Bill Joyner's FridayMusings 8/01/22

August 01, 2022 When we are not limited, we all thrive

Livonia keeps defining quality of life as the end result of cultural excellence bringing new families into our hometown. Our Clarenceville Trojans are a key part in the role they play introducing music and culture

to students, families, and friends.

Meet the Clarenceville Trojans Marching Band Color Guard Coach Mrs. French and the

Clarenceville Grades 6-12 Band Director Doug Ferguson

Livonia benefits from another addition

to our cultural landscape, enjoying the quality performance in large numbers

Friday night the audience started building before 6:00 for the 7:00 Shakespeare in the Park. By the time the curtain fell, metaphorically that is, the audience was close to 500.

At the end of the production, the audience was quick to stand in an ovation, I think Debra Bonde was the first on her feet, for the magical night that was brought to Livonia by a gifted director and Producer, Kyle Fisher-Grant and Allison Boufford.

A magical night that brought smiles to the faces of the audience, laughter, and tears throughout resulting from the script and character personality using expressive body and facial language.

All the actors brought quality to the roles they assumed. A special acknowledgment goes to Jacquie Jones who played Romeo, Olivia Dean, playing Juliet, and Christina Pellerano, the nurse. These three brought energy and passion to their character, and for a time when they were on stage, this typewriter was suddenly living in the 1500's, imagining the time Shakespeare wrote the play.

Director Kyle Fisher-Grant describes the play as "powerful, dynamic, and worthy of resurrecting, even some 400 years later."

This was Shakespeare's first touch of genius."

When Ted Davis first mentioned producing Shakespeare in the Park, he said the production would need a sponsor. In stepped the Hardies Family Trust with a $10,000 donation. Add to that the additional sponsorship of Community Financial Credit Union and the end result was a partnership with Livonia Community Theatre and before you knew it the magic of Shakespeare in the Park was actually happening right here in Livonia.

Kathy Ventittelli called this "a hit for Livonia! A magical midsummer night's entertainment I never thought I'd experience when I moved here. The actors knocked themselves out, and seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as we were enjoying them!"

Let me mix a metaphor. I shouldn't but I will. This production was a grand slam.

*late update: The Saturday night performance had an audience that looked to be larger than Friday Night. Livonia is truly embracing the arts. Now let's get out and explore all the artistic opportunities that make Livona the cultural heartbeat of southeast Michigan.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 8 AM – 10 AM

Inclusive Leaders Inspire Belonging - Breakfast & Training Event

Madonna University

The Livonia Chamber of Commerce continues its effort to provide valuable training for all professionals by welcoming Dr. Lee Meadows. He will discuss the importance of the history of DEI and the application of Inclusive Leadership and how it can create belonging in businesses and communities. In a tight labor market, inclusive leadership can be the difference in maintaining a talented workforce.

The program begins with breakfast and networking followed by Dr. Meadows' presentation and break out groups.

Registration required at www.livonia.org. $40 per Member. Tables of Eight Available.

Feedback on

Romeo and Juliet

Debra Stewart Bonde: It was an amazing production through & through. I was so impressed with the actors ... what a rich, diverse, & immensely talented cast. Their performances were stellar. I was taken by both Romeo & Juliet, and so many other, but oh my goodness ... the nurse! I don't think I have ever seen such an expressive face! She was hilarious!

Darrell Smith: Jacquie Jones delighted the audience with their performance of ROMEO in the Shakespeare in the Park production of “Romeo and Juliet”. This was my first experience of any production of Shakespeare in the Park. What a wonderful experience! The acting was amazing. In fact every aspect of the production was excellent, BRAVO!

Jennifer Sieszputowski Kuszynski: It was a great turnout and wonderful performance. I was impressed. I know a lot of work went into the show.

Mary Marley: Very enjoyable! Thanks Livonia Parks for bringing this to us!

Barb Iovan: Delightful! Wonderful performances!

Sheeba Cook: The performance was stellar! Can’t wait for next year!

Michael Kain: Nothing but rave reviews for the performance tonight. Truly an amazing event.

Willard Lindley: Wonderful performance! Outstanding cast, really good sound system so you can hear all of the actors, a very nice setting, HUGE CROWD TOO, maybe 600 0r 700 enjoyed the performance. So many people and groups came together to make this work.

Volunteers signing up for Livonia Happenings.

Touch a Truck

Passing out Mattel Hot Wheels,

Save our Youth Coloring Books

(28 needed--4 per hour)

Veronica Cruz

Jim Baringhaus

Brandon McCullough

Terry Marecki

Madeline Acosta

The Typewriter

Kellie Whitlock

Kate Shishkevsky

Liz Jarvis

Cathy Karasinski

Kathy Ventittelli

Pariss Gray-Amazon

Corn Roast