Whether you’re a drama diva or just someone who appreciates a good curtain call, the world – or at least Canton’s Downtown Arts District — will be your stage on Friday, September 3. Drama-Rama, the theme of the 38th consecutive First Friday celebration, will feature sneak peeks of the area’s upcoming productions from our area theatres – plus other surprises waiting in the wings.
On the outdoor stage, set near Court Avenue and Fourth Street, the line-up, begins at 6:00 p.m. with World of Difference’s “Travel the World Adventures” and continues with “Sleepy Hollow” from the Silver Star Youth Theatre, “Dance as Art” from the Penser Dance Company and, then invites everyone to join in at 8:00 p.m. with an audience participation variety show from the North Canton Playhouse. Inside, the Kathleen Howland Theatre will offer a preview their adaptation of “The Wiz,” while storyteller EdLyn will entertain at Community One Credit Union. The Suga Babes will dance and teens will perform monologues at the YMCA Teen Center, while the Encore Dancers take center stage at SarahCare.
Open auditions for the “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas Show” will take place at the Palace Theatre from 4:3o p.m. – 7:30 p.m., just in time for you to get your First Friday discount (ask for it at the PG box office!) to see “The Full Monty” at Players Guild Theatre located up the street at the Cultural Center for the Arts (1001 market Avenue North).
Also at the Cultural Center, the Ohio Watercolor Society will offer a “quick draw” during the Canton Museum of Art’s First Stop event with ABOUT magazine, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Down the road, the Canton Woman’s Club will host J&J Dancing and later, Canton Idol Karyn Franks. Other Idols will be at Motter & Meadows, across from the Palace Theatre, the site of a free Chipmunks’ movie, “The Squeakquel” @ 7:30 p.m.
And if art is more your scene – you will applaud On the Rocks, the latest exhibit at Anderson Creative, featuring the 1950s fun of artist Ashley Barlow and the watercolors of Nancy Darrah at Gasser Jewelry. Photography may also upstage your interests as you visit the work of Stephen McNulty (@ Julz by Alan Rodriquez); Brian Meeker (@ Red Ribbon Connection); and Carolyn Jacobs (@ 2nd April Annex).
While at 2nd April, wave good-bye (after opening your wallets) to AGoG Teen Art Gallery. Then say “hello” to new neighbors in the Arts District – Buzzbin Magazine, Leah Stafford Photography, Canton Glass Works and our newest restaurant, La Parilla (Mexican fare).
A new mural – Street Strolling – will be dedicated at 7:45 p.m. – immediately following the Court Avenue Art Parade, featuring students from the Arts Academy at Summit.
Up-to-the-minute information and the full program map for all of the music, art, and dining events for September 3 – Drama-Rama! is available at the official First Friday website: www.cantonfirstfriday.com.
with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process they find renewed self-esteem, the importance of friendship and the ability to have fun. As the guys work through their fears, self-consciousness, feelings of worthlessness and anxieties, they come to discover that not only are they stronger as a group, but that the strength they find in each other gives them the individual courage to face their demons and overcome them. You won’t want to miss this upbeat musical!
These musical theatre icons, known to millions by the characters they made famous, such as Maria von Trapp from The Sound of Music, Laurey from Oklahoma!, and Marian the Librarian from The Music Man inspired Niffer as a young girl to want to get up on the stage, to sing their songs, and to breathe life into and give voice to these wonderful characters. They weren’t afraid of redefining the girl-next-door, and, as time and life went on, redefining themselves. This concert (and the upcoming CD!) is an homage to these women, and a glorious way for Niffer to thank them for taking her – and all of us – Beyond the Ingenue. Great songs, fun stories, even some insider tidbits!
This year’s celebration will include many returning Hall of Famers, who will ride in the parade, along with the 2010 Class of Enshrinees including Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Dick LeBeau, Floyd Little, John Randle, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith. Parade viewers will be treated to the sights and sounds of 12 giant helium balloons, 21 marching and military bands, 11 floats and 23 specialty units, as well as antique vehicles, animal units and much, much more.
Music will definitely be the backdrop of the evening, highlighted by Aquarius Rising, the Summer of Love Pop Orchestra (Studio 5 @ 8 p.m.) and Positively Fourth Street – playing rock and roll hits from 6-8 at the Foundations Center. 
