What’s happening
Bridge Street Theatre presents reading of play
WHAT: Reading of the play “Wilde About Whitman” WHEN: Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Bridge Street Theatre, 44 W. Bridge St., Catskill
DETAILS: Go behind closed doors as a young Oscar Wilde gets more than he bargained for when he meets his idol, the legendary Walt Whitman, in “Wilde About Whitman,” a new play by David Simpatico that’s being given a reading by A Howl of Playwrights. Based on a little-known, historic meeting between these two literary giants, “Wilde About Whitman” finds Wilde at the beginning of his career and Whitman nearing the end of his life. Smart, funny, passionate — and surprisingly sexy — the play was developed at A Howl of Playwrights after Simpatico completed it as his master’s thesis at Southern New Hampshire University, where he received his master of fine arts degree last June. Admission is $10 at the door. The theatre’s doors will open 30 minutes before the performance.
CONTACT: Call (518) 943-3894, send an email to contact@bridgest.org or visit bridgest.org for more information.
Ride to benefit Ulster County SPCA on Aug. 19
WHAT: Ride for Paws n Claws WHEN: Aug. 19, with registration from 9 to 10:45 a.m. and ride starting at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Woodstock Harley Davidson, 949 Route 28, Kingston
DETAILS: The Third Annual Ride for Paws n Claws to benefit the Ulster County SPCA will be a 75-mile journey through scenic Ulster County. It will start with a barbecue at Woodstock Harley Davidson and entertainment by The Honey Ridge Band. The midway stop will be at Hot Shotz Bar in Kerhonkson before the ride ends at Woodstock Harley Davidson. Entry fee is $20 per vehicle, and all “road-legal” vehicles are welcome. The cost is $10 per passenger. All proceeds will go directly to the UCSPCA. Donations of pet food, blankets, towels, paper towels and other animal supplies will be accepted.
CONTACT: Call Robert M. Miraldi at (845) 331-5377, ext. 224, for more information.
‘All Shook Up’ at Woodstock Playhouse through Aug. 20
WHAT: Musical, “All Shook Up”
WHEN: Aug. 13 at 2 p.m., Aug. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock
DETAILS: The chart-topping hits of Elvis Presley meet the story based on william Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” This song &and dance juke box musical unfurls, flying the colors of romance, secret crushes and mistaken identity. The story takes place in 1955 when into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets. This hip-swiveling musical fantasy will have you jumping out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” Tickets are $40, $36 and $32. Each ticket will include a $4 convenience charge. All seating is reserved seating.
CONTACT: Call (845) 679-6900, send an email to woodstockplayhouseboxoffice@gmail.com or visit woodstockplayhouse.org for tickets or more information.
Coach House Players perform Variety Show on Aug. 25, 26, 27
WHAT: Variety show WHEN: Aug. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Coach House Players, 12 Augusta St., Kingston
DETAILS: For those who remember “I Love Lucy,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” Elvis Presley and so many other programs and entertainers of the 1950s, the Coach House Players are presenting their annual Variety Show dedicated to those talented people. Songs such as “Put Another Nickle In,” “Twilight Time,” “Que Sera, Sera,” “Tammy,” “Rock and Roll is Here to Stay” and so many others are highlighted in this show. The two-hour show highlights local talent, consisting of a 21-member cast. Ticket prices are $20, $18 for seniors ages 62 and older and children ages 12 and under.
CONTACT: Call (845) 3312476 or visit coachhouseplayers.org for reservations or more information.
Rhinecliff library hosts documentary on seeds
WHAT: Screening of documentary film WHEN: Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Morton Memorial Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff
DETAILS: The library will screen a documentary titled, “Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds.” One of the world’s most precious resources is at risk. This film will help others learn what is at stake and what can be done to protect the source of nearly all our food — seeds. While the price of gold and oil skyrockets the fate of this commodity is ignored. Seeds provide the basis for everything from fabric, to food to fuels. They are as essential to life as the air we breathe or water we drink... but given far less attention. Over the past one hundred years, seeds have steadily shifted from being common heritage to sovereign property. This film tells the story of seeds by following the challenges and triumphs of some of their most tireless stewards and advocates. Admission is free, and the screening is open to the public.
CONTACT: Call the library at (845) 876-2903 or visit morton.rhinecliff.lib.ny.us for more information.