Worcester Magazine September 20 - 26, 2018

SEPTEMBER 20 - 26, 2018 WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NEWS • ARTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE

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Fall Arts Preview

music • film • literature • theatre • arts

Milestone moments for Mechanics Hall, Hanover Theatre

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in this issue S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018 • V O L U M E 44 I S S U E 4

the cover

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Fall Arts Preview: Mechanics Hall and Hanover Theatre celebrate milestones.

Troy Siebels (left) of The HanoverTheatre and Robert Kennedy of Mechanics Hall.

Story on page 12 Photos by Elizabeth Brooks, Design by Kimberly Vasseur

37 All Hail the Lady Rainicorn: “Shaking It Up for POW! WOW!” fostered a creative drink competition in support of public art. 35 Last Call: Directors Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springe directed the film “Rodents of Unusual Size.” 46

Friday, Sept. 28 • The Great Hall @ Mechanics Hall Doors @ 6pm • Game @ 7 • Cash Bar • Door Prizes Silent Auction • $5000 in Cash Prizes Teams of 4 0r 6 people - $30 per person Limited spaces available. enter your team today @ cluesandbrews.com

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Ultimate pub trivia challenge A Fundraiser for Unity Radio

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Worcester gets exhilarated with music, arts festival: When a group of Woodland Academy teachers and music aficionados got together to brainstorm fundraising methods for student programming, the answer was obvious ... 33

news Worcester Red Sox celebration draws thousands R

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BILL SHANER

oughly 1,000 people came out to the Worcester City Common Oval to celebrate the deal struck by the Pawtucket Red Sox and city to move the Triple-A team to Worcester Monday night, while thousands more flooded Water Street in the city’s Canal District for a block party that saw fireworks shooting into the sky and friends and families soak up the festivities On City Common, state, city and team officials walked down a red carpet that spanned the length of the Common before addressing the crowd. Congressman Jim McGovern, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Mayor Joe Petty, city councilors, City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. and others joined Pawtucket and Boston Red Sox luminaries and legends on the carpet and on the plaza for the roughly hour-long ceremony.

Perhaps the highlight of the speaking portion, former Red Sox great Pedro Martinez stole the mic from PawSox President Larry Lucchino to say he has a new nickname for Worcester.

“This is going to be the heart of New England,” he said. “No longer the commonwealth. The heart of New England.”

Martinez’s remarks drew raucous applause from the crowd.

Shortly before he spoke, Lucchino broke the news that the deal had cleared all levels of approval within professional baseball, including the International League, Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball.

“It is now official,” he said.

The PawSox brought with them many notables who played with the Boston Red Sox, including Martinez, Luis Tiant, Dwight Evans and Jerry Remy, to name some.

Later, thousands filled a closed-

A crowded Water Street for the Canal District block party in celebration of the Worcester Red Sox. ELIZABNETH BROOKS

off Water Street for a block party to celebrate the occasion. The party included vendors, fireworks and a beer garden.

The event at City Hall featured an unveiling of five large banners hanging off the back of City Hall while Worcester’s youth orchestra played. The largest banner featured the names of all 10,000 people who signed postcards that were sent to the PawSox in attempt to woo the team. The massive campaign is credited as one of the turning points in drawing the team from Rhode Island. Food trucks, free Worcester Red Sox gear and mon-

tages of Red Sox baseball were also included in the celebration.

Some partygoers came in full costume. Devon Kurtz of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor wore a full replica uniform of the “The Worcesters,” the city’s national league baseball team from 18801882. The white cotton uniform came complete with an ornate blue “W” as a logo.

“We’re here to celebrate Worcester’s new baseball team” Kurtz said.

Police closed down the streets surrounding City Hall around 3 p.m., as crews set up for the party.

Booths, food trucks, banners and

jumbotron displays filled the common oval as people, many of whom were dressed in their best Red Sox gear, slowly trickled in.

The back patio of city hall featured a speaking podium that faced the common oval, as well as seating for dignitaries and an orchestra.

Across Church Street, a demolition crew began demolishing the structure of the historic Notre Dame des Canadiens church, a fixture downtown since its construction in 1929. The crew ripped the top of the front facade and the top of both front-facing spires before wrapping up work around 4 p.m.

Titled a “Grand and Glorious Civic Celebration” the city cast the party on the Common Oval celebrating a “marvelous and magical moment,” per a short write-up on a program passed to partygoers.

“Today, we recognize that the love in our hearts, the kindness in our souls, and the unity in our community have brought the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox to Worcester, Massachusetts,” the program read.

It also involved a large public subsidy. The PawSox and city agreed to a deal to construct an

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news

Laborers eye Worcester Red Sox deal for benefits agreement BILL SHANER

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City rendering of the project in the context of the surrounding neighborhood.

COURTESY

been happening to us and we haven’t had any say in it,” she said.

“But we finally as a community stepped up and said we need to have a say. That’s not something crazy or extravagant to ask for. It’s the moral thing to ask for.”

Stand Up Nashville was able to secure enough councilors who said they wouldn’t vote for the project without one to force the developer to the negotiating table.

In Worcester, that ship has sailed. Though many councilors said they want to see a community benefits agreement, and the Economic Development Subcommittee instructed the city manager to pursue one, the deal passed 9-1 without CBA language attached.

A spokesperson for City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. told Worcester Magazine the city has “made a C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 6

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The push for a CBA was led by an organization called Stand Up Nashville, formed by two local women to demand more from the project.

Co-Chair Odessa Kelly said by phone the group was able to leverage a broad base of community support on the city’s version of a council and then, ultimately, the developers.

“For too long development has

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organizers around the country to ensure that large economic development projects such as stadiums hen PawSox Chairman and ballparks directly benefit Larry Lucchino anresidents of the host city. Like nounced at the celebramany CBA agreements around the tion Monday that both country, Worcester is looking for Minor League and Major League Baseball approved the deal to build protections for local union laborers, preference for local vendors, a $90 million ballpark in Worcesenvironmental protections and ter, he said with enthusiasm, “It’s protections for the neighborhoods official now.” immediately around the ballpark In that moment, he closed against rapid gentrification and the book on more than a year of mostly secret negotiations between displacement.

Perhaps the most high-profile rethe team and the city. But a new cent example of a CBA is in Nashnegotiation is just beginning, and ville, where organizers secured an it’s the city, team and developers agreement attached to a $275 milon one side of the table, and the lion Major League Soccer stadium. community on the other.

The agreement, signed Sept. 3, dic“We still think there’s time for tates more than 30 benefits for the the city through this community community under three categories: benefits agreement to sign off on things that make this even a better jobs and workforce development, affordable housing and community deal,” said Worcester Community services.

Labor Coalition Co-Chair Frank On the affordable housing Kartheiser. front, the agreement sets aside 20 The coalition is one of local laborers, local businesses, activists percent of the housing units in the and organizers that have coalesced development for incomes. On the jobs front, they secured a $15.50 to demand what’s called a comminimum wage for all workers at munity benefits agreement – a the park, as well as responsible document that, ideally, includes contractor language that includes assurances from the developers, provisions for hiring local union city and team, that they will hire labor that offer apprenticeship locally, buy locally, and offer a fair programs. They also secured a daydeal to employees, among other care facility on the site, as well as protections.

Community benefit agreements storefront spaces reserved for local vendors and artisans. are an emerging tool used by

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news C E L E B R AT I O N

development district around the ballpark. The district is slated to include two hotels, an apartment building and retail and restaurant $86-90 million ballpark on vacant property in the Canal District. The space.

The city will own the ballpark, deal was announced in mid-August called Polar Park, via the Worcester and was approved by the City Redevelopment Authority, and the Council by a vote of 9-1 last week.

PawSox will manage the space.

It requires the city to take out a City officials say the project will $100.8-million loan, of which the not lead to an increase in taxes, team will contribute roughly $36 and it won’t so long as revenue million, and the rest will be paid generated from parking, taxes and for by real estate taxes, parking other fees exceeds the annual loan fees and other revenue from the C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4

payment of roughly $3 million.

City officials project a $770,000 surplus in the deal’s first year, and anticipate generating a $22-million surplus over the course of the 30-year loan.

Outside economists have panned the predictions as shaky, and say the city accepts too much of the financial risk with the public subsidy, which dwarfs others at similar parks.

Councilor Konnie Lukes, the only councilor to vote against the

project, made those risks a key part of her opposition at the meeting last Wednesday. Other councilors said the risks are worth it.

Lukes was also the only city councilor not in attendance at Monday’s event. She cited personal reasons for not attending.

Petty opened up the speaking portion with excitement in his voice.

“Are you guys ready to party?” he said. He praised the deal as a community effort that will change the

economic landscape of the city for a generation.

Polito called the deal part of Massachusetts and Worcester’s “winning way” of doing business.

“And it’s the only way we’re going to continue to move a city like this forward in this commonwealth,” she said.

Augustus received a standing ovation from those on stage as he addressed the crowd.

“This moment right now is my proudest as city manager,” he said.

He framed his comments with references to the famous Ernest Lawrence Thayer poem “Casey At The Bat.” To end his speech, he delivered a revised ending to the tragic poem.

“Oh somewhere in this favored land, the sun is shining bright, the band is playing somewhere and somewhere hearts are light,” he said. “And somewhere men are laughing and somewhere children shout, and that somewhere is Worcester, for today there is no doubt. Congratulations, Worcester.”

Bill Shaner can be reached at 508767-9535 or at wshaner@worcestermag.com. Follow him on Twitter @ Bill_Shaner.

Walter Bird Jr. contributed to this story.

LA B O R E R S

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commitment to do a CBA.” Nashville organizers said the two most difficult concessions to get — affordable housing and language requiring good contractor hiring — would have been a lot harder without the leverage of a council vote. Without that pressure, the CBA would have been community benefit in name only, said Co-Chair Anne Barnett.

The original contract proposed by the developer had things they were already going to do anyway, including donating soccer balls, holding a soccer camp and other charity-oriented missions.

“The only time we saw concessions were right before the council vote,” said Barnett.

Bill Shaner can be reached at 508767-9535 or at wshaner@worcestermag.com. Follow him on Twitter @ Bill_Shaner.

news Demolition starts on Notre Dame Church building

BILL SHANER

BILL SHANER

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fter a long period of environmental remediation and prep work, demolition crews began the attack on the Notre Dame des Canadiens structure Monday afternoon. By late Tuesday, most of the structure, there since 1929, had been reduced to rubble.

Although it had been a foregone conclusion for several months, the sight of cranes tearing down brick and mortar from the former Notre Dame Church at 5 Salem Square in Worcester Monday — the same day the city was gearing up for a celebration of the Worcester Red Sox mere yards away on City Common — was striking.

The church bell was removed last week. It will be given to the city of Worcester as a memorial.

The demolition comes after a protracted fight between the property owner, Hanover Insurance, as well as the city, and a group of preservationists who coalesced around the name Save Notre Dame Alliance. The group made demands that the city buy the building to keep it from demolition, and filed legal action against Hanover Insurance to keep the building up.

The fight stretched for months, but by early June, when Mayor Joe Petty announced the city would not do anything to intervene in the demolition, the historic building’s fate was all but sealed.

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worcesteria

THAT’S NOT HOW THIS WORKS: Disappointed to see some School Committee members pull a completely undemocratic stunt to block consideration of a new sex ed program for the city’s middle schoolers. The “Making Proud Choices” model, used around the country, was slated for a subcommittee meeting last week, but two members of said subcommittee decided they didn’t like it — yes, I’m looking at you John Monfredo and Brian O’Connell — so instead of holding the meeting to say why and allow for public debate, they canceled it, and instructed Superintendent Maureen Binienda to come back with something they personally like more. That’s, uh, not how this should work guys. Especially when the lack of comprehensive sex ed in the district is so serious a problem that it makes it into the mayor’s inaugural address. What makes it even worse is their problem with the curriculum is that it is too loose and liberal with the idea of teens having sex. Because we’re back in the 50s all of a sudden. Hey, because I know you’re both going to read this: Teens have sex. Teens have lots of sex all the time and there’s nothing you can do about it besides offer good education so they do it safely and responsibly. You being personally uncomfortable with a lesson plan that tries to instill in kids, for example, that putting on a condom doesn’t have to be a lame, unsexy medical procedure – that’s a you problem. Don’t take it out on the kids, who suffer every day the district goes without good comprehensive sex ed. Reams and reams of empirical evidence show that. That should mean more than your personal squeamishness. Get over it and hold the open meeting.

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WHEREFORARTTHOU KONNIE LUKES: Those of you sober enough to be paying attention at the WooSox celebration Monday may have noticed there was only one city councilor that did not take the walk down that long, long, long, long red carpet. It was Konnie Lukes, who reportedly described herself as the “skunk at the picnic” in a conversation with PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino after she voted against the $100.8 million in public borrowing the ballpark requires. Some may have thought it was some big political statement, but no. Konnie told us the day after that she and her husband just didn’t really feel like going. So Worcester it hurts. For the record, neither did I, Konnie.

THE CANAL DISTRICT COME TO LIFE: The celebration at City Hall

may have been such a snoozer you couldn’t get Konnie Lukes out of the house, but the block party down at the Canal Distric was another story altogether. When I turned onto Water Street at Kelley Square, I saw a street stuffed with thousands of people while live music played, vendors slung greasy food and patrons packed restaurants from Lock 50 to the Ballot Box. It was seriously impressive. I have not seen the city come to (night)life like that in my years of getting drunk in and also living in this city. The recurring thought in my head was “this is Worcester? This is happening in Worcester?” Just the simple act of shutting a dense street like that off to car traffic and stuffing it with vendors made for a truly packed, festive urban experience. Though WooSox home games, especially opening day, would make for a good time to do that, I really don’t think people need a reason to show up other than the fact that’s where the party is. And there were plenty of city officials there taking it all in. I caught up with City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. at the beer garden and tried to put the bug in his ear they should shut down Water Street like that all the time. He said it’s likely they will. I also threw the Hail Mary pass of suggesting they temporarily waive the open container law to allow people to walk the stretch with drink in hand. I can’t quite remember his response — it was getting late, you see — but I remember it being a little less committal.

Bill Shaner, reporter wshaner@worcestermag.com Twitter: @Bill_Shaner

news

the beat

Bootleg WooSox gear was all the rage at the celebration Monday evening. John Guertin, of Guertin Graphics, set up a booth at the

Canal District Block Party, and Worcester Red Sox hats and shirts were selling fast. “Worcester is on a high,” Guertin said of the atmosphere surrounding news that the PawSox will move to Worcester in 2021 to play in a brand new stadium that will be built in the Canal District.

“They want to wear something related to the team.”

The Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. Charitable Fund will hold a fun-

draiser gala on Nov. 10. Funds raised by the $75 ticket will go toward programming and scholarships put on by the fund. Tarentino, an Auburn police officer, was murdered during a traffic stop in 2016.

Umass Medical School administered 27 “microgrants” to Worcester school teachers Monday. The grants, coming from a $38,000 pot, will be used for things like clubs, field trips and supplies.

The Worcester Fire Department will hold its annual Memorial Sunday on Oct. 7, at 9 a.m., by the memorial monument at Fire Department Headquarters on Grove Street. The service will honor members of the department who have passed away, including the 26 retired members who died over the past year.

Bramble Hill, a mansion formerly owned by Milton Higgins, sold to a developer for $820,000. The long-vacant mansion was constructed in 1901. It has been vacant since 2007.

The Massachusetts Tattoo Convention filled the DCU

Strong storms on Tuesday caused flooding in the usual locations Tuesday. Cambridge

Street, Webster Street and the Southgate Street area all saw heavy flooding, and officials warned drivers not to attempt the standing water.

Congressman Jim McGovern and District Attorney Joe Early, Jr.

Westboro’s plastic bag ban went into effect Monday, making the town the fourth

in the county to pass such a measure. The ban restricts retail stores from using any plastic bags, and is thought to encourage the use of reusable bags by shoppers. The ban is an effort to cut down plastic waste, which is a leading cause of pollution, especially in oceans.

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hosted a roundtable discussion on the opiate addiction crisis in the veteran community. The discussion took place at Veterans Inc. in Shrewsbury and focused on gaps in assistance, the need for increased services and how the federal government can better partner with the state and municipalities to provide adequate service.

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Center this weekend, bringing 200 artists from around the world as thousands came to sample work, meet artists and get tattooed.

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opinion editorial

Community embraces Worcester Red Sox

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S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

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t may not have been impossible, but it was hard not to get caught up in the moment Monday night as Worcester’s Canal District turned into Worcester Red Sox central. Music, fireworks, mothers and fathers cradling their babies, or wheeling their toddlers through the street.

Vendors hawking everything from sausages and hot dogs to books and Worcester Sox gear. A giant beer garden. The whistle of an approaching train near where a new Minor League ballpark will be built for the Worcester Red Sox. It was hard not to feel an extra pep in your step.

Earlier, a decent-sized crowd of at least several hundred filled the City Common Oval and City Hall plaza for a ceremony celebrating the Pawtucket Red Sox signing a deal to relocate to Worcester in 2021. Sure, the usual suspects made the obligatory speeches – City Manager Ed Augustus’s rewording of Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s “Casey at the Bat” was clever, and he soaked in a well-deserved standing ovation for negotiating the PawSox out of

Rhode Island — but the spotlight really was on the Boston Red Sox legends — and one, in particular.

Pedro Martinez had the crowd in the palm of his hand from the moment he emerged from behind a red curtain onto the red carpet — yes, perhaps a little overdone there — on City Common. And when he took the mic from PawSox Chair Larry Lucchino in what appeared to be an unscripted moment and declared Worcester the “Heart of New England,” he elicited a loud roar. Then he introduced none other than Big Papi himself, David Ortiz, who appeared by video to congratulate the city on joining the Red Sox “family.”

The entire affair — from the City Hall ceremony to the Canal District shindig — was, well, magical. Yes, there were critics and folks who scoffed at such an elaborate event. The name itself, “A Grand and Glorious Civic Celebration,” invited some guffaws. Yes, there are still critics of the $100-million-plus deal to land the PawSox in Worcester. It is unlikely the city or team won

over those who believe too steep a price has been paid, and that somewhere maybe years down the road the city will end up in the same spot as Pawtucket.

But that’s not really what the whole point of Monday night was.

It was to build on the clear momentum and obvious good vibe that has been felt ever since that fateful Friday afternoon when city and team officials announced they had signed an agreement to bring the team to Worcester.

It was to give those mothers and fathers, their children, the local businesses and others a chance

to show how they feel about it all. And judging by the partying that went on in the Canal District, thousands of people feel mighty good about the Boston Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate coming here.

Maye you thought the city and team had not promoted the celebration enough – and there were plenty in that camp, particularly with officials reluctant to publicly confirm just which Red Sox legends would appear. Maybe you thought only a few hundred people might turn out, because of the short turnaround (even though planning obviously had

started sooner, Mayor Joe Petty only announced the celebration less than a week ago after councilors approved the deal). Maybe you thought it was all just a bit over the top.

In the end, one thing matters: how fans and Worcester residents feel about it. On Monday, the answer was crystal clear: they love it. Before a pitch has been thrown or a bat swung - before a shovel has been dug into the ground on a new ball park - the Worcester Red Sox have found their new home.

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opinion

letters

Timing was bad on closing Mount Carmel Church

tigation in Vermont; the Pennsylvania grand jury report, which unmasked 1,000 child abuses; and the Chicago Archdiocese report that over $200 million was paid in abuse cases. How many more?

It’s a spiritual crises rocking the To the Editor: Catholic Church and not good timing for the Diocese to close a major It’s no surprise that decades of devastating predatory sexual abuse historical church and risk losing faithful parishioners. and lack of transparency within What does our bishop have to the Catholic Church hierarchy say about this? Is selling church has seriously damaged the trust of its parishioners. Unless the root property how Catholics are excause is cleansed and removed, the pected to pay off all these abuses?

Church may find itself bankrupt at Mount Carmel was one of the top the expense of those who are good revenue-generating churches a year before it was closed. It was priests and parishioners.

Consider the recent press cover- made safe and we see no real reason to close the church or to reseat age on coverups of the prelates at the parish. Mount Carmel Preserthe Vatican; the pope’s acknowlvation Society has been working edgement of the culture of abuse to keep this historic church from in Chile and Germany; criminal probes and cover-ups under inves- being demolished.

Mount Carmel Church has again

appeared on the state’s endangered list of historical buildings this year.

Rather than focusing on blaming the parishioners let’s ALL do everything we can to save it. It would be a travesty to see another building of this historic caliber crumble.

For more information, visit preserveourladyofmountcarmel. org/blog Angela Muise, Mount Carmel Preservation Society Shrewsbury

Not on board with ban on plastic bags To the Editor: Thanks a lot for your editorial on

plastic bags (“Slow down on plastic bag ban,” Aug. 2, Worcester Magazine). Nick and I strongly agree.

We occasionally go to Tanglewood for outdoor concerts and in the past few months, the town of Lenox, where Tanglewood is based, passed a plastic bag ban.

So, instead of using really pretty plastic bags with the Tanglewood logo, we were stuck with using ugly, awkward paper bags. We had always kept the Tanglewood bags and re-used them. Unfortunately the “nature nuts” had their way.

All we do with the paper bags is throw them out, which adds to our trash. We don’t recycle them, partly because sometimes there is food from the cafeterias. Tanglewood itself is not pleased but has no choice.

I say to the Worcester “nature nuts” please keep your eco-terrorist hands off our trash decisions. If

you want to use only paper bags in our own homes, that’s up to you.

Please don’t tell others what to do.

The “nature nuts” in the town of Shrewsbury also passed this ban, so when we are in Shrewsbury, if we need plastic we bring our own.

Bobbie Chase Worcester

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Milestone moments for Mechanics Hall, Hanover Theatre

STEPHANIE JARVIS - CAMPBELL

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n a recent Thursday morning, the sound of 19-year-old Samuel Long practicing on Mechanics Hall’s Hook Organ filled the thirdfloor Great Hall, while earlier in the day, Fallon Community Health Plan employees gathered downstairs for a meeting.

Just a few weeks prior, in late July at the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Summer Youth Program students were running through a full dress rehearsal of their upcoming “Beauty and the Beast” performance.

It’s not an uncommon occurrence at either of these two iconic institutions. Through recessions and struggles, closures and reopenings, both Mechanics Hall and The Hanover Theatre have found creative and innovative ways to utilize their spaces to ensure the buildings will remain open well into the future. While extremely proud of their origins as they celebrate milestone anniversaries (160 years for Mechanics Hall, 10 for Hanover) this year, these

institutions continue to grow, contribute to the atmosphere along Main Street and the theater district ­— particularly with a recently begun streetscape project — and play a vital role in the “renaissance” of Worcester.

“It’s important that both of these anchor the ends of Main Street,” said Mayor Joseph Petty, adding Mechanics Hall and the Hanover have “changed the whole dynamic of Worcester, especially in the theater district.”

“Imagine,” he said, “if we didn’t have those in the city. There’d be big, empty spots.”

It might be hard to picture, but that was almost the fate of the two buildings. Mechanics Hall, a building so esteemed it has been called by architectural historians one of the nation’s finest pre-Civil War concert halls, was forced to shut down in 1972 for several years. And the Hanover — built in 1926 by sought-after architect Thomas Lamb, who also designed the Opera House in Boston, the Capitol Theatre in New York City and hundreds more — was boarded up in 1998 for about a decade. But now,

Mechanics Hall is celebrating its 160th year and The Hanover, its 10th.

“They’re both critical,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. “Saving Mechanics Hall was such a huge benefit to the city. It allowed for the connection to the past. It continues to be vibrant for city life.”

And Hanover Theatre, he said, “was the spark of the resurgence of downtown, creating that entertainment venue that drew people back.”

SAVING MECHANICS HALL

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oday, Mechanics Hall at 321 Main St. stands out among other buildings within the city block, but when it was first taking shape in the mid-19th century, it was one of the only major ones on Main Street, said Kathleen M. Gagne, vice director and chief development officer.

The Worcester Mechanics Association, which was

feature started in 1885, and some music activity, but in order to keep the building running, it was rented for wrestling matches, roller skating, dance lessons, 4-H club meetings, and other sporting and community events – “Anyone who could rent, rented the building,” said Gagne.

In 1948, Mechanics Hall was put up for sale, with no interest, and again in 1952, but the buyer at that time backed out of the deal. Finally, in 1972, the Fire Department ordered the building to be shut down; ironically, Mechanics Hall would be placed on the National Register of Historic Places a year later, in 1973.

It wasn’t until the association was faced with a decision to raze or revitalize the building that the city helped raise $5 million to restore Mechanics Hall. The building reopened in 1977.

THE BIRTH OF HANOVER THEATRE

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ome years later, in 1998, it appeared the same fate would befall the oncegrand Hanover Theatre at 2 Southbridge St., which at the time was a National Amusements movie theater and unrecognizable from Lamb’s original design.

“This was born as a beautiful, ornate, historical vaudeville theater,” said Hanover President and CEO Troy Siebels, noting Lamb had created more than 300 such buildings in his career.

“Most of them are gone now. This one almost didn’t survive.”

Lamb had been commissioned by showman Sylvester Z. Poli, who created wax museums, vaudeville playhouses and theaters on the East Coast. After arriving in Worcester, he bought the Franklin Square Theatre,

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established in 1842 in Worcester – its descendants being the medieval guilds of Europe, desired a building of its own for the organization’s classroom, scientific and cultural activities.

The group entrusted Elbridge Boyden to design and construct the three-story building, and when it was completed in 1857, the Hall featured state-of-the-art mechanical systems and magnificent acoustics.

“They determined it was to be the showcase of Worcester history,” Gagne said, noting the intent of the building was to “showcase Worcester industry, but it would also be an inspirational space.”

For years, Mechanics Hall has been exactly that – a place for artists to perform, cotillions to be held and speakers to be heard.

Every Massachusetts governor has spoken here since it opened, and Mechanics Hall spurred the creation of organizations such as Music Worcester, which began in 1858 and is still in existence today.

“On Tuesday, you might be hearing Dickens. On Wednesday, you might be hearing Lucy Stone. On Thursday, you might be hearing pros and cons of issues in the workplace,” said Executive Director Robert Kennedy, who will retire Sept. 25 after 12 years of leading the organization and hand the title over to Gagne. “Women came here to speak, which was rather novel at the time. Massachusetts was a hotbed for the rights of slaves and for women. Everything took place here – whether you were for or against something, they let you speak.”

Eventually, however, the building fell out of use, and then into misuse. When the Worcester Memorial Auditorium opened in 1933, “We were already an old building,” Gagne said.

Mechanics Hall was still used for the travelogue series, which

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arts

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S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

Fall is a great time to get outdoors, but it also presents opportunities to escape the chill setting in by visiting the area’s many museums and exhibit spaces. From Fitchburg to Worcester, and beyond, here’s where to go to take in the arts.

GLOBAL AFRICA Ongoing Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Worcester Fitchburgartmuseum.org The Fitchburg Art Museum is proud to present GLOBAL AFRICA: Creativity, Continuity and Change in African Art, an exhibition of classic, contemporary and commissioned art objects including masks, masquerades with videos, photographs, carved portraits, textiles, metal arts as currency, and an interactive Learning Lounge for all ages.

DISCOVER ANCIENT EGYPT Ongoing Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Worcester Fitchburgartmuseum.org Designed to appeal to school groups and families, this interactive gallery introduces visitors to the wonders of one of the oldest and most accomplished civilizations in recorded history.

EVOKING ELEANOR Ongoing Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Worcester Fitchburgartmuseum.org This exhibition explores the art, life, and legacy of one of Fitchburg’s most beloved citizens: FAM founder Eleanor Norcross (1854-1923).

INSPIRED Through Sept. 23 Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester Patricia Glennon, Denise Hein, Kevin P. Lynch, Chris McGovern. Gallery hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Closing reception: Sunday, Sept. 23, 1-4 p.m.

SIMPLY SUNFLOWERS ART SHOW Through Saturday, Sept. 29 Booklovers’ Gourmet 55 East Main St., Webster

Free. Featuring artwork by members of The Blackstone Valley Art Association, the show celebrates the sunny beautiful flower through paintings, photographs and other mixed media pieces and is in conjunction with a stunning

lush garden of sunflowers out front of the Booklovers Gourmet.

MATERIAL NEEDS Through Sept. 29 Aurora Hotel, 660 Main St., Worcester ArtsWorcester presents a group exhibition featuring Nathan Fiske, Amanda Gibson, Tom Grady, Kat O’Connor, Donna Rudek and Neil Wilkins.

Gallery hours Wednesday-Saturday, 12-4 p.m., and by appointment.

HOWARD JOHNSON: PHANTASTROPHIES Through Sept. 30 Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Worcester Fitchburgartmuseum.org Johnson’s visions are informed by his deep interests in avenues of intellectual and creative pursuit that attempt to understand, or at least describe, phenomena at the furthest reaches of human comprehension–myth, legend, religion, occult and arcane philosophical systems (alchemy), science fiction and fantasy, and the search for extraterrestrials.

UNDER THE HIGHWAY: BLACKSTONE RIVER LANDSCAPES Through Oct. 30 Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Under the Highway: Blackstone River Landscapes is a narrative series of photographs

by James Hunt reflecting the human and industrial impact on a three-mile stretch of the Blackstone River in Worcester and Millbury, now reclaimed as a Bikeway.

THE POETRY OF NATURE: HUDSON RIVER SCHOOL LANDSCAPES FROM THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY Through Nov. 25 Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester Worcesterart.org Explore lush and lovely scenes of America painted in the 1800s by 25 renowned artists.

From magisterial mountains and thunderous waterfalls to dreamy pastoral landscapes, our nation’s natural splendor is brought to life in exquisite detail.

LUMINARIES IN THE LIBRARY INSTALLATION Through Dec. 31 Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester Mywpl.org Libraries are Living Growing Places of Wisdom is the theme of the new Luminaries in the Library project at the Worcester Public Library by artist Cathy Weaver Taylor.

Second floor windows, visible from the staircase, up to the third floor and also in the entrance-way.

THE ART OF ALEXANDER GASSEL EXHIBITION Through Jan. 6, 2019 Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton Museumofrussianicons.org Russian-American artist Alexander Gassel’s surreal work employs a combination of details from different civilizations. Ancient symbols are joined with contemporary subjects to reflect his experience of life in America.

RADIANCE REDISCOVERED: STAINED GLASS BY TIFFANY AND LA FARGE Through July 7, 2019 Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 17

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Mechanics Hall Executive Director Robert Kennedy will retire Sept. 25.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

originally built by Ransom Clarke Taylor in 1904, and renamed it the Grand Theatre, where his Poli Players performed in residence.

Always a visionary, Poli shifted focus when movie palaces became popular, and he hired Lamb to design what would become Poli’s Palace, which opened November 1926. Two years later, however, the 68-year-old Poli sold his chain to Fox Theatre Corp., which eventually sold to Loew’s Theatres, and finally in the 1960s to Redstone Theatres Corp., later known as National Amusements Inc. Both Redstone and National Amusements tore out massive portions of the interior, including the stage and seats, to create a panoramic movie screen, and then later to divide the space into four separate, smaller theaters within the building.

For all that work, the theater closed in 1998, when National Amusements opened a brandnew, larger cinema elsewhere in the city.

Two years later, the boarded-up building attracted the attention of two city businessmen: Edward P. Madaus and Paul J. Demoga, who established the Worcester Center

for Performing Arts. National Amusements sold the building to the organization for a nominal fee, and so began a long period of fundraising - the largest donations were from The Hanover Insurance Group, with a $3-million naming gift, and $1 million from Mary C. DeFeudis – and a years-long, painstaking renovation by Lamoureux Pagano & Associates.

“We just believed there was a need and an opportunity here,” Siebels said. “Worcester was the largest city in the country at the time where you couldn’t see a Broadway show.”

That all changed, when finally, on March, 14, 2008, after a twoyear, $32-million renovation, The Hanover Theatre opened with a sold-out show featuring Bernadette Peters. One week later, a touring cast of Broadway’s “Hairspray the Musical” graced the stage.

BUILDING AN AUDIENCE

“T

he Broadway audience has built over the years,” Siebels said. “We started off with two performances of each show and went to six, and now even eight for some of the bigger shows.”

This is particularly important, he added, because “the more subscribers we have, the more we are able to bring in the shows they want to see.”

Currently, The Hanover has more than 4,000 subscribers, who receive special perks like payments plans, early access to ticket sales for other theater events and complimentary exchanges into another performance of the same show. This year, subscribers also can get three free downloads from the original cast recording of “On Your Feet!” and enjoy a Q&A with the cast of “The Wizard of Oz” after the show.

The highest-grossing shows tend to be the Broadway productions, such as “Kinky Boots” in 2017, an audience favorite, as well C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 15

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as “Jersey Boys,” “Les Miserables,” “Sound of Music,” “Blue Man Group,” “Riverdance,” “Mary Poppins” and “ELF the Musical.” But oftentimes, lesser-known shows like “Bright Star” and “Something Rotten!” end up being surprise audience and staff favorites.

Beyond the Broadway shows, The Hanover has offered a large range of programming since its inception, from kids’ features such as “Disney Junior Dance Party!” and “Sesame Street Live,” to ballets, musical performances and more.

Homegrown productions of “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol” have both been running since 2008 and offer locals professional performance and technical theater opportunities. Several of the shows also feature music on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which was donated to The Hanover by Donald Phipps and is the largest of its kind in New England.

“We try to program for as broad an audience as we can,” said Siebels.

The atmosphere of The Hanover allows for exactly that.

“Lamb believed it was a palace for the people. The setting is brilliant – whether you’re wearing tuxedo or blue jeans,” Siebels said.

“Our hope is that it speaks to everybody.”

Likewise, Mechanics Hall prides itself on being a beautifully-designed and acoustically-masterful building – one that famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma has used on numerous occasions for recording his albums – yet accessible to all.

“We’re known around the globe as an incredible concert facility, and yet we’re known here in our home,” Gagne said. “It’s a unique story.”

That was – and remains – the mission of Mechanics Hall: to “serve the needs of the community” and to “offer the hall for activities, enrich, inspire and enlighten all generations,” said Gagne.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

ELIZABETH BROOKS

THE HOOK ORGAN

M

echanics Hall’s Hook Organ – the oldest fourmanual tracker in the western hemisphere and oldest still in its original site – also has been a large draw for profes-

sional musicians, and even those from community, like Long, the Rutland resident and St. Olaf College student who was practicing that Thursday morning.

“I’ve been here going on 25 years, and I never get tired of coming into this room,” said Gagne, while listening to Long, who studies organ under the direction of Catherine Rodland, artist in residence at St. Olaf.

The Hook Organ was restored in 1982 and again refurbished in 2013, the latter to the price tag of $130,000. Ironically, the organ was not built with Mechanics Hall, but added in 1864. Because community halls of Mechanics Hall’s era usually had organs, which were meant to take the place of an orchestra if one was not readily available, the Mechanics Association had the foresight to build the instrument’s shell and later added the organ when funds became available. The first public use of the organ was during a statewide memorial held at Mechanics Hall for President Lincoln.

With 3,504 pipes, “It’s a very well respected instrument around the world,” Gagne said, adding, “Worcester is blessed to have some of the most significant organs.

Ours is one of them. Because of that, talent comes to Worcester.”

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Added Kennedy, “That’s what we have done for 160 years. We’ve had black-tie dinners, weddings, proms and graduations all in the same place. Everybody in the community should feel welcome here at Mechanics Hall.”

Gagne points out that, in particular, Mechanics Hall caters to nonprofit organizations, offering a reduced rate for those clients. In fact, 60 percent of the Hall’s clients are nonprofit groups. In addition, Mechanics Hall has been offering the Brown Bag Concert Series for more than 30 years. This free series of noontime concerts is produced in partnership with WICN 90.5 FM during the fall and spring; it kicks off Nov. 14 with Elan Trotman.

“The challenge,” Kennedy said, “is we’ve got to keep busy. The downfall of most buildings is they outlive their original mission. We had a broad enough mission to carry us through those periods of decline.”

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Samuel Long, 19 of Rutland, practices the organ at Mechanics Hall.

Hanover Theatre President and CEO Troy Siebels

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 17 mixed media drawing, painting and printmaking with elemental materials — wax, ink, charcoal and oil on paper or wood. Her recent series engages the poetry and prose of African American writers, re-inscribing their words through an abstract visual vocabulary centered on marginalized identities and the struggle for equality.

REFUGEE ARTISANS OF WORCESTER (RAW) DEMONSTRATION Saturday, Nov. 17, 2-4 p.m.

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester, Mywpl.org Observe and learn about the diverse and beautiful artistic work of our citys refugees.

Demonstrations of indigenous crafts by RAW artisans will reflect the following countries: Bhutan, Burundi, Burma (Myanmar), Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Nepal, and Rwanda.

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S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

Poetry readings? Check. Lectures?

Check that. An ex-police-chiefturned-romance-novelist? Got that, too. This fall, don’t miss all the literary happenings in the region.

THE DIRTY GERUND POETRY SERIES Monday nights, 9 p.m.

Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester Not your typical poetry readings. 21-plus SPEAKER SERIES: PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: FROM WASHINGTON TO TRUMP Thursday, Sept. 20, 6-9 p.m.

Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge Osv.org Hear revealing stories from Herb Pearce’s new book of the personal lives, loves and losses, triumphs and failures of each of the 44 presidents, from birth to death. Cost is $12 non-members, $10 OSV members.

LATINO HISTORY PROJECT OF WORCESTER RESISTANCE DISCUSSION Thursday, Sept. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm St., Worcester Community partnerships are valuable resources and WHM enjoys one with the Latino History Project of Worcester. Please visit their website and Facebook often to learn of panel discussions and events taking place leading up to their exhibit at WHM in the Spring of 2021.

Tonight’s panel discussion will be on the riots of Great Brook Valley.

WRITERS OF THE CAMBODIAN DIASPORA PANEL DISCUSSION Thursday, Sept. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Worcester Art Museum, Conference Room, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester Free. Three writers will present their work and discuss how their unique experiences as political émigrés or as first-generation refugees inform their work.

GALLERY TALK: THEOTOKOS

Saturday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m.

Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton Museumofrussianicons.org Gallery Talk– Theotokos: The Mother of God in Russian Icons. Free with admission. Docent Jim Flynn offers a closer look at the Museum’s collection of icons of the Virgin Mary and their presentation and significance in Russian culture and religion, from the coming of Christianity in the 10th century to post-Soviet Russia in the 21st.

AUTHOR EVENT & BOOK SIGNING WITH MICHAEL BELANGER Saturday, Sept. 22, 2-3 p.m.

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester Mywpl.org Michael Belanger will discuss the inspiration for “The History of Jane Doe” and the process of getting it published, from the initial idea to finding an agent and editor. He will also read selections from the book and take questions from the audience. Banx Room - Main Library.

FOURTH SATURDAY OPEN MIC FEATURING RON WHITTLE Saturday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.

Barnes & Noble, 541D Lincoln St., Worcester After the featured poets read the gathered poetry lovers adjourn to the in-store coffee shop and chat about whatever comes up until management pushes us out the door at closing, at about 10 pm. Please join us.

THE WINNERS READING FOR THE WCPA’S 2018 POETRY CONTEST: THE FRANK O’HARA PRIZE Sunday, Sept. 23, 3 p.m.

First Unitarian Church, 90 Main St., Worcester First-unitarian.com.

Join the winners of the Worcester County Poetry Association’s 2018 Annual Poetry Contest: The Frank O’Hara Prize for a reading of their work and the work of contest judge Regie Gibson.

This year’s winners include First Prize: Jeff Walt, Second Prize: Nicole DiCello, Third Prize: Malt Schlitzman, Honorable Mention: Michael Morlock.

FREE PEOPLES ARTISTS WORKSHOP Monday, Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 26, 7 p.m.

Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James St., Worcester Join us every fourth Monday of the month for this group open to all creative people. Group facilitated by Sid Solomon and Sam Lalos.

TEEN OPEN MIC & ART NIGHT SEPTEMBER Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6-8 p.m.

Worcester PopUp 20 Franklin St., Worcester Main IDEA Youth & Arts is excited to be hosting a Teen Open Mic & Art Night series at the Worcester PopUp. This event is free and open to all teens ages 12-18. Come by to share a song or spoken word, sketch or paint your own work of art, see our teen art gallery and enjoy free refreshments. Space for performers is limited.

Sign up to reserve your performance spot here: https://goo.gl/forms/8oZa6eoQCLWSukuF3.

AUTHOR EVENT & BOOK SIGNING WITH GARY GEMME Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6-7:30 p.m.

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester Mywpl.org Former Worcester Police Chief Gary Gemme will be reading from and discussing the process of writing and publishing his debut novel “Margaret’s Dove,” a love story set on the Cape and Nashville, Tenn.. Q & A and book signing

to follow.

THE THIRSTY LAB POETRY READING WITH SHARON HARMON Tuesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.

The Thirsty Lab, 206 Worcester Road, Princeton The Thirsty Lab Poetry Series meets on the fourth and fifth Tuesday of each month at The Thirsty Lab in Princeton. Hosted by Susan Roney-O’Brien, the reading series features area and visiting poets. This month their feature will be Sharon Harmon.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES, WORCESTER - USA & UK Friday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.

The Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester Between December 2017 and March 2018, 47 poets in the U.S. and UK worked together to on a cross-Atlantic poetry project. The idea was to link together poets from the Worcester County Poetry Association and one from Worcestershire, UK. Poets were paired up, exchanged poems, and wrote a response poem to the one received. The original and resulting poems were combined in a special edition of the online publication, Contour Poetry Magazine. At the reading, many of the US participants in the project will read their work and the response from their UK partner. Suggested donation: $10.

THE STORY BEHIND: THE VAILLANCOURT WINE Friday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.

Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main St., Suite 1h, Sutton Valfa.com The Story Behind… The Vaillancourt Wine will share the story of how this year’s limited edition wine has come to be, the process of designing the label, and will offer premier numbers of the signed bottles to collectors on-site. Immediately following the evening, the wine will become available in the retail gallery, online through Latitude Beverages, and at select high-end restaurants in the region. Once the limited edition collection is sold out, it will no longer be produced.

DRAGONFLY SPIRIT AUTHOR EVENT Saturday, Sept. 29, 1-3 p.m.

Booklovers’ Gourmet, 55 East Main St., Webster

Book signing and talk with Susan Brunell. After her 23-year-old daughter dies in an automobile accident the author finds herself on a journey of grief that, until then, she could not even

imagine. This is a story about learning to grow and cope despite great loss and also about opening the heart and mind to possibilities for healing and growth. Tools to understand the process and deal with the tragedy of loss are offered for the grieving and their loved ones.

CONTEMPORARY RUSSIAN LITERATURE BOOK GROUP: BRIDE AND BROOM BY ALISA GANIEVA Sunday, Sept. 30, 1-3 p.m.

Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton Museumofrussianicons.org Bride and Groom by Alisa Ganieva. Free. From one of the most exciting voices in modern Russian literature comes this multilayered, magical story of love and fate as two modern city-dwellers grapple with traditional family expectations to find happiness. Call (978) 5985000 x115 or email lsubbotina@museumofrussianicons.org for more information about the group.

AN EVENING WITH ROGER GUENVEUR SMITH Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.

Seelos Theater, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester Holycross.edu College of the Holy Cross Global Society faculty Ellen Lokos (Spanish) and Scott Malia (Theatre and Dance) lead a conversation with the acclaimed stage and screen actor Roger Guenveur Smith about his creative process through earlier stage works that draw on history (A Huey P. Newton Story, Frederick Douglas Now, Rodney King) into the work he’s currently developing about Otto Frank. Free. RSVPs requested. Reserve your seats here.

SPEAKER SERIES: MUSIC IN EARLY AMERICA Thursday, Oct. 4, 6-9 p.m.

Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge Osv.org Cost: $12 Non-Members, $10 for OSV Members.

Fuller Conference Center, Old Sturbridge Village. Come enjoy American music of the American Revolution, and the War of 1812, with renowned specialists David & Ginger Hildebrand.

GALLERY TALK: ICONS OF THE HELLENIC WORLD Wednesday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m.

Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton Museumofrussianicons.org Free with Admission. Registrar Laura GarrityArquitt explores the special exhibition Icons of the Hellenic World.

SCIENCE FICTION BOOK CLUB Tuesday, Oct. 16 Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester Mywpl.org Do you like reading about spaceships, parallel worlds, aliens, telepathy, time travel or droids?

Join us to discuss great SF & Fantasy fiction at WPLs newest book club. October: Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley GALLERY TALK: THE LANGUAGE OF ICONS Tuesday, Oct. 23, 1 p.m.

Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton Museumofrussianicons.org

Free with Admission. Docent Dennis Sardella offers a “101” introduction to the subject of icons: where they come from, how they are used, their symbolic language, and their role in spiritual life.

SPEAKER SERIES: CROSSING POINT A NOVEL OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Thursday, Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m.

Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge Osv.org Cost: $12 Non-Members, $10 for OSV Members.

Fuller Conference Center, Old Sturbridge Village. Author James Glickman will discuss and read excerpts from his latest novel, “Crossing Point.” Based closely on the known historical record, Crossing Point brings to life the American Revolution in all of its bloody detail.

DOCUMENTARY FILM AND BOOK LAUNCH: RESILIENCE Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.

Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton Museumofrussianicons.org Free with Admission. A 25-minute film, Russian with English subtitles. The Museum welcomes Russian Life magazine publisher and editor, Paul Richardson, for the launch of his latest documentary and companion book “RESILIENCE – How to Live 100 Russian Years.”

Richardson explores the lives of children born in 1917, a time when Russia was wracked by political and social unrest. Yet, through it all these children survive; their lives intricately intertwined with Russia’s tumultuous history.

Richardson will introduce the film and read a few short excerpts from the book. A Q&A and book signing will follow.

TEEN OPEN MIC & ART NIGHT OCTOBER Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m.

Worcester PopUp 20 Franklin St., Worcester Main IDEA Youth & Arts is excited to be hosting a Teen Open Mic & Art Night series at the Worcester PopUp. This event is free and open to all teens ages 12-18. Come by to share a song or spoken word, sketch or paint your own work of art, see our teen art gallery and enjoy free refreshments. Space for performers is limited. Sign up to reserve your performance spot here: https://goo. gl/forms/8oZa6eoQCLWSukuF3.

“NOTFILM” FILM AND Q&A WITH THE DIRECTOR Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Clark University: Razzo Hall, Traina Center for the Arts, 92 Downing St., Worcester “Notfilm” is a 2015 feature-length documentary, directed by Ross Lipman on the production of playwright Samuel Beckett’s only film, an experimental short entitled Film starring Buster Keaton.

WPI INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR PUBLIC ADDRESS Thursday, Nov. 1, 5 p.m.

Alden Memorial, WPI, 100 Institute Road, Worcester Join us to celebrate and honor WPI’s C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 20

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 14 Worcesterart.org See how light is transformed into vibrant art through meticulously restored Tiffany windows from Boston’s Mount Vernon Congregational Church. View other works by Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge.

GOLDEN CONTEMPORARIES Saturday, Oct. 6 - Sunday, Oct. 28 Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester “The Many Meanings of Gold.” Opening reception: Saturday, Oct. 6, 5-8 p.m. Gallery hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Closing reception: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1-4 p.m.

SUMMA: VISUAL ARTS FACULTY 2018 Through Oct. 12 Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester holycross.edu/iris-and-b-gerald-cantor-artgallery Summa, is a collection and celebration of recent works by Michael Beatty, Rachelle Beaudoin, John Carney, Matthew Gamber, Victor Pacheco, Cristi Rinklin, Susan Schmidt, and Leslie Schomp.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS ARTIST INITIATIVE: TONY KING Through Nov. 11 Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester Worcesterart.org The current iteration of WAM’s new initiative

features five photographs by B.A. (Tony) King, who lived and worked as a photographer in Worcester for many years, detailing the lives of “everyday people” from varying socio-economic backgrounds.

THE POETRY OF NATURE: HUDSON RIVER SCHOOL LANDSCAPES FROM THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY Through Nov. 25 Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester Worcesterart.org Explore lush and lovely scenes of America painted in the 1800s by 25 renowned artists.

From magisterial mountains and thunderous waterfalls to dreamy pastoral landscapes, our nation’s natural splendor is brought to life in exquisite detail.

AN EVENING WITH SILKROAD, FEATURING HOME WITHIN Thursday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Seelos Theater, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester Holycross.edu This evening marks the start of the second year of Silkroad’s residency at the College of the Holy Cross, a three-year exploration of curiosity, difference, and the arts. At the center of this presentation is Home Within, an audio-visual performance originally conceived by Silkroad artists Kinan Azmeh and Kevork Mourad. Kinan, a composer and clarinetist from Damascus, Syria, and Kevork, a visual artist born in Kamechli, Syria, create an impressionistic reflection on the Syrian revolution and its aftermath.

SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE MUSEUM DAY Saturday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton Museumofrussianicons.org Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. The Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people Saturday, Sept. 22.

LEE MINGWEI: STONE JOURNEY Sept. 26-Aug. 4, 2019 Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester Worcesterart.org What kind of object is more valuable then, the natural or man-made? And what does it mean to own an object? In Stone Journey conceptual artist Lee Mingwei poses these two questions to visitors and invites them to contemplate what they would choose.

GALLERY OPENING: LIKENESS Wednesday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m.

Schiltkamp Gallery, 92 Downing St., Worcester http://www2.clarku.edu/schiltkampgallery Presented By: Clark Arts. This exhibition focuses on portraiture through various media and personal perspectives. The dates of the exhibition are Sept. 24 – Dec. 4. The opening reception will take place Wednesday, Oct. 3, 4-6 p.m. The exhibiting artists are: Laura Chasman, Caleb Cole, Nayda Cuevas, Stephen DiRado, Catherine Graffam, Elizabeth Clark Libert, Evan

Morse, Jane Smaldone, Karl Stevens and Zoe Perry-Wood.

PRESERVED PAGES: BOOK AS ART IN PERSIA AND INDIA, 1300-1800 Oct. 13-Jan. 6, 2019 Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester Worcesterart.org This exhibition focuses on works on paper, separated from books (manuscripts) and albums, from the Worcester Art Museum’s collection.

VISITING ARTIST KEITH MORRIS WASHINGTON Wednesday, Oct. 17 Traina Center for the Arts, Room 100-101, Clark University, 950 Main St., Worcester

Clarku.edu Free and open to the public.

“Within Our Gates: Sites and Memory in the American Landscape” will see Washington talk about his ongoing series of paintings that locate lynching sites throughout the U.S. For more information, email clarkarts@clarku.edu.

THE NEWAR CRAFTSMEN OF KATHMANDU VALLEY: OBJECTS OF DEVOTION FROM NEPAL Nov. 1-Dec. 15 Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester holycross.edu/iris-and-b-gerald-cantor-artgallery This exhibition, curated by James Giambrone, illustrates the step-by-step process that results in the creation of sculptural metal masterpieces. Opening remarks Nov. 1, 4:30 p.m., Rehm Library. Reception, 5:30-7 p.m., Cantor Art Gallery. Metalworking Techniques Demonstration, Nov. 5, 4 p.m., Millard Sculpture Studio THROUGH THE VIRTUAL VEIL Saturday, Nov. 3 - Wednesday, Nov. 28 Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester Opening reception: Saturday, Nov. 3, 5-8 p.m.

Gallery hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

Closing reception: Sunday, Nov. 28, 1-4 p.m.

A PROVOCATIVE SYNERGY Saturday, Nov. 3 - Wednesday, Nov. 28 Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester Opening reception: Saturday, Nov. 3, 5-8 p.m.

Gallery hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

Closing reception: Sunday, Nov. 28, 1-4 p.m.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS ARTIST INITIATIVE: TOBY SISSON Nov. 14-May 12, 2019 Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester Worcesterart.org Sisson’s studio practice explores complex themes of race and representation through C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 18

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soon, the staff will be working with WPI on a technology assessment.

“Thanks to the donors to maintain the building,” Kennedy said, “we’ve invested close to $4 million.”

Because so much is spent on Mechanics Hall’s maintenance needs, Gagne said, “Our fundraising needs are real. We do rely very hrough the years, both Mechanics Hall and Hanover much on community support.”

The Hanover also has seen Theatre have adapted to multiple changes – all positive and the times, changed and expanded. Once Mechanics Hall re- for the betterment of the theater opened in 1977, it embarked on an and the community. In 2014, The Hanover acquired the next-door extensive renovation project. The 551 Main St. and spent the next Waldo Lobby and Boyden Salon C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 16

CHANGING WITH THE TIMES

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ELIZABETH BROOKS

couple years transforming it into additional special event space, the performing arts conservatory and offices – previously the administration worked in basement areas and tucked-away rooms. In 2016, The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the Performing Arts opened, and last year it merged with the already successful Ballet Arts Worcester, directed by Jen Agbay.

The number of students who took part in Hanover’s summer program, which also just celebrated its 10th anniversary, prompted the opening of the conservatory 18 months ago. This past spring, a total of 275 students had enrolled, and Siebels said, “We’re optimistic it will continue to grow.”

The conservatory has classes in

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additions were constructed, and in 1991 Washburn Hall was restored.

Women’s portraits of Lucy Stone, Abby Kelley Foster, Dorothea Dix and Clara Baron were added to the existing men’s portraits in the Great Hall in 1999, as part of the Worcester Women’s History Project to celebrate the anniversary of the 1850 Women’s Rights Convention.

The building’s façade was restored in 2002, and last year Main Street uplighting was installed so Mechanics Hall would be illuminated at night. Considering the building didn’t have electricity until 1910, more than five decades after it opened, Mechanics Hall has come a long way.

More recent improvements have included replacing the carpets throughout the entire building, and

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City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. speaks last month at a ceremonial groundbreaking on the Worcester Main Street improvement project.

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 18 2018 Innovator of the Year, Dr. Diran Apelian, WHO will share his thoughts on innovation with the community.

Apelian, WPI faculty member, is the 2018 WPI Innovator of the Year.

THE STORY BEHIND …

THE STARLIGHT SANTA Friday, Nov. 2 Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main St., Suite 1h, Sutton Valfa.com The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a wine reception before the lecture within the Christmas Museum. Immediately following the lecture, premier numbers of the piece will be available for purchase within the Retail Gallery.

Reservations are suggested, but not required.

A RECITATION FROM MEMORY OF T.S. ELIOT’S FOUR QUARTETS Thursday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m.

College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester This is a rare opportunity to hear the entirety of Eliot’s poetic masterpiece, spoken live by actor and poet John Farrell, artistic director and cofounder of Figures of Speech Theatre.

In 2011, with special permission from the Eliot Estate, Farrell premiered a one-man recitation of Eliot’s complex, deeply moving, meditation on time, memory, and the human spirit. He has since toured his performance of Four Quartets throughout the US and Canada.

TEEN OPEN MIC & ART NIGHT NOVEMBER Tuesday, Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Worcester PopUp 20 Franklin St., Worcester Main IDEA Youth & Arts is excited to be hosting a Teen Open Mic & Art Night series at the Worcester PopUp. This event is free and open to all teens ages 12-18. Come by to share a song or spoken word, sketch or paint your own work of art, see our teen art gallery and enjoy free refreshments. Space for performers is limited. Sign up to reserve your performance spot here: https://goo.gl/ forms/8oZa6eoQCLWSukuF3.

TEEN READ WEEK CELEBRATES: REACH FOR THE STARTS WITH TAROT READING IN THE TEEN ZONE Tuesday, Oct. 9, 4:30-6 p.m.

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester Mywpl.org Peer into the unknown with the Worcester Public Library’s visiting tarot reader. Ask the cards your burning questions or take a peek into your future. Join us for an evening of tarot reading. Extra decks and books on tarot will be available for you to try your hand at reading for yourself.

Ages: 13-17.

WORCESTER WRITER’S GROUP Tuesday, Oct. 9 and Nov. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester Mywpl.org Are words your passion? Worcester Writer’s Group may be of interest to you. Read more at www.meetup.com/ writers-858/ BARON LECTURE MARY BETH NORTON Thursday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.

American Antiquarian Society, 185

Salisbury St., Worcester Mary Beth Norton presents “Reflections on Gender and Politics in AngloAmerica; or an Intellectual Journey Encompassing Four Decades and Four Books.” It is the 14th annual Robert C. Baron Lecture. Breaking with the standard pattern of Baron Lectures, Mary Beth Norton (with the concurrence of AAS) will discuss not one book, but the four related works in which she examined aspects of the same theme: the relationship of women and the public sphere in Early America, from the beginnings of English settlement through 1800. The talk will examine the trajectory of her work and describe the surprises she encountered along the way.

WASHINGTON IRVING’S LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW WITH J.T. TURNER Monday, Oct. 29, 4-5 p.m.

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester Mywpl.org The Headless Horseman Rides Again! Storyteller J.T. Turner portrays Washington Irving telling his most famous tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Taking on all the roles of this Halloween tale, Turner has adapted the piece to keep all ages entertained.

It is a story theater at its best.

IDOL TALK: AUTHOR PANEL Saturday, Nov. 3, 2-4 Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester Mywpl.org Authors Elizabeth Searle, Suzanne Strempek Shea and Caitlin McCarthy C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 22

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Kathleen M. Gagne, vice director, chief development officer and incoming executive director of Mechanics Hall.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

“Comet” and after, as the assistant stage manager for the Broadway revival of “Miss Saigon.”

“I feel so grateful because I was involved with The Hanover before the Conservatory was set up, so I got a preview of what it could be,” said Agis, who makes her first stop with “Charlie” on Sept. 21 in Buffalo, N.Y. “I was very fortunate to have two Broadway experiences.

Touring seems like a really interesting challenge. Now that I know how to run a big show, it’s moving the big show. I’m excited that Oompa Loompas and chocolate is my everyday life now.”

KEEPING THE MISSION ALIVE she learned during her experience at The Hanover – like calling a show and working with union crews and equity performers – gave her a “massive up” when she attended Emerson College in Boston, she said.

While in college, Agis worked with The American Repertory Theater in Cambridge and had the opportunity to be part of “The Great Comet of 1812” when the tour stopped in the city. She was then hired to return to New York with

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all genres, from acting and dance to technical theater like stage managements and lighting/sound design and even collaborations with organizations like artReach to offer a fashion design course.

Conservatory students also have the opportunity to attend master workshops with performers who come to The Hanover.

“Regardless of what part of the performing arts you want to pursue, our conservatory has over 70 programs,” said Hanover Director of Marketing & PR Lisa Condit.

For Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts, “It’s important to have a program like this,” said Director of Education Meghan Montane. “Being involved with the arts helps you with your first interview, team group work. It has so many uses beyond wanting to hit the stage on Broadway.”

Some of the students do have Broadway jobs now, and some have returned to The Hanover with touring productions. “We’re building the future of the industry,” said Siebels.

Cate Agis, who is currently the assistant stage manager for the Broadway tour of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,” is one of those who got her start with the Youth Summer Program, first as a choreography assistant and then working as Montane’s assistant.

Then, during her junior and senior years of high school, she worked as a production assistant for “A Christmas Carol.” All of the skills

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eyond the conservatory, both The Hanover and Mechanics Hall offer countless other opportunities for local youth. Mechanics Hall has free theater programs and concerts for children throughout the year – in May, Theatreworks USA presented “Junie B. Jones” and “Curious George,” while Worcester Public Schools first-graders will learn about classical music, orchestral

instruments, live performances and concert behavior during a November program at Mechanics Hall. Then, next February, Worcester students in grades 3-6 will hear and see all about the history of jazz.

The Hanover’s successful Adopta-School program has partnered with South High Community School, and more recently with Burncoat High School, to offer a cross-curriculum arts integration program that impacts about 2,400 students. Not only do the students get to see a Broadway production, they also get to interact with some of the tour performers and learn about the themes and other elements of the show.

“For many of them, it’s their first Broadway show experience, or even theater experience,” Montane noted.

Allowing the younger generations to have experiences at both Mechanics Hall and The Hanover is important for another reasons – to make sure the mission of these two buildings is carried well into the future.

At Mechanics Hall, about 20

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 20 discuss their latest work, the anthology Idol Talk: Women Writers on the Teenage Infatuations that Changed Their Lives. Q & A and book signing to follow.

GUEST LECTURE: JILLIAN FLEXNER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FRESHSQUEEZED OPERA Sunday, Nov. 4, 1:30-3 p.m.

Traina Center for the Arts, Razzo Hall Free and open to the public. For more information, email clarkarts@clarku. edu.

PUBLIC PROGRAM NATHANIEL PHILBRICK Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury St., Worcester Nathaniel Philbrick presents “The Naval Battle That Won the American Revolution.” Bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick will return to the Society to discuss his latest book, “In the Hurricane’s Eye: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown,” which will be published this October. This book recounts the final year of the Revolution and how Washington’s leadership masterminded the Battle of the Chesapeake, during which the French fleet intercepted and defeated the British Navy, preventing them from evacuating Lord Cornwallis and his army from the Yorktown peninsula.

NATIVE AMERICAN NATURE TALES WITH MASTER STORYTELLER DIANE EDGECOMB Saturday, Nov. 24, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St., Worcester Mywpl.org Native American Nature Tales brings to life tribal myths and legends of the animals and birds of North America.

Ranging from the humorous to the heart-felt, these stories celebrate native culture and its strong links to the natural world. We learn an Abenaki canoeing song, explore over seven different animals in the Northwest legend of Loon’s Song and discover why America is called Turtle Island. Join one of England’s favorite storytellers, Diane Edgecomb as these rich stories create a colorful weave embracing all of nature. Ages: Families with children ages 4 and up.

PUBLIC PROGRAM CHRISTINE DELUCIA Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m.

American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury St., Worcester Christine DeLucia presents “Landscapes of Resistance and Resilience after King Philip’s War.” This lecture will revisit Native American and colonial encounters in the seventeenthcentury Northeast and the complex ways that they have reverberated in communities’ memories for more

than three centuries. Focusing on the pivotal conflict known as King Philip’s War (1675–1678), it will trace how the war’s violences and resistances have shaped diverse communities’ relationships with the past, present, and future. It will offer a major reconsideration of what meanings monuments, objects, stories, and landscapes tell, both here in the Northeast and across a wide Atlantic World.

theater There is plenty to enjoy on the theater scene around the area. How about “The Sleepy Hollow Experience” at Old Sturbridge Village?

Or “The Wizard of Oz” at Hanover Theatre? From big productions to small, grand stages to more modest, indoors and outdoors, there’s something for every theater fan.

“Disney Junior Dance Party!”

Thursday, Sept, 20, 6 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org Dance and sing along with Disney Junior’s favorite characters in this immersive concert for kids and families.

Tickets: $38-$152.50.

“Bye Bye Birdie” Saturday, Sept. 22, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Sterling Community Theatre, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road (in the First Church), Sterling sterlingtheatre.com Set in 1958, this musical tells the story of rock-and-roll icon Conrad Birdie, who has been drafted into the Army, and his farewell performance in a small Ohio town. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 seniors (65-plus) and children (12 and under).

“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” Fridays, Sept. 21 and 28, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Sept 22 and 29, 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m.

Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Fiskdale Stageloft.org At the exclusive Armadillo Acres trailer park, stripper-on-the-run Pippi moves in, only to cause havoc between agoraphobic Jeannie and her husband, a tollbooth collector.

Tickets: $20 adults; $17 seniors (60+), students, military; $10 children (under 12).

“The Sleepy Hollow Experience” Wednesday, Sept. 26 - Sunday, Nov. 4 Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road Osv.org Guests will be ghoulishly guided through the Village’s countryside where they will encounter Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, Brom Bones and quite possibly the Headless

Horseman. One and a half hours before show time, guests can enjoy hot soups and chowder, snacks and sweets. When you purchase your show tickets, you have the opportunity to pre-purchase a hearty soup/ chowder meal for an additional $8 (this meal will also be available for purchase the night of the show for $10). Shows start at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday nights and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Visit website for pricing.

“Healing Messages from Above with Candance Dalton” Thursday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Mechanicshall.org A profound medium, Candance Dalton helps other regain hope they will be connected with their loved ones.

Tickets: $55.

“Rumors” Fridays, Oct. 5 and 12, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 6 and 13, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner Mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam/shows/ At a home just outside of New York City, guests arrive to celebrate the 10th wedding anniversary of the deputy mayor and his wife, but they find him in bed with a gunshot wound. The wife is missing, along with the entire kitchen staff. This Neil Simon play is a mix of mistaken identities, cover-ups and deceptions.

Tickets: $22 Fridays/Saturdays, $17 Sundays.

“The Phantom of the Opera: Silent Film Accompanied by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Wurlitzer” Sunday, Oct. 7, 2 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org The showing of this classic horror is the first silent film played in The Hanover since the renovation. Tickets: $20.

“Clybourne Park” Friday-Saturday, Oct. 5-6, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 7, 2 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 11-13, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

Worcester County Light Opera Club Theater Company, Grandview Playhouse, 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester Wcloc.org With elements of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” this play

by Bruce Norris tackles race relations and gentrification in a changing Chicago neighborhood. “Clybourne Park” won a Tony Award in 2012 for Best Play. Tickets: $22 adults, $18 seniors/ students.

“Recipe for Murder” Thursday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m.; Fridays, Oct. 12 and 19, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 13 and 20, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Oct. 14 and 21, 2 p.m.

Calliope Productions Inc., 150 Main St., Boylston Calliopeproductions.org This British murder mystery, written in the tradition of Agatha Christie, centers on David Lawson, a research scientist who has not been well, and his wife Claire. His sister Beatie thinks Claire doesn’t take proper care of him, but a visiting journalist begins to suspect the wife is guilty of more than just negligence. Is David the next victim on her list? Suspicions deepen, with a surprising conclusion, in this thriller. Tickets: $20 adults; $17 seniors/students. “qFLix Worcester: New England’s LGBT+ Film Festival”

Thursday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 14; times vary The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org qFLIX is a four-day weekend celebrating LGBT+ arts. Meet the filmmakers, experience opening and closing events, and see LGBT+ films from around the world. Tickets: $15 opening/closing films, $10 all other film, $75 all-access badge.

“A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” Oct. 12-21; Fridays/Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m.

Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Fiskdale Stageloft.org In this comedic mystery by Ron Bernas and a throwback to the plays of the 1930s, the rich and bored Matthew plans to kill his wife Julia so he can become a jetsetter like his recently widowed friend. During a yearlong match, Matthew and Julia battle wits. Tickets: $20 adults; $17 seniors (60-plus), students, military; $10 children (under 12).

“Night of the Living Dead – Dead on Stage” Oct. 12-28; Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m.

Braid Productions, GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville Braidproductions.com In this stage adaption of George Romero’s 1968 horror film, a group of strangers band together in an abandoned house for the night to try to survive an onslaught of zombies, raised from the dead by unexpected

radiation. Tickets: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $10 youth.

Le Cirque Esprit’s “Spirit of the Machine” Saturday, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.

The Center at Eagle Hill, Abby Theatre, 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick Thecenterateaglehill.org An original score performed by Cordis combines with the multi-faceted aural and visual spectacles of Le Cirque Esprit. Tickets: $46 adults, $42 seniors, students, children (12 and under).

“Koncert Variete ‘Nostalgji’” Sunday, Oct. 14, 6 p.m.

Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Mechanicshall.org Established in May 2001, Orchestra Alba preserves the Albanian traditions of art and culture and features professional and talented musicians.

Tickets: $50, $70.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” Oct. 19-21, 26-28 Pilgrim Soul Productions, GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville Pilgrimsoulproductions.com Fifteen-year-old Christopher, who is exceptional at math but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life, goes on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens, this is the Central Massachusetts premiere of the 2015 Tony Award winner for Best Play.

“So You Think You Can Dance Live!

2018” Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org Season 15’s Top 10 finalists and guest stars take to the stage for the live version of Fox’s award-winning dance competition series. Tickets: $39.50$100; special packages also available.

“Generation Bollywood presents MASH 2018” Friday, Oct. 26, 8 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org Experience the thrill of Bollywood, the Hindi-based film industry, live on stage, with its signature bright costumes and energetic performances.

Tickets: $58-$353. “’60s, ’70s and ’80s Decade Rewind” Saturday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org “Decades Rewind” is a live concert and theatrical performance all in one, featuring more than 60 songs, 100 costume changes and nostalgic videos. Tickets: $25-52.

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oday, both Mechanics Hall and Hanover Theatre stand ready to help continue that renaissance and help usher in new growth,

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hree days later, Friday, Sept. 28, The Hanover Theatre will host its 10th anniversary celebration, a grand gala featuring a performance

by Tony Bennett, back for the third time. Bennett, 92, recently released a collaborative album with Diana Krall, “Love Is Here to Stay,” a collection of Gershwin gems, including the jazz standard “Fascinating

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THE 175TH FOR MECHANICS HALL

TONY BENNETT BACK AT HANOVER

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“rising star professionals” are part of the Modern Mechanics Guild and are excited about leadership roles on the Board of Trustees and within the hall, said Gagne.

“We’re very proud of that activity,” she said, adding it is so important because it “almost guarantees” the longevity and legacy of Mechanics Hall.

At The Hanover, the recentlyestablished Premier Club is for young professionals ages 21-39.

With a $50 membership fee, they have access to discounted tickets to premiere night shows, including the Broadway series, exclusive workshops and private events.

“I’ve always wanted to join a young professionals group, but never really found one that seemed to match my interests and personality until now,” said Lillian Irwin, Hanover advertising and subscription coordinator. “The Hanover Theatre’s Premiere Club combines my love of learning new things, live theater and meeting people with my desire to give back to the community.”

Not only do members of the Premier Club enjoy the theater, they also take part in community service activities, such as coordinating clothing and shoe drives for Andy’s Attic at South Hill Community School, volunteering at the St. John’s Food for the Poor Program soup kitchen, and helping the Worcester Animal Rescue League and Worcester County Food Bank.

“I’m excited to share the experience of how the arts transport us into a world of peace and serenity while exposing my friends to the unique and diverse programming at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory,” said Nadia Naço, ticketing manager for the Franklin Square Society, which is an exclusive club of members who donate $1,200 or more each year to the Hanover.

while celebrating their anniversaries.

On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Mechanics Hall will hold its 2018 Celebration of Excellence, with the 175th meeting of the Worcester County Mechanics Association and entertainment by the Worcester Youth Orchestra Chamber Ensemble ( free, but reservations are requested). Then at 6 p.m., the Bob Kennedy Retirement Dinner will send off the executive director in style.

Tickets are $80 per person, and proceeds will go toward the Bob Kennedy Legacy Fund, established by the trustees last January to not only honor his service, but also benefit Mechanics Hall. The goal is to bring in $1 million by December; to date, more than half of that has been raised.

“We spend about $400,00 annually on planned capital needs. We also anticipate another $50,000 annually for the unexpected projects a 160-year-old building presents, usually at the most inconvenient times,” Gagne said. “The Bob Kennedy Legacy Fund is a starting point for invested funds that will allow us to absorb such expenses without affecting our operating budget. The risk of not planning to care for an aging building is to be in the situation we found ourselves 40 years ago – deteriorating and misused.”

Said Kennedy, “We are part of the heritage of Worcester. We are an iconic structure in Worcester, which is essential to the cohesiveness of Worcester.

“We’ve outlived the recessions,” he added, “and now we’re here to shine.”

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Rhythm,” which he may very well perform for fans next Friday.

“I always like to include a section of the show to the hits that I have had over the years, and since I work with a jazz quartet,

feel good. And for the time that they are at the show, if they forget about their own problems and enjoy themselves, then that makes me very happy.”

Bennett said he is thrilled to be part of the anniversary gala, as he loves to connect with his audiences on an intimate level, rather

Tony Bennett at The Hanover Theatre.

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FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH BROOKS

we are able to be very spontaneous and change things around,” Bennett said via an email interview with Worcester Magazine. “So, I have added some songs that are included on my new album with Diana Krall.”

“In fact,” he said, “the very first record I ever made was ‘Fascinating Rhythm.’ I knew if I started out with a quality song, it would be a good decision – and that has been my premise ever since.”

Bennett attributes singing timeless songs that appeal to all demographics as one of the reasons for his long and successful career.

“When I first started out at the Paramount Theatre in New York City, we did seven shows a day,” recalled. “So, by the end of the day, you had performed for everyone – teenagers, young couples, grandparents – so you learned to sing songs that everyone would appreciate.”

Even at 92, Bennett said he still loves touring and making music.

“I am thrilled by the reaction that I get from audiences, and I want to keep going for as long as possible,” he said. “I just want to entertain people and make them

than playing a big stadium.

“Nothing beats a beautiful concert hall for acoustics that allow you to really explore the dynamics of sound and volume – belting it out or singing in a whisper,” he said. Plus, he added, “I love the fact that The Hanover Theatre has been successful for a decade now, and I hope that it continues to thrive.”

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

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f the powers that be at The Hanover and Mechanics Hall have a say, the two institutions will do just that in the upcoming years. Future plans for The Hanover include a collaboration with the Worcester Cultural Coalition (of which Siebels serves on the Board of Directors) and the Worcester Business Development Corporation for an approximately 300-seat black box theater, which is currently under construction. Although the theater will be located in the Worcester PopUP, at 20 Franklin St. in part of the Theatre District, The Hanover will program

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revue by James Hindman and Ray Roderick. Tickets: $20 adults; $17 seniors (60+), students, military; $10 children (under 12).

“ELF The Musical” Thursday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 and 6:30 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org

“The Nutcracker” Friday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 24, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 25, 1 and 5 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org Based on the 2003 movie, “ELF the Musical” is the story of Buddy, a young orphan who is transported to the North Pole when he crawls into Santa’s sack. When he discovers later that he is actually human and not an elf, he journeys to New York City to find his birth father and, in the meantime, helps everyone remember the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets: $43-$76.

This holiday classic has become a tradition at The Hanover on Thanksgiving weekend. Experience the magic as Clara receives a nutcracker doll for Christmas and enters a world where it comes to life, along with other characters. Tickets: $32-$44.

film

OCTOBER

“A Star is Born” – A fading star and a rising starlet pass through each other’s orbits in the third retelling of the original 1937 film. Bradley Cooper is the aging, alcoholic musician who unlocks the raw talent of a singer played by Lady Gaga, even as his own career is slip-sliding away. If the trailer is any indication, they’ve got some serious chemistry.

“First Man” – Neil Armstrong was a humble guy who avoided the limelight, so it may have worked better for him had he been the second man to walk on the moon. Alas. Ryan Gosling stars as the astronaut who left history’s most memorable footprint.

“Venom” – When last we left Eddie Brock/Venom, he was being played

by Topher Grace and terrorizing Toby Maguire’s Spider-Man. Now, Tom Hardy has assumed the role of the slithery demonic Mr. Hyde to Eddie’s Dr. Jekyll, as the poor guy wrestles with the eternal question: Do I use my superpowers for good, or for a good time?

NOVEMBER

“Bohemian Rhapsody” – The life and

times of Queen’s Freddy Mercury. If you can’t recite the lyrics to the title song, I don’t even want to know you.

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“Mary Poppins” Thursday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Dec. 1 and 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Dec. 2 and 9, 2 p.m.

Calliope Productions, 150 Main St., Boylston Calliopeproductins.org Enjoy the ultimate Broadway “family musical,” adapted from the 1964 Walt Disney movie that won an Academy Award. Tickets: $20 adults; $17 seniors/students.

“It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play” Friday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Gateway Players, performance at Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm St., Southbridge Gatewayplayers.org “Grey Gardens: The Musical” Friday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m.

Worcester County Light Opera Club Theater Company, Grandview Playhouse, 21 Grandview Ave., Worcester Wcloc.org Edith Bouvier and “Little Edie,” Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ eccentric aunt and cousin, revisit and remember their past in this musical, which is loosely based on the 1975 documentary of the same name. Tickets: $22 adults, $18 seniors/students.

Michael Bolger’s “Nutcracker” Saturday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.

The Center at Eagle Hill, Abby Theatre, 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick We are now exiting the sultry season Thecenterateaglehill.org marked by sequels, remakes, and Performed by The Complex Dance superhero movies, and entering the Theatre, this contemporary produc-

winter chapter — marked by sequels, remakes, and superhero movies. This is supposed to be the time for serious stuff, the Oscar bait, but as I scan the release schedule, I’m just not seeing it the way I have in years past. Hey, at least Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, who are contractually obligated to appear in every third movie that gets made, are finally co-starring in something (“Instant Family”). Our planets have aligned.

Some of what you’ll be seeing postSeptember:

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“Silver Bells … (It’s Christmas Time in the City)” Friday, Nov. 23, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 24, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m.

Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner Mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam/shows/ Originally conceived by Chris Casello, this traditional-meets-untraditional Christmas spectacular returns by popular demand. The Dec. 1 matinee is a special sensory-friendly performance. Tickets: $22 evening, $17 matinee, $10 Dec. 1 matinee.

“A Christmas Survival Guide” Nov. 24-Dec. 9; Fridays, 8 p.m., Saturdays, 2 and 8 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m.

Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main St., Fiskdale Stageloft.org With a copy of “A Christmas Survival Guide” and an optimistic attitude, the characters search for the true essence of Christmas in this holiday musical

tion of everyone’s favorite ballet follows the Bolger family of 12 siblings, two parents and a lifetime of memories. Tickets: $20 adults, seniors, students; $15 children (12 and under).

“2018 Boston Pops Holiday Tour” Friday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and the Metropolitan Chorale perform holiday classics and new arrangements of seasonal favorites.

Santa Claus makes a guest appearance during the finale, followed the Pops’ traditional sing-along. Tickets: $59-$129.

“A Christmas Carol” Saturday, Dec. 15, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 16, 1 and 6 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec 22, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 23, 1 and 6 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org New England’s largest production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” returns, featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. The play, adapted by The Hanover’s own President and CEO Troy Siebels, features more surprises and magic than ever before. Tickets: $28-$56.

“The Center’s Got Talent: Performance Phase” Saturday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.

The Center at Eagle Hill, Abby Theatre, 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick Thecenterateaglehill.org The Center at Eagle Hill’s seventh annual community talent show showcases talent from all across Central Massachusetts and benefits a local fundraiser every year. Tickets: $10.

“A Celtic Christmas Sojourn” Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org Since 1986, Brian O’Donovan’s “A Celtic Sojourn” has delighted and entertained radio audiences, and for the last 15 years, the live version featuring musicians, singers and dancers celebrates the music of the season with Celtic, Pagan and Christian traditions. Tickets; $45-62.

“Die Fledermaus” Monday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

Mechanics Hall, Washburn Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester Mechanicshall.org Johann Strauss’ delightful operetta is presented by Worcester Schubertiade.

It will be sung in English and include a piano accompaniment. Tickets: $50.

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“The 100 Dresses” Sunday, Oct. 28, 2 p.m.

Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner Mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam/shows/ In this children’s show, new girl Wanda Petronski talks with a foreign accent and wears the same faded blue dress to school every day, even though she has 100 beautiful silk dresses in her closet at home. “The 100 Dresses” explores the themes of friendship, bullying and courage.

Tickets: $5 “Warren Miller’s Face of Winter” Friday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org Presented by Volkswagen, this film pays tribute to Warren Miller, who helped create and capture the magic of skiing. Tickets: $23.

“Darci Lynne and Friends Live” Sunday, Nov. 4, 3 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org The Season 12 winner of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” Darcy Lynne Farmer brings her ventriloquism and singing show to the stage, along with her puppet friends, Petunia, the diva-esque rabbit; Oscar, the shy and soulful mouse; and Edna, the brash old woman. Tickets: $39-$69.

“Callas in Concert: The Hologram Tour” Wednesday, Nov. 7 The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester Thehanovertheatre.org Experience Maria Callas, “La Davina,” as a hologram soloist in front of a live orchestra to perform some of the beloved arias most associated with her. Tickets: $29-$75.

“The Wizard of Oz” Thursday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 9, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 10, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 and 6:30 p.m.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester thehanovertheatre.org A faithful adaptation of the MGM classic movie, this version brings all your favorite characters, songs and scenes to the stage. Tickets: $44-$79.

“Heroes” Nov. 9-10, Nov. 16-18 Pilgrim Soul Productions, GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville Pilgrimsoulproductions.com It’s August 1959 in France, and Philippe and Henri make plans to escape from a convent hospital for retired military men.

“Shrek the Musical” Friday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 18, 2:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 23, and Saturday, Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 25, 2:30 p.m.

The Center at Eagle Hill, Abby Theatre, 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick Thecenterateaglehill.org In this stage adaption of the movie, Shrek the ogre lives in a swamp by himself, until he finds his life interrupted by fairy tale characters pushed out of their kingdom by narrow-minded King Farquaad. When Farquaad demands Shrek rescue Princess Fiona, who is to be the king’s bride, from a tower, hilarity ensues as the ogre goes on the journey. Presented by the Gilbert Players. Tickets: $16/$14/$12.

feature FILM

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 27 Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa avenged his buddy’s death in the ring, then blabbered a lesson on U.S.-Soviet relations into the post-bout microphone, “If I can change … and you can change … EVERYBODY CAN CHANGE!” Thirty-three years later, the changed one is coaching Apollo’s kid to beat Ivan’s boy in a DNA grudge match.

“Green Book” – Viggo Mortensen last played a brilliant, rebellious single dad intent on liberating his children’s minds in the wilds of Oregon in “Captain Fantastic.” So it could be fun to watch this about-face, which has him playing a mentally sluggish bouncer transporting an African-American classical pianist (Mahershala Ali) through the 1960s American South.

DECEMBER

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“Aquaman” – The DC Universe takes the deep dive with Jason Momoa as the superhero who swims with the fishes. Now that Henry Cavill is out as Superman and Ben Affleck is said to be ditching Batman, it’s up to Momoa and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) to rescue the Justice League franchise from the awful likes of that nerdy Flash.

“Holmes and Watson” – They aren’t the crime-fighting team the world deserves, but the one it needs — or

something like that. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly bring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detectives to life, their first feature-film pairing since the immortal “Step Brothers” (has it really been 10 years?!).

“Welcome to Marwen” – Steve Carrell stars in this fantastical version of the true-life story told in the documentary “Marwencol,” about a man recovering from a brutal beating by finding refuge in the miniature worlds he creates with toy figures.

Check out the doc first if you can.

“Mary Poppins Returns” – The first movie I ever saw in a theater was a rerelease of the 1964 version of “Mary Poppins” starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and a flock of animated penguins, so admittedly it holds a special place in my soul. Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda now have the opportunity either to return me to my childhood bliss or corrupt all that is sacred about my earliest movie memory. Their move.

music

It’s music to your ears. Check out these concerts and shows at some of the area’s hottest hot spots.

SEPTEMBER

THE WINTER PROJECT Friday, Sept. 21

Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St. COUNTERPARTS & BEING AS AN OCEAN - PRIVATE ROOM TOUR Saturday, Sept. 22 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. With Have Mercy and Varials.

BEARLY DEAD LIVE Saturday, Sept. 22 Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. HONEY TALK & COLD ENGINES Wednesday, Sept. 26 Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St. TONY BENNETT 10TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE AND GALA Friday, Sept. 28 Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St. The untouchable Tony Bennett helps the Hanover Theatre ring in their 10th anniversary.

SUPERSUCKERS Friday, Sept. 28 The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. JUNKYARD, The McGunks, Demons Alley, The Erotics Friday, Sept. 28 Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St. GAME OF THRONES LIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCE FEATURING RAMIN DJAWADI Saturday, Sept. 29 DCU Center, 50 Foster St. The critically acclaimed Game of Thrones concert experience brings the world of Westeros to life in the Heart of the Commonwealth.

OCTOBER

PINK MARTINI WITH CHINA FORBES Wednesday, Oct. 3 Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE: WORCESTER MUSIC FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS Friday, Oct. 5 Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St. MODEST MOUSE Friday, Oct. 5

Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. Tickets start at $49.50.

DIANA KRALL: TURN UP THE QUIET WORLD TOUR Saturday, Oct. 6 Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St. Multi-Grammy award winning jazz singer Diana Krall heads to the Hanover.

AFTER THE BURIAL, THE ACACIA STRAIN Saturday, Oct. 6 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. TOWER OF POWER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Wednesday, Oct. 10

Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St. The soul legends perform on their 50th anniversary tour.

TRICK OR TREAT RADIO MASQUERADE EXTRAVAGANZA Friday, Oct. 12 The Cove Music Hall, 89 Green St. With The Deadites, The Excrementals, The Frenzy of Tongs and Cinema Thearapy COLE SWINDELL & DUSTIN LYNCH: “REASON TO DRINK ANOTHER” TOUR WITH LAUREN ALAINA Friday, Oct. 12 DCU Center, 50 Foster St. UNHOLY FATHER FEST #1: WHITE BELTS, FIDEL, OLYPHANT, MOLLUSK Friday, Oct. 12 Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove st.

ROCK AND SHOCK 2018 Friday-Sunday, Oct. 12-14 DCU Convention Center, 50 Foster St., and the Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. The annual horror and music festival returns to Worcester with Ted Raimey, Bill Moseley and more.

HIGH COMMAND Monday, Oct. 15 Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St. With Enforced, Immortal War and Death Defier GOOD CHARLOTTE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR Tuesday, Oct. 23 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 29

feature MILESTONES

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PART OF THE ‘RENAISSANCE’

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With Sleeping With Sirens, Knuckle Puck, The Dose CLUTCH - BOOK OF BAD DECISIONS TOUR 2018 Thursday, Oct. 25 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. With Sevendust, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown DESCENDENTS Saturday, Oct. 27 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. Teenage Bottlerocket, Ruth Ruth THE TEMPTATIONS AND THE FOUR TOPS Sunday, Oct. 28 Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St. Rescheduled from Sept. 21 due to a medical issue, the incredible acts head to Hanover.

EMMURE & STICK TO YOUR GUNS: PRESENTED BY SOUNDRINK Sunday, Oct. 28 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. With Wage War, Sanction

NOVEMBER

NEW ENGLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS A HALLOWEEN CONCERT Friday, Nov. 2 Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. Live music accompaniment to “Harry Potter” with “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” “Night on Bald Mountain” and more.

MARKO AND THE BRUISERS, THE LOST RIOTS, FORMER LIFE, WHOPPI STICKS, THE PROZACS Friday, Nov. 2 Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St.

GWAR Thursday, Nov. 8

Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. With Miss May I, American Sharks.

MY FAVORITE THINGS: AN EVENING WITH JANE SHIVICK, SOPRANO & OLGA ROGACH, PIANIST Thursday, Nov. 8 Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St. SILVERSTEIN Thursday, Nov. 15 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. The Broken is Easily Fixed tour, 15-year anniversary tour. With Hawthorne Heights, As Cities Burn, Capstan MAD DOGS UNCHAINED Saturday, Nov. 17 Arcadia Ballroom at the White Eagle, 120 Green St.

The band formerly known as Cocker Rocks, Elliot Tuffin & Joe Cocker Band return.

THE STORY SO FAR Sunday, Nov. 18 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. With Turnover, Citizen, Movements STRAY FROM THE PATH/SILENT PLANET Monday, Nov. 19 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. With Kublai Khan, Greyhaven TRANSIBERIAN ORCHESTRA PRESENTS THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE Saturday, Nov. 24 DCU Center, 50 Foster St. The yearly multisensory extravaganza returns with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.

DECEMBER

THE FELDONS, TIGER BOMB, JUSTINE & THE UNCLEAN, THEE SONOMATICS Saturday, Dec. 1 Ralph’s Diner, 148 Grove St. CIRCA SURVIVE Sunday, Dec. 2 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. The Amulet Tour with La Dispute, Queens Of Jeans 2018 BOSTON POPS HOLIDAY TOUR Friday, Dec. 7 Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St. HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT Saturday, Dec. 8 Mechanics Hall, 321 Main st.

UNDEROATH Saturday, Dec. 8 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St. The Erase Me Tour with Dance Gavin Dance, Crown The Empire, The Plot In You

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ll of the changes, including a planned restaurant, Josephine, that will lease space owned by The Hanover, contribute to what many have called the “renaissance” of Worcester. When the Mechanics Hall restoration occurred 40 years ago, “Those were the words used then,” Gagne said, adding people are now more optimistic about the future of Worcester and that city leadership makes a difference in getting change to happen. Today, however, these developments “add to our mission to be a central focus of an amazing city with a great history,” she said.

Likewise, 10 years ago, when the theater opened, Siebels recalls someone told him it “created a new optimism that Worcester could be something different than what it was.”

Certainly, he said, “We get credited a lot with starting it. We were the first new energy downtown. I think we played a much bigger role than you’d expect one organization to play. We’re proud of that.”

Added Condit, “We’re really looking to see how we can elevate Worcester as the second largest city as a cultural destination. We love being part of the community.”

Augustus said both Mechanics Hall and The Hanover have been important in contributing to the city and drawing people to the downtown area, which is no longer a place where people just go to for work and then leave.

“I couldn’t imagine Worcester being in the position we are in without The Hanover and Mechanics Hall,” says Augustus. “They are critical cultural institutions.”

Petty agreed, saying the success of Mechanics Hall and The Hanover “shows that the arts community is active, vibrant and sustainable in Worcester. It will be for years to come.”

“It’s the right time to be in Worcester,” he added, “and these two venues offer a lot to everyone inside and outside the city.”

MUSIC

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 28

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 - 2 6 , 2018

the space. When the black box opens in about a year from now, Siebels said it will be a nice compliment because the city has not had a professional theater company since Foothills ceased operations in 2009.

Another collaboration currently in the works is a streetscape project that will benefit both Mechanics Hall and The Hanover. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held late last month at the Hanover for the project, which will overhaul the northern end of Main Street with new sidewalks, decorative lighting, brick bands, new curbs and bump-outs, bike lanes, adaptive management system traffic signals, artwork displays and more.

“One of the things we committed to doing was how to make streets and sidewalks not just useful to vehicles, but to pedestrians and bicycles,” Augustus said, adding the two projects “show off exactly what we can do.”

Plus, he said, both Mechanics Hall and The Hanover “will get special attention.”

“All of these [improvements],” Kennedy said, “are going to make Worcester a more walkable community.”

The project is a joint effort, with the state handling the portion between Myrtle and Thomas streets and the city simultaneously redoing the area between Highland and Thomas streets, according to DPW Commissioner Paul Moosey.

“There’s a lot of investment going in downtown Worcester, and this all complements it,” Moosey says.

The roughly $13-million project is primarily funded by the state Department of Transportation, which includes an earlier $4.5-million federal earmark secured by U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern, as well as city money and a grant from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program.

Perhaps the biggest change will be the area directly by the Hanover, where that portion of Southbridge Street will be realigned to curve around in front of the federal courthouse, instead of running alongside the theater, as it does currently. The existing plaza area will then extend to the theater entrance, and, said Augustus, “We really want that to be active, engaged space.”

Once the plaza is redesigned, in about a year from now, The

Hanover will be responsible for programming and maintaining it.

“I think it will change the way people will perceive the theater,” Siebels said. “It will allow us to bring some of what we do inside to outside.”

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culture Former Pawtucket Red Sox mascots Paws, left and Sox, right, attend the Canal District block party in celebration of the Worcester Red Sox. ELIZABETH BROOKS

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culture

‘GRAND AND GLORIOUS’

Worcester pulled out all the stops - and rolled out the red carpet – for what was billed as a “grand and glorious” celebration of the Worcester Red Sox Monday night. City Hall plaza kicked things off, followed by a block party in the city’s Canal District.

Above, Red Sox Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez walks the red carpet during the Worcester Red Sox celebration held on the Common.

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S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

Below, Pedro Martinez, left, joins fellow former Red Sox player, Jerry Remy, the longtime NESN announcer who is battling cancer, to raise Larry Lucchino’s hands as the crowd cheered.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

Above, City Councilor Kate Toomey greets Polar beverages mascot Orson on the red carpet Monday.

Below, a large crowd on the common for the Worcester Red Sox celebration.

ELIZABETH BROOKS

culture

Worcester gets exhilarated with music, arts festival JOSHUA LYFORD

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said. “Sometimes, we spend our own money, or we don’t have the extra cash and can’t use them for a year.

The main program we want to get is IXL. It’s an adaptive program for math that helps students that need extra support. Another program we’d love to get is Flocabulary, it’s really great for all of our English Language Learners. It is content related and tied to the curriculum, it’s very powerful for all of our english language learners.”

To facilitate the fundraising component of the festival, Berthiaume and the rest of the Exhilarate crew put together a combination of musical acts and artists to perform downtown. The musical acts include Will Dailey, Blue Light Bandits, The Way Ways, To the Moon, Lainey Dionne, Earl on Earth, The Silent Trees, Kieran McCoobery, Samuel Bowen and Gracie Day. “We were trying to discover local musicians that were very talented,” Berthiaume said. “Some are musicians on the rise, we wanted to keep it local. Some of the bands we’ve

seen perform live and some we have listened to online. Bigger picture, it’s not just giving back to the schools but bringing the whole community together and might be fun for people to go out on a saturday. That’s inclusive for all activities and good for all ages.”

In addition to the musical acts there will be plenty of artists and crafters on hands, as well as children’s activities by MAIN Idea, yoga provided by Taproom Yoga owner Giovanni Tropeano and food and drink vendors Coney Island Hot Dogs, Basil N’ Spice, On the Rise Bakery, One Love Cafe, Flying Dreams Brewing Co. and Bud Light.

“The Woodland Staff has been super helpful in making this idea become a reality,” Berthiaume said.

“Without their support and help we wouldn’t have been able to do this, and of course all the artists and musicians willing to help. Our food vendors that have confidence in this working, and Flying Dreams for being right on board from the beginning and supporting what were

doing for the school and the city.

Our goal is for this not to be one and done. Our goal is to continue this for years to come.”

Working in the Worcester Public School system and growing up in Worcester herself, the opportunity to give back through Exhilarate is important to Berthiaume and the rest of the organizers.

“I was born and raised in Worcester, my parents grew up in worcester as well,” she said. “I think it’s really special to be able to give back to the community. I went to Worcester public elementary school. It’s great to be able to give back to that community. Bigger picture, it’s not just giving back to the schools, but bringing the whole community together and might be fun for people to go out on a saturday. That’s inclusive for all activities and good for all ages.”

S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

hen a group of Woodland Academy teachers and music aficionados got together to brainstorm fundraising methods for student programming, the answer was obvious: a music and arts festival with all proceeds going right back into tools to benefit students. Like that, Exhilarate Worcester was born.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, Worcester will get to experience the inaugural Exhilarate Music & Arts Festival, downtown on the Worcester Common.

“We had thought of a music festival idea since college,” said Jana Berthiaume, co-founder and organizer of Exhilarate. “But raising money for the schools really inspired us to capitalize on the idea that we had, with the help of Elevation 3D, a company that has guided us on the business side of it. None of us are business people, we are all in education, so it was nice to have some business-savvy minds helping out.”

In her day job as a Woodland Academy teacher, Berthiaume learned to appreciate the hard work and spirit of the students she interacts with on a day-to-day basis, though programming can be difficult.

“The kids there work really hard,” she said. “It’s an urban school. A lot of the kids come from poverty, and you see how hard they work and how hard their families work. A lot of the students are English Language Learners. Their families speak one language at home and they come to school and speak English. The kids and their families motivated us to try and raise money to get some more resources. The school system does provide us with some resources, which is great, we want to get as much as we can for them.”

The resources Berthiaume speaks to are particular programs such as IXL and Flocabulary - math and language learning programs, respectively.

“We’re trying to get a few programs that all the teachers love,” she

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A large crowd on the common for the Worcester Red Sox celebration.

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ELIZABETH BROOKS

culture Lyford Files

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JOSHUA LYFORD

I am not a particularly proud man. I sleep with a 60-pound hound dog every night and my favorite beer is Busch Light. Worse? Years of keeping beer in my closet has left me with a proclivity for warm liquid. That said, I’m not above admitting when I’m wrong. Further, I tend to have a masochistic desire to shame myself in this magazine. On Monday, Sept.

17, I was wrong. Dead wrong.

Let’s rewind. My colleague Bill Shaner and I co-host a radio show each Friday and we recently landed on the topic of the Grand and Glorious Civic Celebration at the City Hall Common. I made a number of intense callouts, some of which I still stand by. I mean, come on, that flyer was abysmal and I still think it’s ludicrous to use the words “magical and marvelous” to describe anything that isn’t a middle school talent show.

I claimed there would be no more than 500 attendees due to awful promotion, but man, was there a turnout. I told some folks I’d eat my hat if I was wrong. Well, I only have one hat and it’s really important to me, so I lied. I will, however, give props to what was nailed during that celebration: Kelley Square block party. Now, I have no idea if that’s what this thing was called, but blocking off that particular section of the Canal District was amazing. To supplicate myself before you, dear reader, I submit some notes from that raucous Monday evening celebration.

The floodgates are open. Now that the Canal District has held an event like this, roads shut down, street vendors, live music, a beer garden in the municipal lot, we can’t put the genie back in the bottle. Walking down the street during this Canal District Block Party is the first time during all this “renaissance” and “hip city” talk that it really felt like that.

The streets were packed and it was amazing. I’m sure they will do the same again for Worcester Red Sox opening day in 2021, but let’s not wait that long. Hey, mark Sept. 17 down on the calendar and make it an annual thing.

I don’t know if you can get a citation after the fact, so I may be putting myself out on a limb here, but rolling down the street with a beer in hand felt great. I don’t think it was technically allowed, but it also didn’t seem to cause any problems. Lift the open container law during these block parties and enjoy the good times, please.

Daylight that goddamn canal. Do it now. Yes, I know it’s expensive, but the benefit is too great. It would become a centerpiece and I can’t imagine something better than leaning over a railing, staring into the inky black water, tall boy in hand while fireworks go off in the background. Besides, Worcester just committed a hell of a lot of money for this stadium, right?

I have been very public on my opinion on the stadium. I’ve done it to death. Worcester is on the hook for a lot and historically, municipalityled stadium building has been brutal. That’s not my biggest concern, however. There are two statements at odds in this conversation. The big claim is the Canal District will benefit greatly from the stadium. The second is the area immediately surrounding the stadium will become home to brand new development: restaurants, bars and shops. Now, I’m no mathstrologist and I’m surely no mathstronaut, but it strikes me that these two things can hardly be true simultaneously. Am I supposed to believe new visitors to the Canal District will attend a game, eat a bunch of pig anus and guzzle overpriced beer, then head to the restaurant and bar 10 feet away from the main entrance and then also spend their money in the Canal District proper? I dunno, man. How many dinners do Minor League Baseball fans need?

At the end of the day, it’s happening. The stadium will be built and, while I have some serious questions about the fiscal responsibility of the deal that was made, I’m sure it will be fun to have in town. I hope it succeeds. Seriously.

This is my home and I hope for the best, but I do have concerns. Maybe I’m just jealous because I am getting priced out of the place I love while seeing Boston developers splash their money around, maybe not. As long as there’s a Worcester Railers Winter Classicstyle game in the stadium, I’m sure I’ll be Joshua Lyford just fine.

Culture editor @Joshachusetts

culture Lifestyle SARAH CONNELL

All Hail the Lady Rainicorn

This year’s POW! WOW! Worcester festival kicked off with a fierce and friendly rivalry among 10 local bartenders. “Shaking It Up for POW! WOW!” fostered a creative drink competition in support of public art. The Pint came out on top with their entry: Lady Rainicorn based on Ivan Roque’s 2017 POW! WOW! Worcester mural.

Competitors designed an original cocktail based on a work of art and donated $1 from each sale to the festival.

The winner was determined based on the drink that garnered the most #shakeitpww hashtags on Instagram posted between Aug. 26 - Sept. 9.

(The Pint used a Twizzler as a straw to drive Insta-posts.

No brainer.) Shaking It Up for POW! WOW! was generously The Pint’s “Shaking It Up for POW! supported by MS Walker WOW!” entry: Lady Rainicorn.

Imports.

SARAH CONNELL

JetBlue Wants to Suck Your Blood

JetBlue is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive at Worcester Regional Airport Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All presenting donors for the Blood

Drive will be entered to win a pair of JetBlue round-trip flights plus free admission to the Wings of Freedom tour, which will include four of the most famous World War Two fighter aircrafts and bombers. For a hefty additional fee, attendees can even go for a ride in the sky.

A New City for New City

in May 2015. New City Microcreamery combines classic New England farmfresh dairy with a first-of-its-kind modern liquid nitrogen process.

The Sausage Garden

The wait is over. Allegedly. On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Worcester Beer Garden on the Grid at 64 Franklin St. will finally host its long-anticipated grand opening, starting at 11 a.m. The 500-seat year-round establishment is made up of a pavillion for entertainment and an outdoor pergola. Breweries on tap include Allagash, Evil Twin, Firestone Walker, Jack’s Abby and of course - Wormtown. One of the sausages on The Grid’s new menu for this venture is even called The Paw Sox, a tribute to the Triple-A baseball team’s last hurrah before taking Worcester by storm. I was disappointed that The Paris Cinema was not shown the same courtesy with a brat of their own. Seems like there should be plenty of sausages to go around.

Worcester’s original craft beer festival, Brew Woo is doubling down to bring us an installment this fall just days after Halloween.

The Harvest Fest will bring together the same variety of breweries attendees have come to expect, with a focus on seasonal selections. The festival, which is held in the Convention Center of Worcester’s DCU Center on Saturday, Nov. 3, will feature craft beer tasting from over 80 breweries. Ticket holders will enjoy live music, savory food offerings, and the opportunity to shop with a variety of unique vendors. Tickets are on sale now for $38 and will include a souvenir glass and 30 drink tickets. Expect to choose from two sessions at the time of purchase: 1-4 p.m. or 6-9. This is a 21-plus event.

35

Sarah Connell contributing writer

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Brew Boo

S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

New City Microcreamery is expanding and opening a shop in Central Square, Cambridge. Partners, Karim El-Gamal, Michael Kasseris and Jason Kleinerman opened New City Microcreamery on Hudson’s Main Street

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W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

culture Prime Slices at Pepe’s 274 Franklin St., Worcester 508-755-1978 • pepesbrickovenpizza.com SANDRA RAIN

T

he glass façade of Pepe’s offers a discrete window into the Canal District. Located among a slew of vacant warehouses on Franklin Street, this Italian eatery boasts homestyle dishes, plenty of parking and some of the best pizza in the city. You won’t find it unless you know where to

37

Food: HHH Ambience: HH Service: HHH Value: HHH

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Explanation of Stars: Ratings are from zero to five. Zero is not recommended.

One is poor. Two is fair. Three is satisfactory. Four is good. Five is excellent.

S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

look.

You can count on a fair amount of family hospitality. At some point during your meal, you should assume a cook will call out of a porthole from the kitchen to make sure his tribe has had enough to eat. Just don’t expect a host to greet you. Go ahead and make yourself at home.

An “Engine 6” placard adorns the bar, probably to commemorate the infamous Cold Storage fire that took six Worcester firefighters’ lives on the evening of Dec. 3, 1999 just one block away. It’s a friendly neighborhood crowd and the bar is rightly full on any given night of the week.

A budding photographer’s family portraits hang on the dining room walls, beckoning guests awkwardly to inquire about a card for senior pictures or an impending engagement shoot. The concrete floors feel original, as does the exposed brick. The dim yellow orbs that hang from the ceiling do not. I also have questions about the gelato cart, which I have yet to see in use.

Sure, Pepe’s menu caters to the bar flies with its mozzarella sticks ($7) and chicken tenders ($9), but the kitchen also puts out a few passionate dishes if you look hard enough.

The stuffed peppers ($8.50) emerge like crunchy green Pepe’s stuffed peppers appetizer. pouches so biting that your eyes will water, and bursting with capicola wound around hard hunks of sharp Italian cheese. The meat lasagna ($17) will stick to your bones, baked with mozzarella and scratch tomato sauce. The chicken parm ($16.50) is a staff favorite, for good reason.

Pepe’s pizza is why the local crowd is a loyal crowd; each hefty slice is capable of a good fold. The Works ($16.50) supports chunky tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, peppers and onions, while Rocky ($18) muscles arugula prosciutto, tomatoes, shredded parmigiano and a drizzle of olive oil. Pepe’s crust offers nice chew and the dusty remnants of good flour. It is neither charred nor bubbly, as is most common of Worcester’s pies. If Pepe’s sold pizza by the slice in a high traffic stall just a few blocks away, they’d make bank at lunchtime and late night. But it’s a family affair and Pepe’s seems comfortable on Franklin Street. Familiarity pays dividends for what it’s worth.

Pepe’s is not the sort of old Italian haunt you’d hit for an anniversary dinner. This is a casual hangout with bottles of house wine for $23 and TVs to watch the game. A head server or bartender will look old enough to drive, but most nights, the rest of the service crew will not. The teenage dream team will offer up your wine list with sweet smiles, but not much in the way of direction. They take direction well.

For a spot seasoned in catering and delivery, it’s a wonder Pepe’s has managed to cultivate such a lively crowd of dine-in regulars. There’s something special about watching the man of the oven call his daughters over to the kitchen window for a treat or hearing the bartender greet each of her customers by name on a Tuesday night. Pepe’s is an excellent example of why, for so many families, Worcester feels like home.

On my last dinner date, our bill came to $74.61 and we went home with plenty of leftovers.

culture No joke: Redford’s retiring JIM KEOGH

S

ome cinematic thoughts collected while watching the Patriots get mauled by the Jaguars: • I caught this week’s CBS Sunday Morning show, which featured an interview with Robert Redford on his New Mexico ranch. As Redford and reporter Lee Cowan hiked along a hilly trail, the actor proceeded slowly, and cautiously, his body making the necessary subtle adjustments to maintain balance on uneven terrain. Redford is 82 years old now, the matinee-idol face creased and the legs less THEFILMSTAGE.COM steady. He’s announced that his upcoming movie, “The Old Man & The Gun,” will be his last as an actor, and while the news makes sense (82!), there’s sadness to it as well.

Redford will join the likes of Gene Hackman and Sean Connery, who said “Enough” and got out of the game on their own terms.

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W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

• You always suspected behind Jim Carrey’s slapstick façade bubbled a tortured soul. His Showtime series “Kidding” confirms it. This is an odd, and oddly fascinating, show about a Mr. Rogers-like children’s-program host, Mr. Pickles (Jeff, off camera), whose life goes into free-fall following the death of his son. Jeff wants to reunite with his estranged wife (played by Judy Greer, my favorite girl-next-door actress) and endures a complicated relationship with his father (always-good Frank Langella), who is also his show’s producer. Dad wants his son to live his best life, but not at the expense of jeopardizing the Mr. Pickles brand, and nixes Jeff ’s idea to craft an episode around the subject of death. “Kidding” is so off-kilter and weird, I think I’m falling in love with it.

• As someone who came of age in the 1970s — which meant I watched a lot of “Fantasy Island” — I can’t begin to express my level of anticipation for the HBO film “My Dinner With Hervé.” Hervé Villechaize, of course, played Tattoo, the tiny sidekick for Ricardo Montalban’s Mr. Roarke, the mysterious proprietor of a resort where visitors’ dreams came true. Each week, Tattoo opened by calling out “The plane! The plane!” to announce the arrival of the airplane bearing D-list Hollywood celebs whose agents couldn’t find them any work other than on this horrible program (ah, Barbi Benton, where art thou now?). Peter Dinklage reportedly has been developing this project for years and will portray Villechaize.

• Nice to see Rhode Island native Peter Farrelly getting the opportunity to flex his creative muscle. The man responsible, with his brother Bobby for “Dumb and Dumber,” “There’s Something About Mary” and “Kingpin” moves away from his comedic roots to write, direct and produce “Green Book,” about a bouncer (Viggo Mortensen) driving an African-American classical pianist (Mahershala Ali) on tour across the South in the 1960s. The movie recently earned the audience prize at the Toronto Film Festival, which is often a harbinger for Academy Award consideration.

• Anybody else as sick of The Joker as I am? Joaquin Phoenix will soon star in a standalone Joker movie, and I’m not seeing the point. Jack Nicholson gave the villain comic malevolence in 1989’s “Batman,” Heather Ledger won an Oscar for his psychotic interpretation in “The Dark Knight,” and Jared Leto was a hissable ghoul in “Suicide Squad.” Is the world crying for more Joker? Apparently so. The new film reportedly is an origin story, aka a character reboot.

But still. Why no love for The Riddler?

Jim Keogh contributing writer

S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

39

calendar Thursday, Sept. 20 An Evening with Silkroad Featuring Home Within

Seelos Theater, college of the Holy Cross, 1 College St. Presented by Arts Transcending Borders, the three year exploration of curiosity, difference and the arts enters its second year of residency at the college. Check out Home Within, an audio-visual performance conceived by Kinan Azmeh and Kevork Mourad.

Silkroad artists Cristina Pato and Wu Tong © MAX WHITTAKER

Friday, Sept. 21 Rodents of Unusual Size

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WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

The Park View Room, 230 Park Ave. The award winning documentary comes to Worcester with director Chris Metzler. Presented

by Cinema Worcester, the film follows the monstrous rat infestation following years of hurricanes and oil spills in Louisiana.

Saturday, Sept. 22 HairFest 2018

Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Road, Webster A celebration of the golden years: The 1980s! Relive the big hair moments with tributes to hair bands like Van Halen, Judas Priest, Bon Jovi and more.

Saturday, Sept. 22 Worcester Chili & Chowder Fest Compass Tavern, 90 Harding St. Now in its fourth year, the annual chili and chowder fest presented by Pulse Magazine returns.

Friday, Sept. 28 • The Great Hall @ Mechanics Hall Doors @ 6pm • Game @ 7 • Cash Bar • Door Prizes Silent Auction • $5000 in Cash Prizes Teams of 4 0r 6 people - $30 per person Limited spaces available. enter your team today @ cluesandbrews.com

Ultimate pub trivia challenge A Fundraiser for Unity Radio

calendar

Saturday, Sept. 22 The Clustertruck Food Festival

EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way From 5-10 p.m., enjoy a night of food, local craft beer and music from Doctor Robert. Find more information online at Theclustertruck.com.

Monday, Sept. 24 Chopped! Worcester

Odeum Room in Rubin Campus Center at WPI, 100 Institute Road, Worcester With ingredients found in a food pantry, four local chefs duke it out to be the champion chef ! They have only 40 minutes to prepare and the food is judged by a panel of three judges. Participants include Chris O’Harra from Maddi’s Cookery, Rachel Coit from Kummerspeck, Bill Nemeroff from BT’s Smokehouse and Robin Clark from deadhorse hill.

Tuesday, Sept. 25 Thirsty Lab Poetry Reading with Sharon Harmon

The Park View Room, 230 Park Ave. Presented by Preservation Worcester, the international short film festival returns to Worcester.

WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 27-Oct. 6 21st Annual Manhattan Short Film Fest

S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

The Thirsty Lab, 206 Worcester Road, Princeton The bi-monthly poetry event, hosted by Susan Roney-O’Brien returns with Sharon Harmon, the Worcester resident, poet and freelance writer.

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culture

Adoption option Welcome to Adoption Option, a partnership with the Worcester Animal Rescue League, highlighting their adoptable pets. Check this space often to meet all of the great pets at WARL in need of homes.WARL is open seven days a week, noon-4 p.m., 139 Holden St. Check them out online at Worcesterarl.org, or call at 508-853-0030.

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W O R C E S T E R M A G A Z I N E . C O M S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

SHERI BREADY PET PHOTOGRAPHY

Bison is a good-natured, playful boy who is quick to learn, especially if treats are involved!

Bison’s previous owner was unable to care for him any longer, and he was brought to the shelter for a second chance. At 7 years young, Bison doesn’t let anything slow him down. When he arrived at the shelter, he had a lump on the side of his neck. The lump was a low-grade mast cell tumor.

He has fully recovered and his life is not impacted whatsoever. His new adopters will just need to keep an eye out for any new lumps that may form and have them examined as soon as possible.

He loves to play, go for walks, and has joined our Tail Blazers jogging club and is a star runner. His average jog is three miles. He keeps a good pace, and loves the company. Bison has met dogs at the shelter, but seems to prefer the company of people. Adults are most fun for him, as this big lug can still occasionally act much like a pup himself. Visit the shelter today – Bison will be waiting to meet you! Bison is neutered and current with core vaccines. His adoption fee is $225.

games “Starch Search”--carbitrarily speaking.

by Matt Jones

JONESIN’

8 9 10 11 12 13 18 22 24 25 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 41 42

45 Furniture store to meander through 47 Sure 49 False accusation 53 Zener cards test for it 54 Up to it 55 Back out 56 Abbr. on meat packages 58 Coulrophobia, e.g.

59 Mazar of “Entourage” 61 ___ spumante (sparkling wine) 62 Obsessive fan 63 Xbox series since 2001 65 Network that’s now Les-less 66 “Wheel of Fortune” host Sajak 67 Nickname of a Red Sox Hall-of-Famer

Last week's solution

©2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) Reference puzzle #902

43

Down 1 The middle-sized bear 2 Love, in Latin

5 6 7

Border (on) Text to an s.o. while away on a trip, maybe Mischievous one Pigeon sound “Laugh-In” comedian Johnson Hitchcock’s “___ Window” Trumped-up Great Lakes’ ___ Canals One of South Africa’s official languages The whole thing “The Girl From Ipanema” saxophonist Evil ___ Frond-bearing plant Devine of “Pitch Perfect” Laundry container Like a brow, at times Talk show guest, often November follower?

Was forced Colin Dexter’s crosswordsolving inspector “Excuse me, but ...”

Majorca’s neighbor Fizzy drinks Go all out Couple, to tabloids “Grey Cell Green” band ___ Atomic Dustbin

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S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Across 1 Address for a general, sometimes 5 Mythical flyer 11 Zig’s counterpart 14 Both, at the beginning 15 EGOT winner Rita 16 Part of SUV, for short 17 Internet addict, slangily 19 Christmas tree sale site 20 Quirkily creative 21 Mess up 22 Bellybutton lint 23 “___, about that ...”

26 It’s picked in Maui 28 Pacific salmon 31 Irish singer with the albums “O” and “9” 37 Isaac’s older son 38 “I ___ the opinion ...”

39 Email receptacle 40 ___ Soundsystem 41 Publisher within a publisher 43 Martinique, par exemple 44 Weird Al song that states “I don’t care if you’re full” 46 “___ & Roy” (2018 HBO kids’ show from Sesame Workshop) 47 Kingpin 48 Ate (together) 50 E, on a map 51 Cassowary’s kin 52 WWI battle river through Flanders 54 Bluish green 57 Man-made (abbr.)

60 Hidden loot 64 Vehicle where the driver gets thanked 65 Short horror tales shared on the Internet 68 Mason jar’s topper 69 Petting zoo noise 70 Leaning type (abbr.)

71 Letter from Greece?

72 Atomizer amount 73 “The Godfather” composer ___ Rota

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wood Gardens #348140 (WHA Job No. 2017-14) for the Worcester Housing Authority in Worcester, Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by Allen and Major.

The Project consists of: Pressure washing existing exterior wood deck framing at Clusters One through Four. Removal and replacement of all decking and stair treads, and deteriorated exterior deck framing, and rail caps. Repainting of entire exterior wood deck allowing residents to exist their dwellings. Project completion time shall be 130 consecutive calendar days.

The work is estimated to cost $ 86,107 (including Alternates) Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive.

General Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., Thursday October 4, 2018 and publicly opened, forthwith.

All bids should be delivered to: Worcester Housing Authority, Department of Modernization, 81 Tacoma Street, Worcester, MA 01605 and received no later than the dateLEGAL & time specified above.

General bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than five (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (considering all alternates), and made payable to the Worcester Housing Authority.

Bid forms and Contract Documents will be made available on the Worcester Housing Authority website ADVERTISEMENT ) at no cost. Hard copies (http://www.worcesterha.org/currentbids.html The Housing Authority, the Awarding invites sealed will beWorcester made available on September 19, 2018 at Authority, the Worcester Housing bids fromDepartment ContractorsofforModernization, the Egress Deck Repairs at 667-2 Green-MA Authority, 81 Tacoma Street, Worcester, wood Gardens #348140 (WHA No. 2017-14) for the4:30 Worcester 01605 and thereafter, Monday thru Job Friday 8:00 A.M. through P. M. Housing Authority in Worcester, Massachusetts, with the Copies of the contract documents may be obtained in byaccordance depositing $50.00 by check, Allen and Major. indocuments the form ofprepared a company made payable to the Worcester Housing The Project Pressure washing existingThe exterior wood deck Authority, for consists each setof: of documents so obtained. amount of the deframing at Clusters through Four.

Removal of all posit will be refundedOne to each person who returnsand thereplacement plans, specifications decking stair treads, andcondition deteriorated exterior deck framing, andopenrail and other and documents in good within ten (10) days after bid caps.

Repainting of entire exterior wood deck allowing to exist ing.

Bidders requesting contract documents to be mailedresidents to them should their dwellings. timeofshall be 130 consecutive calendar include a separateProject check completion in the amount $40.00 for each set payable to days. the Worcester Housing Authority to cover mailing and handling costs.

The work is estimated to cost $ 86,107with (including General bidders must agree to contract minorityAlternates) and women business Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-JDiversity & to minimum wage rates as reenterprises as certified by the Supplier Office (SDO), formerly quiredasbySOMWBA. M.G.L. c.149 to 27Hparticipation inclusive. goal reserved for such enknown The§§26 combined terprises than until 10.4% of the final contract price including Generalshall Bids not will be less received 2:00 p.m., Thursday October 4, 2018 and publicly opened, forthwith. accepted alternates.

See Contract Documents - Article 3 of the InAll bids should be delivered to: Worcester Housing Authority, Departstructions to Bidders.

Modernization, 81 Tacoma MA 01605 A ment pre-bidofconference will be held at 10:00Street, a.m. onWorcester, Tuesday September and received no later thanGardens the date -&Community time specified above.

25, 2018 at Greenwood Room @ 337 GreenGeneral shall be accompanied bywhich a bid deposit that iswill notbe less than to wood St.,bids Worcester, MA 01607 at time bidders invited fivethe (5%) of thesite(s) greatest possible bid amount (considering all alternates), visit project with the a Worcester Housing Authority representaandFailure made payable Worcester Housing tive. to attendtoorthe visit the premises shall Authority. be no defense in failure to Bid forms and Contract perform contract terms. Documents will be made available on the Worcestercontract Housing documents Authority website The may be seen, but not removed at: no cost. Hard81 copies 1.(http://www.worcesterha.org/currentbids.html Worcester Housing Authority, Department of) at Modernization, Street, MA 01605 willTacoma be made available on Worcester, September 19, 2018 at the Worcester Housing 2.Authority, F.W. Dodge, 24 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02173 Department of Modernization, 81 Tacoma Street, Worcester, MA 3.01605 Reed Construction Data, 30thru Technology Parkway South, Norcross, and thereafter, Monday Friday 8:00 A.M. through 4:30 P. M.GA 30092 Copies of the contract documents may be obtained by depositing $50.00 4.in the Project 18 Graf Road Unitmade #8 Plan Room, formDog, of a company check, payable toNewburyport, the WorcesterMA Housing 01950 for each set of documents so obtained. The amount of the deAuthority, Questions thistoproject shall bewho submitted writing hours priposit will regarding be refunded each person returns in the plans,72 specifications orand to opening and emailed to condition within ten (10) days after bid openother documents in good Reference the WHA Job Number in Mod-Bids@worcesterha.org. ing. Bidders requesting contract documents to be mailed to themonly should the subject line. check in the amount of $40.00 for each set payable to include a separate the Worcester Housing Authority to cover mailing and handling costs.

General bidders must agree to contract with minority and women business enterprises as certified by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), formerly known as SOMWBA. The combined participation goal reserved for such enterprises shall not be less than 10.4% of the final contract price including accepted alternates. See Contract Documents - Article 3 of the Instructions to Bidders.

WORCESTER HOUSING AUTHORITY A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday September ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 25, 2018 at Greenwood Gardens - Community Room @ 337 GreenSeptember 20, 2018 wood St., Worcester, MA 01607 at which time bidders will be invited to SEALED BIDS shall be received at the Purchasing Office, 69 Tacoma Street., Worcester, MA 01605 visit the project site(s) with the a Worcester Housing Authority representaIFBs may be picked up at the location above or may be downloaded from our website: tive. Failure to attend or visit the premises shall be no defense in failure to www.worcesterha.org/purchasing, or call (508) 635-3202/3203, TTY/TDD (508) 798-4530. Bidders are responsible perform contract terms. for ensuring they have received any/all addenda prior to submitting a bid.

The contract documents may be seen, but not removed at: Separate awards will be made for each IFB. WHA reserves the right to reject any or all responses, in whole or in 1. Worcester Housing Authority, Department of Modernization, 81 part, deemed to be in their best interest. Award of all contracts is subject to the approval of the WHA Executive Tacoma Street, Worcester, MA 01605 Director or Board of Commissioners. The Operating Agency shall indemnify and hold harmless the WHA and its 2. F.W. Dodge, 24 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02173 officers or agents from any and all third party claims arising from activities under these Agreements as set forth in 3. Reed Construction Data, 30 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA MGL c.258, section 2 as amended.

30092 4. Project Dog, 18 Graf Road Unit #8 Plan Room, Newburyport, MA Release 01950 Bid No. Date Project Title Bid Opening Questions regarding this project shall be submitted in writing 72 hours pri18-32 9/21/2018 Supply & Delivery of VCT Floor Tiles 2:00 PM October 9, 2018 or to opening and emailed to Mod-Bids@worcesterha.org. Reference the WHA Job Number only in Jackson Restrepo, Chief Procurement Officer the subject line.

Visit our website at: www.worcesterha.org

S E P T E M B E R 20 - 26, 2018

The Project consists of: Pressure washing existing exterior wood deck framing at Clusters One through Four. Removal and replacement of all decking and stair treads, and deteriorated exterior deck framing, and rail caps. Repainting of entire exterior wood deck allowing residents to exist their dwellings. Project completion time shall be 130 consecutive calendar days.

The work is estimated to cost $ 86,107 (including Alternates) Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive.

General Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., Thursday October 4, 2018 and publicly opened, forthwith.

LEGAL All bids should be delivered to: Worcester Housing Authority, Department of Modernization, 81 Tacoma Street, Worcester, MA 01605 and received no later than the date & time specified above.

PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE General bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN PURfive (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (considering all alternates), SUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF and made payable to the Worcester Housing Authority.

M.L.C. 225 SEC. 39A THE FOLLOWBid forms and Contract Documents will be madeAUCTION availableNOTICE on the WorcesPUBLIC ING VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD ter Housing Authority website NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN PURSEPTEMBER 29, 2018 AT A SALE TO (http://www.worcesterha.org/currentbids.html at THE no cost.

Hard copies SUANT )TO PROVISIONS OF CAMPERS & TRAILERS SATISFY OUR GARAGE LIEN will be made available on September 19, 2018 at SEC. the Worcester Housing M.L.C. 225 39A THE FOLLOWTHEREON FOR TOWING AND STORAuthority, Department of Modernization,ING 81 Tacoma Street, Worcester, VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD MA AGE CHARGES AND EXPENSES 01605 andBEFORE thereafter,YOU Monday thru Friday 8:00 A.M. through M. TO SEPTEMBER 29, 20184:30 AT P. A SALE TRY BUY! OF SALE AND NOTICE. Sudoku Answers Copies of the contract documents may be obtained byGARAGE depositing $50.00 SATISFY OUR LIEN 2006 HONDA CR-V VIN# in the form of a company check, made payable to the Housing THEREON FORWorcester TOWING AND STORJHLRD78896C010597 Authority, for each set of documents so AGE obtained.

The amount of the deCHARGES AND EXPENSES 2003 HONDA CR-V VIN# posit will be refunded to each person who the NOTICE. plans, specifications OFreturns SALE AND SHSRD78893U144935 and• other documents in good condition within ten (10)CR-V days after 2006 HONDA VIN# bid openClass A, B, C Motor Homes • Trailers 2009 LINCOLN MKZ VIN# ing. Bidders contract documents to be mailed to them should JHLRD78896C010597 Partsrequesting • Propane • Service 3LNHM28T89R615292 include a separate check inHousing the amount of $40.00 for each payable to 2003 HONDA CR-V set VIN# Transportation • Temporary 2007 ACURA TL VIN# the Worcester Housing Authority to cover mailing and handling costs.

SHSRD78893U144935 Fuller RV Rentals & Sales 19UUA66287A029200 General bidders must agree to contract with women 2009minority LINCOLNand MKZ VIN# business 2005 HONDA ACCORD VIN# 150 Shrewsbury St.,byBoylston enterprises as certified the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), formerly 3LNHM28T89R615292 1HGCM56475A049322 508-869-2905 known as SOMWBA. The combined participation goal TL reserved 2007 ACURA VIN# for such enSALE LOCATION : EARLY’S ON PARK terprises shall not be less than 10.4% of 19UUA66287A029200 the final contract price including www.fullerrv.com AVE. INC 536 PARK AVENUE accepted alternates. See Contract Documents - Article 3 ofVIN# the In2005 HONDA ACCORD BBB Accredited A+ Rating WORCESTER, MA 01603 1HGCM56475A049322 structions to Bidders.

SALE LOCATION : EARLY’S ON PARK Y A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday September LEGAL Gardens - Community AVE. INC 536 PARK@AVENUE 25, 2018 at Greenwood Room 337 GreenWORCESTER, MA 01603 wood St., Worcester, MA 01607 at which time bidders will be invited to Worcester, MA 01605 visit the projectHOUSING site(s) with the a Worcester Housing Authority representaWORCESTER AUTHORITY r website: tive.ADVERTISEMENT Failure to attend orFOR visit BIDS the premises shall be no defense in failure to 08) 798-4530. Bidders are responsible perform September contract terms.

PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE 20, 2018 contractOffice, documents may be seen, Worcester, butNOTICE not removed at: GIVEN PURIS HEREBY SEALED BIDS shall be received at the The Purchasing 69 Tacoma Street., MA 01605 t any or all responses, in whole or in 1.

Worcester Housing Authority, Department of Modernization, 81 OF SUANT TO THE PROVISIONS IFBs may be picked up at the location above or may be downloaded from our website: o the approval of the WHA Executive Street, TTY/TDD Worcester, MA798-4530.

01605 225 Bidders M.L.C. SEC. 39A THE FOLLOWwww.worcesterha.org/purchasing, or call Tacoma (508) 635-3202/3203, (508) are responsible and hold harmless the WHA and its 2. F.W. Dodge, 24 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, 02173WILL BE SOLD ING MA VEHICLES for ensuring they have received any/all addenda prior to submitting a bid. nder these Agreements as set forth in 3. Reed Construction Data, 30 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 AT A SALE Separate awards will be made for each IFB. WHA reserves the right to reject any or all responses, in whole or in TO 30092 OUR GARAGE part, deemed to be in their best interest. Award of all contracts is subject to theSATISFY approval of the WHA LIEN Executive 4. Project Dog, 18 Graf Road Unit #8 Plan Room, Newburyport, MA STORFOR TOWING Director or Board of Commissioners. The Operating Agency shall indemnify andTHEREON hold harmless the WHAAND and its 01950 Bidofficers Opening AGE CHARGES AND EXPENSES or agents from any and all third party claims arising from activities under these Agreements as set forth in Questions regarding this project shall be submitted in writing 72 hours priM MGL October 9, section 2018 2 as amended.

OF SALE AND NOTICE. c.258, or to opening and emailed to 2006 HONDA CR-V VIN# Release WHA Job Number only in Mod-Bids@worcesterha.org. Reference the Bid No. Date Project Title Bid JHLRD78896C010597 Opening the subject line.

2003 HONDA CR-V VIN# 18-32 9/21/2018 Supply & Delivery of VCT Floor Tiles 2:00 PM October 9, 2018 SHSRD78893U144935 2009 LINCOLN MKZ VIN# Jackson Restrepo, Chief Procurement Officer 3LNHM28T89R615292 Visit our website at: www.worcesterha.org 2007 ACURA TL VIN# 19UUA66287A029200 2005 HONDA ACCORD VIN# 1HGCM56475A049322 SALE LOCATION : EARLY’S ON PARK AVE. INC 536 PARK AVENUE WORCESTER, MA 01603

last call Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springe film directors

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uinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springe directed the film “Rodents of Unusual Size,” which tells the story of a stubborn Louisiana fisherman named Thomas Gonzales who has withstood decades of hurricanes and oil spills but now must face an army of 20-pound swamp rats called “nutria.” Nutria are invasive South American rodents that breed exceptionally fast. Known for their orange teeth and voracious appetites, they are devouring the coastal wetlands that shield Gonzales and Delacroix Island from hurricanes. Gonzales is determined to save his home.

The film’s tagline reads, “It is man vs. rodent. May the best mammal win.” Rodents of Unusual Size will premier locally on Friday, Sept. 21 courtesy of Cinema-Worcester at 7 p.m. in The Park View Room. The filmmakers will be on-hand for questions.

Metzler cut his chops in Nashville’s country and Christian music video industries (where he won a Billboard Magazine Music Video Award) before landing in Los Angeles. He went on to join the independent documentary film scene to start work on his feature length directorial debut with Jeff Springer, which he deems an “offbeat environmental documentary,” called “Plagues & Pleasures On The Salton Sea.” The film went on to win over 37 awards for Best Documentary and was named by Booklist as one of its Top 10 Environmental Films. It was eventually released theatrically in the United States and broadcast nationally on the Sundance Channel. Metzler’s most recent feature is the Emmy-nominated documentary, “Everyday Sunshine: The Story Of Fishbone,” which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival, screened at SXSW and aired nationally on PBS. Springer spent time in San Francisco on Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Ranch, editing behind-

the-scenes documentaries before linking up with Metzler to direct his first feature documentary, “Plagues & Pleasures On The Salton Sea.” He then spent time in Afghanistan editing the documentary In-justice, about women imprisoned for supposed “moral crimes.” Recently, he directed and photographed several short docs and an Emmy-nominated hourlong special for the show “Artbound” for KCET in Los Angeles.

Costello’s portfolio of work has been seen on PBS, The Learning Channel, Sundance Channel and at a number of film festivals including Tribeca and Mountainfilm in Telluride. For the past 10 years, he has been editing the Emmy award winning Public Television series “The New Environmentalists,” narrated by Robert Redford.

“Rodents Of Unusual Size” is his feature length directorial debut.

Thomas Gonzales, the Nutria Hunter Where is your team originally from? Chris grew up in Missouri, which some label as being in the South, but really is the Midwest.

Quinn grew up in Idaho and Jeff in Hawaii. All three of us now call California home. However, we have each been blessed with having opportunities to travel frequently in the south and it’s a place we have a deep affection for.

In college, each of us remember seeing various Les Blank films that portrayed these amazing communities along the Louisiana bayous that always got stuck in our imaginations. From then we each knew we wanted to make a film there eventually. Thankfully, the nutria provided a story ripe to tell.

When did you all identify a passion for filmmaking? Chris and Jeff met at film school at USC. For Quinn, it was all about being high school and re-creating scenes from his favorite films to crack his friends up. There wasn’t much else to do in his little town in Idaho. It

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started becoming a challenge of always wanting to raise the stakes and see where we could go next.

Once he was hooked he couldn’t stop and now here we are.

How did you make the transition from country/Christian music videos to rock and roll and rodents? A lot of life is serendipity and we’re ever curious, so we have pursued unique opportunities wherever we go.

Tell us about attending the Billboard Magazine Music Video Awards. Alas, we were living abroad at the time of the awards and couldn’t attend. We heard it was a rager.

What was the origin of your highly-successful project “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone?” We love stories about outsiders doing their own thing, so a punk rock African-American band who did their own thing

and just won’t quit immediately attracted us.

What do we need to know about nutria and what can we expect from your documentary, “Rodents of Unusual Size?” The three of us are big fans of quirky documentaries with interesting characters trying to overcome the odds. Even though this movie is about giant swamp rats (and what’s not to love about that?), we hope the broader environmental themes resonate beyond the animals. Many years ago, when we were on tour with a previous film, “Plagues & Pleasures On The Salton Sea,” we became friends with a theater programmer who was from a generations-old Cajun family in the southeast part of the state of Louisiana and she introduced me to the subject matter of nutria: A Rodent Of Unusual Size. However, we were involved in the making of another film at that time, so we filed the story

idea away. We kept kicking around ideas about how best to approach the story, and at one point we just decided that we needed to jump on an airplane and head to Louisiana. Once we got down there, you get taken in by beauty of the area, the sheer number of nutria that were destroying the wetlands and the unbelievable dedication and joy of the people who were tackling the issue. We think this movie resonates best with those who have a taste for the offbeat.

It’s part horror story, part environmental love affair and a biopic of a giant invasive rat. What’s not to like?

When you aren’t on the road or making films, how do you enjoy spending your days? Chris likes to swim in any body of water no matter how cold it is. And all three of us enjoy digging into the local cuisine and hanging out at the local dive bar.

– Sarah Connell

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