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March 31, 2023

The Chestertown Spy

An Educational News Source for Chestertown Maryland

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Arts Arts Notes

Church Hill Theatre Reveals Unique Costumes For Sense and Sensibility

March 1, 2023 by Church Hill Theatre 1 Comment

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When Sense and Sensibility’s director, Shelagh Grasso, asked her long-time friend Sally Borghardt to design costumes, they quickly realized a special challenge: the dialogue and plot are straight out of Regency England but the staging in this version is very 21st century. Inspired by Steam Punk and Cosplay and British holiday pantomimes, with Cirque de Soleil thrown in for good measure, Sally decided to have fun. Let’s spell that FUN!

Aside from the three Dashwood sisters, who wear accurate period clothing, most of the other actors are clad in black and white leggings, with horizontal stripes for the women and vertical stripes for the men. Their tops are simple black leotards or white tunic shirts. The actors add extra garments when they portray specific characters and almost everyone, at some point, is a nosy in-your-face gossip sporting a purple tutu. Because they must change so quickly, it’s all done right in front of the audience.

Max Hagen in basic male costume with extra items for Willoughby and Natalie Donoso in period dress as Marianne Dashwood.

Sally Borghardt is a graduate of the Royal College of Music’s elite drama department, where they studied in Anna Pavlova’s former home in north London and Helen Mirren was a classmate. After graduation, Sally taught literature and theater production in Britain before moving to the U.S., where she taught school and became very active in community theater.  She has been working as part of “Team Grasso” since imparting British accents to Shelagh Grasso’s students in a Queen Anne’s County High School production of My Fair Lady.

Sense and Sensibility opens at Church Hill Theatre on March 17 and runs through April 2, with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 pm and Sundays shows at 2 pm. Information and tickets are available on the website www.churchhilltheatre.org or by calling the office at 410-556-6003.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Chestertown Spy, Church Hill Theatre, local news

Church Hill Theatre Announces Audition Dates for Roald Dahl’s Matilda, The Musical

January 22, 2023 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

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Auditions for Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical will be held at Church Hill Theatre on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 6:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, 2023 at 1:30 pm. All auditions will be held in the theatre at 103 Walnut St.  Sylvia Maloney will direct this production with Kevin Thomas as music director, and choreography by Cavin Moore.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, simply known as Matilda or Matilda the Musical, is a stage musical based on the 1988 novel Matilda by Roald Dahl. The musical’s narrative centers on Matilda Wormwood, a precocious girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life.

This production requires 28 actors to bring it to life: 14 to 16 young people (boys and girls) ages 10 through 18, and 10 to 12 men and women, ages 20’s through 60’s with acting, dancing and singing skills.  All roles are open.

For the vocal audition, please prepare a song, similar in genre to the music of Matilda but not from the show; also, please bring 2 copies of your sheet music. Auditioners should be prepared to read from the script and to learn a brief dance routine.  Technicians are also needed and are encouraged to attend auditions.

The performance dates for Matilda run from Friday, June 9th through Sunday, June 25th, 2023. For more information, call Sylvia Maloney at 410-778-3783, email ssmaloney@verizon.net or go to the website www.churchhilltheatre.org.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Church Hill Theatre, local news

Family Drama Opens Church Hill Theatre’s 2023 Season

January 6, 2023 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

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It’s the 1960s and young people are caught up in movements, whether free expression, free love, civil rights, or opposition to the political status quo. Their parents, children of the Depression and WWII, know that freedoms have a cost.  In Ron Cowan’s poignant Summertree, generational conflicts and expectations play out in the midst of the Viet Nam War. Opening on January 20 and running for three weekends, Summertree will tug at the hearts of those old enough to remember the war and perhaps provide greater understanding to their own children and grandchildren.

Jeff and Anthony Daly

Directed by CHT’s theater business manager, Juanita Wieczoreck, Summertree brings together an especially interesting cast. Anthony Daly and his dad Jeff Daly play a young man and his father, both conflicted about notions of manhood and responsibility; both aware that only college enrollment defers military service.  Liam Kruhm, and his dad George, play a neighborhood child (possibly the young man himself?) and a Soldier (who represents all men who have done battle). Sharon Herz is cast as the young man’s mother and Abigail Gilbert as his college girlfriend. Time skips around in the play, as memories are cherished and decisions weighed.  In a review, the New York Times observed, “…beautiful and sensitive; immeasurably moving…”

Summertree will run from January 20 through February 5, with shows starting at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased via the website: churchhilltheatre.org or call the office at (410) 556-6003 for tickets or more information.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Church Hill Theatre, local news

More About Psychic Medium Debbie at Church Hill Theatre January 12th

January 5, 2023 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

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Debbie Wojciechowski

Next week, for one night only on January 12, acclaimed, certified medium Debbie Wojciechowski will return to Church Hill Theatre to help connect patrons with their loved ones who have passed.

A native of Baltimore, Ms. Wojciechowski holds a Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University.  She has enjoyed a 25-year career in federal law enforcement and is a nationally acclaimed and certified Evidential Medium. An Evidential Medium is an individual who can communicate with Spirt.  This information can be unequivocally verified and is evidence of the human’s soul survival beyond physical life.

Her metaphysical journey began at the age of 13 with a near-death experience. Although aware of some of her metaphysical abilities afterward, she did not fully understand what was happening until about age 21. By that time, she had lost both of her parents and parents, and then personally experienced another closed brush with death when she was involved in a serious car accident. That point is when she began a personal journey to study and learn more about her metaphysical gift.

Ms. Wojcieshowski studied extensively with local and international mediums and spiritual mentors.  She trained with British Mediums and learned the traditions of the Spiritualist Churches of Great Britain. Although accreditation is not required in the US, Debbie studied with internationally known and respected professions in the field and obtained formal certification as both a Medium and a Master Teacher.  This certification required testing under strict parameters regarding her Mediumship abilities.

Even as greater awareness and understanding of her abilities grew, she concurrently pursued a more traditional career in law enforcement, including her aforementioned master’s degree. Her time working in law enforcement included extensive work in the areas of mental health, grief counseling, and crisis intervention. Debbie volunteered for more than eight years as a grief counselor with a local hospice.  She often draws on this extensive background and experience with grief and loss during sensitive readings. Ms. Wojciewoski is committed to this work with Spirit and is dedicated to honoring her gift integrity.

Debbie has expanded her reach beyond Maryland.  She has appeared in Hanover, PA, Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Cape May, NJ, as well as closer venues, such as the Avalon Theatre in Easton and the Cultural Center at the Opera House in Havre de Grace.  Tickets to her January 12 appearance at Church Hill Theatre may be purchased at churchhilltheatre.org for $50.

For more information about Debbie Wojciechowski and her work, please visit mediumdebbie.com or follow her on social media at facebook.com/mediumdebbie and instagram at @mediumdebbie.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Church Hill Theatre, local news

Church Hill Theatre Seeks Directors and Interns for the 2023 Green Room Gang Summer Camp

December 18, 2022 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

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Church Hill Theatre is accepting applications for the following paid staff positions for the 2023 Green Room Gang program. The theatre requires a Green Room Gang Sr. director and a Green Room Gang, Jr. director along with up to three interns to work with the directors during the 5-week summer program.

Green Room Gang is a summer theatre workshop that consists of two camps. GRG Sr. is a five-week, full day program of theatre instruction for youths entering grades 6—12 that culminates in a fully staged musical for public performance. GRG Jr. is a four and a half week, half day program for youths entering grades 1—5 which also culminates in a fully staged musical production. Both camps are in session Monday through Thursday.  GRG Sr. begins June 19, 2023 and ends with performances July 19, 20 and 21, 2023; GRG Jr. starts June 21 and culminates with the production at the same time.

The directors of Green Room Gang are the instructors and artists who oversee and orchestrate the theatrical education of the Green Room Gang students and the mounting of fully scripted productions by creatively facilitating all aspects of the productions.  The directors have the challenging task of bringing together the many complex pieces of a production—the script, actors, set, costuming, lighting, sound, and music—into a unified whole.  They will be responsible for all aspects of the production; however, the focus of the position is the instruction of the students and the casting, directing and rehearsing of the show.  Applicants should have extensive formal education and experience in all aspects of theater and should be able to work closely with young people.

The interns of the Green Room Gang will have duties that vary with the nature of the script, the director, the designers and the production facilities. An effective intern will adapt to the needs of each production. He or she will always make it his/her priority to see that the director has everything he/she needs to bring the play’s vision to the stage.  They will work closely with the directors of both GRG Jr. and GRG Sr. and will assist in instructional, directing and production aspects of the camp. The two intern positions require a HS diploma as well as college training in a variety of the aspects of theatre.

Interested applicants can learn more about CHT and its previous seasons by visiting our website at http://www.churchhilltheatre.org, by phoning the CHT office at 410-556-6003 or by email at: office@churchhilltheatre.org.

Applications are available on the CHT website or by calling the CHT office. The deadline for applications is December 30, 2022

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Chestertown Spy, Church Hill Theatre, local news

Church Hill Theatre Seeks Directors, Interns for the 2023 Green Room Gang Summer Camp

December 2, 2022 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

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Church Hill Theatre is accepting applications for the following paid staff positions for the 2023 Green Room Gang program. The theatre requires a Green Room Gang Sr. director and a Green Room Gang, Jr. director along with up to three interns to work with the directors during the 5-week summer program.

Green Room Gang is a summer theatre workshop that consists of two camps. GRG Sr. is a five-week, full day program of theatre instruction for youths entering grades 6—12 that culminates in a fully staged musical for public performance. GRG Jr. is a four and a half week, half day program for youths entering grades 1—5 which also culminates in a fully staged musical production. Both camps are in session Monday through Thursday.  GRG Sr. begins June 19, 2023 and ends with performances July 19, 20 and 21, 2023; GRG Jr. starts June 21 and culminates with the production at the same time.

The directors of Green Room Gang are the instructors and artists who oversee and orchestrate the theatrical education of the Green Room Gang students and the mounting of fully scripted productions by creatively facilitating all aspects of the productions.  The directors have the challenging task of bringing together the many complex pieces of a production—the script, actors, set, costuming, lighting, sound and music—into a unified whole.  They will be responsible for all aspects of the production; however, the focus of the position is the instruction of the students and the casting, directing and rehearsing of the show.  Applicants should have extensive formal education and experience in all aspects.

The interns of the Green Room Gang will have duties that vary with the nature of the script, the director, the designers and the production facilities. An effective intern will adapt to the needs of each production. He or she will always make it his/her priority to see that the director has everything he/she needs to bring the play’s vision to the stage.  They will work closely with the directors of both GRG Jr. and GRG Sr. and will assist in instructional, directing and production aspects of the camp. The two intern positions require a HS diploma as well as college training in a variety of the aspects of theatre.

Interested applicants can learn more about CHT and its previous seasons by visiting our website at http://www.churchhilltheatre.org, by phoning the CHT office at 410-556-6003 or by email at: office@churchhilltheatre.org.

Applications are available on the CHT website or by calling the CHT office. The deadline for applications is December 30, 2022.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Church Hill Theatre, local news

Psychic Medium at Church Hill Theatre January 12th

November 30, 2022 by Church Hill Theatre 1 Comment

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For one night only, on January 12, acclaimed medium Debbie Wojciechowsk will return to Church Hill Theatre to help connect patrons with their loved ones who have passed. As an Evidential Medium with extensive training in the U.S. and England, she is an expert in both near-death experiences and grief counseling.

Debbie does not perform on a stage, but works more intimately, connecting members of her audience with loved ones who have moved beyond their physical lives. As she channels each message, she hopes to bring comfort and awareness to people that there is a life after this one: our loved ones are always with us. Her clients have described her as empathetic and down-to-earth, with a real gift for sensitive readings.

Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, this could be the perfect post-Christmas outing on a cold January night.  Small family or friend groups will find Medium Debbie particularly insightful.  Tickets to her January 12 appearance may be purchased at churchhilltheatre.org  for $50.

For more information about Debbie Wojciechowski and her work, please visit mediumdebbie.com or follow her on social media at facebook.com/mediumdebbie and instagram at @mediumdebbie.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Chestertown Spy, Church Hill Theatre, local news

2023 Season at Church Hill Theatre

November 28, 2022 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

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After months of planning and discussion, Church Hill Theatre proudly announces its 2023 Season of outstanding productions. As always, the offerings will include old favorites, edgy new dramas, and a family-friendly musical. With a renovated building, comfortable new seating and improved sound and lighting equipment, CHT will offer audiences a truly professional theater experience.

As the holidays approach, we all debate what to give friends and relatives who already “have everything they need.” A season membership subscription could be the perfect Christmas present: 5 flex-tickets to be used in any combination during the whole 2023 season. Here’s what’s included in the package:

Summertree, by Ron Cowen (January 20 -February 5) Moving back and forth in time, we follow the coming-of-age story of a young man facing the Viet Nam War draft in the 1960s. Choices must be made and while there are not always happy endings, laughs, tears, and memories endure.

Sense and Sensibility, by Kate Hamill, (March 17 – April 2) adapted from the Jane Austin novel.  This fast-paced, brilliantly funny version of a true classic employs inventive choreography as actors play multiple parts. Will the Dashwood sisters find love and happiness? You bet they will.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the  Musical,  music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly, (June. 9 – 25) Matilda Wormwood, a bright young student with the gift of telekinesis overcomes obstacles at school and at home.  A magical theatrical experience that has played to SRO audiences around the world will certainly wow us at CHT.  Make reservations early: this will sell out.

Harvey, by Mary Chase (September 8 – 24). Elwood P. Dowd is an ordinary man, except that his best friend is an invisible six-foot three-inch rabbit.  Harvey has been delighting audiences nonstop since 1944, on stage and in the movies, especially the 1950 and 1972 James Stewart versions. Harvey is almost 100 years old and still hopping.

God of Carnage by Jasmina Reza. (November 3 – 19) Two sets of parents meet to discuss an argument their sons had while playing in a park. Ever so civil and polite at first, the adults soon become more boorish than the children. Translated from the original 2008 French play, God of Carnage has become a critics’ favorite.  There are plenty of laughs but also strong themes and language.

As always, the most convenient and economical way to enjoy Church Hill Theatre productions is with a season membership.  Two levels of membership are being offered in 2023. The Membership Plus includes five tickets to use anytime during 2023. All memberships include reduced ticket prices for additional tickets, a 10% reduction for the Green Room Gang summer camp and other classes, and early notification about any additional programs or productions at the theater. Members also can purchase reduced-price tickets for their own guests.

Memberships can be purchased online at churchhilltheatre.org or by calling the Church Hill Theatre office at 410-556-6003.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Church Hill Theatre, local news

Wish Upon A Star Dance Program at Church Hill Theatre on December 19

November 23, 2022 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

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RhythmXpress, an outstanding company of dancers, will perform its choreographic magic in a “Wish Upon A Star Holiday Showcase” on Monday, December 19 at 7 pm. The program will include solo, partner and group choreography set to a variety of favorite holiday music and Disney tunes.

RhythmXpress

RhythmXpress, LLC provides competitive and leadership opportunities for dancers with various intellectual disabilities. Coached by Jacki Moreland, founder of Beyond the Ballroom, RhythmXpress was featured recently at the 2022 Global Down Syndrome Gala in Washington DC. The company has provided support and entertainment for numerous charitable organizations, including GiGi’s Playhouse and Special Olympics.  Dancers will include two International Special Olympic DanceSport champions, Chris Dooley and Robert Wallop. Robert is also the reigning 2022 USA Dance ProAm champion in Bronze American Smooth and Rhythm. Other dancers are Funmi Agbebi, Olivia August, Claire Blumberg, Abby Gibbons, Alicia Gogue, Thomas Rickloff, Brianna Roseboro, and Sarah Wheeler.

Church Hill Theatre is delighted to host this special event in its historic Art Deco theater at 103 Walnut Street in Church Hill, Maryland. While particularly inspirational for families with young children, RhythmXpress will delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at the door. The dancers are excited to showcase their talents with a new audience and look forward to sharing the evening with you!

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Chestertown Spy, Church Hill Theatre, local news

A Christmas Carol Returns to Church Hill Theatre on December 16, 17 and 18, 2022

November 8, 2022 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

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Once again, families can gather at the theatre or around the home fireplace to experience everyone’s favorite holiday story, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  Will Scrooge find redemption? Will Tiny Tim live or die? And just how scary are those ghosts?

We know the answers, but the thrill remains with each retelling. Church Hill Theatre’s version is based on the classic Orson Welles Mercury Theatre radio broadcast from 1939.  The production, directed by Kathy Jones, will feature our costumed actors performing at microphones on the main stage with all the appropriate sound and lighting effects. Young people from our Green Room Gang summer camp will help out as carolers. The audience may even sing along.

All the performances will be “broadcast” to allow far-flung friends and relatives to join the festivities via their computers. During COVID restrictions, many families found this a great way to share an experience, then gather together afterward in a video chat. So, consider that tickets might make great Christmas presents for those who “don’t need anything”.

This has become a holiday season favorite and we hope you will join us on December 16, 17 or 18. Shows start at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. We’ll also sell special holiday refreshments (hot cocoa anyone?) and the actors will be available for photos at the end of each show.

Tickets can be purchased via the website: churchhilltheatre.org or call the office at (410) 556-6003 for tickets for more information.

Church Hill Theatre thanks Sullivan Financial for its generous sponsorship of this production.

Filed Under: Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Church Hill Theatre, local news

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