FLORENCE CENTER STAGE March 2022
Inside:
Florence Home & Garden Show “John & Jen” opens at the FEC CROW presents “Frozen, Jr.” & more!
Featuring the Florence Events Center — A publication of the Siuslaw News
2 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • MARCH 2022
Get growing with the Florence Home & Garden Show March 4-5
L
ooking for signs of spring? Look no further than the two-day Florence Home & Garden Show at the Florence Events Center. Doors open Friday, March 4, at noon for the 24th annual show. The event runs Friday and Saturday only this year, and admission is free. Show hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Three Rivers Casino and Resort, Oregon Pacific Bank, Central Lincoln PUD and the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the event which is hosted by Coast Radio and the Siuslaw News. “We made a few changes to the show as we hopefully exit the two year pandemic,” explained Jon Thompson, general manager of Coast Radio KCST/KCFM. “We’re offering free admission to
keep the lines from forming and encourage attendance. We also eliminated the four-hour Sunday, but start two hours earlier on Friday.” The show lineup features 15
new vendor booths that have never been in the show before. “We’ve got five or six vendors demonstrating and selling new household products,” Thompson said. “We’ve got food tasting
opportunities and a wide variety of vendor services and products — from granite countertops and cabinets to electricians and fencing. Laurel Bay Garden’s Center-
piece Design will feature indoor plants & décor, native landscaping and water features. The Home & Garden Show incorporates more than 40 vendor exhibit booths, landscape design, food tasting, demonstrations and giveaways. There will be a grand prize drawing for $500 in cash, a $250 gift certificate from Laurel Bay Gardens and a hybrid water heater and Nest thermostat from Central Lincoln PUD. In addition, the American Rhododendron Society Florence Chapter will be giving away a Rhododendron each hour of the show. The Oregon Health Authority requires masks at this time and Florence Events Center and show producers are asking that everyone follows the mandate. For more information, contact Coast Radio at 541-997-9136.
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LRP leadership gets ‘John & Jen’ opens at FEC March 17 the show on the road It’s been a long and dry season for the Florence theater group Last Resort Players (LRP), but finally it’s safe to say, “It’s time to get this show on the road, after a long spell of COVID.” LRP met for the first time this year on Jan. 23, and members were happy to get reacquainted. Three new board members, George Caldwell, Jennifer French and Beth Kilmurrey, will join six returning board members: Erin Leonard-Durrant, James McKMargaret McDiarmid, member of inney, Elizabeth Rose, Jacquethe Last Resort Players is eager to lyn Serrano, Jim Wellington start the lights, camera and action and Kathleen Wenzel. for the newest show. Anyone who enjoys being a part of theater is full-heartedly and passion. To apply for meminvited to join Last Resort Play- bership, see the application at ers. They want your talents, skills LastResortPlayers.com.
MARCH 2022 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 3
Last Resort Players, Florence’s own homegrown community theatre, is proud to announce their upcoming spring musical “John & Jen.” Told almost entirely in song, this show is a story of joy, laughter, sorrow and redemption and illustrates the eternal bonds between brothers and sisters, mothers and sons. Music Theater International calls “John & Jen” “a truly original musical that honors brothers and sisters, as well as parents and children, set against the background of a changing America between 1950 and 1990. ‘John & Jen’ is brimming with intelligence, wit and beautiful melodies. ... With a cast of only two people, John & Jen is a tour-de-force for two actors, taking them from childhood, through adolescence and be-
yond. It is a musical about connections, commitments and the healing of the heart.” Director Jim Wellington said, “‘John & Jen’ is a jewel of a show. Often referred to as a ‘chamber musical,’ it is designed to be staged and presented with the mere suggestion of sets and scenery. This allows all the focus to be on the music and lyrics, the actors and the story they present. I love this kind of staging because it encourages the audience to engage their imagination and become part of the show, resulting in a fully im-
mersive experience.” Cast in the role of John is James McKinney, a talented singer who last appeared in LRP’s “Mamma Mia!” as adventurer/travel writer and potential father of Sophie, Bill Austin. Jen will be played by Jacquelyn Serrano, who appeared in last summer’s “Vagina Monologues.” Music direction will be done by local favorite Laura Merz. Show dates are March 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 27. Show times Thursday through Saturday are 7 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. All performances will be at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. Ticket price is $18 plus ticketing fee and are available at the Florence Events Center Box Office or at aftontickets. com/lrpjohnandjen.
4 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • MARCH 2022
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‘Frozen’ — A Story of Sisterhood & Much More
Do you want to build a snowman? Haylee Cole, who plays Elsa, and Elyse Stewart, who plays Anna, invite the community to join them and their fellow cast members as CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) presents Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” this April 22 to 24 live on stage at the Florence Events Center. “Audiences of all ages will absolutely love this fanciful and heartwarming stage adaptation of the top-grossing animated film of all time,” said Melanie Heard, show director and CROW’s Artistic Director. People’s favorite characters appear in the show, and audience members get to watch as they embark on an epic, musical, icefilled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, sisterhood and discovering the real meaning of true love. There will be plenty of laughs along the way.
The production includes such memorable songs such as “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go,” as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production, such as “Hygge” and “Dangerous To Dream.” The show will be presented “concert style,” which means that there will be reduced movement and choreography, due to COVID-related rehearsal constraints. CROW still promises to include plenty of amazing technical theatre components, including an incredible set, full costumes, special effects and much more. “With its empowering message of love and understanding, silly character moments, and overarching themes about the true power of friendship and sisterhood, this show is sure to give you a flurry of goosebumps,” Heard said.
“The show is going to be absolutely magical, and I do think we all need a little bit of magic!” Sponsorship and program advertising opportunities are still available for local businesses or individuals until the deadline of March 4. People can contact CROW at 541-9998641 or crowtheatrekids@ yahoo.com to reserve their spot ASAP. Tickets are on sale now for “Frozen Jr.” through the Florence Events Center Box Office. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for youth. A student/military discount is available in person at the box office window. Both in-person and livestream tickets are available for all three performances. “We hope you’ll join us in Arendelle,” said Heard. “You don’t want to miss this show!” For more information, visit www.crowkids.com/ frozen-jr.
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The nonprofit youth arts organization CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) is on the hunt for new qualified teachers for its Summer 2022 Camps Qualified teachers and upcoming dance are invited to join classes. Dance classes are CROW to teach typically weekly for a set dance, theatre, period of time, such as music and more. June to August. Ideal candidates should have experience working with youth as well as in an area of the performing arts such as theatre, dance, music, design, etc. This is a paid position, and camps typically run for one week during July or August from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Coming back to life after the pandemic isn’t easy,” said CROW Artistic Director Melanie Heard. “But we are very grateful that we are still here. We are even more grateful that we can see a bright future of teaching children and immersing them in the arts once again.” In order to continue to provide excellence in arts education, CROW needs to find some qualified new individuals to help with instruction. Candidates will also be required to submit to a background check and follow all current state mandates for COVID safety. “If you or someone you know might like position with CROW, contact Heard at 541to inspire our kids through the magic of the 999-8641 or by email (preferred) at crowthearts, please reach out to us,” Heard said. atrekids@yahoo.com. For more information about a teaching Learn more at www.crowkids.com.
Rhody Days ‘Back in Bloom’
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce announced that “Back in Bloom” is the theme for the 116th Rhododendron Festival from May 18 to 22. “The festival, with its car-
FLORENCE CENTER STAGE
nival, Rhododendron Court, parades, classic car cruise, vendor fair, and flower show serves as the unofficial kickoff to the summer tourist season here in Oregon’s Coastal Playground,” said Chamber
President/CEO Bettina Hannigan. “We can’t wait to be ‘back in bloom.’” For more info and applications for the parade or vendors, visit florencechamber. com.
This monthly guide — published by the Siuslaw News, Florence Events Center and area partners — contains information on the arts, entertainment and events on the Central Oregon Coast. To submit, email editor@thesiuslawnews.com.
6 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • MARCH 2022
FEC Galleries provide ‘fresh’ look at local youth art
The FEC Gallery Committee, through Florence Arts Culture and Entertainment (FACE), announced the 2022 Fresh Impressions Youth Art Exhibition will be open from March 9 to April 19 at the Florence Events Center Galleries. An artist reception and award ceremony is planned for March 30 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with announcements at 5:45 p.m. State mandated health regulations, such as mask wearing, may be required to attend. “This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to embrace, enrich and foster our Siuslaw Region Youth,” said coordinator Jo Beaudreau, member of the Gallery Committee and owner of BeauxArts Fine Art Materials. “The Fresh Expressions show encourages our area youth to continue to excel at their studies, provide them professional art exposure, honor
their achievement and share their talent with our community.” This year, the Gallery Committee has been able to schedule an in-person gallery show to not only include Siuslaw high schoolers, but also the Siuslaw Middle School as well. Artists include: Bobbi Smith, Abbie Maldonado, Jake Blankenship, Addison McNeill, Robert Ramsey, Jackie Davis, Tara Boomer, Ava Borgnino, Madison Condy, Stella Duman, Terrance Masterman, Adylin Holbrook, Miley Fahringer, Tony Garcia, Blake Mobley, Savannah Petrovic, McKenzie Ulrich, Michael Fitzsimmons, Aleria Mendolia, Camilla Huston, Abby Jones, Henlee Burns, Alasha Needs, Adam Sevilla, Victor Rey-
na-Ayala, Sunshine Armer, Kevin Holloway, Odin Smith, Marley Kelley, Rosa Velasco Mendez, Robert Ramsey, Aiden Berezniak, Ja-
son Rawlins, Bailey Myrick, Gabi Jarman, Faith Lumadue, Matthew Mans, Parker Sydow, Lillie Leland, Jane Lacouture, Serenity Holland, Nik Shelton, Breanna Nofrey, Mercedez McCamey and Grasie Hunt. Proceeds from any art sales will go directly to the youth artist. This event is supported by art teachers Kim Pickell, SHS, and Lauren Suveges, SMS, who have been instrumental in helping students provide art for this exhibit. Funding and other support for this exhibition has been provided by Kiwanis Club of Florence, FACE, Florence Events Center Gallery Committee (John Leasure, Bonnie MacDuffee, Aleia Bailey and Jo Beaudreau), BeauxArts Fine Art Materials,
Frames of Florence and the Committee of Random Acts Kindness. If you would like to help support this event, please contact the Florence Events Center. Contributions can be made out to FACE, the nonprofit supporter of the Florence Events Center. The exhibit will be open to view during operating hours at the Florence Events Center. Due to various private events held at the FEC, some locations may be closed to the public. “You’re welcome to join us as we congratulate and support youth on their talents and positive impact on our community,” Beaudreau said. Contact the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. or 541997-1994, or BeauxArts Fine Art Materials, 541-991-8213, for show questions. Show runs March 9 to April 19, and admission is free.
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Your time and talent matter to us! Come make a difference as a vitally important vounteer at the Florence Events Center! If quality entertainment, enriching cultural events, or the arts in general are important to you, come show your love and support to help keep the fabulous Florence Events Center fabulous. The FEC and the nonprofit Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment (FACE) are looking for volunteer leaders, doers, organizers, supporters, and cheerleaders to help at the FEC and support those who use it. If you are trustworthy, dependable, dedicated, vibrant, fun, and enthusias�c, you will make a difference at the Florence Events Center! We have opportuni�es for volunteers of every aspect of our work—from �ckettakers, room setup, and fundraising to event booking/produc�on to sound, ligh�ng, and stage management. We’ll even provide training for the technical aspects of staging events! Please contact the volunteer coordinator at the Florence Events Center to learn more about the impact you can make!
VOLUNTEER AT THE FEC! • Theater Assistants
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The Florence Events Center 541-997-1994 715 Quince Street • Florence OR 97439 EventCenter.org FlorenceArts.org
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