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Year 34, No. 34
Celebrating 34 Years of Community News
Author’s Corner: Azuka Theatre Presents Premiere of “Boycott Esther” by Emily Acker “Diary of a Single Mom” Hear Author Vanessa Jackson Speak on “Diary of a Single Mom: Learn How I Turned My Pain Into Power” May 10
zuka Theatre presents the world premiere of “Boycott Esther” by Philadelphia playwright Emily Acker. In an urgent response to the #metoo movement, Acker’s new work chronicles the aftermath of a young woman’s career once her boss, a
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Main Line Art Center’s “Art in Action” Page 7
South Street Spring Festival May 4 Page 11
World Premiere of “Polly Mope” Page 12
Alison Ormsby plays the title role in Azuka Theatre’s production of “Boycott Esther.” Photo/Johanna Austin/AustinArt.org Hollywood mogul, becomes enmeshed in a workplace sexual misconduct scandal. In a world where information is spread and opinions are formed in the click of a mouse, this hilarious drama begs the pressing question, what is our collective capacity for forgiveness? “Boycott Esther” is directed by Azuka Artistic Associate Maura Krause and stars Alison Ormsby (Esther), Alexandra Espinoza (Mary) and Steven Rishard (Barry Bloom). This new work runs from May 1 to May 19, with opening night set for Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 7 p.m. Azuka continues its pay-what-you-decide model for this show where audiences are invited to experience the art on stage and pay based on the value of their experience after. For reservations, visit www.azukatheatre.org. “Boycott Esther” runs 90 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for audiences 13+. Acker was inspired to create “Boycott Esther” in the wake of the sexual misconduct scandals that rocked the Weinstein Company. Acker was working for the company when the news broke. With the national scandal roaring through the company, her project was shelved and never saw the light of day. In the wake of the national discussion that erupted, she was compelled to write the play. “Once the news hit it spiralled quickly across the internet and media. That was right when we were on the cusp of selling our show. The larger controversy at Weinstein made it clear though the project wouldn’t move forward. After my first big break in TV, I had to take time to process all the hard work we did and how it wasn’t going to hit the next level,” said See Azuka Theatre Presents World Premiere of “Boycott Esther” page 4
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May 1 – May 7, 2019
Author Vanessa Jackson presents her book, “Diary of a Single Mom: Learn How I Turned My Pain Into Power,” on Friday, May 10 at 1:30 p.m. at Neumann University. he Cultural Arts Forum at Neumann University presents the final edition of Author’s Corner for the 20182019 season with author Vanessa Jackson and her book “Diary of a Single Mom: Learn How I Turned My Pain Into Power” on Friday, May 10 at 1:30 p.m. Vanessa Jackson retells excerpts from her book, “Diary of a Single Mom: Learn How I Turned My Pain Into Power,” which follows her experience and struggles as she strived for a better life. Jackson describes the book as not only an autobiography, but a story written to provide hope and encour-
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See Hear Author Vanessa Jackson Speak page 7
Orchestra Concordia Presents Free Concert May 10 rchestra Concordia will present the final concert of its season on May 10 at 8 p.m. at the Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA. The performance is free and open to the public, and is wheelchair accessible. Under the direction of conductor Gary White, the program will feature Philadel phia Orchestra French horn soloist Jeffrey Lang in Morceau de Concert for Horn and Orchestra by Saint-Saëns. The mostly French program will also include Fauré’s Pavane with guest choir Coro da capo under the direction of Marsha Core, L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2 by Bizet, Orpheus in the Underworld Overture by Offenbach, Coronation March from “Le Prophète” by Meyerbeer, and
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Elgar’s Serenade for Strings. By offering admission free performances at a convenient location, Orchestra Concordia strives to make superb concert experiences accessible to all. Orchestra Concordia is Orchestra Concordia Music Director and Conductor Gary D. White with Philadelphia Orchestra French Horn virtuoso Jeffrey Lang in preparation for the May 10 free concert by Orchestra Concordia. Photo/Greg Prichard a volunteer orchestra comprised of outstanding professional and amateur musicians from the Philadelphia area. They work together in an atmosphere of respect and See Orchestra Concordia Presents Free Concert page 8