Arts Council Newsletter
Arts_Council_Spring_2012 Newsletter
P.O. Box 430
Mt. Gretna,PA17064
Www.mtgretna.com/artscouncil
E-Mail mtgretnaart@comcast.net
Calendar Artwork to be auctioned at Summer Premiere!
Saturday, May 26th will mark the 22nd annual Summer Premiere. We have collected many donations from Art Show artists, local Mt.Gretna artists and businesses to help us make this Premiere yet another event to not miss!
Starting the beginning of summer’s hustle and bustle in Mt.Gretna, the Summer Premiere is the Arts Council main fundraising event. Money generated is used to help create the Summer Calendar of Events, award of Scholarships, and continued donations to community organizations, such as Playhouse Operating Committee, Mt. Gretna Theater, Gretna Music, Community Library and Cicada Festival.
Join us for an evening of fun. Silent auction starts at4 pmwith the live auction, provided by Fortna Auctioneers, to follow. Fred Swarr will entertain with his “paint to music” creation during the silent auction. This piece will be auctioned at the live auction and is always a hit! And, last but not least, the calendar Cover Art will be auctioned at the live auction. This year’s cover, titled, “Evening Prime” is the creation of Matt Royer and is a special piece that will be appreciated by allMt.Gretnans.
The Arts Council thanks you for your continued support and is looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 26.
Arts Council Donates to Replace Playhouse Roof
The Playhouse Operating Committee thanks the Arts Council for the generous donation of $10,000 for replacement of the roof at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse. The work has begun and they expect completion by the end of April. The gift has helped tremendously and will insure the safety and integrity of the building.
MOUNT GRETNA OUTDOOR ART SHOW
The 37th annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show will be held on August 18 &19. Although last year’s show was not a record in terms of attendance, the artists were very pleased with their sales and the patrons were pleased with the artist’s work. And that is the yard stick by which the success of the show is measured. The show exists to provide not only the revenue generated but to offer a fun, family-oriented weekend.
Art show committee members are busy preparing for this year, arranging for traffic control, contracting food vendors, entertainers and of course, selecting exhibitors. Preparations are in progress for the special areas of the show which feature emerging artists and children’s exhibits.
When the big weekend arrives nearly 200 volunteers will be needed to register artists, collect admissions, provide booth sitting services for the exhibitors and staff the information booths.
We are looking forward to another spectacular event and hoping for good weather. So come out and enjoy the weekend.
717.964.3270
Gretna Theatre
P.O. Box578
Mt. Gretna,PA 17064 Office: 717-964-3322
Fax: 717-964-2189
Under the trees in Mt. Gretna…since 1927! www.gretnatheatre.com
Celebrating 85 years of theatre at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse, Gretna Theatre producing artistic director Larry Frenock said, “We have a fine lineup of shows this season, a lineup that will appeal to a broad range of theatregoers. We are working to book a few specialty acts to sparkle up the beginning and end of the season as well!”
Tickets for all shows and further information are available online at www.gretnatheatre.com as well as by phone at 717-964-3627. The physical box office will open at the Playhouse on May 15th and will be staffed from10:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, and10:00 am to 3:00 pm Sundays. The Box Office is closed on Mondays.
“Little Women, The Musical” starts the season off running June 7 – 17 and stars Gretna favorite Kathryn Kendall as Marmee (Gretna’s “Mame” and “Dolly” in previous seasons) and Jessica Chesbro as Jo March (Fantine in “Les Miserables,” Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun” regionally). The heartwarming and beloved story of Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy March growing up in Civil War Americais one of the most popular books of all time, now set to music as a Broadway musical. The master of the murderous tale, Agatha Christie’s story “A Murder is Announced” follows June 21 – 24 only, starring Kathleen Huber as Miss Marple (she has starred in everything from “The Madwoman of Chaillot” in New Yorkto “Gigi” at Papermill Playhouse in New Jerseyto “My Fair Lady” at Music Theatre of Wichita) and Christopher Vettel as Inspector Craddock. Gretna Theatre is thrilled to be producing the 40th Anniversary production of the original “Grease” running June 28 – July 8. This production will be directed byLancaster native Barry Pearl who was in the First National Tour of the show as well as the film version with John Travolta and he intends to re-create the show as it originally played in 1972 on Broadway. Many subsequent versions have been produced, including some that interpolated scenes and songs from the film. Frenock noted “Barry (Pearl) and I agreed immediately that we wanted to bring the show back to its roots, back to the production that made it a hit engendering an eight-year run on Broadway. Barry’s stature in the industry with his many Broadway shows, as well as his history with “Grease” will make for an exciting mixture. Some may not be aware that the director of the film version, Randal Kleiser, grew up inLebanon. That makes for some pretty significant local connections to “Grease!” And Laura Jean D’Andre has been booked to reprise the role of Rizzo from the recent Broadway National Tour of the show! The new Burt Bacharach and Hal David musical comedy “Burt & Me” will have its centralPennsylvania premiere this summer July 12 – 15. “Burt & Me” was written by Larry McKenna whose family has summered inMt.Gretna since he was a child! He had always longed to have a show of his produced at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse, and his time has now come. The show features over 20 Burt Bacharach tunes that help to tell the love story of high school sweethearts who drift apart during and after college – only to get back together with the help of those very same Bacharach tunes. Caleb Damschroder makes hisGretna debut (“Miss Saigon” at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, “Thoroughly Modern Millie atCohoesMusic Hall) and is joined by Broadway’s Steve Luker (Gretna’s “George M!” and “The Will Rogers Follies” recently). Finally, one of the biggest family musicals we’ve ever produced will take theMt.Gretna stage when “Meet Me inSt. Louis” runs July 19 – 29 to close out the season. The loving tale of the Smith family in 1910 St. Louis during the first World’s Fair to feature electric lighting will have you humming along with well-known songs from the original film such as “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and, of course, the title song. Gretna newcomer Lauren Elaine Taylor stars in the role JudyGarland made famous and Christopher Vettel (Beau in “Mame”) and Carolyn Dorff (many roles atGretna including Rona Lisa in “Spelling Bee” and Mrs. Upson in “Mame”) return to play the Smith parents. “Some of the best actors and dancers of the past three years are coming back toGretna for this show along with a whole bunch making theirGretna debut,” said Frenock. “It is absolutely delightful that these incredibly talented performers look to return to Gretna Theatre year after year. Two of our dancers actually turned in their notice to the National Tour of “Cats” in order to return to what they now consider their theatrical home. And what a thrill for us to have them!”
As always, Gretna Theatre is grateful to the myriad volunteers who make the theatre tick all year ‘round. And being that housing these terrific performers and directors is always a challenge, we invite anyone who has a private bedroom available to call us to volunteer to house one of these artists for a few weeks this summer.
Sponsors returning this season include The Hershey Company, The Lebanon Daily News, Jonestown Bank & Trust, Cornwall Manor,Philhaven,LebanonValley Brethren Home andHomesteadVillage. Gretna Theatre welcomes new sponsors this season in Fulton Bank, Sovereign Bank, HCR Manor Care and ParenteBeard. We are grateful for the continued support of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and so many individual donors and patrons. Visit www.gretnatheatre.com for tickets and more information.
Celebrating Summer Chautauqua Style
Our 120th season opens on Friday, June 1 at7:30 pm with a program based on historical documents which were written by Chancellor Hark prior to the founding of the Chautauqua, which were discovered just last summer. Saturday, June 2 at5pm, we’ll be hosting a potluck at the Fire Hall, highlighting summer programs being hosted by allMt.Gretna groups. And Sunday, at10am in the Hall of Philosophy, we’ll be replicating one of the opening services from the early days of Chautauqua (hosted by Chancellor Nancy Besch).
Referred to as the “four pillars of Chautauqua,” our programs focus on recreation, education, arts/culture, and religion. Recreational offerings to be repeated again this summer, include Zumba, Majong on the Porch, and Wednesday afternoon yoga. Dancing returns with a series of three Tuesday evening polka lessons. Several Saturday morning hikes are scheduled throughout the summer, the first of which is on June 16 at Governor Dick with Pat Allwein (designed for families with young children). Dr. Susan Verhock will be showing usMt.Gretna’s Trees & Shrubs during her July 14 hike. August 24, search of the mushrooms ofGretnawith “Mushroom Man” Bill Russell at Governor Dick. Unfortunately, the cardinal flowers hike will no longer be held, as last year’s floods destroyed the area. Following along the nature theme, Friday, July 6, we’ll co-host John Brewer once again with the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society, who will enlighten us about caring for our trees.
History-flavored programs are among the most well-received in our community. Friday, July Saturday, July 14, Fred Buch and I will reprise our roles in presenting the annual program, Chautauqua 101, which discusses the Chautauqua movement and Mt.Gretna’s early history. Friday, August 3, you’ll hear all about the Elizabeth Furnace in Brickerville. We’ll celebrate the Pennsylvania Chautauqua’s 120th Birthday on August 10 (featuring performances from the children enrolled in the playground program), and Old Mt. Gretna Postcards on August 31. Many of these programs are co-sponsored with our friends at the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society.
There are three programs in the Thursday morning Religious Discussion Series. Ted Davis,MessiahCollege, returns with a four part program, entitled “Religion and the Rise of Modern Science,” starting on June 7. I will be discussing the New York Times best selling book, “Heaven is for Real” for three Thursdays in July; and the popular Darrell Woomer returns with “The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, According to the Gospel of John (with a Little Help from His Friends).”
One of the most popular evenings for programming is Friday night. We strive for a variety of topics of interest to you. Two of the selections this year include author Edward Bonekemper reviewing his new book, “Lincoln and Grant: The Westerners Who Won the Civil War;” our friend, Bert Myers from Middle Creek Wildlife Management, will be teaching us about wildlife migration.
Summer at the Tabernacle is partnering with us on several children’s programs, scheduled for Saturdays at 10am in the Tabernacle, featuring Jim Rule (June 30), Bonnie Siegrist (July 14; Bonnie wrote the Little Farm Series and spent many childhood days summering in Gretna), and Kristin Pedemonti, who will be taking us on an African Safari on August 11. Additional children’s programming includes a showing of the Disney movie, “Eight Below,” a children’s four afternoon art camp art show week, and the annual Fairy Garden Parade on August 24 (preceded by wand-making, because what is a fairy without a wand??).
The popular Tuesday morning Lebanon Valley College Book Review Series will be returning. On Sunday, June 10, following the afternoon matinee at the playhouse, we’ll be co-hosting a “talk back” with some of the cast members of “Little Women.” Bill Gifford’s Writer’s Series opens on July 13 with the author of “The Blue Orchid,” Jackson Taylor; other authors discussing their work include Benjamin Wallace, Kimberly Cutter, Elizabeth Wein, and John Dean. Playreadings (two of which we co-host with the Cicada Festival) are scheduled for August 8 (with Maureen Grape), August 24 and 28 (Eton Churchill Memorial playreadings).
The award-winning Larry Lombardo will be teaching watercolor techniques on Monday mornings once again, while Monday evenings are reserved for crafts and foodie programs. Craft lessons include hammered wire jewelry accents, soap-making, wool felting, and stained glass. Foodies may enjoy: The Grill is for MORE than just Meat (Chef on the Go, Becky Briody), MORE Crepes (Rachel Adams), Making Feta and Mozzarella Cheeses (Jack Shirk), Cooking Italian (Joe Cherry), Gluten Free and Fabulous (with the noshin’ Phoebe Canakis) and the annual Victorian Tea on August 20, at which time we’ll also be making a tussey mussey. You may paint new accessories for your home for the Grand Illumination on July 3 and 4 with Barb Kleinfelter on Tuesday afternoons in June. And the Albert Barnes Art Collection, currently on display at thePhiladelphiaArt Museum, is the focus of a three-part series led by instructor Gloria Mast.
ChautauquaUniversityfor a Day returns on Saturday, July 7. Yes, we’ll opening with warm blueberry buckle and coffee once again, and feature lunch, by Becky Briody. As of presstime, we have confirmed speakers Seb Gorka (who was extremely well-received last year) and Dr. Jack Scala to date. Lebanon Valley Wine Club President Jody Dosh will be returning to close the day, hosting a wine and cheese tasting.
We’re delighted to continue partnering with the Cicada Festival for Wednesday evening’s “Old Tyme Movie Series: Not Your Ordinary Romances;” this year’s films areCasablanca, Gilda, Notorious, and The Quiet Man.
Music-focused programs include an evening with Larry McKenna, creator of the play, “Burt & Me” (scheduled to open the following Thursday at the playhouse). The Sunday afternoon mini-concert series (scheduled for5:30pmthis year) includes performances by Fire in the Glen, The Carroll County Ramblers, and a pickin’/strummin’ session with local legend, Patsy Kline. August 15, Carl Ellenberger returns by popular request for “A Neurologist Listens to More Music.” Thursday, August 16 is the annual Singalong, with Jack Williams. And the generous Peter Hewitt and Walter McAnney will open their home on Thursday nights in July for a series of organ recitals once again.
The Great Migrations series (highlighting the influx of cultural groups inAmerica’s early days) includes a July 14 lasagna dinner with Chef Extraordinare Joe Cherry, because we’re saluting Italians this summer.
Programs with a community wide focus include the Grand Illumination on July 3 and 4, the return of the Rehrersburg Band on July 4, the Card Party on July 18, the Annual Luncheon on August 1 (featuring Diane Cromer, who hails from Dillsburg, PA and now spends over half of every year running a consulting business in Serbia) and the closing potluck picnic (this year on Sunday, September 2).
The Wellness Series features programs on Rheumatology with Dr. Barbara Ostrov (HersheyMedicalCenter), and Cataracts and Macular Degeneration, withLebanon’s Dr. Mark Maria.
Following on the success of the paranormal program last summer, Steven Neff will be joining us on Thursday, August 23 and Friday, August 24, presenting “They Knew the Unknown.” He will be presenting this program at the Bay View Chautauqua just a few weeks earlier.
Surely, we’ve found something to peak your interest! We’re always looking for ideas and suggestions; connect with us on Facebook (Mt.Gretna, the Pennsylvania Chautauqua) or email me, info@lightkeeper.net.
Music at Gretna 2012
About 600,000 people live inCentral PA. About 6,000 get this newsletter. Statistics suggest 25% of them will read at least part of it (skimming pictures for cute pianists doesn’t count).
In other words, if you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of the elites who really care about the arts inMountGretna, and by extension, Gretna Music. And if you do, then chances are you know that, aside from our founder Carl Ellenberger, the recently retired Audubon String Quartet has more to do with our success than any other group or person. In fact, for many of our early years, our summer festivals truly were the Audubon, Carl, and their friends.
How an organization bids goodbye to folks who’ve meant so much says a lot about it. Thus we were chagrined that the Audubon’s retirement announcement came too late for us to honor them during last year’s Music atGretnafestival right and proper, and why we’re thrilled they’ve agreed to come back for one moreGretnaweekend.
The Audubon’s Farewell Weekend, August 31 through September 2, featuring two concerts – including a gala valedictory event with guest appearances by 16 of the group’s closest musician friends – is truly the artistic and spiritual centerpiece of our summer season. But of course it’s not the only thing we’ve got going.
Classically, we’ll also bring you events like the conclusion of Intersections: An Exploration of Classical Music and the Dance, our critically praised four-concert series that began last winter inElizabethtown. And jazz and variety-wise, keep your eyes peeled for Music at Grenta newcomers like singer-songwriter John Sebastian and jazz great Kurt Elling, not to mention the return of friends and favorites like Leon Redbone and The New Black Eagle Jazz Band.
Check out Music at Gretna’s 2012 classical, jazz, and variety offerings below or visit our website at www.gretnamusic.org.
MAG 2012 at the Mt.Gretna Playhouse
Sunday concerts begin at7:30 pmunless noted, all others8 pmunless otherwise noted
Sunday, 7/15 Raleigh Ringers (2 p.m., Leffler Chapel, Elizabethtown College)
Friday 8/3 Clark Wilson plays Robin Hood (1922)
classic silent cinema with live theatre organ
(sunset approx. 8:20 p.m)
Saturday 8/4 Jazz: Kurt Elling Quartet
Saturday 8/4 Mt. Gretna TOUR OF HOMES 10am-5pm
Sunday 8/5 Wister Quartet and mezzo soprano Elizabeth Shammash
Friday 8/10 Summer Serenade, with flutist Carl Ellenberger,
guitarist Allen Krantz and friends
Saturday 8/11 New Black Eagle Jazz Band MATINEE
Saturday 8/11 An Evening with John Sebastian
Sunday 8/12 Jazz Worship Service w/ NBEJB 11am
Sunday 8/12 Boston Brass
Friday, 8/24 Momenta String Quartet
Tuesday 8/21 Leon Redbone
Wednes 8/22 New Christy Minstrels
Sunday, 8/26 Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring
Saturday 8/25 Jazz: Gerald Veasley Band
Friday 8/31 Audubon family and friends play Brahms
Sunday 9/2 Audubon Gala Celebration
Mt Gretna Community Library Programs
The library is preparing for another season. We will be hosting a book sale for the Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation this summer. We are very excited to offer the following programs:
- Book Talk: Island Treasure Ann Hark.
The Presidents Series : Bill O’Reilly, The Killing of Lincoln.
The Presidents Series: Stephen King, 11/22/63
Chocolate Series: Wine and Chocolate. Limited to 10.
Children’s Story Hour: with Pat Allwein and Tara. 10:30 on TuesdayJuly 17, 24, and 31.
The library will be sponsoring the Illuminations of the Cottages celebrating the Campmeeting History on Saturday August 18th. It is a self-guided tour through the Campmeeting celebrating the end of summer.
Our final program will be Sunday, August 26th when Ann Hark will be here to celebrate her birthday with the infamous hostess Irene Rollman.
We would like to thank the Arts Council, The Art Show and Barbara Hoffsommer who are our monetary donators. Without your generosity we couldn’t afford the rent or buy new books and tapes.
Heritage Festival – 2012
Before I list the Heritage Festival programs for this summer, I’d like to say a word about the entire community ofMt.Gretna. Even after living here for fifteen years, I still find myself amazed that this community has so much to offer. Every summer one could spend the whole season here and be well entertained each weekend as well as during the week. I would like to encourage residents to check out all the various programs. There is truly something for everyone.
Some of the programs, especially the music, are well suited to families with children. My grandson started out at the age of one sitting on the ground in back of the Tabernacle playing and listening to the music and sometimes dancing. Last year when he was two he moved from the back to the front row so he could see the various instruments being played. He spent much of the winter carrying around and playing various imaginary instruments and we are eagerly waiting to watch his enjoyment of the programs this year. He has also attended parts of some lectures and old-time movies. So parents, bring your children, especially to the Tabernacle programs and the Music on the Porch. It is so easy with the outdoor venues. You can come and go as they need and it will broaden their horizons.
The Heritage Festival for 2012 will open with a return of the Lebanon Community Band on June 30. The band has played a patriotic concert for the Fourth of July the past two years and was very well received. We are anticipating another rousing concert again this year.
Saturday, July 7 brings us The New Dimension featuring the voice of John Cagnoli and trumpet of Jeff Fields. They interpret and stylize an extensive repertoire of great hits from the ’40′s to the ’80′s with their abundant talent. Audiences agree “They bring new life into the standard of the past!”
July 14th will be the return of Travis Wetzel, a great fiddler from Nashvillewho plays regularly at the Grand Ole Opry. Travis plays a variety of music from country to rock, including numbers he wrote himself.
On July 21 the Shuey Brothers will be returning. As always they will be performing a mix of country and modern bluegrass along with their own unique style of comedy.
The season will end with the Lebanon Big Swing Band on July 28. They have been closing out our concert season for as long as anyone can remember and always bring us a fine concert of swing era music.
All the shows are at the Tabernacle starting at 7:00 PM. Cost is by donation as always. We are anticipating a good concert season and hope you will all enjoy the show.
SUMMER AT THE TABERNACLE
(Presented by theMt.GretnaBible Festival)
All Programs in the Historic Mt. Gretna Tabernacle
(Third St. & Glossbrenner Ave.)
All evening programs begin at 7:00 pm.
June 10 – Musical memorial Service for Tom Herald, long time friend ofMt.Gretna
June 17 – Andy Roberts Quartet – Jazz Worship
June 24 – Marian Murphy Powell – “Resurrection”
(The Easter story sung from the perspective of Mary Magdalene)
July 1 – The New Holland Band – classical, patriotic, & sacred music
July 8 – Kenote Trio – local doctor and friends; [piano, violin, cello, & voice) sacred & classical music
July 15 – Hymn Sing, led by Drs. Darrell Woomer & Rod Shearer
July 18 (Wed) – “Soul Purpose” – Gospel Quartet
July 22 – Becky Wright – sacred music from an award-winning soloist
July 25 (Wed) – “The Baptones” – Southern Gospel Quartet
July 29 (10:00am) – Worship Service — Dave Stahl & his Sacred Orchestra
July 29 (7:00pm) – Massed Choir (175 voices), directed by Joel Raney
Aug. 4 (Sat) – Handbell Festival – Music from five local handbell choirs
Aug. 5 (8:30am) – Communion Service,Mt.GretnaUM Church
Aug. 5 (11:00am) – Black Eagle Jazz Band Worship – Playhouse
Aug. 5 (7:00pm) –LancasterBritish Brass Band
Aug. 12 (10:00am) – Phill Carlos Archbold, Guest Preacher, Worship Service
Aug. 12 (7:00pm) – Ken Medema, nationally-known Christian Pianist
Aug. 15 (Wed) – Shane Claiborne, Guest Preacher, Worship Service
Aug. 19 – The Susquehanna Chorale, directed by Linda Tedford
Aug. 26 – QuintEssentially Brass, brass quintet from theLancasterarea
PLUS Programs “Especially for Children” (in cooperation with Pennsylvania Chautauqua)
June 30 (Sat,10:00am) – Jim Rule – music for children celebrating family, friends, faith, and fun
July 14 (Sat.,10:00 am) – Bonnie Bedi Siegrist – author of “Little Farm Books”;
an interactive program with the children
July 28 (Sat,10:00am) – Iditarod Dogs
Aug. 11 (Sat,10:00am) – Kristen Pedemonti, Storyteller
Bible Festival by Tom Meredith
Two things are different this year as the 2012 Mt. Gretna Bible Festival gets under way on June 10. First, the series begins with a memorial service honoring a long-time supporter, Tom Herald, who passed away in the fall of 2011 and who was instrumental in bringing such artists as Christyan Seay and Elisabeth von Trapp to the Mt. Gretna Tabernacle.
Second, there is the expectation that some time during the summer the Mt. Gretna Campmeeting, where the Bible Conference (now renamed Bible Festival) has provided extensive summer worship experiences for 120 years without interruption, may achieve a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. An application is currently being processed by the state Bureau for Historic Preservation. A public meeting to explain the process and its significance for the community is scheduled for7:00pmat the Mt. Gretna UM church. Friends and patrons of the Bible Festival are invited to attend and support the application.
The Bible Festival’s regular programming opens on June 17. The Andy Roberts Quartet, is the first of twenty summer programs that include dramatic presentations, a great deal of music, and outstanding preaching. The New Holland Band, the Susquehanna Chorale, a hymn sing led by the popular Revs. Darrell Woomer and Rodney Shearer, three Saturday morning programs for the younger folks, and some exciting new preachers are just a portion of what is in store for this summer’s audiences at the Tabernacle.
Mt. Gretna Cicada Festival – 2012
Last spring we opened this report with “Believe it or not….” because tickets were flying out of the Cicada Festival Office. This spring we must use the term “unbelievable” as, within two weeks of opening ticket sales, two Playhouse shows were completely sold out and by this date of May 1, one more is within 50 seats of a sell-out!! This 18th annual version of the Cicada Festival promises to be the most popular ever!
The opening performance of the Playhouse Series, on Monday, August 6, is one of the sold out shows - a perennial favorite – Phil Dirt & the Dozers – with their vintage rock n’ roll hits. The popularity of this family-friendly show almostrequired the Cicada Festival Committee to book them for their 6th year in a row!
On Tuesday, August 7, nostalgia and good times will abound when The 1910 Fruitgum Company hits the Mt. Gretna Playhouse stage with an act you don’t want to miss. This gold record winning group (with original members) first hit the big time in 1968 with “Simon Says,” followed by other hits like “1-2-3 Red Light” and “Indian Giver.” But they don’t stop with performing their own hit tunes, they also give us the best cover tunes from the 60’s acts such as “The Turtles,” “The Beach Boys,” “The Grass Roots,” “The Monkees,” and “The British Invasion” among others. Come for the fun!
The BeeGees, one of the top acts in music history, are faithfully recreated by Stayin’ Alive CANADA, the feature forWednesday, August 8. The vocal match of Mitch Seekins, Todd Sharman and Tony Mattini create an eerie sense of seeing the brothers Gibb alive in concert. Backed by a live band, this production is an obvious hit for audiences of all ages. This is almost a sell-out, so call early!
Closing out the first week of the Cicada Festival on Thursday, August 9, will be a real treat for swing dance music lovers asThe Glenn Miller Orchestra, the most sought after Big Band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements, brings its unique sound to Mt. Gretna. Expect to hear the signature tune – “Moonlight Serenade.” And dancing in the aisles has been known to occur at the Cicada Festival!
Monday, August 13, brings a unique experience to the Cicada Festival when AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle perform the remarkable tribute, A Retrospective of Simon & Garfunkel. AJ’s warm baritone and Jonathan’s soaring tenor combine flawlessly to capture the essence and magic of “Simon & Garfunkel’s” sound. With a quiet stage and an acoustic guitar, they re-create the memories of the classic hits and obscure songs of “Simon & Garfunkel.” Don’t miss it.
Closing this year’s Playhouse Series on Tuesday, August 14, we brought back by popular demand, the smash new hit of 2011 and super performers of 50’s and 60’s hits, The Bronx Wanderers! Their press packet states, “They make people feel good when they leave the show,” and that was certainly a fact in Mt. Gretna last season. The proof of that is apparent as this is the second sold-out show for 2012!
All Playhouse Series shows are presented in the Mt. Gretna Playhouse at 8:00 pm. Tickets are all reserved seating and priced at $13 each. Order tickets by calling the Cicada Festival Office at (717) 964-2046 or printing and mailing the order form from the website: www.cicadafestival.com. If mailing, please help us keep our costs low by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your order. AND, even if shows are listed as sold-out, there are occasionally single tickets available or you may check at the Playhouse Box Office on the night of the performance for possible availability.
In addition to the Playhouse Series, the Cicada Festival, a totally volunteer organization, sponsors entertainment at no cost in the Hall of Philosophy on the Chautauqua Grounds. Donations are gratefully accepted, but no tickets are required.
The Old Time Movie Series, sponsored in partnership with the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Summer Programs Committee, will be presented on four consecutive Wednesday nights, beginning July 11 at 7:30 pm. This year’s theme is “A Summer of Love – Great Romances” and features (in order of presentation): “Casablanca” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman; “Gilda” starring Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford; “Notorious” starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant; and “The Quiet Man” starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. This film series has gained great popularity, so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat!
Finally, the Mt. Gretna Cicada Festival closes its season with two evenings of staged play readings – an event like no other – where the audience may talk back to the authors! Friday, August 24 at 7:30 PM enjoy new works by the Playwrights Alliance of Pennsylvania under the direction of Dr. Kevin Pry of Lebanon Valley College. Tuesday, August 28 at 7:30 PMfeatures the work of the late Eton Churchill, originator of the series, under the direction of Jim Johnson of Penn State Harrisburg. Both presentations will be followed by light refreshments, comments by the audience, and good conversation.
The Mt. Gretna Cicada Festival may be reached on the web at www.cicadafestival.com and see us on Facebook. Call 964-2046 for further information. You may reach an answering machine, but a volunteer will surely return your call. See you at the Cicada Festival!
Arts Council Board
Dr. Thomas Clemens, President
Jeff Hurst, Vice President
Leslie Hall Buchanan, Secretary
Cindy Myer, Treasurer
Debbie Clemens
Deborah Hurst
Jessica Kosoff
Shirley Miller
Ginny Minnich
Kerry Royer
Mike Sherman
Jennifer Veser Besse
Betsy Stutzman
Scott Zellers
The Mount Gretna Arts Council is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.
IRS #23-2469201
MountGretnaArts Council #0013192
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, withinPennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.