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Growing up in Three Rivers during the fifties, I remember going with my parents to the Civic Theater in Kalamazoo. We’d have a stylish dinner at Schensul’s Cafeteria and then take in a play. I don’t recall the names of any of the plays, but I do remember the event as being very special.
Three Rivers had two movie theaters at the time, but if you wanted to see a stage play, then you’d have to wait for the Junior or Senior play at Three Rivers High School. Mrs. Zelda Voorhees was the play director. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the cast in both my junior and senior year.
Over thirty years ago, a group of talented thespians put together a group of individuals interested in putting on stage productions here in Three Rivers. I joined this group when I returned to Three Rivers in 1996. The Three Rivers Community Players now have their own theatre located on Millard Road, just behind Dairy Queen, in Three Rivers. From what I’ve heard, they put on productions equal to what you can find at the Civic Theater in Kalamazoo. There is so much talent right here in St. Joseph County and all you need to do is attend one of their shows and decide for yourself.
Guys and Dolls opens at the Players’ Theatre on Friday, May 3, at 8PM. It will run for two weekends, with performances on May 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12. Curtain time for the Friday and Saturday performances is 8PM and the two Sunday matinees start promptly at 2PM. There are several ways that you may secure your tickets. You may order them at Beam Sound and Video by phoning 269-279-6251, you may also purchase them by visiting the Players’ website at www.trcommunityplayers.org, or you may, of course, buy them at the door. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $13 for students and senior citizens. I strongly suggest advance purchase of the tickets, due to the popularity of the show and the limited seating. It can be disappointing to show up at the theatre, only to be told that the show is sold out. The Players have done their best to make ticket purchase as easy as possible for their patrons.
On Thursday, April 11, we lost another comedian. Jonathan Winters passed away. The younger folks probably don’t recall him, because he hasn’t been active for over twenty years. At one time, he had his own television show, and I had a couple of his record albums. He enjoyed being and working with Robin Williams. They were very spontaneous and could work off each other, what seemed like endlessly. So long, Jonathan. So long, Maudie Frickert. You made me laugh, and we all could use more laughter.
The next time you visit Scidmore Park in Three Rivers, make sure to check out the eighty-foot mural located on the west end of the park on Spring Street. The mural was prepared by the mentors and mentees of Three Rivers Area Mentoring (TRAM). Supplies needed to construct the mural were donated by Home Depot and the Three Rivers Sherwin-Williams store. Local artist/graphic designer Kathy Bingaman drew the outlines of the frogs and also provided space for information on how to help save the frogs from a huge extinction crisis that is occurring worldwide.
The mural project is part of the celebration of “Save The Frogs Day”, an organized celebration that is expected to be observed in 300 communities in 40 countries this year. Three Rivers will celebrate the special day at the Farmers’ Market pavilions in Scidmore Park, Saturday, April 27, from 11AM until 2PM. For more information on saving the frogs, please visit savethefrogs.com.
Most of us have heard of Murphy’s Law. I’ve experienced it first hand more than once or twice. Here are just a few that I’d like to share with you:
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.
God gave you toes as a device for finding furniture in the dark.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
