The Summer Reading Program at the Great Bend Public Library continues next week with three free events related to the theme “A Universe of Stories.” There will be a children’s theater production of “Peter Pan” by Brett Crandall at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24; Cosmic Cosplay and pizza for teens at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25; and a free outdoor concert from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 26, featuring local rock band Ronnie & the Rockets.
Celebrate the Moon Landing with Ronnie & the Rockits
To wrap up the Great Bend Public Library’s summer program in cosmic style, Ronnie & the Rockits will present a summer evening concert from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, July 26, on the library’s front lawn, 1409 Williams St. The concert will also focus on the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing by Apollo 11 on July 20, 1969.
Ronnie and the Rockits have been together as a band for 16 years, but each member has been playing since the 1970s. The Rockits are native to the Hoisington area and play primarily classic rock songs. They perform music from a large variety of artists, including Lynryd Skynyrd, The Doobie Brothers, The Eagles and Tom Petty.
“The setlist for Friday evening will include a few more “space-themed” songs than usual in honor of the moon landing anniversary,” said library spokesman Michael Adamyk.
The concert will be held outdoors if weather conditions permit. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. In case of extreme heat or severe weather, the concert will be held inside the library.
The building will be open to allow for restroom use, but all other library services will not be available after closing at 5 p.m. on Friday. The library will provide bottled water and popsicles as refreshments.
“The concert will be family-friendly in its music selections, and we hope to see people of all ages,” Adamyk said. “Because the concert is held on city property and children will be present, we ask that concertgoers leave alcoholic beverages at home. The Great Bend Public Library would like to thank our summer sponsors for making this event possible, with special thanks to the Friends of the Library group. Please come and celebrate with us!”
Magical Interactive “Peter Pan” performance
Join the Great Bend Public Library at 2 p.m. on Wednesday for Brett Crandall’s Children’s Theatre. Crandall and Emma Price star in a production of J.M. Barrie’s classic favorite “Peter Pan,” which has been specially adapted for an interactive stage experience.
Crandall’s production company specializes in bringing the magic of theatre to small-town Kansas kids, Adamyk said.
“Crandall and Price will stage an entertaining show that will recreate the magic of Neverland with professional acting, staging, costumes and props. In the process, children that are watching will be given an opportunity to join the actors onstage to play various characters throughout the story. In this way, children are able to not only enjoy watching a live theatre show, but also have their very first acting experience in a friendly and low-pressure environment.”
Crandall and Price performed “The Wizard of Oz” at the library back in March, Adamyk recalled. “That show was a hit with parents and kids alike, and we are excited to bring Crandall and his productions back to the library again.”
Costumes, cosplay and pizza for creative teens
The Great Bend Public Library’s Teen Department is hosting an evening of fun and creativity beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 25. Any teens going into 6th grade and other, through those just finished 12th grade, are invited to participate in the “Cosmic Cosplay” event.
Cosmic Cosplay will give teens a chance to create a costume, props, and accessories to represent a specific fictional character. They will also be able to use theatrical makeup to add to the effect. After creating their character, participants will feast on pizza and then finish the evening with a red carpet runway and judging competition.
“The library will provide makeup and recycled materials for costumes,” Adamyk said. “In order to make sure we have pizza and enough costume materials for everyone, teens that are interested will need to register by texting “@coscosplay” to 81010.
“For those who are unfamiliar with cosplay, the term is simply shorthand for ‘costume play’ and involves any kind of costumed role-playing outside of the stage or film. Although it is especially popular in fantasy, sci-fi, superhero and anime genres, it can refer to any fictional character roles,” Adamyk continued. “The level of detail in costuming and role-playing varies greatly, from serious hobbyists to casual participants. Whether you are new to cosplay or are experienced, you are invited to join us at the library for our last big teen event of the summer.”
The library’s Teen Spot is also looking for help with this event. Any teen or adult who would like to be a judge is asked to call Haylee at the library, 620-792-2409. Judges will get free pizza. The teen spot also welcomes donations of clothing and accessory materials for the cosplay event. Donated materials may not be returned and must be clean. “We are in particular need of more duct tape,” Adamyk said.
