Striplight Theatre to hold auditions
WINTERSVILLE -- The Center of Music and Art, along with Weirton's Striplight Theatre will hold auditions for the holiday hit "A Christmas Story."
Auditions are planned from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Center of Music and Art, 264 Main St., Wintersville.
Auditions must be scheduled in advance by e-mailing info@striplightteatre.com. Information also can be found on the Striplight Theatre Facebook page.
Those planning to audition must arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time to fill out all auditions forms. If available, those auditioning can provide a headshot and a theatrical resume, and provide all scheduling conflicts from Oct. 15 through Dec. 17 at the audition. Actors do not need to come prepared with a monologue. Sides will be provided and learned at auditions.
Those auditioning should dress in clothes allowing easy movement and wear closed-toed shoes.
Performance dates for "A Christmas Story" are Nov. 30 through Dec. 3. Cast members chosen must be able to attend all performances to take part in this production.
All performances will be at the Center of Music and Art. Striplight Theatre's Jeffrey Holmes is directing.
Roles available for this production include:
¯ Narrator: Age 40-60s -- adult version of Ralphie. Charismatic storyteller with a dynamic speaking voice who can draw an audience in to the world of the play.
¯ Ralphie: Age 10-13 -- a regular kid. He wouldn't be lost in a crowd, but he wouldn't stand out either.
¯ The old man: Age 35-45 -- he has a good heart, but it is buried under a rough exterior.
¯ Randy: Age 8-10 -- Ralphie's younger brother. Can be a bit awkward and offbeat; admires his big brother.
¯ Scut Farkus: Age12-14 -- the classic bully; tough.
¯ Miss Shields: Mid-30s-early-50s -- she is Ralphie's elementary school teacher. Great with comedy.
¯ Ralphie's friends, Schwartz, Flick, Esther, Mary Beth: Ages 10-13.
¯ Santa: Age 25-50s/ ill-tempered, inebriated, department store Santa.
Phantom Fright Nights return
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. -- The dark forces that power one of the best steel roller coasters in the world, the Phantom's Revenge, have taken over Kennywood once again this Halloween season.
The award-winning Phantom Fright Nights are back at Kennywood. The amusement park transforms into the ultimate Halloween experience with haunted mazes, scare zones filled with more than 200 costumed actors and thrill rides in the dark.
All the scares that have made PFN one of the top-rated theme park Halloween events in the country return, along with an addition: Raina's Trap, an escape room. Also debuting is the Sky Rocket VR Experience, a race through a futuristic virtual world while riding the launch coaster. Both are upcharge attractions, and Raina's Trap will not be available opening weekend.
Signature haunts such as Villa of the Vampire and Kennyville Cemetery return, along with journeys to Camp Crystal Lake for a date with Jason Vorhees in "Friday the 13th" 4-D, showing in the Kennywood 4-D Theater.
Phantom Fright Nights will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28.
Tickets are available online for $29.99 or at Kennywood for $33.99. Discount coupons are available at local Spirit Halloween locations, and a Fright Nights Season Pass can be purchased for $49.99 online or at the park. Group rates are available.
Phantom Fright Nights is not recommended for children younger than 13. No food or beverages may be brought into Kennywood during Phantom Fright Nights. Halloween masks, makeup and costumes are prohibited. For a full list of rides and information, visit www.kennywood.com/pfn or call (412) 461-0500.
Ghost tours slated at Dennison Depot
DENNISON -- The spirit world will be featured at the Dennison Depot Museum on Oct. 20-21, when guests can learn about all of the depot's supernatural experiences and stories.
Visitors can tour the famous railroad depot in the dark with only the light of a flashlight. A tour guide will lead and tell stories of all of the people who worked on the railroad and at the depot, and those who still remain in spirit.
Guests can climb up into the train cars and listen to tales of spirits past, including in the World War II hospital and surgery car.
Tours will be offered at 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. both days.
Reservations are required to participate. Call (740) 922-6776 for reservations or information.
Admission for the tours is $10 for nonmembers and $5 for members of the museum.
This event is not recommended for young children.
Toronto's Dark View in third season
TORONTO -- Dark View Haunted Attraction, located just outside of Toronto, is celebrating its third season this year with preparations that have been ongoing since the close of last season.
It has expanded to include five themed attractions, plus additional events and activities for all ages.
The 2017 season is already under way, scaring folks from all around the Tri-State Area and beyond, according to organizers. The Halloween attraction is the result of many volunteers who work to make sure every guest's experience is one to remember.
In addition, Dark View donates to and supports local charities at the end of each season including the area's Coat's For Kids cause.
This year's attractions include concessions from "The Deadly Chew" with a monstrously big menu, a casket simulation ride, games and more, according to organizers. There's even an "escape room" for those who would rather pass on some of the attractions and join their friends afterward.
Visitors also can come during daylight hours on select Saturdays for games, food and activities for the entire family.
Visit Dark View's website at www.welcometodarkview.com for a complete schedule, special offers and coupons.
Dark View is located at 2257 county Road 68, and is open on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28.
The box office opens at 6 p.m. with attractions opening at 7 p.m. Call (740) 537.0235 for information.
'Mary Poppins' lands at Lincoln Park
MIDLAND, Pa. -- "Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical" is set to fly over the rooftops of London and onto the stage of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center for a nine-performance run beginning Friday that kicks off the 11th subscription season for the Midland performance venue.
This family-friendly musical features the songs from the cherished Disney film including "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "Chim Chiminey" and "Step In Time."
The winner of 44 major theater awards from around the globe, "Mary Poppins" has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story, unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers.
And yes, Mary will fly when she makes her grand entrance on the stage … along with chimney sweep Bert during his charming rendition of "Step In Time."
The cast of 46 features Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School students and Equity actors.
Amanda Gross, a 12th-grader, will perform the iconic role of Mary Poppins; Mathew Fedorek, an 11th-grade LPPACS student, is Bert the head chimney sweep. Allan Snyder plays George Banks and Erika Strasburg is Winifred Banks.
Two seventh-grade LPPAC students fill out the rest of the Banks family, Grace Vensel as Jane and Cameron Tino as Michael.
Tickets are $20, $18 and $15 and are available by calling (724) 576-4644 or online at www.LincolnParkArts.org.
Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Oct. 13-14 and 20-21; and 2 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 15 and 22.