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As the curtains draw close on the fantastical production of "Seussical" at Theatre Harrisburg, audiences are left enchanted by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss characters brought to life on stage. Since its opening on April 26th, the musical has captivated hearts and minds with its tale of friendship, loyalty, and community. In an exclusive interview with Lorien Reese Mahay, the Executive Director of Theatre Harrisburg, and Becky Mease, the chair of the board of Directors, insights were shared on the success of the season and the compelling reasons why theater enthusiasts should seize the opportunity to witness the magic of "Seussical" before it bids adieu. "The response to 'Seussical' has been overwhelmingly positive," Mahay beams, reflecting on the journey of Horton the Elephant as he embarks on a daring adventure to safeguard Jojo and the Whos. "It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Dr. Seuss's timeless characters and themes."

Mease echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the profound resonance of the production's themes of friendship, loyalty, and community. "In a world filled with challenges, 'Seussical' reminds us of the importance of standing together and supporting one another," she asserts. Adapted from Dr. Seuss's beloved stories, "Seussical" follows Horton's quest to protect the Whos, encountering trials and tribulations along the way. From facing ridicule to braving danger, Horton's unwavering dedication is a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance. "Seussical" not only delights audiences with its vibrant performances but also provides a platform for creative expression through its inventive set designs, lighting, and costumes. The musical's alternate orchestration offers a fresh take, catering to diverse interpretations of the beloved characters.

With its universal appeal and family-friendly charm, "Seussical" promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. As the final performances approach, Mahay and Mease extend a heartfelt invitation for theater enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Dr. Seuss one last time. And as the curtain falls on "Seussical," Theatre Harrisburg leaves an indelible mark on its audience, reminding them of the enduring power of imagination, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit.
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There are about 200 million working animals around the world. Here in Pennsylvania, we’re most familiar with farm horses, search and rescue dogs, dogs used by law enforcement and therapy animals.

The Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation has plans to honor these animals with a granite memorial wall in Mechanicsburg on June 1.

On The Spark Wednesday was Terri Heck, President of the Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation, who talked about why working animals are being memorialized,"People don't realize all that they do, or they don't realize the hours of training that goes into these animals. They don't realize the cost of being able to offer these services to the people. So, to me is it's more of not taking it for granted, but the realization is not there. People don't know. So we want people to know, and we want the handlers of these animals and the entities that support them, whether there are nonprofit like my search-and-rescue dogs and all the people and businesses that are willing to donate to us, or it's the sheriff's department in York County that I know spend hours doing fundraising, so it doesn't cost the citizens anything, to have the canines. I just want to make people more aware of all that goes into having these animals there to find the lost child, to get the criminal off the streets, to give that person in the wheelchair the freedom they need to be able to make that person that's in the hospital feel better, more relaxed. Just all of this, to me, it's a knowledge based thing. So the more that we share that, I think the more that these animals will be appreciated along with their handlers and supporting agencies and should be."
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In the heart of Oklahoma's jazz culture, a prodigious talent emerged, shaped by the rich harmonies of the genre and guided by the influence of legendary musicians. Champian Fulton, hailed as one of jazz's top talents, traces her musical journey back to her upbringing in Oklahoma, where the rhythms of jazz infused her childhood. Inspired by her father, jazz trumpeter Stephen Fulton, Champian's passion for music ignited at a young age. Surrounded by the vibrant jazz scene of Oklahoma, she found herself immersed in a world where melodies danced through the air and improvisation was second nature.

On a recent episode of The Spark, Champian delved into her upcoming endeavors with Marquis Lupton. The conversation centered around her highly anticipated tour and her 18th studio album, offering fans a glimpse into her artistic process and the inspiration drawn from her Oklahoma roots. Champian's journey into the realm of jazz was not solitary. Alongside her father's guidance, she found mentorship from luminaries such as Clark Terry and Major Holley, whose influence sculpted her musical identity. Their wisdom and expertise provided the foundation upon which Champian built her career, earning her acclaim as one of the most gifted jazz musicians of her generation.

During her interview with Lupton, Champian reflected on the significance of her upbringing in the Oklahoma jazz scene. She spoke fondly of the supportive community that nurtured her talent and the countless hours spent honing her craft in local clubs and venues. And, as she gears up for her upcoming tour, Champian remains steadfast in her commitment to honoring the traditions of jazz while infusing her own unique voice into the genre. Her 18th studio album promises to be a testament to her evolution as an artist, showcasing her mastery of the craft and her deep connection to her musical heritage.

With each note she plays, Champian Fulton pays homage to the jazz legends who came before her, carrying forward their legacy while forging a path of her own. As she continues to captivate audiences around the world with her unparalleled talent, her Oklahoma roots remain at the core of her identity, serving as a constant source of inspiration and strength.
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About 20% of all people who consume alcohol develop an unhealthy use, accounting for over 5% of worldwide deaths.

Bucknell University psychology and neuroscience professor Judy Grisel was among those who developed an unhealthy relationship with substances.

Dr. Grisel began her recovery from addiction 30 years ago. Since then, she has studied substance dependency and wrote a New York Times best-selling book Never Enough, the Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction.

Grisel has authored a new study that examines brain activity from a single exposure to alcohol and the impact it can have on some people,"I was trying to understand what's different about the brains of people like me, who go on to develop a problem before they ever start using. So we now know that the brains of people who have substance use disorders are different before they begin, while they're using. And then even after they're finished, hopefully. And I wanted to probe the mechanisms of those differences. We know, for example, that a big portion of your risk, maybe up to 50%, is something you're born with. But for the most part, we don't really know what it is that you're born with that makes you differently sensitive. And one of the things in the clinic. That has been shown probably for maybe 45 years, is that people who go on to develop a problem, the first time they get it, they they tend to have a different response, a more euphoric response and a less sedated response."

Grisel and her team of researchers used mice to experiment with the impact on the brain from the first time they consumed alcohol.

Grisel indicated age is a factor in addiction. She said that a person who doesn't drink until age 21 has a one-in-25 chance of becoming dependent. A person who drinks before age 18 has a one-in-four chance.

The research found that the amount of endorphins released in the brain can predispose a person to dependency,"Endorphin is a neurotransmitter that's synthesized and released in response to getting alcohol. And there is, again, an old human literature showing that, that synthesis and release a sensitivity of the brain, in other words, to alcohol and its ability to make endorphin is correlated with your susceptibility to having an alcohol use disorder. So we tested that hypothesis, and we found that, mice that were genetically engineered to have different amounts of endorphin responded to the initial alcohol differently. So the ones that had low endorphin, in fact, were different than or no endorphin were different than the ones that did have endorphins. So there was age effects and no neurotransmitter effects."

What does Grisel want people to take away from the research,"I would like people to understand that there is an inherent liability in some people more than others, that it's not just a matter of choice. And even more importantly, that the brain is so malleable and plastic that there's always hope for recovery."

 
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In the realm of criminal justice, Pennsylvania stands as a stage where the specter of wrongful convictions casts a long and haunting shadow. Recent research by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sheds light on the staggering prevalence of wrongful accusations within the state, illuminating the urgent need for systemic reforms.

According to the ACLU's data, Pennsylvania ranks among the highest in the nation for wrongful convictions, with a significant portion of those affected belonging to marginalized communities. The indigent defense fund, a crucial lifeline for those who cannot afford legal representation, has emerged as a beacon of hope amidst this bleak landscape.

On The Spark, Senator Vincent Hughes shed light on the pivotal role of indigent defense funding in safeguarding the rights of Pennsylvanians. The recent statewide budget allocated substantial resources to bolster this essential aspect of the justice system. Senator Hughes emphasized that expanding this funding could be instrumental in rectifying the injustices faced by wrongfully accused individuals, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The human toll of wrongful convictions came to the forefront in a poignant conversation with Ronald Johnson, a man who spent 34 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Released just last month, Johnson's harrowing ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of miscarriages of justice. During the interview, Johnson recounted the anguish of knowing his innocence while languishing in prison, separated from loved ones and robbed of precious moments of freedom.

As we dove deeper into the heart-wrenching stories of those wrongfully convicted, attention turned to Chester Hollman III, another victim of a flawed justice system. Reporter Emily Preveti provided insights into Hollman's case, shedding light on the systemic failures that led to his wrongful conviction in Philadelphia. Hollman's exoneration serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, but it also underscores the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.The statistics presented by the ACLU paint a sobering picture of the pervasive injustices that plague Pennsylvania's criminal justice system. Among the wrongfully accused, a disproportionate number hail from marginalized communities, highlighting the intersecting dynamics of race, poverty, and systemic bias.
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On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly.

A White woman Pheobe Kilby contacted Betty Kilby Baldwin, a Black woman. sawing she suspected they are connected through slavery. That started a conversation and led to a book called Cousins. They both join us for The Spark Weekly,

 

Also on the program, Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay is a professor at Shippensburg University and an author of two books, the first one related to journalism in India and the second takes a broader look at journalism practices around the world, he joins us on The Spark to discuss his two books and his life as a news reporter abroad before coming to America.
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