The Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble is holding a benefit for Ukraine this Friday, April 8. BTE is currently in the second week of its three-week run of “Witch,” a dramatic comedy. All of the ticket sales for this Friday’s performance — yes, 100% of sales — will be used to buy supplies for the people in Ukraine. The curtain opens at 7:30 p.m.
The support doesn’t stop at buying a ticket for Friday’s show. While the sales will be used to purchase necessary items, such as boots and sleeping bags, for people on the ground, BTE is also collecting items for the children of Ukraine. They are looking for art supplies, such as crayons, stickers, coloring books and more, to fill backpacks with fun activities for Ukraine’s youth.
A post on the official Facebook event page reads: “If you’d like to bring a smile to one of the millions of children affected by the war, please drop off your donations in our lobby anytime BTE is open, or when you come to the show! We will take donations throughout the run of ‘Witch.'”
There is even more reason to see “Witch” tomorrow! According to the “Ukraine Benefit at BTE” Facebook event page, “MC Federal Credit Union will match every ticket sold dollar for dollar up to $2500.” So, an adult ticket that costs $27 will result in not only a good show, but also a $54 donation that directly benefits the Ukrainian people.
“Witch” by Jen Silverman is a bold retelling of a 1619 play, “The Witch of Edmonton,” by William Rowley, Thomas Dekker and John Ford. According to Silverman’s website, the play is about a devil arriving in a quiet town to “bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes.” Elizabeth has already been labeled a “witch” but it turns out her soul is a hard sell. The play explores the concept of hope where none is thought to remain, and has been called “utterly spellbinding” by the Los Angeles Daily News.
The remaining shows are April 8 to 10 and April 14 to 16. All performances are at the Alvina Krause Theatre, located in the heart of downtown at 226 Center St.
Tickets prices are as follows: adults, $27; senior citizens and young adults (below 30 years of age), $23; students, $13; children, $10; Bloomsburg University students, $7.
The play is available for streaming at a price of $15 for 48-hours from April 10 to 16.
For more information, contact the BTE Box Office at 570-784-8181 or email boxoffice@bte.org.
