DUSHORE RESIDENTS HAVE ROLES IN 125TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION
The Bradford County Regional Arts Council (BCRAC) continues its 125th Anniversary celebrations for the Keystone Theatre on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m., as the Winding River Players present a re-enactment of the Theatre’s 1887 Grand Opening Play, “Queen Elizabeth.”
The Theatre originally opened its doors on September 21, 1887 with Paolo Giacometti’s “Queen Elizabeth” starring Mrs. D.P. Bowers as Queen Elizabeth. Bowers was a known actress in her time, quite often starring opposite of other renowned actors such as Edwin Booth (John Wilkes Booth’s brother) and Maurice Barrymore (grandfather to John Barrymore, actor, and great-grandfather to Drew Barrymore, actor/director/producer). She and her husband, David Bowers, also owned the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia for a time in the mid- 1800’s.
Julie Larnard-Newbury of Winding River Players, who will play the illustrious Queen Elizabeth I in the September 21st performance, describes the play as “…it’s like if the History Channel decided to present a ‘soap opera.’ We see the intrigue of the royalty, the background for the battle, which changed the course of history, and the palace romance.
To add to the feeling of the ‘continuum of history’ we will be using antique furniture as the set pieces, including a large chair that belonged to Elias Hale [who built Hales Opera House, now known as the Keystone Theatre].”
The characters portrayed in the play were real historical figures. If you’d like to learn more about Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Drake or any of the other characters, visit your local library to learn more!
DUSHORE RESIDENTS IN CAST
Other cast members include: Bonnie Houck of Laddsburg as Lady Hudson; Ean Ammerman of Dushore as Davison; Rachael Choplick of Dushore as Lady Jackson. Representative Tina Pickett will present a proclamation commemorating the Theatre’s 125 years just prior to the curtains going up. Following the performance, attendees are invited to stay for complimentary coffee and 125th Anniversary cake made by T-Town Bakery. Cast members, in full costume, will also be available for pictures.
MATINEE PERFORMANCE
A matinee of the “Queen Elizabeth” performance is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. in the Keystone Theatre. Tickets for both Friday’s and Saturday’s performances are $12 for adults; $9 students/seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bcrac.org, by calling BCRAC at 570-268-ARTS, or by stopping by the BCRAC Offi ce in the Keystone Theatre, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
OLDEST OPERATING THEATER
The Keystone Theatre is the oldest operating theatre in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is one of three historical theatres owned and operated by BCRAC. Established in 1976, BCRAC is a regional non-profit organization committed to the promotion and support of the arts and culture. For more information, visit BCRAC online at www.bcrac.org or www.facebook.com/BCRAC.