THEATER: The 39 Steps

Millbrook Playhouse has done it again.  THE 39 STEPS is a complete surprise! When I first saw that Millbrook would be doing a production of Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film THE 39 STEPS, I was delighted. The movie is a classic suspense film done as only Hitchcock could do suspense. When I heard that Millbrook would be doing it as a spoof, and with only four actors, I was apprehensive to say the least. I should have trusted Artistic Director, Teresa Pond.

Selecting Lawrence Lesher to direct was the first good decision. Regular patrons of Millbrook know Lawrence as an actor. Remember Saunders in Lend Me A Tenor? It is nice to know that he has the directorial touch to do fast moving comedy as well. The pacing is crucial to this show.

Getting the right four actors was also vital. These four people are responsible for playing over 150 roles. Yes, you read that correctly…..150 roles played by four actors. Now you see why pacing was so important.

The exception to the above paragraph is Chris Kateff who played the single role of Richard Hannay, the innocent man who gets pulled into the spy/murder/intrigue/ romance plot. There were few times that Chris was not on stage and the audience depended on him to keep us abreast of the story line. He also has the sophistication of a true British leading man. It was the little touches that reminded us that he was in a farce. I loved his reaction to hearing the radio describe him as he was running from the law. He ran a little taller and prouder as the radio announcer gave his physical facts. I would love to see this actor in some of the roles listed in his bio.

Synge Maher had the fun of playing most of the women parts. She got to be the murder victim, the submissive wife, as well as the love interest, thus giving her a chance to show impressive acting skills. Synge understood that sometimes the best way to do comedy is to do it straight. This is especially true if everyone around you is a little frantic.

Tim Cox and Matt Harris played every other role. They each had so much energy and talent that the show raced to its logical conclusion before I knew it. Keeping the different parts with different voices and accents took amazing skill. The train scene had to be watched to be believed. The two actors never left our sight but we watched a newsboy selling the ever important newspaper with the picture of our hero on the front page, the train conductor trying to get everyone back on the train, the local constable, a policeman, and I am sure that I have missed some more. This was a fast change of voice, hats, and simple props. I was very impressed with how fast they moved and never got the parts confused. It really had to be seen to be believed.

The female roles not played by Miss. Maher were handled by Matt Harris. Matt kept the theatre tradition alive of cross-dressing comedy. Why are we so amused by men dressed as women? It never seems to get old. Tim Cox even in a comedy plays a very believable villain. These guys were terrific. I would imagine that by the end of the two week run, they will both have lost a significant amount of weight.

So many little bits of business made this a very funny show. I had fun just watching for references to other Hitchcock films. Watch for them; they are cleverly worked into the dialog, music, and props. As all Hitchcock fans know, he made a “hidden” appearance in each of his films. Watch carefully for him in this production of his  THE 39 STEPS.

THE 39 STEPS will run through August the 5th. The Fantastiks will run from August 2 through August 12. This production will showcase some of the best talent that Millbrook has given us this summer.

Now for the good news: After the conclusion of the regular schedule, Millbrook treats us to an encore production of their most popular play from that season. This may have been a difficult year to pick only one, but I think that their choice of Lend Me a Tenor is the right one. I went to see it twice and will go the third time if I can find someone to go with. It will be in the Cabaret from August 16-19.
Call 570-748-8088 for ticket information.

EVENT/MUSIC: JazzPA's 2012 Summer Jazz Celebration

(Guest Blogger:  Wendy Myers.  This blog is designed to expand upon, just a little bit, each performance based upon what I could find and already know.  For a more succinct list of performances, please visit the JazzPAs website and see their Schedule of Events.)

Tonight begins JazzPA's 2012 Summer Jazz Celebration in Centre County.  This annual event has rocked Centre County for the last few years and continues to be a crowd pleaser!  Musical acts include the sounds of jazz, big band, blues, boogie, soul and so much more.  Performances include local high school students, local amateur and professional musicians and world-renowned musicians.  All come together for one weekend to show Central PA just how jazz gets done.

The weekend kicks off with JT Blues.  John "JT" Thompson is a blues pianist who will be doing his "blues, boogie and other popular songs" up right at the Governor's Pub in downtown Bellefonte beginning at 6:30pm.  JT is a popular fixture at many local clubs and restaurants.  Don't miss this local favorite!

The Phil Haynes Trio will begin their act at the Palmer Museum in State College tonight at 7:30pm.  Phil Haynes is a jazz percussionist and composer with much experience and critical acclaim.  Tickets were free... and I say "were" because they are gone.  There is, however, a waiting list...  call Sue Bryant at (814) 863-6635, or email suebryant@psu.edu.  If you have tickets, I'd love to hear what you think!

Friday and Saturday are both packed full of entertainment.  Friday kicks off with Catherine Dupuis with Russ Kassoff performing at Centre Crest in Bellefonte beginning at 2pm.  Ms. Dupuis is not only the President of the board of JazzPA, but a renowned vocalist and actress, having worked regionally and off Broadway for many years.  While her dedication to JazzPA is a stand-out as she returns to her roots of Centre County for this event, her singing is phenomenal.  Do not miss her performance with jazz pianist Russ Kassoff, as this is truly one of the highlights of the weekend!

The State High Jazzers will be performing at Cool Beans in Bellefonte on Saturday at 4pm.  

Zeropoint Big Band is jazz in the best of the big band styles (in my opinion).  Full horns, trippin' percussion, something you can dance to or sit back and sip your martini to.  They'll be playing Friday at the Match Factory in Bellefonte beginning at 6pm on Friday.  There is a $5 cover charge at the door, which is well worth it, given what I've heard of them!

Carl Ector and Chip Lovett will sooth your soul at the Governor's Pub Friday night beginning at 7:30pm. This violin/piano duo will allow to relax after a long day, visit with your friends and STILL hear great music!

If you want something a little more upbeat to end your evening, head over to the Gamble Mill Friday at 8pm to catch the Arthur Goldstein Quartet with Steve Bowman.  Both Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Bowman are well-known jazz staples in the area.  Their popular jazz styles command much attention, which is why making reservations at the Gamble Mill is very highly recommended.  Call (814) 355-7764 to be sure you get seat!

If you're in State College on Friday night, don't forget to check out The Jazz Connection at Zola beginning at 9pm!

Saturday starts with a chance to hear music in the making!  The Friends Band will be rehearsing at the Main Stage in Bellefonte beginning at 9:30am.  This would be a great way to introduce children to music!

While you have your children out Saturday morning, head over to the Children's Garden in Bellefonte to hear the Children's Jazz Storytime performed by Arthur Goldstein and Rick Hirsch.  The story begins at 11am and I would suggest getting there a little early to make sure your little ones are settled in and ready to be entertained!  Don't let the "Children's" part scare you -- children of ALL ages should hear this!

A personal favorite of mine begins at 11:30am at the Gazebo in Bellefonte - The Tarnished Six!  I've heard them many times and they are always fun and ready to entertain!   Be ready to applaud.  They like that.

The Bellefonte Area High School Jazz Band will begin at 12:30pm on the Main Stage in Bellefonte.  Yes - I have a soft spot in my heart for these kids, as this is my alma mater.   Now, as an adult, I'm amazed at the incredible amount of talent and musicianship these kids have!  Don't miss ANY of the school bands - you'll be VERY pleasantly surprised!

Russ Kassoff and Catherine Dupuis perform again, this time with the Russ Kassoff Trio and the Friends Band.  They will be performing on the Main Stage at the Train State in Bellefonte beginning Saturday at 1pm.  If you don't catch Catherine and Russ at Centre Crest earlier in the day, be sure to catch them here the Friends Band!  Personally, I love it to hear musicians of this caliber come together to jam and this should do it up right!

THE highlight of the weekend is a Master Class with renowned tenor saxophonist Houston Person!  He takes soul jazz to a whole new level and he's willing to share his knowledge with you on Saturday at the Gazebo beginning 2pm.  Whether you are a saxophonist, musician, fan or hack, this is a huge don't-miss event!

The Rick Hirsch 5 will entertain Talleyrand Park from the Gazebo beginning at 3:30pm on Saturday.  Rick Hirsch is a local saxophonist, composer, arranger... many other things related to his talent and love of jazz.

Two more local high school jazz bands take the Main Stage beginning at 4:30pm.  The first is Penns Valley Area HS Jazz Band, followed by the State College Area High School Jazz Band.  As I mentioned before, take a listen to the up-and-coming talent in Centre County.  Take your young children to see them (that's how I got interested) and enjoy their youth, vitality and energy!

Another absolutely don't-miss event is  Houston Preston performing with the Russ Kassoff Trio!  Again - I love it when musicians get-together and jam and this one should take the cake!  The performance begins at 7:30pm at the Match Factory in Bellefonte.  Tickets are required ($15) and can be purchased at Websters in State College or at Cool Beans in Bellefonte.   This should rock the house!!

On Saturday at 10pm you have a choice of music and venues.  The Burlingame Group will be at the Gamble Mill and Carl Ector and Chip Lovett return to the Governor's Pub.    This may be a difficult decision, but they're close to each other... do both!!

On Sunday,  the Jay Vonada Group will be performing at the Deli in State College beginning at noon. This cool, jazzy trombone-based trio is perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon sipping coffee at the local cafe.  Need a good first date??  I think this may be it!  Ever since I started listening to my mom's JJ Johnson albums, I have loved to hear a good trombone jazz ensemble.  This one fits the bill.

Just as John "JT" Thompson kicked off the weekend, he also wraps it up with a piano performance at the Gazebo on Sunday evening beginning at 7pm (also as part of the Summer Sounds From The Gazebo concert series in Bellefonte).

Please send us your comments regarding each of the acts.  I would love to hear feedback.  There is a LOT of talent in Centre County and to have just a small piece of it packed into a fabulous weekend like this is a rare treat!  Listen, enjoy and let me know what you think!

BOOK REVIEW: Cold Case AND The Price of Silence

The weather has been hot in Central Pennsylvania. It has been too uncomfortable to do much of anything except read…at least that is my excuse and I am sticking with it. I want authors who can keep me completely engrossed and Kate Wilhelm fits the requirements perfectly.

COLD CASE picks up the characters twenty-two years after the death of a young college girl. Two fellow students had been suspects at the time, but the case had never been solved. Robert is now an ambitious state senator and David, a successful author. The old case becomes news again when the senator is found shoot to death. Once again David is a suspect in a murder case, only this time he is the only one.

After I started COLD CASE I discovered that it is part of a series. My bad. This book is several books into a series featuring attorney Barbara Holloway. It took me several chapters to identify the people who were regulars around her and not connected to the mystery. Once the characters were clear to me, the story moved well.

The other Wilhelm book that I relaxed with was THE PRICE OF SILENCE. Todd Fielding has moved to the small town of Brindle to work for the newspaper. She is getting accustomed to living with the boredom of the rural community when a local girl disappears. Todd is shocked by the complete indifference of the town to the disappearance. Not even the police seem to care; they all assume that the girl has run away.

As Todd looks more closely into the story, she learns that over the past twenty years five girls have “run away”. What she finds is evidence of a series of brutal, cold-blooded murders. In true, good murder mystery style, Todd finds that she may be the next victim.

My first Kate Wilhelm book was When Late the Sweet Birds Sang, an excellent example of how fantastic science fiction novels can be. She seemed to have dropped off my radar and I had not noticed anything by her for years. I am so glad that I have found her again. Her characters are well done and her plots are full of suspense and twists. She is going to be a regular on my reading list.

THEATER: I'll Be Back Before Midnight

We just got back from seeing I'LL BE BACK BEFORE MIDNIGHT at Millbrook Playhouse and I want to thank everyone involved with the show. It was terrific!

The first person to be thanked is Ken Kaissar, the director. The action was non-stop through all six scenes; he even had the audience buzzing with curiosity during the intermission. The suspense had us on the edge of our seats and some of the action caused us to jump out of those same seats.

Too often the sound crew gets over-looked in the theatre. Sound designer Lorraine Rhoden gave us footsteps, heartbeats, gunshots, offstage voices, and other weird sounds that added to the tension. Daniel Thobias designed a great set and Kimberly Jones gave us costumes that helped to define characters.

As in most murder/mysteries, lighting was very important and Ethan Vail knew just when to black out the stage or create a mood. Lighting is one thing that demands perfection. Mistakes in other areas can usually be covered, but if lights come on at the wrong time it can be disastrous.

The cast was full of experienced actors and it paid off. As Jan, the young housewife on the edge of a breakdown, Olivia Bosek was perfectly vulnerable. This actress has moved beyond the virginal ingénue of past plays.

Nicholas Wilder played her husband Greg. Nicholas can be remembered from last season in vastly different roles. Going from the roommate in drag in Love, Sex and the I.R.S. to this more dramatic roll shows what Nicholas is capable of doing.

There is something about Cara Maltz’s smile that seems evil making her perfect for the role of Greg’s sister Laura. Cara was probably the main subject of conversation during intermission. She did a great job in a very taxing part.

George, the friendly neighbor, was brilliantly played by Frank Franconeri. Frank is a very talented character actor and the part of George gave him room to show what he can do. A show with this much drama/ suspense needs comedy relief and fortunately we had Frank. His timing on stage is excellent.

I'LL BE BACK BEFORE MIDNIGHT is a show that could be a complete disaster. It depends on the audience being completely engrossed in the action on stage. Noticeable mistakes, even hesitation with lines, can break the spell. If there were any miscues, the cast and crew covered skillfully.

The best compliment that I can pay this group is that I was scared. During a performance, I usually check to see audience reaction, what lights are on, costume details, etc. This did not happen last night; I did not want to miss a thing on stage. Great job everyone.

I'LL BE BACK BEFORE MIDNIGHT will be in the Cabaret at Millbrook until July the 29th and will be followed by the popular The Fantasticks. The 39 Steps starts July 26th on the Main Stage.

Go to their website or call 570-748-8088 for tickets and times.

THEATER: Steel Magnolias

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is currently at the Boal Barn in Boalsburg. This is a play about six strong women and the success of the production depends on finding six strong actresses. State College Community Theatre found them.

Four women meet regularly at Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana and along with Truvy and her new assistant, Annelle, we listen in on the gossip and learn about the private lives of these steel magnolias.

Ginger Larson was a sweetheart of a Truvy. Her love of juicy gossip was underscored by a very caring heart, a true concern for her assistant and customers. I got the feeling that Ginger was either type cast or is an exceptional actress. I am thinking that it might be the former; her sweetness came across as very natural.

Trudy’s assistant Annelle was played by Elaina Mercurio. This is a more complicated roll then an audience might recognize. Elaina grew from the very frightened, lost young girl to the mature mother-to-be with ease. Her quiet acting was a perfect foil for the drama in her customers’ lives.

Another actress who had a chance to grow was Priscilla McFerren in the roll of Clairee. Recently widowed when we first meet her, Clairee uses her love of the local football team plus her determination to make a very full life for herself. Priscilla was fun to watch as the mature member of the group who had a surprising sense of humor.

Susan Kleit had a ball as Ouiser, the group grump. Susan made good use of the stage as she became very vocal about her neighbor shooting his gun to scare off the birds and the disappearance of the blooms from her magnolia tree. Personal note to Susan: I believed EVERY word in your bio.

The evening belonged to Kristi Branstetter as M’Lynn. Kristi is enough of a pro to know when to under play a scene and when to tear up the stage. She was able to capture the love, fear and heartbreak of every mother watching.

The actual plot of the play centers on Shelby, the daughter of M’Lynn. Jocelyn Kotary is such a natural actress that it was very easy to get caught up in her story. To tell you about her progress at the Salon would ruin the dramatic ending if you are not familiar with the play.

On opening night it took the ladies several lines to settle into their parts. Nerves seem to have affected their speaking voices. They all appeared to be much more at ease once Susan Kleit came bursting on the scene.

The only problem that I had was the costuming. The Barn, as some of you know, is not air conditioned and if the location of the play, Louisiana, is added to the mix, the costuming was too warm. Black shoes, sweaters, etc. did not work. I have seen other plays that Diane Twomley has costumed and was surprised that she dropped the ball on this one.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is such a tribute to the strong women in our lives that it should be watched regularly.  STEEL MAGNOLIAS will be playing through July 28th.

For photographs, please see Meadowlane Photography on Facebook.

BOOK REVIEW/MOVIE REVIEW: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The following statement is rare, one that you seldom read on this blog: “I liked the movie better than I liked the book.” Allow me to explain.

Jean, Geni and I went to see the movie THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL and loved it. As a result, I had to read the book by Deborah Moggach. I have found that if I see a movie first and then read the book, I enjoy both more than if I read the book first. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL proved this to be true.

The basic story involves a group of senior citizens who, for mainly financial reasons, move from England to the Marigold Hotel in India, a hotel advertised to be an exotic home for the elderly. Arrival in India, and especially the promised “elegant” hotel, causes different reactions in the retirees. To one, it is coming home after years in England. To another it is a chance to find romance in the later years of life. Some are just appalled by the poverty of the country….. not to mention the lack of water, electricity, and privacy at the hotel itself. This gives the opportunity for a multi-layered plot and us a chance to watch each of the characters to grow, in spite of their ages.

The movie had several advantages going for it. To me the biggest plus was the cast: Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Tom Wilkinson, among others. This is a very heavy acting ensemble. I love all four of them, but have to admit that if a movie is ever made of my life, I rather hope that Maggie Smith is given the opportunity to play me.

The second thing that got my approval was the condensation of the characters. Due to time constraints movies have to compress people and plot. Many times this is a bad thing. This time it helped. In some cases, a character was dropped completely; in some cases, several characters from the book were blended into one person for the movie. I felt that this strengthened the importance of the main characters considerably. It also gave more interesting twists to their individual stories.

I also like the addition of the sub-plot. Instead of a bickering married couple as the owners of the Marigold, the hotel owner in the movie was young and in love with an, according to his mother, unsuitable young woman, giving a nice Romeo/Juliet touch.

Deborah Moggach has written a nice book, but THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL made an excellent movie. It is the perfect choice for the more mature movie goer. Such movies are becoming scarce.

THEATER: You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

Each of us can identify with one of the Peanuts gang: crabby Lucy, her brother Linus with his blanket, musical Schroeder, loyal Snoopy, youthfully optimistic Sally, and clumsy Charlie Brown himself. For 62 years we have watched them face the joys and hurts of growing up and understood them because we have been there ourselves. The whole gang is presently at MillbrookPlayhouse, much to everyone’s delight. 

Director Snechal Desai and chorographer Edward Carignan have beautifully captured the spirit of the original comic strip in their production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. With help from costume designer Kimberly Jones and scenic designer Daniel Thobias, we are transported to the playground to watch a baseball game, a kite that just might fly, a glee club rehearsal, and a famous beagle chase some rabbits.

The best thing about this show though is the casting. (Have I mentioned what a talented group is hanging out at Millbrook this summer?) Mathieu Whitman plays Charlie Brown and there were moments when I wanted to walk on stage and give him a hug. We all celebrate his few, small victories. After the show, Lora Nicolas assured me that she really was not actually as crabby in person as Lucy. She was definitely convincing on stage.

The part of Linus gave us a chance to see another side of Cameron Perry. He is proving this season that as an actor he can do it all, and do it well. Brandon Hanks may have been slightly miscast as Schroeder. He has the talent to sing and dance, but he came across as too mature to be on the playground with the little kids. Maybe we are too accustomed to seeing him in more sophisticated roles.

Josh Houghton brought a touch of Ray Bolger to the part of Snoopy. Josh has the long legs and the ability to move his body into what seems to be impossible positions. The actress lucky enough to be cast as Charlie Brown’s sister Sally has the opportunity to steal the show and Chandler Reeves took advantage to do just that. She was all of the joys and innocence of a little girl rolled into one person, a little girl who just happens to have a great singing voice.

This is a show that will take you back to your childhood in a painless way. We remember some of the heart aches, but the Peanuts gang gives us lots to laugh about also.

I would like to add a line to the closing song “Happiness is …”. Happiness is knowing that Chandler Reeves, Cameron Perry, and Josh Houghton will be appearing later this season in The Fantastics.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN will be on the Main Stage until July 22.  I’ll Be Back Before Midnight opens July 19^th in the Cabaret.  This is a show that is completely unknown to me, so I am looking forward to a new experience. You can call 570-748-8083 for tickets for either production.

BOOK REVIEW: Rebecca

REBECCA, the classic of romantic suspense novel by Daphne du Maurier, finally made it to the top of the pile of books on my night stand. The book was first published in 1938, so I guess it could be said that I have waited a few years to get around to reading it.

The narrator, known to the reader only as “the second Mrs. de Winter, starts by telling of her remembrances of her meeting Maxim de Winter, their sudden marriage, and her life as a new bride in the beautiful estate named Manderley. The ghost of Rebecca, the first Mrs. de Winter is very much still in residence at the estate. From all accounts, Rebecca was perfect in everything that she did and was loved by all who knew her.

Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper at Manderley, still is very loyal to her ex-mistress and goes to great length to make the new bride feel not only resented, but threatened as well. As more and more facts come forth about Rebecca’s death, the reader starts to worry about the safety of our heroine.

This is one of the first books to be written in the Gothic Romance genre and as a result, many authors have stolen freely from the original plot. Although this was my first reading, several scenes struck a chord with me as being familiar.  The evil housekeeper has become a standard character in suspense novels, as has the flashy playboy and loyal secretary.

I had some real problems with the heroine at the beginning of the book and especially when she arrives at Manderley. Her youth and lack of self-confidence gave too much power to the late Rebecca. Character development is very important to me in a book and the people in Rebecca were more than stereotypes. Mrs. Danvers truly is motivated by her love of Rebecca. Her actions may appear to be evil, but they make sense----at least to her.

As a rule, I like my romantic heroes to be, well, romantic. I found Maxim to be a bit of a cold fish. The only reason that I could see the heroine marrying him was to get out of the bad situation that she was in. I wanted more of a passionate spark on his part. It has to be remembered that love scenes have changed in the last seventy some years.

I am glad that I finally got around to reading REBECCA. I enjoy the genre, plus now when “ Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again” appears on a quiz on famous literary first lines, I will remember the two wives of maxim de Winter.

THEATER: Dead Man's Cell Phone

Millbrook Playhouse is loaded with talent this summer and the current play, DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE introduces us to another group of accomplished actors and crew. Directed by Elysa Marden, this comedy shows us how we have come to depend on technology in order to communicate with each other, but instead of keeping us connected, it can isolate us even more.

Jean ( Annalisa Chamberlin) is sitting in a small restaurant when the cell phone at the next table starts to ring. Impatient with the phone’s owner, Jean answers it. After she discovers that the man, Gordon (Jonathan Weber) is dead, she becomes involved with helping his mistress, mother, wife, and brother deal with their grief in addition to getting involved with his shady business. Annalisa carries the show on very capable shoulders.

This plot gives the actors plenty of room to show acting skills. Gordon’s mother (Laura Tashji) gives a eulogy that covered how most of us feel about cell phones in public. Yes, a eulogy is a rather weird place for such a lecture. Gordon’s wife (Cara Maltz) in a cocktail laced moment revels more than Jean or the audience needs to know.

Jonathan Weber also plays Gordon’s brother Dwight. The contrasting personalities of the brothers are enough of an acting feat, but Jonathan also has a soliloquy that impressed the audience. Ashley Klanac as the Other Woman has proven to Millbrook patrons that she is a fine character actor. I am waiting to see her play a part without the eccentric make-up and accent.

The play, the acting, the creative set design, the subtle costuming, etc. all make for an interesting evening. The only thing that I find annoying this summer is the fact that the actors are helping with set changes. It is understandable if the waiter or maid help to move pieces of set, but it breaks character for a lead to do so, especially if he is “dead”.

DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE will run in the Cabaret until July 15th . It will be followed by I’ll Be Back Before Midnight. You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown opens July 12th for a two week run on the Main Stage.

For reservations call 570-748-8088.

BOOK REVIEW: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

There is no doubt that a reader’s mood dictates his reaction to a certain book. The same book read at a different time, at a different location, can change the opinion of how good or bad the author is. I think that is what happened to me with MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND by Helen Simonson.

Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired) lives in a small village in England. Widowed and the father of a grown, and sometimes not very likeable, son, Ernest is watching the erosion of all of the values that a proper Englishman holds dear. He values duty, honor, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea.

His quiet life is disturbed by the sudden death of his brother. Their father had split a pair of rare and beautiful guns between the boys with the understanding that on the death of one the remaining bother would have possession of both hunting pieces. Ernest’s sister-in-law, niece, and his own son are insistent that each needs the money from selling the pair more than Ernest needs the guns.

Mourning his brother and dealing with the stress of his avaricious family, the Major find understanding in the local shop owner, Mrs. Jasmina Ali. The village cannot ignore the fact that their Major Pettigrew is a local and, although born in England, Mrs. Ali is a dark, foreigner.

This is a gentle book. Major Pettigrew is charming and certainly not without a wry sense of humor. His comments on the lack of common decency, especially with the younger generations, are smile worthy. Mrs. Ali is a darling; she is someone who we would love to have as a friend. In fact, she was by far my favorite character in the book.

At the time that I read MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND my personal life was hectic.  (All good things.)  I probably needed just a good bodice-ripper or something with lots of exciting car chases. This book was more “refined”. I must have enjoyed it more than I realized at the time; the characters have stayed with me. It has the comedy of manners that we expect from Jane Austen added to a senior citizen’s Romeo and Juliet.

If you are in the mood for an elegant book full of dry wit and crisp insight, this is perfect. Just do not expect wild car chases. Be warned though, there is a love scene and a shootout involved.

THEATER: Guys and Dolls!

GUYS AND DOLLS! is currently playing at the Boal Barn Playhouse and if you have not seen it yet, GO! This classic musical is a classic for very good reasons and the State College Community Theatre is doing it proud. The music, the costumes, and the actors will take you back to the Broadway of the 1950’s where gamblers and mission workers meet and fall in love.

I have a soft spot for this particular musical; it was the first professional play that I saw so it was the beginning of my love affair with musical theatre. This production pulls the audience in with the opening scene on Broadway, but it is the clever “Fugue for Tinhorns” that told us that we were in for a fun evening. Jerrod Miller (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Jonathan Hetler (Benny Southstreet), and Seth Cornwell (Rusty Charlie) had great individual voices, but the three of them together were fantastic. These guys came close to stealing the show from the leads. Later Jerrod Miller gets a chance to bring down the house with “ Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat”.

Let us speak of the leads for a moment. Kristen Paschen (Sarah Brown), Katie Kensinger (Miss Adelaide), Matthew Lesniewski, (Sky Masterson) and Ken Wozetek (Nathan Detroit) were all perfectly cast. Again, the individual voices were terrific and each actor was believable. Having seen Katie and Ken in other roles gave me an even better appreciation of their skills. Katie Kensinger’s “Adelaide’s Lament”, aka “A Person Could Develop a Cold” was a show stopper. The audience loved it.

This show calls for an outstanding male ensemble and this group of guys were having the time of their lives. The crap game in the sewer scene can be tricky but it was very well done. Director Martha Traverse and Choreographer Jessica Blanarik are to be congratulated for an excellent job. They kept the show, and the guys, moving.

A thank you also goes to orchestra leader Ronica Skarphol Brownson. The overture was enjoyable on its own, but it was the fact that I could hear lyrics that I appreciated. This is a major deal with me.

GUYS AND DOLLS! will run at Boal Barn until July 7th. It will be followed by Steel Magnolias opening on July 17. For reservations, the phone number is 814-234-7228. Supporting the local arts is a very good thing.

For more pictures, visit Meadowlane Photography on Facebook.

THEATER: She Loves Me

SHE LOVES ME is currently running at Millbrook Playhouse. This is a play that has been around for some time and been made into several successful movies, but I had never seen it on stage. I can now understand why it is not done more often by theatre groups; it is not a very exciting show. The saving factor at Millbrook is an exceptionally talented cast.

The program notes were a little unclear, so I hope that I give credit to the correct actor.

Blair Anderson has been on stage earlier this season and it was a treat to hear and see her have a chance to really exhibit her talents. She sings, acts, and dances. I did feel sorry for her when the ensemble distracted from her solo.

Paul Koudouris also was seen earlier so we knew that he could sing. She Loves Me showed that he could act also. I was also happy to see John Kownacki have a chance for a featured song. I love his voice and hope to see him in an even larger role.

Cameron Perry is proving that not only can he sing, but he is a fine character actor. I admire any actor who can become lost in his character so well that it becomes hard to recognize the person. We have several more opportunities to see other sides of Cameron, so I am looking forward to the rest of the season’s musicals.

Monica Bradley was at Millbrook last year, but this year the role of Ilona gives her a chance to show what all she can do. She is vivacious, sexy, and can sing. It is hard to ask for more. I am sure that we have seen R.L. Schwartz before. His comfort level on stage is obvious and makes for a naturalness that is a joy to watch. Josh del Brandt deserves credit for his fantastic pratfalls. Small parts can be standouts.

Justin Glasser is new to Millbrook, and to me. John is the perfect leading man for musicals. He is tall, handsome, charming, and oh, yes, he can sing. In fact his voice fills the room. The other new face that is impressive belongs to Bonnie Kelly. Each year someone in the ensemble cast draws special notice. This year watch for Bonnie; she seems to be able to do it all.

There are some problems with this production. It drags a bit; the book and music are not overly exciting. It is apparent why SHE LOVES ME is not a popular choice for small theatres. As I said, one thing that it does do, and do well, is show off a very talented cast.

SHE LOVES ME will run until July the 8th on the Main Stage to be followed by You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Dead Man’s Cell Phone opens in the Cabaret on July 5th. Call the box office at 570-748-8083 for times and prices.