Category: Community Theater

Experience Mount Vernon hosts their annual Investor & Awards Breakfast

On Friday, 1/31/25, Experience Mount Vernon handed out the 2024 Investor Awards.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and Eric Brown talked with the winners.
Click HERE to hear the conversations.

Congratulations to:
Janis Stone – Walter Rudin Award
Paragraphs Bookstore – Small Business of the Year
TD Landscape – Mid-Size Business of the Year
Park National Bank – Large Business of the Year
Mount Vernon Arts Consortium – Non-Profit of the Year
Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau – Community Pride Award
Emily Morrison – Spirit of Heritage Award

This prestigious Walter Rudin Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact on the Downtown Mount Vernon community. Janis Stone’s unwavering commitment
to enhancing our city’s vibrancy through the performing arts and fostering a spirit of collaboration has made her a cornerstone of our community’s growth and success.

Janis Stone has played a transformative role in shaping our cultural landscape through her remarkable dedication to the arts and tireless efforts to enrich Downtown Mount Vernon. Her unwavering commitment to downtown Mount Vernon and various arts initiatives has made high-quality, accessible arts programming a cornerstone of our community. Janis’ leadership and vision have brought unforgettable performances to Mount Vernon’s heart and fostered a deeper connection to the arts for residents and visitors alike.

Janis Stone’s influence extends beyond her work with MTVarts. She has actively engaged with local businesses, collaborated with fellow arts organizations, and passionately contributed to Experience Mount Vernon events, all while advocating for the vibrancy of our downtown area. Through her leadership, countless individuals have been inspired to explore the arts, and Downtown Mount Vernon has become a cultural hub that draws people together through shared creative experiences.

In addition to the Walter Rudin Award, Experience Mount Vernon awarded six additional business and community awards at its Annual Investor & Awards Breakfast on January 31st:
● Small Business of the Year: Paragraphs Bookstore, for its outstanding service to the community and dedication to fostering connections in Downtown Mount Vernon.
● Mid-Size Business of the Year: TD Landscape, for its exemplary work in enhancing vibrancy in Downtown Mount Vernon.
● Large Business of the Year: Park National Bank, for its long-standing commitment to outstanding leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to fostering local partnerships.
● Non-Profit of the Year: Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, for enriching the cultural fabric of our city through innovative programming and tireless advocacy for the arts.
● Community Pride Award: Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, for unwavering commitment to enhancing the beauty and pride of Mount Vernon and for promoting Mount Vernon as a top destination in Ohio.
● Spirit of Heritage Award: Emily Morrison, for her selfless volunteerism and a deep passion for capturing our community’s spirit through her photography.

Experience Mount Vernon extends heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made these awards possible: The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel for the Small Business of the Year Award; Dumbaugh Insurance for the Mid-Size Business of the Year Award; Flappers Bar & Grille for the Large Business of the Year Award; Kidwell & Cunningham for the Non-Profit of the Year Award; Griffin Insurance for the Community Pride Award; CES Credit Union for the Spirit of Heritage Award; and Park National Bank for the Walter Rudin Award. Their generosity and dedication to supporting our community’s leaders and businesses help make this recognition possible.

“Each of these award winners exemplifies the best of what Mount Vernon has to offer,” said Lacey Filkins, Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon. “Their collective efforts contribute to the ongoing transformation of our community into a thriving and inspiring place to live, work, and visit.”

Experience Mount Vernon is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Mount Vernon through events, programs, and partnerships that celebrate its unique charm and foster community pride.

For more information about Experience Mount Vernon, visit experiencemv.org.

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A Christmas Carol is coming to the Knox Memorial

The holiday season is here!
Don’t miss your chance to see A Christmas Carol at the Knox Memorial.
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Join the Knox Memorial with the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium and Habitat for Humanity Knox County for this beloved family classic live on stage!

WNZR was honored to chat with several members of the team:

  • Ian Ernsberger, Director
  • Aaron Moreland, Ebeneezer Scrooge
  • Jillian Snow, Ghost of Christmas Past

Click HERE to enjoy the conversation or click on the link below.
Get your tickets to see this Christmas Classic this weekend!

A Christmas Carol is presented by the Knox Memorial.
Produced by Mount Vernon Arts Consortium.
Shows:
November 29th @ 7:30 P.M.
November 30th @ 7:30 P.M.
December 1st @ 1:00 P.M.

VENUE: Knox Memorial Theater
(112 E. High St, Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

TICKETS: $20
Click HERE for tickets.

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Congratulations to the Mount Vernon Volunteers of the Year

At August First Friday, Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr announced the Volunteers of the Year: Janis Stone and Kevin Mishey.

Janis has been involved with theater in our community for several decades. She is a founding member of MTVarts. She has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund the performing arts in Mount Vernon. She has helped to develop many theater options for our community including dinner theater, Broadway musicals, the Classic Series based on American Literature, Arts IQ and youth performances.

Kevin Mishey has been an advisory board member with the Salvation army for over 25 years. He is Chair of the their Maintenance Committee and serves on the Capital Campaign Committee and the Christmas Kettle Committee. He is also an integral part of music here in Mount Vernon – teaching guitar lessons, leading a music program at Danbury Senior Living and providing special music at Faith Lutheran Church. He is a regular performer at Praisestock and other festivals. He is also a member of the Front Porch Concert Committee.

Click HERE to hear our conversation.

Congratulations to these two amazing volunteers!

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MTVarts receives the Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award from Experience Mount Vernon

Jessica Ryals, Development for Education and Bruce Jacklin, Artistic Director with MTVarts share their thoughts about winning the award for Non-Profit Organization of the Year. They highlight upcoming events for the spring and summer.
They talk about being part of First Fridays and Community Corner.
New website is coming soon –  mtvarts.com
Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversation with Jessica and Bruce.

Stay connected with MTVarts:
Website – www.mtvarts.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MTVarts

Stay connected with Experience Mount Vernon!
Website – experiencemv.org
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceMountVernon
Phone – 740-393-1481
Email – director@experiencemv.org

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The screening for the local short film “This Place” is coming to the Woodward this Friday

The Morning Thing shared the exciting news of a film screening coming to our community.
You can see the short film “This Place” this Friday, 9/22 at 7pm at the Woodward Opera House, 107 South Main Street in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon resident, Carrie Haver wrote the script.
She shared with The Morning Thing about her inspiration behind this project and the process of turning the story into a short film.
Director Michele Bayko shared more about the partnerships that formed through the filmmaking process. A local historic home was used as the set with local actors bringing the story to life.
Michele also shared how this screening with benefit the Orange Barrel Production Company.
Both ladies talked about why it is so important to support local theater production companies.
Carrie and Michele also gave advice to young readers and writers about storytelling.

Enjoy the conversation and the show on Friday!

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MTVarts presents Our Town this weekend at the Knox Memorial Theater

WNZR was honored to chat with several cast members about their experience in this fantastic show.

The actors talked about their characters and how they prepared to play these roles. They shared their history with the stage and how they got involved with theater.

The actors shared their favorite lines from the show. They also share why the community should come to see this class tale come alive on the Memorial Theater stage this weekend.

Click HERE to enjoy our conversations with:

Jeff Scott – Mr. Webb

Mackenzie Leland – Emily Webb

Christopher Hartman – George Gibbs

Thor Collard – Dr. Gibbs

Stephanie Scott – Mrs. Webb

Jacqueline Sanders-Allen – Mrs. Soames

Our Town Show Times:
Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 6, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m.
Daytime School Performance – Friday, May 5, 8:30 a.m.

Tickets
$20 Main floor
$15 Balcony
$3 discount for Students K-12

Buy the 2023 Season and save $5 on every Our Town ticket.

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Director – Bruce Jacklin

Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die. Thornton Wilder’s final word on how he wanted his play performed is an invaluable addition to the American stage and to the libraries of theatre lovers internationally.

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MVNU presents Cinderella this weekend at the Knox Memorial Theater

WNZR was honored to chat with several cast members about their experience in this fantastic show.
The actors talked about their characters and how they prepared to play these roles. They talked about the uniqueness of this version of the classic story. The actors shared their favorite songs and memories.

Click HERE to hear our conversations.

Enjoy our conversations with:
Logan Davis – Sebastian
Kenzie Potter – Marie/Fairy Godmother
Tyler Maddux – Prince Topher
Destiny Fullerton – Madame/Wicked Stepmother
Judy Bennett – Cinderella

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Music Department and Theatre Program presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) which features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics and an original book by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a new book by Douglas Carter Beane.

Since its debut in 1957, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella has enchanted fans of all ages. Originally written for television, the musical has been adapted four times since. The most recent adaptation, the Broadway version, premiered in 2013. It features all the favorite music of the original and a new book by Douglas Carter Beane. A timeless tale of overcoming the seemingly impossible with determination, faith, and a little bit of magic, Cinderella is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Performances are Friday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 15, at 2:30 p.m. All performances take place in The Knox Memorial Theater, 112 E High St., Mount Vernon.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for MVNU students, anyone under 18, or those with military ID. Tickets for all performances may be purchased online at theatre.mvnu.edu or at the box office beginning one hour prior to show time. Seating opens approximately 30 minutes prior to show time. This production is suitable for all audiences.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatre.mvnu.edu, email theatre@mvnu.edu, or call the MVNU Theatre coordinator at 740-397-9000 ext. 4235. Follow MVNU Theatre on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest program news and events.

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MTVarts presents Seussical JR. 3/10 – 3/12 at the Knox Memorial Theater.

WNZR was honored to chat with several cast members about their experience in this fantastic show.
The actors talked about their characters and how they prepared to play these roles. They talked about the amazing process of costumes and makeup and the transformation that happens with each of their characters. They also shared their favorite songs and memories.

Click HERE to enjoy our conversations with:

Kale Oswalt – Horton the Elephant

Isabella Oster – Gertrude McFuzz

Evelynn Brandenburg – Mayzie Le Bird

Zach Cramer – Wickersham Brother

Izzy Cook – Bird Girl

Serra Barrett – Director

Click HERE to buy tickets.

Click HERE to see the full cast list. What an amazing group of talented young performers!

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIME:

  • Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 11, 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION:

$20 Main floor

$15 Balcony

$3 discount for children 10 and under

Buy the 2023 Season and save $2 on every Seussical Jr ticket.

All patrons including small children must have an assigned seat.

For more details about the show, Click HERE

Seussical JR. Synopsis

“Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

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The Morning Thing takes you to the swamp with MTVarts and the cast of Shrek Jr.

MTVarts presents Shrek Jr. 9/23 – 9/25 at the Knox Memorial Theater.

WNZR was honored to chat with several cast members about their experience in this fantastic show.
The actors talked about their characters and how they prepared to play these roles. They talked about the amazing process of costumes and makeup and the transformation that happens with each of their characters. They also shared their favorite songs and memories.

Click HERE to enjoy our conversations with:
Jackson Barrett – Shrek
Logan Montgomery – Donkey
Minda Bates – Princess Fiona
McKinley Figurski – Mama Ogre and Princess Fiona Ogre
Kate Marhefka – Teen Fiona
Maggie Richardson – Dragon Puppet
Kiarah Smith – Dragon
Kate Gottke – Young Fiona

Click HERE to buy tickets.

Click HERE to see the full cast list. What an amazing group of talented young performers!

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIME:

  • Friday September 23 @ 7:30 pm
  • Saturday September 24 @ 2:00pm
  • Saturday September 24 @ 7:30 pm
  • Sunday September 25 @ 2:00 pm

TICKET INFORMATION:

$20 Main floor

$18 Balcony

$3 discount for children ages 3 – 10

For more details about the show, Click HERE

Shrek Jr Synopsis

Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

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MTVarts presents 5 different performances of “Oliver” this week!

MTVarts presents the musical “Oliver” at the Knox Memorial Theater.
The award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel springs to life with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to grace the stage.

The Morning Thing is featuring conversations with cast members all this week.
– Larry Evans who plays the character of Mr. Brownlow
– Alex Snodgrass who plays the character of The Artful Dodger
– Steve Herbst who plays the character of Bill Sykes
– Paul Russell who plays the character of Mr. Bumble

Click HERE to enjoy the conversations.

Ticket information can be found at https://mtvarts.com/index.php/upcoming-events/166-oliver

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIME:

  • Wednesday, July 13 @ 7:30 pm
  • Thursday, July 14 @ 7:30 pm
  • Friday, July 15 @ 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, July 16 @ 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, July 17 @ 2:00 pm

THE STORY:

The award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel springs to life with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to grace the stage.
Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on the Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike.
The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.

For more information about Oliver and MTVarts, go to https://mtvarts.com/

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