Meet Kyle Borzillo, Exeter Township resident and builder of the massive home holiday lights display ‘Holidays on Pomander’. For the past three years Kyle has setup 60,000 lights, 27 inflatables, and over 100 items in his yard for Christmas.
Covering his entire front yard from the driveway to the shed on the side of his house. Borzillo showcases a Nativity scene, Santa’s mailbox, Elf on the Self, Star Wars theme inflatables, and much more. Borzillo pushes the limit of this property each year to fit the lights and decorations.
It all began three years ago with Borzillo and his fiance Bri Zeiber. When they started living at her grandparents house, her grandfather passed away the year before they moved in. Borzillo heard it was his holiday tradition to setup lights. So he took it upon himself to keep it going. So for the past three years he has worked hard to make the display bigger and bigger.
Borzillo invites everyone to visit his display, either by driving by or walking the neighborhood. The display is on daily from 5pm-10pm. For more information visit facebook.com/holidaysonpomander
Back by popular demand, and now in it’s 5th Big Year, the festive interactive holiday sensation, A Christmas Carol, with a Pennsylvania Dutch Twist, strolls joyously into West Reading, once again, sponsored by the L.O.V.E. Team of West Reading, Solve IT Solutions and Curious on the Avenue.
This delightful event begins and ends at Curious on the Avenue, at 605 Penn Avenue, in their idyllic courtyard. When guests arrive they will be treated to a wine tasting, provided by the award winning Starving Artist Winery, and there is also complimentary cheese and crackers, and apple cider for those underage or non-drinkers.
The magical storytelling begins at Curious as the audience meets old Scrooge who is about to go on his rounds. The audience is transported back in time to the streets of Olde West Reading Towne. Scrooge, himself plays the surly emcee of this delightfully fun and wonderfully homespun treatment of the Charles Dickens’ classic. Children and adults love it, giggling between the comedy and the dramatic twists, as they also get a mini-tour of historic West Reading.
Ebenezer Scrooge spins the time-honored tale, as the audience walks along with Scrooge, making several stops at various West Reading businesses to meet other characters and further the story line. At each participating business, guests will be offered complimentary snacks or non-alcoholic refreshments, as well. As old Scrooge begins to find some faith and trust in his fellow man and is reminded what a blessing each day of life is, this unique retelling of the Dickens’ classic wends its way back to CURIOUS, as the audience and the cast sing Christmas carols!
A Christmas Carol on the Avenue is the brainchild of producer L J Fecho, owner and founder of Fecho Productions and Artistic Director of Genesius Theatre. Fecho adapted the script from the book by Charles Dickens. The interactive show has a cast of 7 actors, who play multiple roles and even audience members are called upon to portray various characters. This year’s production features, once again, Vicki Nunis and Christine Cieplinski, two women, who alternate playing the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge.
In addition, Fecho, also co-wrote, along with writing partner Michael O’Flaherty, the musical A Connecticut Christmas Carol, being presented this December at the famous Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut, directed by Hunter Foster, and starring Robert Cuccioli as Scrooge. (Note: Mr. Cuccioli is well known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of the title role in the original Broadway production of Jekyll & Hyde.)
What better way to usher in the holiday season than with the lush fairy tale that is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast? This sweeping story of love and redemption opens December 5 and runs through December 16 at Genesius Theatre.
Nominated for nine Tony Awards in 1994, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, the bookish daughter of eccentric inventor Maurice who agrees to trade her life for his when he is captured by a beastly creature in a forbidding castle. Unbeknownst to Belle, the castle’s inhabitants are under a spell that was cast when the Beast was a young, arrogant prince; they can only be made human again if he learns to love and be loved before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose.
With gorgeous music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast leads audiences of all ages on a journey which shows the unselfish nature of true love, and teaches children of all ages about the benefits of kindness, courtesy and respect.
The Genesius production is helmed by director Christopher Sperat, who says of this show, “It’s the perfect way to get into the true spirt of the holidays.” Other members of the production team include Genesius artistic producer L J Fecho, music director Kevin Cooper and choreographer Jericho Joy, with set and light design by Spencer Moss Fecho, costume coordination by Cathy Roth Miller, hair/makeup design by Carmen Painter of Tina’s Salon and Day Spa and sound design by Albert Garcia of Eko Entertainment, LLC.
The Characters in the Genesius Production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
The set is constructed by Brandon Kegerize, Jeffrey Jones, Mike Maiers and Betty Gerstner, with scenic art by Marjory Ewald, Kaitlyn Reber and Jessica Reber. The show is stage managed by Robert Decker. Costumes are provided by The Costume Shop at Millersville University.
This lavish production features a principal cast of Genesius veterans, including Cecilia Cooper as Belle; Joey Moray as the Beast; Ryan Cunningham as Gaston; James Haggerty as Cogsworth; Alex Krick as Lumiere; Amy Bourey as Mrs. Potts; Hazel Sensenig as Chip; Gabrielle Lewis as Babette; Mike Pardo as Maurice; and Kevin Adams as Monsieur D’Arque.
Ryan Cunningham as Gaston and Joey Moray as the Beast in the Genesius Production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
The principal cast is rounded out by Genesius newcomers Joshua Mitchell as LeFou and Ann Kashishian as Madame de la Grande Bouche. The cast also includes a strong, dynamic ensemble who make the production numbers “Belle,” “Gaston” and the always entertaining “Be Our Guest” memorable moments you’ll be singing for many days after the show ends.
In the cavalcade of shopping that is Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday stands out as the designated day to shop small. Beginning in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday has become the premier event for local business shopping.
To get the low down on Small Business Saturday we spoke with Jobany Bedoya, Small Business & Latino Outreach Coordinator for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance at the pop up small business hub in West Reading.
Located at 600 Penn Ave in West Reading, the small business hub, along with Love West Reading, is handing out shop small bags, pins, stickers, and coupons. The hub, and GRCA is also promoting small businesses county wide with a passport program which encourages consumers to visit 8 small businesses. When stamped, the passport enters participates in a raffle for a chance to win a $250 gift card.
Can’t make it to the small business hub? There’s still time to shop small, visit one of the businesses below to pick up a passport and mail it by December 3rd to GRCA / 606 court st / Reading, Pa 19601 / Attention Jobany Bedoya. They’ll announce the winners on GRCA’s Facebook page live on Friday December 7th, 11am.
Comedian Jesse Blanco talks about the Reading Comedy Outlet and about how he balances his life working and performing at regional comedy shows.
Blanco runs a busy life. During the day he works full time for the City of Reading and nights performs his stand up comedy routine at regional shows. Going to comedy clubs isn’t the only place Blanco performs. He says about half of his work is performing private shows, most notably corporate holiday parties.
Jesse’s recent shows at the Reading Comedy Outlet have been nothing short of fantastic. With notable acts like Brad Trackman, author of Anthony Kamiya’s autobiography, and the incredibly talented Robin Monta q, the audience has been treated to an array of comedic brilliance. Despite not reaching peak attendance yet, Jesse is thrilled with the direction the outlet is heading, focusing on quality acts that leave the audience in stitches.
For those unfamiliar with the Reading Comedy Outlet, it’s nestled within the Alley-Oop Sports Bar, part of the Hiester Lanes Bowling Alley. Shows typically run from 7:00 to 9:30, with doors opening at 7:00. Tickets are a steal at $10 prepay or $15 at the door, offering unbeatable entertainment value in Berks County.
Excitement is brewing for tomorrow night’s show featuring Helene Agni and Bill Chang, with Jesse Khan as the host. This particular show holds sentimental value as it’s in collaboration with the class of ’88 from Reading High School, who are collecting toys for Toys for Tots. Jesse encourages attendees to bring a toy, promising to match donations made by ticket holders.
Jesse’s comedy journey isn’t just about delivering punchlines; it’s about living the dream. Despite the long nights balancing his regular job and comedic pursuits, Jesse finds solace in the laughter he brings to his audience. His passion for comedy shines through as he eagerly talks about upcoming gigs and the thrill of pursuing his dream.
Corporate gigs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of comedy, but Jesse has had his fair share of unique experiences. From performing at holiday parties to entertaining audiences spanning all ages, Jesse’s adaptability shines through. Learning from past experiences, Jesse ensures his comedy act is tailored to suit any corporate event, promising a night of laughter for all.
One particularly memorable gig was for the Shippensburg Police Department, where Jesse entertained an audience ranging from seven to seventy years old. Despite the diverse crowd, Jesse embraced the challenge, proving that laughter truly knows no age limits.
If you’re in need of a good laugh, make sure to catch Jesse Blanco and other talented comedians at the Reading Comedy Outlet. With shows scheduled throughout the holiday season and beyond, there’s never been a better time to experience the magic of live comedy. Remember, it’s not just about the jokes; it’s about creating moments of joy and laughter that stay with you long after the show ends.
Don’t forget to bring a toy for Toys for Tots and join Jesse Khan in spreading some holiday cheer through laughter. See you there!
