Well what can I say....more than one person has brought it to my attention that this weekend there are two theater offerings in Batavia..... The Batavia High School Drama Club's Production of "Our Town" by Thorton Wilder is sure to be wonderful. It runs Friday, May 9th and Saturday, May 10th at John Kennedy Elementary. Tickets are avaialble at the door and it begins at 7:30. "Our Town" has always been a favorite of mine and it is expertly Directed by Caryn Leigh Burk with Assistant Directed by Malloryann Burk.... one could say the apple does not fall far from the tree....or apples as in this case. I couldn't be more proud to see them both working to share theater with our BHS Students. Caryn and Malloryann are hard working young people that value the children of Batavia. Please go see this wonderful piece of Americana. It will be worth the trip. Congratulations Caryn on a job well done.....
During this same weekend, the Batavia Players will be presenting "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean". It is another slice of Americana that takes place in 1955 Texas during the filming of the movie "Giant" and again in 1975. A beautifully scripted play with an incredible story line and fresh and exciting characters. It is no wonder that the likes of Kathy Bates, Karen Black, Sandy Dennis, Sudie Bond and Cher were featured in the Broadway version and that the movie Directed by Robert Altman became a cult classic. I am fortunate to be directing nine incredible local actors who shine in this production. Valeria Antonetty, Shawnie Euren, Lynda Hodgins, Peggy Marone, Nikole Marone, Joan Meyer, Patti Michalak and Rachel Oshlag perform thier roles with familiarity and grace. Working on these colorful and complex characters is not easy.....IT is exhausting and you will be very impressed by thier efforts. Oh...we can not forget the great job the one male in the cast.....Jake Bortle, a freshman from LeRoy Central School, is doing. I was so lucky to find these 9 gracious actors to be in this production.
Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean is this Thursday, May 8th through Saturday, May 10th at the Stuart Steiner Theater, Genesee Community College....7:30PM. Tickets are $10 General Admission and $8 Seniors/Students. I guarantee you will enjoy this show. The Batavia Players are reminding everyone that it is PG-13 in nature and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
So what can I say??? How great is it that we live in this small city with Classic Theater offerings like we have this weekend. How wonderful for those of us in the arts, that we have the support of our community and residents. How proud can I be as a Dad when my daughters and I both have shows on the same weekend. Make this a special week and see both shows.... We appreciate your support.
