Downtown Newark Ohio

Great weekend in Licking County!!!

GREAT WEEKEND IN LICKING COUNTY WITH FRIENDS. LICKING COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BREW & WINE FEST AT APPLE TREE AUCTION CENTER ON SATURDAY. SUNDAY, JILL & I ALONG WITH FRIENDS WENT TO THE HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS CONCERT AT THE MIDLAND THEATRE. WAS AMAZING! Also enjoyed some time in the Cabin.

Interesting place for a committee meeting...

Doug Mill (with ADR & Midland Board Member), Jeff Barcus (Midland Theatre), and myself met today on the roof of the Midland Theatre to observe the heat tape that was placed around the downspouts and some minor but important repair work. Doug is the chair of the Midland Theatre building committee. Well, anyone close to me knows that I am afraid of heights... would walk against the wall at City Center, I hate the escalator that goes 4 stories at Lambeau and I didn't even change the net on my own basketball hoop (yeah, I know). Well, we made it to the roof, I even climbed up the old rusty ladder (barely bolted in) to the 2nd level. Saw the tape, nodded my head...great, ready to head back down. Come to find out the tape is in 3 other corners. I opted to stay put while my hands sweated... My hand didn't leave the railing. I am thankful that Doug and Jeff are focused. Happy to be back at my desk. Sort of.

Midland Theatre Announces New Executive Director

NEWARK, OH – Stephen F. Krempasky has been named the new Executive Director for The Midland Theatre effective January 18. Mr. Krempasky comes to The Midland after having served as Vice President Theatre Operations at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg PA. He has been in the theatre management profession for over 35 years.

Mr. Krempasky sees a great future for The Midland Theatre and is eager to build on its legacy. “While researching the Midland Theatre position I found a sound foundation of management, tradition, and community pride. Visiting Newark, I found wonderful people with energy, the resources and a vision for this Central Ohio landmark. It was an easy decision,” Krempasky said.

Paul Thompson, President of The Midland Theatre Board of Directors, sees equally great things for The Midland with Mr. Krempasky at the helm. “We are excited to have someone of Steve’s caliber on board. His excellent management background, as well as many noted artistic accomplishments will enable us to build upon the momentum created by the strong team in place at The Midland Theatre.”

Mr. Krempasky was chosen from a field of over 100 candidates from twenty two states. The search was exhaustive and has taken nearly a year to complete. Cheryl Snyder chaired the Search committee, which also included Dr. Dale Knobel, Judy Pierce and Andrew Guanciale. According to Ms. Snyder, "Steve has the energy, experience, technical savvy, and passion to lead The Midland Theatre to new levels of success."

Mr. Krempasky’s background is extensive. He earned an undergraduate degree in Theatre at West Liberty University, West Virginia, where he also designed stage scenery for several summerstock companies. In 1979 he completed his MFA in Scenic Design at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and soon became the Managing/Artistic Director of the Billings Studio Theatre of Billings, MT. After producing, directing or designing over 100 shows, he left Billings in 1988 to work as the Managing Director of the Oak Ridge Playhouse, Oak Ridge, TN. In 1990 he became the Executive Director of the Bijou Theatre Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. As the manager of East Tennessee's oldest operating theatre, circa 1909, he worked with many local performing arts groups including Theatre Knoxville and the Tennessee Stage Company. He also presented over 200 musical and touring artists while employed there and was the Chairman of the annual Knoxville Jazz and Blues Festival.

Krempasky was hired by Whitaker Center in 1996 to help construct and then manage the new facility which opened in 1999. While there he presented over 500 national touring artists and worked with 10 different local Resident Performing Arts organizations. He also volunteered yearly with the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council and Rotary Club.

Krempasky and his wife and two children will locate to the area in the coming months. “We are very much looking forward to immersing ourselves in the many activities of Licking County. This area seems to be a great fit for our family and we hope to contribute to its quality of life,” Krempasky stated.

The Newark Midland Theatre Association is a local organization dedicated to building value in our community with the positive, shared experiences of the performing arts, both locally produced and nationally recognized, in the beautifully restored Midland Theatre. Built in 1928, The Midland Theatre annually presents touring and local artists through its five performance series, inspiring arts education and community outreach programs, and other events. The Midland Theatre’s mission is enriching the lives of audiences today and tomorrow.

Life can be a cabaret

NEWARK — Tables of four clustered together, dim lights and the performer so close you can hear him whisper. It is the hip, nightclub atmosphere audiences might expect to have to drive to Columbus to experience -- except it is right here at the Midland Theatre.

Several times a year the historic theater sheds its more formal airs and transforms into a casual setting for its Stage Door Cabaret Series. Approximately 100 music lovers sit on stage with the performer, enjoying music, conversation and a cash bar.

"While we're not the only theater presenting a cabaret series, we were among the first and in the distinct minority," said Midland executive director Mike Morris.

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20090929/ENTERTAINMENT/90928019/1040/Life-can-be-a-cabaret

Midland says hello to new season with 'Say Goodnight, Gracie'

The Midland Theatre's 2009-10 season begins Friday with the Tony-nominated one-man Broadway play "Say Goodnight, Gracie."

The play is told through the eyes of George Burns, played by Rupert Holmes. The play examines Burns' romance and professional partnership with Gracie Allen from the afterlife.

In "Say Goodnight, Gracie," Burns is in limbo between this world and the next, unable to join his wife and partner, Allen, until he gives a performance for God. The play looks upon his impoverished youth, his initial meeting of Allen, and his career after she passed away.

"Say Goodnight, Gracie" was Broadway's third-longest running solo performance show, was nominated for a 2003 Tony Award for Best Play, and won the 2003-04 National Broadway Theatre Award for Best Play.

http://www.midlandtheatre.org/