Where everybody knows your name…

JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
Posted 7/26/17

The lyrics from that old television theme song often pop into my head as I make my way from town to town in search of leisure-time entertainment, in the hopes that by sharing my thoughts (aka …

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Where everybody knows your name…

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The lyrics from that old television theme song often pop into my head as I make my way from town to town in search of leisure-time entertainment, in the hopes that by sharing my thoughts (aka “humble” opinion) on all that I see, I can encourage you to get out there and support the arts. As I traipse across county lines, the song continues to reverberate. “Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got,” the ditty* reminds us, and in some ways, that’s true. Glancing at my calendar last week made me just want to crawl back in bed. But instead, I celebrated the Wonder Dog’s good report from the vet, put my big-boy pants on and scratched my head after patting hers. “Hmmm,” I murmured. “I’m not quite sure how I can combine a musical at the theatre (www.fbplayhouse.org), a concert under the stars, (www.bethelwoodscenter.org) and a street festival (www.artsalliancesite.org), but I’ll worry about that later. One thing I do know,” I suggested to the dog, “is that we’re bound to run into some folks we know!”

Disney’s “Newsies” at the Forestburgh Playhouse was a new one for me, since I knew only a little bit about the true story and how it became a Broadway musical. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but for details, go to www.riverreporter.com and click on “Arts & Leisure” to read my in-depth review. I can tell you, however, that local actor Steve Davis is in the show and that it’s his 60th appearance at the Playhouse, spanning a staggering 34 years working with three producers. When asked what most memorable moments stood out, Davis was quick to respond. “Appearing in ‘1776’ during the 4th of July with both Norman and Franklin,” he said, referring to the last and current producers. “And the most fun?” I asked. “Oh, that’s easy” Steve laughed. “Doing ‘La Cage aux Folles’ three different times in three different decades, but playing the same part every single time!” Kudos to you, Steve, for keeping us entertained for all these years.

With the sun shining brightly, I made my way to Bethel Woods to catch Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper in concert where a massive crowd of fans was partying on the lawn. Cyndi pranced on the stage, belting out hit after hit, proving that her strong voice is still amazing, but three songs in, the skies opened up and man… did it pour. “What should I do?” Lauper asked the crowd, while roadies mopped the stage with towels. “Should I keep going? Are you guys okay on the lawn?” Proving that girls (and guys) still “just wanna have fun,” the audience roared in approval, and the show went on without further ado. Stewart, too, was incredible and changed outfits more than Cyndi, who joined him on stage, backed by some fantastic musicians and showgirls shimmying in gold lamé. Fan-Freakin-Tastic, IMHO.

“Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot,” my pal Rachelle suggested in a text. “Wouldn’t you like to get away?” That sounded an awful lot like that darn song. “Swing by the lake and we’ll go for a boat ride.” And so I did, which thrilled Dharma, who has a crush on Rachelle’s pup Mugsy. We had a blast, and it was nice to spend some down time on the water, waving at pals passing by.

“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name,” the song suggests, and what better place than Riverfest, which takes place annually in Narrowsburg, NY—home of The River Reporter. “And they’re always glad you came.” I’m not sure about that, but I showed up regardless and hosted a photo booth along with a few other intrepid staffers, while familiar faces strolled Main Street, enjoying the vendors, music, food, and the Riverfest poster auction, to which I contributed for the very first time.

Thankfully, DVAA supporters Gerry and Phyllis Solomon took pity on me and participated in a small “bidding war,” eventually winning my entry. I might even do it again next year, but would be hard pressed to compete with some of the incredibly talented artists who participate every year. During the auction, someone tapped me on the shoulder. “I’m so happy to meet you! My whole family loves your column!” he said. Introducing himself, Gary Fegly shared that he and his family read the paper religiously and that he even cuts out my page for the grandkids, who love to hear about Dharma. Bowled over by their enthusiasm, I introduced the kids to the dog. “You want to be where you can see,” I thought, “Our troubles are all the same. You want to be where everybody knows your name.” Thanks, Gary. Cheers!

To view photos of the concerts at Bethel Woods and pics of Riverfest 2017 go to www.Facebook.com/theriverreporter and ‘like’ our page, tag your friends and feel free to share!

*Lyrics by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

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