A sampling of upcoming arts

By SUZANNE MOORE
Feature Editor

May 08, 2008 04:00 am

— Ever try some off-the-cuff comedy? The improv group Gag Reflex has some workshops coming up.
Don't be shy, says member Mary O'Dell. It's understood that the participants don't necessarily want to aim for the bright lights of Broadway or even a local community theater role.
The sessions -- open to all ages -- begin with easy warm-up games for the whole group then progress to easy two-person scenes.
"Improv requires you to think quickly on your feet, thereby making it easier to do so in the rest of life," she said in an e-mail, "for instance, in public speaking or even simple day-to-day communication."
If you miss this Saturday's Gag Reflex improv workshop from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Keene Valley Library and the 7 p.m. comedy show that follows at the Congregational Church, also in Keene Valley, you'll have another chance Saturday, May 17, with a workshop from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall, and show at 7 p.m.
The workshop is $5 per person; show, $3. To register, call 891-6440 or 891-7676. The events are sponsored by the Arts Council for the Northern Adirondacks.
FILM AND THEATER
Here are some other upcoming events:
Champlain Valley Film Society spring offerings continue at 8 p.m. Saturday with "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" at the Masonic Lodge in Essex. The true story of a French magazine editor whose life changes forever after a stroke, the film won the Best Director awards at both the Golden Globes and the Cannes Film Festival. Coming up, also at 8 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, are: "Charlie Wilson's War" on Saturday, May 24; and "Atonement" on Saturday, June 7. Shows are $5 for adults; $2 for under 18. See the Web site www.cvfilms.org for more information.
On Mother's Day, Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake offers a 1 p.m. performance of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," adapted by Deborah Lynn Frockt. Director Bonnie B. Brewere's cast includes Jason Amrhein, Amy Coddington, Leslie Dame, Chris McGovern, Clare Paulson and Kent Streed. Not enough notice for that show? See it Memorial Day weekend at 7 p.m. May 24 and 25; 7 p.m. Saturday, June 7; and throughout Pendragon's summer repertory season. Go to pendragontheatre.org for times and dates and to see other shows on tap. Tickets are $10; $8 for under 17 (no reservations).
See "Bye-Bye Birdie" by the Community Theater Players at Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. May 16 and 17 and 23 through 25; and 2 p.m. on May 18. Evening tickets are $14 for adults; $10 for seniors and students. Call 523-2512 or go to www.LakePlacidArts.org for more information.
MUSIC, STORIES
Martha Gallagher, The Adirondack Harper, will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Paine Memorial Free Library in Willsboro. In 2006, Gallagher was awarded a New York State Council on the Arts grant to research and compose the music of "Songs from the Stones," the concert she will also perform at other libraries throughout Essex County, according to a press release. "The music seems to resonate with people wherever I perform it," she said. "The songs and stories create an atmosphere in which people are inspired to share their stories, thoughts and feelings with me." Donations will be accepted as admission. Call 963-4478 for tickets or more information.
"A Time of Renewal: Celebrating Spring through Music and Spoken Word" will feature piano soloist and composer Cody Michaels at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid. A project of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, the one-hour event will be followed by a meet-the-artist reception. Cost is $20 and seating is limited. For info or reservations, call the box office at 523-2512 or go to www.LakePlacidArts.org.
smoore@pressrepublican.com

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