By Marilyn Delk, Darke County Center for the Arts
The news last week was bleak, scary, heart-wrenching; actually, the news has been pretty bleak for a while now. Even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we were bombarded with bad news–COVID with it’s Delta and Omicron variants leading to astounding numbers of deaths, climate change causing icebergs to break off from melting glaciers and threaten survival of humans and other creatures, ongoing strife among political parties and people of differing beliefs. Nothing to lift our spirits in any of that! And then, Darke County Center for the Arts’ presentations returned to Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall—and joy returned to our lives.
Last Saturday night, “The Motones and The Jerseys: In Concert “ took the Memorial Hall stage, sharing their joyous music and energy with an expectant audience who soon became joyous and energized as well. Actually, the energy was felt even before the show, as the line to pick up tickets at the box office stretched down the marble staircase and almost out the door of the magnificent Hall, a pretty exciting event in itself as we return to safely gathering with others to enjoy a shared experience.
Then, a 5-piece band took the stage, played a short overture of familiar tunes; next, a perky, dynamic female emcee introduced The Jerseys and The Motones, and the fun really began—and didn’t stop for two music-filled hours. The unbelievably full playlist of almost fifty songs included many everyone could sing along to, beginning with “Eye of the Tiger” and closing with “Stand By Me,” with “Happy Together,” “Yesterday,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Sherry,” “Going to the Chapel, “Proud Mary,” and a provocative rendition of “Let’s Get It On” among the sparkling songs in-between.
The animated singers seemed to be having the time of their lives, the enthusiastic emcee spurred the audience to ardently respond to the music—and joy began to build in the auditorium. The buzz was palpable, as people of all ages began bouncing in their seats. Following intermission where people greeted one another with “Isn’t this fun!” the emcee returned to the stage in a slinky sequined dress, demonstrated her own formidable vocal chops on “Son of a Preacher Man,” and the energy level built to an extreme level as the show went on. When it ended, the entire audience was on its feet, fervently cheering and applauding as the lights came up to call the magnificent show to an end—and everyone went home feeling joyous and energized.
Then on the following day, DCCA presented the first production of its 2021-2022 Family Theatre Series at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s charming Rapunzel’s Hairy Fairy Tale. And the joy and energy continued! This “very, very extra-ordinary hairy fairy tale” was filled with music, humor, clever wordplay and abundant alliteration, capturing the rapt attention of youngsters while at the same time bewitching adults with the magic of theatre.
Some of the children were initially awed as they entered the stately Hall, a feeling that heightened anticipation for the show they were about to see. One little girl was heard to say “This is going to be amazing!” as she took in the grandeur surrounding her. Expectations rose as audience members viewed the evocative set enhancing the Memorial Hall stage; and high expectations were soon met as two highly talented actors portrayed all the characters in a spirited performance that held play-goers of all ages rapt for the next hour. The eternally cheerful title character was endearing, her rescuer intrepid; elaborate costumes and personable puppets added to the believable appeal of the on-stage action, and delight abounded as the show closed with everyone living happily ever after, a feeling that filled the hearts and minds of all who partook of this amazing experience.
None of this should surprise me; I know that partaking of the arts is not simply a diversion, that experiencing the arts can transcend daily cares to heal, comfort, and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. I firmly believe that the arts are necessary to a full and happy life; thanks, DCCA, for reminding me of that.