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A Modern Tragedy

I have to say, I was rather impressed with the local production of “Reservoir Dogs” currently being staged in the Spire Studio Metro Theater.

The production opened to the public on Friday, which I was present for, and I came away thinking that the transition from film to a local stage really couldn’t have gone much better.

Having seen the 1992 Quentin Tarantino-directed crime drama film upon which the stage play is adapted only a few months prior, a majority of the content was still relatively fresh to me. That said, I wasn’t sure what to expect in how exactly that content was to be delivered.

Nonetheless, I was more than happy to support the local production, the cast of which I am almost entirely acquainted in one way or another.

I knew going in that all of the cast has had their share of acting experience under their collective belt, but even I wasn’t fully prepared for the caliber of acting I witnessed last week. These guys all did an amazing job evoking all the emotions necessary to make their characters believable as human beings.

This was made all the more noticeable given the fact that the nonstop, 60-minute production utilized no set changes. Instead, the entire show was staged on a static set that was framed in by audience members on three sides. This proved slightly challenging for the play’s co-directors, Lars and Kristina Benson, in determining how to best position each character and action so that as many people could see what was happening as possible.

Conversely, as an audience member, I enjoyed the setup, which I felt provided an entirely new viewing experience – one that truly makes the audience feel as if they are a part of the action as the actors walk through the seating area and perform within arm’s reach.

This is all to say “Reservoir Dogs” at the Spire is really worth seeing, if you feel like you have an hour to spare this weekend and would like to see some local talent do great justice to a great film.

I feel I should warn you that, if you are offended by a healthy dosage of obscenities and a fair amount of fake blood, this may not be the show for you; but I’ve never personally found those particular aspects to hinder the telling of a good story. Kudos to the entire cast and crew on a truly riveting performance.

The show will continue this weekend with performances on Friday and Saturday, both beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, which can be purchased by emailing reservoirdogstix@gmail.com, and $12 at the door.

The Spire Theater is located at 317 E. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information, call the theater at 450-7357, or find “Reservoir Dogs At The Spire” on Facebook.

And now, here’s what you can expect to find in the area this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

‘Back Room Radio Hour’ Season Finale Is Today: Trinity Guitars’ inaugural season of “Back Room Radio Hour” will conclude tonight with a finale program featuring a songwriters’ circle. The guest artists who will appear on the finale are a sampling of those who have previously performed on the show, or have intended to appear on the program but have thus far been unable due to schedule conflicts. Scheduled to appear are: Bill Ward, host of “Back Room Radio Hour”; Amanda Barton; Barbara Jean; Sara Rafaloski; Mark Mincarelli; Ryan Melquist; and Alex Kates. Melquist and Kates will make their first appearance on the program in tonight’s show. The program will begin taping at 7 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but reservations should be made in advance by calling 665-4490 or emailing info@trinityguitars.com.

Trinity Guitars is located at 800 W. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information, find “BRRH Songwriters’ Circle and Season Finale” on Facebook.

JCC Rock Ensembles ‘Spring Jam’ Is Today: The Jamestown Community College Rock Ensembles course will present its annual “Spring Jam” at the Scharmann Theatre tonight, beginning at 7 p.m. Several bands comprised of students were formed at the beginning of the semester, and will have an opportunity to perform for the community during the event for college credit. Tickets for the event are $4 general admission, $3 for senior citizens and students and $2 for Faculty-Student Association members, and can be purchased by calling the JCC box office at 338-1187.

The Scharmann Theatre is located on the top floor of JCC’s Arts and Sciences Center on the Jamestown campus at 525 Falconer St. in Jamestown.

‘Church Basement Ladies’ To Open At Little Theatre This Weekend: The Lucille Ball Little Theatre will present its production of “Church Basement Ladies” beginning with an 8 p.m. Friday performance. An adaptation of a book penned by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson about their experiences growing up in the church as children, the stage production is intended as a celebration of the women who work tirelessly in the church kitchen, making meals for various church functions, regardless of their denomination. The plot follows five distinct characters, the aforementioned women and their pastor, and their relationships as they organize the food and solve the problems of a rural Minnesota church about to undergo changes in 1965. The production is being directed by Helen Merrill, and the cast includes Peter Larson, Kim Andrews, Kathy Andrews, Heather Young and Anne Ecklund. In addition to Friday’s performance, the production will also run Saturday and Sunday, as well as Friday, May 15, Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17. All Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 8 p.m., while the Sunday performances will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20, and groups of 10 or more receive a special group rate of $10 per person.

The Lucille Ball Little Theatre is located at 18 E. Second St. in Jamestown. To purchase tickets or learn more, call 483-1095 or visit www.lucilleballlittletheatre.org.

‘Colliding Worlds’ Art Show To Open At 3rd On 3rd Gallery Friday: Science, medicine and art will come together as one at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts’ 3rd on 3rd Gallery on Friday, when the gallery hosts a public reception for the artists of its “Colliding Worlds” exhibit at 7 p.m. The show features the art based on particle physics, data visualization, cancer-fighting plants and micro-photography. The artists represented in the exhibit include: Courtney Blackmon, of Bradford, Pennsylvania; Julie Mader, of Smethport, Pennsylvania; Werner Sun, of Ithaca; and David Cotton, of the United Kingdom. “Colliding Worlds” will continue to show through Friday, May 29. 3rd On 3rd Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. when exhibits are offered. Private viewings may be scheduled by calling 664-2465, ext. 227.

The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is located at 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information, call 664-2465 or visit reglenna.com/content/3rd-3rd-gallery-events.

Jamestown Gateway Train Station To Present National Train Day Saturday: The Jamestown Gateway Train Station will host its third annual observance of Amtrak’s National Train Day on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. and running through the course of the day. The event will feature several displays, including a railroad inspection cart, toy train show and rolling train stock that will include a couple of engines and 10 worker cars. People are being asked to wear outfits dating back to the Civil War era of 1860 up to the 1970s, which is when the last train traveled from the former Erie-Lackawanna Train Station. One highlight of the day will be the Great American Train Robbery, which will take place around 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Other features will include an appearance by Ken Springirth, author of 25 books on regional rail systems, who will discuss the history of the Erie-Lackawanna Train Station. A presentation on the history of trolley cars in Chautauqua County and the restoration of a former Jamestown trolley No. 93 will be given by Bob Johnston, Chautauqua County Historical Society trustee. A cocktail party will be held from 6-8 p.m. at track level on railroad cars. Reservations for the cocktail party are required, and can be made by calling 483-3041. There is no cost to attend the National Train Day event.

Illusionist Jason Bishop To Perform At Reg Lenna Saturday: The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts will host grand illusionist Jason Bishop for an evening designed to warp the mind and dazzle the eye. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday, when Bishop will display his stunning and state-of-the-art magic show. Each show features award winning sleight of hand, exclusive grand illusions and close-up magic projected onto a huge movie screen. According to Len Barry, director of marketing and communications for the theater, no other touring illusionist showcases such a diverse array of talents. Additionally, the show is delivered with a totally modern energy and an outstanding rock and pop soundtrack. Tickets start at $18, and children 12 and under will be admitted for half price.

The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is located at 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown. To learn more or purchase tickets, call the box office at 484-7070 or visit www.reglenna.com.

Infinity Spring Showcase Is Saturday: Infinity Visual and Performing Arts’ annual display of student talent will be held at Jamestown Community College’s Scharmann Theatre on Saturday in the form of the Infinity Spring Showcase. The showcase will include two performances during the day, one at 2 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored yearly by Shults Auto Group, and gives students an opportunity to show off the hard work they have put into their rehearsals during the summer months. Tickets to attend the Spring Showcase are $10 for adults and $7 presale. Children under 18 will be admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased from Infinity, or at the Scharmann Theatre box office on the day of the event.

The Scharmann Theatre is located in the Arts and Sciences building on JCC’s Jamestown campus at 525 Falconer St. For more information, contact Infinity at 664-0991 or visit www.infinityperformingarts.org.

HAPPENINGS

To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email gpaterniti@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 243 by Monday.

Tonight

Tap event featuring Maine Beer Company: 4 p.m., Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge, 10 E. Fourth St. in Jamestown

PULSE Poetry Slam: 6 p.m., Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, 301 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Kev Rowe: 6 p.m., Landmark Restaurant, 516 W. Fourth St. in Jamestown

Bluegrass Jam: 7 p.m., Lakewood Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Open Mic with Joel: 7 p.m., Spirits, 108 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

DJ Eclips: 9 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Friday

Velvet Cabbies: 6 p.m., The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown

“Reservoir Dogs”: 8 p.m., The Spire Studio Metro Theater, 317 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Cindy Love with Matt White: 8 p.m., Sneakers, 100 Harrison St. in Jamestown

Commander Cody Band with Steve Strickland Duo: 8:30 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown

Derek Davis: 9 p.m., Yesterdays, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Pressure Sensitive: 9:30 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Jammers Only (’80s vs. ’90s dance party): 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

DJ 8on3: 10 p.m., Spirits, 108 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Small Town Revolution: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Saturday

2015 Cummins Run For Literacy 5K: 9 a.m., James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St. in Jamestown

“Taste of Findley Lake” food/wine pairing: 1-4 p.m., downtown Findley Lake

Wine on Ice: 1-5 p.m., Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, 319 W. Third St. in Jamestown

JB Martin and the Smoking Dogs: 7 p.m., Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 865, 41 Bigelow Ave. in Jamestown

“Reservoir Dogs”: 8 p.m., The Spire Studio Metro Theater, 317 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Happy Days: 8 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown

Amp’d Up Karaoke: 9:30 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Gasoline Genes: 9 p.m., Ralph E’s Pub, 302 Pennsylvania Ave. in Warren, Pa.

Steve Johnson (of Big Leg Emma): 9 p.m., Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, 1405 Olde Road in Clymer

Rivers: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Too Skinny: 10 p.m., Spirits, 108 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Widow Maker: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Sunday

Open Jam: 8:30 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 10 p.m., Spirits, 108 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Monday

Agent Orange with In the Whale: 8 p.m., Jamestown Skate Products, 209 Pine St. in Jamestown

Wednesday

“The Breakfast Club” screening: 7 p.m., Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Open Jam: 9:30 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

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