October Theatre Highlights

Su 10/28:The American Ruling Class, The Moviehouse, Millerton— As part of their FilmWorks Forum series, The Moviehouse brings in a groundbreaking hybrid “dramaticdocumentary musical,” written by Lewis Lapham [editor of Harper’s Magazine], and directed by John Kirby. The storyline explores one of our country’s taboo topics: Class, and the presence of an elite in our democratic society, following the tale of two graduates, one rich, one poor, as they seek direction in their lives. Cast member/interviewees include Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, James Baker, Pete Seeger, and Barbara Ehrenreich. Also screening at the Woodstock Film Festival, this should be nothing if not innovative and thought provoking. 48 Main St., Millerton, 518.789.3287, 518.789.3405. Call for times.

Sa 10/27: Lycanthropy Presents The 5Th Annual Ghost Poems, Mudd Puddle, new PalTz—Poet [and “freelance thinker”] Robert Milby recites his own brand of “ghost poetry,” while being accompanied by the perfect instrument, the ghostlywailing Theremin of 60’s sci-fi fame, performed by Carl Weldon of the Arm Of the Sea Mask and Puppet Theatre. In its fifth year, the ghost poem/theremin performance is becoming a local tradition, though in the press release it is advised that it is “not recommended for young children.” Wooo-weee-oooo. Water St. Market, 10 Main St., New Paltz, www.muddpuddlecoffee.com, 845.255.3436

Sa 10/13: Dissident Folk and Arts Fest, Howland Cultural Center, Beacon—The brainchild of songwriter and social activist John Pietaro, the Second Annual Dissident Folk and Arts Fest promises to be a full scale hullabaloo. Designated a “Daniel Pearl Music Day” event, musicians, poets, and speakers abound, with workshops on Woody Guthrie and New Orleans Today, as well as a special tribute to Bertolt Brecht. Music by Zenote Sompantle, The Flames of Discontent, and the Gwen Laster Ensemble, among others, and guest speaker Beacon city councilwoman Eleanor Thompson. All proceeds goto Howland’s geo-thermal project. 477 Main St., Beacon, www. flamesofdiscontent.com, 845.831.4988, 1PM-11PM.

10/18-21: FilMCOlUMBIA FilM FESTIVAL, at The Crandall Theater, Chatham—Area film lovers get a real bonus this month: hot on the heels of the Woodstock Film Festival comes the FilmColumbia festival, now in it’s eighth season in Chatham. Events include script readings, a screenwriting panel, filmmakers brunch, pub party, and a champagne reception featuring singer/ songwriter Cathy Grier. Sneak previews of upcoming releases are Friday and Saturday nights, a full listing of events and times available at www.filmcolumbia.com. Crandall Theater, Main St., Chatham, 518.392.3445.