This story was originally published on Aug. 25, 2013 on PennLive. In the bowels of the Globe Theatre, I was handed a pair of peasant’s bloomers. Little did I know that by day’s end, I would be royalty. Lily Steiner, head costumer for the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Mount Hope, dressed me in Renaissance garbContinue reading “Wench for a day: Working at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire”
Category Archives: Entertainment/Lifestyle
How James Wolpert found his voice: Strasburg singer talks past, upcoming concert and EP launch
This story was originally published on Feb. 11, 2014 on PennLive.com. James Wolpert has lived in the same house in Strasburg all his life. From the outside, you can tell that is a house filled with stories, ghosts and memories of years long past. It is a touch rustic and still undergoing projects as staircases areContinue reading “How James Wolpert found his voice: Strasburg singer talks past, upcoming concert and EP launch”
Behind the Scenes: What it takes to put on a Hersheypark Stadium concert
This story was originally published July 8, 2014 on PennLive.com. It was the cover story for Central PA Magazine’s Arts and Entertainment issue, as well as a front-page story for The Patriot-News. Screams surround you as you stand, rocking to the beat, drink in one hand and cell phone in the other. You’re snapping pictureContinue reading “Behind the Scenes: What it takes to put on a Hersheypark Stadium concert”
1984 agreement between Amish and Pennsylvania sets tone for ‘Amish Mafia’ debate
This story was originally published on Aug. 15, 2014 on PennLive. Governor Tom Corbett made headlines earlier this week when he, and other state and national politicians, called for a halt to production of the Discovery Channel series “Amish Mafia” in a statement issued by the Respect Amish movement. “Amish Mafia” follows a gang in Lancaster County who “enforce”Continue reading “1984 agreement between Amish and Pennsylvania sets tone for ‘Amish Mafia’ debate”
How to be the ultimate zombie: ‘Day of the Dead’ actor shares his tips at Central PA Comic Con
Originally published April 5, 2014 on PennLive.com With the “Walking Dead,” zombies are the rage. It’s important therefore that all zombie actors and zombie fans take a moment to bask in the present popularity of the undead – at least that’s what Mark Tierno believes. Tierno played “Beef Treats,” one of the featured zombies in the filmContinue reading “How to be the ultimate zombie: ‘Day of the Dead’ actor shares his tips at Central PA Comic Con”
Ringling Brothers ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson on why performing in the circus is worth the risks
Originally published May 17, 2014 on PennLive.com. The circus is coming to town. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey are bringing their “Legends” show to the Hershey Giant Center May 21-26. Tickets begin at $27.85 for “The Greatest Show on Earth,” where you can see death defying stunts and mythological creatures – including Pegasus andContinue reading “Ringling Brothers ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson on why performing in the circus is worth the risks”
The non-fan’s guide to enjoying a One Direction concert
This article was originally published on PennLive.com on July 6, 2013. Did you get roped into chaperoning your tween daughter/sister/friend at the One Direction concert at Hersheypark on July 6? Already dreading your task? Well don’t, because it can actually – surprise surprise – be fun. Follow these 10 tips and lessons learned (the hard way byContinue reading “The non-fan’s guide to enjoying a One Direction concert”
Drag queens speak out: Local documentary tells their story
Originally published in The Patriot-News on Nov. 8, 2012. Mitchell L. Ernst of Lebanon is a performer at heart. He’s a professional actor — but the character he is best known for lives off the theater stage. Her name is Jade DeVere and she is fierce, fabulous and oh-so feminine. Ernst is a drag queenContinue reading “Drag queens speak out: Local documentary tells their story”
‘Amish Mafia’: Amish experts weigh in on new Discovery Channel show
Amish mafia. The two words together seem like an oxymoron. But, according to a new Discovery Channel show, they are not the oddest of pairings. “Amish Mafia” explores the world of Lebanon Levi and his gang of three men, Jolin, John and Alvin. Together, the four act as “protectors” of the Amish community in Lancaster. TheContinue reading “‘Amish Mafia’: Amish experts weigh in on new Discovery Channel show”
Mixtape Festival brings nostalgia (and music) to Hershey
When the Summer Mixtape Festival was announced on April 16, the news was met with screams and squeals. “I flipped out,” said Tabatha Pelletier of East Pennsboro Twp. “I started yelling and ran upstairs telling everyone that I had to go to this concert. I was like a little child.” Held in Hersheypark Stadium Friday and Saturday,Continue reading “Mixtape Festival brings nostalgia (and music) to Hershey”
Commentary: My night in Gotham City at ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ world premiere
Originally published in The Patriot-News on July 20, 2012. Earlier this week, I was transported to Gotham City. Luck had brought me to the comic book metropolis. My parents, siblings and I were extras during the “The Dark Knight Rises” filming in Pittsburgh last year (look for our blurs in the stadium scene). As a reward forContinue reading “Commentary: My night in Gotham City at ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ world premiere”
Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boys talks about the band, fans and rivals
Originally published in The Patriot-News on July 28, 2011. Brian Littrell, member of the Backstreet Boys and heartthrob at large, is making his way to Hershey. The same man whose faced grinned from posters on bedroom walls and covers of teen magazines has joined up with his band mates and New Kids on the BlockContinue reading “Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boys talks about the band, fans and rivals”
Holy extra, Batman! An extra’s experience on the ‘Dark Knight Rises’ set
Originally published in The Patriot-News on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. To say I am a Batman fan is an understatement. Growing up, I had the costume, the action figures, the sleeping bag and the toys. I used to parade around my house, leaping down stairs singing “Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-BATMAN” in full bat costume. My first prayer wasContinue reading “Holy extra, Batman! An extra’s experience on the ‘Dark Knight Rises’ set”
Steelton rapper Skillz Hurachi’s death stuns friends and family
Originally published in The Patriot-News on May 19, 2012. Many people called Terrance Manning “Skillz,” and his growing success in different fields show that he deserved the nickname. Known as Skillz Hurachi, the Steelton rapper had opened for nationally known superstars Drake, Lil’ Wayne and Soulja Boy as a member of the rap trio VSOP/XO.Continue reading “Steelton rapper Skillz Hurachi’s death stuns friends and family”
Psychic John Edward connects with the dead, science and skeptics
Originally published in The Patriot-News on August 18, 2011. Quantum physics enthusiast and former health care administrator, John Edward is more than just a proclaimed psychic. He is a teacher, a messenger and according to some, a fraud. Edward, 41, is coming to a sold-out performance Friday at Harrisburg’s Whitaker Center. with a price ofContinue reading “Psychic John Edward connects with the dead, science and skeptics”
Rusted Root spreads its roots in Lancaster
Originally published in the official guide to Launch Music Conference 2012. Not every band can say its music has been played in space. But, then again, Rusted Root is not your average band. Formed in the early 90s, Rusted Root has built a name for itself on its unique blend of the world and rockContinue reading “Rusted Root spreads its roots in Lancaster”
Harrisburg rapper J. Bair’s video goes against grain, slams violence
Originally published in The Patriot-News on April 19, 2012. A gunshot interrupts the ting, bass, ting of a rap song’s percussion. Screams sound and characters scatter. One guy slumps forward. The image is stark and horrifying. “Gunshot Blast” by Harrisburg rapper J. Bair goes against the grain of the stereotypical modern rap music scene, which tendsContinue reading “Harrisburg rapper J. Bair’s video goes against grain, slams violence”
‘I Am Harrisburg’ video aims to rally city
Originally published in The Patriot-News on March 23, 2012. Harrisburg might be making headlines for violence and debt, but there’s more to it than that. That’s the message behind “I Am Harrisburg,” a hip-hop song written for the people of the city to rally behind. Written by local rappers and producers All Steezy, Jaymes, Zach, Pacino,Continue reading “‘I Am Harrisburg’ video aims to rally city”
Digging the drums: Frankie Muniz talks Kingsfoil and career so far
Originally published in The Patriot-News on April 7, 2012. It’s Friday afternoon and Frankie Muniz has locked himself in with his drum kit. Since arriving in Harrisburg on Thursday morning, Muniz has been living and breathing the music of Kingsfoil, the York band in which he plays drums. Muniz rose to fame in 2000 as MalcolmContinue reading “Digging the drums: Frankie Muniz talks Kingsfoil and career so far”
The Summer Dress Guide: How to find the perfect gown for you
Originally published in The Patriot-News on Aug. 4, 2011. This summer it’s all about dresses. A great way to keep cool and look cute at the same time, the summer dress this year is bright, breathable and bold. Taylor Eisenberger, fashionista and owner of Taylored for You Bridal Boutique in Mechanicsburg and Paula Trimpey, AssociateContinue reading “The Summer Dress Guide: How to find the perfect gown for you”
Julia Hatmaker 