Sunday News from Lancaster, Pennsylvania • 84

F- 2-THE SUNDAY NEWS, October 14, 1979 One On The Aisle 'Tobacco Road' Leads Luke Sickle To Harrisburg Community Theatre By Jim Ruth Sunday News Staff Writer The robust 50ish man leaned back in his chair, the light playing brightly among the sparse dark hairs on his head. "I've been playing character parts forever," he said. "Finally, I'm and lost growing into them. hair I've but taken the off weight even more casting possibilities are opening up more and more as a Thus did former Lancastrian Luke Sickle peg his present status as a professional actor. It was five years ago that Luke made his last appearance on a local stage.

It was as a guest artist with Actors Company of Pennsylvania. His role was that of the bewildered psychiatrist in "Harvey." a part preceded by strong showings in AC productions of "Through the Looking Glass" and "Absence of a Cello." Since then, Luke's life has been that of a vagabond actor. It is not in the role of actor that he has returned to the area, however. He's come back as a guest director of the Harrisburg Community Theatre's "Tobacco Road' which opens Friday and plays Oct. 20.25-28.

"THEY CALL ME A DIRECTOR but I'm more of an acting coach," he resolved. "In stock, where I've played a lot of years, the director is more of a traffic cop. He allows actors to do what they want providing they stay within a certain framework of movement. In community theater, like in Harrisburg, I'm still responsible for that but a lot of effort also goes. into developing characterizations interplay between actors.

And I like it because the soil is so much more fertile in community theater situations because the players there are so much more open to suggestion and direction. "It's kind of a kick to do something on a community level again, even if it does mean a whole different set of problems," he said, increasing the pronounced laugh lines on his face with yet another ready smile. "I mean, after all, you're working with people who've already put in a full day's work somewhere before they get to the theater. And they're not being paid for what you're demanding of them either. But it's a treat too because the community player has a different kind of enthusiasm that brings a new kind of energy to the stage." Luke has modified his "Tobacco Road" rehearsals accordingly.

"Because these people's energies have to be divided, I think wrong to stretch out rehearsal time. I believe that community players with full-time jobs have a tendency to pace themselves for the duration of rehearsals. Normally, they're put through a five to six weeks of rehearsal. I've cut that time in half but I'm working them six days a week. I think that it's made the cast more intense.

They know that they have to achieve now. and sustain their roles because opening night is already in sight. With drawn out rehearsal schedules, tedium sets in and some pleople may tend to be lax, figuring there's still plenty of LUKE HAS DEVELOPED another directoral attitude. "I never sit and watch a rehearsal. I make a point of always being up and moving around, keeping my energy high.

I've discovered that doing that also feeds the actors' energy level." The former trasburg High School English teacher also is mindful of audience energy levels. He has cut the HCT "Tobacco Road" accordingly. "The play's just too long," he declared. "It was written in three acts just too long for today's audiences. So I combined Acts II and III.

I took the sunrise that originally opened Act III and used it as the builder for Act II, Scene II. I think it gives more chance for the special lighting effect of the sunrise to build, and, I never did think it was a good way to open the third Luke speaks of the esteemed play from a dual vantage point. Back in 1974, he had a supporting role in the sterling American Heritage Theatre production of "Tobacco Road" at the Fulton Opera House under the direction of Robert Tolan, AHT's artistic director. Luke has since renewed his professional acquaintance with Tolan at Cincinnati's Playhouse in the Park where Tolan now is general manager. "I'VE BEEN SPENDING a lot of time acting at the playhouse for the past several played Three-Fingered Jake in the dog killer Carlson in "Of Mice and Men' and I was in an adaptation of 'A Month in the I not only get to do a nice variety of roles there, I get to work again with Michael Murray (who guest directed American Heritage Theatre's memorable productions of "The Crucible" and "The In an age when so many theaters are playing it safe by doing old shows over and over again, Michael deserves a lot of credit.

He's made it a policy to produce one new script each season, and you wouldn't believe the sets they come up with!" Aside from feeding on the artistic rewards of working with such theatrical talents in Cincinnati, Luke has become a regular member of the Mountain Playhouse company in Jennersville. His last role there was as a senior citizen romantic in "The Second Time Around," a role created by Hans Conreid on Broadway. Before that, he played Zeus in Cole Porter's vintage musical, "Out of This World." Offstage, Luke has been enjoying the financial rewards of TV commercials. Aside from numerous regional spots and occasional voice overs, he has done national promotions for Wurlitzer and Thermoserve. he gained more prominent exposure on TV as the grandfather in the "Black Beauty" miniseries.

During the bicentennial year, he also acted in four "Decades of Decision" dramas for PBS. BEING A MIGRANT ACTOR can be "tough," Luke admitted. "I try to tie-in my jobs as much as possible so that I can spend a reasonable amount of time in one place. It doesn't often work out, though. After a while, theater life becomes your personal life and home is where you are Sharing that life with Luke is Nicodemus, his faithful Shetland Sheep Dog.

"We go for hikes together whenever wecan, just to keep my head clear so that theater doesn't become the only thing in my life." Once he reaches the end of Harrisburg's "Tobacco Road" on Sunday, Oct. 28, Luke hits the road again. His destination is Wilson College in Ohio where, on Nov. 1, he begins a brief residency as guest artist, performing and teaching acting courses on campus. "That's about as far ahead as I go right now," he said.

"I don't mind directing and doing workshops but for me, the main thing will always be acting, preferably on the legitimate stage. That's where the audience interaction is and there's nothing like it, to be out there, alive, giving what you can and getting that immediate feedback that tells you whether you're working or Organ Recital Series Blooming at Longwood Longwood Gardens' Wednesday evening organ recital series will resume its annual tradition Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. when the invited guest organist will be Jean Louis Gil of Paris. Following Gil into the garden setting of the renowned conservatory to display their own artistry at the console of Longwood's mammoth pipe organ will be Charles H.

Heaton (Nov. 14). Larry Ferrari (March 19) and Robert Plimpton (April 23). All Wednesday programs will begin at 8 p.m. Gil gave his first organ recital in 1963 at the age of 12 at Agners Cathedral and was immediately proclaimed a prodigy by Parisian critics.

At 17, he was named organist of the historic instrument at the Maison Alfort In Paris. The following year, he became Titular Organist of the Grand Organ at St. Medard in Paris, a position he held for several years until his touring performance obligations began to demand his full-time. In addition to solo recitals throughout Europe, Canada and the United States, Gil records for Pathe Marconi EMI and is a regular soloist with the Paul Keuntz Chamber Orchestra. Heaton has been organist and music director at East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh since 1972.

He is as well known for his innovative late-night Till Midnight" organ recitals as he is tor his extensive collection of organ transcriptions. He will draw from this library for his appearance at Longwood. His expertise In the fields of organ literature and sacred music has placed him in high demand as lecturer and writer for music publications. He is currently contributing editor to the Journal of Church Music and has written The Art Picture The Lancaster area art scene this week is enriched by the following noncommercial and charitable exhibitions: Walter Patschorke Walter O. Patschorke of Lititz is exhibiting selected oil paintings at Lebanon Valley College now through October 28 as part of the college's monthly art exhibition.

Housed in the Allan W. Mund College Center, Mr. Patschorke's work can be seen by the public daily from 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. There is no charge.

Though Walter Patschorke is not a native of Lancaster County, his art is. Following a move in 1967 from Bridgeton, N.J., to the land of cornfields and the Pennsylvania Dutch, Patschorke soon became caught up in the joys of painting. Within less than a decade, the one-time Sunday painter was sitting in front of his easel on a daily basis and his work was in demand by patrons of realistic art. Patschorke is W. Patschorke basically a self-taught artist; he worked completely on his own for four and a half years before studying with Jay McVey for four years.

Since 1976 Patschorke has again been his own sole instructor. The recipient of numerous art awards, Patschorke has gained admirers through his many one-man shows. His finest works are sold in the form of limited edition prints signed by the artist. Though a confirmed realist in matters of art, Patschorke admits to an abiding Oriental influence, probably gleaned from his experiences as a United States Navy man on the Chinese mainland before the Korean War. Branching off from his 10-year concentration in oils, the artist has recently begun experimenting with watercolor.

It is in this new phase of his art that the Asian influence is most pronounced; the viewer can readily perceive hints of the mystic East in a Patschorke American landscape. W. Patschorke Music, Arts, Drama Rose Marie Gerlach The Artist of the Month for October at St. Joseph Hospital and Health Care Center will be Rose Marie Gerlach of Leola. Mrs.

Gerlach has been painting since 1973, having had instruction from Jay B. McVey of Ephrata. She is a member of the Lancaster County Art Association and has had exhibits at Lancaster, Lititz, Ephrata, Lebanon, Mt. Gretna, Leola, Lebanon Valley College, New Holland, Calvary Independent Church, Lancaster, Farmer's First Bank. Ephrata Hospital and the Lancaster Summer Arts Festival.

Her paintings are in private collections locally and in New York, Maryland, Florida R. M. Gerlach and Germany. Mrs. Gerlach will be showing mostly oil paintings, done in both brush and palette knife techniques, of landscapes (U.S.

and European), flowers, birds, California mission, a harbor scene, old barns and bridges. An exhibit can be seen in the main hall of the hospital. Sale of the photos is sponsored by the Auxiliary to St. Joseph Hospital. Proceeds benefit various Auxiliary projects.

Thelma Umble The Ephrata Community Hospital Art Exhibit for October will feature a onewoman show of the paintings of Thelma Umble of Honey Brook. Mrs. Umble studied art with Jay McVey of Ephrata, through Downingtown evening classes and through the Famous Art Course in Connecticut. Her exhibit will include oils, acrylics, and watercolors. "My favorite is oil and painting on driftwood." she stated.

"These are little characters, critters and vegetables and fruit." Twenty per cent of sales of her work will be donated to the Ephrata Community Hospital Auxiliary, sponsors of the exhibit. Youth Chorale Tryouts The Lancaster Musical Art Society will conduct auditions for the Lancaster County Youth Chorale today, Oct. 14, at Lyte Auditorium, Millersville State College, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Students in grades nine through twelve, both girls and boys, are encouraged to audition. Each student should prepare one solo (a serious song, show tune, folk song or hymn).

An accompanist will be provided. Kathy Mellinger, Tom Miller Co-starring in 'My Fair Lady' LUKE SICKLE three books for Bethany Press. LARRY FERRARI needs little introduction. thanks to his long-running syndicated Sunday television program. "'The Larry Ferrari Show," The show has made him one of the most popular entertainers in the Philadelphia region and his name a household word throughout the Delaware Valley.

His organ wizardry also charms adult TV viewers daily on "AMPhiladelphia" and delights thousands of children weekly on Captain Noah and His Magical Ark." In person and in concert. Ferrari combines the dash of his television personality with his accomplished interpretation of theater organ music. He has given recitals in Los Angeles. San Francisco, Houston and Salt Lake City and recently performed on the world's largest theater pipe organ at Radio City Music Hall. Plimpton is widely acclaimed as an organ virtuoso.

He has guided the musical program at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church for the past seven years. He has also headed the organ department of the Philadelphia College of the Performing arts since 1971 and frequently performs with the Philadelphia Orchestra. A graduate of Eastern College in St. Davids, PA. Plimpton has studied under Robert Elmore.

Anton Heiller and Marie-Clair Alain as well as at the International Organ Academy 1 in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Recital audiences are invited to tour the conservatory floral displays one hour prior to each recital and one hour succeeding. The conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor garden hours are 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m. For further information, contact Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. By Jim Ruth Sunday News Staff Writer Miss Lancaster County 1979 and a seasoned leading man from York Little Theatre have chosen to portray the popular adversaries in the Actors Company of Pennsylvania's production of "My Fair Lady. The evergreen Lerner and Loewe musical comedy will co-star Kathy Mellinger as Eliza Doolittle, the gutteral-tongued flower seller and Tom Miller as Professor Henry Higgins, the dialectician and grammarian who converts her into the fair lady of the play's title. Kathy is by now a familiar face, having succeeded Carolyn Black to the station of Miss Lancaster County 1979.

She made her farewell appearance in that role Sept. 29 at the 1980 Miss Lancaster County Scholarship Pageant in Ephrata, sparking the evening with vocal selections as well as assisting in the narrative portions of the program before a packed house. The attractive brunette soprano made her big splash in local theater last season as Hodel in the Actors Company production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in which the acting and vocal skills previously displayed in Fulton Children's Theatre shows came into full focus. Although she starred as the Beauty of the title in the children's theater production of "Beauty and the Beast." the role of Eliza Doolittle is Kathy's first starring role in a full-length production. To that characterization she will be bringing the fruits of her varied performing arts training- the attainment of a BA degree in theater from Westminster College (1977), vocal instruction as a student of Tom Houser and jazz dance instruction under the tutledge of Sheila Audet at Lancaster Institute of Fine Arts.

TOM MILLER may be an unknown quantity on the Lancaster front but he has earned his stripes and then some in harness for York Little Theatre. The York resident who is, by profession, television sales manager for WHP-TV in Harrisburg, has even played Higgins before. That was in 1977 for YLT with whom he also starred in "Sleuth," "Sunrise at Campobello" and "Becket." In time," Miller has served as director the annual political lampoon, "The Pennsylvania Gridiron Show" and as lighting director for the star-studded York Interstate Fair. After graduating from the respected Pasadena Playhouse where his classmates included Carolyn Jones and Barbara Rush, Miller did a few seasons of stock at both Allenberry and Somers Point, NJ. "'Then," he said, "I decided to go straight.

I wanted to be a director but I found there were even fewer jobs for directors than for actors. Maybe I didn't badly enough. Instead, I made theater my Miller hopes that he can make Henry Higgins "grow from the time I played him in York. I myself have matured since thenso I think that I can now better understand his relationship with Eliza. Before, I could only consider it romantically.

Now, I think it's quite possible didn't 'get together' at the end, that it really wasn't necessary. I've also come to realize that they were really very much alike, despite their class differences. Both were headstrong individualists." Host Furnishing 'California Suite' "California Suite," Neil Simon's current movie success, will make its stage appearance at Host Corral Diamond Horseshoe Dinner Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 23. This Simon play ran two years on Broadway and in its movie version starring Maggie Smith, Michael Caine and Alan Alda has enjoyed like acclaim, including Academy Award nominations.

'California Suite" is constructed of four one-acts, all set in the same hotel suite in California. The occupants are from New York. London. Philadelphia, and Chicago. Leslie Wheeler Leslie Wheeler Starring in the lead roles at Host Corral are John Jacobs, Leslie Wheeler, and Dorian Yaeger.

Jacobs recently starred in Host Corral's "Almost Perfect" and played leads in Host Inn's "Boeing, Boeing" and "Same Time, Next Year." Wheeler will be remembered for her role in "Early to Bed" and 'How the Other Half Loves." Yaeger received critical acclaim in Host Corral's Something's Afoot" and in Host Inn's "Same Time, Next Year" and Suite." directed by Tom Ross Prather, will play Oct. 23 through Nov. 17, Tuesday through Saturday. All Host Corral dinner theater shows are produced by Prather Productions of Shamokin Dam. Special rates are available for groups of 35 or more.

Doors open for evening performances at 6 pm, dinner buffet is served at 6:30 pm, and curtain rises at 7:45 pm. For reservations call Host Corral. Flutist Heads Chamber Recital Flutist Ray W. Kauffman, accompanied by the Lancaster Chamber Music Ensemble, will present a recital at Millersville State College Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m.

in Lyte Auditorium. The recital is open to the public without charge. The ensemble includes Kauffman, Jean Romig, violin; Evelyn Adams, violin; Jane Kauffman Brye, harp; Jane Pitman, viola: and Peter Brye, cello. Not pictured is pianist Janine Thomas. The group was formed under Kauffman in 1977 and has frequently performed in recital at colleges and civic events throughout the area.

Its members also perform in the symphony orchestras of Lancas- Kathy Mellinger (as a Cockney flower seller) is 'aving an of a time with 'er enunciation but 'er mentor (Tom Miller as Prof. Higgins) is determined to win 'is bet that 'e can pass 'er off as royalty. DESPITE THOSE NEW INSIGHTS into the role, Miller admits that Henry Higgins "is still a bit an enigma. I'm still searching for him. Maybe that's what makes the parting such a great one," it's intriguing complexity.

When asked by "My Fair Lady" director Ron Kurtz to write a character analysis, Miller wrote that he fancied Higgins to be high born and without much paternal influence. Perhaps his father died at an early age, leaving Henry to be reared by women but well off financially. This, Miller believes, could account for the man's being able to afford to direct all his energies into such a sparsely populated field as the study of dialects. "I could never be so single-minded," Miller declared. Hence his multiple service in the performing arts playing roles ranging from Henry II to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, directing the Gridiron shows, lightthe York Fair and even doing an occasional commercial.

Winning the coveted starring role in "My Fair Lady" is especially gratifying for him, however. "I've always wanted to play the Fulton Opera House because of its fine reputation and its technical qualities. Besides, I'm looking forward to doing the show with a full orchestra. In York, we used only a single piano a very good one, however. This will be like the first time out in the role in those respects and I'm very excited about it." Miller and his fair lady will command the Fulton stage beginning Thursday, Nov.

8, continuing the run through Nov. 17, except for Mondays. What's Doing Continued from Page F1 Films at Noon for general audiences, "'Martin the "The Boy Who Heard Music' and "Golden Fish," at Lancaster County Library, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday Comedy concert by Jimmie "J.J." Walker of TV's "Good Times" in Lyte Auditorium, Millersville State College, 8 p.m. Opening of Dr.

Regah's annual Halloween attraction, "Tour of Terror," 1130 Columbia today and Saturday p.m. Annual Alumni Invitational Art Exhibition in Ganser Library Gallery, Millersville State College, free, 2-4 p.m. Saturday Lancaster Institute of Fine Arts staging a performance in music, dance and mime at the Fulton Opera House for the benefit of performing arts scholarships for underprivileged children, 8 p.m. 31st Annual Lancaster County Day Open House Tour of 14 historic sites and homes, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Tickets available from the sponsor, the Lancaster County Art Association, 22 E.

Vine St. Optional bus tour available. Rock concert by The Dirt Band in Pucillo Gym, Millersville State College, 8 p.m. Tickets available at the Student Memorial Center on campus. Concert by Haciendo Punto en Otro Son, the top New Song Movement Group in Puerto Rico, in Lyte Auditorium, Millersville State College, 8 p.m.

Ephrata Performing Arts screening the silent film classic "Phantom of the Opera" at the Ephrata Railroad Station, Main Street, with commentary and piano accompaniment by Professor Dave Chamberlin of Millersville State College, 8 p.m. Remodeling workshop conducted by area specialists at Old Town Lancaster, Vine and Duke Streets, 9 and 11 a.m. Preregistration required through the Lancaster YWCA. Willow Street Lions Club annual turkey supper at Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Lampeter, 4-8 p.m. Take-outs available.

Ephrata Rescue Squad chicken barbeque and bake sale 200 block, N. Reading Road, Route 272, Ephrata, from 11 a.m. Refton Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary family-style chicken and waffle supper in the Refton Fire Hall, 4-8 p.m. Churchtown Fire Co.

fall family-style turkey supper, at the fire hall, from 2 p.m. Lancaster County Library presenting Sharon Nardelli as "Curious George," the loveable monkey created by author H.A. Rey, in the Library Center for Youth, 125 N. Duke for children 6-10, free, 10:30 a.m.; also a program of children's films "The Fable of He and She" and "The Golden Fish," free, 2 p.m. Planetarium show, "The Universe of Dr.

Einstein," North Museum, 3 p.m., free. All Week Host Corral Diamond Horseshoe Dinner Theatre, 2250 Lincoln Highway East, staging the romantic comedy "Almost Perfect," Tuesday-Saturday. Doors open at 6, buffet dinner served at 6:30, show at 7:45 p.m. with noon matinee luncheon Saturday only. 34th Annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show and Competition featuring the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the State Farm Show Arena, Harrisburg, from 7 a.m.

Sunday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and matinees Monday and Tuesday-Saturday at 9 a.m. "Friends of the Rag." exhibit of wearable art by a Seattle-based group of artists and designers, at Community Gallery, 135 N. Lime free, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, noon-4 p.m.

all other days. Art exhibit by six Lancaster County women sponsored by the Caucus on Women's Issues, in Alpha Lounge, Elizabethtown College, free, daily during business hours. Show of prints, collages and constructions by Martha Zelt of Phildelphia in Sykes Gallery, Breidenstine Hall, Millersville State College, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon and p.m., also Monday 7-9 p.m., free. Art exhibit, "Women and Religion," in the Dana Room, Franklin Marshall College, daily 1-5 p.m., free. ter, Reading and Harrisburg.

A former solo flutist with the Lancaster, Reading and Harrisburg symphonies, Kauffman has studied with formerly of the New York Philharmonic and Nelsen Hartenstine of the University of Michigan. Most recently he has been studying with Harvey Sollenberger, the nationally-recognized avant-garde flutist, composer and teacher. The program includes two compositions for flute and harp: "Intermezzo" by Andriessen and "Elegie" by Doujon; a trio by von Weber for flute, cello and piano; a quintet by Ropartz; and two selections for the entire ensemble: "Serenade, Opus 35" by Howard Hansen and "Bagatelle" by Victor Kolar. "225 Years of Timepieces: A Lancaster County Legacy," exhibit of 18th and 19th century clocks and watches made in the county, at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Museum, Columbia, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday. "German and English Tastes Meet in Lancaster County," exhibit of items handcrafted in Ontario, primarily by Menonnites, during the early 19th century shown alongside similar pieces crafted locally, at the Heritage Center Museum, Penn Square, 14 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. TuesdaySaturday..