Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville townlively.com
MARCH 6, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXV • NO 1
Friendship and family in “The Wizard of Oz” BY CATHY MOLITORIS
“This is one of those shows that makes you feel good,” said director Dena McKell, describing “The Wizard of Oz.” “Everybody loves this show and how it brings that aspect of family and home together.” “The Wizard of Oz” will be performed by Encore Home School Productions at T he Junction Center, 1875 Junction Road, Manheim, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, through
The cast and crew of “The Lightning Thief”
Kids on a quest in “The Lightning Thief” BY CATHY MOLITORIS
effects, said Kenshin Meekins, a senior who is the sound designer. “This is a complicated show for tech,” he stated. “We’re using fog and other special effects, and the lighting design and sounds we’re using make the show great.” “The Lightning Thief” features a cast of 25 with a dozen crew members, and the cast members range from second-graders through high-school seniors. Many of the younger students are siblings of the high-schoolers. Kaitlin hopes audiences will leave the show feeling a bond with the characters. “There’s at least one character in the show that will speak to you,” she said. “ There’s a connection level, whether it’s their confidence or their insecurity.” And Eva expects audiences won’t soon forget the musical, adding, “You will go home with at least one song stuck in your head.” Tickets for “ The Lightning Thief” will be sold at the door. All seating is general admission.
See “Wizard of Oz” pg 2
The cast of “The Wizard of Oz”
Annual pet-themed art exhibit set BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Mulberry Art Studios, 21 N. Mulberry St., Lancaster, is now accepting submissions for its sixth annual We Love Our Pets show. Artists and pet owners in Lancaster County are encouraged to enter original artwork of their animal companions until Friday, April 12. Accepted submissions will be displayed at Mulberry Art Studios in May for National Pet Month. Amateur and professional
Pansies & Violas, Hellebores, Pussy Willow Branches & Wreaths, & more! *Cold Tolerant POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER MAR. 6, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
C WM
W
hen Columbia High School presents “The Lightning Thief,” audiences can expect to understand the motivation of the characters on stage, especially if the audience members are high-school students. “It’s a show about kids dealing with their parents’ mistakes, and I think that’s relatable to a lot of people,” said Nevaeh Kilby, a senior who plays Grover. “I think the message speaks to a lot of people.” Columbia will present the show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, through Saturday, March 16, with an additional performance at 2 p.m. on March 16. It will be performed in the high school auditorium, 901 Ironville Pike. “The Lightning Thief” is based on the first book in the series by Rick Riordan. “It’s about Greek mythology, but set in the modern day,” said Eva Fanous, a junior who is a member of the lighting crew. “It’s about the children of
the Greek gods. They’re called half-bloods because they ’re half human, half god. The main character is Percy Jackson, and he finds out he’s a half blood and he has to go on a quest to help his father prevent a war between the gods.” The musical features several fight scenes, and the cast worked with fight coordinator Rebecca Gentry to prepare. “ There are a lot of intense scenes,” explained Kaitlin Scheele, a senior who plays Annabeth. “There is a capture the flag scene that is a big fight scene.” S he added that the show includes a mix of emotions on stage. “There are funny parts, but there are also tragic parts,” she said. “These are 12-year-olds who are sent on a quest to save the world. It gets pretty intense. There are moments of insecurity and moments when they are ready to fight and take on the world.” Along with stage combat, the show features a variety of special
Mon-Sat. 8-6
Saturday, March 16, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 17. Although the musical is based on the iconic movie, the directors encouraged the students to make their characters their own. “ We ’re not imitating the movie,” said assistant director Jill Panyard. “We wanted to shape the characters a little differently than the movie. We are shaping Dorothy a bit more like a tomboy, like a hardworking farm girl.” The cast features about 40
artists of all ages are invited to participate in the show, and submissions may be artwork in any medium, such as painting, drawing, sculpture or photography. Artists may submit as many pieces as they desire. To view the full list of guidelines for submissions, email gallery curator Stephanie Kulfan at Stephanie .mulberryart@gmail.com. Ever y year, Mulberr y Art Studios partners with a local nonprofit organization for the We Love Our Pets show; a See Art exhibit pg 3
Irish Cider Availa
ble Cherry H Now! ill’s 400 Long Lane at Marticville Road Uniq ue Orcha (Rt. 741 & 324) 717-872-9311 Blend rd www.cherryhillorchards.com Follow us R104687