Tag Archives: Theater

Open Stage presents free, all virtual season amid COVID-19

September 8, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Open Stage in Harrisburg announces plans for its 2020-21 season.

In the coming months, you may find yourself pulling on your finest sweatpants, sipping on your sweetest boxed wine and sliding on your fluffiest slippers for a trip to the theater.

For its 2020-21 season, Open Stage Theatre of Harrisburg presents a lineup of completely free, virtual shows.

“We are in unprecedented times; from the smallest community theater to the big houses on Broadway–all theaters are struggling,” said producing artistic director Stuart Landon in a statement. “But we feel strongly that this is the right direction for us to go in. We have so much work to do to engage the parts of our community that have never been to live theatre.”

From October to June, Open Stage will perform a different play each month live-streamed on YouTube.

Only five staff will comprise the casts, production teams and crews for the entire season—Benny Benamati, Brianna Dow, Chris Gibson, Rachel Landon and Stuart Landon.

“All of us have worn many hats in our careers, both here and in theatres across the country,” Chris Gibson, production manager, said in a statement. “We are going to be using that collective experience while pulling a lot of tricks out of our sleeves to make these entertaining and meaningful shows.”

The show schedule will be as follows:

October 9-26, 2020: “Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus”—adapted from the novel by Mary Shelley
November 6-22, 2020: “Poirot Investigates!”—adapted from the works of Agatha Christie
December 4-20, 2020: “A Christmas Carol”—the 21st annual production adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens
January 8-24, 2021: “Kafka’s Shorts”—adapted from the works of Franz Kafka by David Lee
February 5 – 21, 2021: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”— adapted from the short story by Washington Irving
March 5 – 21, 2021: “Everyman”—adapted from various sources by Patrick Hughes and Chris Gibson
April 2 – 18, 2021: “The Time Machine”—adapted from the novel by H. G. Wells
April 30 – May 16, 2021: “Treasure Island”—adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
May 28 – June 13, 2021: “Poirot Returns!”—adapted from the works of Agatha Christie

Shows will include unique theatrical devices, including puppetry, found-object design, trunk show performance, projection and green screen techniques, said Open Stage.

Landon said through the free virtual format, he hopes financial barriers that previously kept people away from theater will be broken down.

Low-cost online theater classes for students will be offered, starting in September. They will have virtual performances throughout the year, Landon said.

Open Stage is still undecided on whether they will re-open their newly renovated building to the public next year or not, Landon said. He added they are being cautious, but optimistic.

Open Stage said the theater’s budget has been slashed dramatically, leaving them to rely on ticket sales, classes and fundraising to make up $200,000.

A pay-what-you-will ticketing system will allow the community to donate, Open Stage said. People can even choose to be part of the theater’s “Inner Circle,” giving them access to special events, in addition to all performances.

“Theatre has survived plagues, wars, government coups and stock market crashes,” Landon said in a statement. “Even without audiences, it will survive Covid-19.”

To access Open Stage’s live and archived performances, visit the theater’s YouTube page. For more information, visit Open Stage’s website.

New Season, New Space: Open Stage is in the midst of a makeover

August 21, 2019 | by Yaasmeen Piper

An artist’s rendering of the new front entrance of Open Stage of Harrisburg

People often told Stuart Landon that Open Stage was one of the many hidden gems of Harrisburg.

Even though they meant well, Landon, the theater’s producing and artistic director, would joke that he’s ready for the space not to be hidden anymore. Just a gem.

Thanks to a $1 million renovation project, Open Stage is on its way to achieving Landon’s “just gem” status. Almost every part of the theater is being revamped, including the stages, lighting and sound system, and even a new N. Court Street entrance.

“It’s going to be more of a destination than it ever was,” Landon said. “We’re hoping that this allows us more visibility, along with improving the experience of our patrons and improving our experience with our students.”

One of the bigger additions is the Open Stage bar. The bar will feature a small stage, which will be used for spoken word and open mic nights, cabarets and drag performances.

Along with the stage in the bar, the theater will have two other stages: the main stage (see floor plan, right side) and a black box or studio theater, which will hold around 50 people (see floor plan, left side).

For performers, Open Stage is reconfiguring its backstage area and upgrading its green room and dressing rooms.

“It’s important that our mission is to support a company of artists, and it’s important that their spaces are all utilized and efficient in a comfortable way,” Landon said. “So that was a big part of our renovations.”

Open Stage is also adding a classroom for students in the Alsedek Theatre School. Named after Don and Anne Alsedek, co-founders of Open Stage along with Marianne Fisher, the Alsedek Theatre School helps K-12 students develop their acting skills through workshops and productions. This spring, students are performing “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach” on the new black box stage.

“It’s really exciting for them to kind of have a home that they can call their own,” Landon said.

Open Stage also is increasing the theater’s accessibility and adding bathrooms and an emergency exit near Strawberry Alley.

Open Stage was able to upgrade its space (which, according to Landon, “is long overdue”) thanks to its 30/30 campaign. The 30/30 campaign is a fundraiser in which the theater honors its previous 34 years, while looking toward the next 30 years, hence the renovations.

“We’re going to be here for the long haul,” he said. “We love where we are. We love our space. We love being downtown. And so it’s like, ‘Okay, if we’re going to be here, then what do we need to do to our facility to make sure that it can last for the next 30 years?’”

Open Stage started its campaign in spring 2017 and has gotten donations from residents, local businesses and foundations. According to Landon, it’s the largest capital campaign in Open Stage history, and they still have a ways to go. So far, they’ve raised $700,000 of the $1 million they need to reach.

“We’ve not only never made an ask this big, but we’ve never made an ask like this,” he said. “The fact that we looked to our community and said, ‘Hey, will you help us?’ and they turned right around and said, ‘Yes.’”

Open Stage is set to open the doors to its new space in early October. Their first production will be “Who’s Holiday!” which runs Nov. 16 through Dec. 28 and stars Rachel Landon, who also is Open Stage’s marketing manager.

“[Patrons] get to see this beautiful product that a group of artists put together, and so it’s a really beautiful thing,” she said. “So, I’m glad that we get to improve our facilities and improve the experience because I think it’s worth it. It really is.”

Open Stage of Harrisburg is located on 25 N. Court St, Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Open Stage website.

Raise the Curtain: Gamut cuts ribbon for new education center, second stage

August 6, 2018 | by Yaasmeen Piper

Gamut co-founders Clark and Melissa Nicholson, center, surrounded by students, cheer following today’s ribbon cutting.

After years of campaigning and construction, Gamut Theatre Group held the grand opening and ribbon cutting today for its new Education Center.

Located at the back of the theater in downtown Harrisburg, the center features the new Alexander Grass Second Stage, two renovated classrooms and technical teaching shops for students to learn about costume construction, scenery design, sound, lighting and more.

“What this space does is it provides a way for us to really focus in a geographical way in this building on our children’s theater, which is what we started with,” said Clark Nicholson, Gamut’s co-founder and artistic director. “We wanted it to have a home, and we have it today.”

The 10,000-square-foot center features a wooden stage in the center of the room surrounded by seats and pews, with a balcony one on side. The walls feature a mural by local artist Jacintha Clark, who painted cotton candy-colored clouds merging with a night sky filled with golden stars on the ceiling. Behind the seats on the first floor are two rooms for costumes and props. Upstairs are three rooms: one for teaching, another for lounging and a third full of knick-knacks, books, paintings and more.

Gamut Theatre’s Alexander Grass Second Stage

The new space will house the Popcorn Hat Players Children’s Theatre, as well as the Stage Door Series Ensemble and Gamut Theatre Academy, all year round. Before, students floated among various places in the theater, but this new space will be their permanent home.

“The core of this mission is the classic story, these universal truths and these stories that have been around for hundreds of years. We give kids access to those,” said Jeff Luttermoser, dean of the Gamut Theatre Summer Academy. “They are going to be the keepers of those stories and the following generation. So, it’s so important that we do that work, and we get to do that here.”

The center was created with the help of partners such as Harristown Enterprises, the city of Harrisburg and the Alexander Grass Foundation. Arts patron Lois Grass was the advisor for the Gamut Theatre Capital Campaign, which raised $2.3 million for the project.

This is the second phase of construction for Gamut, which purchased the former First Church of God in 2013 and has been busy at work since raising money and turning the historic building into theater space. The first phase, completed in 2015, focused on the lobby, mainstage and other core components.

“We’re not just going to have a bigger building and touch more kids lives,” said Brad Winnick, Gamut Theatre’s board vice president. “But now we’re going to actually increase the breadth and depth of what we do.”

The first performance on the new stage will be this Thursday, Aug. 9, through Aug. 19, when Gamut will present “Hijacked!” a choose-your-own play performance starting at 7:30 p.m.

“The most exciting thing to me, as a parent, is that every one of these kids is going to grow up and be adults who may be on stage,” said Winnick. “They are going to be the people that keep that arts community that Gamut is a part of in this city–and whatever communities they live in–alive.”

Gamut Theater is located on 15 N 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information visit www.gamuttheatre.org

Snyder named new executive director for Theatre Harrisburg

May 14, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda

Theatre Harrisburg has named a local theater veteran and central PA native as its new executive director.

Effective today, Stosh Snyder took the helm of the 92-year-old organization, replacing Allison Hays, who served in the position for about a year.

“Theatre Harrisburg holds a special place in my heart,” Snyder said in a statement. “I am truly honored and excited to take the reins of something that has brought me great joy ever since I was a young kid.”

In his new position, Snyder will be responsible for the overall operations of the theater, which frequently stages productions both at Whitaker Center in downtown Harrisburg and at Theatre Harrisburg’s own Krevsky Production Center.

Snyder is a graduate of Central Dauphin High School and, as a child, took acting classes at Harrisburg Community Theatre, the original name of Theatre Harrisburg, according to the organization.

He’s also a graduate of Shenandoah University in Virginia, returning to the Harrisburg area in 2004. He has performed frequently at Theatre Harrisburg and at Hershey Area Playhouse.

Snyder’s many roles have included Harold Hill in “The Music Man,” George Gibbs in “Our Town,” Phil Davis in “White Christmas” and Lt. Cioffi in “Curtains.”

“We are thrilled to bring Stosh aboard,” said Solomon Krevsky, chairman of the board of directors of Theatre Harrisburg. “He is greatly respected in the capital region arts community for his talents and dedication to theater, and his keen business acumen will serve us well.”

For more information about Theatre Harrisburg, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com.

Cathedral Comeback: Events are reinvigorating Harrisburg’s magnificent Scottish Rite building.

February 28, 2018 | by Casey Kelly

Photo by Elena Jasic

Harrisburg is filled with history.

There’s so much that even longtime residents may be unaware of a landmark or of its original purpose or significance. The Scottish Rite Cathedral, an imposing stone-and-brick masterpiece near Italian Lake, is one of those.

Scottish Rite, a branch of Freemasons, built the cathedral in 1954 as a venue for meetings, public gatherings, Masonic ceremonies and entertainment events. At the time, the building’s 120-seat theater was state-of-the-art.

Lee Boltz, a longtime member who now serves as the rental and booking agent for the venue, said he’s working to give the cathedral new life by attracting a new crop of shows and events to the theater and other event rooms.

“Unfortunately, the public has forgotten about this place,” Boltz said. “There are people who have lived in Harrisburg for 15 or 20 years and come in here for the first time and their mouths drop open. They had no idea it exists here.”

Not as Popular
As an organization, freemasonry is based on brotherhood, respect and mutual support.

Besides aiding fellow members, Masonic branches typically support a community organization. For instance, Scottish Rite hosts The Learning Center, which is located on the lower level of the building and specializes in teaching children with dyslexia.

“Any child who is referred here does not pay anything,” Boltz said. “They just come in, and the staff works with them. We’ve seen a lot of success stories in our Learning Center, with school grades going up.”

For many decades, the Freemasons thrived. Until the 1980s, 400 to 500 Masons regularly returned for bi-annual reunions at the N. 3rd Street building, Boltz said. At that time, most of the cathedral’s event space, such as the ballroom, dining rooms and the theater, was reserved for Masonic use rather than public events.

About 20 years ago, the Scottish Rite began to see declining membership, due, in part, to an increase in family and work obligations and competing social and extracurricular activities, Boltz said.

“Fraternal organizations are not as popular as they used to be, the same way as churches, clubs, the Rotary, Kiwanis,” he said. “It’s difficult for any of those organizations to find people.”

Golden Age
Dwindling membership numbers drive the need to reinvigorate use of the cathedral’s stunning auditorium and replace funds lost from fewer dues.

Boltz is optimistic about making 2018 a revival year for the theater. He hopes to return it the the auditorium’s golden age, when such major acts as the Four Seasons, the Vogues, Chicago and the Glenn Miller Band graced the stage. To that end, he already has scheduled several upcoming shows and hopes to book more.

The theater is in nearly pristine condition. The décor has a retro, 1960s-era look, but is in fanstastic shape, as is the sound system and the large backstage area.

Aside from theatrical productions, the public can rent out rooms in the cathedral for other events, such as birthday parties, reunions and weddings. Its two kitchens are equipped with the essential appliances and stocked with dishes, glasses, silverware, serving utensils, etc. They no longer cater events themselves, but people can hire their own caterers.

“I’m looking for well-known, national acts, as well as local people,” Boltz said. “It’s going to take a little while to get moving again, and I’m willing to be patient. But I’d really like to see it become a thriving theater, concert hall, banquet facility, wedding reception hall — anything.”

What’s Ahead
Numerous events are planned over the next few months at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, including:

● March 15-18: Capital Area School for the Arts’ “Little Shop of Horrors.” Ticket price TBA.
● March 17: Open Stage of Harrisburg’s “Diary of Anne Frank.” Tickets start at $18. Show starts 2 p.m.
● April 7: Bluegrass bands Colebrook Road and Serene Green. Tickets $15. Doors 6:30 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m.
● April 14: Rock & roll bands Grumpy Old Men, Jellybricks & Stereo Glow. Tickets $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Doors 6:30 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m.

In May, Scottish Rite is planning a Mother’s Day Brunch, complete with an omelet station, eggs made to order, breakfast meats and a carving station for beef sirloin, pork loin and roasted chicken. Adults cost $24.95, children 6 to 12 are $12.95 and children 5 and under are free. The event is by reservation only.

Each December, the theater also hosts the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet’s “Nutcracker.” Throughout the year, The Studio dance school in Enola stages various recitals and performances there. The cathedral currently is negotiating to present an off-broadway comedy, as well.

The Harrisburg Scottish Rite Cathedral is located at 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Harrisburg Scottish Rite Events Facebook page or www.valleyofharrisburg.org. For tickets to an event, visit eventbrite.com or call the theater office at 717-238-8867.

Theater Meets Cinema: “The Flick”: Scenes of life, staged inside a movie theater.

February 28, 2018 | by Laura Dugan

Photo by Haley Harned

Imagine a play that takes place in a movie theater. Then imagine being able to experience that play while sitting in a movie theater.

This spring, you will be able to just that, as “The Flick,” part of Open Stage of Harrisburg’s 32nd season, will be performed at Midtown Cinema.

“The Flick” offers a peek into the lives of Sam, Avery and Rose as they deal with life’s daily struggles while working at a behind-the-times, rundown movie theater.

“If you really love a good character study, this is for you,” said Brennen Dickerson, who plays Sam. “There are three really wonderful, deep, complex characters that have very different points of view. It’s a slice of life that you haven’t seen before.”

Dickerson, as well as Maddie McCann, who portrays Rose, said that audiences will find the play to be very relatable. Though a small ensemble piece, attendees are likely to recognize themselves in one of the characters, they said.

“I see so much of myself in Rose,” said McCann. “When I tell people that I was cast in this role, they are not surprised at all. I think we are very alike in ways that are good and also in ways that are not good.”

Open Stage Producing Artistic Director Stuart Landon directs the show. Landon, who has worked in various capacities at Open Stage for 10 years, also has ties to the Midtown Cinema. He assisted in revitalizing the movie theater and has introduced many of the cinema’s special events, such as “Down in Front” and the annual “Red Carpet Evening” highlighting the Oscars.

“A good friend handed me the script while it was still in its original run,” Landon said. “I was blown away by the slow-brewing, slow-burning drama. I’m elated to bring together my two homes, Open Stage and Midtown Cinema, and two of my passions, theater and film. I think audiences are going to love this combination in ‘The Flick.’”

Written by Annie Baker, “The Flick” won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It’s not the typical kind of theater you see in central PA.

“Baker’s plays are really different than most of the things out there right now,” McCann said. “They are focused on people being people.”

Dickerson agreed, saying the show is unlike anything you are going to see in the area this year.

“If you want to see something different, this is definitely the play to see,” he said.

While many audiences may not be familiar with “The Flick,” McCann sees performing the piece at Midtown Cinema as a way to make the play more accessible.

“There is a different atmosphere when performing where the play is actually taking place,” she said. “It’s such an intimately written show. You feel like you’re peering into these people’s lives, and performing in an actual movie theater only adds to that.”

Landon is excited for the challenges of performing in such a unique place. This will be the first time any piece of theater has been hosted at Midtown Cinema.

“The play has such wonderful moments of heart and comedy and the joys and sorrows of everyday life,” Landon said. “All of that on top of having it performed at the cinema makes this a show audiences will not want to miss.”

“The Flick” runs March 25 to April 22 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. It is recommended that guests be at least 14 years old to attend. For information and tickets, visit www.openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING THEATER EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS

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

The Popcorn Hat Players Present
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears”
March 7 to 24
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 or at the door.

William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Educational Outreach Public Performances
March 16 to 18
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Doors and bar open one hour prior to performance.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office.

“Improvapalooza”
An evening of improvisational comedy, featuring the area’s most beloved improv theater troupes. Harrisburg Improv Theatre, The Oxymorons, Safe Word and Gamut’s own TMI can be seen in one location at one event. These “April fools” will be performing appropriately on April Fools Day weekend.
March 30
Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. and will remain open throughout the event.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the door.

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

“Akeelah and the Bee”
By Cheryl L. West
Based on the screenplay by Doug Atchison
Feb. 16 to March 11
A bright young girl from the South Side of Chicago trains to achieve a championship at the National Spelling Bee.

“The Diary of Anne Frank”
March 17 at 2 p.m.
Scottish Rite, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hacket
Based upon “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl”
Based on the actual diary of a young girl who comes of age while hiding from the Nazis in a tiny, overcrowded attic with her family for more than two years.

“The Flick”
A new play by Annie Baker
March 25 to April 22
At Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg
While sweeping up stale popcorn in a movie house, three employees hold passionate debates about human connection.

Capital 10-Miler
March 31
A run for the arts.
To register, go to www.capital10-miler.com.

Next Stage: Stuart Landon ushers in the future of Open Stage

July 31, 2017 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

Stuart Landon

Stuart Landon had only a minimal learning curve when he assumed the role of producing artistic director of Open Stage of Harrisburg last month.

“I’d spent the last 10 years at Open Stage,” Landon said of the downtown Harrisburg theater, established in 1986 by Donald and Anne Alsedek, along with Marianne Fischer.

A decade ago, Landon landed at Open Stage after performing in a handful of community-theater productions—including as the male lead (Curly) in “Oklahoma” at Allenberry Playhouse—and directing a few others. He auditioned for Open Stage’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” Not even three years later, he was on staff, first as marketing manager and later as associate artistic director.

Since then, Landon hasn’t done any “outside” acting, except for a few regional cabarets.

He was drawn to Open Stage after being impressed by two of its productions, “Come Back, Little Sheba” and “I am My Own Wife.” But as a self-described “musical theater guy,” Landon might not have formed such a strong connection if he hadn’t learned Open Stage was presenting “Little Shop of Horrors.” He auditioned for, and later starred in, the horror comedy-rock musical.

Even with such exposure, Landon claims he didn’t “fully understand” the essence of Open Stage until Donald Alsedek, its founding artistic director, cast him in “Well.” The play by Lisa Kron deals with mother-daughter relationships and the concepts of health and illness.

“It was a crazy cast, pretty intimate and a pretty magical experience,” he said.

Obvious Choice

Over the years, Landon has appeared in several of Open Stage’s most notable productions, including “Sondheim on Sondheim,” “The Santaland Diaries,” “Frost/Nixon,” “Doubt” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” His directorial efforts have included “The Hobbit,” “Oz” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

He has so impressed Open Stage’s founders that he was their first choice to continue what they developed and grew over 31 seasons.

“Needless to say, Stuart is extremely talented, as he has proven time and again,” said Donald Alsedek. “From the point he first auditioned and was cast, he continued to work with Open Stage and grow through the ranks as an actor, teacher, director, producer and administrator. When I made the decision to retire, Stuart was the obvious choice.”

A few things will change on Landon’s watch. Open Stage will remain at its same location in the belly of the Walnut Street Garage, but has “big plans” to change its façade, Landon said.

He also hopes to present musical theater more consistently, while retaining Open Stage’s dedication to new comedies and thought-provoking dramas. For the coming season, many of the works are by women about women.

Scheduled for 2017-18 are “The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler, “Akeelah and the Bee” (by Cheryl L. West, based on the book by Doug Atchison) and “Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties” by Jen Silverman. Open Stage also has commissioned a new adaptation by Laura Dugan of the classic, “Little Women.”

Open Stage also has hired a few local female artists to stage productions in the upcoming season: Karen Ruch, Kristi Ondo and Sharia Benn, director of the new Sankofa African American Theatre Company.

“It wasn’t deliberate, but it could be a theme of sorts, to lift up female voices,” Landon said. “The selection of these plays also offers the question of what other stories Open Stage needs to tell.”

Artistic Vision

So, what are Landon’s thoughts as he settles into his second month as Open Stage’s new producing artistic director?

“I loved my time with the Alsedeks and learned a lot,” he said. “Now I’m itching to spend time and skills and energy to promote the theater.”

For his part, Donald Alsedek said he is “very comfortable” passing the Open Stage baton to Landon.

“Stuart understands the culture of the organization, and I’m certain that he’ll be more than just a steward,” he said. “He will meld the values of the theater with his unique artistic vision.”

Even in retirement, Donald Alsedek will continue to shepherd Sankofa, which Open Stage helped launch, while Anne Alsedek, Open Stage’s long-term education director, still will teach classes at the downtown Harrisburg theater.

Besides his theater duties, Landon will retain his “second” job: director of community relations at Midtown Cinema.

“I’ve come to realize how much the patrons and subscribers of live theater and of independent film overlap,” he said.

In his new position at Open Stage, Landon will have his hand in just about everything, including theater administration, which he’s eager to take on.

“He’s full of ideas, eager and ready to take charge of the theater,” said Anne Alsedek. “He has given Don and me respect and cooperation and is well liked and admired in the community.”

Ultimately, the Alsedeks are confident that their great gift to Harrisburg—Open Stage—is in good hands as they retire.

“Things will change, but they should,” said Anne. “I wish him the best of luck, and can’t wait to see what he does.”

Open Stage of Harrisburg is located at 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-232-6736 or visit www.openstagehbg.com.

Author: Barbara Trainin Blank

Stage of Life: Allison Hays steps in as Theatre Harrisburg’s new executive director.

July 31, 2017 | by Lori M. Myers

Allison Hays has only held Theatre Harrisburg’s executive director job for a few months, yet it seems she’s been preparing for this position all her life.

Her journey from her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, to Harrisburg—with a stop or two along the way—has focused on the arts: its performance, its management, its future. She’s ready, for sure.

But, first, a bit of background.

For Hays, it only took one person to stoke the creative flames—her kindergarten teacher—who saw something in her, something special, and cast her as Suzy Snowflake, a leading role in a holiday play. In Hays’ words, she took to it like a “fish to water.” It helped that the artistic seeds were already being planted at home within a household of musical theater lovers, who began to notice their daughter’s passion for the stage.

“I have vivid summer memories of my mother working in the garage while I danced around in circles to ‘Phantom of the Opera’ or ‘Cats,’” she recalled. “I don’t think I know a time where I wasn’t singing, dancing or acting.”

In third grade, Hays got to see “The Nutcracker” and she proclaimed to her mother, “I wanna do THAT!”

Her parents enrolled her in a dance academy, drove her to theater auditions, and allowed her to join the Columbus Children’s Choir, where she learned solid musical skills. Theater became a part of her identity, and, while she hasn’t always had the good fortune to be employed in the arts, she has always found a way to actively participate through small productions or community theater.

And that’s where Theatre Harrisburg comes into “play.” Since 2010, Hays has performed in leading roles in shows such as “Camelot,” “Crazy for You” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” among others. She’s also choreographed, as well as been in the audience, when friends performed or cheered on those who were new to the Theatre Harrisburg family. While Hays has been involved in other projects at other venues, it’s there that she feels most at home.

“I have met so many wonderful people, and I have never ever felt like I didn’t belong,” Hays said. “I cannot express how fantastic it is to have beautiful set and lighting designs, be wearing a costume built just for you, and get to sing along with a professional pit orchestra. An amateur doesn’t often get that kind of experience.”

Hays also brings arts management know-how to her new executive director title. She has previously held positions at WITF, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet. She recently managed an off-Broadway play and has served as a manager for a long-running musical called “The Days of ’98 Show With Soapy Smith” up in the wilds of Skagway, Alaska, where she’s run the daily operations—from directing to box office coordination.

“It’s a hoot,” she said. “Can-can dancing, ragtime piano, vaudeville humor. I’ve met several people from the Harrisburg area. It’s so fun to meet all the way up in the northland.”

While Hays loved Alaska’s extended daylights and starlit skies, she admits that Harrisburg has other advantages, such as its museums, a fabulous symphony and great dance companies, not to mention its proximity to larger cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Washington, D.C. She’s more than ready to continue to put Theatre Harrisburg’s stamp on the midstate, much to the delight of the board of directors who recognized Hays’ passion for the theater‘s mission.

“She possesses a diverse skill set which matches our needs and demonstrates the ability to work with people from different backgrounds and points of view,” said Solomon Krevsky, Theatre Harrisburg board president. “Allison has deep roots in the central Pennsylvania performing arts and business communities. We are thrilled to have her.”

And the feeling is shared. She was excited and nervous when Krevsky called with the offer, but “chewed it over in my mind” and then thought, “Let’s go!”

Theatre Harrisburg’s upcoming season (and Hays’ first as executive director) will include the musicals “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Hairspray” at Whitaker Center. The Krevsky Center on Hurlock Street will present “Rumors,” “Grave Doubts,” “God of Carnage” and a recent off-Broadway musical, “I Love You Because.”

“I have also added a holiday performance featuring young performers only,” Hays said. “Hopefully, it will also feature student directors, costume design, etc. Young people in our area are passionate about doing shows. I want to open up our opportunities to include them as a part of our community.”

Along with expanding youth programming at Theatre Harrisburg, Hays hopes to actively work towards building a community of volunteers and audience members along with balancing both classic and contemporary shows.

“All of my separate experiences now seem to be related when I look at how useful they are to this new position,” Hays mused. “I feel poised and ready to make a difference.”

For more information about Theatre Harrisburg, including its 2017-18 season, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com.

Author:Lori M. Myers

Happenings: Our July Calendar of Events

June 30, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

3rd Street Studio
1725 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-385-3315; Facebook: 3rd Street Studio

“Torn Paper Portraits,” by Robert Patrick Haldeman, at Café 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., through July 17.

“Depth of Perception,” featuring the sculptural, story-based paintings by Zheka Art, through July 21.

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

“Hemmings Classic Car Detroit Underdogs,” highlighting the often overlooked, under-appreciated and easily attainable cars of youth, through Aug. 27.

“Camaro & Firebird 50^th Anniversary Exhibit,” featuring a show of these iconic American vehicles, through Oct. 8.

“Garage Finds: Unrestored Treasures that Survived Time,” through Oct. 8.

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

“Art School Annual,” featuring works of art by AAH students, through July 20.

“International Exhibition,” featuring the works of Douglas D. Anderson, Evelyn R. Burton, Cathy Frey, John Guarnera and Fred Scruton, July 28-Aug. 31; reception, July 28, 5-8 p.m.

Brain Vessel Gallery
4707 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-2306; bvcargo.com

“Mythic Realms,” oil paintings by Jon Carraher, through mid-August; receptions: July 7 and 8, 7-10 p.m.

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

“The Yellow Fever,” an exhibition of photographs by John Wright, exploring the color yellow in urban settings, through July 23.

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

Artist of the Month: Jacob Mazurek

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

“Hanging by a Thread,” needlework exhibit showcasing handmade needlework, through Dec. 23.

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
galleryatsecond.com

Works by Irene VanBuskirk, Karen Commings and Mark Wesling, through Aug. 5.

Works by Joanne Finkle at Café 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., July 19-Aug. 15; reception: July 21, 6 to 9 p.m.

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

Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, through July 8.

Membership Show & Gallery Student Show, July 13-Aug. 26.

Historical Society of Dauphin County
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
dauphincountyhistory.org

“Uncle Sam Calls: Dauphin County in World War I,” an exhibit of historic posters and artifacts, through Dec. 22.

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

“4 x 6 Art Exhibition,” a showcase of small-scale artwork by artists of a variety of media with dimensions not exceeding 4” x 6” x 1.5”, through July 21.

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

Works by Joelle Arawjo, Yachiyo Beck, John Davis, Ann Benton Yeager and Paul Vasiliades, through July 16.

Works by Tina Berrier, Tami Bitner, Tara Chickey, Bob McCloskey and Marsha Souders, July 18-Aug. 13.

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

“Reconstruction: The Unfinished War,” examining the unfinished issue of equality among races in the reunited states, through Dec. 31.

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

“Wild America: The Art of Roger Tory Peterson,” through the end of August.

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

“After the Masters,” oil and acrylic paintings by Pat Koscienski, through July.

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

“Burst Into Bloom,” selectively abstract paintings rich in contrast of lines, images and colors by Loretta St. John, through July 8.

“Weaving Through the Countryside,” paintings by Valerie Moyer and basketry by Teena Beutel, July 14-Aug. 5; reception: July 14, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history.

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

“Art of the State,” annual juried exhibition showcasing the work of Pennsylvania artists, through Sept. 10.

“Pennsylvania at War: World War I Posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives,” through Nov. 12.

“Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania,” through Dec. 30.

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

“Eccentricity,” selected works from the 2017 Artistic Expressions Student Exhibition, through July 30.

“Vessels,” a juried exhibition, through Aug. 6.

“Art in Balance, Motorcycles and Fine Art,” with modern and contemporary works on display juxtaposed with rare and historic motorcycles, Sept. 17.

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

“Expanded Visions,” juried exhibition that embraces all forms of photography from the traditional darkroom to the digital image, through July 7.

Whitaker Center/The Curved Wall
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

“Art on Tour,” featuring the works of Perry County Council of the Arts member artists, through Aug. 18.

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

“Art in the Wild,” nature-inspired art, through Oct. 31.

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

Works by Kelly Curran, through July 11.

Works by Monica Smith, July 16-Aug. 9.

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

“Playing with Light,” photography by Jesus Martinez, through July 20.

“Science Meets Art,” geometrical and symbolic designs by Katie Trainer, July 21-Aug. 17.

Read, Make, Learn

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

July 13: Pound and Pour w/Omni Fitness, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
July 27: Pop Up Class—Beer and Yoga, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

July 14: Cruising Caribbean, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
July 19: South of the Border Delights, 6-9 p.m.
July 27: Great Sandwich, Pizza and Beer Pairing, 6-9 p.m.

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

July 3, 10, 17 24, 31: Summer Drop-in Story Time, 9:30 a.m.
July 3, 17: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Meetup Discussion Group, 2 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Teen Movie Matinees, 2 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
July 8: Story Time and Music Therapy by Sovia Therapy, 3 p.m.
July 10: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
July 10, 24: Teen Short Story Workshop, 7 p.m.
July 11: Curl up with the Classics—“Animal Farm,” 10 a.m.
July 11: What’s the Matter? w/Maryland Science Center, 10:30 a.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6 p.m.
July 18: Teen STEM DAY, 2 p.m.
July 18: Fredricksen Reads—“Rise and Shine,” 7 p.m.
July 19: WickedTunes After Hours, 6:30 p.m.
July 21: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
July 21-22: Safe Sitter Training, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
July 25: Build a Better Cupcake, 2 p.m.
July 25: Gardening with Nature—Weed Identification, 7 p.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

July 3-Aug. 21: Improv Level 3, Mondays, 7-10 p.m.

Healthy Living Kitchen
16 S. Rosanna St., Hummelstown
717-512-0077; healthylivingkitchenpa.com

July 19: Cooking Class—Summer Cook Nights, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Hershey Art Association
hersheyareaartassociation.com

July 25-26: Dive Into Color, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist -Center
251 Wiconisco St., Harrisburg
717-232-2700; meditationpa.org

July 29: The Key to Inner Peace: Understanding the Mind, 1 to 4 p.m.

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

July 1: Drop-in Art, 1-4 p.m.
July 15: A Novel Idea 102, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 29: Intro to Expressive Abstract Painting, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
July 4: Men’s Group, 6 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
July 11: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
July 13: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
July 18: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.
July 25: LGBT Parents, 6 p.m.

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; musicatmetropolis.com

July 10-14: Rock Band Summer Camp Guitar Intensive, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 17-21: Rock Band Performance Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 24-28: Rock Band Songwriting Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 31-Aug. 4: Boom Pop Jam Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

July 1: Author Event w/Jim Minick, 1-3 p.m.
July 1: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
July 4, 11, 18, 25: Coffee, Cake and True Islam, 5 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
July 7, 14, 28: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
July 13, 20: Camp Curtin Toastmasters, 6:30 p.m.
July 15: Poetry Reading w/Alan Krasner, 1-3 p.m.
July 15: Author Event w/Keith Law, 3-5 p.m.
July 16: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
July 16: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
July 22: Author Event w/Steven Levingston
July 29: Book Signing w/Tim Wesley, 1-3 p.m.

The Movement Center
2134 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-238-0357; themovementcenter.net

July 9: Community Yoga—Free Beginner Class, 10 a.m.

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

July 7: Fun Friday, 3 p.m.
July 7, 21: Library After Hours, 6 p.m.
July 7, 21, 28: Fairytale Building, 10:15 a.m.
July 8: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 10, 11, 17: Hands-On Science, 1 p.m.
July 10, 17, 24, 31: Summertime Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
July 11, 15: Family Fun Night, 5:30 p.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.
July 15: Couponing Workshop, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 18: The Science of Sound, 1:30 p.m.
July 22: Robots, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 26: Pennwriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

July 5, 12, 19, 26: Nature Lab, 11:30 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Nature Lab, Archaeology, 11:30 a.m.
July 7: Storytime, 10-11 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Learn at Lunchtime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

July 8, 15, 22, 29: Saturday Morning Art Club (ages 4-7), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 8, 15, 22 29: Young Artist Camp (ages 8-12), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 19: Instructed Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

July 1: Saturday Morning Bird Walk, 8-10 a.m.
July 2: Beginner’s Yoga and Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.
July 9: Flower Walk – Still More Blooms, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 12: Stress Relief Walk, 6-7:30 p.m.
July 20: Get in Shape Walk, 6-7 p.m.
July 24-28: Photo Boot Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 31-Aug. 4: Photo Boot Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

July 9: The Righteous Brothers—Bill Medley & Bucky Heard
July 14: The Texas Tenors
July 16: The Glenn Miller Orchestra
July 30: Replay America—The Ultimate 80s Festival at Clipper Stadium

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

July 14: The Wild Hymns and The Red Eye Kings
July 15: D-Bo
July 20: Chris Jacobs
July 21: Matt Otis and the Sound
July 22: Appalachian Gypsy Tribe
July 28: Frog Holler
July 29: June Divided, One Trick Grizzly, Nothingmen

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

July 7: Peter Bottros

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

July 1, 9, 23: Anthony Haubert
July 5, 7, 21, 25: Noel Gevers
July 6, 27, 29: Corinna Joy
July 8, 13, 15: Roy Lefevre
July 11, 19: Maria Battista
July 12, 20: Chris Purcell
July 14, 18: Daniel Sheahan
July 22, 28: Ted Ansel
July 26: Deborah Anderson

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

July 1: Blackbear
July 3: In This Moment
July 7: Cayetana
July 13: Saintseneca, Michael Ray
July 14: New Found Glory
July 15: Fuel
July 16: Myles Parrish
July 20: The Menzingers
July 21: Ja Rule
July 22: Primus, Clutch
July 25: Theory of a Deadman
July 27: Moose Blood

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

July 1: Jeanine & Friends
July 7: Mike Banks
July 8: Hard Travelin’
July 9: Shelba Purtle
July 14: Kevin Kline
July 15: Doug Morrise
July 16: Emily Lynn Wilkins
July 21: Antonio Andrade
July 23: Colby Dove
July 24: Dominick Cicco
July 29: Michael Arthur & Kristina Machusick

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

July 11: After Hours Big Band
July 24: West Shore Symphony Orchestra

Greater Harrisburg Concert Band
717-576-758; ghcb.org

July 7: Concert at Bethany Village
July 8: Concert at Hampden Township Park & Pool, Mechanicsburg
July 14: Concert at Messiah College
July 16: Concert at Jewish Home, Harrisburg
July 21: Trinity Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg
July 28: Cumberland Crossings, Carlisle
July 30: Messiah Lifeways Chapel, Mechanicsburg

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

July 1: Vito DePiero, Entellekt, Rawston George & Young Swerve
July 8: Sons of Pitches, Back in Black
July 21: Aortic Valve

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

July 1-4: Summer Concert Series

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

July 1: DJ Magic, Vinyl Groov
July 7: Radio Neon
July 8: DJ Ray Rossi, Ryan Pelton Elvis Tribute, Restless
July 14: Funktion
July 15: DJ Dave Styles, Sapphire
July 21: Emily’s Toybox
July 22: DJ Matrix, Smooth Like Clyde
July 28: The Luv Gods
July 29: DJ Dave Styles, Green Eggs

Johnny Joe’s Sports Bar & Grill
5327 E. Trindle Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2254; johnnyjoesbar.com

July 1: fith
July 15: SOS
July 22: Decipher Life
July 29: Acedias

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

July 23: Concert at Adams-Ricci Park

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Uptown
1836 Green St., Harrisburg
717-695-4882; littleampscoffee.com

July 25: Jeffrey Lewis

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

July 9: Shippensburg Symphony w/Simone Lamsma
July 14: Shippensburg Symphony w/Jean-Yves Thibaudet
July 16: Shippensburg Symphony & Chorus w/the Towne Singers

Majestic Theater

25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg

717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org
July 11: Lake Street Dive
July 25: Graham Nash

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

July 21: West Garden Trio
July 23: Brasil Guitar Duo
July 26: Stuart Malina

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

July 1: Charlie Fry
July 8: Sherri Mullen Duo
July 11: Ryan Moran
July 15: Conrad Fisher
July 18: Dave Kelly
July 22: Corinna Joy
July 25: Wayne Thompson
July 29: Keith Goldstein

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

July 15: Cruise Control w/No Last Call

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

July 26: Coffeehouse at The Winery at Hunters Valley

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

July 7: Rivers
July 21: Anthony Gomes

Sand Trap Grill & Pub
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-691-5335; thelodgeatlibertyforge.com

July 6: Stan & Wes
July 13: Shea & Len
July 20: Jeffery J. Walker
July 27: Swish & Joey

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

July 1: Shea Quinn and Friends
July 7, 22: TBA
July 8: Swisher Sweets
July 14: Cruise Control Trio
July 15: Natalie Ness
July 28: Music Thru Science Lite

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

July 5: Howard and the Islanders on Pride of the Susquehanna

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

July 14-21: Lancaster International Piano Festival

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

July 9: Josh Dominick
July 21: Jelli

The Stage Door

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

July 21: “Corks & Candies”

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

July 14: “#IMOMSOHARD”

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

Through Aug. 12: “Peter Pan”

Gamut Theatre Group
3^rd Floor, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamutplays.org

July 7-9: “HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr”
July 12-Aug. 19: “The Ugly Duckling” (Popcorn Hat Players)

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

July 21-23: “Oklahoma!”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone

110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland

717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com
July 8: Earl David Reed
July 23: Paulie Shore

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

July 1: Improv Mixer

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

July 19-23: “Motown the Musical”

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

July 21-Aug. 6: “Tintypes”

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

July 21-22: “Romeo and Juliet”

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

July 6: Sing and Dance w/Matthew Dodd
July 13: Grins & Grins Comedy Show
July 20: Da Vinci Science Center’s “Grossology”
July 27: Popcorn Hat Players

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

July 22: “Play-in-a-Day”

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

July 7-23: “Hollywood Arms”

The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; allenberry.com

July 7-22: “Shrek the Musical”

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

July 13: “Things that begin with the letter K” (at Zeroday Brewing Co.)

Worth of a Man: Freedom, identity explored in “Father Comes Home.”

January 31, 2017 | by Laura Dugan

Leonard Dozier

How does a man define his own worth?

That is the question at the core of “Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3),” a play set in the Civil War-era and running this month at Open Stage of Harrisburg.

“Father Comes Home” focuses on Hero, a slave in Texas, who has to choose between staying home with his wife and joining his master and fighting for the South in return for his freedom. The play offers a moving insight into the epic journey of a slave coming to terms with what it means to be free—and if freedom is even desired.

Leonard Dozier, who returns to Open Stage of Harrisburg in the role of Hero, explains why the focal character struggles with the possibility of freedom.

“Being a lifelong slave, slavery is all that is known,” he said. “He equates slavery with value—he is worth something. If he is free, he’s free to do what? Free from value? Freedom is the unknown. Freedom represents no value. Freedom represents losing all sense of one’s self.”

Written by Suzan-Lori Parks, the first African-American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2, & 3)” is the first three of a nine-play cycle, which begins with the Civil War and ends in modern times.

Dozier is excited by the concept of the show.

“Each of these ‘acts’ represents a totally different thematic concept,” he said. “Each part is really its own play. I think it’s neat—the idea that the audience is watching this ‘miniseries’ in one night and yet it moves fluently, poetically, historically, dramatically.”

The first part of the play, “The Measure of a Man,” focuses on the difficult choice facing Hero. Should he fight for the South and trust that his master will deliver on his promise of freedom or stand his moral ground and stay at home with his wife? The question—and which answer Hero should choose—is discussed, in detail, by Hero and his fellow slaves. Part 1 tackles the personal effects and impossible situation of slavery head-on.

In the second part of the play, “A Battle in the Wilderness,” Hero faces a white, imprisoned Union soldier who is guarded by his master, now a colonel in the Confederate army. The plight of the slave is discussed both by the Colonel and his prisoner, named Smith—and by Smith and Hero. Hero finds himself examining his self-worth, unable to comprehend a life in which he’s free, while Smith works to open his mind to the possibility.

The third part, “The Union of My Confederate Parts,” returns to Texas, where Hero’s wife and Homer, a fellow slave, are harboring three runaway slaves. Hero’s return is preceded by the tale of the last year and a half from the perspective of Odd-See, Hero’s dog. Only Hero is now Ulysses, having changed his name on his journey. With his trek complete, and the Emancipation Proclamation in place, Hero-turned-Ulysses still struggles to imagine a future where he is free.

The themes of the show are timeless.

“I do think, particularly with this political and cultural climate we’re in, we’re very much revisiting the divide this country has known,” said Dozier. “That division magnified against the backdrop of the Civil War will provide real food for thought as to how we can potentially avoid another one.”

At times deeply moving and unexpectedly comedic, “Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)” is a play resonant throughout time, tackling issues that have carried through from the Civil War to today.

“If you love a war story, a love story, this is a play to see,” Dozier said. “It really paints an alternative view of history that is provoking and challenging.”

“Father Comes Home” also features Tanisha Hollis, Louis Riley III, Mark Douglas Cuddy, Aaron Bomar, Ciera Spencer, Diane L. Hetes, Caliph White, Ron Chapel and Jedidiah Franklin.

“Father Comes Home” was named the winner of the 2015 Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama and was a finalist for the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

“Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)” runs Feb. 3 to 26 at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. Tickets and information are available at www.openstagehbg.com.

Upcoming Theater Events

Open Stage of Harrisburg

www.openstagehbg.com

“Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2, & 3)”
A new play by Suzan-Lori Parks
Feb. 3 to 26

Studio Workshop at Open Stage
Free evenings of one-act plays
March 8 & 9 at 7:30 p.m.
No reservations required

Sundae Best Variety Show
March 11 & 12 at 7:30 p.m.
At Open Stage of Harrisburg

“The Diary of Anne Frank”
Open Stage’s 18th annual production
At Whitaker Center
Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m.

Author: Laura Dugan

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