‘Urinetown’ makes use of brand new HVRHS auditorium

Tess Marks as Little Sally and Jackson Olson as Officer Lockstock in the Housatonic Musical Theatre Society production of "Urinetown."
Tom Brown

Tess Marks as Little Sally and Jackson Olson as Officer Lockstock in the Housatonic Musical Theatre Society production of "Urinetown."
Last week’s Housatonic Musical Theatre Society production of “Urinetown” featured strong performances and superb choreography.
The remodeled auditorium at Housatonic Valley Regional High School made a big difference as well. New seats were a welcome addition, and the increased technical capability meant that the show was flawless from a production point of view.
The difference was so noticeable that director Christiane Olson thanked the taxpayers of Region One for supporting the recent school improvements project in brief remarks before the start of the matinee performance Saturday, March 15.
Katelin Lopes and Andy Delgado were powerful as the star-crossed lovers Hope Cladwell and Bobby Strong.
Jackson Olson got a lot of laughs with his deadpan take on Officer Lockstock, often in tandem with Tess Marks’ wide-eyed Little Sally.
The entire cast hit all the right buttons, not the easiest thing to do with a show that contains multiple layers of satire.
The orchestra, led by Tom Krupa, was rock solid.
And Amber Cameron’s choreography was seamless. The cast looked like they’d been dancing together all their lives.
Mad Rose Gallery on Route 44 in the Village of Millerton is decked out with lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday season.
MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton is inviting residents and businesses to enter its annual house decorating contest, with judging now underway through Dec. 28.
Awards will be presented in several categories, including Best Lights, Most Creative, Best Overall and Best Commercial Front.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges using established criteria. Creativity will be judged based on originality, variety of materials used and the use of homemade vs. commercially made decorations. Appearance will consider color coordination, balance and overall attractiveness, while effort will reflect the time and energy put into preparation and presentation.
Judging will be conducted by drive-by observation between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., and displays must be clearly visible from the street side of the house at night. People and pets may not be included as part of the design.
Winners in each category will receive a gift basket, gift certificates and recognition in The Millerton News. Awards will be distributed on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
The contest is open to residents and businesses in the Village of Millerton and the Town of North East. Entry forms can be obtained from Village Hall or at villageofmillerton-ny.gov.
The Upstate Celtic Allstars perform celtic versions of holiday tunes at Amenia Town Hall on Dec. 15, 2024.
AMENIA — Fast becoming a local holiday tradition, the Amenia Town Recreation Department is presenting a free concert by the Upstate Celtic Allstars on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Amenia Town Hall Auditorium, beginning at 2 p.m.
The five-member Celtic Allstars ensemble will rouse the audience to holiday cheer with a varied program of holiday tunes and rhythmic dance numbers. Appearing in the ensemble are Vermont’s Claudine Langille, vocals and banjo; Dave Paton, hammer dulcimer and concertina, Isa Simon, fiddle and vocals; Joseph Sobol, contemporary cittern (related to guitar); and Ambrose Verdibello, fiddle and guitar.
Refreshments will be served during intermission. Bring the whole family to revel in the lively festivities.