Kent Theatre manager Dan Randall is shown here with the Moore family, winners of the 10,000th ticket sale.

By Judy Reed

Just one year after starting to show first-run movies in the historic Kent Theatre, they sold their 10,000th ticket last Friday night, December 3.
Erin Moore and her family—Rich Moore, Merri Moore, RJ Moore, Liz Moore and Ash Watson—were the lucky winners at the 6:00 p.m. showing of MegaMind at the theatre located at 8 N. Main Street. The Cedar Springs family, who often attend movies at the Kent, won an eight-pack of movie tickets, and eight concessions coupons for a large pop and large popcorn.
Being able to show first-run movies has been a big boon to the theatre, which shows the movies a few weeks after they come out. At only $3.00 per ticket, it’s an affordable outing for most families.
Theatre volunteer Len Allington said that Bob Goodrich, of Goodrich Quality Theatres, has been a big help to the Kent. “They had their technicians come in and help out—they rehabbed everything,” noted Allington.
The first-run movies are shown two or three weekends out of each month, with plays, bands and other community groups sharing the theatre on other weekends. The movie “Unstoppable” will be showing this weekend, also coming up will be “Tangled” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
Volunteers at the Kent continue to make renovations to what was at one time the Hubbard Opera House. There are new women’s bathrooms just off the foyer, and the men’s bathrooms will be worked on over Christmas break.
To see what’s coming up at the Kent and view movie trailers, go to .

Cast members for the Kent’s 2010 performance of “A Christmas Carol” include: (Front row) Brandyn Kirchhoff, Daniel A. Kavanaugh. (Middle row) Katie Zank, Bri Fredrickson, Jenna Johnson. (Last row) Russ Cole, Scott Phillips.

2nd annual Dickens’ classic performed on Kent Theatre stage

Add to your holiday festivities by attending the 2nd annual Readers Theater production of the famed Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol,” being performed on the Kent Theatre stage. Be transported back to London and that fateful Christmas Eve night when Ebenezer Scrooge comes face to face with his own destiny. Mark your calendars now. Three performances are scheduled for Dec. 17 at 7:30 pm and a matinee on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 pm and an evening performance at 7:30 pm. Tickets are only $8 adults and $5 students and seniors 65+ and are available at the box office before all performances,  or the Cedar Springs Public Library during business hours, or by calling 616-696-0949 to reserve.

Auditions are being held for the play “For Marrieds Only” an adult comedy that centers around the fumblings and foibles of a young newly married couple’s honeymoon night. This comedy is being performed on Feb. 12 and 13 on the Kent Theatre stage.

The director, Kristian Phillippy, from Fremont, will be holding auditions on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 16 and 17 at the Kent Theatre from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Characters needed are: a man and woman, ages 20’s to 30’s; two men, ages 40’s-60’s; a girl, aged 16-18. There is also a need for volunteers to work backstage, initiate publicity campaign and assist the director as needed. Please call Kristian at 231-924-0248 or 231-225-1983 if you have questions.

Tri County High School will present “Urning it,” a comedy by award-winning playwright Ed Vela, at the Kent Theatre this Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m.

This family-friendly comedy features a minimal set and plenty of quick-fire wit. Ward Hammacher has just discovered that his extremely rich aunt has died. To honor her last request, he packs up his family and treks 3,000 miles to scatter her ashes off the Santa Monica Pier and collect his inheritance. The drive proves perilous, as the family experiences hilarious misadventures along the way. They get stopped in Texas, ripped off in Arizona, and jailed in Mexico.

The cast includes Devin Harold, Meghan Yost, Anthony Sutton, Brittany Decker, Shayna Gross, Sarah Vuillemot, Andrew Jason, Christine Scharphorn, Paul Bradley, Shella Walton, Keegan Brewster, Zach Puff, and Brandie Hoyt. Directors are Sandra Babb and Erica Chamberlin.

Tickets are $10 at the door. The Kent Theatre is located at 8 N. Main in Cedar Springs.

Carly Morehouse, a member of the local band “Every Other Thursday” will be performing at the talent show.

The 2009 Red Flannel Day talent show is especially exciting this year. We have a great array of talent, including the return of singer/songwriter Alexis Kaiserlian, and the gifted guitar/banjo player Calder Baker. Two local bands will perform, AlchemyAnthem with Jesse Franks, Spencer Hopkins, and Levi Velting, and Every Other Thursday with Nick Bonarski, Jordan Sagorski, and Carly Morehouse.

Kellyn Vos and Tyler Bennet will be performing a piece from the musical “Grease” at this year’s Red Flannel Town Talent Show.

Kellyn Vos and Tyler Bennet perform a piece from the musical “Grease,” the local Christian/Rock group Abstract Faith will showcase their talent and act as the house band during the show to boot. Add to this a host of dancers, singers, and musicians, and you will enjoy a showcase of young talent from the area at the Kent Theatre.

The show begins after the parade (about 4:30 p.m.). Tickets are $3.00. Don’t miss this family-friendly, fun event!

Guitar and banjo talent Calder Baker was one of last year’s performers at the Red Flannel Town Talent show.

Organizers of the Red Flannel Town talent show are looking for local talent to showcase this year on Red Flannel Day, October 3. Have talent? Bring it on! We are looking for singers, dancers, variety acts and theatrical skits. Tryouts for the show are at the Kent Theatre on Sept. 3, between 6 and 9 p.m. Bring your instruments and music and be ready to showcase your talents. Practices for Red Flannel Day will be held each week. The show will be held directly after the parade at the Kent Theatre.