Getting ready to read

American Readers Theatre is planning ‘The Big Read’ MILFORD — The excitement is mounting. The planning is collaborative and comprehensive. The Big Read is the largest federal reading program in U.S. history. Sponsored by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Readers Theatre was one of 127 organizations to host a Big Read Celebration. Director Jeffrey Stocker said, “We are very proud to be a part of this national initiative that shares our common goals.” ART is a not-for-profit performing arts organization promoting literacy through dramatic readings. ART recently held a planning meeting for The Big Read which will be held throughout the month of May at various venues throughout Pike County, and will focus on John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,” and the era surrounding this classic novel. What was most impressive about the meeting was the number of enthusiastic collaborators throughout the county who are on board with this effort. Collaborators for The Big Read include the Delaware Valley School District, the Pike County Public Library, Grey Towers Heritage Association, and the Pike County Historical Society. Each of these organizations is contributing time and effort to make The Big Read a great success, not only in bringing citizens back to the joy of reading, but also in reinvigorating the very idea of community. Many events are being planned for Big Read month: The main event, which will include the opening ceremony, will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Delaware Valley High School. The performance will be an original dance piece created by John Magnus, artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet School. This will be choreographed to Aaron Copeland’s music from the era. There will also be performances by the DV high School Band and Chorus and the Ding-Del Chorus. The American Readers Theatre will perform a reading from excerpts of the “Grapes of Wrath” novel and screenplay. Dignitaries from all over the county will be there to support the Big Read. Admission is free and people are encouraged to bring a contribution of non-perishable food items for the Pike County Food Pantry. The Pike County Library will have a number of copies of “The Grapes of Wrath” available for extended borrowing as well as audiocassettes of the book. There will be a variety of scheduled discussion groups throughout the County during May. Look for more information and a schedule of events as the planning progresses on the ART Web site: www.americanreaderstheatre.com.