Category: archive

  • ‘Dracula’ in a Special Setting

    Hanover High School will present an up close and personal theatre experience for its fall play “Dracula,” scheduled for Oct. 26 and 27 and Nov. 2.

    draculaThanks to an extension of the auditorium stage, the audience will sit on stage with the actors for a theatre-in-the-round style experience. Because of the special configuration, tickets will be limited for each of the three performances.

    All seats are $7 and can be purchased at the Hanover High School office. Show times are 7 p.m. on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 27. The play is intended for high school age students and up.

    Hanover students will perform a Willian McNulty adaptation of the well-known tale where Professor Van Helsing (Finn Johnson) and his brave comrades must hunt down and destroy the profoundly evil Count Dracula (Garrett Reichart). But the Count is exceedingly resourceful, employing superhuman strength, psychic powers, and shape-changing to confound and frustrate his antagonists.

    Culminating in a wild and shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him, this adaptation is an action-packed, macabre retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic tale of horror.

    The show is sponsored by Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc.

  • Take a Bow Drama Camp

    Students from all area schools are invited to the Take a Bow drama camp at Hanover Middle School. The camp, directed by Hanover music teacher Deb Smith, will run from June 10-14. The cost is $50 per camper.

    There will be a session for students grades 1-4 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and another for students in grades 5-7 from noon to 3 p.m. Students will learn acting techniques, participate in theatre games and get the chance to sing and dance. The final class will include a performance for family and friends.

    The camp is open to students from any area school.  All campers will receive a t-shirt and snacks. Proceeds from the camp will benefit the Parents Association Supporting Theatre Arts (PASTA) to fund drama productions at Hanover Middle and High schools.

    For more information, please contact Deb Smith at 717-637-9000 or drsmith@hanoverpublic.org.

  • ‘Phantom of the Opera’ Comes to Hanover High School

    Shelby Barnes (Christine) and Clay Reichart (Opera Ghost) will star in Hanover High School's production of "Phantom of the Opera"
    Shelby Barnes (Christine) and Clay Reichart (Opera Ghost) will star in Hanover High School’s production of “Phantom of the Opera”

    One of Broadway’s most famous musicals makes its way to Hanover April 12-14 as Hanover High School presents “The Phantom of the Opera.”Performances will take place at 7 p.m. on April 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. on April 14. Advance tickets are now available at the high school office. Adults tickets are $8 and student admission is $7 in advance. Tickets at the door will be $10 for adults and $9 for students.

    On Saturday, April 13, Parents Association Supporting Theatre Arts (PASTA) will hold a Masquerade Pasta Feast prior to the show at the high school. Dinner tickets are $12 and feature a meal catered by La Cucina beginning at 5 p.m. A string quartet from the high school music program will provide dinner entertainment. Dinner tickets are also available at the high school and proceeds will go to benefit the theatre program at the middle and high schools.

    Additionally, a lobby display will showcase costumes and architecture of the Paris Opera House as well as memorabilia from Hanover’s former Opera House located on West Chestnut Street.

    Based on a novel by Gaston Leroux, “Phantom” tells the story of a deformed composer who haunts the Paris Opera House and falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine. The show recently celebrated its 25th anniversary on Broadway.

    Shelby Barnes plays Christine, the chorus girl secretly trained vocally by the Opera Ghost, played by Clay Reichart. The phantom does everything he can to make Christine the star of the opera until he ultimately takes her to his lair for her to become his eternal bride. Rene Staub is director of the production.

    The haunting theme “Phantom of the Opera” highlights the score along with favorites such as “Think Of Me,” “Angel Of Music,” “Music Of The Night,” “Prima Donna,” “All I Ask Of You,” “Masquerade” and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.”

    The lavish set will feature a locally-made chandelier sponsored by Diane and Sal Capolla. Other distinctive set pieces include a full-size elephant and handpainted drops made by the drama team, students and parents.

  • Little Mermaid Jr.

    Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr, will take the stage at Hanover High School November 30, December 1 & 2, the weekend after Thanksgiving. Award-winning Hanover drama students will spread theatrical magic to take audiences under the sea with spectacular special effects, lavish costuming and innovative set design. This family-friendly show will have youngsters of all ages enjoying popular tunes from the animated film such as PART OF YOUR WORLD, UNDER THE SEA, POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS and KISS THE GIRL, as well as new songs from the Broadway musical, including SHE’S IN LOVE, HUMAN STUFF and LES POISSONS.

    McKenzie Sherman as ARIEL

    McKenzie Sherman leads the cast as the young mermaid, Ariel, who longs to be human. Cullen Rosenbrien plays the seafaring prince, Eric. Caleb Gerlach plays Grimsby. Lily Tran swims her way on stage as Flounder and Isaac Silver performs his crabby antics as Sebastian. Tyler squawks as the know-it-all seagull, Scuttle. Jenny Dell plays the villainous sea witch, Ursula.  Ariel’s mersisters are played by Georgie DeCosmo, Haley Frederick, Rachel Kelley, Brenna Sheaffer, Cheyenne Shifflett and Becca Silver. The almighty Triton is played by Garrett Reichart who is best known as his portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in last year’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Garrett’s brother, Clay Reichart, will bring the house down as Chef Louis as he sings Les Poisson’s.

    The cast and crew of over 60 students include 6 technical dancers and 2 gymnasts. The mermaids and fish will appear to glide across the sea’s bottom with their “merblades,” shoes that have wheels built into them, more popularly known as Heelys. Multiple production numbers and the comedic script will be sure to become a fond memory of all who come to see this spectacular musical event.

    The full version of the musical, The Little Mermaid, with full orchestrations was not available yet, so when the director found out there was a new version available based on the Broadway musical with recorded accompaniment, the production team was thrilled to be able to produce it. Special effects and lighting will make the stage go from land to an undersea world of glowing coral reefs and sea life.

    Rene Staub, director and co-founder of Acts of Kindness Theatre Company, is the director, Jessica Staub is Assistant Director, Deb Smith is Music Director and Sara Flynn is the Choreographer. Join Hanover High School November 30th at 7pm, December 1st at 2 at 7pm & December 2nd at 2pm to experience a musical adventure under the sea as Ariel makes her dreams come true. Tickets are available now at the Hanover High School office, by calling 717-637-9000, or at the door, if available. Save money by purchasing tickets now for $2 less. Advance tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults.

  • Under the Sea Pre-Show Party

    Join Ariel and friends for an afternoon of fun under the sea for lunch, games, a craft and a meet and great with the most famous under the sea characters from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

    Purchase tickets for just $5 for the pre-show party on December 1 or 2, then get your tickets to see The Little Mermaid musical at 2 p.m. (Advance tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults/$2 more at the door) for a full afternoon of magical fun.  Girls and boys will enjoy making a jellyfish craft and getting their picture taken with the characters in Ariel’s Grotto.

    Kids will enjoy shells and cheese, a cookie and drink as adults will dine on tuna or chicken salad sandwiches, a cookie and a drink. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

    All proceeds go to P.A.S.T.A (Parents Association Supporting Theatre Arts). Do not miss out on this great opportunity for family fun to support the arts in Hanover! Get your tickets now to ensure availability.  Seating is limited.