'Civil War Voices' just one of many offerings

In times of economic downturn, entertainment options are often the first to go. That's unfortunate, especially in McCook, a community that is blessed with talented and dedicated performing artists and several venues in which to enjoy them. The upcoming weeks and months will prove to be abundant in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in which to enjoy cultural performances.

It begins this Saturday night at the Fox Theater, where "Civil War Voices" will be performed. The musical was written by Jim Harris, a McCook native, who also plays a role in the play. The full cast, crew, and orchestra of 32 performers will be traveling to McCook for the play's out-state premier. It opened last Saturday night at the Lied Center in Lincoln to rave reviews. "Humorous . . . Heart-Wrenching . . .Patriotic . . . . Powerful . . Uplifting", those were some of the words used to describe the Lincoln performance.

Beginning next week, McCook Community College will be showcasing the work of poet Carl Sandburg through workshops at the college on Thursday and a performance at the Fox Theater on Friday night.

Sandburg, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, wrote poetry, children's literature, and a biography of Abraham Lincoln, among many other works. His work is heavily influenced by the Golden Plains, as he was a bricklayer, milkman, and farm laborer in Kansas, a hotel worker in Denver, and a coal worker in Omaha. He has been described as a hobo in his early years, and those experiences greatly influenced his writing and political views. As a hobo, he learned a number of folk songs, which he later performed at speaking engagements. He began his writing career as a journalist for the Chicago Daily News.

The Sandburg Project hosted by McCook Community College will be led by Bill Kloefkorn, Nebraska State Poet; Charles Peek, University of Nebraska-Kearney Professor, and Mike Adams, singer-songwriter. The Friday night event at the Fox Theater begins at 7 p.m. and is free admission.

And for those who like to plan ahead, Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association will be performing "The Mikado" on March 12, 13, 14, and 15 at the McCook Senior High Auditorium. Some people have called this production a "comic opera," but it is in no way high-brow. The fun-loving SWNCTA group says the emphasis on this production is comedy. And the music is not of the "fat-lady" persuasion. The tunes are upbeat, catchy, and light-hearted.

The musical is set in Japan and the costumes, sets, and hair styles will reflect the exotic Japanese culture and style. The characters' names are a challenge -- Ko-Ko, Nanki-Poo, Pooh-Bah, Yum-Yum -- but also add to the fun of the production. The cast consists of area talent, and as usual, includes a few surprises. The theater association allowed the Gazette to crash one of their rehearsals, and video has been posted on our website, www.mccookgazette.com. Readers can see for themselves that the musical will be an entertaining event that should not be missed.

So rather than worry about the infrequent ups and excessive downs of the stock market, enjoy an alternative stimulus package offered by the performing arts and cultural organizations in McCook. The economy will still be around to contemplate after the final curtain call.