Mama Says

I was able to catch a performance of Charenton Theatre’s Spoon River Anthology at Old Erie Street cemetery, and want to recommend that you pack up the lawn chairs and the herbal bug repellent and try to make it to Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland Heights for one of the final performances next weekend. The show will go on at 8 PM on Friday and Saturday evening, 8/8 and 8/9; admission is free.

Near West Theatre regulars will spot some familiar faces in the cast, with both Andrew Narten (Scrooge!) and Victoria Karnafel Korkosz (Annie and Hello Dolly) reveling in the chance to portray many very different characters from among the dozens of deceased residents of the village of Spoon River, Illinois. There are some uneven places in the production, especially in sound and lighting. But overall, the pacing and selection of the monologues is excellent and Edgar Lee Masters’ poems are greatly enhanced by the use of the cemetery, with its deep views of restless souls wandering among the stones in the twilight.

With a picnic from home and free admission, this can be among the cheapest of cheap dates. But don’t be so stingy that you forget to drop a few bucks in the donation box to keep innovative, accessible theatre coming to the Cleveland public.

Sunday, August 10: Ohio City Street Fair on West 25th St. Volunteers needed. Call 216/696-7561 or email Rgil1066@aol.com

Kids, come over for flashlight tag and s’mores before it’s time to head back to your day job!

The Back-to-School Kids’ Night Out will be held at the Fratus home on Tuesday, August 19, from 7:30-10:30 PM. Parents are invited to drop off their school-age children; younger kids welcome when a parent stays to supervise. It’s rain-or-shine: in the event of lightening, we’ll roll up the rugs and hang up the disco ball for an indoor dance party. An RSVP is a must for this one so that we can make sure we have enough chaperones. Please let us know by August 15 if you’d like to help, or if your kids will be joining us. Email kidsnightout@fratus.com or phone 216/687-1959.

This month, come a little further, stay out a little longer, and exercise your creativity while you relax with your mom pals.

Host Mary Becker has arranged for painting time for up to 10 moms at the Clayground, 27629 Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere. From 6:30-9 PM, on Wednesday, August 13, you can buy a ceramic piece from among the many offered at the shop, paint, it, and then have it fired and glazed. Mary will provide snacks.

Afterward, we’ll transport the party to 806 Wine & Martini Bar on Literary in Tremont, where we’ll hook up with anyone who wasn’t able to make it to the ceramics painting.

An RSVP will be very helpful. Please call Mary at 216/696-6085 so she’ll know how many painters to plan for.

FRI 8/8  (11 AM - 1 PM)  Martha Senerchia at Lakewood Park on Lake Road, across from Belle

FRI 8/15  (11 AM - 1 PM)  Diane Lechner

FRI 8/22  Please call Diane at 216-651-1990 if you’re interested in hosting.

FRI 8/29  Simona Epuran, location to be determined. Simona hopes to be in her new home by then, but can’t guarantee it. Call Diane as the date approaches.