Truly a "Star Spangled Spectacular"

I can't take credit for this blog's title as it belongs to the Reading Symphony Orchestra program for this evening's festivities.  If you recall, this symphony was scheduled as part of yesterday's entertainment, but was postponed due to rain.  Playing instruments outside on a baseball field just doesn't work in wet weather!

It was really a picture perfect evening for tonight's entertainment.

We arrived early and settled into some excellent seats, ready to relax and enjoy the performance, which promised spectacular fireworks at the end.

About half an hour before they were scheduled to begin, there was an announcement over the loudspeaker regarding some cars that were parked illegally in a field near the stadium, and that they needed to be moved because the fire marshall had stated that unless the cars were gone, there would be no fireworks.

15 minutes later, the announcement was repeated.  And, about 5 minutes later, the announcement changed from "please move your auto" to "cars will be towed" or there cannot be any fireworks.

The performance began as planned, and we were confident that the parking issue would be resolved.

Andrew Constantine introduced the orchestra

the color guards presented the flags

and Patricia Risley sang the National Anthem.

She was spectacular!

The evening continued with patriotic pieces interspersed among several classic pieces, including a Star Wars arrangement and West Side Story medley.  The last piece prior to intermission was an Armed Forces Salute where each branch of the military is represented, flags are displayed, and veterans are asked to stand when they hear their familiar theme.

This is always a tradition at this RSO performance, and it never fails to move me to tears when I see the men and woman stand at the appropriate time, proud to have served this country. 

When the piece was finished, and intermission proclaimed, there was yet another announcement over the loudspeaker:  all of the cars parked illegally had been moved, and everyone was thankful.

However.........the fire marshall had decided that the six cars that were parked in the Citizens Bank parking lot had to be moved, or there would be no fireworks.

Really?  Marty and I began to wonder if there really were any fireworks. 

In any event, the second part of the performance began with another moving rendition of some Irving Berlin favorites with Patricia singing God Bless America and getting the entire crowd involved.

then, there was the fun piece called The Typewriter by Anderson. 

As a spoof, the retired Reading Eagle editor, Chuck Gallagher, came out onto the field,  sat down at an old fashioned typewriter, popped a cigar in his mouth, and began to type along as the orchestra played.

It was VERY entertaining!

At the end of the song, there was yet another announcement:  all cars except one white chevy impala had been moved, and there would be NO fireworks if the owner did not come forward to move the vehicle.

A very loud BOOOO emanated through the stadium.  Things weren't looking good for the owner of that car, for sure!

Finally, it was time for the 1812 Overture, generally played in conjunction with fireworks towards the end.  Andrew Constantine was given a thumbs up, which meant that the fireworks were on!  And the piece began.

We all sat in anticipation, waiting for the blast of fireworks.  

The song played on....and we waited......and waited.....

Then the overture was complete.  The crowd applauded, but  the conductor was obviously confused as he questioned what had happened to the fireworks!

So he had the orchestra play one final piece, Stars and Stripes Forever, and once again, we sat, waiting to see flashes of light explode while the orchestra played.   

Just near the end of the piece, about three skimpy blasts were set off, and Marty and I looked at each other and laughed.  We had attended this performance a few times before, and the combination of music and the light show had been truly impressive.  Apparently that wasn't happening this year. 

Suddenly, the lights were dimmed, recorded music was blasted over the loudspeaker, and the fireworks display began!

And they did NOT disappoint!

We are fortunate to have such an excellent professional orchestra who is willing to entertain the crowds, at no cost, nearly every summer.  The performance was superb.

In fact, I would dare to say that it was, indeed, a "Star Spangled Spectacular!"