Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days
Lazy days? Hardly! Many of us spend half the year gearing up for summer, fully knowing we won’t really sleep until sometime in November. Hazy days? Way too many of them this summer for my Scandinavian complexion. Crazy days? Yup. Eclipses, threats of war, national unrest, instability…it’s all a bit too much. Consequently, I suggest that we all distract ourselves from these quotidian concerns by submerging our minds in something artsy. Go see a show, hear a great band, take a class, lose yourself in a film…time to practice a little self-care, and nothing does the trick like the arts. Well, the arts, and a little Tequila, might be another answer, but forgive me if I forego the Tequila.
All theatre and gallery locations are in Rehoboth Beach, unless otherwise noted.
PERFORMING ARTS
Bethany Area Repertory Theatre (Woodsong Country Inn; 37269 Dirickson Creek Road in Frankford) presents the longest-running show in history—the wonderful play by Agatha Christie—The Mousetrap—September 21-30.
CAMP Rehoboth Chorus (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620) has scheduled their winter concert—Can’t Stop the Beat!—for Friday, February 9, Saturday, February 10, and Sunday, February 11. Tickets won’t be on sale for months, but mark those calendars now!
Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2270) summer repertory plays through September 2 with A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, and The Little Mermaid. Catch the last Delaware Comedy Theatre’s Late-R Night Show on August 26. Make reservations for their annual fundraiser Bow Tie & Barefoot on Saturday, September 16. Check their website for a complete show schedule.
Coastal Concerts (in residence at Bethel UMC Hall; Fourth and Market Streets in Lewes; 888-212-6458) offers an “Early Bird” subscription discount for their 2017-2018 season—five concerts for the price of four—they have another great season planned, so why not save some money? Do it soon. General seating is still available, but the premium seating is sold out.
Kent County Theatre Guild (140 E. Roosevelt Avenue in Dover; 800-838-3006) is gearing up for a fantastic production of Sister Act—September 15-24.
Possum Point Players (441 Old Laurel Road in Georgetown; 302-856-4560) is busy creating magic for their next main stage show: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast —October 6-15.
Premier Centre for the Arts at Milton Theater (110 Union St in Milton; 302-684-3038) has something for everyone on their calendar! August 26: No Spare Time; September 2: Paul Cullen; September 8: A Broad’s Way presents Hooray for Hollywood; September 9: Celebrity Impersonator Holly Faris; September 15: Kathie Martin and The Hot Rods; September 16: Joey and Gina’s Italian Comedy Wedding. Their fall classes Acting, Musical Theatre Ensemble, and Triple Threat Training all start on September 12.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue and The Boardwalk) has provided free entertainment since 1963, and the tradition continues: August 25: Billy Price Band. August 26: Joe Trainer and Friends with a Billy Joel show. August 27: USAF’s The Blue Aces. They wrap up the season with The Fabulous Hubcaps, The Jimi Smooth Band, and the DSU Approaching Storm Marching Band over Labor Day weekend. All of the concerts begin at 8 p.m.
Rehoboth Beach Film Society (107 Truitt Avenue, 302-645-9095) screens new Independent films at their Cinema Art Theatre— opening August 25: Like Crazy. Broadway HD: Cyrano de Bergerac with Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner—August 28-29. Check their website for updates and show times.
Rehoboth Concert Band starts their sixth season with two concerts on the road: Sunday, September 10 at the Taylor House Museum in Berlin, MD. and Sunday, September 17 at the Wicomico Presbyterian Church in Salisbury. Visit their website for more information.
Second Street Players (2 South Walnut Street in Milford; 302-422-0220) is in rehearsal for the stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s short story The Canterville Ghost—which runs from September 15-24.
VISUAL ARTS
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620; camprehoboth. com) features PEZ • Make America Sweet Again! featuring photo illustrations by Terry M. Isner, runs through September 4. I Am Bear, Hear Me Roar! a highlight of mid-Atlantic “Bear” themed artists will be held in conjuction with the annual Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend, September 21-24. The Bear Art reception is September 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Galleries at 20 Baltimore (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-258-4203) hosts a fantastic collection of artists: Amandeline Gallery features original paintings by local and nationally-recognized artists, Romanian and Czech glass art, and hand-made ceramics as well as unique home furnishings. Paintiques transforms vintage reclaimed furniture into unique treasured heirlooms. They can customize anything and do beautiful work. WibergArt and Studio 3 displays the work of marine artist, Jack Wiberg, as well as the work of many fine local artists.
*Gallery 50 Contemporary Art and Frame Shop (50 A-B Wilmington Avenue; 302-227-2050) features the work of at least three dozen talented artists, as well as special events. Artist Susan Webster’s fascinating acrylic/3D works are on display through August, with Terry Isner, and Rose Minetti featured in the gallery in September. Their master framer, Ed McGann, is onsite and ready to assist you with your framing needs.
Heidi Lowe Gallery (328 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-9203) has beautiful and unique hand-made pieces for purchase, as well as the Jeweled Corpses Trunk Show.
Painting With a Twist (17723 Coastal Highway; 302-313-5769) offers painting classes and “pARTies” for all occasions—days, evenings, weekdays, and weekends (age 7+). Visit their website for details.
Peninsula Gallery (520 E. Savannah Road in Lewes; 302-645-0551) is one of the largest Fine Art galleries in the area, currently hosting Coastal Camera Club—a juried photographic exhibition—through August 30. Opening September 2: Common Interests—Barns, Beaches, and Boats —with work by Jacalyn Beam (oil), Howard Eberle (transparent watercolor), and Steve Rogers (acrylic). Opening reception on September 2 (5-7 p.m.). Whet your appetite with the virtual tour of the gallery online.
Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane in Henlopen Acres; 302-227-8408) currently features Illustrations, Portraits and France—works by Ethel P. B. Leach (through October 1) and the 79th Annual Members’ Fine Art Exhibition (through September 3). Their website also lists a wide variety of on-going classes for those of you who wish to expand your artistic side!
Rehoboth Beach Museum (511 Rehoboth Avenue at the Canal, 302-227-7310) has a “history” of fun at the beach—vintage bathing suits, post cards, photos and maps are on display. Little hands are welcome, they are handicap accessible, and the gift shop has some great stuff. Admission is by donation, and well worth supporting. Their current exhibit is Angry Water—highlighting the effects of weather on our area. Special events include: Walking Tours (September 7 & 28; October 5); The Storm of ’62 (September 14); Saving Our Shore Line (September 21).
Ward Ellinger Gallery (CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard, 39 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2710) in the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard, features art in different mediums by Ward Ellinger and Sondra N. Arkin.