Sisters of Swing at Allenberry Playhouse

I had a wonderful Saturday with my host family - The Kellys.

Mike and I spent the morning after breakfast running some errands which turned out to be an adventure for me. I got a chance to visit a rare 'shoes smith' whose little workshop is an art in its own right. Later, I have the pleasure to visit the Susquehana Bank (where Mike works) to see in person how the "ATM Drive Thru' works.



The real treat however was the dinner and later a theater performance at the Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse. This unique resort resides along the Yellow Breeches River which is famous for fly fishing. I was surprise to learn that John Travolta gained his fame starting by performing at the Allenberry Playhouse. If Travolta fans wish to see him in his youthful glory, a visit to this playhouse is a must for you will be greeted with an amazing photo of Travolta with his 'killer's smile' in a commemoration booklet at the entrance of the playhouse - look closely!

The focus of this blog post however is on the 'Andrews Sisters'. The Andrews Sisters were a prolific and hugely successful close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras, consisting of three actual sisters: LaVerne, Maxene and Patty. Entitled the 'Sisters of Swing', the play lasted for 2 hours with a 15 minutes intermission. It was such a well planned performance.

During World War II, the Andrews Sisters entertained the Allied forces extensively in America, Africa and Italy, visiting Army, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard bases, war zones, hospitals, and munitions factories. The excellent performance of Anne Montavon (Patty), Melissa Dvozenja (Maxene), Jessica Kaufman (LaVerne) and Andrew Lyons (who plays all the man's role) brought the audience, young and old, back to those trying era. One of the nice touch of the play was how the producer had invited a veteran army man from the audience to appear on stage with the cast in one scene of the second half of the performance. This brief cameo performance from a member of the audience paid tribute to all who had served in the US Army. The cast lined up to thank the audience for their support at the end of their performance.

Needless to say I had enjoyed myself tremendously. Though it took 40 minutes to travel to and fro the venue, this evening had been wonderful for Mike, Mary Kay, Rachel and I.



p/s: unfortunately, no photograph is allowed in the playhouse.

Hanover Public School District

Dr Alan Moyer, the Superintendent of Hanover Public School District had kindly arranged for me to visit the Hanover High School. I visited 6 classes in total. Special thanks to Mr Samuelsen, the principal and Mr Kraus, history teacher, for giving a tour of the school and Mackenzie Naill and Kyra Shaffer, the students who guided me from one class to another.


With Dr Alan Moyer and Kyra Shaffer at the entrance of the office


I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to observe and learn from some excellent teachers. I saw how patient Ms Rega was with her ELL students. I learned from Mrs Erin Smith the power of extensive reading in her Academic English class. I was so impress by the great presence of Mr Bauer and his love for history and world affair. I had a great time interacting with Mr Bauer and his students and shared our views on some world affairs pertaining to our respective countries and regions. I had the opportunity to see how Mr Suter incorporate technology in his Environmental Science class where students took their quiz online. Mrs Sara Little showed me how silk screen printing is done and some of her students' work in her Art class. There is even an art exhibition that is on going in the school where her students display their finest art work in various media. Mrs Frank's Journalism class was very impressive with 3 students taking care of the production of the entire school newsletter.



Mrs Smith with her English Academic Class students


Each link represents a book that the students finished reading


Some art display


In the evening, I returned with my host family as spectators of the Drama Night - a tradition that has lasted for 50 years in this school and there is not a sign that it is slowing down. The freshman, sophomore and senior each performed a play. Rachel Kelly, the daughter of Mike and Mary Kay Kelly (my host family) won an award for her cameo performance in their freshman play - 'Conflict'. The Sophmore's 'Harry Potter Parody!' won the best director award as well as the best drama award. Whereas senior student, Jaide Finfrock won the best actress award in 'Our American Zombie'.


Freshman Performance: Conflict


Sophmore Performance: Harry Potter Parody!


Senior Performance: Our American Zombie



Award sponsor by Garrick Jewelers


I must say that the sophmore did a great performance that night with their witty and hilarious plots, dialogues and great characters. I personally was impressed with an Asian girl, Lily Tran whose portrayal of Malfroy was just superb. She won an award for her cameo performance.