This is Memorial Day weekend when folks will be barbecuing and getting together with family and friends.  Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established after the Civil War to honor Union soldiers killed in battle.  It gradually evolved into a remembrance of those gave their lives in every war and finally to remember family members who hold a special place in our hearts.

    David Kay, professional photographer, took this photo at Arlington Cemetery and described it as one of his favorites.  He named it the Final Goodbye, a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice.  David Kay you may recall in a different vein.  He was the chief weapons inspector in Iraq earlier in this decade.

Art Exhibit at Harper Clubhouse, Lansdowne

On Saturday, May 19th,at the Harper Clubhouse Michael Hardy will be the featured artist at the Spring Art Show.  He will be displaying his work from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Clubhouse. 

His medium includes oils, pencils, pen and ink and charcoals.  His specialties are people and landscapes.  And he has done wall murals, portraits, pets, shirts, flyers and canvases.  So everyone is invited—admission free—to the Harper Clubhouse on Saturday to enjoy this special treat. 

The Pickwick Players Present Singing in the Rain

          Belmont Ridge Middle School in Lansdowne will be staging one of the all time favorite musicals, Singing in the Rain on Friday, May 25th at 7:30 PM; Saturday, Mary 26th at 2:00 PM; then again on Friday, June 1st at 7:30 PM and finally Saturday, June 2nd at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM.  Tickets can be obtained online through PayPal at http://www.thepickwickplayers.org or at the door. The price for adults: $12; seniors and children under 12, $10.  A full family rate of $45 is available for the show on Saturday, May 26th.  . 

This live performance will be further enhanced by the appearance on stage of a family who lives in Lansdowne: Sherm and Nancy Smith with daughters Brooklyn, Emma, and Kensey. 

Movie icons: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor made the film version of Singing in the Rain released in 1952.  They won prestigious awards and in 2006, the American Film Institute named it the number one musical of all time.  Some of us even remember Gene Kelly’s acrobatics in the rain when swinging around a streetlight while, well, Singing in the Rain.  The photo shows left to right Andrew Curtain as Cosmo Brown, the character played in the movie by Donald O’Connor;  Corinne Fox as Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds) and Gary Sheppard as Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly)

For this musical, The Pickwick Players have recruited…”over 40 local children, teens, and adults choreographed by Stepanie Johnson of the Free to Dance Foundation.”

The Pickwick Players theater group was incorporated in 2005 and granted 501c(3) status in 2006.  Past productions have included, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, A Christmas Carol, Little Women, and Hello Dolly among others. Two years ago I was privileged to attend A Christmas Carol staged at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro and I thought the performance Broadway quality in every aspect: acting, singing, costumes, and interpretation of Charles Dickens’ epic story.