The Artistry of Autumn
There’s something about fall that always activates my creative side. Could be that my aging brain still associates autumn with returning to school, and I’m one of those fellows who could happily spend my life as a student. The tempo of life seems to relax a bit as the evenings turn cooler and the days get shorter, though the creative muses tend to be more active —which is a very good thing, as this is the time of year I gear up for the season with the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and finalize planning for the holidays with the other groups I shepherd. From the listings below, it would appear the muses have been hard at work assisting many other creators with their art! Lots of new shows opening—theatrical, musical, and visual—as well as classes to keep our minds active. Be kind to others, gentle readers, and enjoy the slower pace of the season. All locations are Rehoboth Beach, unless otherwise noted.
PERFORMING ARTS
Bethany Area Repertory Theatre (Woodsong Country Inn; 37269 Dirickson Creek Road in Frankford) presents the longest-running play in history—Agatha Christie’s 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 at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach. Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but mark those calendars now!
Capital Ringers (302-632-3106) performs Holiday Classics on tour beginning November 18 and continuing through December 10. The concert features “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “O Hanukkah.” Local venues include Bethel UMC (November 25) and The Milton Theatre (December 9). Check their website for a complete listing!
Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2270) starts their fall season with Wit—the 1999 Pulitzer Prize-winning play about life and death. The show runs September 22-October 8. Opening October 20 —the longest-running musical in history—The Fantasticks.
Coastal Concerts (in residence at Bethel UMC Hall; Fourth and Market Streets in Lewes; 888-212-6458) still has their “Early Bird” subscription discount for the upcoming season—five concerts for the price of four—and general seating is still available, but the premium seating is sold out. Their season begins October 21 with ZOFO!
Kent County Theatre Guild (140 E. Roosevelt Avenue in Dover; 800-838-3006) presents a fantastic production of the musical 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 which will run 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! September 15: Kathie Martin and The Hot Rods; September 16: Joey and Gina’s Italian Comedy Wedding; September 22: Serafin String Quartet; September 23: Rocky Horror Picture Show; September 29/30: Assisted Living—The Musical; October 5: The Girlfriends; October 6: Delaware Comedy Theatre; October 7: Stand Up Comedy; October 8: Violinist Andrew Sords; October 13: Magnolia Applebottom; October 14: Men in Motion (18+); October 20: Dynamo; October 21: Milton Zombie Fest; October 22: The Amazing Kreskin.
Rehoboth Beach Film Society (107 Truitt Avenue, 302-645-9095) screens new Independent films at their Cinema Art Theatre— opening September 15: Viceroy’s House; Lady Macbeth (opens September 22); Rebel in the Rye (opens September 29). Broadway HD: Buried Child (September 16-19); National Theatre Live: Perestroika—Part II of Angels in America coming October 7-10. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival—November 3-12! Check their website for updates and show times.
Rehoboth Concert Band begins their sixth season on the road: 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) present the stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s short story The Canterville Ghost—September 15-24.
VISUAL ARTS
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620) features 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. Beginning September 30, artist Dan Bartasavich brings Great Repair to Co the CAMP Rehoboth gallery. Opening reception: Saturday, September 30, 5-7 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 renowned 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. Rose Minetti is featured in September, and a show by Deborah Brisker opens October 14. Their master framer, Ed McGann, is onsite and ready to assist you.
Heidi Lowe Gallery (328 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-9203) has beautiful and unique hand-made pieces for purchase, as well as Art in the Yard (through September 28) and Earrings Galore (through December).
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 Common Interests—Barns, Beaches, and Boats—with work by Jacalyn Beam (oil), Howard Eberle (transparent watercolor), and Steve Rogers (acrylic). 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 through October 8—a major retrospective of Delaware artist Rebecca Raubacher; Inklings—by award-winning Pennsylvania artist Lynnette Shelley (Tubbs Gallery); an exhibition by the RAL’s former Exhibitions Director, John Mosher, titled Pareidolia (Ventures Gallery); and Of Course You Did! featuring works by printmaker Jonathan McFadden (Homestead Gallery). Their website also lists a wide variety of on-going classes—including Acrylic Painting or Watercolor Basics (both starting September 26) 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 28; October 5); Saving Our Shore Line (September 21).
Ward Ellinger Gallery (CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard, 39 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2710) resides in the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard and features art in different mediums by Ward Ellinger and Sondra N. Arkin.