Arts, Music, Theater & Reviews

The Trinity Irish Dance Company will be taking the stage at the Gettysburg Majestic Theater this evening at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets, which run from $36 to $46, are available at the theater’s website. Associate Director, choreographer, and dancer said the troop is in the middle of its seasonal tour which will end with a three-week run in Japan. “We kicked off in Portland, Oregon at the White Bird theater in February where we had 4 sold-out performances as part of the theater’s 25th anniversary,” said Hoy. The team has distinguished itself as the only Irish dance company in the performing arts arena and over the course of three decades has continued to host progressive performances. Hoy described Irish dance as a performance that’s really loved by both 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds. “There’s a little bit of something for everyone in this performance,” she said. Hoy said the show included a live band that plays for the dancers and also perform their own work. Hoy expressed pride in Trinity Irish Dances’ ability to maintain the integrity of Irish Dance while incorporating threads of female empowerment and inclusivity. The company has dancers representing three different countries and 12 different states and is looking to keep expanding. “We bring all of these unique personalities together and it’s really inside of our choreography. It’s the personalities that are put up front. So it’s important that we gather a unique group of people,” she said. “Dancing skills are obviously very important, but it’s not important to us what competitive titles they won or didn’t win. It’s important to us what kind of leader they’re going to be, how they connect with their communities” “Women bring the thunder,” said Hoy, saying the company is primarily female. “We always have been; but it’s not just in the numbers, but also in the casting and the choreography. That we really put the women up front and we celebrate the strength of women.” Experience a performance of “everything you expect, but nothing you’d imagine” tonight at the Majestic Theater.

“You get to know so many people!” was the repeated outcry around the fancifully-appointed Gettysburg Hotel Ballroom Saturday evening as the Gettysburg Community Theatre celebrated fifteen years of engaging folks from around the county at its 15th Annual Gala, “Once Upon A Time.” Founding Executive/Artistic Director Chad-Alan Carr’s excitement seemed to be the energy source for the swirling lights and happy music that filled the busy space. In a tuxedoed blur, Carr practically danced around the room, greeting guests and guiding the entertainment, stopping only to applaud the wide range of talented Broadway hopefuls on the stage and receive hugs and happy high-fives from the children who so obviously adore him. Grayson Grimmer, one of the young dancers in the big number, “Break This Down,” said he participates in the theatre because “It’s a fun time to get with the community. The theatre is an awesome place. You meet so many people!” ”There are a lot more of them,” Chase Bowman added, “this is only a few of us.” A wave of his arm indicated the twenty-five or so young people who had just danced and sung for the cheering crowd.   A fellow singer/dancer Chase said he auditioned for “The Lion King” because “my mom and dad were singing around the house and they asked me if I wanted to audition for a show so I did.” Chase’s ambitions were clear when he later belted out a number to a sustained round of applause from the fans who believe in him, too. Stephanie Roelker sang “Something Wonderful” from the musical “The King and I” in a beautiful, lyric soprano voice. In her elegant black dress and with a delicate tiara nestled in her gorgeous white hair, Stephanie’s ease with the high notes was evidence she has given a lifetime of musical joy to her audiences. Smitha Nair, a new member of the GCT board of directors said that she is “looking forward to seeing the organization grow.” She shyly revealed that she is excited to “re-ignite my inner artist.” The stage has an appeal that is hard to ignore. Carolyn Spangler was someone who made an elegant impression in her “Downton Abby” inspired gown. Stopping her to talk led to the discovery that the beautiful centerpieces were her creation. She excitedly reported that her home-based business, Carolyn’s Flowers, will supply fresh flowers to the theatre for every performance of the coming season. Carolyn’s middle son, Major, looking sharp in his bowtie and sweater vest, said, “I don’t really like dressing up. I did it for mom.” But his smile said he liked the compliment. And he was later seen dancing. The growth of the theatre is obvious to those who have watched or participated in the camps and classes and shows that have blossomed from Carr’s vision. After a rousing tribute by theatre alumnus Jared Herr, Carr got down to business. That the next goal for the theatre is an ambitious one was obvious by his breathless announcement that the Majestic stage is where they would like to start producing shows. “But it’s expensive!” he said, with his signature flashy flutter of papers and gestures of appeal to the supportive crowd. That fact only seemed to bring louder cheers and shouts of approval. That the next eight performances are sold out is a good indication that this goal is not unreasonable or unreachable. It makes one think that selling out the Majestic is a possibility.  The reaction throughout the ballroom was undeniably favorable and brings truth to the phrase, “The show must go on!” On a bigger stage, with the ability to reach a bigger audience, and with the financial support of the people in the room, local business sponsorships, and the wider Adams County community, it won’t be long until this goal is a reality. Information about donating to the theatre can be found at www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org The main fundraising activity of the celebratory evening was a raffle of a number of donated prize baskets, generously overflowing with practical and delightfully enticing items. Looking around the room at the dazzling gowns, the sparkling faces of delightful children, men in top hats and tails, and busy servers creating hors d’oeuvres, it was only natural to see Cinderella and Prince Charming arm in arm. Enchanted Teapots, a costumed actor supplier located in Manchester, PA, was engaged to bring pairs of Disney Princes and Princesses to the ball to mingle among the guests. Shay Anna, as Cinderella, and Kurt Novak as her Prince Charming said they enjoyed doing these appearances because they get to meet fun people and come to “beautiful, historic locations like this lovely room” at the former Gettysburg National Bank. The beaming faces of guests being complimented on their evening gowns, suits, and costumes elevated the evening to a memorable event for all whose presence was due to one charming, ambitious, determined person named Chad-Alan Carr. Congratulations on your success, Kind Sir!! Bravo!! Encore!! Photos by Jim Bargas. Click on any photo to start the slideshow.

The Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) hosted more than 70 people at their annual meeting on Tuesday evening. Attendees included all three County Commissioners, several leaders from area organizations, the Arts Council’s Board of Directors, as well as ACAC staff, members, artists, instructors, and art enthusiasts. Executive Officer Lisa Cadigan, hosting her first annual meeting, said the evening was a celebration of the ACAC’s work in 2022 on its mission “to cultivate an arts-rich community.” “Cultivating an arts-rich community means we want to inspire people to appreciate the arts, and to do that, we need to engage people in the creative process,” she said. Cadigan thanked the board of directors saying “I’m really proud of the team we are building.” Four Applause Awards were presented to Arts Council volunteers and supporters to recognize outstanding leadership, vision, and service to arts and culture in Adams County. Award recipients were: CAROLYN GEORGE George participated in the Arts Council’s inaugural Women’s Healing Arts program last year and also served as a volunteer for The People Project, First Friday receptions, and the Jingle Ball. Arts Council Executive Director Lisa Cadigan described her as a person who “embodies a creative spirit, (who) always has interesting ideas to share and then shows up to help make them a reality.” PATTI ROBINSON ACAC Board Member Lois Starkey presented the Applause Award to Patti Robinson, whom she lauded for her work to reinvigorate the New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Gettysburg, her participation in and co-chairing of the ACAC’s Halloween Costume Party, and her stewardship of the online platform, Gettysburg Alive, which shares local news of interest with the community about local businesses, non-profits, and particularly arts and culture to an audience of more than 3,400 followers. “We are grateful for [Patti’s] voice in this community, as we are constantly learning more about the things going on around us, which opens up partnerships that serve our mission to cultivate an arts-rich community,” said Starkey. MIKE COGLIANO ACAC Board President Darlene Brown presented the third Applause Award to Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital President Michael Cogliano, who has taken time in a busy schedule to volunteer at a number of important community causes, including Arts Council outreach efforts, serving as emcee for the New Year’s Eve Celebration’s raising of Lincoln’s hat, and participation in Dancing with the Local Stars, which benefits both the Arts Council and the YWCA. Cogliano “works for an organization that understands good health is more than exceptional healthcare. It starts in the communities where we live, work, and play,“ said Brown. “Our Award Winner [Cogliano] puts his employer’s goals into action.” ENBRIDGE accepted by Max Bergeron, Manager of Stakeholder Relations The final Applause Award was presented by long-time Arts Council Treasurer and golf tournament chair, Stuart Kravits to Enbridge, which has supported and participated in the golf tournament annually since 2020 and last year also sponsored and participated in the Jingle Ball. Enbridge was lauded for being a large company that gets involved at a local level. In addition to being generous sponsors, “Employees from Enbridge have traveled across the state and from neighboring states to meet us here in Adams County as active participants in our community events,” said Kravits. Last month, Bergeron and colleague Kristen Henson, Senior Advisor of Stakeholder Involvement, visited the Arts Education Center. Bergeron plans to play in the golf tournament this year. Cadigan said offerings at the ACAC in 2022 included 146 classes with 878 participants; 3 galleries with 30 artist presentations; the Arts Oasis stage on Lincoln Square with 89 performances; 362 summer camps with 354 students, over half of which were funded through scholarships; and 544 senior scholarships. Cadigan unveiled a stain-glass collage “One Piece at a Time,” featuring the work of community members under the direction of Christian Parker. Attendees had the opportunity to help paint a canvas with a sketch drawn by painting instructor Elsie Shackelton. Featured image caption: Applause Award Winners: Left to Right, Bergeron, Cogliano, Robinson, George, and Cadigan [Kylie Stone].

Abundant opportunities to enjoy the lively arts are available throughout the month of March, including three live shows at the Majestic Theater and those perennial favorites – the high school musicals!  Our small town of Gettysburg will host international performers from the Royal Concertgebow Orchestra of Amsterdam, dancers from Ireland, and a piano and violin duo from Eastern Europe.  Read on….. Friday March 3 at 7:00 pm – Poetry First Friday  Featured reader Steven Concert will share his poetry Upstairs at the Ragged Edge Coffeehouse following a brief open mic for those who wish to recite some of their own poetry.  Arrive in time to enjoy some coffee and a treat. Friday March 3 at 7:30 pm – Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom The Majestic Theater presents the hilarious and true story behind one of America’s most beloved television sitcoms written by playwright Gregg Oppenheimer, son of I Love Lucy creator Jess Oppenheimer.  This play ran to sold-out houses in LA during its world premiere run in 2018. If you love Lucy, you won’t want to miss it! High School Musicals Bermudian High School presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – March 3, 4 and 5 Fairfield High School presents Cinderella – March 3 and 4 Gettysburg High School presents Pippin – March 3 and 4 Littlestown High School presents Barnum – March 10 and 11 New Oxford High School presents Chicago – March 3 and 4 Upper Adams High School presents Freaky Friday – March 17, 18 and 19 Monday March 13 at 12:00 and 7:00 pm – The Seagull by Anton Chekhov The Majestic Theater presents this classic play in collaboration with National Theatre Live in HD from London.  Emilia Clarke (Games of Thrones) makes her West End debut in the 21st century retelling of this tale of love and loneliness. Saturday March 18 at 12 pm – Lohengrin by Richard Wagner The Majestic Theater, in conjunction with Met Live in HD presents Richard Wagner’s epic opera Lohengrin. An informative, free lecture by nationally recognized opera expert Kay Hoke will take place at 11 a.m. prior to the broadcast. Sunday March 19 at 4:00 pm – Elena Millar, Piano and Nikita Burakovskiy, Violin In the United Lutheran Seminary Chapel, Music Gettysburg presents a superb violin and piano duo from Eastern Europe. Their program will include gorgeous works by Glinka, Rimsky-Korsakoff, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.  Ample free parking and freewill donations accepted. Thursday March 23 at 7:30 pm – Trinity Irish Dance The Majestic Theater presents Trinity Irish Dance, a fusion of Ireland’s vibrant and long-standing dance form with American innovation. This dance company dazzles audiences with its hard-driving percussive power, lightning-fast agility and aerial grace. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy top-notch, live Irish dance. Saturday March 25 at 3:00 pm – The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon The Majestic Theater presents this new theatrical production based on the seven delightful picture books by Crockett Johnson. Appropriate for children ages Pre-K through Grade 5 and their friends of all ages, the play follows the zany adventures of an inventive young boy with his purple crayon.  Treat your children, grandchildren and yourself to this joyful and entertaining theater piece. Thursday March 30 at 7:30 pm – Camerta RCO The Gettysburg Community Concert Association presents Camerta RCO in the Gettysburg Middle School Auditorium.  These world-class orchestral musicians are all members of the prestigious Royal Concertgebow Orchestra in Amsterdam. A smaller ensemble of musicians will be performing chamber music for this tour, allowing the audience to hear plenty of beautiful solo parts in a more intimate setting than with a large orchestra and concert hall. Do not miss this outstanding musical group, coming to us from the Netherlands.  Single tickets are $20; season tickets are $50; children and college students with ID are free. Friday March 31 at 8:00 pm – Gettysburg College Wind Symphony (aka The Concert Band) The Majestic Theater is the place to enjoy hearing a Masterworks Concert performed by the band students of Gettysburg College, conducted by Dr. Russell McCutcheon. Tickets are $5.

“In this piece, you’ll be hearing sounds you may never have heard from a flute,” said Dr. Teresa Bowers as she introduced the second half of her recital with Professor James Hontz, classical guitarist. The Seminary Chapel at 4:00 on a Sunday afternoon was the setting that complimented the beautiful music created by the recently retired Gettysburg College professor. Dr. Bowers’ list of achievements is more extensive than can be given proper acclaim here. Be assured, she’s all about the music which she performs frequently in various settings across the country. Dr. Bowers enthralled the audience with an instrument that you wouldn’t think would draw a crowd, however the sanctuary, renowned for its highly pleasing acoustics, was impressively full. The first half of the concert was captivating. The guitar became something like a chorus behind the flautist’s pure-as-silk tones, filling the air with notes that bubbled around the room, bouncing among the pristine white columns with what felt at times like a bit of mischief as the flute expressed the composer’s intentions with grace and elegance. As Dr. Bowers transported us into a softer, more relaxed frame of mind, my eyes felt free to wander and see how the late afternoon sun played on the chapel’s extensive white surfaces. In a moment that couldn’t have been planned, as she came to the end of a piece that she very obviously loves to play, the sun hit the exact window that made the beautiful, flowered blouse that she wore shimmer and shine, visually underscoring the music, the Spanish composer Valerie Coleman’s piece “Danza de la Mariposa for flute alone,” about a butterfly. In the second half, Professor Hontz, who is on the faculty at numerous universities, revealed his connection with his instrument, which he used as a drum during the delightful delightful “Histoire du Tango by Astor Piazzolla. His versatility on the fretboard as all of his fingers seemed to move in different directions at the same time showed why he is in demand as both a solo artist and an accompanist. Dr. Bowers cheekily invited the audience members who knew the tango to dance should they feel so moved. The nervous laughter and shifting in seats said to me that it could happen! I have been familiar with Dr Bowers’ work for many years. Her penchant for intellectually challenging music was evident in the piece during which she made at least three different sounds that were outside of the box for a flautist. The generally demure, floating lilt of the instrument was interrupted by brief bursts of breathy, guttural kinds of sounds that, surprisingly enhanced the piece with a sense of curiosity about what else the flute can do. Seems she can be her own percussionist, too. Though the recently retired professor could rest on a velvet cushion constructed of a “job well done,” the diminutive woman doesn’t seem to want to do that. Her stamina and endurance never wavered through the performance during which she stood in, may I say stunning, coral-colored heels on the slick marble floor. At no time did she offer us a fond farewell. Dr. Teresa Bowers is a flautist to be reckoned with. Music Gettysburg, the diversity of whose programming is expanding with each season since 1980, is in its fifth decade delivering “the best music in the world to greater Gettysburg.” Their schedule can be found at musicgettysburg.org The 90 minute concert, as the sun teetered on the horizon, was a lovely way to fill my eyes and ears with uplifting images to replay as I turned my thoughts to dinner. And from my view in the balcony, it looks like a good place to meet someone who shares a desire to see live performances from superlative artists. The next Music Gettysburg! concert is March 19 at 4:00 in the Seminary chapel,  presenting Elena Millar, violin & Nikita Burakovskiy, piano. Concerts are free with a goodwill donation taken at intermission.

Jeffrey Gabel, the Founding Executive Director of Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater, announced today that he will retire in early January 2024 after 20 years of dedicated service. “It has been a privilege and pleasure to build ‘the grandest small-town theater in America,’ which has been so generously supported by the college and the community,” said Gabel. “Twenty years is a long run in show business, and my time at the Majestic has been the most gratifying period of my career. “Having an opportunity to help shape this important college and community resource has been incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun! After nearly 40 years in the entertainment business, I’m looking forward to attending shows and movies at the Majestic as a carefree patron.” “Jeffrey represents the very best of our community,” said Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano. “His collaboration, his charisma, and his deep commitment to the arts have helped to build the Majestic Theater into all that it is today. Indeed, Jeffrey’s impact over the last two decades reflected so vividly with a first-of-its-kind film festival this February will undoubtedly be felt by Gettysburgians for decades to come. We wish him a joyous and well-deserved retirement.” Gabel joined the Gettysburg College administration in 2003 to lead the theater’s $16.5 million renovation that meticulously restored the 1925 vaudeville and silent movie theater and added a cinema wing with two theaters, an art gallery, a café, and a backstage production wing. In addition to programming more than 300 concerts by professional artists; raising $21.7 million in community support and establishing a $5.9 million endowment for programming support, Gabel counts producing the recent Ken Burns Film Festival—which drew sold-out audiences from 28 states across the country—among his most important accomplishments. Gabel also serves as the vice chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and is board member emeritus and past board chair of the League of Historic American Theatres. Gettysburg College will launch a national search for a new executive director in the spring of 2023. The Majestic Theater at the LeVan Performing Arts Center in downtown Gettysburg is open year-round. It presents a diverse lineup of more than 50 live performances by national and international performing artists, as well as a nightly lineup of independent, foreign, and classic films. The Majestic also serves as the rehearsal and performance venue for the major instrumental ensembles of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College.

Last night’s Gettysburg College Jazz Ensemble concert at the Gettysburg Majestic Theater was a sign that there is a new era of jazz in Gettysburg, and that the students are all in. From the first notes, there was a charged electricity in the air. The black-suited musicians seemed to sit a little taller in their seats as their director took the stage to modest applause. But by the end of the evening the applause was sustained and genuinely welcoming of this new infusion of energy into an already well-loved ensemble. This concert celebrated Black History Month with works by Black composers of the 20th century including Benny Carter, Mary Lou Williams, and Charles Mingus. Jazz isn’t for everyone and it would be difficult to try and characterize “jazz people.” They are syncopated folk who live life a little outside of the nine-to-five. People who listen to jazz use the music to let go of the mundane and enter the place where the rhythm takes over and the cares of the world drift away in toe-tapping joy or mellow meditation on the one whose hand you’re holding. This ensemble of talented young people, all of whom auditioned for their place in the ensemble, leveled up their game this year. The music that filled the room was a mature, well-rehearsed sound that, from the start, told me that something was different. I’ve been to many of their concerts in the past few years and enjoyed them all, but there was a new excitement in the air. “The difference is our new band leader,” trombonist Michael Tropp told me after the concert. “Amanda Heim is the new coordinator of jazz studies at the college.” Michael continued, “She’s great! She was the saxophone instructor for ten years. We all like her a lot.” Heim said she purposefully included Mary Lou Williams as a composer because she was a woman who became a band leader in her own rite while she composed and arranged for other noteworthy bands in a time when women were few in number. Heim spoke about challenging the audience’ ear as she brought the Charles Mingus piece to life. She prepared us to hear sounds that might be more modern than we are used to. It enhances a listening experience to know what to pay attention to and so to my delight, the trombone solo became the thing I hadn’t heard before. The trombone soloist took some personal risks creating sounds that I never knew a trombone could make. His control of the instrument made his improvisation worthy of the explosive applause that followed. Applauding individual performances is part of what makes jazz a more intimate kind of music. The interplay between the musicians and the audience is important and supports the solo instrumentalists as they express their unique style within the ensemble. All of the soloists were outstanding throughout the concert. None of them attempted to be the star of the show. They balanced and enhanced each other’s performances, making the whole piece seamless. Each section became more than just individual artists and their instruments as the performance progressed. There was a cohesion to the ensemble that created a sound that is hard to describe. It’s as though the band is one single instrument that couldn’t sound the same without any of the individual parts. It’s why we can tell Duke Ellington from Count Basie from Lawrence Welk. The trumpet section, however, deserves a standing ovation for its performance. They had a precision and oneness of sound that completely eclipsed any past lineup.  This year’s Gettysburg College Jazz Ensemble is setting the tone for the future. The bar is high… We’ll have to wait until April 22 to hear this group again, but on March 24 at 8:00 p.m. you can hear The Gettysburg College Jazz Combo (formerly Jazz Dispatch) on the college campus at Union Junction. Assistant Professor Eric Byrd is the new director, propelling jazz studies into the next generation. Sitting still is not an option…

Gena R. Greher, UMass Lowell Easy on the ear, perhaps. But the label of “easy listening” often attached to the songs of Burt Bacharach belies the mastery of his talent in crafting perfect moments in music. Yes, Bacharach’s back catalog is filled with memorable, catchy melodies – whether they were written with longtime partner and lyricist Hal David, former wife Carole Bayer Sager or in collaboration with more contemporary artists such as Elvis Costello, Adele and Dr. Dre. But there is a harmonic and rhythmic complexity to his music that elevates it above the sweet, often saccharine arrangements that can typify easy listening. It is full of influences from jazz chord structures and progressions, as well as rhythms. It is why Bacharach, who died on Feb. 8, 2023, at the age of 94, appealed to generations of listeners, as well as the diverse pool of singers who chose to work with him. Cross-generational appeal Bacharach began his long songwriting career in the 1950s, but it was the following decade that saw him come to prominence with a series of hit songs. But with the 1960s as a backdrop – a time of immense innovation in popular music – Bacharach may not have been taken as seriously as many of his contemporaries. It was a time when rock ‘n’ roll and the British Invasion were at the forefront, with rhythm and blues, protest music and folk rock finding their way on the musical landscape. While Bacharach’s musical counterparts were writing and performing music that responded to and reflected the political, social and cultural upheavals that defined the era, Bacharach and David’s songs focused on different themes: Theirs was music that dealt with relationships and matters of the heart. They also stood apart from other notable songwriting partners of the age – Lennon and McCartney, Jagger and Richards, for example – in that the songs were written for others to perform. In that way, they were a throwback to an earlier age of popular music, when the likes of Rodgers and Hart provided hit after hit for a roster of singers. Indeed, they were a late product of Tin Pan Alley – the music industry centered around midtown Manhattan. Bacharach met David in 1957 in the storied Brill Building in New York City – a place where a young songwriter could perhaps catch a break. Spotify playlist Not long after they began working together, Bacharach came across a young backup singer at a recording session who seemed to have promise. The first single he produced with her, “Don’t Make Me Over,” was the first of 38 songs he and David produced with Dionne Warwick. Her warm tones and fluid phrasing made Warwick’s voice the perfect accompaniment to Bacharach’s music. But she was one of many collaborators. Some, like Warwick, were plucked from relative obscurity. Others, like Perry Como, were already established singers. The list of artists who found success with Bacharach songs in that era is astonishing: Aretha Franklin, The Carpenters, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, and The 5th Dimension, to name just a few. Through collaborators, Bacharach’s music was able to reach a fairly diverse audience. The songs were so well written that they could easily be reworked into different genres, and break the confines of “easy listening” – a genre often maligned as unhip. In the hands of Isaac Hayes, the sweet refrains of “Walk on By” becomes a psychedelic funk classic. Years later, The White Stripes transformed “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself” into a stripped-down, guitar-heavy slice of rock. Froms Oscars to revivals The music of David and Bacharach also worked on a different level – as the background to movie soundtracks. The 1966 Michael Caine film “Alfie” is perhaps equally known today for the title track, with versions by Cher, Warwick and British singer Cilla Black all becoming hits on the back of the film. In 1969, Bacharach and David’s “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” sung by B.J. Thomas in the western “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” won the Academy Award for best original song. Bacharach also won the Oscar for best original score. Adding to success on the charts and on screen, Bacharach also won acclaim for his work on Broadway. The 1968 show “Promises, Promises” was groundbreaking in its use of amplification in the orchestra, which included a rock band. The show contained a number of songs that topped the charts, most notably Warwick’s version of the show-stopping “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” In an NPR “Fresh Air” interview in 2010 – when the musical was being revived on Broadway – Bacharach discusses the number of rhythmic meter changes in the title song, “Promises, Promises,” and the difficulties these rhythmic changes presented for singers and musicians in the show. The interview is also notable in that it reunited him with David – the two had a much publicized split in 1973 after working on a failed movie. The breakdown of their successful musical partnership saw Bacharach lose interest in writing music for a spell, and affected his relationship with Warwick. This was eventually resolved with her recording of one of Bacharach’s most memorable songs, 1985’s “That’s What Friends are For,” written with his then-wife, Carole Bayer Sager. Though the song had been first recorded by Rod Stewart for the film “Night Shift,” the Warwick & Friends’ version – the friends being none other than Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder – is the one that became a hit and helped revive Bacharach’s career. Though best known for the songs he wrote in the 1960s through the 1980s, Bacharach continued to write music into his old age, collaborating with Elvis Costello, Adele and Dr. Dre. You may have noticed the sheer number – and range – of artists Bacharach worked with. It speaks to the quality and endurance of his output. Yes, he will be remembered by some as the writer of exemplary “easy listening” songs. But Burt Bacharach’s legacy will prove that he was so much more. Gena R. Greher, Professor of Music, UMass Lowell This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Featured image caption: A pop pioneer whose songs were performed by the great and good for decades. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Dozens of singer-songwriters, and bands of all sizes, shapes, and sounds will spread out across the region this weekend in support of cancer research. All events are free, but your donations are expected. Here’s a complete sked: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10TH, 2023 Appalachian Brewing Company Battlefield259 Steinwehr Ave – Gettysburg – All Ages6:00pm – Beelzebob And The Screamin Demons – Folk Punk7:00pm – Condition Oakland – Folk Punk8:00pm – Sweet Anne Marie – Singer Songwriter9:00pm – Willeby Hayes – Singer Songwriter Battlefield Brew Works248 Hunterstown Rd – Gettysburg – All Ages6:00pm – The Mimic – Rock7:00pm – The Barley Hopkins Band – Americana8:00pm – Jack Funk – Funk9:00pm – Brother Krow and the Murder – Rock Bourbon Mill4797 York Rd – New Oxford – All Ages6:00pm – Steel String Storytellers – Americana7:00pm – Jefrey Woodall – Acoustic8:00pm – Cagen Goldstein – Acoustic9:00pm – Acoustic Moose – Blues Core Theater at Mela Kitchen & Jack’s Hard Cider1865 Gettysburg Village Dr – Gettysburg – All Ages6:00pm – James Morley – Acoustic/Country7:00pm – Leaping Luci – Reggae8:00pm – The Mike Kell Band – Rock9:00pm – Wyatt Becker Band – Country/Rock The Gettysburger Company35 Chambersburg St – Gettysburg – All Ages6:00pm – Mike Kessler – Acoustic7:00pm – Zach King – Picker & Singer8:00pm – Ole Sunshine – Acoustic9:00pm – Jeff Trish – Singer Songwriter Hanover Moose Lodge19 Barnhart Dr – Hanover – 21+6:00pm – Daisy K. Meadows – Acoustic7:00pm – Best Regards Band – Classic Rock8:00pm – Natural Disguise – Rock9:00pm – From Dawn Till Death – Rock10:00pm – Disorderly Conduct – Rock Jen Jen’s Rhythm & Brews6726 Carlisle Pike – East Berlin – 21+6:00pm – COVER*SCENT – Rock7:00pm – Full Effect – Rock8:00pm – TGIR – Rock9:00pm – Age Against the Machine – Rock10:00pm – Silver Mountain Dio Tribute – Rock Public House at The Markets of Hanover1649 Broadway – Hanover – All ages5:00pm – Christian Harper – Acoustic Rock6:00pm – Joe Cooney and Friends – Acoustic7:00pm – Blue Moose Band – Blues8:00pm – Nailed It Band – Rock9:00pm – Fink’s Constant – SKA Racehorse Tavern738 North Biesecker Rd – Thomasville – 21+6:00pm – Johnny Reever – Acoustic7:00pm – The Spyders of HBG – Rock8:00pm – Liquid Lucky – Rock9:00pm – Nineties Entertainment System – Alt Rock/Grunge10:00pm – HEADSTRUCK – Rock11:00pm – Suicide Puppets – Rock Reid’s Winery Tasting Room and Cider House400 Baltimore St – Gettysburg – All Ages6:00pm – Kaptan Zaplan – Singer Songwriter7:00pm – Shanna Rae – Singer Songwriter8:00pm – Tom May – Acoustic9:00pm – David Sparrow – Singer Songwriter Something Wicked Brewing Company34 Broadway – Hanover – All Ages6:00pm – Dustin Muller – Acoustic7:00pm – Rich Lipski – Acoustic8:00pm – Latimore Sky – Rock9:00pm – West & Ward – Singer Songwriter Duo Zeichen des Pferdes Bierhaus6 Center Square – Hanover – All Ages6:00pm – Carmine Gontz – Acoustic7:00pm – Kyle Noble – Acoustic8:00pm – Faith Noel – Singer / Songwriter9:00pm – Jessi Adams – Singer / Songwriter SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11TH, 2023 Appalachian Brewing Company Battlefield259 Steinwehr Ave – Gettysburg – All Ages6:00pm – Thom Lewis – Acoustic7:00pm – Chris Strait – Singer Songwriter8:00pm – Philadelphia Avenue – Acoustic9:00pm – Evan Crider – Acoustic Big Hill Cider338 Georgetown Road – Gardners – All ages1:00pm – Sherbi Trio – Singer Songwriter2:00pm – Jeff McCaw – Acoustic3:00pm – The Gregorys Duo – Singer Songwriter4:00pm – Gena McKibbon – Singer Songwriter5:00pm – Jessie Lynn – Singer Songwriter6:00pm – Back Creek – Acoustic Four Diamonds Family7:00pm – Drew Cooke – Singer Songwriter8:00pm – South Mountain Social – Rock/Pop/Country Battlefield Brew Works248 Hunterstown Rd – Gettysburg – All Ages2:00pm – Rich Fehle – Singer Songwriter3:00pm – The Flying Matlock – Acoustic Duo4:00pm – Riders – Classic/Country Rock5:00pm – The Juice – Classic Rock6:00pm – Soup Kitchen – Classic Rock7:00pm – The Cruisers – Classic Rock8:00pm – Dezzie Renae and the Iron Petals – Country Rock9:00pm – Haymaker – Classic/Country Rock Bourbon Mill4797 York Rd – New Oxford – All Ages6:00pm – Brian Forberger – Acoustic7:00pm – Beyond Whiskey – Acoustic Rock8:00pm – Tom Senseney Jr – Acoustic9:00pm – Elly Cooke & Tylor Elder – Singer Songwriter Duo Core Theater at Mela Kitchen & Jack’s Hard Cider1865 Gettysburg Village Dr – Gettysburg – All Ages6:00pm – Jay Gobrecht – Acoustic/Country7:00pm – Rebekah Foster – Singer Songwriter8:00pm – Jalopy Deluxe – Rock9:00pm – East River Band – Rock The Gettysburger Company35 Chambersburg St – Gettysburg – All Ages6:00pm – Jayson Cyr – Acoustic7:00pm – Slick – Acoustic8:00pm – Tommy B – Acoustic9:00pm – Laura Laughman – Acoustic Country Gettysburg VFW POST 15369 East Middle St – Gettysburg – 21+6:00pm – The 3 Willys – Rock7:00pm – Kate & The Alchemists – Pop/Rock8:00pm – The Clark McLane Band – Electric Folk9:00pm – Holly and The Howlers – Rock/Blues Hanover Moose Lodge19 Barnhart Dr – Hanover – 21+6:00pm – Silver Junction Radio – Classic Rock7:00pm – Derailed – Classic/Modern Rock8:00pm – Infinite Sight – Rock9:00pm – Gravy – Classic/Country Rock10:00pm – Screamin’ Egrets – Classic Rock Jen Jen’s Rhythm & Brews6726 Carlisle Pike – East Berlin – 21+3:00pm – Marshall Stone & Shelly McCarthy – Acoustic Duo4:00pm – Grant Bryan – Singer Songwriter5:00pm – Rob Parks – Acoustic6:00pm – The Spyders of HBG – Rock7:00pm – Bullet Proof – Rock8:00pm – Ravens Edge – Rock9:00pm – Yigga Digga – Heavy Rock10:00pm – Rabid Assassin – Metal Ploughman Cider Taproom14 Lincoln Square – Gettysburg – All ages4:00pm – Aaron Samuals – Acoustic5:00pm – Chuches & Trains – Acoustic Country6:00pm – Mitch Morrill – Acoustic Rock7:00pm – Theo – Acoustic8:00pm – Tresa Day – Acoustic9:00pm – Todd Burd – Acoustic Public House at The Markets of Hanover1649 Broadway – Hanover – All ages2:00pm – Alex Warner – Instrumentalist3:00pm – Michael Friedman – Instrumentalist4:00pm – Jesse Drayer – Acoustic5:00pm – The Red Eye Kings – Original Rock6:00pm – &Gentlemen – Indie Rock7:00pm – Six Bar Break – Original Rock8:00pm – 2199 – Rock9:00pm – Heads or Tail Experience – Funk/Rock/Raggae Racehorse Tavern738 North Biesecker Rd – Thomasville – 21+6:00pm – Headshot – Hard Rock/Blues7:00pm – Burden of Guilt – Rock8:00pm – Powder Keg Culture – Power Pop/Punk9:00pm – Coal – Alt Rock10:00pm – Coffee with Lions – DIY Punk11:00pm – Age Against the Machine – Rock Reid’s Winery Tasting Room and Cider House400 Baltimore St – Gettysburg – All Ages2:00pm – Frank N Bob – Classic Rock3:00pm – Sherbi Trio – Singer Songwriter4:00pm – Gary & Jude – Acoustic5:00pm – Morning Sky – Acoustic7:00pm – Neil & Shannon – Acoustic Rock Something Wicked Brewing Company34 Broadway – Hanover – All Ages3:00pm – Alison Thoms – Singer Songwriter4:00pm – The Deconstructionists – Singer Songwriter5:00pm – Aaron Getchell – Singer Songwriter Zeichen des Pferdes Bierhaus6 Center Square – Hanover – All Ages6:00pm – Nick Wallin – Acoustic7:00pm – Marissa Porter – Acoustic8:00pm – Faded Denim – Acoustic9:00pm – Burden of Proof – Acoustic SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12TH, 2023 Core Theater at Mela Kitchen & Jack’s Hard Cider1865 Gettysburg Village Dr – Gettysburg – All Ages12:00pm – Dave Gates – Acoustic Rock1:00pm – Chuck Darwin & The Knuckledraggers – Non Gene-Pool Bluegrass2:00pm – Nick Andrew Staver Trio – Original Blues3:00pm – The Inside – Original Rock4:00pm – From The Grey – Classic Rock5:00pm – Peter Wile & Friends – Original Folk/Rock6:00pm – Drew Cooke Project – Original Rock

Just in time for Valentine’s Day and Black History Month, the Gettysburg Community Theatre last night presented a sold-out reading of the play, “Loving,” by Peter Manos. The play is based upon the real-life stories of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial Virginia couple, whose January 6, 1959 marriage in Washington D.C. violated the anti-miscegenation law in Virginia, where they were living. Their decade-long battle to marry would end up being heard before the U.S. Supreme Court, in the landmark case, Loving v. Virginia. This case was decided in favor of the Lovings on June 12, 1967. In its decision, the Supreme Court ruled that all anti-miscegenation laws violated the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. It was wonderful to see so many community members back for in-person, live performances at the Community Theatre. In his opening remarks, Executive and Artistic Director Chad-Alan Carr shared the message that live theater has returned to the Gettysburg Community Theatre. And he had much praise for the cast of Loving. The modest cast of five actors included Jeb Beard, who portrayed Richard Loving. Beard captured the quiet strength and fortitude of his character. Beard said he had purchased the video of the 2016 film to prepare for his role, but said he had never watched the film before then. Kierstan Belle, who played Mildred Loving, was convincing in depicting the playful, calming energy Mildred Loving embodied throughout her life. Belle said she has interracial family members and that many of those members, including a few in the audience, wouldn’t be alive today, if not for the courage of the Lovings. Belle said many of her family members bear the last name of the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice at the time of the rulings, Earl Warren. Warren wrote in his decision that, “The 14th Amendment requires that the freedom of choice to may not be restricted by invidious racial discrimination. Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State.” Tevis Bryant played the brother of Mildred Loving, He provided light moments of comical relief in a story that is part romance and part horror story. He also sang the musical numbers in the hour-long staged reading. Scott Hartwig played double duty during the production. He narrated, providing pivotal historical context of the time and the troubling relationship this country has had with race, and portrayed ACLU lawyer, Bernie Cohen, who was sent to represent them after Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy sent him the letter he had received from Mildred and Richard Loving. Rounding out the cast was guitarist David Conklin who provided a gentle accompaniment to the vocals of Tevis Bryant. Carr said the idea for the reading had been initiated in 2021 but due to Covid and casting setbacks was only now being shown. “It is such an important story to be told,” he said. Gettysburg Mayor Rita Frealing presented Carr and the Gettysburg Community Theatre with a Proclamation declaring February 3rd as “Gettysburg Community Theatre Day in Gettysburg,” a gesture that resulted in Carr being overcome by the emotional force of the evening. Frealing also shared the impact this case had in her own personal life. To close the discussion session, Chad-Alan Carr, still visibly moved by the evening, concluded with a message that he tells his “kids” in the theater, that “whatever you choose to be in life, choose to be kind.” This was a fitting way for the evening to close and a bold way to welcome Black History Month 2023 to Gettysburg.

Gettysburg, PA (January 26, 2023) – Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater welcomes L.A. Theatre Works bringing its signature radio-theater hybrid style the historic stage with Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom on Friday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Written by Gregg Oppenheimer — son of I Love Lucy creator, producer, and head writer Jess Oppenheimer, and one of the world’s foremost experts on the show — Lucy Loves Desi is the hilarious true story behind the beloved TV comedy. “For we Baby Boomers who grew up on ‘I Love Lucy’ black and white TV reruns, this play is a trip down memory lane,” said Jeffrey Gabel, Founding Executive Director of the Majestic Theater. “It’s also a fascinating look at all the “bah-buh-looing” that went on behind the camera.” With its onscreen pairing of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, I Love Lucy remains one of the most popular TV shows in history. Who would have thought that to get on the air, they had to battle both a network and a sponsor who thought the show couldn’t possibly succeed? Much of the play is based on Jess Oppenheimer’s memoir, “Laughs, Luck… and Lucy,” which Gregg co-authored with his father. The audience might be surprised to learn that necessity drove many of the show’s famous groundbreaking innovations: the multi-episode story arc, the baby storyline, the flashback show, and the rerun were all devised to address Lucille Ball’s surprise pregnancy (and maternity leave) in the show’s second season. L.A. Theatre Works’ national touring program brings audiences at venues across the country the experience of a “live-in-performance” radio drama. Since 2005, L.A. Theatre Works has visited over 300 civic, performing arts and university venues with productions ranging from Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop to L.A. Theatre Works-commissioned docu-dramas The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial and Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers. L.A. Theatre Works toured China with Top Secret, playing to sold out houses of Chinese professionals and students; two years later, the production was invited back to perform at Beijng’s prestigious National Centre for the Performing Arts as well as the Tianjin Grand Theater and major venues in Hangzhou, Suzhou, Chongqing and Fuling. Tickets for Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom start at $40 and are available now at the Majestic Theater Box Office, 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, by calling (717) 337-8200 or online at www.gettysburgmajestic.org. Free parking and roundtrip shuttle service for the performance is available from Gettysburg College’s Constitution Parking Lot. Shuttle starts one hour before each performance and is ADA accessible.  Metered parking is available at the Gettysburg Borough Parking Garage in Race Horse Alley as well as along Carlisle Street. Masks are optional and encouraged at Majestic Theater performances. The Majestic Theater at the Jennifer and David LeVan Performing Arts Center is owned and operated by Gettysburg College as a gathering place for its campus and community to celebrate the arts together.

Click here for our photo gallery of this event. If you didn’t know it already, Ernie Kranias won this thing ten years ago. The owner/operator of Ernie’s Texas Lunch had the audience laughing in anticipation of his running punchline throughout the first round of the “Dancing with the Local Stars” competition Friday night at the Gettysburg Majestic Theater. The whimsical judge’s description of the dancer’s movements was hilarious as well. It’s easy to see why he is a Gettysburg treasure. “Dancing with the Local Stars” is becoming the hot ticket of the year, according to Jeffrey Gable, another of the night’s three judges. The power of the vote was in the hands of the audience, so the judges seemed to relax and offer great commentary and encouragement to the highly creative and artistically costumed competitors.   The third judge was the stunning Dawn Glass who offered the audience a professional dancer’s view of just how amazing these local competitors are. Glass was able to tell us that what Gettysburg Area High School principal Jeremy Lusk was doing so effortlessly was called a “coffee grinder.” If you weren’t there, try to picture what that might have looked like. The iconic Gable gushed with pride as he spoke of this night as the big night of the year for Gettysburg. The audience applause and the “Met Gala” atmosphere before the show confirmed the truth of his words. The excitement in the air was palpable. Family and friends clutched bouquets of congratulatory flowers while they waited for the lights to dim and the chance to see the results of months of practice that went into this moment. The emcee for the evening was the very personable and snappily dressed Mark Purdy. Purdy gets a bouquet of daisies for flipping pages while holding a microphone and ad-libbing sparkling conversation.  The five couples who competed gave Gettysburg a reason to be proud. Lusk and his partner Brienna Smith won the trophy, graciously given up by returning champion, Chris Lauer. Lauer wore his title proudly, flashily dressed in a flowing gold shirt and black leather pants. Who does your hair, Chris? The diversity of their professions, their different levels of experience, as well as their courage in performing in front of a live audience, showed evidence on the stage of determination, hard work, and what it takes to make a dancing dream come true. When I talked to Pete Miele just hours before the show, the northern New Jersey native had just finished his final practice with his partner Denice Staub. “Being on the stage is a much different energy than other practice places,” Miele said, adding he is amazed at how far he has come from when he started and had no idea what a box step was. Pete showed just how well he learned. Reading the biographies of the dancers, it’s easy to understand the smiles on all their faces as they gave it their best one last time for a supportive and cheering audience. Big bouquets of roses to them! Bruce Moore’s white tie and tails wowed while he whirled his partner, Lisa Wolkind around the stage to a tune from “The Greatest Showman.” A nice touch was the presence of the top-hatted percussionist, local favorite Rickard Malmquist Czar. There were emotionally touching moments and rollicking, fast-paced take-your-breath-away moments. And the audience was carried along with them all. The show was technically flawless, the lighting was elegant and unobtrusive, the stage crew quiet and quick when adding and removing set pieces, and the sound was excellent, knitting together the various dancers’ accompaniments flawlessly. Bouquets of lilies to the unnamed but indispensable backstage crew. The voting didn’t seem as chaotic as it could have been. The ushers of the Majestic deserve applause for the collecting of the ballots and secret counting. And looking so sharp, too! While the counting happened, the audience was treated to an exhibition by students from the newest dance school in town, The Edge Complex. Their precision, grace, and passionate expression showed that this school teaches more than just the moves. The faces of the dancers proved that some of us just gotta dance. Big bouquets of irises to you all!! The first exhibition of the evening brought titters of excitement as their name was announced. The Sequined Sirens wowed the audience with their talent at tap dancing! The eight women are directed by Vanessa Rice. When the first measures of the 60s hit “Wipe Out” started, I couldn’t imagine they’d be able to keep up, but these amazing women surpassed my expectations exponentially. How the audience held back from giving them a standing ovation, I don’t know, but I’m thinking that they’ll be back next year going for it! I’ll be throwing carnations on the stage for them! All of the sponsors of the evening are too numerous to mention, but I’m sure the YWCA and The Arts Council, beneficiaries of their generosity are grateful for their huge support. It was a memorable evening for this theatergoer. I may not get to go to the Met Gala, but Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater plays its part well in bringing Adams County entertainment that shows the community in all its creative splendor. By the way, if you didn’t catch it earlier, Ernie Kranias won this thing ten years ago. Featured Image: Jeremy Lusk on stage [Jim Bargas]

The Adams County Arts Council, 125 South Washington Street, will be celebrating the opening First Friday reception of exhibitions by Bermudian Springs High School, Littlestown High School, and Alloway Creek Elementary School student work, Larry Brogan, Al Oussoren, and Elsie Shackleton on Friday, January 6, 5-7:00 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Emerging, featuring student artists from Bermudian Springs High School, under the direction of Art Teacher, Kim Robinson is featured in the gallery. Their collective artist statement, “We are growing in our skills to become established as confident life-long makers and lovers of art. Our work is created in a variety of media and represents many of the techniques and subjects we find interesting.” A collection of Choice Based Art by Littlestown Area High School students and Alloway Creek Elementary students under the instruction of Trihn Sudak and Jill Rakowicz.is featured in the reception hall, The shows celebrate the art of choice in the art room, or TAB. Modern Compositions, a collection of photographs by Larry Brogan, is featured in the Studio. Larry uses digital mechanisms to control the direction of his finished piece inspired by real life imagery and his imagination. Brogan says, “I revel in the process of transforming images of my photography into something that is truly artful.” Al Oussoren will be displaying several vintage items he has created using collectible vintage car parts by the reception area. They include tavern tables along with wall designs. The tables are fabricated wheels that were used from a Chevrolet Corvette, mounted on table stands. His wall art incorporates parts from vintage Fords and collectible Chevrolet vehicles. Al and his wife Stacey display some of the work at the New Oxford Antique Center. For more information about the Art Exhibitions, and other upcoming Arts Council exhibitions, art classes at the Arts Council’s Arts Education Center, and other news and events from the Adams County Arts Council, visit www.adamsarts.org or call (717) 334-5006. The Adams County Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate an arts-rich community.

“Xanadu” opened last week at the Gettysburg Community Theatre and continues this weekend. In 1980 Venice Beach, California, Sonny (played by Max Carlson) paints murals. But he dreams of opening a theater that promotes the arts and hosts a roller-skating disco rink. Kira (Emma Kiri), who appears as an Australian tourist pushing him towards his dream, turns out to be Clio, a muse and Zeus’s daughter. Put under a curse by Clio’s meddling sisters, Kira (Clio) and Sonny fall in love, in hopes of banishing Clio from power, and by extension ending Sonny’s dream. The light-hearted musical is highlighted by the chorus of 2nd through 5th grade muses, along with a supporting cast of dancers. Entertaining character dynamics, like those between the mischievous antagonists Melpomene (Audrey Trax) and Calliope (Savannah Schneider) create drama and enjoyment. My favorite lines where when Sonny suggests that “art isn’t [merely] for the rich and education … it was for us (the audience),” and when the muses argue “Is this not the dawn of the 80’s? – This is the 1980s – eww.” A slew of funny comments, among other gems, made this show light up. Kirk led every scene she was in and her performance helped the audience follow the action. The muses provided comedic extension, and supported every musical number they were in. Xanadu JR., inspired by the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical and the Universal Pictures’ cult classic movie that starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, continues with shows on Thursday Oct. 13 and Saturday Oct 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday Oct 16 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets at the theatre’s website.

Gettysburg Community Theatre, the non-profit 501c3 organization located within the first block of Lincoln Square at 49 York Street, will present their student production of the musical Xanadu October 6-17, 2022 with performances live on stage at 7:00 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. “The cast of 27 local youth in 1st -12th grades will sing and dance to memorable tunes from Electric Light Orchestra ELO”, says GCT Founding Executive/Artistic Director, Chad-Alan Carr, “such as Evil Woman, Strange Magic, All Over The World, and many more in this musical based on the 1980’s film that starred the late Olivia Newton-John.” Written by Douglas Carter Beane, Jeff Lynne, and John Farrar, Xanadu is inspired by the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical and the Universal Pictures’ cult classic film screenplay written by Richard Danus and Marc Rubel that starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Xanadu. is a moving, electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep audiences in stitches while the original, legendary chart-topping tunes lift them out of their seats. Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California, on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first Roller Disco. (Hey, it’s 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds with Greek Goddesses, Mythological Creatures, and more. This musical comedy is fun for the whole family. The cast includes Hunter Minck from East Berlin, Max Carlson, Kai Dittrich, Greyson Grimmer, Emma Kirk, Maria Kirk, Giada Langville, Emma Luque Valmisa, Ilana Miller, Caden Miller, Stella Patrono, Eleanor Patrono, Helena Patrono, Hadley Petruzzelli, Savannah Schneider, Audrey Trax, Tessa Trax, Avery Walker, Dexter Walker, Grayson Wallace, and Rebecca Williams from Gettysburg, Lanelle Porter from Hanover, Deanna Gibbs, Ava Hooper, and Thea Mathers from Littlestown. The production is under the direction of Chad-Alan Carr from Gettysburg, with vocal music direction by Carrie Conklin from New Oxford, and choreography by Kaitlin Ball from Gettysburg. Discounted rate tickets can be purchased on the theatre’s website for $15 and tickets at the door can be purchased for $20 if any seats are left in the intimate 80 seat theatre. Audiences are encouraged to order tickets in advance and arrive early to find downtown parking and enjoy refreshments and raffles that the theatre will be selling as grassroots fundraisers before each performance. The Race Horse Alley Parking Garage is one block from the theatre just off of N. Stratton Street for paid parking available 24 hours, but there are many street meters close to GCT along York, Stratton and Middle Streets which stop at 8pm. More information can be found online at www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org or by calling 717-334-2692. GCT Mission Statement: To inspire creativity and confidence, provide cultural enrichment, and instill a love of the theatre arts in people of all ages and abilities through quality education and performance. Featured image caption: The cast of Xanadu performs at Gettysburg Community Theatre October 6-17, 2022. [Cindie Leer].

George Mason University’s 8th Green Machine Regiment Band will perform an outdoor concert of music from the 19th century. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will take place Sunday, August 21 at 4:00 pm at the performance platform in Schmucker Grove, just north of Springs Avenue on the United Lutheran Seminary campus.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and a picnic dinner!  In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move next door to the ULS chapel. Check our website at www.musicgettysburg.org for last minute updates. The 8th Green Machine Regiment Band is a 19th-century brass band from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The ensemble, made up primarily of students, performs music from the 1800s on period brass instruments. Don’t miss a wonderful afternoon of rousing music!

The 25th annual Gettysburg Brass Band Festival was held at sites around Gettysburg last weekend. The festival was held in collaboration with local nonprofit Music, Gettysburg! and many of the events were held in the recently-constructed pavilion on the Lutheran Seminary campus. The festival, under the direction of President Ben “Tuba” Jones, strives to provide an experience for adult and student brass musicians looking to continue performing after high school, while improving the quality of life within our town in a way that brings people together through their shared love of live musical performances. Jones said the festival relies heavily on the contributions of donors and volunteers. “Thanks to all whose donations make the festival possible and to a wonderful group of volunteers who work to prepare for and host during the festival; it’s a real team effort,” he said. The four-day program included over twenty brass bands from Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia coming together to provide joy and inspiration to all who attended. Brass bands were heard around the borough, from the Dobbin House to the Gettysburg Heritage Center, on Lincoln Square, and Baltimore St. On Saturday, the Benfield Brass Brand (MD), Imperial Brass Band (NJ), Spires Brass Band (MD), Swanee River Ragtime Band, Atlantic Brass Band (NJ), Brass Bands of Northern Virginia (VA), Rockville Brass Band (MD) and Hagerstown Municipal Band (MD) rocked the stage at the seminary with a day-long performance. The bands displayed showmanship and humor, as well as great music, and seemed to enjoy being there as much as the people of Gettysburg loved having them. On Saturday, vocalist Hydie Ackerman invoked the true spirit of patriotism in everyone attending as her voice soared as she sang a rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “Proud To Be An American.” There was even a live instrument petting zoo available to those of an inquisitive nature, in hopes of inspiring one’s curiosity. Those brave enough to pet the instruments were rewarded with free snow cones. For more information please visit https://wwwgettysburgbrassbandfestival.com.

A crowd of art lovers packed Schmucker Art Gallery on the Gettysburg College campus on Friday night to congratulate the winners in the Adams County Arts Council’s 18th Annual Juried Art Exhibition. The awards were given by show juror, Heidi Leitzke, Assistant Professor of Art and Director of the Eckert Art Gallery at Millersville University. The Best of Show award went to Littlestown resident Robyn Jacobs for her colorful oil on campus “Ode to Fragonard.” Judy Pyle of Gettysburg took second place with her enamels on copper piece, “Still Life with Grapes.” Seven other awards were also made. The exhibition remains on display until June 24. Featured Image: From the show: “Better Days” by Sandra Desrosiers.

“Pale Erections: The Monuments Play,” a play based loosely on the militia/white supremacist takeover of Gettysburg National Military Park on July 4, 2000, made its debut before an appreciative audience Friday, May 27 at the Howard County Arts Council in Ellicott City. The play is written by Gettysburg native Kramer Hardman and directed by Gettysburg native Karen Land. Set in a single stark scene designed by local designer John Rudy, the play opens with two militia members, Orson (played by Ian Kress) and Heins (played by Ike Schlossburg), guarding a Confederate monument “in a remote corner of a civil war battlefield.” They are several days into the militia occupation and are beginning to doubt the mission. Increasingly isolated, they argue, reminisce, express frustration, discuss their doubts about their mission, and argue some more.  Midway through the play, they are joined by a third party, Quentin (played by Jeff Leinbach), who claims also to be a fellow militia member, but who quickly turns events in a new direction. The show starts out in a humorous, almost lighthearted way, but soon takes a darker turn. In a post-production discussion, director Karen Land acknowledged that the play is intended to make audiences uncomfortable. “I got angrier,” said Kramer, in summarizing the play’s evolving themes. Kress noted that they discovered their characters over time. “Karen would say, “How about this, and we would have to take a few minutes to think how we can get to a new emotion.” Schlossberg, too, praised the directing. “She gave us space to discover our characters.” The actors had high praise for Kramer’s script and Land’s direction. The play had an unusually long gestation period (performances were originally scheduled for January in Gettysburg but then were delayed due to Covid and then moved from Gettysburg. Hardman said he has lived the tale of militias, confederate monuments, and Gettysburg’s unique place in the world for several years. “The battlefield absorbs trauma; you can feel it. Not just the trauma of the battle, but ever since.” He conceded a degree of disappointment in how Gettysburg responded to the original takeover. “The tourist industry in this town spends a lot of money developing things to make visitors from Confederate states feel welcome. I asked a lot of the town’s leadership what we should do about the militia takeover and I got no answers; people advised me I should talk to my pastor.” The script and the acting are both impressive. The play has an evening performance Saturday as well as Saturday and Sunday matinees. It’s worth the drive. Featured image caption: (L-R) Kress, Schlossberg, Leinbach [Leon Reed]

“When the invasion of Ukraine started I couldn’t stop watching those people; it was so sad,” said Gettysburg resident Judy Pyle. “In the case of the war, I cry. I can’t help it.” Pyle said she had turned her artistic work to making pieces that honored Ukraine and its citizens. “It’s cathartic for me,” she said. The Ukraine series includes works capturing moments during the occasion, including “Ukraine Ruins,” “Mariupol Theatre,” and “No fuel. No food. This is bullshit.” Pyle said she’s been metalsmithing since 1998, making jewelry, including broaches and other small pieces. The Ukraine series are enamels on copper created by applying heat, either using a torch or a small kiln in her well-ventilated basement. “They’re more like bas reliefs than sculpture. I use copper mesh and I put them all together. I put them in the kiln and they all stick together. Then I put I put a frame on them,” she said. Pyle said she modeled the Ukraine series on a 17th Century French artist, Bernard Pallisy, who is known for his so-called “rusticware,” which features three-dimensional works with animals and vegetation in bas relief. Pyle said she moved to Adams County when she was eight years old, attending school in the Bermudian School District and then at Saint Joseph Academy in McSherrystown. She taught art at the Gettysburg High School for over 30 years before retiring in 2006. Pyle hopes to get the pieces into a statewide art exhibit this summer.

Improv comedy legend Colin Mochrie of Whose Line Is It Anyway? teams up with master hypnotist Asad Mecci to present “HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis” at Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater Friday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Majestic Box Office. “HYPROV is like nothing you’ve ever seen before,” remarked Majestic Theater Founding Executive Director Jeffrey Gabel. “I guarantee people will be talking about this show for years to come.” The show begins with Mecci welcoming twenty volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. He whittles them down to four or five of the most susceptible and then brings Mochrie out to improvise with them – while they are under hypnosis. In the hands of two experts, and solely crafted from the audience’s uninhibited unconscious mind, each show is an entirely original and completely unforgettable theatrical experience. “When we tried this for the first time onstage, I was absolutely petrified. Then I thought, ‘let’s just see where this takes us,’” said Mochrie. “Adding in the element of hypnosis to improv really allows people to let their guard down and have fun in a scene. They’re certainly the most interesting stage partners I’ve ever had!” Thirty volunteers are needed to fill 20 seats on stage. Those interested in participating as a volunteer must sign up in advance and must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to interact on stage. Information on how to sign up is available on the Majestic’s website. Vaccination is not required for attendees not on stage. Tickets for HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis start at $53 and are available at the Majestic Theater Box Office, 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, by calling (717) 337-8200 or online at www.gettysburgmajestic.org. Free parking and roundtrip shuttle service for the performance is available from Gettysburg College’s Constitution Parking Lot. Shuttle starts one hour before each performance and is ADA accessible.  Metered parking is available at the Gettysburg Borough Parking Garage in Race Horse Alley as well as along Carlisle Street. Masks must be worn at all times inside the Majestic Theater regardless of vaccination status.