Entertainment-Henderson County Now

Cast selected for ‘I Love a Piano’ at the HCPAC

HCPAC announces the cast for the upcoming musical, “I Love a Piano,” chosen from local talent that auditioned this past week. The cast includes Maria Ogburn, Kara Catugal, Shelley Cruz, Gordon Mayhall, Kevin Guinn, Jane Joslin, Laken Lloyd, Father Matthew Frick (not shown), Rose Cornish, Tom Cornish, Leona Bruce, John Mabry, Sherilyn Willi, Marcia Keys and Trevor Baumgartner. “I Love a Piano” is a musical revue of the music of Irving Berlin including such favorites as “God Bless America,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” and, of course, “White Christmas.” The show opens Oct. 13 and runs through Oct. 22. Reservations are available now at 903-675-3908, Ext.203. Online reservations will be available starting Sept. 26. “I Love a Piano” is sponsored by Cedar Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation. (Courtesy photo)

‘Alice in Wonderland’ to open at the HCPAC

Alice, Taegan Allen, The Mad Hatter, Kenyon Walker, and other tea party guests celebrate all their UnBirthdays in HCPAC's current production of "Alice in Wonderland," running August 4 through 13. Call 903-675-3908 for reservations and information. (Courtesy photo) — Alice, Taegan Allen, The Mad Hatter, Kenyon Walker, and other tea party guests celebrate all their UnBirthdays in HCPAC’s current production of “Alice in Wonderland,” running August 4 through 13. Call 903-675-3908 for reservations and information. (Courtesy photo)

Press release

After six weeks of singing, dancing, learning lines and having a great time in the process, the YES! Company of Henderson County Performing Arts Center is ready to ring the curtain up (figuratively) on their 27th annual Youth Summer Musical, “Alice in Wonderland.” While wending her way through Wonderland in pursuit of the White Rabbit, Alice comes upon magical, nonsensical characters who are all ‘a bit mad’, including, of course, The Mad Hatter, March Hare, the Tweedles, Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts and all the Wonderland favorites.

Intended as a family experience, Alice in Wonderland at HCPAC brings the Lewis Carroll classic to life in an updated Disney version. Hip, campy and always full of life, Alice and friends put on a fantastic show sure to get your feet tapping. It’s live theatre so anything can happen. Get in touch with your Inner Fabulosity!

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Romantic comedy opens at HCPAC

Press release

“Last Dance,” a light, romantic comedy, also gives us a moment or two to contemplate love. A beautiful poet, embarking on the last half of her life decides she is tired of love. Her very much younger lover does not understand her new feelings while also feeling like a bit of a commodity being handed down to the woman’s goddaughter. There are many misunderstandings, miscommunications and mistaken motives in the process, as one might imagine.

The play by Marsha Norman, sponsored by Alma Lee Cattle Company and King Sand and Gravel, is produced by Henderson County Performing Arts Center in association with Samuel French and directed by J Niswonger with a cast including Shirley Niswonger, Gary Williams, Kayle Maxwell and Eli McClung.

Performances for the show are June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. There is a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, June 19. Reservations may be made at 903-675-3908 or online at www.hcpac.org. HCPAC, located at 400 Gibson Rd., Athens, TX, is a 501(C)(3).

GBC to host National Lawn Mower Racing event

Press release

Gun Barrel City will welcome Texas Turf Titans and Sod Slingers from far and wide as the Lone Star Mower Racing Association (LSMRA) hosts the STA-BIL National Lawn Mower Racing Series, June 11-12.

The Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation will welcome racers from the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA), the nation’s oldest and largest lawn mower racing sanctioning body, celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2017.

“We’re going to tear up the turf in Texas,” said Gun Barrel City resident and LSMRA President Mike Howell, also known as “Mr. Mowyagi.” “The Gun Barrel track is one of the LSMRA’s favorite venues and we can’t wait to show it off to our racing friends form across the country.

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Songs of Youth: Local choirs perform at music festival

Choirs from South Athens Elementary (pictured), Bel Air Elementary and Central Athens Elementary were among several that performed Tuesday morning at the East Texas Music Festival, held at the Athens High School auditorium. The annual event is sponsored by the Henderson County Arts Council and spearheaded by South Athens Choir Director Barbara Railsback. In addition to Athens, choirs from Cross Roads, Eustace and Longview also competed in the juried event. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)