On Stage Off the Wall
The Play’s the Thing
By Larry Biddison

Taking my cue from Claudia, I’m ready to spring into summer. But there’s so much music, drama, and other art events going on in May that I have to wonder whether I’ll find time to get my garden ready or keep up with the dandelions. In spite of exhibits, concerts, plays, and style shows, I’ll find time to direct one of the six original plays being featured in Hamilton-Gibson’s annual Short Play Festival, as well as help convert the former Davis Furniture Store showroom into a “Little Theatre.” The space is ideal for an audience of about 100. Frankly, I’ll be sorry to have to give this up when the Deane Center project gets underway.

Here’s how to learn more about these and other upcoming events.
 
URINETOWN
What: The 2002 Broadway musical comedy, winner of three Tony Awards.
Where: Arcadia Theatre, Main Street, Wellsboro.
When: May 1, 2, 3 @ 7:30 p.m.; May 4 @ 2:30 p.m.
Information/Reservations: Adults $9; Students $6. 570-724-9371 for reservations.

ANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBIT
What: Art work by students from Cowanesque, North Penn, and Liberty High Schools. I always look forward to this event. For one thing, what’s on the wall is often “off the wall” and genuinely creative. For another, it’s great to interact with the students and their teachers—not to mention the proud parents.
Where: Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center, 134 Main Street, Wellsboro.
When: May 4-25, with opening reception Sunday, May 4 from 2-4 p.m. 
Information: Gallery open 2-5 p.m. daily. [Looking ahead to June: The Annual Juried Art Show open to artists living within 150 miles of Wellsboro. Call 570-724-1917 for details and entry form.]

LEADING MEN
What: An informal “NYC evening” of Broadway tunes sung in a cabaret setting by five of the Northern Tier’s leading male vocalists: Charlie Jacobson, David Cummings, Jacob Grantier, David Wert, and Erick Coolidge. Come to the Cabaret! The entire event, including elegant desserts and assorted beverages catered by The Wren’s Nest, will be held with party-goers seated at tables on the Steadman stage. Sponsored by First Citizens National Bank.
Where: Steadman Theatre, Butler Music
Center, Mansfield University.
When: Friday, May 9 @ 7:30 p.m.
Information/Reservations: Tickets $20 if reserved by May 6th. Call 570-724-2079 or hamgib@epix.net or www.hamiltongibson.org.

TASTE OF TIOGA SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL
What: Annual showcase of six original plays by local playwrights who entered Hamilton-Gibson’s playwriting contest in February. Besides being written, directed, and acted by local folks, these imaginative plays depict scenes, characters, and events that conjure up several regions and time periods in Tioga County. Two of the plays deal with 19th century life in Knoxville and Tioga; two of them are about folks from 20th century Osceola and Wellsboro; and another two are set in contemporary Blossburg and Whitneyville. On opening night, one of these six plays will be awarded the prize provided by From My Shelf Books. As coordinator of both the playwriting contest and the short play festival, I’m personally grateful for the generous support of Cox, Stokes, and Lantz and From My Shelf Books, co-sponsors of H-G’s Taste of Tioga Short Play Festival. 

Where: The Deane Center, 100 Main Street, Wellsboro.
When: May 16 & 17 @ 7:30 p.m.; May 18 @ 2:30 p.m. Opening night party by Timeless Destination.
Information/Reservations: Admission by FlexPass or $6-$14 at door. Reserve at 570-724-2079 or hamgib@epix.net or www.hamiltongibson.org.               

 Larry Biddison is professor emeritus of literature at Mansfield University. You can contact him at onstageoffthewall@mountainhomemag.com.