‘Miracle on Easy Street’: old favorites and more

‘Miracle on Easy Street’: old favorites and more

YOUNGSTOWN — Tickets are now on sale for Easy Street Productions’ annual Christmas spectacular “Miracle on Easy Street.”

As always, “Miracle” will include old favorites and some new songs and dance routines.

Easy Street co-founders Maureen Collins and Todd Hancock will once again host the event, with vocalists James McClellan, David Jendre, Illa Willis, Colleen Crish, Katy Collins and Candace Campana. Musical director Jeff Sanders will also return with the Easy Street Little Big Band. Audience favorites such as the Toy Soldiers, Children’s Sing-a-Long and Hancock’s Charlie Chaplin routine will also be back this year.

The 2008 production will have the largest cast yet, with more than 60 “Little Rascals” (youth performers) and more than 60 dancers. The choreography by Renee Rogers will feature tap, jazz and hip hop.

Performances will be 8 p.m. Dec. 19; 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 20; and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Tickets are $25 ($20 for seniors/students and $12 for children 12 and under). Group discounts and gift certificates are available. Call the Easy Street Box Office at (330) 743-8555.

New Castle Playhouse presents ‘Forum’

NEW CASTLE, Pa. —The musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum” opens Friday at New Castle Playhouse, 212 E. Long Ave. The show is directed by Michael Cavalier.

Performances will be Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23, 28, 29 and 30, and Dec. 5, 6, and 7. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.

Friday opening night will include a wine and cheese party for all ticket holders at 6 p.m. in the Annex Theatre. The NCP Mini-Stars will perform vocal selections.

For reservations, call the NCP box office at (724) 654-3437. Tickets are $15 ($12 for seniors and students, $10 for children 12 and under).

Memorial Day event seeks Mercer veterans

MERCER, Pa. — The Mercer Memorial Day 500 has begun its search for three living veterans and one deceased veteran to be honored next Memorial Day. The veterans will lead the parade in red, white and blue convertibles, with a black car representing the deceased. The honorees are also recognized at the Memorial Salute following the parade.

Nomination forms are available online at mercermemorialday500.homestead.com; and by calling (724) 662-2786. They can also be picked up at the Grove City, Mercer and Shenango Valley Chambers of Commerce; the Mercer County Visitor and Convention Center and the Mercer County Historical Society.

Any veteran who was born, or raised, or resides in Mercer County is eligible. Deadline to submit nominations is Feb. 1.

Ward Bakery artists to display, sell works

YOUNGSTOWN — Artists of the Mahoning Commons and Friends will hold three open houses over the next two weekends. The artists and crafters will be working in their studios and will have products available for Christmas shoppers to purchase. Admission is free.

The open houses will Saturday, Nov. 23,and Nov. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. each day. The artists are in the old Ward Bakery Building, 1024 Mahoning Ave., in the Spring Commons area, across the street from the U-Haul Building.

A variety of works will be available, including painting, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, fiber art, glass, mixed-media, drawing, prints, handmade soaps, photography and custom woodwork. Participating artists include Marcie Applegate, Tony Armeni, Lynn Cardwell, Jim Cliff, Jen Cole, Gabriel and Nancy Crish, Mary Farragher, Maryann Cox-Limmer, Sam Grbinick, Patti Green, Susan Green, Patrick Hyland, Robyn Maas, Sharon Meenachan, Tracy Segreti, Fred Shepherd, Georgia Tambasis, Jason Van Hoose and Lisa Zitello.

Visitors can tour J. L. Treharn and Co., which makes handcrafted 18th century reproduction furniture, each day at 2 p.m.

Local author Christopher Barzak will be present Saturday and Nov. 23 to sign copies of his new book, “The Love We Share Without Knowing.”

To browse work in advance, go to http://flickr.com/photos/artistsofthemc/