In theatre, a character often breaks away from a scene to speak directly to the audience. This is referred to as an aside. Our Asides program was created with this idea in mind—to directly inform the audience. Join us before select performances throughout the season to gain special insight into the production that you might not have known otherwise. Best of all, Asides pre-show presentation are FREE.
“I Had a Dream”: Creating the Musical GYPSY
Presented by Aaron McAllister
Wednesday September 26th, 2012 at 7pm
GYPSY may be one of the most recognized musicals in the entire theatre canon, however the path of creating this gem was anything, but “rosy.” Join us for a brief discussion highlighting the creation and collaboration of musical minds Jerome Robbins (director/choreographer), Stephen Sondheim (lyricist), Arthur Laurents (librettist), Jule Styne (composer) and grand dame and original Mama Rose, Ethel Merman. And…find out how Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Oscar Hammerstein all played a vital role in the shaping of this musical’s fate.
Witness for the Prosecution
Presented by Lawrence Stengel, Judge
Wednesday October 31st, 2012 at 7pm
“Notes on a Criminal Trial”
Witness For The Prosecution is set in the criminal courts of England. The discussions in the barrister’s chambers and the proceedings in the courtroom focus on homicide charges against a young man. A criminal and civil trial judge in the state and federal courts for 22 years, Judge Stengel will discuss points of comparison between the American system of criminal justice and the trial depicted in the play.
From Stage to Screen to Stage: The Broadway Musical and Hollywood
Presented by Sarah E. Daughtrey, Asst. Profesor of Music, Elizabethtown College
December 12th, 2012 at 7pm
A discussion of Hollywood’s relationship with Broadway, and how some musicals have begun on stage and made the transformation to the big screen, while others have begun on the screen and been transferred to the stage. A brief history of Singin’ in the Rain will be given, along with some background on Broadway composers who made their way to Hollywood during the golden age of the Hollywood musical, such as Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. The talk will conclude with a look at contemporary shows that have crossed the stage/screen barrier, including recent Fulton productions such as Hairspray, Sweeney Todd and Les Miserables which will make its way to the big screen soon.
Lancaster’s Milagro House
Presented by Gail Rittenhouse, Executive Director, Milagro House
Wednesday, February 13th, 2013 at 7pm
Who are the Good People of our community? Milagro House is committed to providing education, housing and counseling for women and their children experiencing homelessness. Now in the 15th year of operation, Milagro House has changed the lives of hundreds of women desiring to move from dependency to self-sufficiency by providing them with an education – the key ingredient to breaking the cycles of poverty and dependency. Join us to learn more about this unique and outstanding community program!
Michael Bennett and the Miracle of 890 Broadway
Victor Capecce, Assistant Professor at Millersville University, Communication & Theatre
Wednesday March 27th, 2013 at 7pm
In creating A Chorus Line, the Director/Choreographer/ Svengali/Tyrant by the name of Michael Bennett changed the way musicals grappled their way to the Broadway stage. Using methods we would call “Devised Theatre” today, he developed his signature works in ways that had not been done before or since. What were his methods? What were the elements that caused the miraculous flashes of brilliance flowing out of the historic 890 Broadway? What aspects of his legacy should never be forgotten?
Dreamgirls
Presented by Tom Richards, The Rose-927.KZF-WLPA
Wednesday May 8th, 2013 at 7pm
Radio broadcasting… How has it evolved over the last few decades? Is there
a future for terrestrial radio? Are local Disc Jockeys fading away? Music on
the air just isn’t what it used to be. Find out why! “Radio Recycled” with a
voice you know and trust.
Joseph and His Dysfunctional Family
Presented by Jack P. Paskoff, Rabbi
Wednesday June 19th, 2013 at 7pm
His father was a usurper, his brothers hated him and then killed all the men in a neighboring town. Joseph kept his fate concealed from his father, possibly adding years to his anguish. Who are these people? What does the Bible have to say? Why would the Jewish people be proud to call them our ancestors?
