Oldcastle Theatre Company Opens 50th Season

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'Souvenir' cast members Kaia Monroe and Tim Howard in downtown Bennington. The play by Stephen Temperley runs June 17-26 at Bennington Performing Arts Center. Photo by Kate Whitehall.
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Oldcastle Theatre Company will open its 50th season on June 17 with "Souvenir — A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins" by Stephen Temperley.
 
"Souvenir" tells the fictionalized story of the real-life wealthy socialite and musical cult-figure Florence Foster Jenkins, who suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano. Unfortunately, she couldn't sing at all. Despite this, or maybe because of it, her annual concerts at the Ritz Carlton hotel brought her extraordinary fame as audience members stuffed their handkerchiefs in their mouths to stifle their laughter — which Jenkins blissfully mistook for cheers. Her celebrity brought her all the way to a solo performance at Carnegie Hall in 1944. The story is told through the eyes of her longtime accompanist Cosme McMoon 
 
Kaia Monroe is set to portray Jenkins, and Tim Howard returns to Oldcastle Theatre Company to play accompanist McMoon. 
 
"Souvenir" is directed by Artistic Director Nathan Stith with scenic design and costumes by Ken Mooney, lighting design by Michael Giannitti, and sound design by Cory Wheat. The production stage manager is Kristine Schlachter.
 
The production runs June 17–26 at Bennington Performing Arts Center, the home of Oldcastle Theatre Company, 331 Main St. Tickets are $25–$35. Performances are Wednesday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., with a "pay what you will" night on Wednesday, June 22. 
 
Face masks are required when in the building. Get tickets at oldcastletheatre.org/tickets, at 802-447-0564, or in person 90 minutes prior to each performance.

Tags: musical,   

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Companion Corner: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him. 

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass." 

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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