The auditorium of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA) is both a celebration site and the "scene of the crime," according to Kent Streed, the man who we are all here honoring tonight.

A few weeks ago, Kent was in dress rehearsal at the LPCA for Pendragon Theatre's Pinnochio when he collapsed and was ultimately taken to Fletcher Allen Hospital in Burlington, VT.

Kent had suffered a brain aneurysm and, thankfully, survived. He is back home in Saranac Lake but the cause remains a mystery and Kent will have to take things easy for a while. In any case, though Kent has worked, and worked hard, all his life, he does not have health insurance.

Some of Kent's theatrical friends organized this evening of spectacular entertainment in order to raise money for Kent's hospital bills. They've called it, "Give 'Til It Hurts—A Concert to Benefit Kent Streed."

The evening is chock-full of local performers at their best. Throughout the evening we learn of the many talents of Kent Streed. From actor/storyteller Fran Yardley, that he is an "actor, director, costume designer, set designer," etc. The tributes are often humorous but also very sincere. Not only has Kent devoted himself to Pendragon Theatre but he has worked on school musicals for Lake Placid and Saranac Lake and helped out the Community Theatre Players (CTP) as well.

The turn-out in the talent department tonight reflects the many venues and hearts that he has touched.

From the moment Matt Sorensen (Pendragon Theatre and CTP) sashays across the stage as the Diva from Sunset Boulevard, he wins us over completely and goes on to out-Diva the best of them with his many faces--and voices--of female.

Then the show-stopping duo of Lucky Cerruti and Joey Izzo wows us with an incredible rendition of "It's All for the Best" from Godspell. I have watched these two grow in North Country theatre over the years and can't wait to see what's ahead for them as college beckons.

There are so many amusing acts, bits, musicians (Phill Greenland playing and singing at the piano), Kim Andresen sharing Kent stories as well as her own, George and Liz Cordes of High Peaks Opera with an "Old Man River" that gives me shivers, previews of Pendragon's 2012 season, and a grand finale with many of Kent's cohorts all lined up, each holding a photo of Kent, and singing "One, Singular Sensation" from A Chorus Line. The whole evening is nothing less than sensational!

The folks onstage and off comprise a huge segment of the theatre community in the North Country. You'll be able to see many of them in various venues over the course of the summer. Check out the websites for Pendragon Theatre, LPCA, High Peaks Opera, the Depot Theatre, and Essex Theatre Company if you're looking for some sensational performances in the Adirondacks.

Of course, the stage is not the only place where art happens in this building. The art exhibit on display is also a benefit--for the North Country SPCA'S capital campaign. "Artists for Animals" features some of the cutest works of art I've ever seen. It's described as "works of art with animals in mind" and will be on display at the LPCA until June16. For more information on the North Country SPCA you may click through to the website.

Make sure to check back to the Lake Placid Events page to keep up with all the arts and entertainment events coming up this summer.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.