A&E digest, part 2

Learn about tea drinking traditions this Sunday Newburgh — The Historical Society of Newburgh is hosting local decorative arts historian Jennifer Carlquist, who will discuss tea-drinking traditions in 19th century America and related antiques in the society’s collection, on Sunday, May 15, at 3 p.m. at the Captain David Crawford House. Highlighted will be the society’s tea set and locally crafted silver. The event is free for members and $5 for non-members. No reservations are necessary. To learn more, call 561-2585. Chabad ritual Mikvah tour and luncheon is May 15 MONSEY — Chabad’s Jewish Women’s Circle will host “The Secret of the Mystical Waters: Exploring the Timeless Tradition of the Mikvah,” on Sunday, May 15, ar noon at Mikvah of Rockland in Monsey in Rockland County. “The Mikvah is a pool of natural water designed specifically for immersion,” said Chana Burston, who directs the Jewish Women’s Circle and co-directs Chabad of Orange County. “The Mikvah is an age-old Jewish tradition which remains an integral part of contemporary Jewish life, and many Jewish women of all backgrounds are rediscovering the beauty of this tradition.” The tour will explore both the historical and cultural background of the Mikvah. Officials said this tradition has been a key to marital harmony throughout the ages. Tour will be followed by a luncheon at “Wok N Grill.” The tour of the Mikvah premises will begin at 12 noon, followed by the luncheon at 1:15 p.m. The tour is free and luncheon fee is $12. To learn more, call 782-2770 or visit www.ChabadOrange.com Benefit Habitat for Humanity talent and dinner show set for May 21 Washingtonville — The First Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville will host a talent show sponsored by “PresbyBuild” to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh on Saturday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the church on 30 Goshen Ave. The evening will begin with a baked ziti dinner in the “Gypsy Café” (church dining hall) at 5:30 p.m. Music and comedy from around the region will be on hand to offer a variety of entertainment. Tickets for the dinner and show are $15 and $10 for children under 12. Show only tickets are $10 and $5 for children under 12. For further information, call Dave Mason at 562-0954 or 522-0807, Bill Standish at 496-3467 or 294-5878 or the church office at 496-3814. 'Los Tres Balceneros’ return to Lycian Centre Sugar Loaf — The Air Pirates Radio Theater continues its 2011 season with “Los Tres Balceneros: I’d Rather Be Grateful Than Dead,” the third of its series of live radio plays at the Lycian Centre in Sugar Loaf on Saturday, May 21, at 8 p.m. The group performs live in front of an audience while broadcasting live on the radio. An ensemble of five actors portrays all the characters in each episode while the audience is asked to produce all the sound effects. A cue card girl lets the audiences know when it’s time to slam a door, make the footsteps and even shoot the guns during the shows. The pirates even perform the radio commercials live asking the audience to supply the necessary sounds. In the third episode, the Air Pirates pay tribute to the cult rock band the Grateful Dead with parodies of the band’s most popular songs. The story of Sonny, Ringo and the Kid is typical cowboy fare with bad guys, saloon girls and horses. With gunshots, running horses and commercial breaks the audience has plenty to do to move the action along. Prior to the performance all the necessary toys are made available to the audience and they are given a brief review of what they are to do. One of the unique features of Air Pirates Radio is the inclusion of commercials. During each performance the cast takes commercial breaks and they perform real advertisements of Air Pirates sponsors. For information and to order tickets call 469-7563 or visit www.airpirateradio.com. Lag B’Omer celebration is May 22 MONROE — Monroe Temple Beth-El and Congregation Eitz Chaim will sponsor a Lag B’Omer celebration on Sunday, May 22 at 1 p.m. at the Round Lake Park Beach (off Cromwell Hill Road and Island View Parkway, Monroe). Lag B’Omer is celebrated as a “rite of spring” on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which happens to fall on May 22. The day’s activities will include a bonfire, Israeli dancing, Zumba, musical performances, sing-alongs, 50-50 raffle, and games. Officials said this is an all-inclusive day for the whole family. Monroe Shop Rite will be donating kosher marshmallows and potatoes for roasting. Kayaks and rowboats are welcome. Each family or person is responsible for their own picnic meal (parve or dairy) and a snack to share. Participants should bring their own chairs or blankets, sticks to roast marshmallows. To learn more, call 783-2495. Hudson Opera to present 'Cavalleria Rusticana’ and 'Gianni Schicchi’ Middletown — The Hudson Opera Theatre will present Giovanni Verga’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” and Giacomo Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” on Sunday, May 15, Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, at The United Presbyterian Church of Middletown. All performances are at 7 p.m. Casts for the two shows include soprano Victoria Tralongo, as Santuzza in “Cavalleria Rusticana,” and tenor Kevin Courtemanche as Turiddu, with Middletown baritone, Gustavo Morales, as Alfio. Kathryn Tate of Warwick sings Mamma Lucia and New York City Opera soprano, Charlotte Detrick, sings Lola. Detrick returns in “Gianni Schicchi” to portray Nella, one of the avaricious relatives along with Kevin Courtemanche and Gustavo Morales. They are joined by soprano Jeanai La Vita as Lauretta and young Middletown tenor, Justin Randolph, as Rinuccio. In a rare tour de force, artistic director, Ron De Fesi, will conduct “Cavalleria Rusticana” and then sing the title role in “Gianni Schicchi.” General admission is $30. Seniors, $27 and students, $20. Children under 13, free. For tickets and information call 661-0544 or visit www.hotopera.com.