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| THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Guest conductor Deanna Tham to lead seasonopening concert at Symphony Hall. Page D2
Springfield Symphony Orchestra kicks off
83rd season
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D2 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
SSO kicks off
83rd season Deanna Tham, 1 of 5 finalists for music director position, will guest conduct the concert
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By Keith O’Connor
Special to The Republican
eanna Tham is one of the few Asian American female conductors today. She represents a new generation of artistic leadership in classical music, and on Saturday, she will step to the podium as guest conductor to kick off the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s 83rd season. Tham is one of five finalists in the orchestra’s search for a new music director, four of whom will serve as guest conductors during the new season. Saturday’s concert, set for 7:30 p.m., will be highlighted by Samuel Vargas, a Venezuelan-born violinist with a dynamic solo career, performing Andrés Martín’s Violin Concerto “Morgante,” a piece written specifically for him. The second half of the program will feature Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. Tickets to the concert, ranging in price from $30 to $85, are available online at SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling SEE SSO, PAGE D6
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
Deanna Tham, one of five finalists for the music director position with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will guest conduct the orchestra's season-opening concert. (NATHALIE LONG)
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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | D3
Former Bishop’s Lounge to open with different name, familiar faces The 41 Strong Ave. venue will reopen under the name Proof & Concept
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OME VENUES JUST seem to have the spirit of music built into their foundations. Such is the case for 41 Strong Ave. The building, of course, was not originally a music venue at all. It was the former Bay State Hotel, which later transformed its first floor dining room into a late-night mecca of indie music in the 1990s. Later, in 2003, Bishop’s Lounge opened on the building’s third floor and quickly became a local music hotspot. Bishop’s unfortunately closed in the summer of 2025. But now the Bishop’s space is being resurrected by some local notables, who hope to bring back the energy of the former venue and enhance it with some new ideas. The venue will now be named Proof & Concept and is being brought back by Franc Kromholz, Garrick Perry and Stephanie Agnew. Kromholz served as manager of Bishop’s Lounge from 2006 to
George Lenker
2011. Perry, of course, is both a city councilor and a rapper with the Alchemystics, while Agnew is Perry’s wife, who Kromholz said “is the great organizing force” behind the operation. Kromholz said after his father died, he inherited the two-family house and had some discretionary rental income to invest. As someone who very familiar with the building (he also bartended at Sierra Grille on the first floor Franc Kromholz is shown on the balcony at Proof & Concept, from 2015-2020), Kromholz said, it was an easy decision to located in the former Bishop’s Lounge space at 41 Strong Ave. put the money into the venue. in Northampton. (SUBMITTED) “I’ve known Garrick forever. And we’re both intimately knowledgeable about this space,” he said. “So, it was kind of a no-brainer when we talked and it just kind of came together quickly.” However, Kromholz acknowledged that the bar/ entertainment business has been rough sledding since the pandemic, and he SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE D5 Stage Director Rose Schwietz Malla
Music Director Matthew Bertuzzi
LIVE WIRE
“I’ve known Garrick forever. And we’re both intimately knowledgeable about this space, so it was kind of a no-brainer when we talked and it just kind of came together quickly.” Franc Kromholz
Choreographer Marybeth Mizula Vargas
at the Northampton, MA Stage Director Rose Schwietz Malla
Stage Director Rose Schwietz Malla
Music Director Matthew Bertuzzi
November 2026
Choreographer Marybeth Mizula Vargas
Thursday Friday Stage Director Music Director Choreographer Rose Malla Matthew Bertuzzi Marybeth Mizula Vargas at Schwietz the Saturday Northampton, Music Director Choreographer MA at the Stage Director Director Choreographer Sunday Matthew Bertuzzi Music Marybeth Mizula Vargas
Rose Schwietz Malla
November 2026 Marybeth Mizula Vargas Matthew Bertuzzi
November 5th November 6th November 7th November 8th
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m.
Northampton, MA
Thursday November 5th 7:30 p.m. November 2026p.m. at the Friday November 6th 7:30 4 Shows at the Thursday November 5th 7:30 p.m. Saturday November 7th 2 p.m. Friday MA November 6th 7:30 p.m. Northampton, Only! Northampton, MA Sunday Saturday November 8th 7th 2 p.m. November 2 p.m.get your tickets Don’t delay, November 2026 November 20268th 2 p.m. Sunday November NOW! Thursday November 5th 7:30 p.m. p.m. talk 4 Shows Thursday November 5th 7:30 Pre-show Friday Only! November 6th 7:30 p.m. Sebastian Schulman of the November 6th 7:30 p.m. 4Friday Shows Pre-show talk Book Center will of give Don’t delay, get November your tickets Sebastian Schulman the a Only! 7th November Saturday 2 p.m. 7th 2Yiddish Saturday p.m. talk at 1:00 p.m. for both Yiddish Book Center matinees. will give a NOW! Don’t delay, get your tickets to scammers, order tickets only by going either through Sunday November 2 p.m. 8thDue Sunday 2 p.m.talk at 1:00 p.m. for both matinees. NOW! 8th November VLO.org website or scan the QR code to go directly to the AOM ticket-ordering site: AOMtheatre.com/#events. Due to scammers, order tickets only by going either through Scan the QR code to
Due to scammers, order ticketsPre-show only by going either Scan the QR code to 4 Shows Pre-show talk 4 Shows VLO.org website talkthrough go directly to the or scan the QR code to go directly todirectly the go to the VLO.org website or scan the QR code to go to Sebastian thethe Schulman of directly theof Music Sebastian Schulman of Only! Academy Only! AOM ticket-ordering site: AOMtheatre.com/#events. Academy of Music AOM ticket-ordering site: AOMtheatre.com/#events.
will give a site. Yiddish Book Center Yiddish will giveBook a Center ticket-ordering Don’t delay, get your tickets ticket-ordering site. Don’t delay, get your tickets talk matinees. at 1:00 p.m. for both matinees. talk at 1:00 p.m. for both NOW! NOW! For more information go to VLO.org For more information go to VLO.org
Pre-show talk
Sebastian Schulman of the Yiddish Book Center will give a talk at 1:00 p.m. for both matinees.
Scan the QR code to go directly to the Academy of Music ticket-ordering site.
For more information go to VLO.org
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MIT). All authorized
to scammers, order tickets only by going either through Due to scammers, order Due tickets only by going either through Scan the QR code to Scan the QR code to go directly to the VLO.org website or scan the QR code to go directly to the go directly to the VLO.org website or scan the QR code to go directly to the AOM ticket-ordering site: AOMtheatre.com/#events. Academy of Music Academy of Music AOM ticket-ordering site: AOMtheatre.com/#events. ticket-ordering site.
ticket-ordering site.
For more information go to VLO.org
For more information go to VLO.org
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MIT). All authorized
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MIT). by AllMusic authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. This production is licensed Theatre International. performance materials are also supplied by MTI. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International.
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FIDDLER THE ROOF is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MIT). All authorized FIDDLER ON THE ROOF ON is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MIT). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International. performance materials are also supplied by MTI. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International. performance materials are also supplied by MTI. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International.
Thursdays 5pm - 9pm
WEEKEND
D4 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
Majestic Theater season continues with Tony Award-winning comedy
‘Lend Me a Tenor’
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By Keith O’Connor
Special to The Republican
f laughing truly reduces your stress and improves your overall physical and mental health, then Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” — now playing at the Majestic Theater — should fit the bill to feeling fine. Ludwig is a Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright, author, screenwriter and director, best known for writing popular contemporary comedies and farces. and impersonating the star during the play. Tito wakes up, leading to frantic costume swaps, mistaken identities, slamming doors, and romantic misunderstandings. Popular on both the London and New York stages, “Lend Me a Tenor” premiered on the West End in 1986 and on Broadway in 1989, where it earned nine Tony nominations and won awards for Best Actor and Best Director. It was revived on Broadway in 2010, directed by Stanley Tucci, and also had a well-received musical adaptation by Peter Sham and Brad Carroll. SEE ‘TENOR’, PAGE D11
At left: The Majestic Theater in West Springfield presents “Lend Me a Tenor,” a popular comedy set in the 1930s, from Oct. 22 through Nov. 29. The play features mistaken identities, frantic costume swaps, backstage panic and more as it follows a world-famous tenor’s visit to the Grand Cleveland Opera. Above, actors Christopher Marcus (Max, at left) and Peter Evangelista (Tito) are shown in a scene from the production. (PHOTO BY KAIT RANKINS)
SPRINGFIELDDOWNTOWN.COM
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In “Lend Me a Tenor,” audiences will meet Henry Saunders, general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, who is anxiously awaiting the arrival of world-famous Italian tenor Tito Merelli — known as “Il Stupendo” — to star in a onenight-only anniversary gala performance of “Pagliacci.” After a fight with his jealous wife Maria, Tito accidentally takes an overdose of tranquilizers and appears to be dead. Panicked about the audience and financial ruin, Saunders coerces his timid, opera-aspiring assistant Max into putting on Tito’s costume
Above: Actor Sam Samuels (Saunders) is part of the cast of “Lend Me a Tenor,” onstage at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater today through Nov. 29. (KAIT RANKINS PHOTO)
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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
NIGHTCLUBS & OUTINGS
Lily Benno is all dressed up for the Spooky Safari event hosted by The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center in 2025.
THURSDAY Theodores': Rockstar Karaoke. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY Theodores': Carl Ricci and the 706 Union Ave. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Kittie and The Beard. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY Theodores': The Racky Thomas Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Kilashandra. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Traditional Irish Session. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to masslive.com/myevent
(LEON NGUYEN PHOTO)
Spooky Safari Forest Park Zoo invites guests to celebrate Halloween
as well as a scavenger hunt, animal encounters and a virtual costume contest that the entire family can participate in together. “The zoo staff loves getting into the Halloween spirit By Keith O’Connor during Spooky Safari. You Special to The Republican will see many of them in cosThe animals in the Spooky tume and providing HallowSafari on Saturday at the Zoo een-themed enrichment to in Forest Park are not actual- the animals so that they, too, ly all that spooky — especially can be in on the fun,” Gabry Tyson, assistant executive compared to the staff who will be in full costume for the director of The Zoo in Forest Park, told The Republican. holiday. Tyson added that mostly evSpooky Safari, set from 10 eryone — from kids to granda.m. to 2:30 p.m., is a family-friendly Halloween event SEE SAFARI, PAGE D9 suitable for all ages and one of the last chances to visit The Zoo at Forest Park before it closes for the 2026 season. The event features a trick-or-treat trail, face painting and crafts for kids
Instant Issues
In conjunction with Community Alliance for Peace and Justice Topic: Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law in Pakistan Speaker: Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, the Oscar M. Ruebhausen Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Yale Law School and former Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Lahore High Court Thursday, October 29, 2026 Date: Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Venue: 9th Floor Gallery, 1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA RSVP deadline for a lunch provided is Monday, October 26 at noon. (A halal option has been added.)
Step Into Our World. Become a Member Join the World Affairs Council for: Speaker Events Adventures in International Dining International Visitor Leadership Program and more!
Become a Member Today
For more information, call 413-733-0110 or email info@wacwestma.org.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | D5
Live Wire CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
wouldn’t have done it without partnering with Perry and Agnew. “It seemed like a good opportunity, but if it were anybody else, I probably would not have done it. But Garrick is someone I’ve known for a long time, and Stephanie is super creative and she keeps us on task. And when you know somebody like that, you have faith in them,” he said. The trio isn’t necessarily out to reinvent the wheel, Kromholz said, but rather make the wheel more colorful. They plan on making music the main cog of the operation but also have other ideas about utilizing the space. First, they plan on opening a bit earlier than before, at 4 p.m., to allow people to have a drink before dinner at the many nearby restaurants. They also plan on expanding the range of music offered. “Garrick wants to reach out to some of the underrepresented genres in the area, like R&B, which I’m super excited about. But also hiphop, world music, electronic music. Mix in it a lot of dif-
ferent stuff,” Kromholz said. The plan also includes possibly offering the space during the day to community-based organizations who need a place for workshops or clinics.
Kromholz said they hope to be open within a few weeks, and they are still busy painting and doing other renovations. Kromholz said they hope to be open within a few weeks, and they are still busy painting and doing other renovations. While that loose deadline is stressful, he said, he’s also looking at the positives of the future of the venue. “We’re coming up against it, for sure. But the sound equipment’s here, the painting is 90% there,” he said. “But the location’s great. We’re a block away from Main Street, but we’re generally isolated from it too much. We’ve got the Tunnel Bar across the street, which has always been a good kind of back-and-forth, and then the size of the room is kind of perfect for the bands that we get. Like we’re not competing with the big stages.”
D6 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
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“I will say that where it does cross my mind is when I’m trying to bring this representation into the hall through my programming — championing voices I believe in and bringing their music to life.” Guest conductor Deanna Tham
Season Sponsor. of Music. She also received a Tham currently serves as Bachelor of Fine Arts in horn music director of the Redperformance from Carnegie lands Symphony and previMellon University. ously served as the associate Tham answered several conductor of the Oregon additional questions as part Symphony, assistant conduc- of her interview with The tor of the Omaha Symphony, Republican. assistant conductor of the What does it mean to Jacksonville Symphony and principal conductor of the you being one of the few Jacksonville Symphony Youth Asian American female conductors in the classical Orchestras. In 2024, she appeared in the prestigious La music scene? Deanna Tham, shown above conducting in concert, will guest Maestra Conducting Compeconduct the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s season-openI do think representation tition in Paris, France, where ing concert on Saturday. (P ROSENBERG PHOTO) matters. My own journey is she was a semifinalist. CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2 Tham is passionate about credited to representation. I vividly remember deciding 413-733-2291. Tickets can braham that provides grief cross-genre collaborations that I wanted to be my high also be purchased at the box support to children, teens and and is a staunch advocate of office, which is now located families throughout Western music education from school school marching band’s drum at 1350 Main St., Suite 114, in Massachusetts. Rick’s Place education engagement and major when the band visited our middle school and anothSpringfield. will have a table set up in youth orchestral performer Asian woman was leading “How often do you get to the lobby from 6-7:30 p.m., ing opportunities to lifelong hear a concerto performed by prior to the concert, as well as learning. Tham earned her at the time. I didn’t know it the very person it was written during intermission, where Master of Music in conat 13 years old, but seeing her up there, it was never even a for? That’s pretty incredible. concertgoers can learn more ducting from Northwestern fleeting thought in my mind Samuel Vargas is bringing a about the programs the orga- University and holds a propiece of music to Springfield nization provides. fessional studies certificate that my gender or race could SEE SSO, PAGE D7 that is deeply personal to him, MassMutual is the 2026-27 from the Cleveland Institute and Deanna Tham is stepping onto our podium as one of our Music Director finalists. There’s a lot happening in Venezuelan-born violinist this one concert. Incredible music, remarkable talent, and Samuel Vargas will peran audience that gets to play form during the Springfield a real part in what comes next Symphony Orchestra’s for this orchestra. I love that,” season-opening concert on WEDNESDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY said Heather Caisee-Roberts, Saturday. (MIKE STUCKEY) Polish American Chicopee Elks Fairview Knights of president and CEO of the Citizens Club SSO. together. Those first few mo#1849 Columbus 355 East Street, Ludlow, 1599 Memorial Drive, Tham added that she is “su- ments as a guest conductor, 431 Granby Road, 583-6385 Chicopee per excited” to serve as guest I’m learning so much about Chicopee Bingo Wednesdays (413) 532-2011 conductor. everyone in the orchestra 413-592-1849 6:30-9:30pm “I always aim to get auand they are learning about DOORS OPEN 4:30PM Bingo Tuesday Doors Open at 4pm. diences excited about live me. We are finding out what MASKS OPTIONAL Doors Open at 4PM Minimum Admission $50 orchestral music and somewe have in common, where Progressive Jackpot 2 Progressive Jackpots 1 - 1199 Progressive times that excitement leaks we have differing ideas, and 6:15pm Early Bird 6:15PM Early Bird Betty Boop 50/50 off of the podium in ways that negotiating a kind of dance 6:20pm Start 6:20PM Start Prize $900 I can’t control,” she told The around creating art. It’s so Min. Entry Package $15 2 - $500 Cover Alls Min. Entry Package $15 Republican. exciting and really takes 3 - $400 Special Games Electronic Bingo Aval. Open Seating “Being a guest conductor is all your creativity and flow All regular games $100 with 80 2 Halls for Players Snack Bar, people or More. All Cards are a whirlwind experience and to get this organic product Handicap Restroom included with Admission. Prizes Open Seating, full of so much discovery and together,” she added. climb with additional attendence. 1st Floor Handicap Restrooms spontaneity. Creating art with The SSO is partnering with Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm. someone is one of the deeper Rick’s Place, a nonprofit activities you can undertake organization based in WilCALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE
Q.
SSO
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Keeping things lively through fall & winter at
52 Sumner
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | D7
A.
Brahms is an incredible composer, and I am so grateful that the Springfield Symphony has entrusted me with performing it with them. I think a lot of the music on this program is deeply relatable. Even Brahms, who is considered a giant in the repertoire, struggled with impostor syndrome and trying to figure out who he was as a person and as an artist. That relatability is part of what makes his music so enduring. Andrés Martín’s piece is so easy to love. Because of its influences from Latin and South AmerDeanna Tham, one of five fiican dance, Martín achieves nalists for the music director this incredible visceral quality position with the Springfield that seeps into your skin and CONTINUES FROM PAGE D6 Symphony Orchestra, will bones. You literally physically guest conduct the orchestra's feel the emotion dripping out be a barrier to that role. I’m season-opening concert. grateful that I can continue of each note. And finally, the (NATHALIE LONG) to be a representation figure overture by Louise Farrenc is in a field that has historically of ensemble playing, learnthe talent and determination been very male-centric. That ing empathy, nonverbal of someone who was told at communication, diligence, all being said, I do not put every turn that she couldn’t too much conscious thought and themselves all through compose, couldn’t have her into that role. I just try to do work in front of an orchestra. playing this amazing music my best, bring audiences into together. These students There is so much will in that spread more of that into the this world of mine that I so piece and it is deserving of enjoy and love and hope that world they enter and maybe, the stage — even if it took 150 they leave with the sense of years. hopefully, they come back and see us in the symphony For more information about adventure I do every day. I will say that where it does the Springfield Symphony hall in the future. cross my mind is when I’m Orchestra’s season-opening trying to bring this represenWhat excites you Morgante Violin Concerto on about the program for Oct. 24 and to purchase tickets, tation into the hall through my programming — champi- the SSO’s season opening go online to springfield oning voices I believe in and concert? symphony.org. bringing their music to life.
SSO
Kelli Baker, shown at left performing at the Mohegan Sun Arena, will play the stage at 52 Sumner next month. (NICOLE ROCHELLE
F PHOTOGRAPHY)
rom legendary rock and blues to chamber music, theater and community events, 52 Sumner is bringing a diverse lineup of live entertainment to Springfield this fall and winter.
Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. has announced a growing calendar of events running through January 2027, featuring nationally recognized musicians, tribute performances, theatrical productions and special community programming. The upcoming schedule also introduces the Blue 52 Series, which will bring a diverse lineup of blues artists to the 52 Sumner stage in the months ahead. Events include:
Springfield Symphony Chamber Players (Oct. 25) 52 Sumner welcomes the Springfield Symphony Chamber Players for an afternoon of live classical music, adding another genre to the venue’s SEE SUMNER, PAGE D12
Q. You have worked
with youth orchestras. Do you see them as the future of classical performance?
A.
Having worked with youth orchestras does give me hope for the future of classical art music. There’s nothing like putting a warhorse favorite in front of these students who are experiencing it for the first time and watching them discover everything that I love about it and finding ways to love it themselves. Some of these students will go on to become performers, but I think the most important part of the youth orchestra is the future humans that are created. I’ve seen these students fall into the amazing rhythm
FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION! Sponsored by
Halloween at the Museums
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Wear your costume and Trick or Treat in the galleries! Plus Giant Bubbles, Face Painting, and more Please review the costume guidelines on our website
ART • HISTORY • SCIENCE • SEUSS IN SPRINGFIELD
SpringfieldMuseums.org •
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Forever Young: Music & Back Pages of Bob Dylan (Oct. 24) The music and storytelling
of Bob Dylan take center stage with Forever Young, celebrating one of the most influential songwriters in popular music. The performance brings Dylan’s extraordinary catalog to life while honoring the cultural impact that have made his music endure for generations.
Q.
WEEKEND
D8 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
WHAT TO STREAM
‘Moana,’ Dolly Parton tribute, ‘Lupin’ & John Legend
This image released by Disney shows Catherine Laga'aia in a scene from "Moana." (DISNEY VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS) David Dastmalchian, left, and Callina Liang in the movie "Street Fighter." (MARK ROGERS / PARAMOUNT
The Associated Press
PICTURES / TNS)
A new album from John Legend and the streaming debut of the live-action “Moana” are some of the new television, films and music headed to a device near you.
‘STREET FIGHTER’ Film is a campy ’90s nostalgia ride
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By JAKE COYLE
Associated Press
ince we’re going back to the 1990s in “Street Fighter,” let’s use a “Seinfeld” episode to describe how I felt coming out of Kitao Sakurai’s adaptation of the vintage arcade This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Andrew Koji game. in a scene from “Street Fighter.” (PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY
When Cosmo Kramer starts showing up at a corporate office despite never being hired, his boss looks over his first report and, befuddled, says “I don’t know what this is supposed to be.” That’s a fair reaction to Sakurai’s very enthusiastic, weirdly convoluted and jumbled mess of a movie. As much as you might think a “Street Fighter” movie, good or bad, would at least offer up some bluntly entertaining hand-to-hand combat, it’s so
PICTURES VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS)
messily plotted and chaotically conceived that it makes a game with six buttons seem comparatively artful. Capcom released the first “Street Fighter” in 1987. Many iterations have followed, but the 1991 sequel, “Street Fighter II,” is the most famous. In the first “Street Fighter,” you could play as either martial artist Ryu or the American Ken Masters. But “Street Fighter II” was one of the first to craft a basic setup:
You choose from a bunch of fighters and enter a martial arts tournament. This background is notable because “Street Fighter” doesn’t know who its main characters are, or at least frequently forgets. Noah Centineo plays Ken and Andrew Koji is Ryu, but there are many more in the mix, including Callina Liang (the movie’s most kinetic performer) as Chun-Li, Jason Momoa SEE ‘FIGHTER’, PAGE D10
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: a Dolly Parton tribute, a limited run “Vanderpump Rules” series and the second season of “The Terminal List.” New movies to stream • The live-action “Moana” is sailing to Disney+ this week. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui in the film, while Catherine Laga’aia steps into the role of Moana. In his review, Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it’s “an often shot-for-shot, note-for-note remake of the original, with small pockets of new material,” adding that “more often than not, the leap from animation to live action comes at a loss.” And, not for nothing, it should be said that the superior animated version is also currently streaming on Disney+. • Anyone looking to spice up a night at home might do well to turn to “The Invite,” an acerbic chamber dramedy with Seth Rogen,
John Legend Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton and Olivia Wilde, who also directed. Coyle wrote in his review that “even if you can sometimes feel the gears turning in ‘The Invite,’ it’s cunningly syncopated and cleverly acted enough to make it a welcome, modern twist on the drawing-room comedy of manners. Unlike the dinner served in the film though, it’s baked to near-perfection.” “The Invite” begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday, Oct. 23. — AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr New music to stream • The last album from soulful singer John Legend SEE STREAM, PAGE D11
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
Safari
categories including “funniest,” “most creative” and “best group” costumes. Winners will CONTINUES FROM PAGE D5 be announced on Halloween, Oct. 31. parents — come dressed in Halloween-themed crafts costume for the event. The zoo’s trick-or-treat and coloring pages featuring the zoo’s animals in costumes trail is set up around the will be available to guests, zoo, so as kids visit with the animals, they will also collect along with free face painting toys, coloring books, stickers, by Body Art Liberation. A scavenger hunt, involving books, candy and more. Link to Libraries will also provide a the animal enclosures, will free book to every child at the also be held across the zoo. Scouting America’s Western event. “We are so grateful for their Massachusetts Council will be in attendance with inflatable partnership because it helps make the event unique from archery. United Home Experts, one of the zoo’s sponsors, will other trick-or-treating events in the area. The kids get so be providing games including excited to look through the ring toss, one-hole mini golf selections and pick a book that and Plinko. speaks to them,” Tyson said. Also, it wouldn’t be a zoo The Virtual Costume Conevent without some animal test will take place on the zoo’s encounters. Facebook page. Attendees are “Last year, Dottie the skunk was a huge hit with both the encouraged to take a photo of their costume inside the kids and adults. Dottie came zoo on the day of the event to live at the zoo after being kept as an illegal pet. This left and post it as a comment on the designated Facebook post her too habituated to humans until Oct. 30. A panel of judges to be safely released back into from The Zoo at Forest Park the wild and so she lives here with us where she acts as an will then select winners in
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | D9
was truly incredible. We were able to clean up the damage and begin to patch what was broken. We employed temporary solutions that allowed us to keep all of our animals in their homes and safely reopen to the public,” Tyson said. “Now, we are working to rebuild the areas most heavily impacted. We are grateful to our community for cherishing the Zoo at Forest Park as much as we do and for continuing to support us in whatever way they are able whether that is through a donation, words of Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy Spooky Safari. Above, encouragement or attending Molly the donkey enjoys last year’s event at the Zoo in Forest an event like this one,” she Park. (LEON NGUYEN PHOTO) added. Preregistration is required big event of the year and has ambassador for her species, teaching people about skunks always been both a celebration to attend Spooky Safari. No and peaceful methods of coex- of the season and a fundraiser additional tickets will be sold at the gate and library passes, in preparation for the winter istence with wildlife,” Tyson one-day passes or Groupons months, Tyson noted. said. cannot be used for the event. This year is different. “Noel, a groundhog, has also “It is particularly important Registration closes Oct. 23 at become a fast favorite. He lives as we continue to recover from noon. with a neurological condiTickets are $23 for adults, $8 the August macroburst that tion that impacts his balance left us with extensive property for children, and $9 for adults. and ability to stand upright For more information, or damage and a two-week clobut does not affect his cutesure during our busiest time of to purchase tickets, visit ness and ability to win over a www.forestparkzoo.org/ year. The immediate support crowd,” she added. Spooky Safari is the zoo’s last we saw from our community spooky-safari.
From mountain trails blazing with color to pristine waters rippling under crisp, clean breezes— let go and embrace fall in the Lake George Area. Plan your getaway today at VisitLakeGeorge.com
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CALENDAR per, acrylic, magazines.” Registering for artist-led workshops is strongly encouraged. There is no charge, though donations are always accepted and very much appreciated to help defray the programming costs. For more information, contact info@ thelavacenter.org. To register for the workshop, go to http://bit.ly/4fEmdQa, 324 Main St., Greenfield.
THURSDAY 2026 Ghost Tours at Storrowton Village: Thu., 6:30 p.m. Storrowton Village Museum. Each Ghost Tour guest receives an informational booklet to help you on your self-led tour. Guides are stationed in each building to share more stories of the paranormal, dark and mysterious. Ghost Tours are approximately 90 minutes — 2 hours long and are recommended for ages 12 and up. Photography will be allowed on certain parts of the tour. Check in at the Meeting House where the tour will begin. Dress in layers and wear sensible shoes. Ghost Tours are not wheelchair accessible and include walking up and down stairs, $30. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, www.thebige.com. Art in the Orchard 2026: Thu.-Sun., Park Hill Orchard. Estimated viewing time between 2-4 hours. Open all daylight hours until Thanksgiving weekend. Wear sturdy shoes, 82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton. Riverhead Kennel Club Dog Show: Thu. and Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center. Free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or www.thebige.com.
FRIDAY Art in the Orchard 2026: See Thursday listing Queensboro Kennel Club Dog Show: Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, Free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.
SATURDAY The 413 Card Show: Sat, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Young Building. Featuring 200+
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as the green, CGI-enabled meanie Blanka, Cody Rhodes as the flat-topped Guile and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as the boxer Balrog. “Street Fighter” begins with an anime flashback to 1987, and you immediately sense that animation probably is the best format for the story. The backstory sketches the death of Ken and Ryu’s master and their subsequent falling out. Then the movie shifts to 1993, when the World Warrior Tournament draws Ryu, Ken and a
WINDSOR LOCKS, CONN.
Halloween in the Hangars The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks invites everyone 21 and older to enjoy Halloween in the Hangars. The annual event will bring a brew festival to the museum on Saturday, Oct. 24. This event features local breweries highlighting their favorite brews as well as live music with a different band in each of the museum’s three aircraft hangars: American Honey, Just Go With It Band, and The Conspiracy. VIP tickets allow for entry at 6 p.m., while general admission gets you admission at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear a costume to enter into a costume contest for a variety of prizes. In addition to the beer and live music, guests will have full access to the museum, including cockpits, plane simulators and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, which are required for this event, go online to https://events.beerfests.com/e/brews-crews (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTO)
tables of sports cards, memorabilia, Pokémon and other trading card games, supplies, grading, giveaways, and more, Admission is $5, with children 12 and under admitted free. Parking $5 (cash only). 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or www.thebige.com.
MGM Springfield presents Voyage-Celebrating the Music of Journey: Sat., 8 p.m. MGM Springfield, in the Aria Ballroom. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, starting at $52.70. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
Art in the Orchard 2026: See Thursday listing
Re-Art Workshops: Sat., noon-2 p.m. LAVA Center, “Allen Fowler. Pa-
clown car’s worth of fighters. “Street Fighter” is going for a goofy good time, full of kitschy ’90s nostalgia and stuffed with songs like “Who Let the Dogs Out?” and “2 Legit 2 Quit.” If video game adaptations have come a long way in the last decade, “Street Fighter” feels like a throwback to when they were campy, almost intentionally bad and not much more than a chance to see actors cosplay as video game characters. (With a meta wink, the masked country musician Orville Peck plays the masked henchman Vega.) The movie’s retrograde vibe
Queensboro Kennel Club Dog Show: See Friday listing
— complete with leering shots of Liang’s body — feels all the more out of step coming on the heels of more ambitious video game adaptations like Zach Cregger’s “Resident Evil.” This “Street Fighter” feels perilously on par with the first “Street Fighter” movie, the 1994 action film with Jean-Claude Van Damme. Sakurai, a regular collaborator with comedian Eric André (who appears as a TV commentator), films every scene like a fight scene. To be fair, many of the scenes are fight scenes, even if we have only a vague sense of
Springfield Symphony Orchestra Opening Night: Sat, 7:30 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, Taking the podium is music director finalist Deanna Tham in a program pairing the emotional power of Brahms' Symphony No. 4 with the Morgante Violin Concerto, featuring violinist Samuel Vargas. For tickets, visit www.springfieldsymphony. org. Tickets range from $30$85 including fees. 34 Court St., Springfield.
SUNDAY Art in the Orchard 2026: See Thursday listing MGM Springfield presents Tyler Henry: Sun., 7:30 p.m. Springfield Symphony Hall, For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com, starting at $75.39. 34 Court St., Springfield.
giving free appraisals. For more information, contact Peter Setian at 413-596-9871. Free. 1198 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.
Quadrangle Springfield Science Museum: Permanent exhibits include dinosaurs, African wildlife, interactive STEM labs, Earth’s ecosystems, and immersive planetarium shows. Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: Permanent exhibitions include American and European prints, paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Special exhibition: “In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Paintings,” through Jan. 24, 2027. George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Now reopen. Special exhibitions: “Visions of the Supernatural” and “Tara Sellios | Ask Now the Beasts,” through Feb. 7, 2027. Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Current special exhibition: “Declaration of Innovation: Springfield’s Revolutionary Ideas,” extended through Oct. 25.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibits include immersive, hands-on stations "Conversations for our times" pub- that explore the author’s whimlic open rehearsals: Sun., 6-7 p.m. sical characters and stories and Northampton Center for the Arts. To childhood influences; and displays sign up call 413-588-7439 or email of his original studio, art, and family seriousplaytheatre@gmail.com. memorabilia. Anyone 14 and older is welcome Visit springfieldmuseums.org for to come and contribue to a theatre more information. Admission (includes piece, $15 at door, cash or check. 33 all 5 museums) — $27.50 for adults, Hawley St., Northampton. 413-584$18 for seniors and college students, 7327 or www.nohoarts.org. $15 for ages 5-17, free to children West Springfield Coin Club under 5, museum members, and Semi-Annual Coin Show: Sun., Springfield residents. Hours: Tues9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dante Club. Coin day-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday, dealers will be exhibiting as well 11 am-5 pm; closed on Mondays. as buying and selling coins and Riverhead Kennel Club Dog Show: See Thursday listing
why everyone’s so angry with each other. The script by Sakurai and T.J. Fixman curiously focuses less on the tournament itself than the testosterone-amped drama surrounding it. The marquee melee is a scheme by M. Bison (David Dastmalchian, trying to inject some comic life into the movie), a fascist dictator who’s seeking to enhance his power with Ryu’s. Roman Reigns, one of several professional wrestlers trying to make a mark in “Street Fighter,” costars as the antihero Akuma. But the scenes clash together as much as the fighters do.
As the movie draws to a close without a finale, the clipped dialogue and confused pacing suggest considerable post-production cutting and pasting. Ending with some overly optimistic sequel baiting, “Street Fighter” feels almost designed to be the straw man in the “Digger” discourse: If you don’t embrace artistic gambles, movies like this are what you might get instead. Either way, by the time someone pleads, like a tired parent, to the bickering warriors piled into the backseat of a car, it’s hard not to feel similarly: “Guys, stop fighting.”
WEEKEND
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Stream
PBS’ “Great Performances” series — which brings theater, dance, opera and, of CONTINUES FROM PAGE D8 course, music of all genres to the screen — will spotwas a bit left field. His 2024 light the late, great country full-length “My Favorite Dream,” produced by the singer-songwriter Tammy Wynette. From Nashville’s chamber pop polymath Sufjan Stevens, was lush, and Ryman Auditorium, the specentered on universal themes cial features performances by acts new and veteran: Wynlike love, safety, family and dreams. It was also Legend’s onna Judd, Katie Pruitt, War & Treaty, Carter Faith, Tami first children’s album. Now he’s back with the much more Neilson, Valerie June, Brittney adult “Muse,” out Friday. Spencer and Heart’s Ann WilProduced by Pharrell Wilson, to name a few, all coming liams, it is one for lovers. At together to cover the best of Wynette. “Great Performancleast, that’s a clear focus on the previously released track, es — Tammy Wynette: Forever “Daylight.” Elsewhere, like Yours” will premiere Friday on the public broadcaster as well on “Fireflies,” Legend’s unmistakable voice carries mes- as become available to stream sages of hope and resiliency. on pbs.org/gperf. • The latest edition of • It’s a big week for country.
On Wednesday, the Country Music Association aired “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” a two-hour special honoring the singer who died in August of cancer. She was 80. The program, featuring performers and special guests like Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kristin Chenoweth, Reba McEntire and many more, will become available to stream on Hulu on Thursday. • Frequent collaborators Anderson. Paak and rapper Cordae are teaming up once again, this time for an album’s worth of joint bangers. (You may remember their previous partnerships: on “RNP,” from Cordae’s 2019 debut
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“The Lost Boy,” “Two Tens,” “Summer Drop” and so on.) Their full-length, “Heavy Is the Crown,” arrives Friday. — AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
2. This time, he’s headed to Mozambique in an adaptation of Jack Carr’s novel “True Believer.” An international cast joins him, including Olga Kurylenko, Costa Ronin and Arnold Vosloo. The show is New series to stream available to stream on Prime. • Sam Nivola, who broke • Lisa Vanderpump races out in Season 3 of “The White to open her namesake hotel Lotus,” leads the half-hour on the Las Vegas Strip in a mystery “Phony” opposite three-episode limited series another “White Lotus” alum, called “Vanderpump Rules: Connie Britton. After a crash Lisa Las Vegas.” Stream it lands him in the hospital, a now on Peacock. • Omar Sy’s gentleman high schooler becomes certain that the woman claiming thief Assane Diop begins the to be his mother, who also fourth season of “Lupin” beruns his school, is fake. Two hind bars, with his family still episodes are available now on in danger. The French-lanHulu. guage hit is back on Netflix af• Chris Pratt returns as ter a three-year gap with eight episodes, streaming Friday. Navy SEAL James Reece in — AP Writer Alicia Rancilio “The Terminal List” Season
Actors Sam Samuels (Saunders, left) and Christopher Marcus (Max) are shown in a scene from the comedy “Lend Me a Tenor,” now onstage at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater through Nov. 29. Tickets are $36-$39 and are available online at majestictheater.com, or by visiting or calling the box office at 413-747-7797. (PHOTO BY KAIT RANKINS)
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The Majestic Theater cast includes Sam Samuels as Saunders, Sarah Keyes as Maria, Peter Evangelista as Tito, Christopher Marcus as Max, Mona Tiglio as Julia, John Pagliarulo as the bellhop, Raya Malcolm as Maggie, and Dorine Tayts as Diana. Myka Plunkett is directing. When Plunkett was approached by Sue Dziura, Majestic Theater’s producing
“I love comedy and farces. I grew up in a household full of jokesters watching the Marx Brothers and just loved the fast-paced style of comedy.” Sam Samuels, who plays Saunders in ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ at the Majestic Theater
director, to take on the reins as director, her answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” “Our Majestic audiences always enjoy a good comedy romp. So, I jumped at the opportunity to direct a Ken Lud-
wig play when asked. He is a wonderful playwright whose comedy pieces are often full of classic shenanigans and ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ has many. The 1930s must have been an important time to him be-
cause in the play he paints a rich portrait of the times with zany and loveable characters. It’s a nice challenge to bring to life,” Plunkett told The Republican. “As a professionally trained clown, I have deep roots in clown work. The fact that I get to use that training in a really silly way called me to the script and I am pleased to put my old training to work as director,” she added. Samuels is no stranger to “Lend Me a Tenor” after appearing in the play back in 2013 at New Century Theatre in Northampton. “Evidently I have aged enough now to play Saunders, who is the producer and empresario of the opera company,” Samuels said. He noted the play resonates with him for a couple of reasons. “I love comedy and farces. I grew up in a household full of jokesters watching the Marx Brothers and just loved the fast-paced style of comedy,” he said. Samuels said of his character that Saunders is the motivating force between
everything happening in the play. “Saunders constantly tries to make everything work out, one hilarious frustration after another, and his blood pressure is always rising,” he said. The actor noted that as a kid he once saw Philip Bosco perform on the Broadway stage. Bosco later went on to win a Tony Award for his role as Saunders. “As a coincidence, Bosco’s grandson grew up in in this area and he and my son became best friends who now live in Northampton,” Saunders said. Tickets to “Lend Me a Tenor” range from $36 to $39 and can be purchased in person at the box office, by calling 413-747-7797, or by going online to majestic theater.com. Box office hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The production ends on Nov. 29 to make way for the theater’s annual “Home for the Holidays” play, which starts its monthlong run on Dec. 3.
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Sumner
drummer, singer, songwriter and producer brings his celebrated blues sound CONTINUES FROM PAGE D7 front and center for a special increasingly diverse calendar December performance at 52 of programming. Sumner. Hambridge has built a remarkable career as both Kelli Baker (Nov. 6) a performer and songwriter, collaborating with some of the The Blue 52 Series kicks biggest names in blues and off with powerhouse vocalist roots music. and songwriter Kelli Baker. Known for her soulful, Multi-Chamber blues-infused sound and commanding stage presence, event (Dec. 8) Baker blends blues, rock, 52 Sumner will bring members of the regional business soul and Americana into raw, emotionally charged community together for a speperformances featuring her cial multi-chamber event in dynamic voice and authentic December. Additional details storytelling. and ticket information will be announced soon. Retro Floyd (Nov. 14) Brandon Santini (Jan. 2) Retro Floyd brings the legendary music of Pink The Blue 52 Series kicks off the new year with Brandon Floyd to Springfield. One of the Northeast’s premier Pink Santini. Known for his dynamFloyd tribute acts, the band ic harmonica playing, vocals and contemporary approach recreates the sound, atmoto the blues, Santini will bring sphere and emotion of the iconic group, with audiences an energetic start to 2027. experiencing music from The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish Seconds Out: A Tribute to Genesis (Jan. 23) You Were Here, The Wall, Animals and more. The music of Genesis takes center stage when Seconds Pink Houses: The Out comes to Springfield. John Mellencamp The tribute brings the music Tribute (Nov. 21) and spirit of the legendary The unmistakable heartland progressive rock band to life, rock of John Mellencamp giving audiences the opportunity to experience the iconic comes to 52 Sumner with Pink Houses. Audiences can sounds of Genesis live. look forward to an evening “One of our goals at 52 inspired by Mellencamp’s Sumner is to create a calendar that gives audiences a decades-long career and the energetic, roots-driven sound reason to come back again behind favorites including and again,” said executive director Angela Park in a “Jack & Diane,” “Small statement. “This lineup is a Town,” “Hurts So Good,” “Pink Houses” and more. great example of what we’re building here. From blues and “Creepy Christmas classic rock to chamber music Carol” (Nov. 27 and 28) and theater, we’re creating Thanksgiving weekend gets opportunities for people with a darker holiday twist when all kinds of interests to experience live entertainment right “Creepy Christmas Carol,” produced by FEVER, arrives here in Springfield.” at 52 Sumner for two perforThrough its growing calmances. The unique seasonal endar of concerts, theatrical productions, educational experience puts a haunting spin on a holiday tradition, programming and cultural offering audiences something experiences, 52 Sumner and Springfield Performing Arts decidedly different from the typical Christmas show. Ventures, Inc. remain committed to expanding access Tom Hambridge (Dec. 4) to high-quality live entertainment while creating more The Blue 52 Series conopportunities for people to tinues with five-time Grammy Award winner Tom gather and experience the arts Hambridge. The acclaimed in Springfield.
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