Write a commentFor the premiere of the family musical Pollyanna, CNY Arts Center commissioned a collection of paintings of Fulton in the early 1900s, the time period of the story.
Chosen from historical postcards, artist Melinda Lamb, 2nd year art student at Cayuga Community College, has recreated paintings of five familiar locations. The paintings will hang onstage as part of the backdrop for the musical set to open August 5 for a two week run at the Arts Center. The paintings will also be available for silent auction throughout the run of the production to be held onstage at 11 River Glen Dr. on the Cayuga College Fulton Campus.
Included in the collection are several familiar landmarks some of which no longer stand such as the church on Broadway and W. 1st Street, now the site of a video store. Another painting is of the gazebo that used to stand in Voorhees Park and was the scene of many community events such as the July 4th picnic portrayed in the musical. Other sites include the Pratt House, the historic Library, and a street scene from 1909 found among the postcard collection.
The artist, Melinda Lamb, majoring in Studio Arts and Design, is an aspiring artist with a passion for both art and history and enjoys bringing her two passions together. The project also signals the unique collaboration between the college and the arts center as both organizations work to enrich art experiences for students and arts patrons.
The production produced by special arrangement with Lifehouse Theater, is an east coast premiere and features the debut of Megan Acker in her first lead role as Pollyanna. The story based on the 1913 novel by Eleanor Porter tells the beloved tale of an orphan who teaches an entire town to be glad in the face of adversity. Her father taught it to her as the Glad Game.
The show runs Friday and Saturday, August 5, 6, 12 & 13 at 8pm with two Sunday matinees, August 7 & 14 at 3pm. For more information, tickets or reservations, visit www.CNYArtsCenter.com or call 315-598-ARTS (2787).
