Lehigh Valley InSite

Freddy Awards

Our president, Mike, asked (actually demanded) that we watch Most Valuable Players. This documentary follows Emmaus, Freedom and Parkland High School’s theatre departments through their individual theatre performances, culminating with their night at the annual Freddy Awards.

At first when I was told I had to watch this 90 minute documentary, I was none too thrilled. I think I actually yelled some expletive. I’d like to say once again (New Found Appreciation blog) that I was thoroughly wrong and continue to be impressed with the arts in our community. I actual told Mike thanks for making me watch it. This documentary is sure to pull on your heartstrings as it shows how much time, effort and dedication goes into these productions. From the students who pour their hearts and soul into their work, to the teachers who guide their every step and the parents who offer such unconditional support, it’s a testament to the all mighty resolve of a younger generation and what encouragement can accomplish.

Two Noble Kinsmen

This past Wednesday, I attended my first ever production at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, with a chance to see The Two Noble Kinsmen. Not quite knowing what to expect, I went into it with an open mind and made sure to read the synopsis a few times so I’d be able to follow the story easily. It turned out that I was able to follow the dialogue and story line without the added homework I had done. The Two Noble Kinsmen was funny, inspiring, an emotional roller coaster and an all-around great time.

The story revolves around two cousins who fall in love with the same fair lady who cannot choose between the two, and eventually they duke it out to compete for her hand. The love triangles and comedic banter made for a hilarious performance in the intimate stage setting at DeSales University.

civic night

I think the last time I was at The Civic Theatre in Lehigh Valley was during elementary school to see a Christmas play or something. I wonder a lot of things about myself back then. Why did Pokemon seem so cool? Did anyone who told me they believed I could play in the NBA actually mean it? Who thought showing The Ring to an easily-traumatized coward was a good idea? And now I can add another question to that list: How did I not realize how awesome The Civic Theater is?

I went with my film major friend Pat to a screening of Terrance Malick’s The Tree Of Life, which included a “talk-back” with one of my favorite professors from Muhlenberg College afterwards.

Hamlet - 3

Most people, whether fans of Shakespeare or not, are familiar with this renowned opening line of the soliloquy presented by a distraught Hamlet reckoning the meaning of life. Its delivery by actor Justin Adams of The Acting Company at last night’s rendition of the play had the audience members on the edge of their seats.

In all, it’s no surprise the cast of Hamlet received a standing ovation after its performance on the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Main Stage in the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa. The applause can be attributed as much to their stellar acting as to an audience showing appreciation that national-caliber thespians make Lehigh Valley home for nearly two months each summer.

Pride & Prejudice

Oh that Mr. Darcy! The most “abhorrent, repulsive, vulgar, rude, man in all of Hertfordshire” invaded Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival last night, much to my delight.

Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy have the greatest love story ever written. This production, which started it’s run last night, captured the essence of one of my favorite novels. The quick pace of the play was especially focused on the humor of Jane Austin’s writing, which was so refreshing.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Last Friday night I took my mom to The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University. It was her first time, and she couldn’t believe that we have such high quality talent and a wonderful venue to view performances right in here in Lehigh Valley. Me on the other hand … I’m a veteran to the festival and I look forward to going each year. The hardest part for me is deciding which performance to see!

Typically my show nights start with dinner. I normally pack a dinner and a bottle of wine and sit on the lawn outside the theatre and listen to the music and improv performances. This year the weather was a little iffy so we decided to dine at Melt at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. It also happened to be my mom’s first time there … she doesn’t get out too much. She will definitely be heading back to Melt soon!

South Pacific

I often wondered why I love musicals so much, and Saturday night I figured it out. Unlike movies with a good plot and great acting, concerts with wonderful music and powerful singing, or performances by nimble dance ensembles, musicals are a combination of all three. When done well, they are unforgettable.

Case in point, South Pacific … the quintessential musical (you’re probably humming “Some Enchanted Evening” right now, aren’t you?).

King Henry

I had never been to Penn’s Peak for a show until recently, when Marc and I were invited to visit Penn’s Peak to experience a luncheon show, King Henry and The Showmen. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and it turns out I was not disappointed in the slightest.

We were greeted by Lynn, who not only does group sales but also performs in the show as well! We had a delicious family style lunch and talked to the other people at our table to see where they were visiting from. Three of the people from our table hailed from our neck of the woods in Lehigh Valley. As I looked around, I couldn’t help but notice there isn’t a bad seat in the place!

P5250017

Lehigh Valley is blessed with some incredible talent. Yesterday I had the opportunity to witness several aspects of that talent. The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival held each summer showcases impressive local and professional talent in its productions. In honor of its 20th season a book of photographs of these seasons has been released entitled Majestic Vision. That is exactly what it is, a portrayal of the majesty of the productions of PA Shakespeare Festival. It is an incredible book with more than 190 pages of full color photographs, documenting productions since the early beginnings of the festival. Printed on high quality paper and hard bound, this book shows the artistry of the PA Shakespeare Festival productions.

Official PA Shakespeare Festival photographer, Lee Butz (whose office is down the hall from our offices) has demonstrated an ability to capture the moment in his photographs. Lee, an amateur photographer whose photographs are nothing less than incredible, is a Lehigh Valley native and for more than thirty-five years headed Alvin H. Butz, Inc., one of the country’s largest construction management firms. Lee is at the podium in the photo above.

Penguins

Growing up with a Mother who was an art teacher and being happily married for 11 years to my wife who has an art degree, you would think I would have a better understanding or at least a greater appreciation for the arts.

Last week I had the newfound pleasure of attending the 23rd Annual Allentown Arts Commission Arts Ovation Awards held at the Holiday Inn Allentown Center City. From the opening performance of “Hair” presented by Dieruff High School to Allentown Central Catholic’s performance of Beauty and the Beast and Allen High School’s Canaan Days, I was truly impressed with the time and effort these students put into their craft.