Town’s Summer Reading Program Brought to Life

Members of a Plainview-based theater group brought scenes from the Oyster Bay's "One Town, One Book" selection, "Wonder" to life in a dramatic reading and discussion at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library Thursday night. 

Nearly 50 people of all ages gathered to see members of The Patio Players, a group of actors sponsored by the Men's Club of the Plainview Jewish Center, which presented a dramatic reading of key sections of the novel by R.J. Palacio. The scenes were adapted for the stage by Patch editor Joe Dowd, a member of The Patio Players.

The book, now a New York Times bestseller, tells the story of Auggie, a fifth grader with a severe facial deformity. Readers get insights into his world and through the reactions of his new schoolmates. 

At the reading, the actor playing Auggie, never faced audience members, leaving the boy’s deformity to their imagination. The staging also allowed audience members to consider their views about empathy and acceptance.

During the post-reading discussion, one child in the audience reluctantly came up to the stage to be near the actor. When he overcame his initial hesitancy, those in the room cheered, while other kids joined the boy, and the actor playing Auggie, on stage.

Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia was instrumental in promoting the town’s One Town, One Book event, which advocated literacy in the townwide summer reading program. 

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Editors Note: Both Joe Dowd, and Senior Field Editor Pam Robinson participated in this event. Volunteering plays an important role at Patch, which recently held its Give 5 week, where employees are encouraged to give back to the community.