RSO to present July 4 concert; three Reading theater groups plan shows [Spotlight]

Jun. 4—The Reading Symphony Orchestra will present a free community concert followed by fireworks on July 4 on the grounds of EnerSys Headquarters, Route 183, across from Reading Regional Airport. The grounds will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 8.

While the event is free, tickets must be secured in advance at readingsymphony.org or they can be picked up at these locations:

—Boscov's East

—Boscov's at the Berkshire Mall

—Boscov's at the Fairgrounds Market

—EnerSys Headquarters

—RSO Office, 100 N. Fifth St.

The RSO will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Helping Harvest food bank.

The rain date is July 5.

Theater

Genesius Theatre will stage the lighthearted jukebox musical "Head Over Heels" at its 10th and Walnut Playhouse from June 16-25.

With music and lyrics by The Go-Go's and original book by Jeff Whitty, the show was adapted by James Magruder from "The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia," a 16th century tale by Sir Phillip Sidney. It features such hit songs as "We Got the Beat," "Our Lips Are Sealed," "Vacation," Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" and "Mad About You."

The show follows the two daughters of King Basilus, the beautiful Pamela, and the plain Philoclea. Pamela is exhausted by not-so-perfect suitors, and Philoclea wants to marry her true love, a lowly shepherd boy, Musidorous. The new oracle of Arcadia, the non-conforming Pythio, warns them of a new prophecy that will cause the Kingdom of Arcadia to fall, along with their precious 'beat" that keeps it going. Relationships, loyalty and sexual preferences are tested as the family tries to save their home.

Under the direction of James Haggerty and music-directed and conducted by Kevin Cooper, the show features a cast of 20, led by Nicole Napolitano as Princess Pamela, Ellen Rochlin as Princess Philoclea, Dani Pflum as Mopsa, Griffin Anderson as Musidorus, Becka Malanios as Queen Gynecia, Tommy Heiler as King Basilius, James Barksdale as Pythio and Collin Bollinger as Demetas.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. June 16 and 17, 3 p.m. June 18, 7:30 p.m. June 21-24, and 3 p.m. June 25.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.genesiusdifference.org.

----Reading Community Players will stage the children's Disney musical "Finding Nemo Jr.," under the direction of Debbi Silas, on June 23 at 7 p.m. and June 24 at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Reading YMCA, 631 Washington St.

The cast features 24 students from the following schools and districts: Muhlenberg, Reading, Exeter, Daniel Boone, Schuylkill Valley, ELCO, LaSalle Academy and Wilson.

Parking will be at the Poplar and Walnut Garage and validation will be available.

Tickets can be purchased at www.readingcommplayers.com.

----The Reading Theater Project will present "They Say: A Love Story," the final play in the 2023 Play Reading Series, in partnership with GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, on June 15 at 7 p.m. in Albert and Eunice Boscov Theatre at the GoggleWorks, 201 Washington St.

Written by Andrea Kennedy Hart of Douglassville, the play is a solo performance detailing the life and loves of "Whistlin' Jack McConnell," a 1920s gang member in Philadelphia who was revealed to be a woman after 16 years of living as a man. K. O'Rourke will direct Mel Krodman in the main role.

The play is being presented during LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and like all of the plays in the series, it connects to "Shadows From the Past," which has been the theme for all of the Reading Theater Project's work this year.

As with other recent productions, all tickets are "pay what you will," with a recommended price of $10. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://readingtheaterproject.org/play-reading-series.

Television

Kallan Carter, a Susquehanna University student from Reading, is featured in Season 8 of "The College Tour," a series from Emmy-nominated producers that is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Carter, who recently earned a degree in environmental studies, appears in the "River Hawks Athletics" segment. She talked about her experience as a student-athlete.

"Growing up I loved running, but I wasn't sure about competing at college until I stepped foot onto Susquehanna's track," Carter said. "As a River Hawk student athlete, my coaches and teammates are always pushing me to get better, and my professors are supportive and flexible. I've grown significantly as both a person and a runner. I even own a few school records."

Shining a spotlight on the diverse landscape of today's colleges, "The College Tour" offers a comprehensive look at campuses across the country. Susquehanna's episode touches on the many opportunities the university offers to help students thrive, including unique courses, special interest clubs and organizations and real-world experiences outside of the classroom — from international internships to European Union simulations. Students also talk about their experiences in Susquehanna's Global Opportunities program, the visual and performing arts, Susquehanna's 23 NCAA Division III athletics teams and faculty-guided research and mentorship.