Eight & 322/Eight & 27 - Eight & 322 Arts Collective

Bard on the bandstand

6/2/2026

The classical humor and beloved storytelling of William Shakespeare comes to Franklin’s Bandstand Park this weekend and next as the Barrow-Civic Theatre presents Comedy of Errors for free public performances on June 5 to 7 and 12 to 14.

A two-hour adaption of Shakespeare’s early work, 14 players bring to life this madcap comedy of mistaken identity as two sets of long-lost twins unknowingly converge in the same town and a whirlwind of chaos erupts, bringing with it confusion, slapstick humor, and heart.

It is a performance sure to be appreciated by longtime fans of The Bard as well as those who have never experienced the classic playwright before.

“Comedy of Errors is the quintessential farcical tale,” said director Andrew Ritsig. “Think The Parent Trap times two with the physical comedy of The Three Stooges and all in iambic pentameter.”

Ritsig designed an abridged version of the play with a goal run-time of two hours to ensure the performances will end before the sun goes down.

The show will be performed rain or shine, though inclement weather will displace the action from the park to the Barrow-Civic Theatre main stage just up the road.

Any change in location will be announced through the theatre’s social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

Regardless of the location, the performances will be free, with donations being collected during the show.

There will also be concessions available and a raffle of a necklace used on stage throughout the entire run.

Shakespeare in Bandstand Park will be held at 7 p.m. on June 5, 6, 12 and 13, and 2 p.m. on June 7 and 14. Attendees should bring chairs as limited bench seating is available.
“Come, laugh, and experience culture in a lovely outdoor setting,” Ritsig said.

Words and art collide at Red Brick Gallery

5/29/2026

Words and art have been mixed in many ways for centuries, most commonly in music where lyrics help melodies along telling stories.

Or is it in reverse?

Words also have made their way in to much of the art world with some descriptors in pre-renaissance paintings to more modernist works like Rene’ Magritte’s “Ceci n’est pas une pipe” or “This is not a pipe” written under a painting of a pipe.

More recently, famed post-modernist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat’s drew words, letters, number and a variety of marks that were drenched with symbolism and social meanings to invoke responses by his viewers.
Hundreds of artists use words.

Artists and writers have often even collaborated from illustrated books to inspired pieces created by poets and painters alike.

Two years ago the Red Brick Gallery and Gift Shop in Foxburg hosted a fairly unique exhibition to this area when they invited artists to submit works to be interpreted by writers. An artist's work, mostly paintings, was then given to a writer who had over a month to create a poem, or short story based on their reaction to the work.

Some were more literal than others but they were all presented in a show titled “Ekphrasis,” a term meaning a work of writing created as a description or in reaction to a work of art.

According to gallery director Jason Lewis that show that featured over two dozen artists and writers was one of the best attended shows the gallery has had in many years.

The writers were mostly from the Bridge Literary Arts Center, a Venango County based collective and selected artists from northwestern Pennsylvania.

Reception from 2 to 4 p.m Saturday May 30 with poetry reading at the Red Brick Gallery in Foxburg, Pa.

This year Lewis proposed a “Reverse Ekphrasis” exhibition where the writers submitted a piece for the artists to create a work. Two months were given for the creation process and all who agreed completed their work.

Reverse Ekphrasis opens today (May 30) with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. that will include poetry readings in the gallery with the art works as a backdrop.

15 artists, many from Oil City and Meadville, as well as 15 poets from all around the region are included in the exhibition in a wide range of artworks from a mixed media sculptural piece by Meadville teenager Leah Hyatt who painted directly on an old record that she mounted on an old phonograph player displayed on a pedestal to a painting/jewelry collaboration between Rafi Perez and Klee Angelie, a couple from Oil City.
Writers Phil Terman, former professor at Clarion University, and founder of the Bridge Literary Arts Center and the husband and wife writers Hilary and Brady Buchanan, who each submitted separate works, all weave personal experiences into their expressive poems.

The show will run through July 5 at the gallery located at 17 Main Street in Foxburg. Gallery hours are Fridays 1 to 6 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m.

More information: visit the website at alleghenyriverstone.org/eventand look for the Reverse Ekphrasis exhibition.

Bridging the Arts: Publication submissions sought

5/17/2026

Visual art and the written word come together in many ways. Northwest Pennsylvania celebrates this with a variety of collaborations from open mic nights, inviting a jazz trio to accompany readings, art exhibits like the one coming up in Foxburg's Red Brick Gallery and the annual publication of a literary arts journal.

Recently poets and short story writers met in the newly renovated theatre at the Oil City Library to read their works with the trio CATRO providing the vibe behind the expressive reading. Dozens attended this reading with many getting up to read their own personal works.

Bridge Literary Arts Center founder Phil Terman used the event to also promote the journal and encourage entries of poems, short plays, prose and artworks. The journal provides space for the visual artists to intermingle with the pages of words. Photography, digital copies of paintings, drawing and even 3-D pieces are welcome.

The journal returned last year after a long hiatus that was not helped by the COVID-19 pandemic. But they are back on track ready to put out another collection with a publication date in September in time for LitFest which will coincide with the Allegheny River Music and Arts festival in Oil City.

They are currently accepting art and writing until June 1.

Submissions are open to everyone, though the organizers are particularly interested in local participation as they continue their mission to establish northwest Pennsylvania as a literary center and destination. “Given our mission, we encourage writers and artists from or with a connection to Clarion, Venango, Armstrong, Butler, Crawford, Warren, Forest, Lawrence, Jefferson and Mercer counties,” the group posting on their website.

Guidelines allow for prose and plays under 2,000 words per piece and individuals can submit up to two pieces in these categories. For poetry, writers may send up to three individual poems.
For visual art, The Bridge will accept photography as well as pictures of paintings, line drawings, collages, graphic design, typography, calligraphy, and other media. Visual artists can submit up to three pieces.
Individuals are permitted to submit in more than one category but works should be emailed [email protected]. Work should also be accompanied by a profile/bio of less than 150 words.
There is no fee for applying and artists/writers retain all rights to their work. Accepted artists/writers will receive one free copy of the journal.

The 2026 Bridge Literary Arts Journal is expected to be published in September with a launch during the second annual Allegheny River Music & Art Festival and Bridge LitFest in Oil City on September 12.
For more information visit: www.bridgeliteraryartscenter.org/journal.

Also coming up is the art exhibition Reverse Ekphrasis, a followup to the Ekphrais show two years ago at the Red Brick Gallery in Foxburg. In that first show visual artists submitted works that writers were then given to create poetry or prose to accompany the work. Gallery director Jason Lewis said the show was a success with one of the larger turnouts the gallery has experienced in recent years.

This time the writers submitted works in which visual artists were given one written piece each to create something based on interpretation or reactions from their reading.

This show will run from May 29 to July 5 with an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 30 that will feature readings from the authors.

Below are more images from their open mic at the library.

There's a 101 reasons to go to the Barrow this weekend

5/6/2026

The Barrow-Civic Theatre has turned into a puppy plantation as more than 50 kids bring to life the canine caper "101 Dalmatians Jr." this weekend.

The show is a condensed version of the classic Disney tale of a fury-crazy villain and her dim-witted henchman who carry out the kidnapping of a pack spotted pups. The would-be winter wear saved thanks to "their pets" Anita and Roger and the dogs of London.

Music is a mixture of songs from the 1961 animated film, including "Cruella De Vil" and "Kanine Krunchies" and some written specific for the spotted spectacular like "My Beautiful Coat" and "Twight Bark."

The pack of puppies will take the stage today for a pair of shows for area school. The public performances start Friday night (which is nearly sold out already) and wrap up with a trio of shows on Saturday.

Tickets can be ordered online at barrowtheatre.org or at the box office.

It is a show by kids for kids with a running time under 40 minutes without an intermission.

It is fast paced with a lots of dancing and fun costumes, making it ideal for younger audiences.

"101 Dalmatians Jr." is the first of three youth theatre experiences planned at the theatre this year. Earlier this month the Franklin Civic Operetta's annual youth summer camp, slated for July, filled up in a single day.

In the fall, the theatre will hold auditions for "It’s Sad, So Sad When an Elf Goes Bad," a Christmas centered show open to ages 8 to 16.

The Show Must Go On

5/1/2026

AC Valley students find new performance space in old school

Its a little of the old mixed in with the new as the curtain opens tonight on AC Valley's rendition of "Once Upon a Mattress" at the Crawford Center this weekend.

The musical is a new twist on the old-fashioned fairy tale of the Princess and the Pea. And the performance is the first high school show at the nearly 100-year-old building in more than five decades.

First-time director Sara Black arranged for the show at the community building due to ongoing renovations at the high school in Foxburg. It was a decision that brought with a set of challenges and a little extra energy from the cast.

"The first day we toured the Crawford Center (formerly the Emlenton School) and had rehearsal, the kids were astounded at all the relics they saw. We sat and imagined what musicals may have been performed on that stage," Black said. "It definitely added to the energy (among the students)."

Finding the space to use was just the first hurdle to making the show a reality for Black and the young cast.

"For me, it was about meeting the right people," Black said. "Once Paul Newbury showed me in early January that the Crawford Center could handle sound equipment, I knew we could have a show." From there, community members and parents picked to help with a variety of tasks from lighting and costumes to assisting with rehearsals and putting together the program.

"For the (students), the aha-moment was one of our first Saturday practices when everyone was working hard to learn the choreography to 'Opening for a Princess.' They all leaned on each other and put in the work. This was the moment I knew that we, as a group, could do this," she said.

The cast call was open to sixth through 12 grade students. Twenty-six students signed on, many from the lower grades. "I have a young cast and they have been very open to learning dynamics, blocking and choreography. The growth of these kids has also been astounding."

"Once Upon a Mattress" tells the story of an immature prince who is looking for a spouse, an overbearing mother who doesn't want to see him marry, and a nontraditional princess who succeeds in winning his love. Throw a mute king, a few silly jesters and a minstrel, and a love-sick couple into the mix and the story is a whimsical tale of a reimagined, forgotten time. Shows will be held at 7 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Overflow parking and shuttle service will be provided from several lots in the community, including the ball fields, local churches and the bike trailhead.

Franklin: Always colorful, especially this weekend

4/28/2026

The colors of spring will be on full display this weekend during the annual Franklin Gardeners Association May Garden Mart, or May Mart to the locals. The two day vendors market in Franklin’s Fountain Park brings visitors from miles around who want to get a jump start on their yard decorating plans.

This year, just down the street, the Victorian City Art & Frame shop is hoping to extend folks outdoor spring decorating thoughts inside with a colorful exhibition of the works of Ann Witherup Rudegeair, a local colorful abstract painter.

“Now, more than ever, we need color in our lives,” said Kyla Parkinson, Victorian City Art & Frame owner. “Color that inspires, color that evokes a mood and color that enlivens a town. This year's artist showcase (of Rudegeair’s paintings) aims to bridge visual gaps between traditional and modern Pennsylvania decor.”

Rudegeair’s work, which has been featured in the annual Nature Art Showcase in Franklin and in many other regional shows, features her 'wee art' on canvas and blocks, mid-size acrylic panels as well as some larger canvas prints and originals.

The artist will be available to answer questions about her work at a reception from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at 1273 Liberty Street, a short walk from the park.

For more information contact Parkinson by email at
[email protected] or text/call 814-437-9509 or visit the website at victoriancityart.com.

It was murder at the Barrow and everyone's a suspect

4/16/2026

The adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express features some of the Barrow-Civic Theatre's heavy hitters and the return of a Meadville theatre icon to the stage.

Much of the same crew from Rumours last year return. Jodi Hoover plays the mid-west American Helen Hubbard while Gary Collins dons a wig and straightens his mustache to play Monsieur Bouc while the part of Inspector Poirot is played by Rob Dahlman.

Tracy Brown, Jane Tracy and Ashlynne Cornmesser along with Evan O'Polka and Glenn Jones round out the usual Barrow cast that are there to the end.

Nicholas Hess and Stephen Teig get to show off their live action and quieter acting skills in this whodunnit.

A former staple of the Meadville stages, Cathy Gorman returns to stage to play Princess Dragomiroff. She hasn't been on stage since before COVID.

This is also the first time she and her son Michael Gorman will share the stage. He will play Colonel Arbuthnot.

The show open at 7:30 p.m. Friday and will have three more evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on April 18, 24 and 25 as well as two matinees at 2 p.m. on April 19 and 26.

Tickets can be purchase at barrowtheatre.org or at the window.

More photos coming!

Need a laugh? 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' is the ticket

2/6/2026

The Barrow-Civic Theatre will open its 2026 main stage season with “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” a musical celebration of the mating game.

The show takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.”

The four-person show stars Tracy Brown, Layla Hollis, Caleb McCarthy and Andrew Ritsig.

Peter Greene is the director, Mary Beth Hutchinson is the music director and Ashlynne Cornmesser is the producer.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, 14, 20 and 21, as well as 2 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 22. Tickets can be purchased online at barrowtheatre.org or by calling the box office at 814-437-3440. The show is rated PG-13.

Through sketches and songs, Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set.

The longest-running off-Broadway revue, the show pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?”

Everything in 24 hours

1/11/2026

Shout out to the return of Red Eye. After a year off, the experimental, all-in-one-day Red-Eye Theatre Project again brought together all aspects of stage production in a truncated 24-hour experience.

The concept is pure creative energy. People who sign up to be writers are supposed to not have much of an idea when they show up Friday to watch actors audition. They then pick a cast based on what they see and perhaps the germ of an idea starts to bubble in their brains.

Then they are to write a 20-page-ish play from between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next morning.

Once the writer is done they get to go to sleep as the actors, directors and stage crews gather to begin figuring out how they want to turn the writer's words into a vision to be presented roughly 24-hours after the entire process started.

Each show is meant to be roughly 20-minutes long, have minimal set changes and is a complete story.

It is almost a boot camp for theater enthusiasts.

The all inclusive environment allows first timers and seasoned professionals to come together to put on a never-before- seen play that may also never be seen again.

It's a chance to try something, or to give acting chops a tune up, and most important, it is a chance to have fun creating a one of a kind experience for themselves and the audience.

The project organizers are planning a second one for the year Memorial Day weekend.

Plan ahead and keep a "red eye" out for announcements from the Barrow-Civic Theatre or join the Red-Eye Theatre Project group page for more information.

They say the neon lights... need updated on Liberty

12/27/2025

“We’re thrilled to launch Face the Future, a focused campaign to restore and revitalize the façade of our historic theatre. Together, we can ensure the outside of the Barrow reflects the magic happening within.”
–Zach Covington, executive director, Barrow-Civic Theatre

The entrance of the Barrow-Civic Theatre in Franklin has seen better days. A new fundraising campaign seeks to restore it to the glory days while modernizing it for the future.

"We can't replace the neon. It's antiquated and it keeps breaking, so why would we replace it?" said Covington.

Instead, they will be replacing the old lights with LED lights that will be protected from the weather with a covering. It will be a new look, but a similar one. "Some people are sad to see the neon go, but this is much better and it's already been approved by HARB (Historical & Architectural Review Board) and the city."

The facade efforts will be done in three phases starting in spring 2026. First will be the marquee. Brick work above the sign will be pointed and painted in the second phase. Lastly, improvements will be made to the cracked windows and tiles at the entrance of the Little Theatre.

Before Christmas Covington sent out a letter to explain everything that needs to be done for the $200,000 project to get the ball rolling.

"For over three decades, the Barrow-Civic Theatre has stood proudly on Liberty Street as a beacon of creativity and community. Thousands of performers, volunteers, and audience members have passed through our doors — and now, the building that has served us so well needs care in return," Convington said in a the letter to potential donors. "These improvements will revitalize our presence downtown, enhance accessibility, and preserve the theatre’s role as a cultural anchor in the Oil Region."

How You Can Help
There are three ways to donate online.Anyone who contributes $500 or more by the campaign deadline of January 31, 2026, will be honored on a permanent plaque displayed in our main lobby.

One tine donation: https://barrowtheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n4o00000aDR6sAAG&
Reoccuring donation: https://barrowtheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n8Z00000IBztSQAT&
Pledge your support. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8MCwLIaXMps6C7k4gGqOx6imjhIgG8L-x0sTY3JLujo4NCw/viewform