Debbie Croft: Head to the foothils for fun
What are you in the mood for this month? Music, dramatic stage productions, appreciation of unique art or browsing at a country flea market? The foothills communities provide the setting and backdrop for events that will satisfy whatever you’re interested in:
This year the band celebrates 25 years of making music together. An anniversary concert will be held in the small town of Newman, west of Merced, Saturday. Doors open at the Westside Theatre at 7 p.m.; the concert starts at 8 p.m. Visit www.blackirish.com or www.westsidetheatre.com for details.
The tragic story is told with the entire cast onstage throughout both acts. The spotlight shifts from scene to scene as the audience is given brief “portrait” glimpses into Midwestern families’ and neighbors’ lives. Unfortunately, the less-than-noble values of residents are too closely tied to prejudice. This suspense-drama is for mature audiences.
Retired professor Friedland is assisted by Richard Hoffman, former artistic director for Oakhurst’s Golden Chain Theatre. Several well-known local actors and actresses fill the roles: Angela Heiss, Candace Hoffman, Bill Dunham, Dominic Coleman, Karen Silver and Connie Stetson. A few talented newcomers join the cast as well, including Claire Gorham and Michelle Linn.
Performances will be held at the Mariposa County Park Amphitheater, and scheduled for today and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. Mountain Crisis Services will host “talk-backs” after the shows Saturday and Oct. 12.
Tickets are available at Mountain Crisis Services, Mariposa County Arts Council, High Country Health Foods & Café, Mariposa Shipping, Merced’s Gottschalk’s Music Center, Merced College Community Services and at the door. Seating is limited. Call the college at (209) 384-6224 for more information.
Mora traveled extensively across Arizona, Mexico and the Pacific Coast region at the turn of the 20th century – as the lure of the Old West began to fade. His illustrations, writings, horsemanship, sculptures and other works of art have become valuable contributions to American West history.
“An Art Talk by Hiller,” sponsored by the Mariposa County Arts Council, will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Alley Lounge in downtown Mariposa, 5027-C, Highway 140. A donation of $5-$10 is suggested. This lecture is given in conjunction with the current exhibit of Mora artwork at MCAC’s Treetop Gallery. Call (800) 903-9936 or visit, www.mariposaartscouncil.org.
This production runs through Oct. 26. Details are available and tickets may be purchased at SRT’s website, www.sierrarep.org, or by calling (209) 532-3120.
This story was originally published October 3, 2014 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Head to the foothils for fun."