Film: The Grapes of Wrath
Hershey Theatre
April 8

One of the top 100 movies ever made according to the American Film Institute, 1940’s Grapes of Wrath is coming to the Hershey Theatre screen. Based on John Steinbeck’s famed novel — and starring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, and John Carradine — the classic epic is a Depression-era drama that tells the story of Oklahoma-based workers and their journey to the perceived "paradise" of California.

Nominated for seven and winner of two Academy Awards — Best Director for John Ford and Best Supporting Actress for Jane Darwell — the film has long been considered one of the finest examples of movie-making and is perhaps Henry Fonda’s best-known role. Since the film’s release, Fonda’s character, Tom Joad, has become an esteemed member of pop culture society — inspiring both Woody Guthrie and Bruce Springsteen to pen a song on his ‘life’.

Grapes of Wrath will be shown at the Hershey Theatre on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Box Office. For more information, call the box office at 534-3405 or by checking the website: hersheytheatre.com.

History Meets the Arts
Gettysburg
April 14-16

History buff? Arts buff? Both? Gettysburg is the destination for you April 14-16, when galleries will join together to present the work of more than 75 artists, illustrators, and writers, many of whom will be present to sign their work.

First conceived of in 1998 by area gallery and bookstore owners as well as other business persons, History Meets the Arts celebrates Gettysburg’s rich historical legacy — not only that of the Civil War, but before and up to modern times. The first festival was held in 1998 and is now touted by Rick Reeves, noted Civil War artist, as "the only show in the eastern U.S. where realistic historic subject matter is sold." Local author/historian Diana Loski agrees. "People come from all over," she notes, "and the festival provides an opportunity for artists and authors to greet their public."

Exhibits this year at fourteen different art galleries, numerous bookstores, and other history-oriented establishments will range from 18th century firearms and powderhorns, early photographs, prints, reliefs, and hand-crafted redware to experimental sculpture. There will also be an architectural tour of battlefield monuments conducted by a sculptor, sculpting demonstrations, live music (from the likes of the Arcona Reel Band), and dance.

For more information call the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at 717-334-6274 or log on to hmtarts.com.

New Shanghai Circus
Carlisle Theatre
April 15

The circus is coming to town — the New Shanghai Circus, that is. Direct from China, the phenom that has earned rave reviews is set to take the Carlisle Theatre stage on April 15. The only acrobatic troupe recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records, the New Shanghai Circus is by no means your father’s circus. Building upon 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions, the New Shanghai troupe, under the direction of Zhao Lizhi, features a roster of acrobats, jugglers, and contortionists who reach fearless heights and perform with shocking skill — attempting such feats as balancing a glass of water on one’s nose, juggling a jar with one’s shoulders, and pedaling through a bicycle routine with 10 others on board.

The first Chinese circus to play Broadway, the Circus has garnered rave reviews from a variety of esteemed sources — including The New York Times, CBS News, Entertainment Tonight, and Los Angeles Times which lauded the act for its "show-stopping rarities of daunting difficulty."

The New Shanghai Circus will take the Carlisle Theatre stage on April 15 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 – $22.50 for adults; $13 – $20.50 for seniors and students; and $7.50 – $9.50 for children under 12. For more information, call the box office at 258-0666. Box office hours are: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WWF Wrestling
Hersheypark Arena
April 29

It’s a soap opera. It’s an on-going battle of love and hate, good and evil, friend and foe … it’s wrestling at its finest.

For the second time in six months, the World Wrestling Federation is "coming back" to Hersheypark Arena, bringing with it the hooligans that have made it famous. Among those featured wrestlers who are scheduled to appear are Chris Jericho, Kane, and the Big Bossman.

The entertaining spectacle that has taken the world by storm is capturing viewers and fans from across all spectrums will return to Hershey on April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $17 – $35. For more information, call the box office at 534-3911.