Schenectady Today -- In and Around the Capital Region
Filmed November 17, 2015 (Show #907)

Photographs by Malcolm Kogut-- Website by Gregg Millett

Elvis Tribute Artist Performing – Segment on Schenectady Today In & Around the Capital Region with Guest: TJ Greene, Elvis Tribute Artist Reflections is a wonderful two-day Elvis Tribute contest that raises money to help St. Jude's Children's Hospital. 15 Elvis Tribute Artists are invited to compete for 5 spots in prizes and various other awards including People's Choice. This year returns the "What If" song category. Last year hosted a wedding and this year is no different. Elvis Tribute Artist TJ Greene and his wife Heidi are renewing their vows in a ceremony at the event. Fun to be had by all. This is Greene's 2nd time on Schenectady Today. "I'm so thrilled to have been asked to come back. It was an honor then to talk about my journey with Ann and the amazing folks who film and watch this show, and it's an honor now to return and talk a bit more about how this year's Reflections contest went and some of the things to look forward to in 2016." Event: Reflections of the King 2016 Location of event: Westfield, NY Date/Time: Fri, Oct 7 and Sat, Oct 8 Facebook: Yes Website: www.ReflectionsOfTheKing.webs.com
To watch this segment CLICK HERE.

Pet Academy Dog Training – Segment on Schenectady Today In & Around the Capital Region with Guest: Deb Balliet, Executive Director and Cydney Cross, Pet Academy Dog Trainer The APF Pet Academy helps improve animal/human relationships and through our training classes which benefit both the dog and its owner, and their family. APF Mission: To eliminate animal suffering, to reduce pet overpopulation, to enhance human & animal relationships, and to provide excellent care to homeless animals. Check their website for their "Wish List". Gift cards welcome. Organization: Animal Protective Foundation Location: 53 Maple Ave Glenville Contact Information: 374-3944 Facebook: Yes Website: www.AnimalProtective.org

A Christmas Story, the Musical – Segment on Schenectady Today In & Around the Capital Region with Guest: Freddy Ramirez, Choreographer, George Franklin "Scut Farkus" and Kara Mikula "Miss Shields" Based on the motion picture A CHRISTMAS STORY written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, this joyous musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts – an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. All the iconic scenes are here, along with a rollicking TONY® nominated score and all the lovable characters that have become a part of American storytelling – Flick, Schwartz, Scut Farkus, Grover Dill, little Ralphie and his brother Randy, Miss Shields, Mom and the Old Man. A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL will bring smiles to the entire family! Freddy Ramirez has also choreographed Gypsy, The Secret Garden at theREP. Kara Mikula is a multi-talented actress, musician, and dancer. She plays several instruments and has also been involved in workshops. George Franklin was Grover Dill in the 2010 REP production of the play A Christmas Story. He went on to be a swing with the Broadway debut of A Christmas Story, the Musical. He is now back at theREP playing Scut Farkus in A Christmas Story, the Musical. Organization: theREP (Capital Repertory Theatre) Event: A Christmas Story, the Musical Location of event: North Pearl Street, Albany Date/Time: Nov 27 – Dec 27 · Tues-Wed-Thurs at 7:30, Fri/Sat at 8:00 pm, Weds. Dec. 9 matinee at 2:00, Sat. matinees at 3:00 pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Cost: Range $20-$50 (Student tickets are $16) Contact Information: 518-445-SHOW (7469) Facebook: Yes "Capital Repertory Theatre" Website: www.CapitalRep.org

Motown the Musical is Here! – Segment on Schenectady Today In & Around the Capital Region with Guests: Michael Eck It began as one man's story… became everyone's music… and is now Broadway's musical. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as "My Girl" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL! "More than a Broadway Show. A celebration of music that transformed America" CBS Sunday Morning. Organization: Proctors Event: Motown the Musical (Broadway Tour) Location of event: Proctors, 432 State Street, Schenectady Date/Time: Nov 17-22 (Nov 22 performance will be signed for the hearing impaired) Cost: Ticket prices vary Contact Information: see website Facebook: Yes Website: www.Proctors.org

The Dudley Observatory & Holiday Events at miSci – Segment on Schenectady Today In & Around the Capital Region with Guests: Kim Jess, Grants Development and Dr. Valerie Rapson, Outreach Astronomer from Dudley Observatory. Here's what is coming up: o Trains and Toys Holiday Show Opens – the model trains are back at miSci this holiday season. Explore the intricate 19 x 27 foot display of running O Gauge (Lionel) model trains. Stay and Play! The Play Space is full of science toys you don't have at home. Special thanks to Upstate Train Associates. November 27 from 9 am to 5 pm and throughout the holiday season. (free with admission) o The Polar Express – Come and meet Santa and the Conductor from the Polar Express, who will be at miSci to kick off the Trains and Toys Holiday Show. From 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday, Nov 28 Organization: miSci (Museum of Innovation and Science, formerly Sch'dy Museum) & The Dudley Observatory Location: 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Sch'dy 12308 Contact Information: 518-382-7890 Facebook: Yes Website: www.miSci.org