There was a dark time, back in February, when I thought winter might never end; that spring would never arrive, and that local theatres would never raise their curtains for the upcoming summer season again. Thankfully—for something completely different—I was mistaken.

In point of fact, live theatre is alive and well in the Upper Delaware River region, and is coming out of hibernation now. Even as I write these words, actors, musicians, directors and designers are preparing to entertain us all for the foreseeable future. 

Right on cue, I’m spotting casting notices, calls for script submissions, and hearing whispers on the wind of theatrical endeavors, as performers of all ages prepare to spread their wings throughout the Catskills, like the creative butterflies that they are.

As folks prepare to “tread the boards” once more, the inevitable fundraisers take place, and That Dog Named Gidget and I attended one such event last weekend, in the form of the River Rep Theatre’s (RRT) third annual Gala Benefit, held at the Delaware Valley Opera Center in Lake Huntington, NY. 

Even though I’m over 50 (don’t go there!), I still don’t know how to pronounce that word. Is it “gayla”? “Gahlah?” “Galla?” I don’t know, but it sure was something, and the RRT promise of an incredible evening did not disappoint. 

With more than two dozen artists on deck backstage and an impressive spread provided by some incredible local eateries serving up scrumptious fare during the cocktail hour, Gidge and I made the rounds as usual. We schmoozed while bidding on silent auction items, purchasing raffle tickets (little wonder that I’m always broke), and snapping pics before the main event.

Touting a “talented lineup of local and visiting artists,” the program included great musical performances by Shane Reddison and The Electric Chords’ Greg Castro and Nick Sherman, sandwiched between scenes from River Rep’s 2026 season. The sold-out crowd was treated to a sneak peek at their upcoming productions of the “AI-inspired” dark comedy “Tomorrow Today”; encore performances of the (back by popular demand) beloved fantasy classic, “The Neverending Story”; and a scene from Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist classic, “Rhinoceros,” which was interspersed with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The last was part of the River Rep Jr. kids’ work from their winter workshop. 

In addition, the ensemble included a futuristic emcee, in the form of Jokebot3000 (don’t quit your day job, metal-head); an amusing selection, courtesy of playwright Neil Simon; and another equally fun scene from Anton Chekhov’s short story “He and She,” featuring RRT’s own Christopher Peditto and the luminous Crystal Tweed.

The impressive roster of performers includes far too many talented folks for me to list here, but a special shout-out must be given to the master of the improv, Narrowsburg’s own Greg Triggs, who partnered up with a volunteer from the audience (adorable youngster John Schroeder). The two of them should be making plans (IMHO) to take their newfound act on the road.

The evening was really a great primer of things to come from the company’s co-artistic directors Arthur Aulisi and Christopher Peditto, and was a great mash-up of drama, comedy, music and more, capped off by the incomparable Kazzrie Jaxen’s jazz interpretation of Cole Porter’s “What Is This Thing Called Love?” 

I’m looking forward to a fantastic season of wonderful, entertaining and enriching theatre from RRT and others, including productions presented at the Ritz Playhouse, the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, Shadowland Stages, the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, the Forestburgh Playhouse, Act Underground and more. Curtain up! 

Ask the Google: What does “tread the boards” mean?

Answer: “It’s an old-fashioned term meaning to perform on stage as an actor.” 

Today’s column is dedicated to the one and only Dharma The Wonder Dog (11/25/09-4/17/23).