"From the moment the company descends onto the stage, the magic begins..." That was how I'd hoped to begin this review of the opening night of A Midsummer Night's Dream, being performed by the adventurous River Run Players in their new home downtown. ("Ay, me, for pity! What a dream was here!" - Hermia, A Midsummer Night's Dream.) If the series of technical difficulties suffered by RRP had been conquered before the opening, perhaps I would have been able to write that dreamy beginning.
Alas, 'twas not to be. From problems with the set to a bursting light fixture and falling debris, neither stage nor house seemed safe. The performance was promptly cancelled, with all tickets to be honored at a later date; an unlucky gap was created in RRP's most ambitious production schedule. ("Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" - Lady Macbeth, Macbeth.) I will spare our readers a complete description of all that occurred on the stormy night in question, save to assure them that no lives were lost, no injuries were reported, and any melodramatic reports found in certain rags about town may be more injurious, indeed, than anything that occurred at the theatre itself. ("...[S]uch an injury would vex a very saint..." - Baptista, The Taming of the Shrew.)
I have been assured by RRP that all technical problems are being solved even as I write, and that the temporary closing brought on by said problems will end next Wednesday night at 8:00, when RRP's season will start afresh. ("Proceed, proceed: we will begin these rites,/As we do trust they'll end, in true delights." - Duke Senior, As You Like It.) I, for one, will be there. An exciting young company like RRP does not come along very often. Their initial two seasons gave us more exhilarating theatrical experiences than this poor town had a right to expect. ("I do assure you, my lords, [they are] very great in knowledge and accordingly valiant." -Bertram, All's Well That Ends Well.) So, yes, I will be in attendance next Wednesday night; I'll be the one in the hard hat, but I will definitely be there, hope in tow. Do join me. ("[For] he that will not fight for such a hope/Go home to bed." - Somerset, King Henry VI Part 3.)
Sal’s Great American BBQ and Sing-Off – Come join the fun during this annual event that promises great food, hilarious prizes and a rollicking good time. Signup for singing participants begins at noon. How does it work? Come in, sign up, get your assigned song sheet (surprise!) and time slot -- and eat for free! And good eats they will be – Sal will be foregoing their regular menu in lieu of an all-barbecue fiesta – ribs, pork, beef, chicken, you name it – all accompanied by appropriately yummy side dishes and topped off with Sal’s homemade ice cream. So bring your friends and family to celebrate the Fourth in a garden festooned with decorations of the day -- and sing your little heart out for a free meal! July 4th, Noon-2:00 a.m., Sal’s Place, Route 99 and Pine Road West, 222-2222.
Milkshake Mabel’s – Finally, a place to wriggle into a booth and enjoy an old-fashioned burger and fries made like they used to be – with, of course, a thick ‘n’ creamy milkshake to top it all off. Mable’s claims the thickest shakes this side of the Mississippi. We agree – we made good use of a long spoon. And what flavors Mabel has come up with – peanut butter, mango, passion fruit, café au lait, banana/chocolate, lemon/lime, marshmallow, and many, many more. With décor redolent of the good-time Fifties – and a juke box to match -- Milkshake Mabel’s is a great place to bring the whole family. 533 Center Road. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. until midnight; Saturday, 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.