Nov. 4 is 'Comedy Tonight' at Ludlow Auditorium

Original comedy skits by Stan and Jane Hart will be the featured show at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on Friday, November 4 at 7 PM. Sponsored by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium), the show, entitled "Old Enough to Know Better", will consist of nine skits written by the part time Proctorsville couple.

In describing what the skits will be about, Jane said, “Look in the mirror. That funny object you see is you!


In the nine comedies we wrote, you will surely recognize yourself or someone you live with, demonstrating the comedy of everyday life”.


The titles of the skits will provide some clue as to what the “human conditions” she alluded to may be about: “Look at It This Way’, ‘Wedding Bells’, ‘Tell Me about It’, and ‘Where’s There a Will’.


In addition to the Hart’s, the other members of the cast, all from the Black River area, include: Gloria Leven, Sandra Russo, Patty Greenwood, Scott Stearns, Leo Graham, Kata Welch, Barbara Dickey, Paul Cooper, Judith Edwards, and Michael Pember.


Both Stan and Jane spent a good deal of their lives in New York. When Stan wasn’t writing comedy material for Carol Burnett, he might be found writing articles for Mad Magazine, writing a play produced on Broadway or, as a change of pace, inventing products like the Ring Pop, Push Pop, and the Garbage Pail Kids for the Topps Company. Jane began as a journalist who wrote articles for popular magazines. She then authored the highly-praised book, ‘The Hidden Children of the Holocaust’ about the experiences of Jewish youngsters who were hidden and saved by non-Jews during the Second World War. The latter work was recognized by the Pulitzer Prize people with a nomination for that prestigious award.


Jane later turned to art, becoming a leading art therapist and portraitist. Her paintings are available at an art gallery on Depot Street in Ludlow.


Jane likes to simply say that the skits to be performed at the Nov. 4 show are “about you and me”.


With all that is going on in their lives, Jane did note that the Harts “are still talking to each other”.


Jane and Stan Hart are part-time residents in Proctorsville (aka a village within Cavendish). Jane is a licensed art therapist and acclaimed portraitist while Stan won two Emmys as the head writer for the popular Carol Burnett TV program.


The two started their Vermont theatrical careers last year in the first annual Christmas Celebration produced by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium). Since then, they have been badgered by FOLA to develop new comedic productions.


The play is free to everyone, although donations to offset costs are appreciated. For additional information, call 228-7239.

Harvey, the Invisible Rabbit, in Ludlow, Nov. 3

On Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 PM in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, an invisible rabbit will be the center of attention as FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) presents the classic comedy, Harvey. Starring Jimmy Stewart as the the only one who can apparently see (and talk to) this rabbit, Harvey is a comedy about a family (and a good part of a town) trying to come to terms with this invisible rabbit. Elwood P. Dowd (Stewart) is a middle-aged, amiable (and somewhat eccentric) individual whose best friend is an invisible 6' 3.5" tall rabbit named Harvey. As described by Dowd, Harvey is a pooka, a benign but mischievous creature who is especially fond of social outcasts (like Elwood). Elwood has driven his sister and niece (who live with him and crave normality and a place in "society") to distraction by introducing everyone he meets to his friend, Harvey. His family seems to be unsure whether Dowd's obsession with Harvey is a product of his (admitted) propensity to drink or perhaps mental illness. Elwood spends most of his time in the local bar, and throughout the film invites new acquaintances to join him for a drink (or to his house for dinner). Interestingly, the barman and all regulars accept the existence of Harvey, and the barman asks how they both are and unflinchingly accepts an order from Elwood for two Martinis. What happens to Elwood's family, his doctors, and his friends throughout this relationship is comedy at its best. The movie is open to everyone and is free; donations to support the movie's cost are appreciated. For information, call 228-7239.