Ladies and gentlemen, June has left the building. While it hardly seems possible, that’s the fact, Jack. Just when I had gotten used to the idea that June was bustin’ out all over, it’s over. 

While I’m tempted to whine about the all-too-swift passage of time, I’m currently choosing to consider my glass to be half-full (go figure) and look forward to the many entertainment opportunities that await, rather than wondering where the time goes. There is so much to see, hear and do in the Upper Delaware River region that I’m planning to see, hear, and do the heck out of it, and may I suggest ya’ll do the same, because, you know, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Before I expound on my newfound philosophy, I must admit that I can’t do it all. What I can do, however, is check out some of the many shows, concerts, galleries and street festivals; scribble some words about each; and encourage you fine folks to get out there, have a blast and, you know, make hay while the sun shines. 

If nothing else, I’m fairly adept at hauling out old-timey idioms and trite expressions in order to get my point across. And I have a cute dog. Let’s not lose sight of that. 

To prove my point, I have been escorting That Dog Named Gidget to a variety of entertainment venues throughout the Catskills in order to expose her to the finer things in life, while simultaneously training her to behave properly in public, even if there are others acting like fools on stage. 

Before you send letters to the editor, I must point out that “acting like fools” is just what the doctor ordered when Forestburgh Playhouse producer Franklin Trapp hired Phillip George to direct Erin Crosby, Tony Harkin, Marissa Hecker and Kevin B. McGlynn to cavort on stage like the best kind of fools in “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits,” which was one of the most entertaining shows I’ve seen in years. The insanely talented cast skewered dozens of well-known actors and characters from as many hit shows in a dizzying sendup of all things Broadway. The audience hooted, hollered and laughed till it cried. 

Each of the performers was beyond fantabulous and had glorious moments to shine. They lampooned Broadway luminaries such as Carol Channing and Stephen Sondheim, along with smash-hit musicals such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” 

Created and written by Gerard Alessandrini, “Forbidden Broadway” gives performers permission to spoof the best of the best, while getting in digs with a wink and a nod, to shows that often make us wonder how some productions ran for so many years (Think “Cats” and “Into the Woods.”)

Honestly, everything (IMHO) was sheer perfection, from the cast to the sound design to the costuming and beyond. If I had my druthers (look it up!) this one would run all summer long, but as another old saying goes: “The show must go on.” “Forbidden Broadway” has left the building with Baby June (it’s a Broadway reference) in tow. 

I’m not looking to “thumb my nose” at anyone by pointing out something you may have missed, but speaking of noses, “Pinocchio” has also come and gone. 

The wooden puppet who magically comes to life stopped over at the Delaware Valley Opera Center (DVOC) in Lake Huntington, NY last week. Though his visit was short, he and the other characters from the beloved children’s story made a lasting impression on me, the dog and the kids who were lucky enough to catch the children’s opera, which was written by John Davies. 

Described by the DVOC as “a perfect introduction to the operatic art form,” the music is chosen “to be immediately accessible to young ears.” As a bonus, my old ears grasped it too, and it was kinda glorious.

Another sparkling cast—Carson Cook, Lindell Carter, Robert Flora and the utterly enchanting Dana Kluczyk—honestly wowed me in director Carol Castel’s beautiful production of the classic cautionary tale. “Pinocchio” musically informs the younger set about the pitfalls of dishonesty and what dangers lie in wait for those who don’t listen to their parents.

In addition, kids were given the opportunity to create their own Pinocchio puppets at a craft table and meet the cast after the show. 

Director Castel was quick to point out that the DVOC was fortunate to have Narrowsburg’s Amy Potter create the very effective masks, and Eldred’s Aly Gavin-Bliefernnich’s equally cool costumes to enhance the thoroughly enjoyable production. As for presenting children’s operas, Carol had this to say: “We are proud of this new addition to our seasons and hope it becomes an anticipated event each summer [for] kids in the community.” 

I guess I’m a kid at heart, because I can’t wait to see what’s next. Two words: That’s entertainment!

For more Opera and Playhouse info, visit www.fblayhouse.org and www.delawarevalleyopera.org. 

Fun Fact: According to The History of English (dot com), the idiom “time flies when you’re having fun” means “the passing of time seems to move faster while you are enjoying yourself.” Well, duh.