Short Subjects
Musical play for kids
Music Together of Martha's Vineyard is now accepting registrations for its 10-week fall semester of music classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents or caregivers. The 45-minute classes, which begin on Tuesday, Sept. 16, involve both children and accompanying adults in informal singing, chanting, listening, and instrument activities to teach musical language through play. For more information, call Joyce Maxner at 508-696-7248.
Martha's Vineyard Film Fest gets splashed
As part of the International Film Festival, the education program Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) will host an event at Vineyard Haven's Owen Park called Make a Splash. The hands-on water celebration, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 am to 2 pm, promotes sustainability and is designed to help families learn about a resource they use every day. Sponsored by Nestlé Waters North America, the event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit mvfilmfest.com.
An Evening with Rose Styron
The Vineyard Haven Public Library's Special Author Series continues on Monday, Sept. 15, at 7 pm, with An Evening with Rose Styron. A poet, journalist, and human rights activist, Ms. Styron was a founding member of Amnesty International USA and currently serves on the board of the Paris Review. She will read selections of her poetry both published and new. Contact the library with questions at 508-696-4211 ext. 16.
Choreographer in residence
California choreographer Sarah Wilbur is one of four artists selected this year for The Yard's prestigious Bessie Schönberg Choreography Residency. Developed while in residence, her piece combines three professional dancers with a group of 28 Vineyard community members that includes belly dancers, ballroom dancers, father and daughter duos, and roller skating clowns. The concert will be presented Sept. 19-21 at the Yard in Chilmark. All shows start at 8 pm. On Saturday, Sept. 20, there will also be a free matinee at 4 pm. For more information, call 508-645-9662.
Photo by Ralph Stewart
Broadway comes to the Vineyard
Islanders and visitors will have a chance to see "Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing," the newest play by Pulitzer and Tony-winning playwright James Lapine ("Sunday in the Park with George"), which begins at the Vineyard Playhouse Thursday, Sept. 18. Written and directed by Mr. Lapine, the play is a tribute of sorts to pop culture, based on the eccentric, 59-year old Elva Miller, who became a celebrity in the 1960s with her raucous off-key renditions of popular songs that she regularly performed on television on The Tonight Show and The Ed Sullivan Show. Under the musical direction of Michael Starobin, the eight-person cast includes Broadway veterans Debra Monk, Larry Bryggman, and Brad Oscar.
A reading of Mrs. Miller was presented two years ago at the Playhouse, where Mr. Lapine's productions of "Dirty Blonde" and "Fran's Bed" also debuted before opening in New York.
In the spirit of the real-life Mrs. Miller, Outerland will host a contest tonight, Sept. 11, to find the Islander with the most unusual singing voice. The contest, entitled, "Do Your Thing," is part of the International Film Festival. Doors open at 9 pm. Admission is $10; $5 with Film Festival tickets.
"Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing," previews Thursday, Sept. 18, opens Saturday, Sept. 20, and runs through Oct. 4. Show times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7 pm; Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 8 pm. (Saturday matinees, 3 pm, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4.) 508-696-6300, vineyardplayhouse.org.
Photos by Lynn Christoffers
See Spot walk
On Sunday, the Island's MSPCA-Angell animal shelter participated in the statewide Walk for Animals. Other walks were held in Boston, Brockton, Hyannis, and Springfield, to raise awareness and promote kindness and care for animals.
The top fundraising teams were Three Girls and a Boy with $1,025, Team Seafood Shanty with $560, and Biscuit Ladies with $220. Ron Balasco and his dog Kent, of West Tisbury and New York City, won the raffle.
