BROOKFIELDS NOTEBOOK.

Byline: Karen TRAINOR

COLUMN: BROOKFIELDS NOTEBOOK

Have you ever longed to strut your stuff on the stage? Are you prone to belting out Broadway tunes at a whim? Whether you are a veteran entertainer or an off-key performer with more enthusiasm than talent, Center Stage Community Theatre wants you.

Director Jeanne Lytle of Brookfield is putting the call out for singers and dancers for her upcoming Broadway Revue fundraiser to be held in November at Town Hall. A date has not yet been set.

Even those who can't carry a tune and have two left feet are encouraged to audition for the "musical performance of the year." Community spirit is the only requirement.

"Music has a way of bringing people together. This will be a great opportunity for children and adults to work together," said Mrs. Lytle, who is donating proceeds to the Citizens monthly newsletter of Brookfield's APPLE (Average People Promoting a Loving Environment).

The event will feature musical selections from such Broadway hits as "South Pacific," "Annie," "Oliver," "The Music Man," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and "Anything Goes." Mrs. Lytle is seeking ideas for additional tunes and invites area residents to participate in the lively production.

The production will be held in the Banquet Room, on the second floor of the historic Central Street Town Hall.

Mrs. Lytle, a teacher's aide at Brookfield Elementary School, founded the Center Stage Community Theatre in the late 1980s, when she began directing classroom productions. In 1998, she branched out to include adult performers and to produce local shows to benefit community organizations and causes. Her shows feature local talent and often include performances by former and current town officials. Some familiar faces include former Selectman Philip H. Peirce, now chairman of the Board of Assessors; former Administrative Assistant Carol Plumb; and perennial favorite, resident Lois O'Leary, who works at Tantasqua Junior High School.

Area residents interested in performing in the Broadway Revue, or who want to volunteer to work behind the scenes should call Mrs. Lytle at [phone], or send her an e-mail at [e-mail].

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Art, music and a hefty dose of community pride will headline an upcoming festival spearheaded by two local musicians.

Residents Jason Nagle and Sam N. Barkoskie plan to turn the historic North Brookfield Town Common into a cultural venue for area artists and musicians as they gear up for the first North Brookfield Arts and Music Festival slated to run from noon to 9 p.m. tomorrow. The young men, both lifelong residents, said they will donate any profits from the event to the Town Hall Renovation Fund.

The festival will feature an art show and sale by the Massasoit Art Guild, as well as several area bands playing a wide range of music, including folk, pop, rock and bluegrass. Food vendors will offer fair type foods, and artisan offerings include handmade goods from local crafters. Raffles, hay rides, storytelling, craft projects, as well as children's activities such as a moon bounce, pony rides and face painting are also on tap.

"We are going for a feeling reminiscent of a block party, with more of the focus on musicians," Nagle said.

Local and area bands on the roster during the festival include All Folked Up, Hot Pursuit, Cookie Makin' Satan Haters, Dang, The New Brookfield Ramblers, Jumbled Mess and singer Channing LeBlanc.

Vendor space at the festival is available for $30. Those interested should contact Jason Nagle at [phone].

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The crisp, early autumn days of harvest provide a perfect backdrop for an old-fashioned New England fair. Fresh baked goods, games of chance, children's activities, artisan crafts, a yard sale and plenty of refreshments will highlight an upcoming Harvest Festival in West Brookfield.

The event, scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, will be held on the parish grounds at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 10 Milk St.

Proceeds will benefit the church's New Roof Fund.

Rental space is available for $10, and vendors must supply their own tables. For more information, or to rent space, call Madeline at [phone].