Hitting the road and exploring the options

It’s hard to believe that the summer has literally flown by so quickly. There is always so much to do throughout the region that it is often difficult to pick and choose what special events to attend.

I do my best to travel far and wide, leaving no stone unturned, as I attempt to unearth the various gems that are secreted away in the far corners of our own enchanting landscape.

I made my way to Hawley, PA last week to spend some time at the Ritz Company Playhouse ( ritzplayhouse.com ), where the company was performing Paul Rudnick’s highly entertaining “I Hate Hamlet.” The theatre is a charming venue, set in a charming town, and a charming time was had by all.

The Ritz has a full schedule of shows and events planned through October and there appears to be a bit of “something for everyone” on their roster, so the season is by no means over. Plenty of time to plan a charming visit.

I squeezed in a stop over at the Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts and observed the “Music is Magic” program, presented by the Tanya Cohen of the Janice Center ( janicecenter.com ). This special four-week program encourages little ones to experience music, rhythm and working together—all to the ‘60s beat of Joplin, Hendrix and the like in a salute to the “Woodstock Experience.”

The tiny tots, bedecked in tie-dye tees and rompers, had a ball—and the Janice Center, located in Jeffersonville, NY, has a full roster of upcoming programs to check out for events and classes throughout the year.

Livingston Manor was really hopping this past weekend and I felt compelled to check out the scene. My first stop was at the Catskill Art Society (CAS) located at 48 Main Street ( catskillartsociety.org ), which is hosting a new exhibit, ‘Twisted Sisters’ featuring the work of artists Suzanne BeVier, Elizabeth Ennis and Ramona Jan.

A large crowd turned out for the reception, which included a discussion of the various works between the colorful artists and the (equally colorful) attendees. The works on display range from frivolous to thought provoking, with some charming and alarming dolls thrown in for good measure. The show runs through September 27 and CAS , as always, is well worth a visit.

Just down the street, at Hamish and Henry Booksellers (hamishandhenry.com), the party was in full swing for its new exhibit, “The Book Show,” featuring the work of 24 artists “using books as an art form.” Fascinating and frivolous, conceptual and captivating, several of the artists were on hand to discuss the work with the enormous crowd that was encouraged to feel, touch, look and explore the variety of techniques explored in this “show within a show.”

Local artist Hillary Moore, who created the illustrations for Amy Sedaris’s new book “I Like You: Hospitality Under The Influence” was in attendance, and was the embodiment of hospitality herself as she mingled, chatting happily with the amiable group of enthusiasts.

I’ll be returning to the CAS center next week to catch Act Up! Teen Theatre’s “Venus Fly Trap,” a new musical radio play, being performed (complete with live sound effects) in front of a live audience for radio broadcast. Seating is limited and available on a “first come” basis. Call 845/436-4227 to reserve.

Also on the agenda: “Hairspray,” opening at the Forestburgh Playhouse ( FBplayhouse.com ) and the world premier of Rilla Askew’s “By the Time We Got to Woodstock” at the Liberty Free Theatre ( libertyfreetheatre.org ). Another installment in the theatre’s “First Readings” series, this company has yet to disappoint. Seating is limited, tickets are always free and the theatre is (in my humble opinion), a “must see” experience. Call 845/292-3788 for reservations.

Ongoing exhibitions at the Nutshell Gallery ( nutshellarts.com ) in Lake Huntington, NY, the new exhibit of sculpture and paintings by Richard Lichtenstein at the Willow River Gallery in Honesdale, PA (570-253-3013) are but a few of the many stops I plan to make as I meander the countryside in search of art and entertainment in the Catskills. The abundance of stimulation is overwhelming. My recommendation stands. Go. See. Do. Perhaps we’ll have an opportunity to discuss. As many of you already know, I am rarely at a loss for words....