Rhinebeck, NY Community Comes Together for High School Production

The stars will shine this weekend in Rhinebeck, New York as local high schoolers take the stage for a big theatrical production.

Local Students Take James and The Giant Peach to the Rhinebeck Stage

On Friday night March 15th, 2024, the Rhinebeck High School Drama Club will perform James and The Giant Peach. The classic Roald Dahl book was turned into a musical and the students in Rhinebeck are bringing the story to life on stage.

For those unfamiliar, the story of James and The Giant Peach is a "magical journey of one boy out to change his life and find a real family" and spoiler alert, there's a gigantic peach involved.

James and The Giant Peach stars junior, Francisca Dickens as James and senior, Margaux Llyse Epter as Ladahord.

You can catch the Rhinebeck High School Drama Club performance of James and The Giant Peach on Friday, March 15 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, March 16th at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, March 17th at 2 pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the door at Rhinebeck High School (45 N Park Road, Rhinebeck) or online at Our.Show/RHSPeachy.

Performing Arts Center Lends Helping Hand to Rhinebeck Drama Club

Many moving parts go into putting on a high school musical. Rhinebeck parent, PTSO member, and local celeb, Hilarie Burton filled us in on all the details this week on The Wakin' Up with CJ and Jess Show.

Burton explained that Rhinebeck needed some help putting on their spring musicals and they were able to partner up with the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center.

The Center then sent Director Cheyenne See and choreographer Cedric James to the high school to help out with James and The Giant Peach.

In April, The Center will host Burton for a Center fundraiser called The Dressing Room Diaries.

Ticket information can be found on the Rhinebeck Center website.

Have You Been To FDR's Cousin's House in Rhinebeck, NY?

Some may only know about FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt but there were other family members who played a role in the Hudson Valley.

Thomas Suckley and his wife Catherine Murray Bowne created history in Dutchess County, NY. Their estate called "Wilderstein" was designed in the 1800's.

According to Wilderstein.org, the meaning behind the name of their estate means "wild man's stone". This was in reference to "an Indian petroglyph on the property, a reminder of the cultural heritage that preceded European settlement of the region."

By the late 1800's, the son of Thomas and Catherine (Robert Bowne Suckley) along with his wife, Elizabeth Philips Montgomery decided to add onto the estate.

This "Queen Anne style mansion" is also known for its beautiful views, lush landscape and large property. There were three generations of the Suckley family members that lived at Wilderstein.

Who was related to FDR?

Margaret Suckley was not only just a cousin of FDR but they spent quality time together. She traveled with FDR during his presidency and gifted him his black Scottish terrier dog, Fala.

Margaret also helped FDR form his library located in Hyde Park, NY.

Some would also say that she was a "confidante" to him as well. Margaret was with FDR when he passed away in Georgia. She died at the Wilderstein estate in 1991 at 100 years old.

Margaret was the last resident to live at Wilderstein.

Wilderstein is also known as "the Hudson Valley's most important example of Victorian architecture."

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

Relaxation Soars in this Rhinebeck NY Airbnb

Spend your next vacation living large and relaxing in Rhinebeck, New York. Eagle Rock offers luxurious space for 6 for less than $600 a night. This is the perfect place to run away to with friends for a get reconnected weekday or weekend stay. This home offers amenities for year-round enjoyment.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn