As we pull into the parking lot of Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake on this Thursday evening, we are mighty glad that we have reservations for the closing performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The parking lot is packed and the theatre’s Managing Director is directing traffic in the parking lot and turning folks away who have not made their reservation.

Art is center stage all over town this evening as it is a Thursday Art Walk evening and artists and their works  are prevalent all over the town.

The featured artist at the theatre tonight is Diane Leifheit. Her exhibit opening at the theatre is this evening and the exhibit will continue through September 9. The exhibit features portraits from Diane’s in-progress two-year project producing portraits made in the pastel medium of Saranac Lake’s own population. The artist’s goal is to create more than 100, one-foot square portraits of shopkeepers, bankers, lawyers, Native Americans, teachers, students, babies, electricians, dentists, nurses, fisherman, farmers—in other words faces of the hometown. This exhibit is a small preview of the whole project.

One of Diane’s portraits is of the late Chris McGovern. Chris, who was part of the Pendragon family for many years, passed away last Sunday. He had featured parts in two of the company shows this season: “Aladdin” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The crowd at tonight’s performance in part, may be to pay tribute to the late actor.

This is my second time at the show. I was here at the theatre for the opening--my son, Sam Balzac, has a small role in the show and the actor playing Blanche is a long-time family friend.  The opening was an incredible experience but tonight’s performance is even better, despite the loss of the much-beloved Chris McGovern who had played Mitch. His part is being read by Tyler Nye who is also cast in the company’s production of “Doubt” which runs at the theatre through Agust 29.  Tonight’s sold-out show receives a vigorous and well-deserved standing ovation.

The official memorial for Chris McGovern will be at Pendragon Theatre on Monday, August 19 at 6:30 PM.

The Pendragon season continues with “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow,” “Dirty Blonde,” “Aladdin,” and “Doubt.” For dates and times click through to the Pendragon website.

For more cultural events in the Saranac Lake Region click here.