12-04-2025
Under the baobab: Musical, theater events highlight spring Happy Valley happenings
Chag Pesach Sameach. Have a blessed Easter.
Sisters and brothers, as we celebrate these holy days let us vouchsafe the sacredness of all human life by ceasing the conscious killing of each other. Let us collectively and individually pledge to not kill another person. Let us declare that there is no 'justifiable' war, state execution, or personal privilege that validates the taking of another human life. Most victims of war are children, women and other innocents. We can only stop their slaughter by silencing our weapons. We must give peace a chance because, in the end, it is our only chance.
Around town
Congratulations to the Penn State men's hockey team for fighting their way to their first Frozen Four in St. Louis. Their accomplishment was even more spectacular considering the team had to scrap their way back from an 0-8 start in the Big 10. We proudly watched as these young lions battled in the NCAA semifinal against highly-ranked Boston University. They were very much in the game until late in the last period when BU's empty net goal put the 2-1 game out of reach.
The spirit of our beloved Tony Leach blessed the Recital Hall as the Penn State School of Music presented its annual choral concert. The University Choir under the direction of Christopher Kiver, the Mont Alto Chorale conducted by Patricia Stepler and Essence of Joy directed by Austin Norrid and Anisa Adkins performed for an appreciative audience. PSU will host the 34th annual Fruhling Posaunen 'Spring Trombones' on April 13. It will feature the trombone choirs of PSU, Ithaca College, and the Eastman School of Music.
The School of Theatre's Center Stage produced a delightful musical version of Shakespeare's 'Love's Labour's Lost' directed and choreographed by Christine O'Grady. It closes on April 12 at the Pavilion Theatre. 'Alice in Wonderland,' based on the Lewis Carroll classic, adapted and directed by Jenny Lamb, opens on April 15 at the Playhouse and runs until April 26. Also at the Playhouse, SOT presents 'One Night on Broadway' on May 19. The fundraiser will showcase PSU alumni from Broadway and the professional world returning 'home' to create a one-of-a-kind program that will honor the school's rich history and celebrate the vibrant future of our theatrical community.
The Center for the Performing Arts will present '50 Forward: Beethoven's Ninth Revisited' on April 25 at Eisenhower Auditorium, featuring the PSU Philharmonic Orchestra as well as acclaimed vocal soloists and members of the PSU music choirs.
The APIDA Caucus will celebrate its Spring Festival on April 12 from 1-4:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Fraser Street. The event is sponsored by the APIDA Caucus, the PanAPIDA Circle, State College Borough, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and Penn State Student Affairs.
Carmin Wong and Hunter Reed at the Center for Black Digital Research have organized the #Harper200 national poetry contest for K-12 and undergraduate students that will commemorate the bicentennial life and legacy of poet, educator and activist Frances E.W. Harper (1825-1911). For further information, contact the Center.
And the 'resistance' continues to grow. More than 500 people gathered at Sidney Friedman Park as part of a 'Hands off!' rally. Over 1,200 similar rallies gathered across all 50 states. Speakers included Ray Bilger, Suzanne Weinstein, Connor Lewis and Christy Delafield. The Monday peace vigil at the Allen Street Gates has also continued to grow. Sponsored by AAUP, UAW and others, several dozen citizens presented a petition to Rep. Glenn Thompson's office with over 300 names asking to 'Kill The Cuts' and protect lifesaving research, health care and education.
The interim Vice Provost of Penn State Global, Sabine Klahr, reported that some of PSU's international students have had their lawful status in the USA terminated by the government. Their status is unclear. Be vigilant and stay strong. `
Charles Dumas is a lifetime political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party's nominee for U.S. Congress in 2012. He lives with his partner and wife of 50 years in State College.
