“It’s A Hard-Knock Life”: DHS Crimson Company Prepares for “Annie”

Posted on March 1, 2017 by The Dunmorean

It’s been a “hard-knock life” for members of the Dunmore High School Crimson Company since the new year as they prepare to present their spring musical, Annie.

Opening night for this DHS production is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, at the Dunmore High School Auditorium. This family-friendly show, under the direction of Brian and Dawn McGurl, can also be seen on April 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan.

With the help of her fellow orphan girls, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of New York City. Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil plot and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Leading the production as the title character of Annie is Lauren Brown. Mark Nealon will star as Oliver Warbucks; Madison Eagen as Grace Farrell; Cessna Pendon as Mrs. Hannigan; Nico Summa as Daniel “Rooster” Hannigan; Marisa Moraski as Lily St. Regis; Noah Cogliette as Drake; Luke Gratkowski as President Roosevelt; Matthew Kosack as the radio announcer; and Jack Culkin as Bert Healey.

The roles of the Boylan Sisters will be played by Kaitlin Ahern, Ashley Fischetti, Mackenzie Senatore and Julia Pasko.

Lily Conaboy, Arianna Costanzi, Lauren Grippi, Maria Micciche, Sophia Norvilas, Bell Pendon, Molly Sheets and Aleia Sileo will play the orphans.

Members of the ensemble are: Timothy Andrews, Elizabeth Brace, Colleen Brown, Molly Butler, Madison Castellano, Noah Cogliette, Colby DeSando, Abby Errico, Paige Flynn, Joe Ferguson, Ian Gratkowski, Julia Ingargiola, Lydia Meade, Will Meade, Tessa McDonald, Billy McDonough, Cori Pietrusckiewicz, Christian Reese, Emily Stedina and Matthew Valunas.

Running the show from behind the scenes are the stage managers — Anthony Behler, Spencer Asman and Robert Kersavage — along with assistant stage manager, Jonah Cogliette.

Crimson Company to host “Comic-Con, Jr. Brunch!”

Posted on February 1, 2017 by The Dunmorean

Grab your cape and super powers and join the Dunmore High School Crimson Company for the Comic-Con, Jr. Brunch! It’s set for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 4, 2017 in the Dunmore High School Cafeteria.

You’re encouraged to come dressed up as your favorite comic strip or comic book superhero character. Lots of comic book and Superhero characters will be there to greet you. There will be plenty of fun activities planned for both boys and girls! There will be a story corner, make your own comic strip, coloring and sticker activities, face painting, goodie bags, crafts, games and basket raffles.

The idea for this comic-themed brunch was inspired by the Crimson Company’s upcoming production of “Annie the Musical.” The musical, with music by Charles Strouse, took home a slew of awards at the 1977 Tony Awards, including “Best Musical.” It’s based on the 1920’s comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” by Harold Gray.

The cast of “Annie” will also be on hand for meet and greets at the brunch. Mr. Rich Banick will there to take professional photographs, and, of course, delicious super-hero worthy refreshments will also be provided.

Admission is $10.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the brunch, and all proceeds will help fund future Crimson Company productions and endeavors.

For more information, feel free to email brian62358@yahoo.com or find the Crimson Company on Facebook.

The Dunmore High School Crimson Company will present “Annie the Musical” on March 30, 31 and April 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 at the DHS Auditorium. The curtain will rise each night at 7 p.m.

Scranton Shakespeare Festival Receives National Endowment for the Arts Grant

Posted on February 1, 2017 by The Dunmorean

shakes

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu approved more than $30 million in grants, including a $10,000 Challenge America Grant to The Scranton Shakespeare Festival for its 2017 summer season of free, professional theater.

The grants are part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. The Challenge America category supports primarily small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to under served populations— those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability.

“The arts are for all of us, and by supporting organizations such as The Scranton Shakespeare Festival, the National Endowment for the Arts is providing more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts,” said Ms. Chu, NEA Chairman. “Whether in a theater, a town square, a museum, or a hospital, the arts are everywhere and make our lives richer.”

“I am so happy that the hard work of so many people has been recognized and awarded from the prestigious National Endowment of the Arts,” said Michael Bradshaw Flynn, producing artistic director.

“The Scranton Shakespeare Festival is about to embark on it’s sixth season of professional, free theater. In that time, we have befriended and created beautiful art with a myriad number of talented and good people. Our audiences have grown with us every year. We look forward to making 2017 our best season yet and continue our mission to contribute to a renaissance of theater in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.”

The Scranton Shakespeare Festival produces five shows in June and July. The productions vary from Shakespearean classical comedies and tragedies to Broadway musicals and world premieres. The organization is also developing their Young Theatre Maker’s Lab, which debuted last summer. The lab provides young, local artists an opportunity to create and perform a show of their creation.

For more information visit arts.gov/news or scrantonshakes.com