<p class="ql-align-justify">Musicals at Richter (MAR), the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut now in its 41st season, will hold 2025 season open auditions for high school (16 and up), college and adult performers Thursday, April 10 (<strong>MAR alumni by appointment only</strong>), Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, at the Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, in Ridgefield. A separate audition session for younger performers (ages 8-15) will be held on Saturday morning, April 13 at the same location.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">The main stage season kicks off with “Evita” (July 5-19), Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s blockbuster musical about the meteoric rise of Argentina’s Eva Peron. Set in Argentina between 1934-1952, the Tony-winning musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33. The score combines Latin, jazz, pop and more traditional influences and features such memorable songs as “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Oh What a Circus,” “Buenos Aires” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.” The show is directed for MAR by Donald Birely, with music direction by Andrew Gadwah and choreography by Matthew Farina.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">The second show of the season is “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” (July 25-August 9). </span>Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, “The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."&nbsp;David Halliwell helms the production for MAR, joined by music director F<span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">iona Bryson and choreographer</span> Melissa Arizzi.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify">For younger audiences, MAR’s popular Fairy Tale Theater series, now in its 24th year, offers&nbsp;theater performed for young people by young people.&nbsp;The hour-long interactive shows, adapted from classic children’s tales from around the world, are written and directed by veteran performer, director and MAR board member Rob Mayette, and performed by a youth ensemble.&nbsp;Performances take place on the Richter grounds consecutive Saturday mornings July 12 through August 2.&nbsp;The 2025 Fairy Tale Theater season includes “Cinderella,” “Hansel and Gretel” and “The Wizard of Oz,”&nbsp;among other engaging stories.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Open auditions</strong> for high school (16 and up), college and adult performers will be held at Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, in Ridgefield for both “Evita” and “The Little Mermaid” on Saturday, April 12 from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM and Sunday, April 13 from 11 AM to 3 PM.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Auditions for</strong> <strong>MAR alumni only</strong> <strong>will be held on Thursday, April 10 from 7 PM to 10 PM</strong>, also at Ridgefield Theater Barn. Appointments for the alumni night may be made on SignUp Genius by visiting <a href="https://tinyurl.com/26z5hh8e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://tinyurl.com/26z5hh8e</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Separate auditions for young performers</strong> ages 8-15 will be held Saturday, April 12 from 10 AM to 12 PM (sign-ups begin at 9:30 AM) at Ridgefield Theater Barn.&nbsp;<strong><em>Children must attend this Saturday call if they wish to be considered for “Evita” “The Little Mermaid” or Fairy Tale Theater casting. </em></strong>At this call, casting will be considered for the youth ensemble in “Evita,” the role of Flounder, youth ensemble mermen/mermaids and sea creatures in “The Little Mermaid,” and for roles in the Fairy Tale Theater troupe.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">For “Evita” and “LIttle Mermaid,” young performers will learn a song in groups at 10 AM and then individually sing the song. Those auditioning for Flounder (ages 12-15) should prepare a Disney song (not from “The Little Mermaid”).&nbsp;The selection should be no more than one minute in length and depending on time, you may be asked for 32 bars.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">For Fairy Tale Theater, auditioners will review a brief monologue upon arrival to read and perform. Auditioners will also perform a scene with other actors from provided sides. Although Fairy Tale Theater does not require any solo singing, music may be incorporated into the shows; if interested, auditioners may also sing a short song if they like.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Other opportunities for young and aspiring performers (ages 8-15) are available through Musicals at Richter’s tuition-based four-week Summer Youth Theater Workshop program.&nbsp;The Workshop runs July 21 through August 15 and culminates in public performances August 14, 15 and 16. This year the Workshop will present “Beetlejuice Jr.” For further details and registration for the Workshop program, visit <a href="http://www.musicalsatrichter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.musicalsatrichter.org</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">All those auditioning for the mainstage shows or Fairy Tale Theater should visit the MAR website (<a href="https://www.musicalsatrichter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">musicalsatrichter.org</a>) to review the 2025 MAR Guidelines, Actor Contract and potential rehearsal schedule.&nbsp;Auditioners MUST complete BOTH the Online Audition Form <strong>AND</strong> the Printable Audition Form.&nbsp;Please <strong>bring one PRINTED COPY</strong> of the Printable Audition Form to the auditions, a picture/headshot and resume (stapled) if you have them, and your list of potential conflict dates from May up to the performance dates.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Those adults (age 16 and up) auditioning for “Evita” and/or “The LIttle Mermaid” should prepare selections, one ballad and one uptempo, from musical theater that reflects the style of the show and shows their range. For complete information on audition guidelines, visit the MAR website (musicalsatrichter.org).</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Selections should be no more than one minute in length, and depending on time, you may be asked to perform only a 32-bar cut. Please have the sheet music in your key in a binder for the accompanist with your audition cuts clearly marked.&nbsp;Note that an accompanist will be provided; please, no recorded accompaniment or a cappella singing.</p><p><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Auditioners should also be prepared to learn a short dance combination and/or read from the script if asked.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">All ethnicities are encouraged to attend and all roles are open. Please note that positions are unpaid and housing is not available. Show and character descriptions, as well as all audition details, can be found on&nbsp;the theater website, <a href="http://www.musicalsatrichter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">musicalsatrichter.org</a>. If you are unable to attend any of these auditions, please e-mail <a href="mailto:info@musicalsatrichter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">info@musicalsatrichter.org</a>. Callbacks will take place as needed on Sunday, April 13 from 3 PM to 5 PM.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Evita” is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (concordtheatricals.com) and “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (mtishows.com).</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">In addition to performers, Musicals at Richter seeks volunteers from the area for backstage duties such as set construction, set painting, properties, technical (lights/sound) and running crew, along with front-of-house operations such as ushering and concessions.&nbsp;Several positions offer a stipend. There are also internships available for credit or service hours. Interested individuals are invited to email the theater at <a href="mailto:info@musicalsatrichter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">info@musicalsatrichter.org.</a></p><p class="ql-align-justify">For further information about Musicals at Richter, its season, and volunteer opportunities, please e-mail <a href="mailto:info@musicalsatrichter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">info@musicalsatrichter.org</a><strong><em>.</em></strong></p><p><br></p>

<p>Hudson Valley’s hottest live-music lounge, <a href="https://www.unclecheef.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Uncle Cheef</a> and live music promoters, <a href="https://hearitthere.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">HearItThere.com</a> are honored to introduce singer songwriters Louise Coombe &amp; George Mallas on Thursday, April &nbsp;24, 2025 with two sets of original music at 7:30 PM &amp; 9 PM.</p><p>A native of McEwen, TN, Louise’s writing reflects the music of&nbsp;bluegrass, country and folk. At one performance she. was even introduced as “…William Faulkner with a guitar.” Coombe has won top awards for her music at multiple music festivals such as&nbsp;Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower! Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Louise recently released her long-awaited third album, ‘Paris’ in 2024.</p><p>George Mallas is a piano based Singer/Songwriter who has been writing since his teen years. He writes songs from the heart about a variety of subjects. From flat out rock to countryish tunes to ballads, where he will pull at your heartstrings. To date he has released three full-length albums of original material.&nbsp;</p><p>The songwriting duo previously met at a music event presented at The Towne Crier. Having been impressed with her songwriting and vocal presentation, George felt their two performance styles would mesh beautifully and booked the pair a series of performances where the audience enjoyed both the duet and song swapping. When asked what his motivation was for putting together these duet performances, Mallas responds, ‘Louise combines the voice of an Angel with her carefully carved out lyrics and melodies. Anytime I share a stage with her I’m in awe.”</p><p>The music, food and service at Uncle Cheef are all top-notch. Hear It There Presents has been gaining recognition for presenting a unique and enjoyable evening of local artists. Shows have been selling out (particularly the first set) and reserved seating is strongly recommended. No matter where you're seated, you'll have the best seats in the house because Uncle Cheef has literally thought of everything, including swivel chairs! If you’ve never used the online reservation system, there will be a one-time set up process which automates the checkout procedure for settling your bill the night of the show. Ticket prices range from $15-$25 and guarantee your seat for both sets.</p><p>Navigation settings for Uncle Cheef are, 988 NY-22, Unit C, Brewster, NY 10509. Located 56 miles north of New York City in the Village of Brewster, the lounge is Hudson Valley’s number one home to exciting live music curated by Tonight Show musician and five-time Grammy award winning saxophonist, <a href="https://ianhendricksonsmith.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Ian Hendrickson-Smith</a> (aka Uncle Cheef.)</p><p>Hear It There promotes original songwriters at Uncle Cheef and is a web-based resource. Offering an accompanying weekly newsletter, HiT reaches over 2,900 subscribers. The platform is FREE of charge. Musicians and live music venues are welcome to upload graphics, text and links to seamlessly promote their upcoming live music events! For additional information contact (914) 236-4572 or email <a href="mailto:info@hearitthere.com." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@hearitthere.com.</a></p>

<p><strong>Aldrich Projects <em>Julia Bland: Woven in the Reeds </em>on view May 15 – September 14, 2025</strong></p><p>The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is pleased to announce <em>Woven in the Reeds</em>, Julia Bland’s first solo museum presentation. Part of Aldrich Projects, a quarterly series featuring one work or a focused body of work by a single artist, Bland’s installation debuts a monumental tapestry composed of canvas, ropes, linen nets, and fabrics—each dyed, woven, braided, tied, and sewn by hand. The exhibition will be on view from May 15 to September 14, 2025.</p><p>Bland grew up in Palo Alto, California, in the shadow of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and ’70s and during the early days of technological utopianism. Raised by parents from different religious backgrounds—her mother is Jewish, and her father is a Presbyterian minister—her upbringing was shaped by a confluence of spiritual influences. In 2008, she was awarded a fellowship to work in Morocco, where she lived on and off for several years. During this time, she studied Sufism and immersed herself in the country’s rich customs, materials, and craftsmanship.</p><p>Informed by these personal experiences, Bland’s textiles reflect a synthesis of visual cultures across time and place. Her work blends the kaleidoscopic imagery of psychedelia with sacred Islamic geometry and Judeo-Christian symbols. Through meticulous layering, diverse materials, and intricate fiber techniques, her compositions exude rhythmic intensity and devotional energy, evoking the mystical abstractions of transcendentalist painters like Hilma af Klint and Emma Kunz.</p><p>The interplay of openwork netting and solid patches of material creates forms that emerge and dissolve depending on the viewer’s perception. This approach references the Shifting Gestalt Effect, an optical phenomenon that emphasizes the whole of a pattern over its individual elements. Among the images that may appear is the “priestly hands” symbol, a powerful religious motif from ancient Judeo-Christian traditions representing divine protection. The exhibition’s title, <em>Woven in the Reeds</em>, alludes to the significance of reeds in both Judaism—where they are valued for their flexibility and used in writing the Torah—and Sufism, where, as Bland explains, “The song of the reed flute laments its separation from the reed bed and is a frequent metaphor for the longing for God.”</p><p>The exhibition will be accompanied by a zine.</p><p><strong>About the Artist</strong></p><p>Julia Bland (b. 1986, Palo Alto, CA) received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA from the Yale School of Art. She has been an artist in residence at The MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Lighthouse Works, The Sharpe-Walentas Space Program, and The Shandaken Project: Storm King.</p><p>Her numerous accolades include the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, the Milton and Sally Avery Fellowship from Yaddo, the Carol Schlosberg Memorial Prize, the NYFA/NYSCA Fellowship in Craft/Sculpture, the Florence Leif Award for Excellence in Painting, and the Natasha and Jacques Gelman Travel Fellowship.</p><p>Recent solo exhibitions include <em>Rivers on the Inside</em> at Derek Eller Gallery, New York; <em>Embers</em> at Maya Frodeman Gallery, Jackson Hole; as well as presentations at Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago; The Lighthouse Works, Fisher’s Island; Helena Anrather, New York; and On Stellar Rays, New York. Her work has also been featured in group exhibitions at The Tang Teaching Museum, Kasmin Gallery, The Everson Museum, The John Michael Kohler Art Center, Chambers Fine Art in Beijing, and Yossi Milo Gallery. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.</p><p><em>Aldrich Projects | Julia Bland: Woven in the Reeds</em> is curated by Curatorial and Publications Manager Caitlin Monachino.</p><p><em>Image: Julia Bland, Helper (detail), 2024. Courtesy of the artist and Derek Eller Gallery, New York. Photo: Adam Reich.</em></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(55, 55, 55); background-color: transparent;">The MCU Foundation, the charitable arm of Municipal Credit Union (MCU), today announced it has donated $100,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. This gift will go directly to providing support for families seeking treatment at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, many of whom are residents of the New York City area. The Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RMHGHV) provides support to hundreds of families each year while their children receive essential medical treatments and care, allowing families the ability to spend every minute possible at their child's side.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(55, 55, 55); background-color: transparent;">The MCU Foundation's donation underscores its ongoing support of New Yorkers who need support to help cover basic necessities, especially in moments of high financial stress. When families travel from New York City to seek services at the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley provides them with food and housing so they can focus on caring for their children. In addition to the financial donation from the MCU Foundation, employees of MCU will have opportunities to volunteer at RMHGHV to help young patients and their families."The MCU Foundation is committed to forging powerful partnerships with organizations that embody our core values and share our dedication to uplifting New Yorkers," said George Chacon, CEO of the MCU Foundation. "The remarkable resilience displayed by these children and their families is an inspiration to all of us. We're proud to not only provide this critical financial support but also to involve our team through meaningful volunteer initiatives."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(55, 55, 55); background-color: transparent;">"A gift of this magnitude reflects the power of community and the incredible impact we can make when we come together," said Brittany Moretti, Executive Director of RMHGHV. "With this support, we can provide vital resources to families in need, ensuring they have the stability and assistance necessary to help their children heal. We are deeply grateful for this contribution and the continued commitment to strengthening our community."</span></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The BHS NJROTC Orienteering Team, the Area 1 Champions, just returned from Pelham, Alabama after competing in the NJROTC National Orienteering Championship on a very challenging course at Oak Mountain State Park. The sport of Orienteering consists of finding a series of designated points sporadically placed over a large geographic area using only a map and compass.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Using their orienteering skills, a map and a compass, they interpreted the land various features to run approximately 2 to 4 miles each day over a hilly and heavily forested park including numerous water crossings to find 17-20 different points. The students had to develop an understanding of map colors and common symbols; maintaining an alignment with the map, following line features; and the ability to make rapid decisions at control points.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The team only had two orienteering competitions this year and the winter weather limited the outdoor practices leading up to the National Competition. Despite a one day delay due to the heavy weather and tornado warnings, the team performed admirably.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">With over 65 registered teams and approximately 600 runners, the Varsity Team placed 30th and the Junior Varsity Team placed 31st. A remarkable showing for their first National competition.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The team consisted of William Mattson, Riley Borneman, Jonathan Donofrio, Max Justin Stano, Max Matthews, Anthony Borja, Marcos Chinchilima, Johan Mojica, Meylin Coronado and Ryan Martin in addition to Cassie Fox who served as the Team Manager.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">While all members of the team were outstanding, William Mattson, Riley Borneman and Jonathan Donofrio navigated their way to find all mandatory points within the three hour time limit. On the varsity course, Will finished 63rd, Riley finished 92nd, and Jonathan Donofrio finished 101st.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As JFK students entered the auditorium, the excitement was real. As a school, students have been reading the book, “Juana and Lucas,” by Juana Medina. Today, they were visited by the author.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“That’s Juana!” said Jake Zhana.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“I hope Lucas is here too,” said Sofia Reale.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The book is a story b</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">ased on author-illustrator Juana Medina’s own childhood in Colombia, about Juana and her best </span><em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">amigo</em><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">, her dog Lucas. Medina spoke to JFK students about being from Botogta, which is in the Andes Mountains, how she learned to speak English with a little help from Mickey Mouse, and how she moved to the United States. She touched on dealing with difficult times and how to handle those moments by looking for something happy or beautiful. The presentation was interactive and included slides of Bogota and pictures she illustrated including one of a face with a speckled banana.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">“Because life isn’t perfect, but the freckles make the banana sweet,” she said.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">An improv section of her assembly was next with student collaboration. Students suggested animals and vehicles and Medina drew those animals–lion, cheetah, shark–riding those vehicles–bike, motorcycle, and Lamborghini. To the delight of the crowd, Medina created a coloring page for everyone to take home.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">After the assembly, Medina signed books, ate pizza and chatted with students–all of whom had clearly read the book and were excited to share their favorite parts.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">“My favorite part was when Juana was learning English and she said it made her tongue tickle,” said Joey.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">“My favorite part was Lucas,” said Isabel Rodriguez.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Medina is not only a wonderful writer and illustrator, but an inspirational person who encouraged JFK students to read and be creative. </span></p>