Governor Wolf (who has himself just tested positive) has just announced further restrictions on indoor dining and banning entertainment events between 12:01am this Saturday and 8am Monday, January 4. The announcement includes citations of much of the research on which these restrictions are based. While I am very unhappy to be missing many holiday happenings I do understand the need to try to keep people safe. Both my husband and I tested positive in mid-November. Fortunately we are both doing well now, but I was very concerned about some of John’s symptoms. Please be very careful. It is heartbreaking to hear of people who have lost family members and friends or who have loved ones who are very ill and can’t have visitors.
Fortunately, thanks to technology, some shows will still go on safely online or outdoors.
Cove Community Theatre
This theatre group in Loysburg is presenting Christmas Town this weekend. It is an outdoor, walk through musical guided by Buddy the Elf. Follow Buddy as he finds the true meaning of Christmas. There will be vendors selling food treats and fresh holiday wreaths will also be available for sale. The performance lasts about an hour. There are benches provided for those who need to sit. The route is handicapped accessible and bathrooms are available. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Tickets are $8 each and children 5 years old and under are free. Performances are Friday at 6:30pm, Saturday at 5pm and 7pm and Sunday at 5pm and 7pm. Check their Facebook page or website at covecommunitytheatre.com for more information. Call Janet Sell at 814 793 2695 or 814 327 2515 to make your reservations.
Altoona Community Theatre
Even though they have had to cancel their entire season of mainstage performances at the historic Mishler Theatre, our friends at ACT have continued to find ways to connect with, entertain and educate their audience members! This Friday night is one of those entertaining moments. Rail City Improv, whose members include many of the actors frequently seen in ACT shows, is having a Naughty or Nice show this Friday, December 11 at 7:30pm. It is free to participate, but the hope is that you will be inspired to contribute to ACT. Information can be found on the Altoona Community Theatre and the Rail City Improv Facebook pages or altoonacommunitytheatre.com. Be sure to register in advance so you can receive the link to join in the fun. It looks like they are going to be doing a Mad Libs version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” as part of the festivities!
On Saturday morning is part two of the three week Zoom webinar on Ancient Greek Theatre. Even if you missed part one of the series, the second and third parts can each stand on their own. They are being held from 10am to noon this Saturday and next. The presenter is David Rutter who has a Master of Arts degree in theatre. He taught high school theatre for many years. Tickets are $15 for the entire series (or any part of it) and are available through Eventbrite. You can find the link on the ACT Facebook page or their website.
Please stay safe and find ways to enjoy and support the arts!
Donna Gority
ArtsAltoona Board President