By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
It’s that time of year again when local arts groups are closing out their seasons and a nice round of applause goes out to the Richey Community Theatre for ending on a high note with a wonderful production of Oliver!
While the 2023-2024 theatrical season wraps up this weekend there’s more to come at Richey Suncoast. Comedy, tribute shows, summer theatre camp and Rock Week performances are all on the agenda. As are classic movie nights because the “Big Picture Show”, after all, was what the theatre was designed for back in the 1920s when the silent film star, Thomas Meighan and his brother, James made their mark.
In later years community theatre productions dominated the RST stage over multiple seasons of offerings with productions of Bye, Bye, Birdy, Company, State Fair, Oklahoma, and believe it or not, Spamalot! just to name a few. Back then, I was sometimes assigned to take dress rehearsal photos for theatre previews that appeared in St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay Times because what was happening at the theatre was part of the local news.
I’m pleased to report that the current board at RST has done a fine job of broadening the scope and the reach of what’s offered at the theatre. That includes the theatrical shows I enjoyed made better with the much-needed updates this board and a cadre of volunteers have been working on to improve the experience for patrons.
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
Most recently was the procurement of new stage lights installed just in time for the opening of Oliver! Fitting in that they shined a deserved light on the wealth of talent within the local arts community and a closing show that featured a cast of all ages. The show was directed by Jess Glass, a long time presence in local theatre working behind the scenes. Young actors, Jordan Boyett and Alexis Thomas were both cast as Oliver Twist and performed on alternating nights. Taking turns as the Artful Dodger were Bryson Davis and Miles Worsell, meaning more kids were able to get a taste playing major roles.
That truly encompasses the meaning of community theatre.
PHOTO | Michele Miler
I’m no critic but I know what I like. This show was fun. Go see it. There’s still time to check it out this weekend, with performances this Friday – Sunday. Tickets are also on sale for the 2024-2025 theatrical season, which will feature productions of The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, Murder on the Orient Express, Calendar Girls and Little Shop of Horrors. Get your tickets here.
Now, onto Monarch Fest…..
Kudos also go out to the organizers of the 4th Annual Monarch Festival which was held on Saturday, May 4 in the New Port Richey Library courtyard.
This was by far the largest and most well-attended of the festivals, with several hundred visiting over the course of the event, said Dell deChant, who serves as Chair of the NPR Environmental Committee and is a leader of the event sponsor, New Port Richey FarmNet.
This year’s guest speaker was Shawn Charlton, “The Milkweed Man,” who has dedicated his life to saving Monarchs and promoting milkweed plantings around the state. And some 40 one-gallon potted milkweed seedlings and hundreds of seed packets of milkweed seeds were gifted to those in attendance.
That certainly adds credence to New Port Richey’s designation as a “Monarch City.” Especially if you get out and plant those seeds for those hungry caterpillars.
An added boon was seeing the number of families who came out for this event that featured kid-centric activities such as face painting and arts and crafts.
“Can you believe it? This is incredible,” said event organizer Deb Morris, owner of West Side Deli in New Port Richey. “I’m just so happy to see all these kids here.”
Aleska Demby, who you might have seen singing and strumming her guitar at previous events and who credits the musical influence of her grandparents, performed as well. Her rendition of the Beatles, Across the Universe was delightful.
The Monarch Festival is one of five Seasonal Agroecological events sponsored by New Port Richey FarmNet. The others are Okra Occasion, Sweet Potato RoundUp, Collards Festival, and the Florida Loquat Festival.
Go ahead and make a mental note to get out for those future events and broaden your world a bit. Isn’t it great that you can do that right where you live?
Now onward. Peace.
M
(Me, Deb Morris and Dell deChant)
From the archives featuring West Side Deli
Social media helps push business to Pasco and Hernando restaurants hurting from coronavirus. Michele Miller, Tampa Bay Times
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