It may not have presented anything scientifically groundbreaking, but the premiere of “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” has surely made an impact on viewers worldwide.

The sequel to Carl Sagan’s PBS series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” hasn’t yet broadened my understanding of the universe any further than the original. But, writer and executive producer Ann Druyan, Sagan’s widow, has told various news outlets, including the New York Daily News, that it will take viewers places that the original didn’t.

I was skeptical about the show from the onset since it airs on Fox, but then I came to find out that it also airs on the National Geographic Channel. I was also relieved to hear that Seth MacFarlane is an executive producer of the show. And, although I don’t personally know her, I don’t believe Druyan would intentionally tarnish her late husband’s reputation with a sequel that was less than adequate of his approval. So, going forward, I do have some hope for the series.

I do admit, the premiere was quite entertaining and educational. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is perfect as a narrator for the show. His demeanor is by no means preachy or patronizing. Plus, the special effects and computer-generated graphics are stunning.

Although much of the series will likely be based on humankind’s current minuscule understanding of the universe, I believe it has the potential to stimulate the minds of people worldwide in a progressive way. Space may be the final frontier, but that doesn’t mean we should decimate the only place we have to call home in order to get there.

In addition to airing on Fox on Sundays and the National Geographic Channel on Mondays, “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” is also available on Hulu.com. For more information, visit www.cosmosontv.com or www.channel.nationalgeographic.com.

As per usual, here are the highlights and happenings going on in the area.

HIGHLIGHTS

JHS To Present ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ Musical: Jamestown High School is set to present “Singin’ In The Rain” as its annual musical. The production will be held at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts tonight and Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“Singin’ In The Rain” follows main characters such as: Don Lockwood, played by Alex Simmons; Lina Lamont, played by Emily Isaacson; Kathy Seldon, played by Kirstie Hanson; and Cosmo Brown, played by Cameron Hurst. Nearly 60 JHS students have contributed to the production, including: Steve Brombacher, who plays R.F. Simpson; Ryan Whisner, who plays Roscoe Dexter; Jacob Dietzer, who plays Rod; Jenae Pryce, who plays Dora Bailey; and Gregg Rhodes, who serves as production tenor.

General admission to the musical is $10 for adults, and $8 for students through high school. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts box office, by calling 484-7070, or online at www.reglenna.com.

SYMBA And Oliver Burdo Seek Votes For Shea’s Singer-Songwriter Contest: Shea’s Performing Arts Center of Buffalo has begun a contest called the Once “No City Without Music” contest that will give an area artist the opportunity to record a full song at GCR Audio in Buffalo.

Two acts from Jamestown are currently participating in the contest: SYMBA, featuring Hayley Restivo and Ryan Hawkins, as well as Little Sea Bird, which features Oliver Burdo, Jeremy Little and Jordan Seager. SYMBA is currently in second place, while Little Sea Bird trails behind in seventh place.

The contest ends on March 23, but votes can be cast every 24 hours. For more information, or to vote, search for “Shea’s Performing Arts Center” on Facebook or visit https://a.pgtb.me/86nkjZ.

Lucille Ball Little Theatre To Host Auditions For ‘The All Night Strut’ Tuesday And Wednesday: Auditions for “The All Night Strut,” a musical celebration of the 1930s through 1940s that features swing, jazz, gospel, pop and more, are set to be held Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The production calls for singers with dynamics to work as a soloist or with a group. Helen Merrill, director, describes the characters as, “Out on the town, in control of their lives, in love with music, strangely sophisticated without trying, in the groove and having a great time.”

Auditionees may range in age from 18 to 50, and are to prepare to sing a selection of their choice from the show. Basic choreography will be taught, and an accompanist will be provided. Merrill suggests wearing clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in.

Production dates for “The All Night Strut” are set for May 16-18 and 23-25. For more information, call Helen Merrill at 665-5750.

‘Rolling Hills Radio’ Episode No. 31 Set For Thursday, March 27: “Rolling Hills Radio,” with host Ken Hardley, is set to feature Jamie-Sue Seal and David Allen Coester.

“Rolling Hills Radio” recordings are held at The Reg Studio Theater, 108 E. Third St. in Jamestown. Tickets are still available, and can be ordered by calling 484-7070 or by visiting www.reglenna.com.

Girls Rock 7 Set For Friday, March 28 At Mojo’s: The seventh annual Girls Rock show is set for 9 p.m. on Friday, March 28, at Mojo’s in Jamestown.

The show is set to feature a variety of acts, which are all comprised of female musicians. The lineup includes: Stephanie Benson, SYMBA, Lori Burke, Gina Vecchio, Claire Stuczynski, Amanda Lynn Barton, Cindy Love, Marla Harris, Faith Graham, Sara Rafaloski, Julie Josephson, Carol Svensen and Stephanie Stanford.

Mojo’s is located at 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown. For more information, search for “Girls Rock 7” on Facebook.

Open Casting Call For Independent Film Set For Saturday, March 29: A local independent filmmaker will host an open casting call at the Corner Coffeehouse on Saturday, March 29, from 12-6 p.m. The roles available include opportunities for males and females ranging in age from teen to 40s, as well as a man in his 60s.

The Corner Coffeehouse is located at 54 W. Main St. in Frewsburg. For more information, call 814-730-2307.

Filsinger Games To Host Live ‘Champions of the Galaxy’ Event In July: Filsinger Games and its founder, Jamestown native Tom Filsinger, have announced the launch of a crowdsourcing campaign that aims to raise funds to host a live wrestling show featuring characters from “Champions of the Galaxy.”

Filsinger Games will present “Champions of the Galaxy: The Live Event” on Friday, July 11, as a kickoff to GalactiCon 25, which is an annual convention held July 12-13. The event is set to feature independent talent portraying classic “Champions of the Galaxy” characters such as: Star Warrior, Thantos, The Gladiators, Wolf and more.

The live event will be filmed by Smart Mark Video, a professional wrestling video production and distribution company. A documentary is also in the works, and it will not only cover the process of putting the live event together, but it will also feature the history of the Champions of the Galaxy game.

The crowdsourcing campaign is hosted via Kickstarter, and those who contribute can receive rewards such as: a DVD of the event and documentary, a special game edition featuring the character from the show, signed memorabilia, the opportunity to have a “Champions of the Galaxy” card made in their likeness, or a chance to be a part of the live event itself.

For more information, visit www.championsofthegalaxy.com.

HAPPENINGS

To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 253 by Monday.

Friday

Bill Ward And Amanda Barton: 7:30-10:30 p.m., American Legion Herman Kent Post 777, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown.

Alex Kates: 9 p.m., Yesterday’s, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood.

Saturday

The Stan Barton Trio: 7 p.m., Christie’s Downtown Pub and Grille, 229 Pennsylvania Ave. in Warren.

Sam Hyman: 8-11 p.m., Pine Junction, 9757 Bailey Hill Road in Sherman.

Pressure Sensitive: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., American Legion Herman Kent Post 777, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown.

Alex Kates Band: 10 p.m., The Q, 104 W. Second St. in Jamestown.