Reading Civic Theatre staging ‘Wizard of Oz’; Nat Geo Live coming to RACC [Spotlight]

Reading Civic Theatre will stage “The Wizard of Oz” from June 7-15 at its theater at 4350 Perkiomen Ave., Exeter Township.

“The Wizard of Oz” is an instant classic. People are drawn to the story of Dorothy, who is unheard and feeling alone, and her longing for a new world where joy, happiness and friendships are real. She is thrust into a storm that sends her swirling into her fantasy dreamland, only to find even dreams have their wicked ways too.

She is joined by an unlikely trio, allowing her to grow and lean on others on their way to Oz. Realizing “there’s no place like home,” she searches for her true path back to her family and friends in Kansas.

The RCT production is led by Madison Capizzi, Michael Orth, Tony DeArmas and Exeter’s own Barry Ciabatoni. Brandon Kegerize, the director, leads his staff, also consisting of Angela DeAngelo, Charles Troxel, Jeannette DeAngelo, Kyriakos Vachaviolos and Linda Bechtel.

Show dates are June 7-8 and 12-15 at 7:30 p.m., and June 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at readingcivic.org.

Nature

National Geographic Live, the National Geographic Society’s renowned touring speaker series that brings to life the awe-inspiring stories of National Geographic Explorers and industry trailblazers, has announced “‘From Roots to Canopy” will come to at the Miller Center for the Arts at Reading Area Community College on Nov. 4.

Nat Geo Live events immerse audiences in the world of discovery, with breathtaking imagery, compelling footage and riveting first-person narratives from distinguished scientists, authors, filmmakers, conservationists and adventurers.

Throughout human history, trees have provided our most important sources of sustenance, protection and wonder. Nalini Nadkarni, a tree canopy ecologist, has spent four decades dangling among the branches to study the ways that forests inform our daily lives. Climb into the clouds to experience the magnificent wildlife and incredible science happening in the vast, hidden worlds suspended above our heads.

Nadkarni is a National Geographic Explorer At Large, the highest distinction within the organization. She pioneered canopy access techniques to study the plants, animals and microbes that live in the treetops. She interweaves her research on rainforest canopies with innovative public engagement.

A contributor to 150 scientific papers and books, she has cast new insights on the importance of canopy plants in ecosystem processes and the effects of human activities on forest diversity and function. Her work is featured in academic journals and in public media such as NPR, Science Friday and RadioLab. Her awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship, the AAAS Award for Public Engagement, the National Science Foundation Award for Public Service, The Wilson Award for the Advancement of Social Justice and the Archie Carr Medal for Conservation. She is currently a professor at the University of Utah.

Tickets cost $25 at millercenter.racc.edu, or by calling 610-607-6270.

Music

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and Berks Sinfonietta are teaming up to present Music on the Mountain, a live presentation of classical selections, on June 8 at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary’s accessible Amphitheater. Seating is limited, and tickets cost $20 for Hawk Mountain Members and $25 for non-members at hawkmountain.ticketleap.com.

Ticketholders may bring their own folding chairs or blanket, and a musician mixer with a live raptor and light refreshments will be provided inside the Visitor Center immediately following the event.

“This is the fourth annual installment of Music on the Mountain with our partners at Berks Sinfonietta, and our Amphitheater offers the perfect setting: a covered stage for the musicians, bench seating and open grassy space for guests to spread out and enjoy the outdoors and the music, and the chance to support and promote two Berks County non-profits,” said sanctuary President Sean Grace.

The Sinfonietta will perform selections that celebrate the outdoors and the changing seasons that occur in early June and include Frederick Delius’ “On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring” and “Summer Night by the River,” along with the five “Sea Sketches” by composer and musician Grace Williams. The performance will conclude with Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551, “Jupiter,” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Berks Sinfonietta is a nonprofit chamber orchestra serving the Reading and Berks County communities. Its mission is to expand the appreciation for, and to promote the art of classical music. As a local ensemble, the orchestra consists exclusively of musicians from the community, ranging in skill level from students and talented amateurs to area professionals.

Fete en Blanc

Two area nonprofits, Pottstown Area Economic Development and Hobart’s Run, will host the seventh annual Fete en Blanc, and outdoor BYO dinner under the lights with live music, beverage vendors and more, on Sept. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Smith Family Plaza at Pottstown Borough Hall.

The event is modeled after traditional late summer or early fall Dinner in White events held in communities around the world, from Paris to Philadelphia, with all attendees decked in white attire

Attendees enjoy takeout from one of Pottstown’s restaurants and eateries, or prepare their own picnic meal, dine together and say farewell to summer with a ceremonial white-napkin wave. Many guests bring creative white centerpiece arrangements to make the setting even more special.

The evening will feature beverages for purchase from Pottstown purveyors including Manatawny Stillworks, Spirit Express Kiki Vodka, Sly Fox Brewing Co., live music by the Louis Rieger Ensemble and an eclectic and enthusiastic gathering of residents, business and property owners, and visitors eager to celebrate Pottstown’s revitalization.

Tickets for this 750-seat, rain or shine event cost $15, with a limit of six allowed per person. They go on sale Saturday at feteenblancpottstown.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Proceeds go toward economic development and community-building within the borough and tri- county region.