The Pocono Community Church in Tobyhanna, PA presented and evening of poetry, theatre, and songs all in dedication to Elvis on Saturday August 15th. Numerous Elvis Presley fans young and alive during his heyday provided a moderate audience for the event entitled, “Walk a Mile in My Shoes: A Spiritual Journey with Elvis.” Elvis impersonator Pastor Bernard Weishaupt highlighted the show with a multitude of songs made famous by “The King” while being backed up by The Elvis Review which consisted of Jeanette Arnone, Lynn Marie Mazaleski, Suzanne McCool*,and Lenny O’Neal. The evening also included some poetry and a theatrical presentation of “Take a Walk Down Lonely Street” written by local author Michael Wetmore* with appearances by David Tipka, Eric Mark, Wayne Dotter, Teri Dellaria*, and Paul Adam Smeltz* (yeah, that’s me).Although I’m not a very big Elvis fan, I found the event to be very entertaining. Those who were and remain devoted to the singer eagerly demonstrated their affections at every opportune moment. Actually, experiencing the reactions of the audience to what was occurring onstage made the event even more enjoyable.
As far as the play goes, well, since I was in it, it would be kind of inappropriate for me to make any comment on it. After all, how objective can I be? However, if you were there and would like to share your thoughts on it, I’m sure many (including me) would like to read your review. Also, since I was on stage, I didn’t take any of the pictures during the play. My nephew Thomas did and (I may be biased) I think he did a great job. I only wish he’d shave a few pounds off my fat butt.
Proceeds gained from “Walk a Mile in My Shoes: A Spiritual Journey with Elvis” benefited Family Promise of Monroe County which helps local homeless families find permanent residence and lasting independence. Please contact Family Promise of Monroe County at 570-420-8589 for more information.
The link to The Pocono Community Church is www.poconocc.com.
You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
1 comment:
Great job of writing up our first go at ArtSmash. Paul, your site looks terrific! Can't wait to meet more artists, musicians and poets as we plan ArtSmash2. Anybody interested, please email Paul or info@poconojazzandpoetry.com.
Deb Burke
Pocono Jazz and Poetry
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