Do you play an instrument? Do you sing, read your own poetry or the poetry of others? Are you a stand-up comedian? Here is your opportunity to perform in the Essex Theatre Company Open Mic on the Fourth of July behind Town Hall in Essex, NY, at 1 pm, sign up at 12:30. Or email your information to info@essextheatre.org. The event is in honor of local poet, Jeff Moredock, who passed away last year. Essex Editions, who published his book  Poems from Essex & Elsewhere, will be present at the event. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Or bring a band and sign up! In case of rain the event will be held at the Masonic Lodge, Essex.

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds by award-winning playwright Paul Zindel will be the second ETC production, playing August 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7 pm and August 15 at 5 pm at the historic Masonic Lodge, 2756 Essex Road, Essex, NY. The drama stars Gina Lindsey as the acid-tongued Beatrice Hunsdorfer, divorced mother of two teenage daughters, and Chastity Wardell as her older daughter Ruth, and Maria Murphy as Tillie, the younger. The play explores hurt, pride, and hope that something “beautiful and full of promise can emerge from even the most barren, afflicted soil.” – Dramatists Play Service

ETC’s third offering of the season is Anne Nelson’s The Guys in benefit for Essex County First Responders. Adirondack Regional Theatre brings us Lee Ann Thomas as Joan and Jim Calnon as Nick in this moving drama in the aftermath of 9/11. Paralyzed by grief and unable to put his thoughts into words, Nick, a fire captain, seeks out the help of a writer to compose eulogies for the colleagues and friends he lost in the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001. Joan, an editor by trade, draws out powerful profiles from Nick about “the guys,” revealing vivid personalities and the substance and meaning that lie beneath the surface of seemingly unremarkable people. The Guys will be performed on August 27, 28 at 7 pm and August 29 at 2 pm at the historic Masonic Lodge in Essex, NY.

For tickets visit ETC’s website www.essextheatre.org or call (518) 526-4520. All tickets for Marigolds are $12; all ticket for The Guys, $15. No charge for the Open Mic, but donations to Essex Theatre Company always appreciated!