my people?” he asks Rooy.

By this, he means—will this documentary help other kids with autism have meaningful lives, will it help break through the stigma that many have of autism? And that is what is most present in DJ’s mind. What is the benefit of following me around? Will it help those who need it?

DJ’s poetry continues throughout the film, interspersed with his day-to-day activities. DJ pinpoints the feelings he has about the contrast of sensory input he receives.

“Most of the time, I don’t feel my body,” he states. “Most of what I do are coping mechanisms to overcome that.”

Often, these coping mechanisms consist of jerking movements with his arms or various noises, to bring him back into his own body.

“You may have lost your body,” his mother states at one point, trying to get him to focus.

The documentary presents a thorough depiction of DJ’s life as he graduates high school and prepares for college. Viewers may have the question of how much privacy DJ is allowed throughout the filming process, but even that question is addressed in the film. Overall, Rooy offers a unique perspective into the life of an autistic person.

DJ’s journey is one that many don’t ever experience firsthand—a journey that is now available to tap into, thanks to “Deej.”

“Deej” will play for a special screening on Sept. 30 at Midtown Cinema.

September Events
at Midtown Cinema

National Theatre Live

“Julius Caesar”
Monday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.

“Follies”
Monday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m.

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
Monday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m.

Down in Front!

“Untamed Youth”
Friday, Sept. 14, 9:30 p.m.

3^rd in the Burg $3 Movie

“The Last Unicorn”
Friday, Sept. 21, 9:30 p.m.

“Bad Reputation”

A Joan Jett Documentary
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Manhattan Short Film Festival
Sept. 28-Oct. 4

“Deej”
Sunday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m.

Pain, Go Away: What you should know about trigeminal neuralgia.

August 31, 2018 | by Chikezie Eseonu, MD

If you have ever experienced nerve pain, you know how debilitating it can be.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a type of nerve pain that affects your face, typically in your jaw or cheek. The pain can be sharp or feel like a burning sensation. It can be so severe that you have difficulty eating or drinking.

Most flare-ups begin with tingling or numbness in your face, and the pain can come and go. During a flare-up, the bursts of pain are more frequent and almost never stop. The intensity of the pain can make your day-to-day activities unbearable, but the condition itself is not life threatening.

So, what causes trigeminal neuralgia?

The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is a blood vessel pressing against your trigeminal nerve. Rare causes include multiple sclerosis or tumors. This nerve condition is most common in people over 50 years old and is more common in women than men.

There are multiple symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, including:

Pain in the cheek or jaw (typically comes and goes and is mostly one-sided)
Absence of pain between flare-ups
Pain that feels like electric shocks or stabbing
Pain triggered by touching, eating, brushing your teeth or other factors like wind
Anxiety from the thought of the pain returning

Then how is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?

Trigeminal neuralgia can be diagnosed by your primary care provider based on your description of your pain. This diagnosis is based on three different factors:

Type of pain: Pain related to trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, shock-like and brief.
Location of pain: The pain is mostly in your jaw or cheek.
Triggers of pain: It usually occurs after stimulation of your cheeks from things like eating, talking or brushing your teeth.

If necessary, your provider can order additional tests, which may include a neurological exam or an MRI.

Please know that facial pain could be caused by a number of different conditions, so accurate diagnosis is important.

Learn more about trigeminal neuralgia and how it is treated in a blog post at UPMCPinnac.com/TrigeminalNeuralgia.

Dr. Chikezie Eseonu is a neurosurgeon at UPMC Pinnacle.

Wild, Wild Life: Forsaken animals find a home at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.

August 31, 2018 | by Don Helin

Photos by Chuck Rineer, Wildlife Photography.

On a warm summer morning, my wife and I went to spend time with Uncle Frodo and his nephews, Lucas and Lincoln.

Did I mention that they’re gray wolves?

No, we weren’t on the frontier, like some latter-day Kevin Costner. We were just outside the lovely town of Lititz, at the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania.

The wolves looked pretty comfortable sleeping on the ground, but I was glad for the fence. We were told that warm, humid central PA summers are not ideal for the animals, which tend to become lethargic. They much prefer cooler weather, when they become more active.

According to Denny Binkley, a volunteer tour guide, the sanctuary was founded in the 1980s by the Darlington family, which wanted to offer a home for unwanted wolves. He said that the numbers vary, but, at the time of our visit, 47 wolves were there, a mix of full-blooded wolves and hybrid wolf-dogs.

“Lots of people want a wolf,” Binkley said. “After all, they say ‘it’s just a dog.’ But try keeping one in a condo. People can’t take care of their wolf once it grows to be more than just an adorable little pup. Fortunately, there are between 12 to 15 sanctuaries around the country that help out by taking in the wolves given up by their owners.”

Educate the Public

The Lititz sanctuary houses the “Speedwell wolves,” named for Speedwell Forge, an 18th-century iron forge in northern Lancaster County.

The forge closed in the mid-19th century. Later, the land housed a horse training area and a dairy farm. It’s been in the Darlington family since the 1940s, and portions now make up Speedwell Forge County Park and Speedwell Forge Lake.

The homestead, the historic Speedwell Forge Mansion, is today a bed and breakfast with three guest rooms with private baths in the main house. There are also two private cottages with eat-in kitchens and fireplaces.

“We bill it as 18th-century luxury with 21st-century comfort,” said owner Dawn Darlington.

Much of the rest of the original property is set aside for the wolves. Over the years, the sanctuary has grown into an extensive educational facility, offering guided tours to educate the public about gray wolf conservation.

“We also have an adoption program, so guests can support the wolves annually by purchasing a package which includes a personalized certificate, professional photo of the wolf, a letter from the wolf detailing its history, a welcome letter from the founder, and facts and information about wolves in general,” said Educational Coordinator Michelle Mancini.

The last wild wolf in Pennsylvania died around 1850. An average wolf lives four to eight years in the wild, but 11 to 18 years in captivity. In the wild, hunger can be a significant issue, but that’s definitely not a problem at the Wolf Sanctuary.

“One of the projects we are most proud of is the construction of our wolf kitchen—an indoor food storage and preparation building with three walk-in freezers containing the wolves’ meals,” Mancini said. “Food for the wolves is raw meat, uncooked and unprocessed. Many times, we get raw meat from food banks or we may even use road kill if it’s tested to make sure it’s disease-free. The meat is frozen, then sawed up into frozen chunks and fed to the wolves.”

The sanctuary is a nonprofit facility that gets no federal or state funding, so it relies on money generated by tours, events and programs. It offers guided tours several times per week to educate the public about gray wolf conservation. Once each month is the “Full Moon” event, typically held between 7:30 and 10 p.m. on the Saturday evening nearest to the full moon, featuring a bonfire, live entertainment and self-guided tours. This is the only event at the sanctuary in which attendees must be 16 or older.

“As we continue to grow, we plan to work towards our more long-term projects such as an on-site veterinary care facility,” said Mancini.
The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is located at 465 Speedwell Forge Rd., Lititz. For more information, call 717-626-4617 or visit www.wolfsanctuarypa.org.

The Speedwell Forge Bed and Breakfast is also located at 465 Speedwell Forge Rd., Lititz. For more information, call 717-626-1760 or visit www.speedwellforge.com.

Happenings: Our September Calendar of Events

August 31, 2018 | by Missy Smith

Museum & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

International Thunderbird Club Exhibit, through Oct. 14

“Mustangs: Six Generations of America’s Favorite Pony Car,” through Oct. 14

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Pastiche II,” a membership show, Sept. 9-Oct. 11; reception, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“From Italy to Harrisburg,” street drawings by Guglielmo Botter, through Oct. 19

Brain Vessel
4704 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-3020; brainvessel.com

“3 Generations,” featuring works Brain Vessel’s Jason Kreiger, along with artwork by his grandfather Jim Tritt, uncles Jon and Jeff Tritt, mother Debra Kreiger and cousins Christopher Zeiders and Annemarie Tritt, Sept. 7-Oct. 6; receptions, Sept. 7 and 8, 7-10 p.m.

Café 1500
1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg
www.cafe-1500.com

Works by Jaime Duncan, Sept. 21-Oct. 14; meet and greet, Sept. 21, 6-9 p.m. (curated by 3rd Street Studio)

Carlisle Arts Learning Center
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

Figurative paintings with personal narratives by Philip Lindsey and unique ceramic pieces by Emily Hampson, through Sept. 22

“The Visible Echo,” photography by Guy Freeman, Sept. 28-Nov. 3

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Artist of the Month: Linda McCurdy

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-574-4653; galleryatsecond.com

Works by John Whitney and Jonathan Frazier, through Sept. 15

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

“Capture the Moment,” paintings by Jacqui Whitcomb, through Sept. 22; reception: Sept. 2, 3-5 p.m.

“Around the Wiconisco,” works by Thomas Wise, Sept. 30-Nov. 3; reception: Sept. 30, 3-5 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

The Hershey Story Museum Exhibit, featuring works by HAAA member artists, Sept. 6-9

Harrisburg Area Art Association Member Art Exhibition, through Dec. 31

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

“Harrisburg’s Merchant Heritage,” a retrospective of the city’s retail legacy, including the iconic Mary Sachs, opens Sept. 6; reception, Sept. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Landis House
Perry County Council of the Arts
67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Modern Magdalena,” a showing of hooked rugs and mats designed and/or created by the Magdalena Rug Hooking Group of Perry County, through Nov. 3

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Annual Juried Student Show, through Sept. 6

“Violent Grace: A Retrospective of the Work of Edward Knippers,” through Nov. 2; artist’s talk and reception, Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

New works by Jonathan Bean, Tara Chickey, Kelly Curran, Mary Kandray Gelenser, John McNulty, through Sept. 16

New works by Susan Bailey, Ann Benton Yeager, Yachiyo Beck, Meg Caruso, Andrew Guth, Julie Iaria, Caleb Smith, Sept. 18-Oct. 14

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

“The Photo Ark” by Joel Sartore, National Geographic photographer and fellow, through September

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Town and country paintings by David McBride, through September

Handcrafted jewelry by Lori Campbell, through September

PCCA Gallery
Perry County Council of the Arts
1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“True North,” new abstract acrylic paintings by Peg Belcastro, through Oct. 6

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Graphic design works by Gail Anderson, Sept. 4-Oct. 5

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Art of the State—Pennsylvania 2018,” the official, statewide juried competition for PA artists, through Sept. 9

“Pennsylvania at War,” highlighting World War I posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives and The Saga of the US Pennsylvania, through Dec. 30

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; sqart.org

“Romare Bearden: Vision & Activism,” through Sept. 23

“Recycled Play,” mixed media utilizing childhood artifacts by Sean Matthews, through Nov. 4

“Explore—Conceptual Art,” examining contemporary conceptual art through the works of eight regional artists, through Nov. 4

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“Comics Unstripped,” highlighting a collection of vintage American comic art to examine development of comics as an art form and explore comics as visual communication, through Oct. 21

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

“Miserable,” works by Yesid Gomez, through Sept. 28

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; wildwoodlake.org

“Art in the Wild,” Wildwood Park’s annual outdoor art exhibit, through Oct. 31

Winters Heritage House Museum
47 E. High Street; Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

“Elizabethtown Goes to War—The Effects of WWII, In Their Own Words,” Sept. 7-28; reception: Sept. 7, 5 p.m.

Yellow Bird Café
1320 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-635-8991; yellowbird-cafe.com

Works by Karen Commings, through Sept. 17

Artwork by Yigal Elyadin, Sept. 21-Oct.15

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

“Bootleg,” artwork by Charlie Feathers, Sept. 21-Oct. 18

Read, Make, Learn

Carlisle Arts Learning Center
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

Sept. 6: Paint Night—Lake Reflections, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 15: Surface Series Workshop, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Sept. 6: Everything Apples, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 13: Cracked Up Chicken, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 24: Sensational Shellfish, 6-9 p.m.

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Learn to Play Bridge, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 9: John Haigh—Air Force One Chief Steward Talk, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 10: The Power of Decluttering, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14: File Management on Your Computer, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 21, 18: Chorus in the Forest, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Sept. 24: Who Are You?, 6-6:45 p.m.
Sept. 25: Friends of East Shore Area Library Meeting, 9:30-11 a.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

Sept. 4: Curl Up with the Classics—“Mansfield Park,” 10 a.m.
Sept. 5, 7: Library for Lunch—“Pooh’s Hundred Acre Woods,” 12 p.m.
Sept. 7: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 8: Trivia After Hours—Music of the 60s and 70s, 7 p.m.
Sept. 10: Music Together, 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 10: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2 p.m.
Sept. 10: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 14: Central PA Blood Bank Drive, 4-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14, 28: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: Story Time and Music Therapy w/Sovia Therapy, 3 p.m.
Sept. 16: Family Movie Matinee, 2 p.m.
Sept. 17-Oct. 26: Fall Story Times
Sept. 17: Girls in STEM—Food Science Laboratory, 5 p.m.
Sept. 17: Fredricksen Writes, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 18: Penn State Master Gardeners’ Gardening with Nature, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20: Blood Pressure Screenings w/ Geisinger Holy Spirit, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 20: READ to Dogs, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 24: Fredricksen Reads—“When the English Fall,” 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: Discovering Mindfulness for Children, 4 p.m.
Sept. 30: Adult Crafternoon—Wood Sign Workshop, 1:30 p.m.

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Sept. 17, 18, 19, 20: Elke Isenberg Workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sept. 22, 23: Portrait Painting Tips and Tricks w/Dana Bellis, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-798-6973; hbgimprov.com

Sept. 11-Oct. 30: Improv Level 2, 7-10 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Sept. 20-Nov. 8: Painting acrylics w/Marie Gamon, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Sept. 5: In The Middle—Games, 3 p.m.
Sept. 5: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Sept. 6, 20: Hershey Quilter’s Guild, 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 7, 21: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8: Second Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Memoirs Writing Class, 2 p.m.
Sept. 10, 17, 24: Storytime for 3s & 4s, 10 a.m.
Sept. 10, 17, 24: Storytime for 4s & 5s, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 11: Hershey Writer’s Critique Group, 6 p.m
Sept. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26: 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 11 a.m.
Sept. 12: In the Middle—Art, 3 p.m.
Sept. 12: Crochet Guild, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: India Art Appreciation Class, 6 p.m.
Sept. 13: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers Club, 9:45 a.m.
Sept. 13, 27: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Sept. 15: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Sept. 16: Friends Kids Take a Walk on the Wild Side—Plants, 2 p.m.
Sept. 19: In The Middle—Writing, 3 p.m.
Sept. 19, 26: Back to Basics Writing Class, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: Ready, Set, Goal, 3 p.m.
Sept. 21: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
Sept. 23: “Chasing Phil” Friends program, 2 p.m.
Sept. 24: Central PA Bank Blood Drive, 3 p.m.
Sept. 25: Financial Education Series, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 26: In the Middle—Creativity, 3 p.m.
Sept. 29: Halloween Costume Swap, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 29: Fused Glass Class, 1 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Association
1230 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-4646; historicharrisburg.com

Sept. 22: Walking Tour—“Retail Landmarks of Downtown Harrisburg,” 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 24: Covered Bridges of Dauphin County, 6 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

Sept. 4: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 10: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: English Conversation Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 12: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: Thursday Morning Book Club, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 28: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 25: Tea & Stitches Extended, 12-5 p.m.
Sept. 26: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 26: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.

Kline Library
530 S. 29^th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

Sept. 6: Basic Internet I, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 13: Basic Internet II, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 15: Game Day, 12-4 p.m.
Sept. 19, 26: Genius Hour, 4:15-5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 20, 27: LEGO Robotics, 4:15-5 p.m.
Sept. 25: A Tribute to Mark Twain, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 26: Knit 1, Crochet Too!, 6-8 p.m.

Landis House
Perry County Council of the Arts
67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Sept. 25-Oct. 30: Watercolor Classes for Adults, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 29: Rug Hooking Workshop, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Passageways—Trans & Non-Binary Group, 2 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Sept. 8: Paint and Sip Party, 5-8 p.m.
Sept. 13: Aging with Pride Lunchtime, 12-2 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

Sept. 5: Dungeons and Dragons, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Sept. 19, 26: Afternoon Hangout, 3-4 p.m.
Sept. 24: Video Game Club, 4-5 p.m.
Sept. 24: Cookbook Book Club—Latino Kitchen, 6-7 p.m.

McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-234-4976; dcls.org

Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Mid-day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: Bad Art Night, 6-7 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St, Middletown
717-944-6412 middletownpubliclib.org

Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Daytime Family Yoga, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 6: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Science Fiction Book Club (meets online)
Sept. 10, 17, 24: STEM Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: Evening Family Yoga, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 17: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Café
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Sept. 5: An Evening w/Elaine Weiss, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 28: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 16: Midtown Writers Group, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 19: Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 20: Author Talk w/Gina Napoli, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: Third in the Burg w/ Kosi Akosua Gyebi
Sept. 29: An Evening w/Michael Ausiello, 6-8 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

Sept. 5: Secret Studio Tours, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 8-9 p.m.
Sept. 7-9: 3-Day Cold Wax Workshop
Sept. 15: Fluid Art Class, 12-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 18, 25: Weekly Abstract Painting Class, 6-8:45 p.m.
Sept. 19, 26: Weekly Abstract Class, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sept. 21-23: 3-Day Abstract Painting Workshop

National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
717-260-1861; nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Sept. 8: “Richmond Women” w/Dr. Ashley Whitehead Luskey, 1-2 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Sept. 22: Hunter Trapper Safety, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Sept. 6: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 8: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 10, 17, 24: Preschool Pals Storytime Series, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 10, 17, 24: Toddlertime, 11 a.m.
Sept. 10, 17, 24: 123 Library! Family Storytime, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 11, 18, 25: Book Babies Storytime, 11:15 a.m.
Sept. 11, 18, 25: Preschool Pals Storytime Series, 1 p.m.
Sept. 11: Book Review—The History of Mt. Gretna, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 11, 18, 25: Tuesday Night Book Discussion Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14: Play-Doh Palooza!, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
Sept. 15: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 15: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 17: Monday Great Books Discussion, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: Pumpkin Pillows, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 26: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

Sept. 7, 14: Learn at Lunchtime, 12:15 p.m.
Sept. 13: Nature Lab, 11:30 a.m.

Unity of Harrisburg
927 Wertzville Rd., Enola
717-732-9773; unityofharrisburg.org

Sept. 22: StoweGood Mini Retreat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; wildwoodlake.org

Sept. 2: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: Stress Relief Walk, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 15: Brownie Scout Program—Bugs, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 20: Get in Shape Walk, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 29: Wild Edibles w/Debra Naha, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

Sept. 4: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: Teen Night, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 10: Basic Car Maintenance, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 12: 2^nd Wednesday Cinema, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 18: Novel Thoughts, Too! Book Club, 1 p.m.
Sept. 20, 27: Afternoon Hangout, 3-4 p.m.

Live Music

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Sept. 16: Gary Allan
Sept. 29: Fall Doo Wop Calvacade
Sept. 30: Tony Bennett

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Sept. 1: Close to Consideration, Blind Accuracy, Phlphr
Sept. 7: Kitchen Dwellers
Sept. 13: The Hacksensaw Boys
Sept. 14: Electric Love Machine, Sun & Rain
Sept. 28: Midnight Spaghetti & The Chocolate G-Strings
Sept. 30: Judy Fowlis

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

Sept. 18: Five for Fighting

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

Sept. 1, 12, 26, 29: Roy Lefevre
Sept. 4: Beth Trez
Sept. 5, 19: Christine Purcell
Sept. 6, 27: Corinna Joy
Sept. 7, 11, 13, 14, 18, 25, 28: Noel Gevers
Sept. 8, 22: Ted Ansel
Sept. 20, 23: Anthony Haubert
Sept. 21: Corinna Joy & Noel Gevers

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

Sept. 9: New Song, Citizen Way, Unspoken

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

Sept. 1: Glenn Hughes, Buried Above Ground
Sept. 7: Dead Boys, Ghostface Killah
Sept. 8: Set It Off
Sept. 12: Real Estate, Piebald
Sept. 14: Sponge
Sept: 15: Nonpoint
Sept. 18: Matthew Thiessen & The Earthquakes
Sept. 21: Supersonic—Tribute to Oasis
Sept. 28: Scooter Brown Band

Club XL
801 S. 10^th St., Harrisburg
717-409-8975; xlhbg.com

Sept. 1: Smooth Like Clyde, DJ Ray Rossi
Sept. 7: DJ Caraby
Sept. 8: Nengo Flow, Rumba Caliente, DJ Pap, DJ Male Mixx
Sept. 14: Back to the 80s DJ Ray RossiD, J Geoffro Metron Reunion
Sept. 15: Hybrid Ice & Sapphire
Sept. 21: Big Something, Gobbo and Big Boy Brass Band
Sept. 22: Whipped Cream
Sept. 28: The Golden Pony EDM Dance
Sept. 29: Emily’s Toybox

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Sept. 1: R & D Band
Sept. 7: Antonio Andrade
Sept. 8: Janie Womack & Jody Esterlean
Sept. 14: Steve Gellman
Sept. 15: Doug Morris
Sept. 21: Kevin Kline
Sept. 22: Michael Arthur
Sept. 28: Joe Cooney
Sept. 29: Dominick Cicco

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

Sept. 20: Hit The Roof
Sept. 28: Laura Lizcano

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Sept. 1: Canadian Brass
Sept. 2: Fred Hersch and Aaron Diehl
Sept. 8: Verona Quartet

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

Sept. 18: Celtic Thunder
Sept. 22: Hershey Symphony
Sept. 28: Diana Ross

Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
717-469-2211; hollywoodpnrc.com

Sept. 1: Jumper
Sept. 2: Colt Wilbur Band
Sept. 7: Funktion
Sept. 8: The Luv Gods
Sept. 14: Sapphire
Sept. 15: HoneyPump, Draw the Line
Sept. 21: Emily’s Toybox
Sept. 22: The Famous
Sept. 28: Uptown Band
Sept. 29: Smooth Like Clyde

House of Music, Arts & Culture (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Sept. 6: Rickie Lee Jones
Sept. 7: Next to Nothing—The Music of Breaking Benjamin
Sept. 7: Twist—The Music of Korn
Sept. 7: MonkeyFoo—Music of Foo Fighters
Sept. 13: Skatalites, The Main Street Sweep
Sept. 14: Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, King Parrot
Sept. 14: Chris Jamison, Jesse Denaro
Sept. 15: Coco Montoya, Ben Brandt Trio
Sept. 18: Red Fang, Big Business, Dead Now
Sept. 21: Box of Rain—Tribute to Grateful Dead
Sept. 27: Angel Olsen & Julianna Barwick
Sept. 30: Valley Queen

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-421-1512; keystoneconcertband.com

Sept. 8: Concert at Church of the Good Shepherd

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

Sept. 14: Some Kind of Nightmare, Merger
Sept. 21: The Retinas, Alex Stanilla, The Super High Tech Jet Fighters
Sept. 29: Giants, Cold Clod, Nowns

The Lodge at Liberty Forge
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-691-5335; lodgeatlibertyforge.com

Sept. 6: Leblanc & Kissinger
Sept. 9: Chicken Clark’s Road Apple Rodeo
Sept. 13: Jack’s Back
Sept. 20: Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band
Sept. 27: Shea & Len

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Sept. 14: Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye
Sept. 28: John Denver Celebration Concert

Market Cross Pub & Brewery
113 N. Hanover St., Carlisle
717-258-1234; marketcrosspub.com

Sept. 5: Jane Ramsey
Sept. 8: Maxwell Project
Sept. 15: Amy Simpson Band
Sept. 22: Everyday People
Sept. 29: Kleinklaus Duo
Sept. 30: Amy Simpson, Forrest Brown

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Sept. 15: Threefold Cord Women’s Choir
Sept. 28: Messiah College Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; Facebook: Metropolis Collective

Sept. 7: OAF, The April Skies

The Mill in Hershey
810 Old W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-256-9965; themillinhershey.com

Sept. 1: Lucille
Sept. 8: Tony Catalano
Sept. 15: Nate Myers
Sept. 22: Keith Goldstein
Sept. 29: Mark Baxter

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Sept. 22: Shotgunn

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-525-8926; rivercityhbg.com

Sept. 8: Middleton Brothers Band
Sept. 15: Grumpy Old Men
Sept. 29: Lovers of Music Band

Rusty Rail Brewing Co.
5 N. 8th North St., Mifflinburg
570-966-7878; rustyrailbrewing.com

Sept. 14: Pop Chubby
Sept. 21: Driftwood

St. Thomas Roasters
5951 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-526-4171; stthomasroasters.com

Sept. 6: Randel Hamlen
Sept. 7: CC Spirit String
Sept. 8: Joe Cooney
Sept. 14: Rhoads & Putt Trio
Sept. 15: Rayzen Kane
Sept. 18: Amber Nadine
Sept. 20: Sofeya and The Puffins
Sept. 21: Cotolo
Sept. 22: Craig Bonner & Steve Geib
Sept. 29: Just Dave

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

Sept. 1: Jaerv
Sept. 2: Open Mic
Sept. 17: Fort Hunter Day
Sept. 21: Nordic Fiddlers Bloc
Sept. 24: Ten Strings and a Goat Skin

Unity of Harrisburg
927 Wertzville Rd., Enola
717-732-9773; unityofharrisburg.org

Sept. 21: StoweGood

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; millersville.edu/muarts

Sept. 14: Club 42—Gabrielle Stravelli
Sept. 15: Allegro’s Music in the Round, Allegro’s Lounge 42
Sept. 16: Allegro’s Core Concert
Sept. 20: The Hot Sardines
Sept. 23: Dan Zanes Night Train 57
Sept. 28: Xun Pan & Dana Weiderhold

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

Sept. 15: Ana Popovic
Sept. 17: Neko Case

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Sept. 7: Josh Dominick
Sept. 21: Jason Ager

The Stage Door

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Sept. 22: An Evening w/Jon Dorenbos

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

Sept. 14-16: “West Side Story”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Through Sept. 15: “Swing!”
Sept. 20-Nov. 10: “Sister Act”
Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

Sept. 12-22: “Aladdin” (Popcorn Hat Players)

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd., Middletown
717-939-9333; hbg-cpac.org

Sept. 14-16: “Tarzan”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

Sept. 1: Ken Evans
Sept. 7, 8: Mike Gardner and Shawn Banks
Sept. 14, 15: Ryan Van Genderen & Blayr Nias
Sept. 20: Earl David Reed and Friends Comedy Fundraiser
Sept. 21, 22: John Moses and Owen Bowness
Sept. 28, 29: Tom Daddario and Homer Shadowheart

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-798-6973; hbgimprov.com

Sept. 1: Rabid Dabblers/Bandito, Love Triangle/Wild Goose Chaise, Images
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Free Improv Mixer
Sept. 2: Level 1 Class Show
Sept. 7: This Mortal Coil/Mary Todd Lincoln, Hawkward, Spacework
Sept. 8: Aesthetic Dying Duck/Barely Adulting, Hardly Working, Monotone
Sept. 14: The Fourest/Midnight Library, Tony Stanza, Tanks, Buddy/The Harvey Taylor Gang
Sept. 15: Rabid Dabblers/Elderprov, Closed Casket/Name That Tune, Critical HIT/Pillow Talk
Sept. 21: Ferd Majelly/JohNathan, Tiny Town, Happy Beautiful Goodnight Show
Sept. 22: Barely Adulting/Solo Sleepover, Introduce A Self, Band Job/Without A Tres
Sept. 28: Fours Company 2—In Addition Too/Midnight Library, This Show Will Self Destruct/Ferret Prom, HIT Bits
Sept. 30: Poetry Slam

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

Sept. 14: Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour
Sept. 19: John Cusack

Lancaster Marionette Theatre
126 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-394-8389; lancastermarionette.org

Through Nov. 17: “The Death & Life of Sherlock”
Through Nov. 10: “Treasure Island”

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

Sept. 22: Poetry Night

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmpa.com

Sept. 7-23: “Prisoner Off Second Avenue”

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Sept. 29-Oct. 21: “Carrie the Musical”

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Rd., Camp Hill
717-737-6768; oystermill.com

Sept. 21-Oct. 7: “The Haunting of Hill House”

Rose Lehrman Arts Center
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Sept. 27: Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers

Theatre Harrisburg
513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg
717-232-5501; theatreharrisburg.com

Sept. 7-16: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; millersville.edu/muarts

Sept. 7: “We the People”—Yesid Gomez
Sept. 27: “Break the Chain” On Screen/In Person

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

Sept. 12: Story Slam

Bloody Well Right: At Open Stage, the horror of high school gets musical with “Carrie.”

August 31, 2018 | by Laura Dugan

Photo by Haley Harned.

The theme of Season 33 at Open Stage of Harrisburg is “Coming of Age,” and kicking it off is a show with that theme at its heart: “Carrie: The Musical.”

Based on the novel by Stephen King, “Carrie” features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award-winner Michael Gore, and lyrics by Academy Award-winner Dean Pitchford.

With a season focusing on giving voice to the youth that yearn to be heard, Carrie White’s story is the perfect start. A misfit in high school, she is relentlessly bullied by popular kids, while, at home, she’s at the mercy of her cruel, overprotective mother. Carrie’s story unfolds through a pop/rock score as she discovers her special power—and everyone who has ever slighted her, and even those who love her most, had better watch out.

“I think audiences will be surprised by the music in ‘Carrie,’” said Vanessa Marie Hofer, who portrays Sue Snell. “I know I was. The music combined with the action-driven plot is what makes this particular piece a must-see.”

Audiences will experience plenty of theater magic as the fantastical elements of “Carrie” are brought to life at Open Stage.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of bringing horror to the stage,” said Director Stuart Landon. “How do you make something scary on stage? How do you create tension when you don’t have crazy camera angles and extreme close-ups?”

However, the story of “Carrie” is much more than jump scares and gore. It’s a story of growing up, of realizing that what we think we know about someone isn’t necessarily true, and of recognizing the impact of one small act of kindness.

“I think this show is all about really seeing people—what is our responsibility to our fellow humans?” said Landon. “In the musical, Sue Snell asks, ‘What does it cost to be kind?’ and I think we can all benefit by asking that question.”

Kayla Brooks, who portrays Carrie, agrees and thinks that audience members shouldn’t be put off by the genre.

“This story is one of my favorites in the horror genre, but, whether or not you like horror, I think you should come see the show,” she said. “There are so many morals that come from daily life at school, which is one of the best parts of the story.”

Hofer’s character, Sue, provides most of the morality that softens a hard-edged show.

“I love that my character brings some love and soul and good intentions,” she said. “She provides some balance and hope in an ever-escalating negative situation.”

Landon, a fan of both scary movies and musicals, is excited about directing this unique piece of theater.

“This musical adaptation of Stephen King’s first published novel is fun and frightening,” said Landon. “The music is great and our cast is outstanding. King’s cautionary tale translates well in this adaptation, which was reworked in 2012.”

Whether book, movie or musical, “Carrie” is a tale about what happens when we underestimate the power we hold within.

“This is going to be a bloody good time,” said Landon.

The cast of “Carrie” also features Maggie Haynes, Ian Wallace, Brad Barkdoll, Alexis Dow Campbell, Rachel Landon, Chris Gibson, Benny Benamati, Amanda Adams, Shakeil Kanishl, Elena Rossetto and Erin Shellenberger.

“Carrie” runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 20 at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. Tickets are available at www.openstagehbg.com. It is recommended that guests be at least 14 years of age to attend “Carrie.”

UPCOMING THEATER EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

The Popcorn Hat Players Present
“Aladdin”
Sept. 12-22
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. available by request for groups of 20 or more.
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online at gamuttheatre.org or at the door.

At Open Stage of Harrisburg
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

Teen Studio Acting Class
“Rent”
Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. starting Sept. 23
Acting classes for kids ages 14 to 19 that culminate in a fully produced production of “Rent.” Enrollment is open now at alsedektheatreschool.com.

OSHKids Performance Company
“A Wrinkle in Time”
Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., starting Sept. 23
Acting classes for kids ages 8 to 13 that culminate in a fully produced production of “A Wrinkle in Time.” Enrollment is open at alsedektheatreschool.com.

“Carrie the Musical”
Sept. 29 to Oct. 20
Based on Stephen King’s infamous novel of revenge, this pop musical opens Season 33 at Open Stage.

August News Digest

August 31, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda and Lizzy Hardison

Exit Plan Released

The commonwealth last month released Harrisburg’s newest Act 47 exit plan, which calls for maintaining the city’s current Local Services Tax (LST) and Earned Income Tax (EIT) rates through 2020, as the city concurrently seeks special taxing provisions from the state legislature.

Harrisburg’s Act 47 coordinator had to craft an exit plan based on current state law, which would require Harrisburg to relinquish some of its taxing authority when it leaves Act 47 in three years. The city currently collects $11.8 million in annual revenue from heightened LST and EIT rates permitted under Act 47.

The report encourages Harrisburg officials to continue lobbying for the right to levy those current tax rates indefinitely.

To that end, it offers a four-year budget strategy that would give Harrisburg time to continue its lobbying effort. It would allow the city to maintain its status quo tax rates and expenditures through 2020.

If the city does not secure a legislative victory by 2021, DCED would revise the budget projections in the exit plan and would ask the city to change its revenue structure and cut spending.

If state laws have not changed by 2021, the coordinator recommends that Harrisburg lower its EIT to 1.5 percent, reduce its spending, and begin using its fund balance to reduce any budget deficits.

In 2022, the city would have to reduce its EIT to 1 percent and its LST to $52 per year.

The plan also outlines initiatives that the city can undertake to curb spending and increase revenues while it implements the four-year budget strategy.

They include asking more tax-exempt organizations to make payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs), performing a cost analysis of its union and non-union represented personnel expenditures, and limiting enhancements in its future collective bargaining agreements.

DCED also recommends that the city study its split-rate property tax structure and consider moving to a single-rate system. The report says that the split-rate system benefits homesteads at the expense of landowners.

“As revitalization and property improvements continue within the City, the City’s split rate millage is not fully capitalizing on the growth—the county and school district are,” the report reads.

Councilman Ben Allatt said that the revised exit plan was a marked improvement over the first draft, which suggested huge property tax hikes in excess of 100 percent.

“We’re headed in a much better direction than the initial exit plan,” he said. “I think the strategy is to not force the city to make all these crazy decisions in a 30-day period without the state acting. Because the fact is that if we want to resolve our long-term financial situation, then we need to compel the state to act.”

DCED must now hold a public hearing on the revised exit plan.

Teachers Asked to Return Pay

The Harrisburg School District made a big accounting error when it offered dozens of teachers inflated salaries in 2016, and administrators are now asking them to pay some of it back.

Two years after it violated a collective bargaining agreement by hiring 65 teachers at the wrong salary level, the school district is asking them to take a pay cut and give back the wages they were overpaid.

The recouped wages would total almost $500,000, with individual teachers accountable for amounts ranging from $600 to $12,000, according to Harrisburg Education Association leaders.

HEA says the offer violates the contracts of the teachers being asked to take a pay cut and insults 79 longtime teachers who are currently being underpaid. They fear it will lead more teachers to resign from the district.

“It’s ridiculous,” said union President Jody Barksdale. “We’re in a position where we will lose dedicated people because of the lack of promise. When you say you’ll pay someone a certain amount of money, they budget their life around that amount of money.”

HEA filed a grievance against the district in 2016, asking administrators to either reduce the new teacher salaries or promote HEA teachers who had been frozen on the salary schedule. They put forth a $320,000 proposal to bring 79 underpaid employees up to their rightful pay grade, Barksdale said.

Now, the district is fulfilling one of their requests. They’ll cut the new salaries to match HEA pay levels, but they want the teachers they overpaid to give back their wages.

The proposal would bring in half-a-million dollars for the district, even though administrators set aside $1.9 million for the grievance settlement in the 2018-19 budget that was approved by the board in June.

Barksdale said that HEA wants underpaid teachers to be brought up to step instead. She also said the whole fiasco could have been avoided if the district’s Human Resources Department had worked with them in 2016.

“Our counsel tried to explain the language in the bargaining agreement to new personnel in the HR office,” Barksdale said. “It’s like they didn’t believe us or trust us.”

A visibly frustrated Barksdale said that the district’s administration is driving away talented teachers and hurting children.

“The only way this district will move forward is if the district sits down and has honest, transparent conversations with us,” Barksdale said.

Bridge Work Ahead

Harrisburg drivers should brace themselves for some short-term pain, as PennDOT is replacing a small, but well-traveled bridge over Paxton Creek.

Preliminary work began last month to remove and replace the rust-marred Herr Street Bridge that passes over the creek between N. Cameron and N. 9th streets near the Subway Café. That portion of Herr Street averages more than 12,300 vehicles a day, according to the state Department of Transportation.

In August, work began with single-lane restrictions, as crews drove in micro-pilings to prepare for the actual replacement of the 98-year-old single-span, steel-girder bridge.

Then, on Sept. 7, weather permitting, Herr Street, between Cameron and N. 7th streets, will close entirely for as many as 10 days so that crews can remove the existing bridge, replace it with a precast concrete superstructure and rebuild the roadway.

A detour will route motorists around the work zone using Cameron, Maclay and N. 7th streets, said PennDOT.

Atglen, Pa.-based J.D. Eckman is performing the design and construction work under a $3.2 million contract, which includes building the precast superstructure in a nearby lot along Herr Street.

PennDOT said that it expects the entire project, which also includes utility, pavement and signage work, to be finished by mid-October.

State Grant for Office Building

A new downtown Harrisburg office building is a bit closer to reality, as the 2nd Street project last month received a $1 million state grant.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s office announced that Second Street Associates, a partnership headed up by Harristown Development, will receive the funds through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), which aids projects deemed economically, culturally or historically important.

The money will go towards constructing a new, six-story office building at 21 S. 2nd Street, with retail on the ground floor, along with the rehabilitation of the historic, six-story structure next door at 17 S. 2nd St., which houses the SkarlatosZonarich law firm. The two buildings then would be joined inside to form a single, interconnected structure.

“I am proud to support the construction of this new office and retail tower in downtown Harrisburg,” Wolf said in a statement. “This investment supports the efforts of the region to create more jobs, bolster shopping and retail opportunities, and will strengthen the city’s tax base and local economy.”

Last year, Harristown bought and then razed the dilapidated, three-story, 19th-century structure that once housed the Coronet Restaurant. The building had been largely empty since a fire destroyed the restaurant several decades ago.

Harristown had requested $3 million for the building project. Most RACP applicants are denied funding and, when granted, awards typically are significantly lower than amounts requested.

So far, in the 2018 round of funding, the only other RACP award in Dauphin County has gone to the city of Harrisburg, a $2 million grant to begin the Paxton Creek reclamation project. In 2017, the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) received $1 million to complete its build out, the Salvation Army Harrisburg received $500,000 for its new building on Rudy Road and Hershey Towne Square received $750,000 towards a three-story parking garage.

So Noted

Harrisburg University last month introduced the 15 full-scholarship members of its new varsity e-sports team and unveiled their uniform, logo and team name, The Storm. The season begins this month with competition in the team-based, multiplayer game, Overwatch, and continues next semester with the games League of Legends and Hearthstone.

Higher Information Group last month announced that it had acquired Pennsylvania Telephone Products Co. The Harrisburg-based business-to-business company said that PTP would be folded into its IT division.

Lola Lawson was appointed last month to the Harrisburg school board, filling a seat vacated by Tyrell Spradley, who resigned after just four months. The board voted 5-3 to appoint Lawson, a school board veteran, during a contentious, crowded meeting at which many residents supported other candidates for the seat.

Changing Hands

Brookwood St., 2200: K. Reinoso to F. DeJesus, $62,500

Camp St., 633: Amtwo Investors LLC to J. Addison, $44,900

Chestnut St., 316: G. & M. Peck to D. Pedroza, $117,000

Derry St., 2436: M. & I. Collins to B. Wolfe, $75,000

Derry St., 2615: S. Mejia to S. Salleb & M. Aiz, $42,500

Green St., 801: Bricker Boys Partnership to Capitol River LLC, $264,900

Forster St., 217 & 222 Briggs St.: G. Rothman c/o RSR Realtors to M. Three Properties, $525,000

Green St., 1729: A. Toberman to P. Lee & S. Willard, $145,000

Green St., 1830: J. Becknauld to Berlin Group LLC, $76,000

Green St., 2345: J. Chirdon to J. Marsh, $83,700

Green St., 3236: D. Conner to C. Devaney, $71,500

Harris St., 212: R. Evanchak to G. Rhone, $138,000

Harris St., 235: M. Barrette to T. Kline, $80,900

Harris St., 429: S. Rao to McClellan Development Group LLC, $76,000

Herr St., 315: J. Montgomery to P. Shaughnessy, $124,500

Holly St., 1837: Skye Holdings LLC to E. Torres, $30,000

Hudson St., 1256: M. Shatto to Marsico Realty LLC, $105,000

Kelker St., 236: D. Zurick to E. Strobel & M. Bragers, $185,500

Kensington St., 2213: P. Flores to S. & A. Popoola, $63,500

Kensington St., 2266: D. Selvey to A. Tilghman, $66,240

Kittatinny St., 1215: A. & R. Apa to S&P Property Holdings LLC, $285,000

Maclay St., 318: Skye Holdings LLC to A. Nebbou & C. Myers, $30,000

Market St., 1920: G. Norman to F. Grooms, $99,000

Nagle St., 123: K. Snyder & C. Kaufman to L. & C. Jerome, $152,500

N. 2^nd St., 1829: M. Nolt to E. & G. Stailey, $134,900

N. 2^nd St., 1935: R. & A. Apa to G. & J. Geiges, $70,000

N. 2^nd St., 2904: F. & B. Pinto to J. Hamley & M. Nolt, $315,000

N. 2^nd St., 3007: A. Harris to E. Kotz & S. Wissler, $168,000

N. 3^rd St., 1700, L57: J. Cody to PA Deals LLC, $63,500

N. 3^rd St., 2201 & 2205: A. & R. Apa to S&P Property Holdings LLC, $275,000

N. 3^rd St., 2333: R. Oberton Sr. to 2333 N. 3^rd Street LLC, $115,000

N. 4^th St., 2225: P. Yoder & E. Murphy-Yoder to 2225 4^th LLC, $45,000

N. 5^th St., 2403: Skye Holdings LLC to A. Nebbou & C. Myers, $34,900

N. 5^th St., 2409: 2409 N. 5^th St. LLC to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $31,480

N. 5^th St., 2605: 42 5^th St. LLC to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $37,690

N. 14^th St., 1216: L. Dodd to S. Mejia, $30,000

N. 15^th St., 1625: C. Cade to Ma Ambashakti LLC, $30,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 406: Z. Fogel to J. Davis, $98,900

N. Front St., 2837, Unit 201: R. & L. Barry to H. Witte, $128,750

Penn St., 1622: S. Simon to E. & J. Mallory, $102,000

Penn St., 2232: N. & J. Weaver to T. Cook, $53,000

Pennwood Rd., 3207: C. Gaither to M. Katzman, $125,000

Pine St., 224: Pennsylvania Retailers to PSREU LLC, $110,000

Race St., 604: S. Cairns to A. Heinzel, $165,000

Reel St., 2605: J. Clark to A. Winter, $42,599

Reily St., 255: E. Harman to R. Wodele, $142,500

S. 13^th St., 333: Eastern Mennonite Mission to Herman International Ministries, $132,000

S. 14^th St., 1400: M. Vargas to City of Harrisburg, $59,000

S. 14^th St., 1405: M. Allsup to City of Harrisburg, $39,000

S. 17^th St., 1111: Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to V. Ceballos, $40,000

S. 19^th St., 1117: C. Runne to F. Payero, $93,000

S. 20^th St., 25: P. Morton to C. Arnold, $55,000

S. 20^th St., 631: F. & R. Rivera to E. & D. Cortes, $92,000

S. 20^th St., 1226: W. & M. Branche to W. & J. Venable, $143,900

S. 22^nd St., 713: A. Sahovic to EGG Gourmet Solutions LLC, $820,000

S. 25^th St., 725: K. Brown to G. & L. Davis, $130,000

S. 25^th St., 729: 729 25^th Street LLC to Y. Suero & N. Richard, $183,000

S. Cameron St., 1327: E. & R. Kehr to J. Swigart, $44,500

S. Front St., 811: Bank of New York Mellon Trustee & NationStar Mortgage LLC to R. Shokes Jr., $52,000

State St., 1502: R. & A. Sharp to S. Kochis, $73,820

Glorious Feeling: Area native Stosh Snyder begins his first season at the helm of Theatre Harrisburg.

August 31, 2018 | by Karen Hendricks

“Why does September seem sunny as spring?” asks one version of the classic Hollywood song, “Singin’ in the Rain.”

Stosh Snyder, whose favorite musical of all time is “Singin’ in the Rain,” likely has the answer. The new executive director of Theatre Harrisburg says the future is bright indeed for the community theatre’s 2018-19 season—launching this month—as well as his own professional career.

Snyder, 43, says Harrisburg is one of the most vibrant—and oldest—theater communities in the country. A native son, he’s been performing since the age of 7. He even took classes at Theatre Harrisburg as a child. Twenty-five years ago, he played the role of Cosmo Brown at Central Dauphin High School’s “Singin’ in the Rain” production.

After earning his musical education degree at Shenandoah University, he stayed in Virginia as a music teacher for a few years. When he returned to Harrisburg, his career took a new, business-oriented direction as he worked in sales, then in the insurance industry. He stayed involved in the local theater scene, also appearing in independent films and commercials. Then, as he said, “My dream job opened up.”

After about a year in the position, then-Executive Director Allison Hays resigned in April. Snyder was one of about 15 applicants who threw his hat into the ring.

“I was very impressed with Stosh,” said Jay Krevsky, the theater’s long-time board member who served on the search committee. “The committee’s choice was unanimous.”

Sndyer said that he brings a unique perspective—including business acumen—to the position, which he began in mid-May.

“I’ve been involved in Theatre Harrisburg for almost two decades,” he said. “I’ve lived the life of the volunteer, of the actor, of the patron. So, I think I have a good understanding [of the organization]. We’re not a professional theater, but we want to operate like one.”

Fully Entertained

When I spoke with Snyder, he was in full motion preparing for his first season as executive director.

The 2018-19 season launches this month with “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” and continues with “Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical” in November. Other highlights throughout the season include “Oh Joy, Oh Rapture,” “Doubt,” “Avenue Q” and “Sylvia.”

“When I say there’s something for everybody in our season, it couldn’t be truer,” said Snyder.

“Newsies,” he said, is a fun, family-friendly show, while “Avenue Q” is “basically ‘Sesame Street’ for adults.” “Baskerville,” he said, will show off the “incredible talent of some of our actors.”

“We have shows that will make you laugh, shows that will make you cry, but you’re going to leave feeling fully entertained,” he said.

Snyder credits his predecessor for choosing a great lineup.

“Alison did a wonderful job here and picked a great season,” he said. “Financially, the theater is doing great, and she has a lot to do with that.”

Snyder is also quick to thank Theatre Harrisburg’s army of volunteers.

He estimates as many as 200 volunteers do everything from stitching costumes to pounding nails on the set. Including his job, the theater has five paid positions; volunteers fill all other gaps. He welcomes anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to contact Theatre Harrisburg and “find your niche.”

In terms of goals, Snyder said that he has three.

“Goal number one, even though it’s a cliché, is to put the community back in theater,” he said. “I want to offer an educational platform for our volunteers to find success in producing a production. I also want to help put more people in the seats and entertain our community. And I want to offer programs for kids. Our mission and theater was built on education.”

Snyder said that a children’s holiday show will be added to the lineup in December. And he would like to launch a kids’ summer theater program.

“Theaters sometimes go dark in the summer,” he said. “But my feeling is, a theater should never go dark unless it’s a blackout and a scene change.”

The Buzz

Snyder is complimentary towards fellow theater and arts organizations throughout the greater Harrisburg area. He said that he views other theater groups as a community and not as competition, because the end result is “extraordinary talent,” thanks to actors honing their craft.

What is it about theater that gets in your blood, whether you’re a performer or a theater aficionado? Snyder said that the answer is an emotional one.

“First, I get a joy out of watching people laugh and be entertained,” he said. “People who come to watch a show—we’re helping them escape their everyday lives and reality for a 120 minutes.”

Then there’s the ability to pull emotion out of people.

“That’s where the buzz comes from,” he said. “There’s nothing like live theater. There are no two shows exactly alike. When you see the audience’s appreciation, you can see it in their eyes.”

Theatre Harrisburg is located at 513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg. They also perform many shows at Whitaker Center. For more information on the theater or its upcoming season, call 717-232-5501 or see theatreharrisburg.com.

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