Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

PITTSBURGH – Bradford resident Marissa Buchheit has been cast in the Pittsburgh premiere of the Tony Award-winning blockbuster musical In the Heights . Hailed by the New York Times as "the hottest, most street savvy production in years" the show is being produced by Carrnivale Theatrics in conjunction with Front Porch Theatricals at the New Hazlett Theater from August 23 through September 1. This high-energy show features a contemporary Latin-flavored score and Tony-winning hip-hop dance moves. It takes place in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, where a young store owner watches the joys and heartbreaks of his tight-knit community as they pass through his bodega. In the Heights was nominated for 13 Tonys in 2008 and won four Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score,Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. Buchheit, who will be playing the role of Carla, joins a diverse cast of 24 other performers from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, New Yo...

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced Ryan E. VanGuilder of Bradford, Pa., has accepted a fully qualified appointment to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ryan, the son of Jan and Alan Bean, is currently a senior at Bradford Area High School. “Ryan’s commitment to serve our country, coupled with superior academic achievement and leadership traits, will serve him well at the U.S. Air Force Academy,” said Representative Thompson. “The education, leadership training, and skills that Ryan will learn at the Academy will not only prepare him for a distinguished military career, but also give him the tools to succeed in life’s many challenges.” A member of the National Honor Society, Ryan will graduate from Bradford Area High School with a 100 cumulative grade point average, which includes both Advanced Placement and College courses. Ryan was also active in athletics as a member of the Varsity Soccer and Wresti...

The Kiwanis Club of Bradford is pleased to present its 54th annual show Extrem eMakeover: Kapers Edition. This year’s cast numbers more than 100 performers and the show’s varied repertoire includes song and dance numbers as well as comedy skits, percussion numbers and guest stars. More than a dozen artists from the community are also participating by painting scenery depicting some of the area businesses and organizations. In keeping with the theme, the businesses will get a makeover look to their existing “storefronts.” Show chair is Michele McCann. Co-directors are Kristin Asinger, Barb Pedersen, and ShelleyWright, who is also the musical director. Producers are Karen Buchheit and Candy Tingley. choreographers are Felicia Lively Munday and Brittany Rose. Extreme Makeover: Kapers Edition will be performed November 10, 11, and 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Bradford Area High School. Advance tickets are on sale at Graham Florist on Kennedy Street, all Northwest Savings Bank locations i...

H.L. “Woody” Woodruff has been chosen to receive the 2011 Lester Brauser Theatre Appreciation Award, announced Bradford Little Theatre president Nanci K. Garris on Tuesday. Established in 2001, the Brauser Award is presented to an individual whose work makes community theatre possible in the Bradford area. It is named after theatre enthusiast the late Lester Brauser. “Since the 1960s, wherever there has been entertainment for the community, there has been Woody,” said BLT president Nanci K. Garris. “Sometimes he has brought performers to town, sometimes he has hosted bus trips to events out of town, and other times he is the performer. It is because of his ongoing support of the arts and especially his personal performances, that we are pleased to present him this award. Garris recounted Woodruff’s many onstage appearances in the annual Kiwanis Kapers benefit show; his work as auctioneer or master of ceremonies for local causes; his “bits” at local events like car shows; and even his ...

"Legally Kapers" was a huge success and a lot of fun. Congratuations! And thanks to the great audiences all three nights.

The Pitt Improvers, a student improvisational club, will perform a comedy show from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The all-ages show is free and open to the public. The group also plans to reprise its appearance at Kiwanis Kapers at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 13 and 14 at Bradford Area High School. Kristin Asinger, visiting instructor of sports medicine, and her husband, Tim, are advisers for the student group. This is the Improvers second year on campus. During the performances, members of the cast play a variety of improv games and perform them based on suggestions given by the audience. Additional shows will take place from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Feb. 25 and April 1 in the Mukaiyama University Room. Also planned are an improv workshop for teens and adults Feb. 6 and special charity show from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. The Improvers recently attended an improv workshop in Chic...

Andrea Wurster and Shane Oschman rehearse a musical number for next weekend's 52nd Annual Kiwanis Kapers -- Legally Kapers. Tickets are available at all Northwest Savings Bank locations in Bradford, Graham Florist and Ott & McHenry Pharmacy. Shane was on Thursday's LiveLine talking about the show, and you can listen to that here .