“Peter Pan” is the tale of a boy who never grows up and his adventures with Wendy Darling and her siblings, Captain Hook and his pirates, Tinkerbell and her fairies, and the Lost Boys, in fantastical Neverland.

The show promises to captivate audiences of all ages. The production illustrates MarLo Dance Studio’s continued commitment to presenting a blend of inspirational storytelling and choreography, (ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz and hip hop), inviting audiences to experience the magic of live dance performance in unforgettable ways.

The show will run two weekends, May 8, 9, 10, and May 15,16, 17. All performances are at the Sprague Community Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Reserve seating is $20 – $25 in advance or $27 at the door. Advance ticket sales begin April 8. To purchase online, visit MarLoDance.com, or call 706-550-1416 to purchase by phone.

The professionally staged production delivers everything audiences could want in Peter’s Neverland adventures, from lavish costumes and sets to eclectic music, not to mention memorable dancing by youth and adult students.

“It’s a show you won’t want to miss, the kind of family event that brings a community together,” said MarLo founder Maria Merriam.

The production’s 112 dancers hale from both Coos and Curry counties to be part of Bandon’s unique program that focuses on a classical ballet foundation with jazz, tap, contemporary and hip-hop genres made available to youth and adults. As a performing arts school, MarLo specializes in providing a studio dance education while giving students opportunities to express dance in theatrical story-telling projects, including recent sellout productions of, “The Wizard of Oz,” and “The Nutcracker.”

Produced by Maria Merriam with direction by Faith Slater, MarLo Dance Studio is celebrating the 26th anniversary season of serving the greater Bandon area. For general questions about the program, call 541-252-1394.

Cover art by Annetta Adams featuring Vivian Nighswonger as Tinkerbell, Chase Robison as Peter and Ashlyn Fisher as Wendy.

Which worked out just great with a son like me who knew it all. Well, not all of it. But a lot of it. Okay, not a lot, but some . . . ahh, who am I kidding? I didn’t know anything. None of us knew a thing. 

“No Matter What You Tell Me” is about a years-long journey of a son who liked to dig. Arguably in places he shouldn’t have been. I mean, we all know what our parents told us, right? “Mind your business.” 

I sometimes wonder if that would’ve been the better road. To have kept things buried. Maybe it wasn’t necessary for me to learn about that family member who chased a burglar down the street while completely naked and holding a lamp. 

Oh, well. No turning back now. 

Writer and actor Benjamin Boucvalt brings his play, “No Matter What You Tell Me,” to Bandon with performances at the Sprague Community Theater at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 16; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, presented by Bandon Playhouse and the Sprague Community Theater.

This dramatic comedy is hilarious, heartbreaking, and ever so hopeful. Told in the first person, this is a story of one secret that leads into another. A story that proves how family is fraught, never really what it appears, and, despite it all, so very necessary.

Admission is $20 per person, online or at the box office. Advance tickets are available at Tix.com. This play includes mature themes and is recommended for teen and adult audiences.

Most of Benjamin’s career has been spent on stage doing classical work. Both as a writer and actor, his passion for this is born out of his love for storytelling. Benjamin’s “No Matter What You Tell Me” was performed this summer in Las Vegas. After his stop here in Oregon, he’ll be headed to California, New York, Ohio, and Minnesota.

Benjamin is also a company member at Great River Shakespeare Festival. Notable performances include Orlando in “As You Like It,” Cassius in “Julius Caesar,” Oberon in “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Leontes in “Winter’s Tale,” and Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet.” Other theater performances include the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Curtain Theatre, St. Petersburg Shakespeare Company, and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

Benjamin published his second book, “The Name Hennessy,” in 2024. He voices one of the main characters in the audiobook. The recording is a fully dramatized audiobook, with individual actors reading each character, all recorded together on stage. Benjamin is an active martial artist and does fight choreography for stage and film across the country. Find Benjamin on Instagram @boucvalt.

Tickets are available for individual performances, or purchase a fringe festival pass for all shows. Advance tickets are available online. Tickets will also be available at the box office during the festival. Visit our Bandon Fringe Festival page for show details and ticketing information.

Fringe festivals invite performing artists to showcase work in a range of genres. Bandon Playhouse president Rob Jones says diversity, in the programming and among the performers, is part of what makes Fringe Festivals unique.

“There’s room for everybody to participate,” said Jones, noting that emerging artists can try out new work in a supportive environment alongside more experienced performers.

In Bandon, the 2025 line-up offers 14 presentations by visiting and regional professional and amateur performers. Audience members can experience several original one act plays, such as “The Footbridge,” a dramatic piece written by award-winning playwright Jeanmarie Simpson for the Bandon festival; and the comedy “A Pirate Named Shirley,” written and directed by Bandon student Tyler Eickoff.

Enjoy local and touring musicians and dancers, such as singer-songwriter Lindsey Bellefeuille, and world music ensemble Malinka. Performance art presentations include a mixed-media staged reading from the new book by Susan Dimock; and a show with Bubble Man Louis Pearl, who has toured the globe making bubble magic on stage.

One Performer’s Story

Actor and writer Corrie Gant is one of those experienced performers who applied to the festival because she wanted an opportunity to present her one woman, one act play “Tales from the Kitchen Table.” Gant originally wrote and performed the play a handful of times in the late 1990s. Then, in 2024, she dusted off the script and tackled some significant revisions with the help of her friend, theater instructor Dr. Annie McGregor.

Gant recalls that, when she set out to write the play, she discovered she first needed time to reflect on what kind of story she wanted to tell. Then, in her meditation practice, the image of an older woman emerged.

“That part stuck,” said Gant, explaining that the old woman character, who promised to help Gant discover her true name, provided the genesis for her portrayal of nine archetypal female characters throughout history. The revised version of “Tales” got new opening and closing scenes. And, some of the original characters were replaced by characters leaning into dialogue from Moliere and William Shakespeare. Borrowing from classic monologues helped Gant step into female experiences that felt familiar but were not her own.

“The monologues added experiences from women in the world,” said Gant. “All the characters in the play really resonate with me now.”

Which is why she jumped at the opportunity to perform in the Bandon Fringe Festival. She performed the revised piece in four presentations in 2024, (produced by Dolphin Players and Bandon Playhouse), but felt like four performances wasn’t enough.

Small Town, Wonderful Theater

“From my perspective, I see the festival as an opportunity for local and visiting artists to perform and share their talents with the community within our wonderful theater,” said Christine Kingsbury, Community and Cultural Services Director for the City of Bandon.

Kingsbury noted that the festival also offers live theater entertainment to audience members with the option to attend one, or multiple events, allowing for varying ticket prices and scheduling. She added, “I am hopeful that the community will come and support the festival, and that it can be the first of an annual event.”

Rob Jones also hopes the festival will inspire ongoing enthusiasm for local performing arts and the Sprague Community Theater venue. Bandon Playhouse members are providing much-needed support for the festival through promotional work, back stage and front of house staffing.

The Bandon Fringe Festival is co-presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse. Support for the 2025 Bandon Playhouse season comes from Bain Insurance Agency, Robert Miller Attorney at Law, Rogue Credit Union and Umpqua Bank, with a grant from the Coos County Cultural Coalition and revenue sharing from the City of Bandon. Learn more about the Bandon Playhouse community theater organization at BandonPlayhouse.org.

Images from top: Amazing Bubble Man courtesy of Louis Pearl, Malinka in concert courtesy of Malinka Music Collective, seascape photo courtesy of Susan Dimock, Corrie Gant photo by Robert Miller courtesy of Bandon Playhouse

Performances are June 27 and 28, 2025, at the Sprague Community Theater in Bandon, Oregon. This event is presented by the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse.

What is a Fringe Festival?

Fringe festivals invite performing artists to showcase new and emerging work in a range of genres from theater to dance, comedy and storytelling, and more. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest international fringe festival, started in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1947. And similar festivals, large and small, are staged around the world.

Why a Bandon Fringe Festival?

In 2024, the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Playhouse invited artists to a One Act Play Festival which culminated in a Gala evening featuring several short theatrical and movement performances and the one act play, “Tales from the Kitchen Table,” written and performed by Corrie Gant.

Participation and feedback from the 2024 event told us that artist and performers from around the south coast region wanted access to a performance festival with opportunities for a variety of presentations, including, but not limited to one act plays.

How can I get involved?

Individual performers and performing groups are invited to apply to participate. The application, along with your sample materials, helps us decide if the proposed work can be staged within the context of this festival.

There is no cost to apply. Original material is encouraged; and participants may be eligible to share in a portion of ticket sales for their performance. The application deadline is April 4, 2025.

Visit our Bandon Fringe Festival Page for complete application information.

I’m not a performer. How can I support the festival?

We hope that you will join us in attending festival events in June. If you would like to sponsor or support the event financially, please email Bandon Playhouse, thebandonplayhouse@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer, please contact theater manager Stephanie Jones, events@bandon-or.gov.

Stay Tuned!

For announcements about the Bandon Fringe Festival, along with other events at the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Community Center, please Subscribe to Our Email List.

Youth story time is 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays, with open play time for tots age zero to five on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m., at the library.

Additional summer programs include–

Native American Innovation Exhibit – June 11 – 29 (BPL)

Magician Jeff Evans, June 28 @ 12 p.m. (Theater – Visit our Event Calendar for more details.)

Mosaic Making & Lecture, June 29 @ 2 p.m. (BPL)

Reptiles! presentation, July 3 @ 11 a.m. (Theater – Visit our Event Calendar for more details.)

Journey Under the Sea, July 12 @ 11:30 a.m. (BPL)

Fun with Washed Ashore, July 18 @ 11:30 (BPL)

Portable Planetarium, drop-in July 21, 1 – 3:30 p.m. (Bandon Fisheries Warehouse)

Art at the Library, July 25 @ 11:30 a.m. (BPL)

Sapphire Farms Storytime, Aug. 8 @ 11:30 a.m. (BPL)

Felting Workshop, Aug. 17 @ 4 p.m. (BPL – age 12 and older, call to register)

Teen Writers!, Aug. 22 @ 3 p.m. (BPL)

Tween Writers!, Aug. 29 @ 3 p.m. (BPL)

The Bandon Public Library is located in Bandon City Park, 1204 11th St. SW. The library is open 12 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more at BandonLibrary.org.

Women’s Health Day is an annual event presented by Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center and the Southern Coos Health Foundation and sponsored by generous community individuals and businesses. Over the past 20 years, Women’s Health Day has focused on healthcare-related topics that are relevant to women.

This year’s topic is “Women’s Whole Health: Prevention, Care & Well-Being.” Keynote speaker is Gillian Ehrilich, Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified in Functional and Ayurvedic Medicine.

The entire event is FREE to attend, thanks to generous sponsors. The in-person event will be limited to 120 people, so reserve your spot today!

Visit the Event Calendar for more information and registration details.

Article and 2023 Women’s Health Day images courtesy of Southern Coos Health Foundation.

Four workshops will be offered over four weeks, with sessions beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until approximately 12 p.m. Drop by for one or come to all four. Classes are designed for beginners, age 13 to adult (or ages 10-12 with an adult) but experienced performers are welcome to come brush up their techniques.

Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for registration. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the workshops. Bring your own snack if desired; water will be provided.

Saturday, July 8, will be a Theater workshop led by Equity Actor and SAG member and beloved man-about-town Mike Dempsey.

Saturday, July 15, Mike Dempsey will lead a workshop on Directing.

Saturday, July 22, Nameer El-Kadi, who worked for over 30 years in Hollywood on 15 films and 45 television shows (refer to I.M.D.B.) will teach Mime & Movement the first hour, followed by Juggling the second hour.

Saturday, July 29, the workshops conclude with Music & Movement taught by local actors and directors Geneva Miller and Bobbi Neason. This workshop is open to ALL ages. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission is $5 (includes Playhouse membership). Donations are welcome. Participants are encouraged to reserve their spot as soon as possible; those under age 18 will need a parent or guardian’s signature to sign in. Walk-ins are also welcome.

To RSVP or for more information, email thebandonplayhouse@gmail.com or call Amy Moss Strong at 541-290-9989 and leave a message.

Article contributed by Bandon Playhouse. Featured image: Director Mike Dempsey (center) leads an acting workshop on stage at the Sprague Community Theater.

Bandon Playhouse meets monthly on the second Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Sprague Theater lobby. Everyone is welcome! Learn more at BandonPlayhouse.org or on our Facebook page.

Donations welcome: non-perishable foods, scarfs, beanies, gloves, socks, kids toys, and gift cards. Bring your donations to the community center between 12 and 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 19. Gifts will be shared with the EAT program and families in need.

Distribution day is Tuesday, December 20 at 12 p.m.

For more information, please contact Avery Richards. Find Avery’s phone and email on our Contact page.

More Holiday Events . . .

The American Red Cross will hold an extra blood drive event at the Community Center on Friday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to sign up.

And, visit our Event Calendar to see what’s happening this month at the Community Center and Sprague Community Theater!

The show runs just one weekend, opening Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. with additional performances Saturday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. All performances are at the Sprague Community Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park. Admission is $12 for adults and teens, $10 for youth 12 and younger, and $10 for seniors.

Tickets are only available at the door.

“The Folly of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter” is a classically comedic melodrama written and directed by local thespian Corrie Gant. Lark Sparky, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, dreams of a life of adventure. Will she embrace the affection of local dairyman Clark Barker? Or will she fall for the suave but shady investor, Lester Holstein? The melodramatic cast also includes Minnie Myrtle Morrison, a keen-eyed poetess and owner of the Dusty Crab Saloon; crafty real estate broker Rosa DeRhodes; and Otis Sparky, the kindly and often tipsy lighthouse keeper.

The all-star cast of “Folly” includes Mike Dempsey, Brendan Fisher, Corrie Gant, Nameer El Kadi, Natasha Keller and Laurie Kreutzer.

Throughout the program, audiences will enjoy coastal-themed music and dance numbers presented by the variety show ensemble. The ensemble, directed by Geneva Miller, includes Isaac Braithwaite, John Cotrufo, Tyler Eickhoff, Hallie and Nena Minkler, Merle Morrigan, Harlan Morse, Amy Moss Strong, Merri Seegrist, Christine Roberts and Sandra Woodside. Piano accompanist is Jane Suppes.

“We’re proud to present this entertaining show for the South Coast community as our first full post-pandemic production,” said Bandon Playhouse president Amy Moss Strong. “The show features veteran actors and those new to the stage, hailing from Bandon, Port Orford, Coos Bay and Coquille. We encourage everyone to attend for a frolicking fun time!”

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Since 1976, the Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. Learn more at BandonPlayhouse.org, or visit us at Facebook.com/bandonplay.

Article and images contributed by Bandon Playhouse.

Per its bylaws, Bandon Playhouse will hold its annual membership meeting, which includes election of board members for the coming year at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, in the lobby of the Sprague Theater, 1202 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park. Current members and new members are eligible for board positions.

During the entire pandemic, the Playhouse met monthly via Zoom and even produced a video for its YouTube channel, “Bandon Burns,” based on the devastating fire of 1936.

This year, Playhouse is again meeting in person on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Sprague Community Theater. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

Also this year, the group welcomed local and visiting thespians to “Come Play with Bandon Playhouse” in an interactive open house as well as a theater workshop. The Playhouse is now in production for its upcoming show: Variety By-the-Sea featuring “Folly of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter” to be performed Nov. 18, 19 and 20 at the Sprague Community Theater.

“We’ve had so much support from the community but we need more volunteers who are willing to step up and serve on our Board of Directors,” said Playhouse president Amy Moss Strong. “We’ve managed to stay together and there’s nowhere to go but up from here. We hope to present a 2023 theater season that will appeal to all Bandon audiences.”

“We feel Playhouse is still vital to our community and provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore their creative sides,” Moss Strong added. “Whether on the stage or behind it, there’s a place for everyone to shine at the theater.”

The new board will help the Playhouse finalize its 2023 season selections, plus broaden its successful education program. Anyone interested in being nominated for a board position can call Moss Strong at 541-290-9989 to be put on the ballot, or show up at the meeting. Nominations also can be taken from the floor at the annual membership meeting.

Board appointments run from January through December. Current board members in addition to Moss Strong include past-president Neal Davis, board members Corrie Gant, Annie Ohlsen and Jen Marcotte.

For more information on Bandon Playhouse, visit BandonPlayhouse.org or on Facebook at Facebook.com/bandonplay.

Article contributed by Bandon Playhouse. Featured image: Nameer El-Kadi as Ebenezer Scrooge in the 2019 Playhouse production “A Bandon Christmas Carol,” photographed by Geneva Miller.