E R I Jams Online Magazine

Some Enchanted Evening Is Magic At The Station

by Rob Taylor

I have seen a LOT of plays in the last 18 months but nothing like the one I saw at the Station Dinner Theatre the other day. Their production of Some Enchanted Evening was something special.

Some Enchanted Evening is two hours+ of some of the best music ever to be in movies or on Broadway. It is a showcase of the music of Rogers and Hammerstein which includes songs in productions like South Pacific, Oklahoma, Carousel and The King And I. Everyone knows the songs, Wash That Man, Oh...What A Beautiful Morning and Surrey With The Fringe On Top. If you don’t know the words I am pretty sure that you know the music. Well, you get those songs and twenty three more to get your butt out of your seat and your feet moving.

This production stars features some of the most talented voices in the Erie area. The cast members are: John Burton, David Durst, Lisa Slezak, Katie States and Paul & Rae Jean Urbanowicz. Now, separately these people will knock your socks off but if you put them together, just as director John Burton did, and there is a magic that is well beyond belief.

The thing was, there were no stand outs in the casts. Although everyone got at least one solo, Some Enchanted Evening was a team effort and it was great to see a group of people work together the way they did. Even during dinner and dessert the ENTIRE cast was warm and friendly to the audience and it looked like they were having as much fun serving the salad and soup as they did when they were all singing the best, most powerful song of the production – I Have Dreamed. Not that all the songs weren’t great but I Have Dreamed dragged me in and I actually felt it.

Once you add the piano/keyboard playing of Carrie Smith and Tim Wickham and you have a show that can’t be beat. Carrie showed me her music books for this show and they were easily two to three inches thick. With all of the music they had to learn I truly have to admire the both of them. One thing though….Paul…bring them out from behind their keyboards for the curtain call!!! They deserve to be center stage even if just for a moment!!!!

You know what…come to think of it there is one person I am going to single out and that is John Burton. When I first saw him he was an actor but lately he has become a director and, in my opinion, one of the best directors in the area. He has been directing everything from comedy through musicals and each and every one is a hit.

Now, this show is excellent and well worth the ticket price and it will most likely sell out as fast, if not faster than Run For Your Wife did last month. I seriously recommend that you call the box office at 814-864-2022 or check out www.canterburyfeast.com for tickets and/or information. Some Enchanted Evening is set to run on July 24,25,26, 28 and 29th.

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Northwestern Pa Artist Show Opens August 7

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Artists Association is about to launch a much anticipated landmark event. This should prove to be to North West Pennsylvania what the Armory show was to US Art History. This show, featuring over 50 artists, comes with no limitations either in size, medium or subject matter. It can be as comfortably traditional or as wildly avant-garde as each artist wishes. There are no limits, and no censorship, but abundant proof that true artists continue to create regardless of the economic environment.

The exhibition will be initially at a reclaimed industrial site, 1020 Holland St. Erie, PA, highlighting the concern for the reuse of industrial space and buildings of historic architectural significance, an idea which has become very important in Erie in the last few years. This show also highlights the need of partnering of the arts with corporate sponsorship in bringing art to the people by not only using gallery space, but in company work space as well.

The Opening for artists, the press and manufacturer sponsors will be August 6th, 2009, from 5 to 9 PM. The show officially opens on August 7th and continues at 1029 Holland Street through September 8th, and then the work will be dispersed to the various manufacture sponsors’ sites for display until October 31, 2009. This show is made possible through these forward looking companies, as well as a grant from Arts Erie.

For more information please call 814-450-9183

We're Off To See The Wizard With The Footlights Kids

Footlights Summer Theatre Celebrates 35 years with its production of The Wizard of Oz.

80 local youth will perform FREE for the public at East High School, July 29, 30 and 31 at 8pm.

Based on Frank L. Baum's classic tale, The Wizard of Oz is the story of Dorothy Gale, a small town girl from Kansas who lands in Oz and meets some unusual characters like the Scarecrow, Lion, Tinman, The Wicked Witch and the munchkins and learns that there truly is no place like home.

David W. Mitchell who has directed the program for 20 years and is subsequently retiring this year says I have always wanted to direct this show and I am so pleased to have the chance this year with a truly talented young cast.

The talented cast includes 80 local youth ranging in ages between 5 and 18; many of them making their stage debut this summer. They rehearse Monday through Friday from 9am until 3pm for six weeks at Grover Cleveland Elementary before performing at East.

The Footlights Theatre is part of The City of Erie's Parks and Recreation program and has seen thousands of children participate since its inception in 1974. Their Arts for all children mission is fulfilled every summer by incorporating children from all over the area in a large musical production.

Contact:
David W. Mitchell
director@allanact.net
814-450-8553

The Wizard Of Footlights Steps Down

By Rob Taylor

After 20 years, 20 shows and no one knows how many kids the Footlights Theatre will be losing their director when David Mitchell steps down at the conclusion of the July 31st presentation of The Wizard Of Oz…Footlights current production.

40 year old Mitchell started with Footlights when he had a part in the 1979 production of Little Miss Sunshine. He said that he wasn’t one of the main characters in the play. Rather, like many who start with Footlights, he was in the chorus. In 1990 he advanced from an actor to the program’s director when he took control of that year’s Footlights production of Oklahoma.

Since that time Mitchell has gone on to work with theatre troupes such as The Station Dinner Theatre, Director’s Circle and the All An Act (A3) Theatre where he not only acts and directs but also serves as Artistic Director. He said that his responsibilities with the Station Dinner Theatre and A3, as well as the fact that he is a family man, take up a lot of his time so he felt that it was time to step down.

“I will continue to work with Footlights,” he said. “I truly enjoy working with the kids and seeing how they can come from different backgrounds and still work together to make the show a success.” However, he said that after this year he is going to limit his involvement to behind the scenes activities like set design and construction.

Mitchell said that Footlights chooses their directors from alumni. The new director of Footlights will be Rachel Rudd who has been with Footlights for many years and who has also done everything from starting out as an actor to currently serving as a member of the production staff.

This Is The Weekend For Beer Drinkers

Where: Erie’s Pepsi Amphitheater
When: Saturday, July 25th, 2009
Time: 2 Sessions
Session 1: 12pm-3pm doors open at 11:30pm
Session 2: 5pm-8pm Doors open at 4:30pm
Tickets (Tickets and Shirts can be purchased in Erie Brewing's Online Store):

$25 Advance Sales
$30 Day of Show
$10 Designated Driver both advanced and Day of Show
$40 advance ticket and souvenir beer fest shirt
(shirt avail for pick up day of fest)
$25 Advance DD ticket and Souvenir beer fest shirt
(shirt avail for pick up day of fest)
$20 Souvenir beer fest shirt

This is an outdoor event and is rain or shine. The 2nd Annual Beer on the Bay Festival at the Pepsi Amphitheater will feature live blues music from Otis James and the Blues Benders, over 100 + beers to sample from many of the regions finest microbreweries, and breath taking views of Presque Isle State Park and Lake Erie. Food and Drink concessions will be available. Proceeds of this year's Beer on the Bay Festival will benefit the MS Society.

July 24 is the deadline for online ticket sales

Check out the website for more information.

Erie Broadway Series Announces 2009-2010 Season

AVENUE Q

Showing: Mon 10/12/2009 @ Warner Theatre

AVENUE Q is Broadway's smash-hit 2004 Tony Award winner for BEST MUSICAL, BEST SCORE and BEST BOOK. A hilarious show full of heart and hummable tunes, AVENUE Q is about trying to make it in NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Called "one of the funniest shows you're ever likely to see" by Entertainment Weekly, AVENUE Q features a cast of people and puppets who tell the story in a smart, risque and downright entertaining way. The New Yorker calls it "SUBVERSIVE and UPROARIOUS!"

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

Running: 11/24/2009 - 11/25/2009 @ Warner Theatre

From the creators of the groundbreaking BROADWAY HIT, CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY, comes a new holiday musical of seasons dreamings hailed by the New York Daily News as charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load and a jaw dropping winter wonderland by the Atlantic City Press.

Special: RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles

Showing: Tue 1/19/2010 @ Warner Theatre

FROM ED SULLIVAN TO ABBEY ROAD! They look like them and they sound just like them! The next best thing to seeing The Beatles, raves the Denver Post. All the music and vocals are performed totally live! RAIN covers the Fab Four from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience...a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. A thrilling bit of time-warping nostalgia Boomer Heaven! raves The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Uncanny! RAIN are a quartet of fine musicians in their own right as The Beatles, they triumph! cheers the Boston Herald. An adoring Valentine to The Beatles, declares the Washington Post. Sing along with your family and friends to such Beatlemaniac favorites as Let It Be, Hey Jude, My Guitar Gently Weeps, Come Together and Cant Buy Me Love.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Starring Ted Neeley

Showing: Fri 2/19/2010 @ Warner Theatre
Set in two acts, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. SUPERSTAR dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. Perpetually changing the face of musical theatre, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will leave audiences captivated by its power.

Special: RIVERDANCE - THE FAREWELL TOUR

Running: 4/2/2010 - 4/3/2010 @ Warner Theatre

Few shows have touched audiences like Riverdance. A celebration of Irish music, song and dance, the show focuses on the evolution of Irish dance and its similarities with, and influences on, other cultures. The phenomenon of Riverdance draws on Irish traditions and combines the richness of the music with the magic and sensuality of the dance.

THE RAT PACK IS BACK

Showing: Wed 4/14/2010 @ Warner Theatre

This spirited tribute recreates one of the famous Summit at the Sands hotel shows, when the swingin', ring-a-ding group known as the Rat Pack was creating hipster legend with a free-wheeling, no-holds-barred nightclub act starring Vegas four favorite sons: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop.

Check out www.eriebroadwayseries.com or call 814-452-4857 for more information.

Pagan Pride Day Set For September 12

On Saturday, September 12 Erie's 5th Annual Pagan Pride Day: We are at St. Nick’s Grove, 5131 Old French Road, Erie PA (north of I-90 on Route 97.) The event runs from 10:30 AM to after dark. There is no charge for admissions, and donations are gratefully accepted. Please check in at the registration booth when you arrive. Approximately 150 attendees participated in the first Erie Pagan Pride Day in 2005. Since that time, the event has grown each year with 240 attendees in 2007, and 185 attendees in 2008, despite the torrential rain.

There will be workshops and panel discussions, as well as rituals. We are also anticipating booking a keynote speaker and a band for the event. Additional details regarding the day’s events will be forthcoming. We have increased our menu of yummy food for sale. We ask that those with online access register before the event at http://www.u-n-c-l-e.org. Please stop at the check in table when you arrive to either confirm your online registration or fill out the form. We will have nametags, if you like. You can use your first name, full name and/or screen name if you choose to wear a nametag.

They also ask that you bring a contribution for this year’s official charity, the Erie Zoo. We are also asking for volunteers to work shifts in the kitchen area or at the registration table, as well as cleanup/setup. This helps ease the workload for all.

Feel free to bring your children or parents, but parents are responsible for taking care of their kids. There is a children’s area, and there will also be children’s activities.

Opening ritual will begin at 11 AM. We will have photographers who will be taking photos. You can be in photos or not, as you choose. If you do NOT wish to have your photo taken, please get a red dot at the registration table when you arrive. We will also be taking a group photo at 5:45 PM. Again, all photos are optional. We will be including the photos at http://www.u-n-c-l-e.org.

Bring chairs, blankets, and sunscreen. Volunteers are asked to help with clean up, kitchen and set up. If you would like to volunteer, contact T.J. Laffan at: (814) 460-1180 or revbadger@hotmail.com.

Geoff Peterson At The Erie Book Store, Friday

by Amontillado Kerouac-Gazookus

Geoff Peterson will be the featured poet at the Erie Book Store this Friday, July 24. If you’ve never seen Peterson perform, here’s your chance. If you have, you know you’ll want to be there.

Geoff will read, probably from his latest book, The Greyhound Bardo, a prose piece, recently unveiled at the Book Store. This Friday’s Feature is a book-signing and a premier for The Greyhound Bardo, but the book’s already there, as are other of Peterson’s books, Cold Reading, Crazy Stairs, Drama & Desire. You’ll find them in the Poetry stacks, at the front of the store, on the back of the second rack, toward the café.

Geoff Peterson is indeed prolific. His latest volume displays Geoff’s great strength, his voice. Always a poet, Geoff’s gift is constrained by the literary baggage of a novel, even a novel named after a bus, but his live performance is unrestrained. Handsome, tanned, Geoff embraces the stage like his only friend.

Geoff Peterson’s deadpan delivery is a perfect match for the devastated nature of his tone. His take on meaning and relationships cuts to the bone, with a deep compassion for the human predicament and a white-hot anger for being stuck in it. Peterson speaks from the meta-material realm of the Buddhist. He’s a spirit among us.

And among us he is, one of our brightest artistic lights, Geoff Peterson, his command of the stage too mature for him to be labeled a pure poet. I don’t know if Peterson applied for Erie County’s inaugural poet laureate position. I watched Chuck Joy twisting his arm but I don’t know how that all turned out. I do know Geoff spends a lot of time in the vivid districts of Mexico and California.

But he’ll be here Friday night, at the Erie Book Store. Show starts at 6:30, ends at 8. An open will precede the feature. Free admission. Buy a book.

Gannon Orchestra To Host ‘MUSIC IN THE AIR’ Aug. 7-8

Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra in August will host its popular Music in the Air Outdoor Concert Series.

The performances will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8 at Villa Maria Academy, 2403 W. 8th St. Both performances will begin at 8 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

The first night, Aug. 7, will be Classical Night and will feature Aaron Jakubiec (oboe) as soloist. The audience will be treated to selections by Mozart and Beethoven.

The second night, Aug. 8, will be Pops Night and will feature Bruce Johnstone (saxophone) as soloist. Featured selections from Pops Night will include “Salute to Big Bands,” “George Gershwin in Concert,” and “Michael Jackson Spectacular.”

Attendees should consider bringing a blanket or lawn chair for seating. In the event of rain, the concerts will be moved indoors to the Villa Maria auditorium.

Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra is conducted and directed by Bruce Morton Wright. For more information in Music in the Air, call 814-871-7755.

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