November 7th, 2010

Clear Space Theatre Company, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Arts, Entertainment, Events, Delaware Beaches, Our Town, NYC trip to see ELF

What a difference a few weeks make!! Took a walk around Rehoboth yesterday, Saturday, and by the looks of the Boardwalk and the beach you would have thought there were no visitors in town.  It was pretty, though.  I like it quiet once in a while.

Rehoboth Avenue was pretty crowded, though.  Everything is still open, french fries, candy, popcorn and the stores have plenty of sales.

I decided to go to Baltimore Avenue.  This has been the new home of the Clear Space Theatre Company.  They also changed the name from Productions to Theatre Company, as well.  They have had a great season. 

I know this building well because many years ago this was the Epworth Church and in it was a great pre-school, which my youngest son and friends attended.

Clear Space Theatre Company is located at Celebration Mall on 20 Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach.  This street is also the home of many of our most popular restaurants.  The Tel. is 302-227-2270 and the website is www.clearspacetheatre.org.

It has been a successful season, but it is not over yet.  It is an on-going season to the delight of all of us, residents, locals, natives and visitors.

I am urging you to visit their website because you will find so much information; there is so much going on; upcoming events, purchasing of tickets and education.

The Clear Space Theatre Company’s mission is “to inspire audiences, artists, and students through high quality performances and educational experiences”.

Before I forget, this afternoon at 3 p.m. is the last performance of Thorton Wilder’s, Our Town.  This Pulitzer-winning drama of a turn of a century New England town is arguably the most famous play in American Theatre.

But, if you are not able to catch this performance there are still so many other events in the near future.

Next Saturday, November 13th is the NYC Day Trip to see ELF! The Musical, based on the Will Ferrell Movie. 

Bus will depart Rehoboth K-Mart at 7 a.m. to arrive in New York by 11 a.m.  You will then have time to shop, eat, and explore before and after the show.

Meet at the Al Hirscfeld Theatre for ELF.  Depart New York at 7 p.m. to return to Rehoboth by 11 p.m.

The cost?  $150 per person.  This includes transportation, tips and tolls, ticket to the show and breakfast.  To register, please contact David Button, the Company Manager at 302-227-2270.

I was sent a press release and I think it is worth passing to you:

Clear space to Showcase their Rising Stars.  Each semester, dozens of children get one step closer to their dream of performing on Broadway when they participate in the Clear Space Theatre Company’s Broadway Bound program.

Students in grades 1-8 meet once a week for a 10 week semester, focusing on 3 components of performance – acting, dance and voice.

The students also receive instruction in dance from Clear Space Executive Director Ken Skrzesz, who earned his MFA in dance and choreography from UNC-Greensboro, as well as vocal instruction from Artistic Director Doug Yetter, a graduate of New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.

The students have been working, this semester, on numbers like “I Got Rhythm, Nice Work if You Can Get It, and California, Here I Come”.

On Tuesday, November 23rd at 5:30 p.m. they will have the opportunity to showcase their semester’s studies in acting, dance and voice.  Tickets are $5.00 and will be available at the door on the evening of the performance.

Again, please check the website for more info. on this program.

Later on in December, starting on Thursday December 2nd, Scrooge, that Holiday tradition loved by many will be the performance until Sunday, December 12th.  Check the website for more info. 

Scrooge – this original musical version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, continues the family holiday tradition.  A holiday adventure led by ghosts and a whole cast of merry-makers.

Have a great Day….talk to you later…..

March 28th, 2010

Milton Theatre, Milton, Delaware, Art Deco Movie House, Delaware Beaches, Theater, Films, Arts & Entertainment

That’s too bad I could not find anyone to go with me to a wonderful evening at the Milton Theatre on Friday evening.  The previous week, my friend, Debbie, and I attended the film Hands on Harvest at this same venue and were taken over by the beauty of this art deco theater.

I really wanted to go and take some pictures of the inside of the theater. I contacted the Theatre and Ellen Passman called me and informed me that there was a performance on Friday that I should not miss; to come a little earlier so that I would be able to take the pictures for my blog.

The performace on Friday was a live on-stage and vaudeville-themed murder mystery.  Ellen wrote it and was also starring in it along with the Delaware Commedy Theatre performers.  The Delaware Comedy Theatre, Improve Comedy was started in 2005 and it is a non-profit theatre company.  They are located on 131 Glade Circle West, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.  Website is www.delawarecomedytheatre.com.  Ticket Hot Line 888-446-7763 and for classes, workshops, and booking info. you may call 302-258-5443.

I can tell you that on Friday’s performance of the Mysterious Madcap Murder at the Milton Theatre, the “characters” were quirky and hilarious, mingling and interacting with the audience as they stayed in character, as well; that was part of the fun. Some of the people in the audience really got into it, and solving the murder we did.

This wonderful evening of mystery was to help support the Milton Theatre.

Vaudeville was one of the most popular types on entertainment in North America from the 1880’s until the early 1930’s.  The performances were separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill.  It came to be called “the heart of American show business”.

The Milton Theatre is in the heart of the historic district in Milton.  It was built in 1910, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Milton.

Back in the 1930’s it was the community’s celebrated art deco movie house, featuring silent films, and then, “talkies”. 

When you enter this theater, and before performances or movies start, there will be continued showings of silent movies, and “talkies”.  What was so wonderful to experience was how the audience was truly laughing.  And, at a time when we have so much violence and drama shown in films, it was such a nostalgic feeling to experience a good belly laugh, that I just enjoyed the moment. 

The silent films, had no sound, or broken dialogue.  The acting and dialogue were expressed through muted gestures and pantomime.  “Talkies” followed and these were talking pictures; exclusively shorts.  The first talking film was The Jazz Singer, released in 1927.

The ticket office at the Milton Theatre is inside and there are no computers; just a cash box.   It is very affordable whether it is a movie, documentary or live performance.

One of the interesting aspects when attending anything at this theatre is that besides the usual soft drinks, you are able to purchase beer and wine, along with candy and other movie treats.

On Friday night’s event there was a 50/50 raffle during intermission.  The winner, graciously donated her winnings to the theatre.

The Milton Theatre has entertaining stage productions, dedicated to promoting the arts, and most of all making their productions accessible to the community.

This art deco movie house has been rescued from ruin and it has gone through, and is still on going, a revitalization process with a lot of work, dedication and love from the community, who are all volunteers.

It has endured the tests of time; 3 major fires and many nor’easters. It is a community center for many events and is re-emerging as a destination attraction for a fast-growing arts community.

Note:  Information for this post was taken from the www.miltontheatre.org, and http://en.wikipedia.org.

Have a good evening.  See you at the Milton Theatre some time….It is only 25 minutes from Rehoboth Beach, going north.  Talk to you later….