Reading Theater Project to present ‘Banshee’ [Spotlight]

A mysterious force echoes across generations in Reading Theater Project's world premiere of "Banshee."

From May 1-10, Berks County audiences will be able to see the first full production of "Banshee" by Wyomissing playwright Adam Richter at the WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St., Reading.

"Banshee" is directed by Jody Reppert and stage-managed by Sean Sassaman. The play features original music by Marty Bonk and choreography by Jessica Warchal-King of JCWK Dance Lab.

Inspired by the author's lifelong interest in Irish history and folklore, "Banshee" tells the story of Nancy Donough, a farmer in 18th-century Ireland who dreams of greatness. Instead, she is haunted by the call of a supernatural spirit that echoes through the generations, and a vision that could have deadly consequences.

"What makes the play so compelling is how it blends Irish folklore with deeply human questions about redemption and the courage it takes to face the truth," Reppert said. "Audiences will find themselves pulled into a mysterious and emotionally powerful journey that reminds us how storytelling — and theater itself — helps us confront the things that linger just beyond the edge of our understanding."

"I am absolutely thrilled to work with Reading Theater Project to bring this play to life," Richter said. "'Banshee' is a tale of legacy and generational inheritance, and I think those themes will resonate with all audiences."

"Banshee" runs about two hours with an intermission. Performances are May 1 at 7:30 p.m., May 2 at 1 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m., and May 8-9 at 7:30 p.m. and May 10 at 2 p.m. A talkback follows each performance. Tickets are Pay What You Will, including $0, with a recommended price of $25 and a pay-it-forward price of $50.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit readingtheaterproject.org .

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Reading Community Players will stage Tracy Letts' award-winning drama "The Minutes" on April 10–12 at the WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St., Reading. Part satire, part thriller, the play exposes the tensions, secrets, and power struggles beneath the surface of a small-town city council meeting.

Set in the town of Big Cherry, "The Minutes" quickly unravels into a sharp, darkly funny look at hypocrisy, ambition, and the stories communities tell to hold power. As questions arise — about a missing council member, misplaced bicycles, and hidden minutes — the ordinary becomes unsettling and the stakes climb until every character's motives are laid bare.

Letts, the Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright of "August: Osage County," blends deadpan humor with startling revelations to show how local politics can reflect national tensions. "The Minutes" mines both comedy and dread to ask what happens when truth becomes secondary to controlling the narrative.

"Watching from a director's point of view, and seeing these actors develop their characters, has been enjoyable," said director Randy Miller. "Especially those moments when I see the oh-I-get-it moments.

"While serving a role that is intended to be for the good of the community, all of these officials seem to always act what is in their own interest and the community does not really matter," said cast member Ed Carr.

Even with its seriousness, the audience will be amused and drawn into "The Minutes."

"They will love the humor and anyone who has sat on a board of directors, a church council, or government council will be able to relate," said cast member Dave Renninger. "The audience will hopefully be thinking about this play long after they leave the WCR and how it mirrors our current events."

"We're thrilled to bring this timely, fierce, and surprisingly comic play to our stage," said RCP President Denise Darrah. "'The Minutes' asks audiences to listen closely — because the smallest towns can hold the biggest secrets, and minutes can change everything."

"The Minutes" is recommended for mature audiences due to language, complex adult themes, and political content.

Contact Reading Community Players box office at rcptheatre@gmail.com for further information. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and can be purchased online at RCPstage.ludus.com . Flex passes for the 2026 season are also available.

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Radio WEEU-830 AM has announced the first Berks County Theater Awards. Centered around the pillars of inclusion, celebration and community pride, the Berks County Theater Awards will showcase the talent of Berks County students in performing arts.

All Berks County high schools, regardless of size or experience, are invited and encouraged to participate in the awards program, which will culminate with the first Berks County Theater Awards Show on May 13. Schools that want to participate can contact WEEU at hstheater@830weeu.com .

The program exists to highlight the dedication of educators and directors, strengthen connections between schools and the community, showcase the power of arts education, and inspire future performers, technicians and storytellers. It is about honoring the passion and hard work that happens behind the scenes and on stage every year.

Art

The Foundation for the Reading Public Museum announced the voluntary return of a 10th- or 11th-century Cambodian Khmer stone sculpture to Cambodia. This repatriation was conducted in close cooperation with the Cambodian government and the nation's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, facilitated by Bradley J. Gordon, an attorney and advisor based in Phnom Penh.

The sculpture was originally received by the Foundation as part of a recent bequest. Upon its arrival, museum staff immediately identified the sculpture as a potential high-risk antiquity and took the proactive step of setting it aside for further study. Museum staff soon recognized the likelihood that the work had been looted from its original site and purposefully chose not to accession the object into its permanent collection.

"Ensuring the proper ownership of antiquities from around the globe is a responsibility that the Reading Public Museum takes very seriously," said Geoffrey K. Fleming, director and CEO of the Foundation for the Reading Public Museum. "The decision not to accession the work and to return this sculpture without delay reflects our commitment to ethical stewardship and international heritage laws. We are honored to see this meaningful object return to its rightful home."

The repatriation process was made possible through the dedicated efforts of legal and cultural experts who specialize in the recovery of Cambodia's stolen history. By working directly with Cambodian officials, including the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Foundation ensures that this important remnant of the Khmer Empire will once again be part of the Kingdom's national cultural narrative. Many works of art were stripped from temples and other sites during the political unrest in the 1960s and 1970s.

"It is tremendously gratifying to see the Foundation for the Reading Public Museum step forward and reach out to us," Gordon said. "On behalf of the Kingdom of Cambodia, we are deeply touched by the ethical responsibility shown by the museum staff in assessing the sculpture's origins and initiating its return."

Music

Bryan Adams, with special guests Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, will bring the second leg of his U.S. Roll With the Punches Tour to the Santander Arena in Reading on Aug. 11. Tickets are on sale at LiveNation.com .

The 2026 tour builds on the momentum of Adams' hugely popular 2025 Roll With The Punches Tour, which spanned more than 80 performances worldwide in support of his 16th studio album, "Roll With The Punches."

With decades of chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and unforgettable live performances, Adams continues to deliver an arena-sized rock show that brings fans together night after night.

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The Reading Symphony Orchestra has announced the extension of Music Director Andrew Constantine's contract through the 2030 season, reaffirming a shared commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and the continued growth of one of the region's leading cultural institutions.

Constantine has led the orchestra through almost two decades of dynamic artistic development, marked by innovative programming, expanding audiences, and deepened connections throughout the Greater Reading community. Under his leadership, the orchestra has strengthened its commitment to both the core symphonic repertoire and new, diverse voices, while enhancing its role as a cultural cornerstone of the region.

"Under Andrew's leadership, our organization has experienced incredible musical vitality," said Executive Director Brent Chancellor. "His passion, vision, and connection with musicians and audiences have helped shape a vibrant and dynamic arts community we are proud to call our own."

"Andrew's leadership has been transformative for the Reading Symphony Orchestra," said Charlie Bock, president of the RSO board. "This extension reflects our confidence in his artistic vision and our excitement for the future we are building together".

"I am deeply honored to continue this work with the extraordinary musicians of the Reading Symphony Orchestra," Constantine said. "Together, we look forward to building on our momentum and expanding our impact within the community in meaningful and lasting ways."