The Update | Brewer, KSU Theater Team Up; Theater Moves Holiday Show to Main Stage

WARREN, Ohio – The ghost light – a bare electric bulb in a standup lamp that is kept illuminated on stage when the theater is not in use – is both a safety measure and a theater  tradition. Theater lore has it that it allows spirits to perform at night when the actors and audience are away.

Modern Methods Brewing Co. and Kent State Trumbull Theatre are honoring the tradition with the new Ghost Light Porter beer.

Available on draft and in cans beginning today, Ghost Light is an American porter brewed with six specialty malts for a complex flavor profile evoking chocolate and hints of nuts and finishing with dark fruit. A moderate hop profile of nugget and cascade keeps Ghost Light drinkable.

The launch celebrates the partnership between Modern Methods and Kent Trumbull Theatre. Every first Wednesday of the month for the past year, patrons gather for Scripts and Sips, at which actors read aloud a script written by a local playwright and enjoy craft beers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kent Trumbull Theatre’s ghost light continued burning for over 18 months, keeping the theater spirit alive until it reopened.

A portion of each Ghost Light Porter sold supports the Kent State theater. The label features artwork by Elijah DuPonty of Youngstown.

ACTS Moves Holiday Show to Main Stage

SHARON, Pa. – Area Community Theater of Sharpsville has moved its holiday show, “Hometown Christmas Classics,” from its 40 Below cabaret room to the theater’s main auditorium to meet the strong demand for tickets.

The show will be presented Dec. 16-18 at ACTS newly opened theater at the intersection of East State Street and South Irvine Street, downtown. Those who already purchased tickets will receive replacement tickets and the opportunity to select their seats.

“We are thrilled with the reception we have received from the community following our move to downtown Sharon,” said Tom Perman, ACTS board president. “It demonstrates how important our productions are to the residents of our area.”

ACTS opened its inaugural season in the main stage last month with three sold-out performances of a retrospective show of musicals it had produced in the past.

For information or tickets to all ACTS shows, go to actsharpsville.org.

Westminster Wind Ensemble in Concert

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Westminster College Wind Ensemble will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in Orr Auditorium on the Westminster campus.

The concert, “Symphonies, A Sounding Together,” will feature three guest student conductors, winners of the school of music’s Young Conductors Competition. Admission is free.

David Smith, a senior saxophonist from Greensburg, Pa., honors student and music education major, will conduct “Flight of the Pegasus” by David Shaffer.

Charles Lisella, a senior music education major and trumpeter from Harmony, Pa., will conduct “A Heatherwood Portrait” by James Barnes.

Jada Brown, a junior pianist and percussionist from West Newton, Pa., majoring in music education, will conduct “Flashing Winds” by Jan Van der Roost.

The ensemble, under the direction of R. Tad Greig, will perform works by Julie Giroux, John Mackey, Frank Erickson and Frank Tichelli.

Pictured at top: Ghost Light Porter by Modern Methods Brewing Co. of Warren is now available.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.