For Immediate Release 

Local Artist Amy Butler donates renowned fabric designs to Weathervane Playhouse’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream 

Newark, OH.  Granville shop owner and designer Amy Butler has donated 111 yards of fabric to the Weathervane Playhouse.  Costume Designers Benjamin Taylor Ridgway and Shiree Campbell will incorporate the vivid, color saturated fabrics to outfit the 25 characters in Weathervane Playhouse’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.   

Amy Butler started designing passport sized bags in the late 80’s.  In 1992, with her husband David, Amy opened the Art of the Midwest Studio.  Amy Butler designs have been featured in O at Home, Inside Out, Elle Decoration, Sew Simple, Creative Home, Rowan, Country Living, Blueprint, Lucky, Martha Stewart Living, and Country Home.  The Amy Butler studio is located at

in
Granville, Ohio. More information can be found at www.amybutlerdesign.com. 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will run at Weathervane Playhouse July 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th, 19^th at 8 p.m.  For more information please call our box office at  740-366-4616 or visit our website www.weathervaneplayhouse.org.

Weathervane is a not for profit summer theatre located at

in
Newark, Ohio.  To order tickets, call our Box Office at 740-366-4616.  Please visit our website at www.weathervaneplayhouse.org. 

This will be an amazing event with Cabot Rae singing and the Weathervane 2008 cast performing, and the Mayor of Newark speaking….and ALL for the Benefit of improving the Theatre! You see Weathervane is literally falling apart at the seems, and they are seeking support…monitary support…

Just to give you a little background & information:

Weathervane Playhouse, Ohio’s oldest professional summer stock theatre, celebrates 40 years of summer magic and launches a Capital Campaign for improved facilities.  Weathervane’s story has been one of resolve, rebirth, and rekindling through community efforts.  The ongoing contributions, donations, and moral support have been the chapters that continue to make the Weathervane book a true success story.   Weathervane has entertained over 225,000 people, reached out to special needs groups, and provided education for over a thousand students.    

Weathervane Playhouse had its birth in a barn in Heath,
Ohio, July 8, 1969, opening with a most appropriate musical, Good News!  From the first moment,

Licking
County’s professional summer theater grew in the hearts and minds of the local community.

After having been housed in a barn, a tent, and a large open-air pavilion, Weathervane Playhouse moved to it’s permanent location on land provided by the Thomas J. Evans Foundation.  It was in the spring 1976, with strong community support from the Newark Area Jaycees and the Ohio National Guard, that the theater was transported and rebuilt in its present location. 

Scott Keys, Managing Director during this difficult period, continued his dedicated work for Weathervane and brought the 1988 season to fruition.  The first phase of rebuilding was completed just in time for the season opener.  On June 15, 1989, the second phase of reconstruction was completed and the structure was dedicated as the Mary A.  Alford Memorial Theater. 

The “growing pains” of Weathervane continued in 1994.  Just prior to the opening of the season, one of the biggest fires in the history of downtown
Newark occurred, destroying the Playhouse’s complete costume collection of some fifteen years.  When the plea went out to rebuild the costume stock, the response was overwhelming and continues to this day.Then Weathervane turned its sights to the education and entertainment of children, embarking on a Children’s Theater structure.  This $135,000 building was made possible through a generous donation from long-time Weathervane supporter Larry W. 
Anderson, in memory of his wife Dawn Holt Anderson.  The remaining monies were collected through a sale of personalized paving bricks that currently make up the “Children’s Walk”, a beautiful pathway leading from our outdoor pavilion to the front entrance of the Children’s Theater.  The structure was completed in the spring of 1999.  The Larry W. and Dawn Holt Anderson Children’s Theater has proved to be a valuable addition to Weathervane, allowing us to hold acting, vocal and dance workshops as well as other events, with many more scheduled for the upcoming season.

A study released by the National Endowment for the Arts demonstrated that people who participate in the arts also engage in positive civic, volunteer and individual activities.  The report also indicated a declining interest in the arts among young people. 

Many schools are cutting arts programs, and Weathervane will be able to fill the gap for children who may be left with little to do by providing education in the arts at our newly renovated facility.Currently, through the Anderson Children’s Theatre, over 250 youth each summer engage in stimulating workshops and activities, and Weathervane will be able to reach many more with a year-round use facility. 

From 1999 to the present Weathervane has made a name for themselves within the professional theatre world and has earned several awards for excellence in theatre.  Some of the awards include the 2006 recipient of the Award of Excellence for Outstanding Production from the Theatre Roundtable of Central Ohio and the Central Ohio Theatre Critics’ Circle, 2007 recipient of
Central Ohio’s highest award for Outstanding Production (Ragtime) and Best Director.  As well as attracting Broadway stars like Carmen Keels.

Twenty years in our current building has brought us to June 2008, and Weathervane is busting out all over.  Maintenance repairs, lack of air conditioning and a significant increase in audience size, are prompting us to reach out to the community again in order to renovate in hopes of supporting the world-class theatre Weathervane produces. 

Renovations will include larger restrooms, an enclosed and air-conditioned performance space, as well as new facilities for the Costume Shop, Scenic Shop, and dressing rooms.  These upgrades will increase safety for both patrons and staff, as well as continue to improve the quality of Weathervane’s productions and workshops. 

Newark, OH. Weathervane Playhouse presents a new twist on Shakespeare’s most popular comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Specially conceived for Weathervane audiences, Managing Artistic Director Matthew Trombetta and the incredible Weathervane creative team are creating a once-in-a-lifetime production that will forever change the way you think about Shakespeare. Maintaining the integrity of the original language, this romantic comedy has been outfitted with puppetry, world class dancing, an original score and spectacular visual effects. Bring the whole family and don’t miss the opportunity to appreciate one of theatre’s greatest classics.The show features star performances from local actors Brice Corder (Puck), Dennis Kohler (Egeus, Peter Quince), Tim Browning (Nick Bottom), and Kirsten Upchurch (Titania).  Local dancers Logan Baker, Amanda Fannon, Maggie Taylor, Audra Lemmon, and Kelly Hoppenjans will play the fairies and sing.  An original score was composed by Pickerington‘s Cheridy Keller, and choreography is by Ohio native Erika Twining. 

Performance Dates:

8:00 pm Thursday July 10

8:00 pm Friday July 11

8:00 pm Saturday July 12

8:00 pm Wednesday July 16

8:00 pm Thursday July 17

8:00 pm Friday July 18

8:00 pm Saturday July 19

Ticket Information

** Handicap Seating available upon request.** 

Box Office Phone # : 740-366-4616

Box Office Hours:

Love looks not with the eyes in Weathervane Playhouse’s production of  A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Above Morgan McCann (Demetrius), Sara Michalski (
Helena), Melody Moore (Hermia),Kyle Durbin (Lysander). 

In addition to the beautiful evening of music, we are happy to say that the Grill on Twenty First will be offering catering service.  For the minimal price of $25 you will eat a catered dinner and experience the talents of Weathervane’s 2008 company.  It is a lovely way to spend a summer evening.

The cabarets are audience favorites and sell out fast, so contact our box office at 740-366-4616 to reserve seats. 

 Weathervane Playhouse is a not-for –profit summer theatre located at 100 Price Rd in Newark, Ohio.  Please visit our website at www.weathervaneplayhouse.org.

Honk!

Newark, OH.  Weathervane Playhouse and State Farm Insurance present Honk!, a musical presentation of the story of the Ugly Duckling.  With clever songs, charming dialogue, and moral triumph Honk! received the 2000 Olivier Award (UK Tony Award) for Best Musical.  Come follow Ugly, the teased and misunderstood duckling as he finds himself all alone and far away from home.  On his journey he faces numerous challenges and through each challenge his true inner beauty is discovered. Kids of all ages will adore this witty and heartwarming story.   Honk! is a family classic so Weathervane is offering two special performance events.  Join us for a program called “Two for Tuesday,” on Tuesday, July 1^st  when  you can purchase Two tickets for just $22, a true family savings Need some entertainment during the day? On Saturday, July 5^th at 2:00 p.m there will be a special matinee performance of HONK!  This production features a number of local actors bringing beloved characters to life.  Brice Corder, a native of
Newark, Ohio, stars as Ugly.  Granville’s Todd Lemmon(
Turkey), Belinda Paisley(Ida), and Barbe Helwig(Dot) . 
Columbus actor Tim Browning makes his Weathervane debut as the Frog. In addition to our local stars this cast also includes the supporting talents of
Central Ohio artists: Lisa Anfield, Logan Baker, Olivia Ortega, Ross Lemmon, Samantha Bell, Samuel Sullivan, Taryn Hicks, Ian Keller, and Grace Montgomery. 

Performance times and dates are as follows: 

8:00 pm                                     Thursday June 268:00 pm                                     Friday June 27^th8:00 pm                                     Saturday June 28^th8:00 pm                                    Tuesday July 1^st *** Special Promotion: Two Tickets for Twenty-Two Dollars! ***8:00 pm                                     Wednesday July 2^nd8:00 pm                                     Thursday July 3^rd7:00 pm                                   Friday July 4^th2:00pm                                    Saturday July 5^th ***Special Matinee Performance***8:00 pm                                     Saturday July 5^th 

Ticket

Information

* Handicap Seating is available upon request. 

Box Office Phone: 740-366-4616 Box Office Hours:  Tuesday through Saturday, 12 – 6 p.m. 

Weathervane Playhouse is a not-for –profit summer theatre located at

in
Newark, Ohio.  Please visit our website at www.weathervaneplayhouse.org.

 WEATHERVANE PLAYHOUSE & WCLT Present Noises OFF. Newark, OH- Take a hysterical tour through the hinterlands of Britain with a troupe of has-been actors led by a somewhat pretentious and strained-to-the-breaking-point director.  This comedy is packed with laughs as the romances, intrigues, and foibles of the cast take center stage in a final performance that descends into the mayhem of their personal and professional vendettas.  Performances begin Thursday June 12^th through the 14th and June 18^th through the 21st. All performance times are at 8:00pm. Brought to life by our Guest Director Chad Rabinovitz this quick-witted comedy will shine with local favorites Dennis Kohler (Lloyd Dallas), Sue Salina (Mrs. Clackett), and John Pressey (Selsden Mowbrey). Behind the scenes romantic intrigue turns to onstage plot additions with vengeful tactics and missed cues. Sardines fly, doors slam, and lovers bicker, but the show must go on! Never before has disaster been so hilarious.    

Weathervane Playhouse is a not-for –profit summer theatre located at 100 Price Rd in Newark, Ohio. Adult Tickets are $23, Senior Citizens and Student tickets are $21, Children (under 12) are $15. For tickets, please contact our Box Office at 740-366-4616.  Box Office Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6 p.m.   Or Visit our website at www.weathervaneplayhouse.org.

(Photograph by Matthew Upchurch)

Cherry Valley Lodge
2299 Cherry Valley Road, Newark
800-788-8008
Website: www.cherryvalleylodge.com
Comments: This is not only a great local, independent hotel, but they recently opened a fantastic indoor waterpark.

Debra’s Pizza
318 Hudson Ave
345-1350
Website: www.debraspizza.com
Comments: I don’t know much about this place, but the rank highly in Google when you type in “Newark Ohio pizza.”

Pizza Cottage
969 Mt. Vernon Road
Website: www.pizza-cottage.com
Comments: This pizza place is scheduled to open in Fall 2007. If it is anything like the location at Buckeye Lake, it will be a Newark favorite in no time.

“stimulating action to end substandard housing and encourage the public to become more involved and informed about their government and demand better performance from our elected officials.”

That’s a pretty lofty goal– and also a very worthwhile one too.  It appears from the site that they publish an “edition” of the site each quarter with a variety of editorial articles, and my favorite:  photos of some of the most poorly maintained properties in Newark, Ohio.

Anyone who has information about these crimes or any other serious crimes may call Licking County Crime Stoppers at (740) 349-6888 or (888) 488-9058.

If you know anything, feel free to post that information here as a reply to this blog post.