Capitol Theatre

chambersburg@herald-mail.com It's hard to visualize the gaping hole among downtown Chambersburg's storefronts as a multimillion-dollar cultural arts center, but planners say work is on schedule for its completion next spring. "I'm very pleased. We are on schedule and will get done by next May," said Paul Cullinane, president of Downtown Chambersburg Inc., which is spearheading the project for the $5 million art center and expansion of the adjacent Capitol Theatre. Three storefronts between the theater and Main Street Deli and four smaller structures along West Washington Street that backed up against the proposed center were razed last fall, leaving behind an open construction site bordered by three-story buildings along South Main Street.

see the enlargement Don't wait for some enchanted evening to take a sentimental journey. Start your trip this weekend at "Salute to the Forties," a benefit to mark the 71st anniversary of Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg, Pa. The program features musical styles from gospel to country, and performers include operatic tenor Cristoforo Padula, Capitol Big Band, Paula Hepfer, Ken Wadding, Seven Local Women, The Swing...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. -- Still a bit sore from running the JFK 50 Mile ultramarathon on Saturday, Laszlo Madaras was exercising a different set of muscles Tuesday, hoisting petite Sarah Milback above his head. "Today, I'm not going to fly as high as I usually do," the Chambersburg Hospital physician said during a brief break in rehearsals for the Chambersburg Ballet Theatre Co.'s production of "The Nutcracker. " Madaras is one of the "dancing dads" the ballet troupe has recruited for performances of the famed Tchaikovsky ballet at the Capitol Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. In the past, he has worked backstage in support of daughter Sylvia, but last year appeared as the grandfather and this season has a featured role as Drosselmeyer.

Jazz and blues Red Holloway presents an evening of jazz and blues. Also, Stack-O-Blues and the Blue Comets, led by Pete Lancaster. Today, 8 p.m. Quality Inn ballroom, 4328 William L. Wilson Freeway, Harpers Ferry, W.Va. $20 at the door. Call 1-304-535-6881 or 1-800-821-5206. Proceeds from the concert will support the 2006 Niagara Movement Centennial commemoration at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Ozark Jubilee Comedian and fiddler Doofus Doolittle, also known as Randy Newman, presents a concert and comedy show.

'A Doll's House' FREDERICK, Md. - Henrik Ibsen's drama of blackmail and innocence, love and hypocrisy. Adapted by Maryland Ensemble Theatre. Through Saturday, Nov. 22. Call 301-694-4744. 'Miracle on 34th Street' CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. -Chambersburg Community Theatre presents the holiday classic, "Miracle on 34th Street. " 8 p.m. today, Friday, Nov. 21; 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. The Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St. Advance tickets cost $10 and $14; tickets purchased at the door cost $12 and $17. Purchase tickets at The Capitol Theatre box office at 159 S. Main St. or by calling 717-263-0202.

By LISA GRAYBEAL Staff Writer, Chambersburg CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Stephanie Salisbury saw her first movie at the Capitol Theatre when she was a little girl, so it was only fitting that she'd bring her 6-year-old daughter, Rebecca, to see a movie there on Sunday afternoon. "When I was a kid I came here for movies. That was before the mall," said Salisbury of Chambersburg, standing in the theater's popcorn-scented lobby with her daughter, mother, and father after the showing of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Detrick board meeting today FREDERICK, Md. - The Fort Detrick Environmental Restoration Advisory Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. today in conference room three of the Gooloe E. Byron Building (810). Douglas T. Scarborough, who is in charge of projects for the U.S. Army Environmental Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, will give a briefing on Technical Assistance for Public Participation, a new Department of Defense program. Thomas P. Meyer, project manager for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Baltimore District, will give an update on the status of actions in the remedial investigation and the results of the latest geophysical studies.

andrear@herald-mail.com CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - A chili cook-off will put some heat into Chambersburg's IceFest 2004. Sponsored by the Chambersburg Area Council for the Arts and Downtown Chambersburg Inc., the second annual outdoor festival starts today and runs through Sunday, Feb. 1, along Main Street in downtown Chambersburg. Visitors can watch ice artist Ernie DiMartino and his crew from Jeannette, Pa., carve sculptures from massive blocks of ice, take sleigh rides through the downtown area, attend the Missoula Children's Theatre's performances of "Red Riding Hood" and cast their votes for the best pot of chili.

Chambersburg council reallocates funds By STACEY DANZUSO chbbureau@innernet.net CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - The Chambersburg Borough Council went along with a recommendation Tuesday to reallocate most of $80,000 in grant money to make downtown sidewalks handicapped-accessible and continue the historic preservation of the Capitol Theatre. Last month, 10 groups asked for more than four times the available funding for various projects. Council reallocated the money from the 1997 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant awards because the original recipient, Building Our Pride in Chambersburg, will be unable to use it before the June 3 deadline.

CHAMBERSBURG, PA. - Who was on first, What covered second and I-Don't-Know played third base, yet everyone who came to the plate for Saturday's "Salute to Sports & Recreation" at the Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg batted a thousand with the almost packed house. "I think (the show) is terrific," said Robert Frey of Chambersburg, catching his breath at intermission. "This is more fun than watching a professional production. " The show interactively saluted some of America's favorite sports and pastimes with song, dance, humor and games.