South Jersey swings again with luncheon concert series starting July 18
PENNSAUKEN » Step back to the days of the Latin Casino and the classic Camden County nightclubs when the new Regal Caterers (formerly The Woodbine Inn) at 1444 N. Route 73 in Pennsauken, N.J., begins a summer series of luncheon shows for seniors on Tuesday, July 18, from noon-2:30 p.m. This first event is two shows for the price of one with “A Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond.”
The Sinatra tribute stars Frank Hartman, New Jersey’s “Singing Roofer” profiled in 1998 on local television with Dick Sheeron. Frankie DeRosa, who has performed his Neil Diamond show all over the area, takes the stage to perform the tunes of the legendary songwriter.
Cost is $35 (tax and gratuity includes). Reservations are required; call 856-4592185. Each month in the concert series features a different performer. Both of July’s entertainers can be found on YouTube.
Visit Wilmington for children’s theater
WILMINGTON, DEL. » The Grand, 818 N. Market St., continues its tradition of weekly summer children’s theater programming with its newly-named Summer Explorers program. Summer Explorers brings another fun-filled season of theatrical performances for children to Wilmington. The program has served well over 200,000 children in the last 21 years with free, live entertainment, and continues that goal this year with four days of matinee performances for children from preschool to middle school. The shows are perfect for schools, summer camps, daycares, and families. Local children also have the opportunity to audition and perform in the last show of the summer, Rapunzel, with Missoula Children’s Theatre. All shows run for approximately one hour.
There is no cost for the Summer Explorers performances, though audience members are encouraged to pay-as-you-can, with a $5 donation per person suggested and encouraged. Premium seats can be reserved by making a donation in advance, at least 48 hours prior to the show. If not planning to donate in advance of the show, audience members are encouraged to arrive early (doors open 30 minutes before the start of the show) for walk-up seating, which is first come, first serve.
To make a reservation with an advance donation, download and complete the reservation form found at www.TheGrandWilmington.org/Explorers and return it with payment. For information or to pay by phone, call Allyson Sands, The Grand’s education manager, at 302-658-7897, ext. 3201. Upcoming programs include: • “Pippi’s Grand Adventure,” 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, July 13, from Delaware Children’s Theatre. Based on Astrid Lindgren’s first Pippi Longstocking book, this show chronicles the adventures of the exuberant heroine Pippi and her human and animal friends. Pippi is a fun character and positive role model, brought to the stage with lively music and dancing.
• “Doktor Kaboom: It’s Just Rocket Science” at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Doctor Kaboom utilizes the physics of space exploration to demonstrate clearly that science is for everyone, not just the people who are already good at it. Explore centripetal force, action/reaction, inertia, chemical reaction, combustion and more.
• “Rapunzel,” 1 and 7 p.m. Friday, July 28, with Missoula Children’s Theatre. The story takes the audience on a frivolous frolic through the French countryside, where Rapunzel’s friends try to help her escape the grasp of Madame Gothel. A flourish of familiar characters tell the silly tale of personal triumph and friendship.
Fort Miffline hosts film fundraiser
PHILADELPHIA » Fort Mifflin hosts “A Call to Arms, Molly — Ready, Set, Shoot!,” a fundraiser and sizzle reel screening for “Molly,” an upcoming film on Revolutionary War hero Molly Pitcher, from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 9. Fort Mifflin and the production crew welcome former Pa. Gov. Ed Rendell to lead the charge by firing the fort’s cannon to start the event. Actors, dignitaries and guests also get the chance to fire off a shot from the cannon as Live Patriots reenactors mingle with guests in the Colonial Beer Garden.
It takes a lot of actors, scores of soldiers, and even more cocktails to make a movie. Last summer, Philadelphia and Delaware County actors and reenactors created the sizzle reel for “Molly.” Now it’s time for the public to do its part with this exciting fundraiser. The event features a silent auction, raffle and a chance to explore the historic fort, where spirits reportedly still roam.
The production team is be on hand to talk about the film, which highlights a woman’s patriotic rebellion during the
nation’s fight for independence. They are writer and producer Brigette ReDavid, Director Jon Barden, Director of Photography Myron Parran, Line Producer Brian David Cange and Associate Producer Karin Knebl.
Guests can imagine the production crew filming a Revolutionary War soldier fighting to hold the fort, as they sip a cocktail and listen to music while the sun dips into the horizon along the Delaware River. Proceeds from the event will go towards the production of Molly, a feature film about the legendary Molly Pitcher, which is set to be filmed in the Philadelphia area.
Tickets are $25 for regular guests and includes food, music, a cocktail and tastings; $125 for VIP guests and includes dinner, drinks, a gift, and a family membership for a year to Fort Mifflin. For tickets, visit www.themollyfilm.com or www. molly-productions.ticketleap.com. For information on historic Fort Mifflin, visit www.fortmifflin.us
To submit community news, email Colin Ainsworth at delcocommunity@21stcenturymedia.com.