The Athens is back in DeLand, and the American Cancer Society is grateful

Upcoming shows: Lassie movie, Rosa Parks play

By Pat Hatfield
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Jan 26, 2009 - 4:19:56pm

Overture, curtains, lights,

This is it, the night of nights.

No more rehearsing and nursing a part

We know every part by heart ...

"... And oh what heights we'll hit; On with the show, this is it!"

Oscar-winning songwriters Jay Livingston and Ray Evans penned these words, and the Jan. 11 program at DeLand's newly reopened Athens Theatre lived up to them.

Oh, what a night it was — great music and brilliant performances in Broadway Sings for Cancer, a benefit for the American Cancer Society.

Patrons left the theater with show tunes humming in their heads — everything from a sizzling rendition of Richard Adler's and Jerry Ross' "Steam Heat" to Andrew Lloyd Webber's hypnotic "Music of the Night."

Three musical troopers, Leslie Becker, Kevin Duda and Matthew LaBanca, took time off from Broadway to hit the boards at the newly restored Athens in this show sponsored by Florida Hospitals.

Florida Hospital works closely with the American Cancer Society. For instance, the two organizations present four "Lunch and Learn" programs at Florida Hospitals in Volusia and Flagler counties, providing community education about the four most prevalent forms of cancer found locally: prostate, breast, lung and colon.

"We have a very nice partnership with the American Cancer Society," Florida Hospital spokeswoman Deborah McNabb said.

At the show, Robert Watts, area director for the American Cancer Society of Volusia/Flagler, gave his thanks to Florida Hospitals and all the people in the audience.

U.S. Rep. John Mica, who has been a supporter of the Athens restoration, greeted theatergoers by DVD, on the theater's big screen.

The buzz of audience anticipation was great, as the red-velvet curtain lifted. The audience wasn't disappointed.

Audrey Peebles opened with "God Bless America," then the show tunes took over.

At the end of the show, performer Becker said, "We want to honor and thank the American Cancer Society, and that's why we're really here."

The trio traveled from New York City for the DeLand performance, then had to catch a flight back to the Big Apple the next morning.

President and CEO of Florida Hospital-Fish Memorial Joe Johnson closed the evening.

"I am reminded of a quote from John Muir," he said, "'Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.' This evening our bodies and souls have been given strength."

Florida Hospital is still receiving and tallying donations from the program.

It was the second live show at the Athens since its grand reopening Jan. 6.

Cash and Friends, a tribute to country-music great Johnny Cash, filled the Athens with music Jan. 10.

Upcoming events include the cinematique performance of La Cage Aux Folles at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, and a stage performance honoring Rosa Parks (played by Vanessa Adams-Harris) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31.

Lassie Come Home, timed to coincide with Downtown DeLand's Mardi Gras on Main Street dog parade, will be shown on the Athens big screen at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.

For tickets to these and other performances at the Athens, call the box office at (386) 736-7456 in advance or (386) 736-1500 on the day of the show, or visit www.athenstheatre.org to buy tickets online.

— pat@beacononlinenews.com

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