Comedy Skits Draw Over 175

The 9 original comedy skits by Stan and Jane Hart, called "Old Enough to Know Better", was a huge success last Friday night at the Town Hall Auditorium, drawing a full house of over 175 people.  The area actors performed flawlessly and drew constant laughter from the audience.  Pictured above is Stan Hart as he directs some of the cast members in one of the skits.  Pictured from left to right are Stan Hart, Kata Welch, Barbara Dickey, and Sandra Russo.  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.

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.

Healthcare Forum on Act 48 on Oct 20 in Ludlow

With the mounting discussions concerning Act 48, the legislation aimed at creating a statewide healthcare policy, and the on-going questions as to how such a system might work and cost Vermonters, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) decided it was time for the two major sides to address the pros and cons of the issue before an area audience.

As a result, FOLA has created a panel of six statewide leaders in the healthcare field debate to discuss the meaning and impact of Act 48 on Thursday, October 20 at 7 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium. To ensure that the panel discussion addresses all the key questions concerning this issue, FOLA asked Stewart Ledbetter, Senior Political Reporter for WPTZ/WNNE, to moderate the panel discussion.

The panel will consist of, top row, left to right, Steve Kappel, Dr. Deb Richter, Wendy Wilton; bottom row, left to right, State Senate President John Campbell, Bob Gaydos, and Darcie Johnston.


The forum will begin with an introduction of the panel and moderator, followed by a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining the major elements of the Act 48 legislation. Following this, the moderator will ask the panel members to respond to his questions. The audience will then have the opportunity to ask the panel questions about both Act 48 and its impact. For additional information, call 802-228-7239.

FOLA Cosponsors Civil War Piano Concert Oct. 9

Gypsy Reel at Auditorium Oct. 1

"Close Encounters" Is FOLA's October Movie

"Chariots of Fire" at Auditorium Sept 1

FOLA Sponsors healthcare panel October 20

With all the talk coming out of Montpelier (and, now, everywhere in Vermont), FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) has decided that it's time to have a public forum where all sides to the debate may be heard.


Consequently, FOLA has set aside Thursday, October 20 as the date when the public will have an opportunity to 1, have the precise nature of the legislation passed by the recent session of the legislature explained in simple, layman's terms - terms that are agreed to by both sides of the debate, 2, have a moderated discussion about the legislation, its implications, and costs, and 3, give the public a chance to ask direct questions to a panel involved in the process.


Kristin Carlson, Senior Political Reporter for WCAX, will moderate the discussion. The panel will consist of statewide people either directly involved in the creation of the legislation or in opposition to some, if not all, of the resulting legislation. The panel will be evenly divided in this respect. For more information about the forum, which will be held in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, call 802-228-7239.

The Rutland Herald will cosponsor the event with FOLA.

FML and FOLA Join to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Historic Book

Gregory Peck in award-winning role in "To
Kill a Mockingbird"

"To Kill a Mockingbird," the Pulitzer ward winning novel by Harper Lee will celebrate its 50th year as part of the American - and International, literary scene this year. The story of racism and small town Southern life as seen through the eyes and experiences of a young child, has become a fabled part of our written and filmed history. In keeping with the celebration of this great novel, the Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow has joined with FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) to feature this work as both an outstanding piece of literature and a milestone motion picture. The Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library will conduct a discussion of the book at the Library on Thursday, July 28 at 7 PM. Copies of the book may be obrained from the Library. In conjunction with the book, FOLA has arranged to feature the film version as its "First Thursday", with the film showing on Thursday, August 4 at 7 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium. The film features what many believe to be the greatest acting performance of Gregory Peck. For information, call 802-228-8921.