Sydney Abbott began life as a child protégé of sorts. The now 15-year-old will be a sophomore at Archbishop Spalding High School this fall and she plans to sing for the rest of her life.
“I have danced since I was 3-years-old,” Sydney said. “I have sang since I could form words, and started acting when I was 6.”
Sydney is currently appearing in the Talent Machine Company Inc.’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun,” in Annapolis. She found the role of Dolly to be a fun challenge that she was delighted to have the opportunity to explore.
“I love the costumes that I get to wear, and her sassy and flirty personality,” Sydney said.
On a more serious note, playing this particular part taught her that not everything will be perfect the first time, and that you have to take chances to find your character.
“Dolly is a confident girl that is very full of herself,” Sydney said. “It has honestly inspired me to take more chances and has made me grow as an actress and as a person. She is definitely going to make the top of the list of characters that I have played. “
This is Sydney’s second appearance in a Talent Machine Company production. She also appeared in the annual holiday show in December. Sydney has appeared in the title role in Cinderella at Crofton Middle School as well as Sandy in Grease at the same school, and as a shoemaker’s elf in Shrek at Archbishop Spalding earlier this year.
“I hope that I sing for the rest of my life but in college I hope to get my major in music administration, so not being on stage but working behind the scenes,” said the actress. “But I hope that theater is something that stays with me for the rest of my life because theater is like a community and once you are a part of it there is no way you are ever going to want to leave.”
Sydney appears as Dolly Saturday and Sunday at the Key Auditorium at St. John’s College, 60 College Ave. in Annapolis. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 and are available on line or at the door. For more information, visit www.talentmachine.com or call 410-956-0512.
Edith May’s featured artist series
Edith May’s Paradise, 7711 Apple Ave. in Jessup, continues its feature artist series today at 7 p.m. with the music of Howard Markman & Palookaville. Opening for Palookaville is Adam Trice of Red Sammy. A donation of $15 is suggested at the door. BYOP or a dish if you wish. Contact georgie @georgiejessup.com or call 410-799-3735 for information.
Matthews Family & Friends Day
The Matthews Family, one of Anne Arundel County’s largest African-American families, is hosting a Mathews Family and Friends Day on July 17 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Matthewstown-Harmans Park at 7506 Ridge Chapel Road in Hanover. The family will worship together in the morning from 10 a.m. to noon at St Marks United Methodist Church, 1440 Dorsey Road, prior to their arrival at the park. For more information call Carol Gaither, 410-863-1456 or Kay Irving 443-354-2068.
Elks Lodge events
* Glen Burnie Elks Lodge #2266, 878 Stevenson Road in Severn, hosts an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast on July 17 from 9-11 a.m. Cost is $8.50 per person.
* Dinner specials at the lodge this month feature an Italian night on July 21 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Cost is $7.
* A fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans will be served in the lounge on July 22. All Friday night dinners are from 5:30– 8 p.m. Cost is $9 and features a different menu each week. For reservations and information regarding any of the food events, 410-969-2266.
* The first ever Classic Car & Truck Show and Open House will be held July 23. All makes and models should be registered at the lodge between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The show and open house begin at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. For details, call John Arthur at 410-413-0112.
* Rick’s Finger-Lickin Pig Pickin Dinner Dance follows the Car Show Special on July 23 from 6 to 11 p.m. Music is by Country Breeze. Tickets are $20 per person if reserved by July 16. Call Jeff Meeks at 410-818-4401, or the lodge at 410-969-2266 to make reservations.
Homecoming at St. Mark UMC
St. Mark United Methodist Church, 1440 Dorsey Road in Hanover is hosting a Homecoming Weekend July 22-24 with events each day.
* A Gospel Extravaganza & All White Praise Party, and a Fish & Chicken Fry will be held on July 22. Cost is $10 per plate. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. and the All White Praise Party starts at 7 p.m.
* A Community Flea Market/Yard Sale & Car Wash is being held July 23 at the church from 8 a.m. to noon. Spaces are $10, two maximum, table optional. To reserve a space, phone Denard Hebron at 410-712-4823. Health Screening will also be available.
* A Benefit Jazz & Comedy Café on the Lawn takes place on July 23 from 7–9 p.m. Performers include the Melinda Ford Project Jazz Band and Comedians E. Boogie and Simply Shirley. Tickets are $25 each. All proceeds go to the National Compassion Fund for the victims of the Orlando Nightclub Shooting.
* To conclude the Homecoming Weekend, an Ice Cream Social celebrating Hospitality Day takes place on July 24 immediately following the 10 a.m. worship services. For more information on any of the Homecoming Weekend events, call Denard Hebron at 410-712-4823.
The West County Column is published in the Capital Gazette newspapers every 1st, 3rd and 4th week and appears bi-weekly in the Laurel Leader. To submit news for Severn, Hanover, Jessup, Harmans, Ft. Meade and Maryland City contact Sharon P. Schultz at pinkladysps@gmail.com.
