The Rockford Area Theater Troupe is bringing their latest play, “Big Top Circus,” to the Kent Theatre, in Cedar Springs on April 16 and 17.
Undeterred by an unexpected phone call informing him that all of his employees have been recently flattened and decapitated in a train derailment, the manager of a small-time circus resolves once again to hire and train a new crew in time for the next day’s extravaganza.
The question was never if he’d be able to fill all the roles before the performance; but rather, could he keep them all from dying off before half-time?
But as always…the show must go on!
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on April 16 and 17 at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St, Cedar Springs. Tickets are $12 for 13 years and up and $6 for 12 years and under. Pre-Sale at Perry’s Place, 90 North Main Cedar Springs. Audience limited to 50 people per showing.
For more information text 616-647-7739.
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After many months in lockdown, the Kent Theatre is again exhibiting a movie on the big screen!
Over the Halloween weekend, The Kent Theatre will be running the classic film “Ghostbusters” (1984) starring Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, and many more. This film should be a lot of fun for family and friends.
“Ghostbusters“ will be shown Friday, October 30 at 6 p.m., Saturday, October 31 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday, November 1 at 2 and 6 p.m. All seats are $3. The concession stand will be open.
If all goes well, they plan to offer other classic movies on a regular basis until the movie studios release new material.
Patrons will be required to wear a mask, and practice social distancing. The volunteer staff at the Kent Theatre has worked tirelessly to create a safe environment for your movie experience. “We have purchased a machine that sterilizers the Theatre between shows. Our staff has been advised by the State of Michigan, the Kent County Health Department and the CDC, and trained to keep the Kent as safe as possible,” said Len Allington.
Because seating is limited to 50 persons per show, you can buy your tickets in advance at Perry’s Place at 90 North Main Street CS, or go to the Kent Theatre Facebook page. Note: the Saturday (Oct. 31) showing at 2 p.m. has already sold out so get your tickets while you can!
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Free books were given out to students from local author Amanda Litz. Courtesy photo.
The Cedar Springs Library, Kent District Library, Cedar Trails Elementary and the Kent Theatre all teamed up for the 20th annual library card drive to celebrate March is Reading month.
First graders and their families came out to the Kent Theatre Monday and Tuesday evenings, March 2 and 3, to celebrate with their classmates, teachers and friends. Thanks to the great support, cooperation and enthusiasm from our partners at Cedar Trails, 78 first graders and 164 of their family members enjoyed the new movie, “Dr. Doolittle,” on March 2 and 3 at 6 p.m. All but one of the teachers were able to make it to welcome their students and sign them in: Mrs. Daneford, Mrs. Upham, Mrs. Bonsall, Mrs. Obrien, Mrs. Doncis-Boggiano, Mrs. Tiffany, Mrs. Shepard, Mrs. Birdsong, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Brussow and Mrs. Strain.
Free books were given out to students from local author Amanda Litz. Courtesy photo. First grade teachers were on hand to greet students at the Kent Theatre Tuesday. Courtesy photo.
The Cedar Springs Library and Kent District Library paid for first grade tickets. Miss Donna and Miss Laura, the Library staff from Cedar Springs, and Miss Sara and Miss Bethany from KDL, were on hand to greet everyone, share library updates and programs and to inspire families to read and to utilize their local libraries, which are rich with resources. It was emphasized that local library cards are good across all eight counties in Western Michigan, with a return anywhere policy.
Free books were also given out to the children and were donated by local author Amanda Litz. The books were “We can count,” “We can ride our bikes,” and “Pirate’s treasure.”
Heading into “April is Poetry Month,” all students and parents were also invited to write a poem or read a favorite poem at the Kent Theatre on April 7 at 6-8 p.m. by just showing up to share. The event is sponsored by the Nelson Township Branch of KDL and the Cedar Springs Public Library and is open to all ages.
In parting, we always pay tribute to Mike Metzger, former Library board member and school board member, who was the one who first dreamed of every first grader having a library card, and who made it a reality 20 years ago. This is a proud day for you and for all of your partners these 20 years.
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Actors del Arte Ensem- ble of West Michigan is a Rockford based theater group that has been doing theater productions Drama and Comedy since 2002. We are proud to present a well-loved classic that has stood the test of time and is just in time for the Hol- idays. Charlotte Bronte’sJane Eyre is a brooding love story that chronicles the life of a young English girl from her childhood to agoverness at the Thorn eldEstate in London, England. It follows the footsteps of other lovelorn heroines in literary classics of that era. A great cast of local actors brings the story to life with wonderful costumes and portrayals.
You can see the production at the historic Kent Theatre at 8 N Main Street in Cedar Springs, Michigan, on Friday November 30 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m.; and
Sunday, December 2 at a 2 p.m. matinee.
Buy your tickets at the
door. Adults are $10; stu- dents $5; and seniors $8.
The Rockford Area Theater Troupe is pleased to announce their upcoming fun-filled, western-themed and original performance of Uncle Skinny’s Christmas, coming to the Kent Theatre in Cedar Springs on November 16-17.
The story begins in the furthest saloon, of the furthest town, in the furthest county. The Boys are playing evening poker, the Ma’dam is tending bar and the Dance Girls are hanging festive finery for the upcoming Orphan Christmas Jamboree Competition.
A headline from the Sherriff’s paper alerts the townsfolk that infamous, villainous Tobacco Spittin’ Snake Venom Gang has been plundering all the nearby communities of their orphans’ Christmas presents…and that their little town of Rosewood is next in line.
An unhinged visit from Holly Hatchet, followed Uncle Skinny, Niece Nance and Niece Noodles, a Red-Flanneled Stranger and then the Posse, isn’t enough to derail the townsfolks from falling into the hands of the villains.
Their fate, and that of the orphans’ presents hangs in the balance…until Uncle Skinny reemerges just in time to receive an unexpected, but not forgotten, Christmas gift.
The Rockford Area Theater Troupe is a group of old and new friends who laugh during practice and bond over post-practice beverages. Please come out to support their amazing efforts, while enjoying entertaining portrayals of classic and beloved characters that have yet to be discovered by the general public. Thank you!
The shows will be at the historic Kent Theatre, 8 North Main St., in Cedar Springs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. Tickets are $6 for twelve and younger and $12 for thirteen and older.
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The Brewsters charge into Cedar Springs! Pictured (from L to R) are Laura Johnson, Jon Gamm, and Linda Hunt.
The classic comedy “Arsenic & Old Lace” by Joseph Kesselring, is the next production by the Cedar Springs Community Players set to hit the boards on October 18, 19, 20, 2018 at the Kent Theatre. The show, directed by Sue Harrison, will start each night at 7:30 PM. Charlene Sommer is stage manager and Nolan Patin has designed the set of the old Brewster home.
The play, “Arsenic & Old Lace” was written in 1939 and was produced as a serious thriller. At the first preview, when all the laughter occurred, the piece was declared an instant comedy hit! It takes place in the 1940’s and has everything a good comedy requires—two charming old ladies who are actually murderers, a crazy brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, another brother who looks like Boris Karloff and his wacky doctor friend Einstein, a love story, and the antics of good-natured bumbling cops.
“This is a classic play,” shared director Sue Harrison. “It has a great storyline and the characters are delightful to watch. It will keep audiences laughing and enthralled with all the antics!”
Cast members include Laura Johnson and Linda Hunt as the Brewster sisters; Jonathan Gamm as Teddy Brewster; Jonathan Befus as Jonathan Brewster; Cody Wilson as Mortimer Brewster; Anna Ambrose as Elaine Harper; Dave Schmuker as Dr. Einstein; R.J. Moore, Tom Johnson, and John Kerrish play Officers Brophy, Klein and O’Hara; Lieutenant Rooney is played by Jerry Hoye; Don Hunt and Doug Christensen play Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Witherspoon; and Mr. Spinoza is played by Madison Ruth.
Pre-sale tickets are on sale now from cast members and at the Cedar Springs Community Library. Adult pre-sale tickets are $10 and students under 18 are $8. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $8 for students under 18. Purchase must be made with cash or check.
Pictured is the winning team at the Kent Theatre golf outing fundraiser. From L to R: Kyle Little, Cody Harper, Brian Little, Derek Burns.
The 18th Annual Kent Theatre Golf Outing Fundraiser was a success again this year with a first place finish by the team of Cody Harper, Derek Burns, Brian Little, and Kyle Little. Second place honors went to the team of Tom Winquist, Scott Winquist, Ron Nielson, and Steve Nielson. Prizes went to Tyler Covell for Longest Drive (Men) and to Katie Vanderweele for Longest Drive (Women). Prize for Longest Putt went to Brian Little. Winners of the “Hit the Boat” contest went to Tyler Covell, Tom Winquist, and Len Allington.
A great time was had by all and the event raised approximately $2,500 for the Kent theatre. Special thanks to the volunteers that made the event possible.Volunteers include Sally Grayvold, Rose Powell, Bryn Powell, and Connor Knapp.
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Kids were excited to celebrate at the Kent Theatre earlier this month. Photo by Donna Clark.
A free popcorn was part of the fun at the Kent Theatre. Photo by Donna Clark.
The First Grade Library Card Roundup ended with a Grand Party at the Kent Theatre on Monday, March, 5, and Tuesday, March 6, to celebrate “March is Reading Month.” The Cedar Springs Public Library and Kent District Library Branches from Nelson and Spencer Townships each sponsored a free ticket for all first graders from the Cedar Springs Public Schools and Creative Technologies Academy to see “Paddington 2.” The Kent Theatre offered free popcorn to all first graders with a library card, counting 89 first graders over the two evenings. Counting everyone who attended—students, parents, siblings, teachers, and library staff—the total came to 283 over the two evenings.
Local author Amanda Litz donated books to be handed out at the event.
The Cedar Springs Public Library started this program in 1997, and later joined with KDL to jointly administer the program since students who live in Nelson and Spencer Townships have their home library there.
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Looking for some holiday cheer? You don’t want to miss the “Mingle with Kris Kringle” event this Saturday, December 2, put on by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
The day-long event starts with make and take crafts and ornaments at the Cedar Springs Community Library at 107 N. Main St from 9-noon. You can also enjoy a story time with Mrs. Claus from 2-3 p.m. at Perry’s Place llc for herbs, teas, and more at 90 N. Main St. There will also be a meet and greet and photos with the Cedar Springs cheerleaders, a petting zoo, bake sale, and caroling from the Cedar Springs High School choir, all before the mini-parade that brings Santa to the corner of Main and Ash Street at about 4:30-4:45.
Following the parade will be a live nativity scene by Calvary Assembly of God and mingling with Kris Kringle at the American Legion Hall, where kids can get their photo taken, and do an activity while they wait.
The fun then continues next weekend with the Kent Theatre Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 9 from 3-5 p.m., and the Kent Theatre Christmas Dance Extravaganza on Sunday, December 10, from 3-5 p.m. Admission is $3 for each show. For more info on both weekends of fun, see ad on page 10.
The night before Halloween might find neighborhood kids soaping windows or hoisting rolls of toilet paper into a favorite front yard shade tree. But to radio listeners on October 30, 1938, Devil’s Night took on a more sinister tone. A nation-wide panic attack ensued as millions of Americans took to the streets fleeing their homes, many armed with guns to protect loved ones, after radio alerts announced the invasion of Martians aimed at destroying earth along with its population.
While the radio alerts described the Martian attack in vivid detail, most listeners had failed to hear the announcer begin the broadcast with the words: “The Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations present Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air in The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells.”
The electronic age had not yet invaded American households in 1938. People were accustomed to tuning in their radios for news reports and other forms of entertainment. In 1938 the most popular program was the Chase and Sanborn Hour starring Edgar Bergen and his pal Charlie McCarthy. The show aired on Sunday evenings at 8:00 p.m.
Orson Welles, however, aired his show the Mercury Theatre on the Air on another station at the same time. Being a rising radio star, he wanted to draw audiences away from Bergen’s show and decided to adapt H.G. Wells’ book War of the Worlds to radio and air the production the night before Halloween.
Besides shortening the story, he also updated it from Victorian England to present day Grovers Mill, New Jersey.
Welles went on the air with a script interrupted by eye witnesses, newscasters and scientists all describing the mayhem and destruction taking place by the marauding Martians as they made their way across the land attacking earth and its inhabitants.
When the Mercury Theater signed off the air after its Halloween show, phone lines in the control room had erupted.
The broadcast and its after effects dominated the news for days with stories of panic and editorials both condemning and praising Welles for his production.
The Cedar Springs Community Players will air the radio production of The War of the Worlds October 20 and 21 at the Kent Theatre in downtown Cedar Springs. Directed by Nancy Noreen, the play will air October 20 at 7:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. October 21.
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Over two dozen kids from ages 7 to 14 have worked hard to bring Suessical, Jr. to the stage at the Kent Theatre Sept. 22-24. Photo by Linda Christiansen.
By Tom Noreen
The Cedar Springs Community Players will present Seussical, Jr. on September 22-23 at 7 p.m. and a September 24 matinee at 2:30 p.m. at the historic Kent Theatre.
Directed by Lori Koester, with musical Director Eli Koester, 27 kids from 7 to 14 will perform. In addition to acting, they are helping prepare the set by painting all of the props and background scenery. Eli knows how to teach the music to the kids, plus he plays Horton.
Seussical is a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the stories of Dr. Seuss (mainly Horton Hears a Who!, Horton Hatches the Egg and Miss Gertrude McFuzz) that debuted on Broadway in 2000. The play’s story is a complex amalgamation of many of Seuss’s most famous books. Seussical, Jr. is written especially for youth performers.
Tickets are $10 at the door and can be reserved by emailing ticketscscp@gmail.com.
Look for the CSCP’s next show, Harvey, scheduled for October.
