Open Stage to Present Third Installment of STORES FROM HOME, 6/19-29

Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, George P. Hartwick III, Mike Pries, and Open Stage of Harrisburg will partner to present the third installment in the STORIES FROM HOME series, Dauphin County, June 19 through 29 at the theatre in the street level of the Walnut Street Parking Garage in downtown Harrisburg. Performances are June 19-29, 2014. This third annual theatrical celebration will play at 8pm on June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, at 2pm on June 21, 22, and 29, and at 7pm on June 22.

Three "neighborhoods" in the county will be celebrated: Harrisburg's Old Eighth Ward, Paxtang, and Steelton. The original production incorporates drama, storytelling, video, music, movement, and audience discussion to tell the stories connected to the diverse communities in each of the sites, including Bethel and Wesley AME churches, Tanner's Alley, the Bethlehem Steel Company, and the "Paxton Boys."

The cast of STORIES FROM HOME: Dauphin County includes actors who are new to Open Stage, as well as veteran performers. The ensemble includes John Bailey, Nina Beesley, Aaron Bomar, Ferris Evans, Jeremy Patterson, J. C. Payne, and Cassandra Porter. The script was assembled from local primary and secondary historical sources, including churches and historical societies. The cast collaborated with director Anne Alsedek to create scenes and vignettes depicting events dating from the 18th century to the present day. Videographer Morgan Darian has assembled footage of historical images and contemporary interviews.

Composer David Glasgow has created original songs and underscoring for the production. Scenic design is by Nancy Mendes, sound design by Michael Banks, and lighting design by Tristan Stasiulis, and movement by Dan Burke. Yoleidy Rosario is stage manager.

Special discussion events will be included in all performances, led by local experts, including the commissioners.

Open Stage's annual "Women Who Care" Awards will be presented after some performances to four local women who have made significant contributions to the quality of life in the area. Actor Sharia Benn will be honored Friday, June 20, financier Joy Dougherty Saturday, June 21, State Representative Patty Kim, Friday, June 27, and writer Tara Leo Auchey Saturday, June 28.

Reservations for STORIES FROM HOME: Dauphin County may be made online at openstagehbg.com or by calling 717-232-6736. Open Stage is located at 223 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 on the street level of the Walnut Street Garage in Downtown Harrisburg, PA. Open Stage Box Office & Subscriber Services hours are Monday-Friday, 12:00-2pm and one hour before performances.

Open Stage of Harrisburg is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for non-profit, professional theatre. Open Stage has 501(c)(3) approval from the IRS.

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