University City Review - Digital Edition - 09-09-2020

Homeless set to decamp today, with a little “help” from their municipal friends

By Christopher Doyle

The city announced last Monday that people living he homeless encampat the encampment on the ment on the Parkway is Benjamin Franklin Parkway, set to be put to an end formally named the James Wednesday, but the hardship Talib-Dean Camp after a late experienced by camp residents encampment organizer, would is far from over – and among have to clear the area by 9:00 advocates’ most pressing con- a.m. on Sept. 9. People living cerns is whether the city will at two affiliated encampments use physical force to clear the – one by the Philadelphia camp some have called home Museum of Art and another for almost three months. just outside the Ridge Avenue

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headquarters of the Philadelphia Housing Authority – also must leave their camps at that time. Mayor Jim Kenney said in a press release accompanying the eviction notice that clearing the encampments was necessary to protect “the health and safety of all involved.”

Sterling Johnson, an encampment organizer, said that he feared the city would resort Homeless man waves goodbye.

SERVING THE WEST PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY

to violence if people remained

SEPTEMBER 09, 2020 in the camps past the eviction

www.ucreview.com

Lowe’s grand reopening: “The Come up is greater than the setback”

By Nathaniel Lee UC Review Correspondent

reopening celebration outside of its 50th and Jefferson location and invited the public and onths ago, the city elected representatives of the witnessed the devarea to join them as they celastating protests ebrated the occasion. And so, and subsequent riots which they did. saw many of the businesses “Twelve years ago, there on the 52nd Street business was nothing out here,” said corridor looted and razed, Senator Vincent Hughes to the Lowe’s was among them. The hundreds gathered to join in nation watched in horror and the festivities. disbelief as looters emptied “I want you to imagine noththe shelves and destroyed the ing out here, Just vacant land. premises as news cameras Just nothing. No building, no Lowe’s West Philadelphia. Courtesy of Goldenberg Group recorded them live and many parking lot, just a bunch of citizen journalists capturing rubble,” Hughes said. the moment with their camera “But because of community pen.” “[It was] the first concept of phones posting images on folks, and elected officials, its kind, not just in the city of Hughes said that the comtheir Social media pages. businesses came together and mercial complex was a first in Philadelphia, not just in this Well, Lowe’s is back! On Sat- said, ‘We have a dream and the nation of its kind. urday, Lowe’s held a massive we’re going to make it hapcontinued on page 4

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Boxers’ Trail Gateway honors legendary Philadelphia boxers New Signage Tells Neighborhood Stories

By Haywood Brewster Staff Reporter

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airmount Park Conservancy and the Strawberry Mansion community gathered last Wednesday in East Fairmount Park to dedicate a modern monument to local boxing greats. The Boxers’ Trail Gateway at Dauphin and Greenland Drives, an underutilized structure, has been revitalized and improved to honor Philadelphia’s legendFrazier, Jr., son of Joe Frazier, helps dedicatennew gateway. Photos courtesy of Fairmount ary boxers, including favorite Joe Park Conservancy. son Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

“We’re honored to be able to Trail in Fairmount Park with Strawberry Mansion and boxshare the story of the Boxers’ the help of our friends in the ing communities,” said Maura

McCarthy, Ph.D., Executive Director of Fairmount Park Conservancy. “We hope this exciting new gateway offers a place for both reflection and inspiration from the athletes who paved a path for future generations.”

In collaboration with local agency Little Giant Creative (LGC), the Conservancy installed a series of informative panels on a pergola structure to celebrate the Boxers’ Trail, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department’s boxing programs across the city, and Philadelphia’s rich boxing history.

“On behalf of the Frazier family, we want to thank you

continued on page 8

deadline.

“I’m sure they’ll violently do it,” Johnson said. “It’s happened many, many times over the years.”

The city has already cleared two other homeless encampments since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Philadelphia in March – one at the Philadelphia International Airport and another at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Philadelphia Housing Action, which is the coalition of progressive groups organizing the encampments, held a demonstration outside Kenney’s home Sunday to protest against the impending eviction.

Kenney, on his part, has said that he hoped residents would “voluntarily decamp and avail themselves of the beneficial services being offered” by the city. Officials have been seemingly reticent, X however, about any plans for clearing the ...camps if people do not voluntarily decamp.

A city spokesperson could not be reached for comment on whether force would be used to clear the encampment.

The city has issued an eviction order twice before to resiPage x dents at the Parkway camp, which was established in midX June, in part as a Black Lives ...

Matter-inspired protest for affordable housing. The first order, issued July 10, was postponed to allow for the mayor to try negotiating with camp organizers directly. The seccontinued on page 2

FUTURE OF LIVE MUSIC

One sector deeply affected by the onset of the coronavirus is the live event industry...

Page 4

POLITICS ....................................3 FUNDRAISER...............................5 NOTES ON MUSIC .........................7 CLASSIFIEDS .............................11

2 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • SEPTEMBER 09, 2020

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neither he nor his Philadelphia Housing Action continued from page 1 colleagues were given advanced notice of the ond, issued Aug. 17, was city’s eviction order. postponed in response to “We’re pretty sura petition for injunction prised at what [the city] ďŹ led in federal court by announced [last] Moncamp residents. A U.S. day, because we were in district judge denied that negotiations with them,â€? injunction petition on Johnson said. “We were Aug. 25, clearing the way in the middle of coordifor Wednesday’s evicnating a meeting with tion.

[City Council members Johnson said that Brooks and Gauthier].�

Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Jamie Gauthier had been mediating talks between city oďŹƒcials and Philadelphia Housing Action leaders for two weeks when the city posted its latest eviction notice.

The freshmen councilmembers told The Philadelphia Free Press after the Aug. 25 court ruling that they were still hopeful a “peaceful resoChicken • Turkey • Beef Goat • Lamb Chops • Rabbit lutionâ€? could be reached.

Honey Turkey Ham They even expressed Ribs (Beef & Pork) some positivity after the Bacon (Turkey, Beef, Pork) latest eviction notice was Sausage (Turkey, Beef, Pork) Fresh posted, saying that they Steaks • Eggs would “continue to work towards a comprehensive agreement.â€?

Despite the current potential for hostility, the We accept EBT/Credit Cards city has tried to accomcontinued on page 10

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tana, PHEAA Board Vice Chairman. “If additional funding is needed, PA Forward is a great option to consider.�

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SEPTEMBER 09, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 3

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Review UNIVERSITY

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WE WILL NEVER FORGET

218 South 45th Street

218 South 45th Philadelphia, PA Street, 19104 Philadelphia, PA 19104 Tel (215) 222-2846 Tel (215)222-2846 Fax (215) 222-2378 Fax (215)222-2378 Email

World Honey Bee Day – Another Reminder that 40 % of Insect Species monitoring alone. are conducted every day, Now Threatened With Extinction Since 2010, there has many are missing two

By Kathleen Rogers and Dr. Anne Bowser

at the local or global scale.

And without our help, professional researchorld Honey ers can’t speak strongly Bee Day came enough to advocate for and went, but the policies we need to it wasn’t a celebration: reverse current trends. over 40% of insect speOne obvious solution to cies are threatened with both challenges is citizen extinction. Thanks to sci- science, which brings the ence, we know exactly public into the research why: habitat loss, polluprocess. Through crowdtion from pesticides, inva- sourcing, citizen science sive species, and climate leads to more data, inchange all play a sigcluding from places that nificant role. But because professional researchers professional scientists cannot always access. Citonly have so much time, izen science also provides they cannot always collect an opportunity for the all of the data needed to people who contribute to understand where difresearch to advocate to ferent species are or how drive direct change, letpopulations are changing ting their voice be heard

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through direct actions that can solve global problems.

Estimates of the number of people who engage in citizen science vary wildly but conservatively tens of millions of students and adults do some form of citizen science every year. Citizen science happens in schools, in informal education settings like museums, through corporate social responsibility expeditions, and in people’s backyards. So, too, the economic value of citizen science projects is uncertain, with some estimates calculating the value in the billions of dollars for biodiversity

been a significant rise in the number of peer reviewed publications that mention citizen science. But the impact of citizen science reaches far beyond the production of data. It is a powerful form of experiential learning for everyone, children and adults alike. It also supports an enhanced scientific literacy among different public community members. Engaging people in citizen science and making research data open also democratizes science, which can increase belief and trust in science.

But while thousands of citizen science projects

key elements: first, providing access to comprehensive open source data, and second, providing pathways for participants to engage their governments through civic action. Without these two elements, citizen science misses an important opportunity to advance scientific research and limits the potential to deepen the public’s engagement at the intersection of science and public policy.

A new citizen science project, Earth Challenge 2020—led by Earth Day Network, the Wilson Center, and the U.S. Department of State—takes continued on page 9

Eligible Unemployed Workers Will Start Receiving Extra $300 Weekly Benefit As Early As Monday, September 14

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arrisburg, PA – Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak today reminded unemployment compensation claimants who apply and qualify for the federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program that they will begin receiving the extra $300 weekly benefit as early as September 14, 2020.

L&I announced on Friday that Pennsylvania finished implementing the LWA program several weeks ahead of schedule.

Under federal guidelines for the LWA program, only individuals who are fully or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 disruptions may apply for this benefit.

To qualify for the extra $300, the LWA program also requires that eligible individuals must have a benefit rate and dependence allowance totaling

$100 or more per week in benefits, and must receive a benefit payment for each week from one of the following qualifying programs: • Regular Unemployment Compensation (UC); • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC); • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA); • Pennsylvania Extended Benefits (EB); • Shared Work or ShortTime Compensation (STC); and • Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA).

Individuals receiving benefits from these programs, with the exception of PUA and Shared Work, will need to apply for LWA by certifying one time only that their unemployment is due to COVID-19. PUA claimants do not have to apply

because they previously certified they were unemployed due to COVID-19 and will receive payments automatically.

Employers in a SharedWork program must provide the required certification on behalf of all participating employees.

Claimants who need to complete the certification process should visit www.uc.pa.gov/ certand log in using their PIN as if they are filing a biweekly claim. Select the “Complete LWA Certification” button and fill out the certification.

Again, this certification only needs to be done once.

LWA payments will be made in one lump sum for the previous claim weeks below: • August 1, 2020; • August 8, 2020; • August 15, 2020; • August 22, 2020; and

• August 29, 2020.

Individuals who may qualify for LWA but have not yet received payment for an approved week from a qualifying program should still apply as soon as possible.

At the time benefits are paid from a qualifying program to an individual for any of the approved dates, the LWA payment will follow one week later if the individual has already completed the LWA certification.

The temporary LWA program runs through December or until the federal funding is depleted. Pennsylvania will make public announcements when the final payment date is known.

For updates on the LWA program, visit www.uc.pa.gov or follow L&I on Facebook or Twitter.

CITY

editor@pressreview.net Email newsdesk@pressreview.net editor@pressreview.net graphics@pressreview.net graphics@pressreview.net Editor & Publisher Editor Publisher Robert& Christian Robert Christian Associate Publisher Assistant Editor Claudia Christian Jack Firneno Bookkeeping Associate Publisher Alexandra Christian Claudia Christian Graphic Designers Bookkeeping Kelly Kusumoto Tina Davis Kasia Gadek Graphic Designers Contributing Writers Kasia Gadek Bob Behr Kelly Kusumoto Haywood Brewster Marc Holmes III Contributing Writers Richard Lord Dea Mallin Nicole Contosta Thom Bob Nickels Behr David HaywoodTraub Brewster Napoleon F. Kingcade Columnists Nathan Lerner JohnMallin Lane Dea Henry Lazarus Thom Nickels Tim Legnani Contributing Editor Paulina Malek Thom Nickels Columnists Correspondent Jennifer Jones Nicole JohnContosta Lane Nathaniel Lee Henry Lazarus KamSales Williams Claudia Christian Sales Claudia Social Christian Media Tim Legnani Kelly Kusumoto Social Media Kelly Kusumoto

Mary Allegra Tribute The University City Arts League will be dedicating the “Mary Allegra Studio” and unveiling a plaque with her photo and 25 of the plays she adapted and directed at the Arts League from 1985 to 1992.

Zoom presentation

Saturday September 12 , 2 - 3:30 P.M. There will be a video, speakers, and an opportunity for people to share memories.

Please spread the word!

For more information or to get the Zoom Link, contact

Frank Allegra, (215) 519 9350, utestpreps@comcast.net

4 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • SEPTEMBER 09, 2020

LOWE’S

placed in urban neighborhoods but in suburbs continued from page 1 and rural areas. Twelve years ago, that changed.

It just didn’t happen, region, not just in the state but in the country. I Lowe’s wasn’t lookwant you to understand ing for an urban community to plant a new that it was the first time that anyone like a Lowe’s store, it was the result of a collected effort of has made a decision to those committed to the plant their corporate interests in the neighbor- economic improvement of their community and hood.” years of persistent strugHughes said that corgle which encouraged porate giants weren’t

COVID-19: Musicians, Production Pros Struggle Over Future of Live Concerts

veteran of the live event business, said. “I was OK for the last few months when I was collecting unne sector deeply employment but started affected by the to freak out about what I was going to do when onset of the the $600 compensation coronavirus is the live event industry. And now, ran out at the end of July.” a resurgence in positive While restaurants can cases suggests a return to concerts, festivals and limit seating and rely on takeout business and conventions — events hotels can reduce capacwhere large numbers of 4424 Market · 386-3293 4424 Market Street ·Street 215-386-3293 ity and institute social people congregate in a distancing measures, the confined space together In West Philly Since 1970 control control programs. programs. live event industry can — may be on hold until Healthy & Sick Pet Visits only reopen, in earnest, 2021 and beyond.

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8-6M-Th Sat 9-noon 9-5 • F-SatSunday 9-noonClosed Exp. 3/31/11 Exp. 3/31/11 a chance. happened and this flag Then earlier in the year, was planted, the Lowe’s UPSTAIRS & DOWN after so much work, after flag and ShopRite flag so much organizing on and others,” he said.

Fast Quality Hair Ser vice behalf of the community, Jones told of a former after so many efforts to addict who received a secure the land and make second chance thanks to it happen, Hughes said, employment by Lowe’s “So when the devastawho took a chance on Tuesd tion happened that last her and as a result was SENIO ay R Haircuts DAY weekend in May, it had able to beat an addiction $ 1 0 ALL DA Y! a bigger impact than just which has held her in Omar • Lanzo • Rasheed • MOE • Aaron a store or a series of store its grips for a decade or being violated because more.

Mon - Sat 9:00am to 7:00pm • Walk-ins & Appointments the impact was that “That’s what this rep4252 Lancaster Ave., Phila, PA 19104 • 215-416-8544 you’re messing with our resents,” he said.

V I S A • MC • EBT • AMEX • DISCOVER • DEBIT dream, you’re messing “I am excited, I have with our vision, you’re gratitude and appreciamessing with what we tion today for Lowe’ know we can do when s and what I am grateful we come together and for is that they have demake a decision to recided to stay,” said AnFree Month Rent build a community.” drea Custis of the Urban Hughes applauded the League of Philadelphia.

Open 7 Days executives at Lowe’s for Custis said that Lowe’s deciding not to pull up now has what is the Great Rates stakes and move elseequivalent of a brandwhere which, he said, new store with the latest they could have easily technology. done.

“It is a store that has “You stayed and you been totally rebuilt and committed, and you are for the brothers and sistelling the next chapter in ters to continue to shop this by reopening today,” and get the things that he shouted. they need and so I want 5500 Sansom Street (at 55th Street) Beside Hughes stood to thank Lowe’s,” she Councilman Curtis Jones said. whom Hughes repeatNot only did Lowe’s edly credited for his hard plant a store in a commuwork in the community nity that needed it, hirand making such entering among the residents prises as Lowe’s possible. of that community and “I don’t think the providing services to that brother sleeps because same community, but he’s up texting me 3 they also are major supand 4:00 in the mornporters and contributors ing,” said Hughes with a to the residents and comlaugh. munity organizations To cover local stories and community “If he can’t sleep, I operating there, she said. guess I shouldn’t either,” During the rebuildmeetings in Center City and University City.

Hughes said. ing efforts after the riots, Please send resume & cover letter to Bob Jones recalled the days Lowe’s took the front in which things weren’t lines to help in rebuildChristian, Editor at editor@pressreview.net so nice in the area where ing efforts to repair the Lowe’s is now located. damage done to the

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LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY ORIENTED FREELANCE WRITERS

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A sound engineer mixes audio for a packed crowd in 2019. (Courtesy Francesca Cecala)

I was able to find a new job [as a marketing manager for a coffee shop]” Cecala said. “However, the pay is nowhere near what I should be making this summer as a sound

engineer.”

Both behind-the-scenes technicians and artists who make their living performing are scrambling for replacement

businesses along the 52nd Street corridor.

“The other thing that I appreciate is that they gave us all of the supplies in West Philly to redo the whole block of Market Street and everyone came out. We had over a hundred volunteers and Lowe’s took the lead to help us to clean up the block,” Custis said.

Custis publicly thanked Lowe’s for itd support and sponsorship of the community.

“That’s what I’m talking about in terms of rolling your sleeves up and getting the work done,” said Custis.

“This is an incredible business community that has been here for decades, and to have Lowe’s here and for Lowe’s to have faith in this community, in both the residential and business community by being a part of everything that goes on here, has changed this community for the better in ways that people can’t even imagine so we are ever so grateful for Lowe’s and all off the other businesses in this community,” said Marjorie Ogilvie, president of the West Parkside Business Association.

“Approximately 17 weeks ago, the store in West Philadelphia went through a very, very unfortunate occurrence which included a total looting of that store,” said Damon Bennett, Lowe’s Philadelphia Regional Vice-president.

That forced the store to close its doors but that

wasn’t the end of the story.

“We went through an amazing rebuilding process in all of the store where all of the employees got together and essentially rebuilt the Lowe’s of West Philadelphia and I’m excited today, that today on September 4th, we were able to reopen for the community.

On the stage, Bennett thanked both Lowe’s and members of the community for working together and making the reopening possible.

“I think about 17 weeks ago and what happened to this building and what it looks like now, so thank you.

Please give yourselves a round of applause.”

To the employees of Lowe’s, Bennett said they not only are fighting through Covid-19, social distancing and the isolation that it brings, and social challenges faced by many in the nation but still showing up to work with positive attitudes.

“This is ultimately a great family that I am proud to be a part of,” he said.

As further evidence of Lowe’s support and generosity for the community, Bennett went on to hand a check for the amount of $1,000 to nearby Discovery Charter School.

Lowe’s had to overcome a lot to reach this point but, in the words of Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. and Senator Vincent Hughes, “The come up was better than the set back.”

continued on page 6

SEPTEMBER 09, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 5

Use your next road trip to become a more civic-minded family

By Quint Studer

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abor Day has just past, and so has that long-awaited road trip, for many families. If you’re wondering how to keep the kids occupied during the next long drive you plan (besides video games and bickering!), here’s a thought: Why not listen to a podcast from one of America’s thought leaders on building stronger communities? (Editor’s Note: you don’t have to wait for a car trip!)

Sound a little farfetched? It isn’t. Learning what goes into creating great cities and towns is fascinating for people of all ages.

There’s a movement right now toward localism and creating thriving places where people want to be. Creating a great community is a job best done by citizens— and civic-mindedness starts early. Why not take advantage of having the whole family together in one place, and make your road trip a fun, educational experience?

Another point to consider: School has been a bit, well, disrupted in 2020. Many parents are worried about what their kids might be losing, education-wise.

It won’t hurt them to learn about, say, the link between human connection and happiness…or why walkable cities beat car-centric ones…or how to build an urban forest.

(See? Fascinating!)

All this is why I created the Civic-Minded Family Series. It’s a spinoff of CivicCon (short for “Civic Conversations”), Pensacola, Florida’s speaker series designed to improve the civic IQ of citizens. CivicCon brings in some of the nation’s top thinkers and experts to educate people on issues they need to know in order to lay the groundwork for change inside the community.

Here are a few lectures you and your kids might enjoy listening to or even watching (well… not the driver) on an upcoming road trip: Andrew Davis Leveraging What’s

Classes, camps, parties & private instruction info@fap-fencing.com.

Beginner Classes Start August 31st.

Open Enrollment until September 14th.

Quint Studer

Special About Your Community After studying what makes American towns boom or go bust, Andrew Davis has found that most thriving communities have “staked a claim” by making themselves synonymous with a particular industry or lifestyle (e.g., Napa Valley immediately calls wine to mind, and Nashville is the home of country music). He identifies steps communities can take to focus their branding, create location envy, and attract more businesses. www. akadrewdavis.com Charles Montgomery Create a Happy City

by Connecting People Having spent roughly a decade doing research and urban experiments for his book Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design, award-winning author and urbanist Charles Montgomery says simple human connection is the key to making people—and cities—happier. Learn how government officials, developers, and urban planners can create environments that boost citizens’ social connection, community engagement, health, and general well-being. www.thehappycity.com Chuck Marohn What Makes America’s Strongest Towns Stand Out? Chuck Marohn is the founder and president of Strong Towns, host of the Strong Towns Podcast, and the author of several books, including Strong Towns: A BottomUp Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity. He will change the way you think about growth and development and talk about the ways we can make the lowest-cost,

Ages 8-80

highest-returning investments in our community. www.strongtowns.org James Fallows What Successful Communities Are Doing Right James Fallows served as former President Jimmy Carter’s chief speech writer and is an awardwinning author and a decades-long correspondent for The Atlantic. He spent years traveling the country in a singleengine prop plane. He says even though many Americans are worried about the direction of the country, local communities are getting things done: finding money to innovate their schools, investing in businesses and policies to revitalize their downtowns, and building better places for people of all different experiences and backgrounds. www.ourtownsbook. com Jeff Speck How to Create a Walkable City Jeff Speck is a city planner, urban designer, creator of the Governors’ Institute on Community Design, and former director of design at the National Endowment for the Arts. He advocates internationally for more walkable cities and argues that cities function best as a collection of small neighborhoods, each with their own places to live, work, shop, worship, and go to school. www.jeffspeck.com Peter Kageyama Does Your City Grab You by the Heart?

Peter Kageyama is the author of For the Love of Cities: The Love Affair Between People and Their Places and Love Where You Live: Creating Emocontinued on page 8

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MODERN OLYMPIC FENCING

THE ORIGINAL SOCIAL DISTANCING SPORT

Celebrate our 32nd Year with us!

A FUNDRAISING APPEAL Name: Address: Method of contribution:  Check (Please make checks out to either Philadelphia Free Press or University City Review, and mail to 218 South 45th Street, Phila., PA 19104. Phone 215.222.2374)  Credit Card Name on credit card: Address:

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Billing Address: If it is different from your address

You can also go to GoFundMe.com and search for “Keeping Community Papers Alive in Philadelphia”.

6 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • SEPTEMBER 09, 2020

MUSICIANS

“I think in order to feel safe I would just like to continued from page 4 see the numbers going down and stay down income. As positive consistently,” Eli Windercoronavirus cases surge man, a native of Bucks in certain communities, County and keyboardist the possibility that live for the band Dopapod, events will be back at some point in 2020 seems said. His band has had to put U.S. touring dates remote. on hold due to the coro-

navirus.

In lieu of live performances, some artists and bands have utilized the internet and social media to keep fans engaged.

“We’ve been recording songs individually at our houses and making these quarantine versions,” Winderman said. “We also were doing some Zoom hangs with the band and livestreaming them on Facebook. Other than that, we haven’t been doing much.”

For some artists, keeping fans engaged was easier in the first few months of the pandemic, but engagement has grown more difficult as social media content and livestreams have flooded the internet.

“I feel like there’s so much content flying around right now,” Winderman said.

As more states and

cities have opened up and people have been leaving their homes more often, the market for livestreamed events has also shifted.

“Things have been really tough,” Jordan Caiola, lead singer and guitarist for the Philadelphia-based rock band Mo Lowda & The Humble, said.

Caiola is set to release a solo project in early August.

“We tried to get out ahead of the whole livestream thing at the very beginning and were able to monetize it really nicely,” he said.

According to Caiola, over the past couple months, attracting a large enough audience to make livestreaming financially prudent has gotten more difficult.

“The livestream things have really slowed down,” Caiola said.

“Which, I think is natural. You have lots of rules lightening up a bit at this point and no longer have people completely cooped up in their homes planning their nights around the next livestream.”

As state and local governments lift business restrictions and relax social distancing guidelines, artists, event staff, and event promoters must balance economic security with health and safety.

“There’s no way I’d be able to put on a concert or festival in this environment,” Chris Mario, an event promoter and operator of the Luna

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Light Music & Arts Festival, said.

For Mario, lifting reopening restrictions without fully containing the coronavirus puts promoters like him in a difficult position where they must balance economics and ethics.

“I don’t think it’s fair to get other people sick,” Mario said. “We just can’t keep control of where everyone has been, and I would feel horrible and responsible if anyone got sick. There are just too many variables. We need to see a decrease in cases before I can even think about organizing a show.”

Even so, as a few event and gig opportunities begin to appear, desperation among event staff makes the decision of whether or not to work a festival or concert, despite the obvious health concerns, a difficult one.

“I would take it because I would feel like I can’t turn down any money right now,” said Cecala when asked if she would accept a job at a live event in the current environment. “But I would definitely be very nervous for every single attendee. I feel like I could keep myself safe. If I was the monitoring engineer or the [front of house] engineer I wouldn’t really need to come into contact with many people at all.”

Even at an outdoor event, different jobs would experience different kinds of risk.

“If I was a stagehand, I’d be a little more nervous because I’d be dealing with all the bands a lot more,” she said.

Aside from the precautions needed to produce an event safely, uncertainty remains around whether or not audiences will even show up.

“As long as the distance is maintained I would feel safe,” Lisa Meseroll, a music fan who regularly looked forward to live events before the pandemic, said. “But at the same time, how do you enforce maintaining the distance with large crowds? It would be tough even with extra security.”

Caiola and Mo Lowda & The Humble canceled three outdoor shows in the southeastern U.S. planned for the second week of July, just as cases began to spike in southern states. Despite the intended social distancing protocols at their shows, Caiola stressed the safety of both the band and fans was paramount and uncertainty surrounding their ability to keep people safe was the final straw.

“We canceled those out of respect for our own safety as well as others,” Caiola said. “I feel we have a bit of responsibility to not encourage group gatherings during this time, as much as we [expletive] miss it.”

For Caiola, it is becoming more and more difficult to remain optimistic about the fate of live concerts and festivals as the United States surpasses 155,000 deaths due to COVID-19.

“Now the reality of ‘when the hell will this ever go back to normal’ is creeping in heavily,” Caiola said. “It gets harder and harder to feel optimistic about what true live shows will be like when they return.”

Cecala plans on returning to live event work in the summer of 2021, but she fears a lack of precaution by the general public may push that back even further to 2022.

“If we could get everyone to wear a mask maybe we’d be able to have concerts again sooner but we all know that’s never going to happen,” Cecala said.

More pressing, though, is what will happen over the next several months as unemployment benefits are reduced and job opportunities remain few and far between.

“The rest of the year will be quite a challenge financially,” Cecala said.

“Pretty much every other production person I know is in the same boat. And most of them haven’t found another job yet and have no idea what to do.”

Please email any questions or concerns about this story to: editor@philadelphianeighbors.com.

SEPTEMBER 09, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 7

gether in Creativity. “Romeo and Juliette” is the subject on Sept. 11, 18, 25 via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 215-496-9722 or info@phillyshakespeare.org  The Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra’s new series Musical Jewel Box kicks off its season on September 13 at 4 p.m., presenting young violinist Bella Hristova in a performance of Mozart concertos plus conversations on the group’s YouTube channel. Ms. Hristova is in partnership with Young Concert Artists Inc.  The 24th Annual Phila.

Fringe Festival runs this year from Sept. 10 to Oct. 4 with more than 125 performances of featuring storytelling, films, visual art, circus-like acrobatic stunts and more, most of it online. Opening night at 7 p.m. will be a ticketed live premiere by choreographer/director/ writer David Gordon in his first new screen work in some 20 years, a virtual performance of 30+ Phila. artists working remotely.

Streaming free as of Sept. 11. A full Festival brochure is available online at fringearts.com or 215-413-1318.  Girls in Tech’s annual conference is set for Sept. 9 at 1 p.m., a non-profit dedicated to achieving gender equality in the tech world. Poppy Northcroft, a former engineer for NASA’s Apollo Program is among the speakers. girlsintech.org/ conference.  BalletX continues its series of pre-recorded and live performances that also offer classes for all ages and all degrees of skill. lectures, chats with choreographers and members of the BalletX company. Especially appealing and convenient

interviews with survivors, emergency medical workers and victims’ families.

9/11memorial.org/learn/ resources/oral-histories.  Something rare and wonderful comes our way on September 13 at 8 p.m., MCC Theater’s annual benefit gala “Miscast” normally not viewable on line, with Broadway stars of all persuasions performing show hits which they would never have been hired to do, such as Raul Esparza and Lin-Manuel Miranda singing the Anita/Maria duet “A Boy Like That” from “West Side Story,” Katrina Lenz in “If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof” and such other stars as Jonathan Groff, Jennifer Holliday, local boy Leslie Odom, Jr. Heather Headley and many more in this live-streamed, star-studded free stunner. youtube.com/mcctheater.  And as always we end our recommendations with the Met Opera’s free nightly streaming of full-length sumptuous operatic DVD’s with the world greatest opera stars in amazing productions, 7:30 p.m. each evening and avail-

able until 6:30 p.m. the following day: Sept. 9, Berlioz’s “The Damnation of Faust” with Curtis’s John Relyea; Sept. 10, Massenet’s “Cendrillon” starring AVA alumna Joyce DiDonato; Sept. 11, Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers” with Diana Damrau, www.penncampushairsalon.com

O

pera superstar mezzo soprano Joyce DiDonato, a graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts, chats with soprano superstar Christine Goerke on Sept. 9 at 2 p.m., a conversation between divas about opera and the changes the pandemic has brought to it, and what lies ahead and how we are all connected to each other by music. Information at 212-870-7492.

This Zoom event will also provide a preview of Ms. DiDonato’s Sept. 12 concert of “alluring and acrobatic arias” with piano and chamber ensemble, live from a castle on the Rhine, a part of the Met Opera’s new ticketed concert programs. 1:30 p.m. metopera.org.  Live opera is only a short hop away and Amici Opera Co. is the producer in their 22nd season. Verdi’s beloved “Aida” will be performed by young operatic voices with piano accompaniment and in costume, sung in Italian, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m., Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. Redeemer UMC, 1128 Cottman Ave. 215224-0257. Social distancing is guaranteed, hand sanitizer will be available, bring your own mask !  Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre has many months of treats in store with each month being devoted to a different Shakespearean play, featuring founder/Artistic Director Carmen Khan chatting and wielding her decades of experience in pushing this lively company to the fore among local classical troupes and also delving into the transformative powers of the Bard’s portfolio.

Scenes from past productions will be offered in programs of virtual education with the motto: To-

is their Sunday morning highlights reel of Dance@Home. balletx. org.  Also, on September 9, at 8 p.m., a chance to revel in country music with singer Margo Price performing live from Nashville with hits from her third studio album, “That’s How Rumors Get Started”. Ticketed. fans. com.  The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’ Virtual Science Cafe has experts on hand to show what asteroids and fossil records can teach us. September 10 at 5 p.m., naturalhistory.si.edu/events.  On September 11, a date never to be forgotten in our nation’s history, two programs of note: at 7:55 a.m., a streaming performance of “Table of Silence Project 9/11” by the Buglisi Dance Theater and Lincoln Center with non-profit Dance/NYC. Choreography by Jacqulyn Buglisi. lincolncenter. org/lincoln-center-athome.  Also, on September 11, available all day long, viewers can browse the 9/11’s Museums Oral Histories, a collection of documents and recorded

Matthew Polenzani and Mariusz Kwiecien; Sept.

12, Berlioz’s “Les Troyens” starring AVA’s Bryan Hymel; Sept. 13. Massenet’s “Werther” with Lisette Oropesa and Jonas Kaufmann. metopera. org. 

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BOXERS

careers of Bennie Briscoe, Joe Frazier, Bernard continued from page 1 Hopkins, and Matthew Saad Muhammad and for this honor and recog- provide a map of the nition,” said Joe Frazier, Boxers’ Trail. Other panels include tips on funJr. “I truly believe it is damental boxing moves never too late to do the demonstrated by amaright thing and as usual teur boxers from Athletic God is right on time.

Our father never made it Rec’s boxing gym as well about himself and the ac- as the creed of Joe Fraknowledgement of these zier’s gym.

With support from Art other illustrious Philadelphia boxers is also the Place America, the Conservancy and LGC colright thing to do.” laborated with the StrawThe original gateway berry Mansion comat Dauphin and Greenland drives was installed munity, the local boxing community, and family in 2008. Now, the newand- improved gateway members of the boxers to features custom lettering creatively tell the story of the Boxers’ Trail. reading, “Boxers’ Trail” “Little Giant Creative’s and a “shadow boxer” work is driven by a desilhouette. The panels sire to represent cities highlight the boxing

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with the nuance they deserve. Philadelphia is steeped in stories, many of which are still waiting to be told,” said Meegan Denenberg, co-founder of Little Giant Creative.

“We’re proud to lend our creative lens to tell this particular story with Fairmount Conservancy — to mount an interactive, compelling tribute to one of the world’s greatest fighters and the city’s wider integral boxing legacy.”

The Boxers’ Trail is a 3.8-mile trail with wooded and paved paths that winds through East Fairmount Park, creating unique views overlooking the Schuylkill River and providing access points to Fairmount Park for neighboring communities.

Deeply tied to Philadelphia’s boxing culture, the Boxers’ Trail is a place that many Philadelphia boxers, including Smokin’ Joe Frazier, have used as part of their training regimes. Legend has it that when Muhammad Ali wanted to challenge Joe Frazier, he came to the Boxers’ Trail because he knew that’s where he would find

Frazier.

The dedication of the Boxers’ Trail Gateway comes three weeks before the annual Boxers’ Trail 5K Walk and Run hosted

by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation with the support of Philly Races.

This year the annual race is going virtual. Participants are encouraged to run or walk the trail from September 19-26, 2020.

Registration is $20 and proceeds support youth programs at Mander Playground in the Straw-

berry Mansion neighborhood. Residents of Strawberry Mansion can connect with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation at PPRstewardship@ phila.gov for discount information. Learn more at boxerstrail5k.com.

PA FORWARD

signer if they do not meet minimum credit requirements. A creditworthy co-signer may also increase an applicant’s chances for approval and could result in a lower interest rate.

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To help students make more informed choices about their higher education funding plan and prevent unnecessary or excessive borrowing, PHEAA offers MySmartBorrowing.org. This free resource helps users understand how different career, school, and financial decisions made during the college-planning process can influence the total cost of their education and their ability to repay any student loans after graduation.

To learn more about PA Forward loans and submit an application, please visit PHEAA.org/ PA-Forward.

For more information on finding financial aid

to help fund postsecondary education, including tips, deadlines, and free financial aid workshops, visit PHEAA on Facebook at www.facebook. com/pheaa.aid or visit PHEAA.org. You can also view helpful financial aid planning videos at youtube.com/PHEAAStudentAid. About PHEAA Created in 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has evolved into one of the nation’s leading student aid organizations. Today PHEAA is a national provider of student financial services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guaranty, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach, and other student aid programs.

PHEAA’s earnings are used to support its public service mission and to pay its operating costs, including administration of the PA State Grant and other state-funded student aid programs. As the only major federal loan servicer with a nonprofit public service mission, PHEAA devotes its energy and resources to help ease the financial burden of higher education for its primary stakeholders – Pennsylvania students and families.

PHEAA conducts its student loan servicing operations nationally as FedLoan Servicing and American Education Services (AES). PHEAA operates its digital technology division as Avereo.

and in fact, inspired a local Chalk Art Festival continued from page 5 in downtown Pensacola tionally Engaging Places. less than three months later.

The senior fellow with the Alliance for Innova- www.fortheloveofcities. com tion inspires the audiLysistrata “Lyssa” ence with his passionate Hall stories of how grassroots Great Cities Have Great community change has Urban Trees made life better and Lysistrata “Lyssa” Hall happier for people in is the founder of Cloud cities across the counHall Creative Solutions try. His examples are in Phoenix, Arizona, and simple and achievable,

she has worked with many communities on tree ordinances and tree plans. She was instrumental as a planner and arborist in the green infrastructure around the light rail corridor in Phoenix. Here, she shares the importance of urban forests and strategies for growing them.

The best part of listening to these lectures is

continued from page 2

payment under new terms and conditions.

More than 2,800 borrowers took advantage of the PA Forward Student Loan Program and its benefits during the program’s first year, borrowing more than $40 million.

Program benefits include no application or origination fees, no prepayment penalties, multiple flexible repayment options, a .50% interest rate reduction as a graduation benefit for undergraduate and graduate loans, a .25% interest rate reduction upon enrollment in Direct Debit, and a biweekly payment option to promote positive repayment habits.

Earlier this year, existing PA Forward Student Loan Undergraduate, Graduate, and Parent Loan customers also received a permanent .98% interest rate reduction.

This means PA Forward Undergraduate and Graduate Loan borrowers were able to reduce their existing interest rate by 1.73% when combined with the program’s graduation and direct debit benefits, and PA Forward Parent Loan borrowers were able to reduce their interest rate in total by 1.23%, when combined with the program’s direct debit benefits.

While the PA Forward Student Loan Program does not require a co-signer if you have reached the age of majority in your state, applicants may benefit from a creditworthy co-

ROAD TRIP

continued on page 9

SEPTEMBER 09, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 9

ROAD TRIP OP-ED continued from page 8

continued from page 3

the discussions you and your kids will have afterward.

It’s a lot of fun to apply what you’ve learned to the cities and towns you pass through on your trip. People tell me that after listening to a couple of these lectures, their kids really enjoy pointing out big parking lots that could be put to better use, or commenting on how walkable a downtown is with all the shade trees.

Kids really do love to learn. Even younger ones grasp more than you think they will. And it’s great to know they’re learning something that will benefit us all in the future.

About the Author: Quint Studer is the author of Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America and founder of Pensacola’s Studer Community Institute. For more information, visit www. vibrantcommunityblueprint.com and www. studeri.org.

a step forward to address both of those issues. First, while some citizen science data is open source, it is not easily accessible to everyone in one place.

One solution is creating the Citizen Science Cloud, a one-stop-shop for citizen science data collected from a wide range of projects. Professional researchers can take advantage of open APIs, while everyday people can use data visualization and mapping tools to see what’s happening in their own communities.

Second, the Earth Challenge mobile app (available in the Apple and Google Play stores) directly links science to action, an opportunity to use technology and data to drive change that is unique in the citizen science world. Once a user contributes data, whether taking a photo of a bee or classifying photos of plastic in the environment, they can take country-specific civic engagement actions, such as signing petitions, that are focused on impacting

current policy decisionmaking processed at their national level. To address bee declines, for example, participants can petition their governments to ban certain pesticides, address agricultural practices that are decimating bee populations, or create habitats for bees and other pollinators. Guiding citizen scientists down the pathway of civic action builds a deeper relationship between critically important data and its natural outgrowth, strong science-based policy.

Citizen science projects, if created with solid hypotheses and engaging technologies, can aid professional scientists who are interested in acquiring more data and support global monitoring against targets like the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Engaging the public broadly in citizen science can also lead to stronger knowledge and deeper trust in science. Adding a civic action component to citizen science initiatives will build a broader, more diverse, and more active global community of ordinary people who will take action to save their

communities and the planet. Well-constructed citizen science, supported by open data and civic action, is a powerful force for the change our planet needs.

An Enjoyable REVerie: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

appeal to adults. And why not: it’s filled with wild-eyed young lovers, Kathleen Rogers is

By Richard Lord fairies, magic love juices President of Earth Day Contributing writer from a plant, amateur Network. The first Earth performers, the sting of Day on April 22, 1970, or a long time prejudice and the healactivated 20 million Amerinow, sowers of ing of forgiveness. It’s cans from all walks of life gloom have been the work that taught and is widely credited with telling us that the theatre us that “the course of launching the modern enis dead. In fact, Paul true love never did run vironmental movement.

Simon even mentioned smooth”, that “love EDN, the world’s largest recruiter to the environmen- this in a song he record- looks not with the eyes, ed with Art Garfunkel but with the mind” that tal movement, now works way back in 1966. The la- “the lunatic, the lover year-round with tens of thousands of partners in 192 ments have grown over and the poet are of imagthe last seven months of ination all compact” and countries.

Dr. Anne Bowser is the pandemic, but the glori- declared “what fools Director of Innovation at the ous corpse somehow these mortals be!” It also keeps fighting back. And taught us that there is a Woodrow Wilson Internaa recent performance tional Center for Scholars, magic in the very fabric of a classic Shakespeare of theatre that a playa quasi-government think tank. and the official memo- comedy seemed to be wright can use to weave cocking a snook at the rial to President Woodrow a truly enchanting piece. “theatre is dead” refrain Wilson. Her research exNot only is this one plores how new advances in by staging this classic at of Shakespeare’s most science and technology can Laurel Hill Cemetery. popular works, it holds A Midsummer Night’s lead to positive social and the honor of being the Dream is, without a environmental outcomes. most performed of the Outside the Wilson Center, doubt, the best chilBard’s plays in this cendren’s play ever writAnne has formal advisory tury, both in the US and ten. As with all great roles with the National Seworldwide. I myself children’s plays or chil- have seen over a dozen curity Commission on Ardren’s novels, its greattificial Intelligence and the versions of the Dream, on ness can be best meaUnited Nation’s Environstage (sometimes grassy sured by its enduring ment Programme. continued on page 10

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HOMELESS

they would use these transfers to “work with continued from page 2 members of Philadelphia Housing Action” modate the demands of to create a community encampment organizers. land trust, a corporaAlready, the city has tion which ensures trust promised to launch a properties remain affordnew Rapid Rehousing able for people with low Program and establish a incomes.

“Tiny Homes Village,” Johnson said that this a campus of miniature, planned transfer would but habitable houses not ensure the creation for people experiencing of a community land homelessness. trust that would be effecThe Philadelphia tive in providing camp Housing Authority, a residents immediate and state agency not fully permanent affordable under the control of city housing. government, likewise A source involved in responded to activists’ the negotiations said that demands. It announced a the disposition process moratorium on market- through which the city value sales of PHA prop- and PHA must transfer erties that would last as properties is too restricmany as nine months tive to allow for them to and pledged to conduct be immediately convertan independent study of ed into the permanent PHA sales practices in affordable housing that that time. And like cities activists are demanding. and agencies across the Addressing the city’s country, the PHA said it commitments to Philawould reform its police delphia Housing Acforce. tion generally, Johnson The city also reported said they could help that 111 people from some unhoused people, the camps have entered especially those with into shelters, residential disabilities. But overall, treatment sites, or the Johnson said that the city’s COVID Prevention city’s promises failed to Spaces, for at least some remove the structural period of time. obstacles to housing that A critical issue still keep Philadelphians in keeping Philadelphia homelessness.

Housing Action and the “We’re talking about city from an agreement people who are not disis a promised transfer abled, that go to work of vacant city and PHA every day, but might properties to affordable have some kind of barhousing nonprofits. The rier [to housing] like a city and housing author- criminal record or a preity have said they would vious eviction record,” put as many as 300 of Johnson said. “There are these vacant properno choices for them in ties up for transfer via the housing market.” a “Community Choice He also pointed to the Registration Program.” need to prevent further Officials specified that rent hikes, especially in

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gentrifying neighborhoods.

According to a 2016 Federal Reserve study, Philadelphia lost 23,628 affordable housing units available at a rental rate below $750 per month between 2000 and 2014, with affordable housing loss being particularly drastic in neighborhoods undergoing gentrification. And in 2016, more than half of Philadelphia renters were considered cost burdened, meaning

they pay more than 30% of their income on housing.

Johnson added that many of the city’s promises require people to subscribe to different programs that he said can degrade a person’s sense of independence.

“All these benefits that they’ve given, those are good for certain people, but there are a lot of people that just don’t want to be in an institution,” Johnson said. “There’s

something about just having autonomy and having belief in yourself and knowing that you can actually create something.”

“That’s what the most important part of this protest.”

Johnson said this need for both housing and freedom is closely tied to the calls for racial and social justice that have rung out across the country this summer. He said if the city does not work

to help to address these inequities, it will only pave the way to more hurt and unrest.

“From everything that has happened, from all the protests, from all the rioting, I think that, at the end of this, nothing has been learned, absolutely nothing has been learned about what actually needs to be done,” Johnson said. “The only thing that you’re going to get is more violence.”

REVERIE

evening belonged to Jahzeer Terrell, whose Lysander was convincing and engaging. Not only did Terrell handle Shakespeare’s poetry extremely well, but his facial gestures added emotional heft, something important in a Zoom presentation. Lysander’s beloved, Hermia, was nicely handled

by Lorenza Bernasconi, though her performance was not quite as compelling as Terrell’s. (This owes something, no doubt, to the fact that Lysander is simply more dynamic in the text.)

Fred Andersen was compelling in the small role of Hermia’s father, who sets off the main action by harshly forbidding these two young lovers to be together.

Linc Millard’s Demetrius was not as assured or engaging as Terrell’s Lysander, but still commendable. The strength of Julienne Marié’s Helena was already noted above.

Kirsten Quinn took on the double roles of Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, and fairy queen Titania, while Ellie Borzilleri doubled as Duke Theseus and Oberon, king of the fairies.

(This doubling of royal roles is a frequently employed strategy in productions of the Dream.)

Quinn’s Titania was admirable, as was Borzilleri’s Oberon. The two were able to capture convincingly the feel of a relationship gone deeply sour and in need of resuscitation. Indeed, in this rendition, we had the sense that Titania’s and Oberon’s squabble over possession of the Indian boy is a serious matter worthy of a royal clash.

Quinn and Borzilleri were not as strong in the guise of the mortal rul-

ers, but still carried off the assignment suitably.

(To be honest, Theseus and Hippolyta are arguably the two dullest characters in this play, and it’s a challenge for any actors to make much of them.)

Rudy Caporaso served up a supremely campy Puck. Flouncing about, often punctuating a line with the swing of a cocktail in his hand, this Puck was a brash figure who commanded the scene whenever he appeared. An interesting take on the character, but I don’t think I’ll be adding this performance to my list of favorite Pucks.

Neill Hartley handled most of Bottom’s lines with a smidgeon of gravitas. But does gravitas – even just a smidgeon - mix well with the frenzied elements essential to this character? What Hartley gave us was a rather subdued Bottom. Paired with Ruth Fischer’s unexpectedly patient Petra Quince, the parry-and-thrust of ham actor and fraught director was decidedly downbeat, which drained most of the humor from the wonderful scene where Quince assigns roles for a performance at the royal wedding.

The other “rude mechanicals” were, however, rendered nicely by Alexia Correa as Snout, Giacomo Fizzano as Flute, David B. Thomas as Starling, and Susan Moses as Snug. This team (with a more fitting Bottom from Neill Hartley) made the chaotic performance of the amateur players at the nuptials’ celebration much more successful than the assignment-ofroles scene.

Solid support also came from those serving in Titania’s fairy court, with Roxy Geers as

Peaseblossom, Juliana Luber as Moth, Shannon Cleary as Mustardseed, and Danielle Coates as Cobweb.

Ellie Borzilleri actually had a triple role in this production, music director being the third. Unfortunately, some of the show’s musical decisions were questionable. For instance, when Titania starts to nod off before Puck drizzles the love drops in her eyes, the queen’s entourage sings “Mr. Sandman”, a 1950s favorite. This worked nicely at the beginning, but it had served its purpose by the second stanza. It continued on until the end of the song – 24 bars too long.

An even more distracting musical decision was to conclude the evening with the cast joining together for a rendition of “I Only Want To Be With You” (Dusty Springfield’s first hit record). This came AFTER Puck’s perfect closing speech. Leaving aside the question of whether the song’s lyrics are actually in harmony with Shakespeare’s tale, we can ask why they would want to undermine the finality of Puck’s speech with such a number. The REV troupe would have been better advised to heed Duke Theseus’ plea to the ‘rude mechanical” players: “No epilogue, I pray you, for your play needs no excuse.”

Still, it takes more than pandemic distancing measures, irksome technical problems, and inappropriate musical intrusions to rob A Midsummer Night’s Dream of its enchantment. REV Theatre’s Dream was a welcome presentation that relieved the theatrical drought of these days. A big salute to them for that.

continued from page 9

stages) and screen. The most recent one was this past weekend, when the REV Theatre Company, a Philly-based troupe took it on. Fighting against the limitations imposed by pandemic precautions, as well as nonbiological challenges, the REV (under the direction of Rosey Hay) still managed to capture much of the magic of this delightful play.

The gremlins were clearly afoot that evening. (Or was it maybe … the aggrieved spirits of cemetery residents who had failed all their tests on Shakespeare back in high school?)

Whatever the cause (and the more prosaicminded may blame it on faulty Wifi ), the production was beset with a good many technical issues. Before the first lines could be uttered, some of the cast had to be steered indoors because the connections were so poor. And those who managed to stay in the open air at times fell victim to technical disruptions. Julienne Marié, whose Helena was one of the evening’s standouts, suffered unduly from these glitches.

The screen sometimes froze during Marié’s speeches, while at other times, her lines simply faded out. These dropouts even happened during an important moment when Helena was berating the other three young lovers for what she believes was their mocking of her.

Despite such problems, this production managed a fairly enjoyable Dream. The cast was solid, with no seriously weak links. The best performance of the

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