Book Launch Party: Frederick author pens

YA novel ‘Holly Horror’

Michelle Corpora’s latest book, “Holly Horror,” is the first in a YA series from Penguin Random House and is a new, dark take on the classic character Holly Hobbie.

It tells the story of Evie Archer, who, after her parents’ painful divorce, hopes that moving to Ravenglass, Massachusetts, is the fresh start her family needs. But Evie quickly learns about Holly Hobbie, who mysteriously vanished in her bedroom one night, and realizes her new home carries its own dark past.

Traces of Holly linger in the “Horror House,” as locals call it, and slowly begin to take over Evie’s life. A strange shadow follows her everywhere she goes, and Evie starts to lose sight of what’s real and what isn’t.

Can Evie find out what happened the night of Holly’s disappearance? Or is history doomed to repeat itself in the Horror House?

The book was released Aug. 15.

A launch party will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at New Market Plains Vineyard, a historic vineyard that may or may not be haunted. Corpora, who is based in Frederick, will give a brief reading from the book. Copies will be available for purchase and signing while supplies last.

Wine from the vineyard will be available for sampling and purchase, and simple refreshments will also be available. All ages are welcome. Learn more about the author at michellejcorpora.com.

Theater auditions

www.frederickchorale.org

Shepherd University’s Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players will hold auditions for the Renaissance tragedy “‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore” by Shakespeare’s contemporary, John Ford, at 8 p.m. Aug. 23 and 24 in Reynolds Hall. Community members 16 and older are welcome to audition.

The play depicts many of the same themes as “Hamlet” — abuse of power, adultery, incest, murder and revenge. Multiple roles are available, both large and small, for all genders and levels of experience and a diverse cast is highly desired. There’s also a need for tech crew, dancers, choreographers, musicians and visual and video artists.

For more information, contact Betty Ellzey at bellzey@shepherd.edu.