Four in Village of Hamburg have stars in their eyes
Four local men are hoping to extend the revival in the Village of Hamburg to the stars.
They want to present “Hamburg Theatre Under the Stars” — a play in September they hope will become an annual event.
“We’re just four guys who are highly motivated by the music festival this spring,” Tony Baksa told the Village Board on Monday.
The festival was the Hamburg All- Star Music Festival, a well-attended fundraiser April 25 that benefited the music departments of Hamburg schools, where dozens of performers filled a host of village venues.
Baksa, who grew up in Hamburg, moved away and has returned to Western New York, said he used to belong to the Hamburg Little Theater and has directed a play with the Springville Players.
He and the other three guys, Jon Appleby, Glenn Kajioka and Greg Wichlacz, want to put on “Picnic,” a 1953 play by William Inge that was made into a movie starring William Holden and Kim Novak. Mayor Thomas J. Moses Sr. said the village would hold open auditions Sept. 10-13 at Memorial Park, but the village will be looking for more details before approving the production.
Baksa said the first performance would be reserved for senior citizens. The Friday night theme could be wine tasting, and the Saturday night theme could be dinner theater, with village restaurateurs offering reserved dinners for their customers at the park. The Sunday matinee could have an ice cream social theme, he said. Admission would be free.
“Think of ‘Shakespeare in the Park,’ ” he said. “Of course, this will cost some money.”
He said the group is looking for sponsors and volunteers, and hopes to hold auditions soon.
“It sounds like a great idea,” the mayor said, but he brought up several issues: What happens if it rains, serving of alcohol would require special permits, and security.
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