The Big Read 2016 Tom Sawyer
The Big Read, the community-wide reading initiative returns to Coastal Georgia in 2016 with Mark Twain’s book for readers of all ages, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The Big Read will kick off on the First Friday in February with fun events for the entire family.
Like Tom Sawyer and his pal, Huck Finn, First Friday patrons will have the opportunity to go on a treasure hunt throughout the downtown. Grab a map showing all the Tom Sawyer moments that need to be found – Tom going fishing, kissing Becky Thatcher – and a treasure sack at the Ritz or the Brunswick Library and head out on the hunt! At each location, participants will receive “treasure” to take away and enjoy throughout the evening.
And don’t miss the opportunity to “color wash” the fence! Though Tom got his pals to whitewash his fence, participants can add color to three different fence pieces to create a piece of public art to be displayed throughout The Big Read.
This special celebration will also included the opening reception for The Big Read exhibit at the Historic Ritz Theatre, the opening of two exhibits at the Brunswick Library: one inspired by the Little Read book, When Pigasso Met Mootisse, and the second, the work of political cartoonist Jim Larrick and copies of political cartoons featuring Mark Twain; proclamations by public officials; and a special performance by the Golden Isles Strummers at the Ritz Theatre beginning at 5:30 pm. Lastly, a free screening of the 1973 version of Tom Sawyer starring Johnny Whitaker, Celeste Holm and Jodie Foster will begin at 7:30 pm
More than any other work in our culture, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer established America's vision of childhood. Mark Twain created two fictional boys, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, who still seem more real than most of the people we know. In a still puritanical nation, Twain reminded adults that children were not angels, but fellow human beings, and perhaps all the more lovable for their imperfections and bad grooming. In conjunction with this year’s Big Read selection, the Middle and Little Big Reads return with companion books for young and middle grade readers. The Middle Big Read selection is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and for The Little Big Read selection is When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden. Free copies of all three selected books will be distributed to schools in Glynn, Camden and McIntosh counties and to the public while supplies last.
The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Locally the program is coordinated by Golden isles Arts & Humanities and its partners, The College of Coastal Georgia, Marshes of Glynn Library System and Three Rivers Regional Library System with additional support provided by hello/Goodbuy and St Marks Episcopal Church Foundation, the Georgia Council for the Arts, The Literary Guild of St Simons Island, Brunswick News Publishing and iHeartRadio.
The weeks that follow will include discussions, performances, films, art exhibits and school programs that are designed to get everyone in the community reading, discussing and thinking about Mark Twain and the adventures (and trouble) that Tom Sawyer gets into. Most activities are free and all are open to the public. A complete Big Read calendar is available on www.goldenislesarts.org and neabigread.org or call 912.262.6934. A full listing of Big Read Events on St. Simons Island and in Brunswick beyond the First Friday/Big Read Kickoff follows:
Thu, Feb 4, 6:30-7:30pm – Brunswick-Glynn County Library
Tellin' Tales: Andy Offutt Irwin. Some people have inner-kids. Andy Offutt Irwin has an outer-kid. With a manic Silly Putty voice, astonishing mouth noises, and hilarious stories, he is equal parts mischievous schoolboy and the Marx Brothers, peppered with a touch of the Southern balladeer. Come spend some time listening and laughing! For more information on Andy visit www.andyirwin.com.
Fri, Feb 5 – BIG READ KICKOFF EVENTS (See details above)
Fri, Feb 5 – exhibits on display through the end of February
Inspired by Pigasso and Mootisse Art Exhibit. Brunswick-Glynn County Library. Elementary school students create artwork inspired by the Little Big Read Book, "When Pigasso Met Mootisse." The exhibit will open during First Friday and The Big Read Kick Off and is available to be seen during the library's regular hours.
"The Adventures of YOUR NAME HERE" Exhibit – The Ritz Theatre Gallery, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. Students and community members create artwork inspired by their own adventures. The exhibit opens during the First Friday Big Read Kick Off with a reception from 5-8 pm. Gallery is open Wed. - Fri. 9am to 5pm and Sat. 10am to 2pm or by appt.
Sun, Feb 7, 3:00-4:30pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
On Stage Sunday - "Mark Twain at 70.” The year is 1905. The audience is made up of friends of Mark Twain, invited to his Fifth Avenue, New York City home on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Twain’s guests are treated to the incomparable entertainment of his humorous stories and the songs he loves to sing while strumming a guitar. Rod Rawlings brings to the stage a striking and memorable portrayal of the immortal character based on years of reading, research and rehearsal. He uses Twain's timeless words from start to finish. And when he plays guitar and sings, just as Twain enjoyed doing, we are reminded of the simple joy of the tuneful music of Twain's time. Advanced Tickets: Members $10/Nonmembers $15. Day of Show: Members $15/Nonmembers $20. Students always $5.
Mon. Feb 8, 2:00 p.m. - Brunswick-Glynn County Library
"Ten Things You (Probably) Don't Know About Mark Twain." Lecture by Dr. James Golden, Educational Director for the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, CT.
Tue, Feb 9, 10:30-11:30am – St. Simons Island Casino Building
"Mark Twain: Missouri Boy and World Traveller.” Cindy Lovell, Executive Director of the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT, gives a talk about Twain's youth and his travels. Sponsored by the Literary Guild of St Simons Island.
Tues, Feb 9, 6:00-7:00pm – Brunswick-Glynn County Library
Book Discussion-The Belladonna Book Club discusses "Death on the Mississippi" by Peter Heck. This is the first in a series that features Mark Twain and his secretary solving mysteries.
Tue, Feb 9, 7:00-8:00pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
The Big Read Keynote Address: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer": Facts Behind the Fiction. Cindy Lovell, Executive Director of the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, CT, shares the truths behind Mark Twain's classic novel.
Wed, Feb 10, 9:45-10:45am – Brunswick-Glynn County Library
Little Big Read Book Discussion: "When Pigasso Met Mootisse."
Wed, Feb 10, 12:00-1:00pm – College of Coastal Georgia, Stembler Theatre OR Thu, Feb 11, 12:00-1:00pm – Brunswick-Glynn County Library
Ten Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Mark Twain. Cindy Lovell, Executive Director of The Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT speaks on the Big Read author.
Thu, Feb 11, 6:30-9:00pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
Cinema Gourmet: "The Adventures of Robin Hood.” Cinema Gourmet brings the community together for great food and a great film and this month's film ties into the "Adventures on Film Series" for The Big Read. The 1938 classic "The Adventures of Robin Hood" starring Errol Flynn will be preceded by a tasting of delicious food from Chef Kate and Indigo Coastal Shanty and an insightful talk about what makes the film a “must see.” Tickets are $18/person and reservations are required by Monday February 8th.
Fri, Feb 12, 12:00-1:00pm, College of Coastal Georgia, Stembler Theatre
Mark Twain's Humor. Dr. Sharon McCoy discusses the humor of Mark Twain.
Fri, Feb 12, 3:00-4:00pm – Brunswick-Glynn County Library
“Cruising Down the River,” salutes our Big Read, Tom Sawyer and the works of Mark Twain. We invite you to take a trip down some of the world’s greatest rivers and streams. Enjoy the scenery, jog a few memories, and maybe do a little fishing.
Fri, Feb 12, 3:30-4:30pm – St. Simons Island Library
Little Big Read Fun: The Prince and the Pauper and Pigasso vs. Mootisse
"The Prince and the Pauper" (1990) Based on the story by Mark Twain this animated version features Mickey Mouse as poor boy and a prince who exchange identities and lives while the villainous Captain of the Guard plots to take advantage of this. Rated G 25 minutes. Before the film, get ready to hear the Little Big Read story "When Pigasso Met Mootissee" in a special story time.
Fri, Feb 12, 6:00-7:00pm - Historic Ritz Theatre
Book vs. Movie. Ann Mason leads a discussion comparing The Big Read novel and the film version(s).
Fri, Feb 12, 7:30-9:00pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
Film Friday: Boys Will Be Boys film series. "Stand By Me" Based on a Stephen King short story, a writer recounts a boyhood journey to find the body of a missing boy. Starring Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix. 1986. Rated R. 89 minutes
Sun, Feb 14, 3:00-4:30pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
On Stage Sunday: Atwater-Donnelly in Concert. The highly acclaimed husband-wife duo, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, present a delightful program of traditional American folk songs. Elwood and Aubrey blend gorgeous and unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjacks, and other surprises. Advanced Tickets: Members $10/Nonmembers $15. Day of Show: Members $15/Nonmembers $20. Students always $5.
Tue, Feb 16, 6:00-7:00pm – Brunswick-Glynn County Library
Music on the Marshes - Mississippi Blues with Annie Akins. Join local singer Annie Akins for some old-fashioned blues music.
Wed, Feb 17, 2:00-4:15pm, St. Simons Island Casino Theatre
Twain on Film: "The Adventures of Mark Twain" (1944) The dramatized life of immortal humorist Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, from his days as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River until his death in 1910 shortly after Halley's Comet returned. Starring Frederic March. Not Rated. 130 min.
Thu, Feb 18, 7:00-9:00pm – St. Simons Island Casino Theatre
Twain on Film: "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court"
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1949). A bump on the head sends Hank Martin, 1912 mechanic, to Arthurian Britain, 528 A.D., where he is befriended by Sir Sagramore le Desirous and gains power by judicious use of technology. He and Alisande, the King's niece, fall in love at first sight, which draws unwelcome attention from her fiancée Sir Lancelot; but worse trouble befalls when Hank meddles in the kingdom's politics. Starring Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming and Cedric Hardwicke. Not Rated. 106 minutes. Sponsored by the Literary Guild of St Simons Island.
Fri, Feb 19, 7:30-9:00pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
Film Friday: Boys Will Be Boys film series. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." A high school wise guy is determined to have a day off from school, despite what the principal thinks of that. Starring Matthew Broderick and Jeffery Jones. 1986. Rated PG-13. 103 minutes.
Sun, Feb 21, 3:00-4:30pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
On Stage Sunday: St Simons Storyteller Workshop
Mon, Feb 22, 12:00-1:00pm – College of Coastal Georgia, Stembler Theatre
"Tom Sawyer" and Twain's Novels. Dr. Jon Hershey talks about how Tom Sawyer paved the way for Twain's greater novels.
Mon, Feb 22, 2:00-3:00pm – Brunswick-Glynn County Library
Book Discussion: Ann Mason leads a discussion of The Big Read novel, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
Tue, Feb 23, 10:30-11:30am – St. Simons Casino Building
The Trouble Begins at 10:30 (a.m.) Local author Jack McDevitt speaks on Twain and his work. Sponsored by the Literary Guild of St. Simons Island.
Tue, Feb 23, 6:30-7:45pm – Jumbo South (1215 Newcastle St., Bwk)
PlayReaders - "Peter and the Star Catcher" by Rick Elice. PlayReaders is a book club devoted to reading and discussing plays. This month's play ties into the adventure theme of The Big Read. "Peter and the Star Catcher" is a prequel to the J. M. Barrie stories of Peter Pan. Free but reservations requested. Call 912.262.6934 or email artsed@goldenislesarts.org. Copies of the play are available.
Thu, Feb 25, 10:30-11:30am – St. Simons Island Library
Little Big Read Discussion - Reading and discussion of the Little Big Read book, "When Pigasso Met Mootise."
Fri, Feb 26, 7:30-9:30pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
Film Friday: Boys Will Be Boys film series."The NeverEnding Story" An unhappy boy is bullied by older youths and seeks sanctuary in a bookstore. The owner gives him a magic book in which he is able to follow the adventures of a boy who is everything he believes he is not: brave, strong, successful. He begins to understand that he is a part of the story and that the survival of the world about which he has been reading is in part up to him. 1984. Rated PG. 102 minutes.
Sun, Feb 28, 3:00-4:00pm – Historic Ritz Theatre
On Stage Sunday: Brunswick High School Drama presents a stage version of "Tom Sawyer."
Wed., March 2, 2:00-4:00pm – St. Simons Island Casino Theater
Coming of Age Film Series: "The Mosquito Coast" (1986) Allie Fox has never been a man to do things by the book. An avid inventor, he is a troubled genuis given to intense moods and an incredible drive. Seemingly on a whim, he shifts his family to the jungles of Central America, telling his children that America "is gone". Determined to create a civilization better than the one he has abandoned, Fox's obsession and mania might pull his family through, or it might pull them apart. Starring Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren and River Phoenix. Rated PG. 117 min.
