Tag Archives: Webster theatre guild

Webster Theatre Guild celebrates 90 years

4 Oct

The Webster Theatre Guild (WTG), our town’s very own community theater group, turns an incredible 90 years old this year, and is celebrating the occasion by bringing a high-energy comedy to the stage which will fill the theater with a soulful sound (and lots of laughs).

This coming Friday, Oct. 9, the Theatre Guild will raise the curtain on Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy, presented in six performances through Oct. 17.

The show is based on the 1992 movie (starring Whoopie Goldberg) and hit Broadway musical, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The story follows Deloris, a nightclub singer who witnesses a crime and is placed in protective custody in a convent. She ends up teaching the convent’s initially struggling choir, and, in the process, changes the lives of the nuns and herself.

The WTG website adds,

Sister Act hits the stage with the force of a disco ball struck by divine inspiration. Deloris, a bold and big-hearted nightclub singer, lands in a convent for her own protection and winds up transforming a tuneless choir into a soulful powerhouse. Her energy shakes the dust off every pew as she teaches the nuns to sing with joy, courage, and a little sparkling attitude.

Sister Act is being directed by J. Simmons, who’s marking a bit of history with the Guild himself. Simmons’ connection to theater began early. Even at 4 years old, he was working professionally in commercials and in regional theaters. But the spark which really shaped his ultimate career path was when, at the age of 12, he was cast in the Webster Theatre Guild’s production of Annie. What started as a childhood introduction to the stage quickly became a lasting passion.

Today, Simmons is a highly respected director, actor, fight choreographer and private acting coach. He works regularly with Blackfriars Theater and Geva Theater, serves as drama instructor for the Rochester Broadway Theater League, and is a theatrical consultant and mentor for the University of Rochester International Theatre Program. But, even with all those impressive credits to his name, the Webster Theatre Guild holds a special place in his heart.

He especially likes being involved in the Guild’s milestone years (apparently). In 2011, he directed the Guild’s 75th anniversary show, Urinetown, then continued to direct every year through the Guild’s 80th anniversary production, The Music Man.

And now he’s back.

“I thought it was apropos to come back for the 90th, having done the 75th and 80th,” he said. “I wanted to give back the love that I feel for this community and group of actors.”

And he knows how important it is for this group of actors to have community theater in their lives. After all, it was this relatively modest production company which sparked his own career.

He said,

If you look around Rochester, there are so many people who are on Broadway and doing different things that have ties to community theater. This is where they got their chance to connect with what they thought was important and now they’ve made a whole career out of it. We have to have this outlet for the community, for people to come, share stories. The theater is one of the best classrooms.

So let’s get out and support these actors who’ve been working so hard to bring live theater to our back doors.

Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy will take the stage on

  • Friday Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 10 at 2 and 7 p.m.
  • Friday Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. (ASL interpretation at this performance) and 7 p.m.

Shows will be held at Bishop Kearney High School, 125 Kings Hwy S.

Tickets are $25, and can be purchased online here. They’ll also be available at the door unless they sell out.

A brief history

The Webster Theatre Guild dates back to 1936, and ever since its inception, it’s been more than just a theater group; it’s been a vital part of our community, not only providing aspiring actors an outlet to pursue their passion for performing, but also supporting the Webster community by providing annual scholarships to graduating high-school seniors.

While the Guild has been operating continuously for about 90 years (that’s more than 153 productions), its character has changed substantially over that time.

It was founded in 1936 by Erva Wright Smith and the Rev. John Schott, then pastor of Webster Presbyterian Church. In its earliest days, it was known for producing one-act plays, performed at various locations around the village, and the productions sometimes were staged to benefit community groups like the Webster Public Library and Sons of the American Legion. So even back then, the Guild was dedicated to serving the community.

The Guild remained active through World War II, and one-act plays were still part of the Guild’s main identity. That changed in 1954 when the Guild produced its first musical, Speak of the Devil. It was in 1958 when the guild started its now-familiar tradition of annual musicals.

If you’d like to see a whole slew more historical photos, click here.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 10/4/2026)

Raising the curtain for 90 years

7 Apr

Huge congratulations to the Webster Theatre Guild (WTG), which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this weekend.

This amazing community theater group has been entertaining audiences since 1936, with at least one production every year, and sometimes two or three. (There was that one glitch in 2020, but I think we can forgive the WTG for not staging a show that year.) Their repertoire has spanned timeless classics like The Music Man and The Sound of Music, plus lesser-known shows that never fail to surprise and delight. The organization also supports artistic endeavors and development through student scholarships and grants to the Webster PTSA and Webster Central School District.

The Guild’s mission is to provide area residents the opportunity to both attend and to participate in quality theatrical performances. Being an all-volunteer organization, they would not have been able to achieve this kind of longevity without community support. And they’re hoping that the greater Webster community will continue to show that support by attending a big anniversary party they’re throwing this weekend.

The event is a fundraising musical revue called “90 Years in 90 Minutes.” More than a dozen actors will perform seventeen musical numbers from shows the WTG has staged in recent memory, including Guys and Dolls, Once Upon a Mattress, The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Jekyll and Hyde, and Shrek. It will feature some of the most talented theater actors in our area. including many WTG veterans.

“90 Years in 90 Minutes” will take place this Saturday evening, April 11, at the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Rd. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a silent auction, wine pull and cash bar. A family-style pasta dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the revue at 7 p.m. The evening will conclude with the announcement of the show the Guild has selected for their fall musical, which is scheduled for six performances this October at the Bishop Kearney Auditorium.

Tickets are $40 for the dinner and show, and can be purchased online here. The link will take you to a PayPal site, but even if you don’t have PayPal, you can use your credit or debit card. Please order soon so they know how many people to expect, and to make sure to reserve your seat, ’cause this one’s going to be popular!

Here are a few shots from previous productions:

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(posted 4/7/2026)

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Webster Theatre Guild presents “Shrek the Musical” this weekend

8 Oct

There’s good news — and better news — about the Webster Theatre Guild’s production of Shrek the Musical this weekend and next: first, there are still some tickets available, which I found surprising because this is the kind of show, featuring top-tier talent, which will likely sell out.

Next, if you’re an educator or a student, you can get discounted tickets to the matinees on Saturday Oct. 11 and Saturday Oct. 18.

Webster has come to expect amazing productions from the Webster Theatre Guild, and Shrek will be no different. The cast includes 59 incredibly talented dancers and actors, ages 10 through 70+, drawn from respected theater groups from all over the city, including GEVA, Blackfriars Theater, Pittsford Musicals, School of the Arts and our very own Webster high schools.

Directed by Bill Ambler, supported by choreographer Shari Bischoping and orchestra leader Laura Mueller, Shrek the Musical will be presented in six shows, all taking place at Bishop Kearney High School, 125 Kings Hwy South, Rochester:

  • Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
    (ASL Interpretation TBD)

Tickets are $20 (plus a handling fee). Educators and students will get a $5 discount for matinee tickets. Click here to get yours now. For the matinee discount, go to the ticket site, put the matinee tickets in your shopping cart and apply the discount code SWAMP5. You can also purchase discount tickets at the door with your educator or student ID.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 10/8/2025)

Webster Theatre Guild is bringing the swamp to the Webster stage

30 Aug

Everyone’s favorite ogre is coming to Webster, when the Webster Theatre Guild brings the hugely popular Shrek the Musical to the stage in October.

Rehearsals began the first week of August for this blockbuster production, which will delight young and old alike. The cast includes 59 incredibly talented dancers and actors, ages 10 through 70+, drawn from respected theater groups from all over the city, including GEVA, Blackfriars Theater, Pittsford Musicals, School of the Arts and our very own Webster high schools. Webster Theater Guild president Jim Pringle said that usually the Guild is happy to get 70 people auditioning for a production. But for Shrek, 120 people auditioned, so you know that the ones who made the cut are the cream of the crop.

This is the show they’ve all been waiting for, he added.

Shrek the Musical is being directed by Bill Ambler, supported by choreographer Shari Bischoping and orchestra leader Laura Mueller. It will be presented in six shows:

  • Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
    (ASL Interpretation TBD)

All performances will be held at Bishop Kearney High School, 125 Kings Hwy South, Rochester.

Tickets are on sale now for a reduced price of $15 (plus handling fee). Click here to get yours now, because this will almost definitely sell out.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 8/30/2025)

Webster community mailbag

29 Sep

Let’s get right to it …..

Oklahoma!, presented by the Webster Theatre Guild, takes the stage this weekend.

Shows are scheduled for

  • Friday Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Sept. 30, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 7, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

All shows will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Tickets are $20, plus $2 transaction fee if ordered online), and are reserve seating. Tickets will also be available at the door. Click here for tickets.


Next, this very special event from Webster Comfort Care Home.

Community members are cordially invited to Their Light Shines, a Celebration of Remembrance on Tuesday evening Oct. 3, where you can light a luminaria in honor or memory of your loved one(s).

Luminarias can be purchased for $10 each and will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home in its mission to provide no-cost, compassionate care to the terminally ill and their families.

The Celebration of Remembrance will be held at the Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 3. Rain date will be Oct. 5.


Our very own Webster Marching Band will host their 37th annual Autumn Fanfare field show and competition on Saturday October 7 at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd.

Autumn Fanfare is always a spectacular evening of storytelling through music, marching, and even a little bit of acting. There are always huge set pieces involved to move the music-story forward. This is an awesome opportunity to see what our hometown marching bad has been up to, and be impressed by the incredible amount of hard work these kids put in every year to create a show that will blow you away.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at Herman’s Farm Market (741 Five Mile Line Rd.) and the Webster Recreation Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.). They can also be purchased for $12 at the gate.

More to come about this.


Don’t forget about the Capital Improvement Project vote on Wednesday, Oct. 11

The Webster Central School District has proposed an $85 million capital improvement project that will impact all 11 schools with zero tax impact for district residents. The project will include renovations and improvements to all of the schools. The project will be voted on by the Webster CSD community on Wednesday, October 11, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School’s gym, 875 Ridge Road.

To learn more about the project and the improvements to each school, click here. You can also sign up to receive periodic communications from the district regarding the project. For details, please visit the capital improvement project news story at www.websterschools.org.


The West Webster Fire Department will hold their annual Fire Prevention Open House on Sunday Oct. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the fire station on Gravel Rd.

The afternoon will include firehouse tours, fire safety displays, equipment displays, live demos, refreshments and more.

There’s no charge, and the entire Webster community is invited. For more information, visit the WWFD Facebook page here.

While we’re on that subject, remember that the Webster Volunteer Fire Department always holds its open house during the village’s Trick of Treat Trail, this year scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28. Stay tuned for more information about that.


The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is just around the corner, Oct. 18 through 21.

This is always a great opportunity to stock your home library. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership in the Friends of the Webster Public Library is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days; bring your own bag, and fill it for just $5.

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.


Our Penfield friends, Schutt’s Apple Mill on Plank Rd., have a couple of fun events planned for this fall.

On Tuesday Oct. 24 (one week before Halloween), Schutt’s will host their Trick-or-Treat at the Farm event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a family-friendly night where you can walk through the orchard on a Trick-or-Treat Trail to find some fanciful jack-o-lanterns and sweet treats. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged.

This is a free event and no registration is required.

On Saturday Nov. 4, Schutt’s will host a Holiday Farm Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from 9 a.m. This is a great opportunity to support 35 local businesses while shopping for personal and gift items.

For more information about both of these events and others, click here. Schutt’s Apple Mill is located at 1063 Plank Rd.


Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center is back, Saturday Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This is a one-mile long trail lined with creatively and whimsically-carved jack-o-lanterns. Every year the Rec Center puts this on (this is the fourth annual), it’s been bigger and better, packed with post-trail treats, photo opportunities and more

I’ll be providing more details about this, but for now, start planning your pumpkin carving, because the Rec Center is going to need a LOT of jack-o-lanterns.


Finally, check the flyers below for details about lots of great upcoming programs at the Webster Public Library, including:

  • the Readers, Writers and Connections program for budding writers
  • Teen Library Club
  • National Hair Day storytime
  • Family Night
  • a movie matinee
  • a Halloween craft
  • line dancing for kids
  • a clay class for children and parents

The Webster Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/29/2023)

That’s Webster entertainment!

1 Feb

For anyone who enjoys stage performances, song and dance, you’re gonna love these first few weeks of February. No fewer than four stage and concert performances are scheduled, beginning this coming weekend, when Willink Middle School presents Disney’s Newsies, Jr. in three shows on Thursday and Friday Feb. 3 and 4.

Featuring a cast and crew of 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders, the show is based on the real-life newsboy strike of 1899. It tells the story of Jack Kelly (Nicole Eggleton), a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant, Joseph Pulitzer (Jeremiah Fischer), raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from reporter Katherine Plumber (Evie Aiezza), the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

The show is packed with high-energy songs which have become well known to theater-goers and non theater-goers alike, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.”

Shows are Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 4 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway, Webster. Tickets are on sale now on the Drama Club website. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Children 3 and younger are free.

Also this weekend, on Sunday Feb. 5, our very own Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody will participate in a free concert at the Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre called “A Taste of Song.”

The concert, presented by the Greater Rochester Choral Consortium, will feature 16 area choral groups. More than 600 singers from local choirs/choruses of all sizes and musical styles will sing in this unique, 75-minute collaboration.

Each chorus performs for five minutes or less in a “prism” arrangement, with ensembles singing from various locations throughout the theater. Groups perform continuously without a break or applause between ensembles.

The Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody will be joined by the Eastman Rochester Chorus, the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus, First Inversion, Madrigalia, the Oasis Community Chorus, the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus, and many more. For a complete list and more details, click here.

The concert begins at 4 p.m. at the Eastman Theater, 26 Gibbs St., Rochester.


Next weekend, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Feb. 9, 10 and 11, Webster Schroeder Musicals will present the ABBA-inspired jukebox musical Mamma Mia!

Chances are you’re familiar with the story, but here’s a short synopsis for those who aren’t:

Young Sophie is readying for her marriage to her fiancée, which will be taking place on a beautiful Greek island where she lives with her mother, Donna. She’d like to invite her father to the ceremony, but problem is, she doesn’t know who he is. After reading her mother’s diary, she invites three men, one of whom she believes is her father. When Donna discovers they’re all on the island, she naturally becomes a little distressed. Emotions run high, but everything works out in the end.

The play features tons of popular ABBA songs, including “Money, Money, Money,” “Thank You for the Music,” “Dancing Queen,”  and of course “Mamma Mia.”

Mamma Mia! will be presented on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Feb. 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Saturday at 2 p.m. Reserve tickets are $14 each and are available now. Click here to purchase.

Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge Rd.


And last but not least, also on Feb. 10 and 11, the Webster Theatre Guild will present “The One-Act Play that Goes Wrong” as part of a dinner theater at the Penfield Recreation Center.

Both the Saturday and Sunday shows will begin with a pasta dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance. Tickets are $25. The event is a fundraiser and proceeds will help fund scholarships for graduating high school seniors and support the staging of upcoming musical theater productions.

I wrote a much more complete blog about this yesterday, so click here for more information.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram.

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(posted 2/1/2023)

It’s a one-act play. What could go wrong?

31 Jan

The Webster Theatre Guild will explore the answer to that question when they present “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong,” a dinner theater fundraiser scheduled for Friday and Saturday Feb. 10 and 11.

The comedy, written by Henry Shields, Jonathan Sayers and Henry Lewis, follows a fictitious amateur British theatre troupe through the opening night of a murder mystery production where everything that can go wrong does. Nonetheless, the show must go on, despite the hilarious consequences.

The “dinner and a show” will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 10 and 11 at the Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd. Both evenings will begin with a sit-down pasta dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the show. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased in advance by clicking here.

If you own or work at a local business, how about having a night out for the staff and sponsor an entire table? Your $200 donation will include six tickets and table recognition. Interested businesses should call (585) 678-1158 to make reservations.

Proceeds from the dinner theatre fundraiser will go towards funding scholarships for graduating high school seniors and for supporting the staging of upcoming musical theater productions.

The Webster Theatre Guild could really use our support on this. Thanks to several scheduling conflicts, they weren’t able to produce their regular musical last October, so they’re hoping to recoup some of that lost revenue with this show.

I think I’m going to make it a date night with my husband. How about joining me?

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram.

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 1/31/2023)

Webster community mailbag

25 Aug

Don’t forget that Friday night Aug. 26 is the next Family Games Night!

This month’s event is brought to you in part by the Webster PTSA, who’ll have a table there with some stuff to help your kids get ready for the upcoming school year.

There’s always tons of fun things to do for both kids and adults at these FREE, family-friendly events including sidewalk chalking, giant street games like Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four and cornhole. You can even grab dinner from Carl’s Pizza Kitchen while you’re there, plus there’ll be live music.

The Family Games Night happens on West Main St. in the Village of Webster from 6 to 9 p.m.

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UMC Webster, 169 East Main St., will be serving up a community pasta dinner on Saturday Aug. 27 in their Fellowship Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Children’s activities wil be provided.

There is no cost for the dinner, but donations will be accepted, and participants are being asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the church’s food pantry.

For more information, call 585-309-6510 or email pastorwendy@umcwebster.org.

The Webster Theatre Guild is holding auditions for thier upcoming production of Annie on Sunday Aug. 28 and Thursday Sept. 1.

Auditions will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1130 Webster Rd. (Rt. 250) in Webster, from 5 to 7 pm for children, 7 to 9 p.m. for adults both days. You only have to attend one day of the auditions. Callbacks will be on Saturday Sept. 3 at 9 a.m.

Show dates are Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22.

Click here for more information and to download your audition packet.

The Webster Hope, Inc. (formerly Hope Ministry) Garage Sale is back this year, scheduled for Wed. Sept. 14 through Sat. Sept. 17 at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd. Webster.

Donations will be accepted on Sunday Sept. 11 from 11 am. to 3 p.m. and Monday Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Murphy Hall at the church. Please no large donations. Items that cannot be accepted are listed here on the website.

Hours for the sale will be:

  • Wednesday Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m. (sneak peek night), admission $5 per person
  • Thursday Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to noon (everything HALF PRICE)

For a preview of some of the items that will be for sale, check out the Webster Hope Facebook page. Proceeds from the sale will benefit low-income households in Webster.

Also coming up in September, the Schutts Apple Mill Fall Kickoff event on Saturday Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is a great family event with bounce houses, a petting zoo, a magic show, photo booth, live music, wagon rides, a cider demonstration, fried-cake eating contest and much more. It’s free to attend. Click here for more information.

Schutts Apple Mill is located at 1063 Plank Rd.

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And make sure to put this one on your calendar.

The Village of Webster’s September 11 Memorial Ceremony will take place on Sunday Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, North Ave. (Rt. 250).

This is always a very moving ceremony, and a great chance to remember those who lost their lives on this terrible day.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/25/2022)

Live theater is back, courtesy the Webster Theatre Guild!

10 Oct

After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the Webster Theatre Guild will return to the stage for five performances of Little Women: The Musical this coming weekend, October 15-17.

Yes, this is the charming story we have all come to know and love. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women: The Musical follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested. Her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she must do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

The original production starred Sutton Foster, who received Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations for her performance. When the Webster Theatre Guild brings their production to the stage, you can expect some equally outstanding performances.

The Webster Theatre Guild’s cast (pictured above) is led by Lyndsey Lord as Jo, Erynn Hill as Meg, Hadley Strelau as Beth, Jennie Gilardoni as Amy and Kate Bond as Marmee. Guild president James Pringle is calling it an “all-star cast.” He wrote,

the actors’ experience runs very deep, having portrayed characters in shows produced by many other community theater groups, including Blackfriars, JCC Centerstage, Pittsford Musicals, RAPA, and, of course, the Webster Theatre Guild. But their acting and vocal training is very impressive, and it’s immediately apparent soon after they take the stage.

Two significant adjustments had to be made for this return performance, thanks to COVID-19. For starters, the ensemble has had to move the production from their normal home at Webster Thomas High School to the JCC’s Hart Theater. In addition, to make sure everyone is safe, all audience members 12 and older will be required to show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to the date of the event) upon arrival. Masks will also be required.

Performances of Little Women will be held on Friday Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday Oct. 16 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 17 at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 to $20 and can be purchased in advance by visiting the Webster Theatre Guild website. The JCC Hart Theater is located at 1200 Edgewood Ave., Rochester.

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Make this weekend “family” time

10 Oct

snaps

They’re creepy and they’re kooky
Mysterious and spooky
They’re all together ooky
The Addams Family!

C’mon, admit it. You didn’t just read that last passage. You sang it, because you remember watching the Addams Family television show. And if that’s the case, you definitely want to grab your ticket soon to this weekend’s Webster Theatre Guild production of The Addams Family.

Like the television show, the show is a comedy about a ghoulish American family that enjoys the most macabre things in life and death. Unlike the television show, it’s also a musical, which adds to the fun.

The show originally debuted on Broadway in 2010 with Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth in the lead roles of Gomez and Morticia Addams.

The show will take the stage this Friday Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Webster High School auditorium, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. And then it returns NEXT weekend, Oct. 18 and 19.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance (click here), in person the day of the show. Reserve tickets are $15, wit discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information, visit the Webster Theatre Guild website.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.