NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
MAYOR ANNOUCES FREE 7TH ANNUAL YOUTH PERFORMING ARTIST SHOWCASE; SET FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 AT THE FORUMMayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the Seventh Annual Youth Performing Artist Showcase will be held on Wednesday, March 16, at the Forum Building at Fifth and Walnut Streets. Two free performances are scheduled with the evening 7:30 performance free to the ticketed public. A morning performance is reserved for students and senior citizens. Reed said the format of the popular program will remain the same, with an all-youth oriented show. The Showcase Production Committee and city Parks and Recreation staff conducted auditions for over 1000 area youth from 18 area schools, winnowing the cast down to the 50 most talented midstate youth. The students are now involved in a series of rehearsals and workshops involving nearly 50 hours of arts and educational sessions. The Mayor reported that this year’s production will reflect a true Broadway Show, focusing upon the illustrious history of ‘Black Broadway’ and the many contributions African Americans have made to arts, culture and the theater. Students will be involved in every aspect of the performance, serving as producers, directors, choreographers, writers, actors, musicians and dancers. From “Bubblin Brown Sugar” to “Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk”, this year’s show will present a fresh perspective of Black Broadway while showcasing some of the midstate’s most talented young people. Reed said Harrisburg native Cedric Lawson and his All-Star Orchestra will again serve as backing musicians for the Showcase. Professional Actor and Choreographer Kelly Summerford and professional writer Brenda House will conduct the rehearsals and workshops for the students. The Forum has donated space for workshops, rehearsals and both of the March 16 performances, which also feature professional sound and lighting production. Reed said the Showcase has become a signature production of the City of Harrisburg’s Black History Month observances under the theme of a “Celebration of Unity.” More than 4000 attendees and in excess of 80,000 television viewers will be able to see the program. Free tickets to the event will be available on a first- come, first-serve basis beginning Wednesday, March 9, at Noon. Ticket outlets include the Department of Parks and Recreation offices in the M.L. King Jr., City Government Center and the Reservoir Park Mansion, Mr. Mikes Records and the Kline Plaza Giant Foods Store. Due to limited seating there is a limit of four tickets per person. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. on March 16, with the Showcase getting underway after 7:00 p.m. Mayor Reed extended the city’s appreciation to the Youth Performing Artist Showcase Production Committee, which was appointed to develop and produce the city’s eight-week long Black History Month Celebration events and activities. Staff and volunteers include Brenda Barrett, Joyce Bolden, Cedric Lawson, John Weldon Scott, Sammette George, Charon Battles, Aebony Shephard Mitchell, Kelly Summerford, Lynne Blackstone, Andrea Fulton, and city Parks and Recreation staff Tina Manoogian-King, Larry Moore and Margaret Hayes. Joining the city in co-sponsoring the Showcase and the city’s many other Black History Month Celebration activities are the Harrisburg Parks Partnership, PHEAA, Hershey Foods, Giant Food Stores LLC, UPS, J.P. Lilly & Son Inc., 1400 The Touch, Rejoice Inc., M&T Bank, Harrisburg School District, Pennsylvania Blue Shield – A HIGHMARK Company, Amtrak, PA Housing and Finance Agency, Writer’s Wordshop, Eddie’s Mens and Furniture Stores, Pa Council on the Arts, The National Civil War Museum, The Forum, and Strictly Formals. “These sponsors have our sincere appreciation for their dedicated efforts and financial contributions,” said the Mayor. For more information on the Youth Performing Artist Showcase or any of Harrisburg’s many special events please contact the Harrisburg Department of Parks and Recreation at (717) 255.3020, or visit the city’s event website at www.HarrisburgEvents.com. |
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