ReadingFilmFest ready to roll; Genesius returns to its revamped theater space [Spotlight]

Reading Eagle, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·4 min read

Sep. 26—The seventh annual ReadingFilmFEST, featuring more than 80 films, with many focusing on current, hot-topic social issues, will run Thursday through next Sunday and feature impactful, inspiring and interesting filmmakers from Reading and beyond.

"Our seventh season is all about embracing community and harnessing the power of film and other art forms to enrich our lives," states Cammie Harries, ReadingFilmFEST executive director. "From opening day to closing night, we've intentionally entwined a mixture of art and culture. We've collaborated with dozens of non-profits and community partners to present an exceptional film festival and year-round programming that expands our impact in the community and reaches new audiences."

In addition, we have announced several special events to run during the film festival, including:

—Celebrating the life of Reading native and Emmy Award-winning actor Michael Constantine, one of the festival founders, with a special announcement. Constantine died Aug. 31 at age 94.

—Collaborating with the American Association of University Women to host LUNAFEST on Thursday at 7 p.m. at R/C Reading Movies 11. The fundraising film festival is dedicated to promoting awareness about women's issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing people together in their communities to engage in the arts. It features seven short films by lauded women filmmakers who have been featured at major film festivals.

—Hosting an Outdoor Art Exhibit on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in a partnership with the Reading Arts Collective featuring the area's diverse arts culture and highlighting underrepresented artists. The event features art pieces for sale, live demonstrations, a fashion show, music, dance and food trucks. Admission is free.

—Celebrating Reading's Latin community with a closing day screening of "Soy Cubana" on Sunday at the 3 p.m. at the GoggleWorks. An awards ceremony will be followed by a reception with a Latin twist featuring the Wanda Holdren Dance Academy, a salsa band, Pancho Bongo Y Su Orquesta and Latin cuisine by Mi Casa Su Casa.

See the full schedule and purchase tickets at www.readingfilmfest.com.

Theater

Genesius Theatre will return to its own theater space at 153 N. 10th St., after over 18 months performing shows outside, for a production of "Bright Star," running Friday through Oct. 10.

This new musical from Grammy-, Emmy- and Academy Award-winner Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winner Edie Brickell tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and '40s.

Featuring a classic bluegrass/Americana score, "Bright Star" is about how unconditional love, hope, faith and forgiveness can overcome all obstacles and create miracles. The story follows young writer Billy Cane, recently returned from World War II, and Alice Murphy, the editor who takes a chance on him.

The production is directed by Genesius artistic director L J Fecho, music directed by Christopher Sperat, and choreographed by Jericho Joy.

The cast features Emily Rhinehart as Alice Murphy and James Haggerty as Billy Cane, with Spencer Kelly, Andrea Keck, Kevin Cooper, Amy Bourey, Jeffrey Jones, Peter Bourey, Dara Himes, Andrew Ortiz, Panayiotis Clauser, Mike Pardo, Riley Spannuth, Colleen Klahr and Jennifer Parker Scott.

At 6 p.m. opening night, Genesius will be revealing its new lobby, box office and foyer, made possible from a grant by the Stanley Foundation, and designed by Lyndsey Bosold Hinkle of Wise Interiors, renovated by Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, and David Neel of Production Solutions.

For show dates and times, and ticket information, see genesiusdifference.org.

----Trolls LIVE! will visit the Santander Arena, Reading, on Jan. 18 and 19 for three performances. Tickets are on sale at www.TrollsLIVE.com.

The world of the Trolls comes alive in this totally interactive musical celebration of everything the Trolls love — singing, dancing, rainbows, glitter and plenty of hugs. The extravaganza utilizes the latest in scenic projection, puppetry and media technology, and features a host of special effects and interactive surprises.

Trolls LIVE! includes two acts with an intermission and includes popular Trolls songs, as well as new music and choreography.

Art

To mark the 20th anniversary of Grandview Gallery at Wilson High School, a dedication and opening reception is scheduled for Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. for "The Robert H. Chappel Collection," a new permanent exhibition.

Chappel is a retired Wilson School District art teacher who started the gallery in the district's Administration Building to promote the work of students, the community and area professionals.

The art for the new collection was compiled by current director, Joe Palumbo, a former student of Chappel's. Chappel, who moved to Naples, Fla., when he retired in 2010, will be present for the opening reception.

The collection will be displayed in the atrium of the Administration Building and throughout the campus. It will be rotated at least twice a year to ensure visitors of a different experience each time they visit the campus.

For more information, vistit facebook.com/GrandviewGalleryWHS.