22nd Annual Historical “Walk with Spirits of the Past”

Medina’s 22nd Annual Historical “Walk with Spirits of the Past” is scheduled to entertain audiences with lively stories about historical events on the weekend of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 7, 8, and 9, and on Sunday, September 10, 2017. The scenes about early Medina, featuring important characters from local history, will be acted out in locations around Medina Public Square between 7 and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Thursday the hours are 7 to 8:30. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a special production at Miss Molly’s. The annual event is cooperatively staged by The Medina County Show Biz Company, The Medina County Historical Society, and The Medina County Arts Council,

This year’s presentations are directed by Donna Bica and Marcia Aguiar. Bica, who directs three of the performances, serves with the Medina Show Biz board of trustees and is a former president of Show Biz. She is also a former Medina County Arts Council trustee. She has performed professionally with Akron’s Illusion Factory, a children’s theatre company. She also has directed the actors in Medina’s “Walk” every year since she served on the Arts Council committee that began the project. She has appeared in many Medina Show Biz productions and musicals as well as singing with the Galaxy Players and Brunswick ACT. Bica recently has been doing murder mysteries on Cuyahoga Valley railroad with the Get Away With Murder Company. She lives in Medina with her husband.

Returning again for this year is Marcia Aguiar who is joining Bica to direct three of the performances of the scenes around the Medina Square. Aguiar has a degree in Speech and Theatre and has been performing on stage since grade school. She has been involved with the Medina Show Biz Company, performing on stage, working backstage, and now directing three stories for “A Walk with Spirits of the Past” in 2017. She has performed previously as an actress in the Walk in 2010 and in 2011, and has directed in several years beginning in 2013. Aguiar also has organized and directed an after school drama club with the students at Medina’s Root Middle School. She and her husband live in Medina and have two sons.

The historical characters and situations have been selected and the scripts written by members of the Medina County Historical Society and others. Stories include “Dr. Huston and Helpers,” “The Whipp Trial,” “Pioneer Women,” “H.G. Blake and the Underground Railroad,” “Charles Olcott”, and “Community Band.”

Actors cast in the six stories this year include: Mark Levigne, Aaron Levigne, Steve Levigne, Charlie Richards, Megan Polk, and Marcia Aguiar. Cyndi McClintock, Stefanie Plymale, Manuel Aguiar, Ron Svoboda, Mike McClintock, and Barry Frey.

A special highlight of the weekend performances is the inclusion of “Dine with The Spirits of the Past” at Miss Molly’s Tea Room in Medina on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. Local history buffs and those looking for pleasant entertainment without the “walk” will be able to get reservations by calling 330-725-6830 to see the stories and enjoy food and drink at the same time. The cost of this event will be $23.00.

The traditional “Walk” begins at the County Administration Building at 144 North Broadway Street in Medina, where every 10 minutes, guides will start out leading groups to different sites in the Square area where the dramatic performances will take place. Judy and Mike Davanzo representing the Historical Society are in charge of scheduling the guides, the Medina County Arts Council is in charge of publicity, and the Medina County Historical Society is in charge of ticket sales. Tickets will be on sale at the beginning point of the “Walk” in the parking area of the Administration Building on the day of the event. Day of event prices are $6 for adults and $3 for all children 12 and under. The event is wheelchair accessible.

Tickets may also be purchased in advance at lower prices at Ormandy’s at 10 Public Square for $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. Call 330-722-5502 during business hours for further information.

Press release submitted by:
Nancy Sprowls – 330-725-6443
PR Committee
Linda Loveless – 330-421-2621
Marketing Committee