WILKES-BARRE — In late 2024, the Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre presented “It’s A Wonderful Life” in the style of a 1940s radio show. If you know the story, you know that an angel named Clarence shows a man named George Bailey how bleak life would be for many residents of his town – if George had never existed.
Fortunately for those of us who write about arts and entertainment, we never have to wonder what Northeastern Pennsylvania would be like if the arts didn’t exist. Here they flower in abundance. And we can look back on a busy 2024. Here are some of the highlights:
On February 12, Weekender entertainment writer Gabrielle Lang spoke with local foodie and personal trainer Brian DiMattia of Good Tree MMA about how he aims to change the conversation around food and fitness. A few months later, he would launch the Food Fight podcast with OnTheStacks to continue doing just that.
Scranton-based director Jennifer Cooney premiered her drama, “Wild Fire,” on March 5, in her directorial debut. The moving film, shot in NEPA, focuses on authenticity and uncovering relationships through a distinct group of characters. Watch “Wild Fire” on Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu or Google Play.
Popular Plains metal band Motionless in White opened for WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley at Wrestlemania 40 in April. They played his entrance song, “Demon In Your Dreams,” and made NEPA artist history. It was The Weekender’s most-read story of the year.
Lang was excited to interview current Jefferson Starship singer Cathy Richardson ahead of their show at Penn’s Peak at Jim Thorpe on June 15th. Richardson remembers seeing Jefferson Airplane perform “White Rabbit” on television when she was a child and now she’s at the helm. as they celebrate 50 years of music. She also shared how she collaborated with rock star and friend Grace Slick on the hard-hitting battle cry “It’s About Time.”
“It still seems mind-blowing to me at this point, even though I’ve been in the band for 16 years. What a fairytale story to become the lead singer of your favorite band,” Richardson said in the interview.
There’s no better way to understand history than to be part of the crowd. The Elements Music & Arts Festival took place at Pocono Raceway August 8-11. The massive EDM festival attracted thousands of attendees from around the world, and our Weekender writer was among them to provide a first-hand experience for readers. This unique, immersive playground for adults was a real treat for the eyes and ears.
Falling in Reverse arrived at Montage Mountain Pavilion on September 7 for The Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination as the popular rock band celebrated their first new album in seven years.
Howie Mandel performed stand-up at the Keystone Grand Ballroom in Mohegan, Pennsylvania on October 18.
Motionless in White unveiled the second iteration of its Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Apocalypse Fest with two nights of metalcore at Mohegan Arena on October 31 and November 1, presented by 979X. The festival celebrated the 10th anniversary of Motionless in White’s album, “Reincarnate.” At the sold-out concert, local entrepreneur behind Noir Dark Spirits and The Strange and Unusual Josh Balz surprised fans with an onstage appearance, briefly reprising his role as keyboardist.
Action sports legend and world record holder Travis Pastrana spoke with The Weekender ahead of the Nitro Circus show at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza on November 19. He is always so excited to amaze minds around the world with incredible extreme sports tricks.
In the area of community theater, Times Leader writer Mary Therese Biebel was impressed as usual by the depth of local talent as she watched clips of rehearsals and wrote previews for a variety of shows – from the hilariously hilarious musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Music Box Playhouse in Swoyersville to the skewed fairy tales of “Into the Woods” presented by PTPA in Hazleton and the movie parody horror film, “Evil Dead,” which Ovation Playhouse in Plains Township produced in time for Halloween.
She commends the theater community, particularly Little Theater for its innovative evening of original one-act plays, Wilkes University for “John Proctor Was the Villain,” a thought-provoking drama aimed at adults tackling children, and King’s College for “All’s Well That Ends Well”, its 75th Shakespeare offering.
And one of the best things about the arts is how it introduces people to new things. Biebel tells this little anecdote: at the end of February, she was part of a small group of friends who went to see the ballet “Giselle”, performed by a Ukrainian troupe, at the FM Kirby Center.
“It looks like it’s French,” remarked a man on the way to the theater. “So what language will they speak? »
“They won’t talk at all,” Biebel told him. “They will use the language of dance and pantomime and don’t worry, you will be able to understand what is happening.”
This exhibition took place on February 29 – an extra day in this leap year, one more day for the arts to entertain and educate.
Mohegan Arena, yes, yes, yes! for 25 years
It is more than fair and accurate to say that Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza has exceeded all expectations over the past 25 years.
The arena provided more oohs and aahs from so many adults and children it’s puzzling.
And let’s remember that before the arena was built there was nothing in this neighborhood and look at it now: so many new businesses with new jobs, plus restaurants and that I-81 exit that connects downtown Wilkes-Barre.
But it was the arena that connected the Wyoming Valley to the world.
As the Times Leader headline: “In the end, the entire region won the prize. »
All you have to do is consult the list of events that have taken place at the Arena since 1999:
Neil Diamond, ZZ Top/Lynryrd Skynyrd, Def Leppard, Barney, Harlem Globetrotters, Irish Tenors, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Creed, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Steely Dan, AC/DC, Reba McEntire, Bon Jovi, Andy Williams, Disney on Ice, Alan Jackson, Matchbox 2o, Monster Jam, WWF, WWE, Stars on Ice, Prince, Sting, PRCA Rodeo, Kenny Rogers, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Janet Jackson, Korn, Nelly, Bob Dylan, Guns N Roses, Arenacross, Yanni, Cher, Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, American Idol, Simon & Garfunkel, Amy Grant & Vince Gill, Bette Midler, 3 Doors Down, Kid Rock, Kelly Clarkson, Godsmack, The Wiggles, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Larry the Cable Guy, Hilary Duff, Josh Groban, The Eagles, Duran Duran, Ron White, John Mellencamp, Def Leppard, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, Brad Paisley, James Taylor, Carol King, Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Nickelback, Martina McBride, Michael Buble’, Rod Stewart, Keith Urban, Cirque Du Soleil, Foo Fighters, Carrie Underwood, Blue Man Group, Daniel O’Donnell, Lil Wayne, Backstreet Boys, Jeff Dunham, Sesame Street Live, Andre Rieu, Jason Aldean, Alice In Chains, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Green Day, Gabriel Iglesias, Luke Bryan, Charlie Daniels Band, Kevin Hart, Amy Schulmer, Blake Shelton, Bryan Adams, Judas Priest, John Fogerty, Steve Martin and Martin Short, Snoop Dogg, Disturbed, Jim Gaffigan, Billy Strings, Alabama, Sebastian Maniscalo, Blippi, John Mullaney, Alice Cooper, Limp Bizkit, Dropkick Murphys, Thomas Rhett, Journey, Tom Segura — and Donald Trump.
That’s a pretty impressive list of highlights. Many of them have appeared at the Arena more than once. Then add in all the community events, sporting events, graduation ceremonies, trade shows and more, and you’ll see just how important a role the arena has played in the economy and quality of life of this region for the last 25 years – and will continue to be so.
Luzerne County Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame
The Luzerne County Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame held its second annual induction ceremony on Friday, November 8 at the FM Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre.
The 2024 inductees are:
Shawn Klush, Abilene, Lex Romane, George Wesley, Jesse Wade and Spencer Cottman, the legends of WARMland — Tom Woods, Harry West, Joey Shaver, Len Woloson, Don Stevens, Ron Allen, Bill Stuart, Terry McNulty, George Gilbert and Jour of Bobby; Annette Evans, Erika Funke, Al Groh, Joan Harris, Franz Kline, Herman J. Mankiewicz, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Herbert Simon, Ted Sod, George Graham.
The members of the first class inducted in 2023 were also impressive:
Jimmy Harnen, The Buoys, The Badlees, Joe Nardone & The All Stars, Eddie Day Pashinski, Mel Wynn & the Rhythm Aces, Lee Vincent, Bobby Baird, Brunon Kryger/The Kryger Brothers, Breaking Benjamin, Adrian Pearsall, Barbara Weisberger, C .Edgar Patience, George Catlin, Hammond Edward “Ham” Fisher, Sue Hand, Jack Palance, Santo Loquasto.
FM Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Joell Yarmel, executive director of the FM Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, said the popular venue has had an exciting year, filled with star performances, exciting announcements and non-stop action.
From dazzling shows to new developments, Yarmel said 2024 is a year of transformation and entertainment.
The venue has hosted a wide range of performances, attracting nearly 80,000 guests while completing vital flood recovery and capital improvement projects.
Among the highlights of the year, the reconstruction of the lower level is officially complete, with a sleek new VIP bar in the Mohegan Lounge and upgraded restrooms.
Not stopping there, the center also refreshed the main lobby bars and concession area, improving both aesthetics and convenience with additional retail outlets.
Yarmel said the 2024 programming schedule is scheduled to conclude with the highly anticipated Get the Led Out on Saturday, December 28.
Looking ahead, a brand new spring brochure will be released in January, showcasing 39 exciting events already announced for the 2025 season.
The year kicks off with an exceptional lineup, including headliners Lee Brice and KC and the Sunshine Band, as well as comedy legends Joe Koy, Brian Regan and Kevin James.
Music lovers can enjoy performances from Trey Anastasio, Dark Star Orchestra, Experience Hendrix and Brit Floyd, while the whole family will be entertained with fun children’s shows like Dog Man and Blippi.
For the latest updates and to follow the exciting programming, visit kirbycenter.org and follow the Kirby Center on social media.