Author: Richard Young

A retired History and Politics high school teacher (1978-2008). Former Publisher/Managing Editor of The Beat Magazine (2009-2014). Freelance Writer. Proud Grandfather.

The Artful Players to stage a night of live theatrical performances, songs and dance for London Food Bank Fundraiser

by Richard Young

MEDIA RELEASE

March 24, 2025

The Artful Players to stage a night of live theatrical performances, songs and dance for London Food Bank Fundraiser

LONDON, ONTARIO – The Artful Players, members of London’s musical theatre community aged 50+, will present Groovin’ for Good, a captivating evening of retro live performances including theatrical scenes, music, and dance on Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 pm at the Palace Theatre in support of the London Food Bank.

The ticketed event will also feature a silent auction with a wide array of items generously donated by local businesses, arts organizations, and artisans. Food and cash donations will be accepted at the door.

“The Artful Players are a group of community theatre veterans who have come together to give back to the community. Many of us have performed in the recent musical theatre productions Babes in Arms (2023), Grease (2024), and Into The Woods (2024),” says Artistic Director, Tracey Andrus. “For this production, we want to have fun and support a local charity. The London Food Bank has been a staple for over thirty-five years, and we are thrilled to support this charity. We look forward to welcoming the London community to enjoy Groovin’ for Good.” 

The London Food Bank has seen an increased demand for its services in recent years, making this fundraiser more important than ever. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Food Bank, enabling it to continue its crucial work of providing essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available now and can be purchased online at https://palacetheatre.ca or the Palace Theatre Box Office, 710 Dundas St., London, ON, 519-432-1029

The Artful Players Present Groovin’ for Good: A Fundraiser for the London Food Bank.

Date & Time: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 7:00 pm.

Location: The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St., London, ON. 519-432-1029

Tickets: $30 Online https://palacetheatre.ca or at the Palace Theatre Box Office

Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Publicity, Social Media and Program Head, 519-432-6986, richardyoung51@rogers.com

Putting the Magic in Into The Woods

by Richard Young

The woods are a magical place where anything can happen! Today, we acknowledge the folks who bring the magic to Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods.

First, Becky Lenko, our Costume Designer and Puppeteer for Milky White the Cow. Next, our Props and Wigs Master, Dianne Taylor. And third, Therese Hibbs, our Bird Wrangler.

“Into The Woods, and out of the woods, and home before dark!”

Into The Woods Artistic Team

by Richard Young

At the heart of any theatrical performance is the guiding hand of an Artistic Team that takes charge of the production process and shapes almost every aspect of the show.

Today, we pay homage to the Into The Woods Artistic Team: Producer Cindi Armer-Almeida, Director Rick Smith, Music Director Andrew Petrasiunas, and Stage Manager Cameron Johnston and his Assistants, Sharon Lindenburger, Teri May, and Janice Van Dasler.

A big THANK YOU to these folks for all they have done to ensure the success of Silver Spotlight Theatre’s third production, Into The Woods.

There are still three opportunities to see this great show that audiences are raving about. For tickets, contact the Grand Theatre Box Office 519-672-8800 https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/mtp-woods

Into The Woods is magical!

by Richard Young

After writing and posting about it for the past several months in my role as Publicity and Program Head, I finally got to see Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Into The Woods on Wednesday night.

One adjective describes what I experienced: MAGICAL!

An outstanding cast, fabulous sets, costumes, and effective lighting combine with the play’s in the round staging to bring Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical to life.

If you haven’t seen it, you need to get your tickets now before they’re gone! https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/mtp-woods

Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods opens Thursday, November 21

by Richard Young

MEDIA RELEASE

November 19, 2024

Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods opens Thursday, November 21

LONDON, ON – After months of rehearsal and preparation, the curtain will lift on Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning Into The Woods on Thursday, November 21 at the Auburn Theatre.

“Our team has worked tirelessly over these past several months getting the show ready to bring to an audience. We look forward to welcoming them as we journey Into the Woods,” says Cindi Armer-Almeida, the show’s producer.

Into The Woods is a playful and enchanting yet perilous woodland adventure that follows some of the Brothers Grimm’s most beloved fairytale characters like Cinderella, Jack, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, a wolf, a giant, and even a handsome prince or two, as they search for their wishes. Their stories collide in the woods where things do not always appear as they seem.

When patrons walk through the doors of the Auburn Theatre for Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, they will notice something radically different about the show’s staging. Eschewing the traditional rows of seats and proscenium staging, the production uses a theatre-in-the-round approach that immerses the audience in the action. Director Rick Smith says this approach provides a more intimate setting for audiences and lets them experience the show from a different angle, literally and figuratively.

Into The Woods continues until December 1, 2024. Tickets are available at www.grandtheatre.com/event/mtp-woods

Co-founded by Art Fidler and Rick Smith in 2022, Silver Spotlight Theatre is a branch of London’s Musical Theatre Productions. It features and is produced by performers and staff 55+ with a mission of presenting full-scale Broadway musicals. Its two previous shows, Babes In Arms (2023) and Grease (2024) played to Sold Out houses.

Into The Woods Is presented through a special Music Theatre International (MTI) arrangement. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www.mtishows.com.

Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Into The Woods Publicity & Program Head, 519-432-6986, richardyoung51@rogers.com