Pages

Monday, October 31, 2011

HUNTERDON ART MUSEUM SCHEDULES KIDS’ CLASSES DURING NJEA CONVENTION BREAK

School's Out! Workshops during the NJEA Convention with Miss Nan & Miss Lisa

950 Nature's Gallery with Nan Krochta
ages 6 & up
WHEN:  Thursday, November 10, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
COST: $42 / $37

951 Painting Pals with Lisa Grasso-Earl 
ages 6 & up
WHEN: Thursday, November 10, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
COST
: $42 / $37

952 Draw, Paint & Sculpt with Nan Krochta 
ages 6 & up
WHEN: Friday, November 11, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
COST
: $42 / $37 

953 Webs, Wings & Watercolor with Lisa Grasso-Earl
ages 6 & up
WHEN: Friday, November 11, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
COST: $42 / 37

If your child would like to stay for both the morning and afternoon sessions of fun-filled art workshops, be sure to sign up for our supervised lunch hour and pack a lunch. All children should "Dress for a Mess" and bring a snack. 

NOTE: Please ensure that any snacks and lunches that your children bring to the Museum are free of peanuts and tree nuts!

WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS @ HUNTERDON ART MUSEUM

classes

pontz_detail

981 Contrasting Elements: Metal Crochet Workshop with Leslie Pontz
offered in conjunction with the exhibition Leslie Pontz: Shaping Space

[Right: Seed Pod detail, Leslie Pontz]

WHEN: Saturday, November 12, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE:
  Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center Street, Clinton
COST: $120  / $100, $30 materials fee

978 The Art of Glass Fusing with Nancy DeVincenzo

WHEN: Saturday, December 3, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
COST:
$60 / $40, $14 materials fee

RYaros

924 The New Instant Photo with Ray Yaros 
part of the Peters Valley Craft Center / Hunterdon Art Museum Partnership: Explorations in Fine Craft

WHEN: 2 Sundays, November 13 & 20, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
COST: $240 / $200, $5 materials fee

This workshop is for anyone (visual artists and photographers) who wishes to create one-of-a-kind images, capturing the essence of their subject, rather than just simply making a record. Over the course of two, full-day sessions you will create unique works of art from instant pictures by using creative manipulation techniques.  [Above: Rockaway, Ray Yaros]

JLenard

958 Printmaking: The Magic of the Monoprint with Jessica Lenard
NEW DAY

WHEN: Saturday, December 10, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
COST: $105 / $85, $30 materials fee

[Above: Beach Scene (monoprint), Jessica Lenard]

KKDhew

925 Drawing Fundamentals with
Kulvinder Kaur Dhew

part of the Peters Valley Craft Center / Hunterdon Art Museum Partnership: Explorations in Fine Craft

WHEN: Sunday, December 4, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
COST: $120 / $100

[Above: Elemental Series, Kulvinder Kaur Dhew]

LATE THURSDAYS @ ART MUSEUM IN PRINCETON

Princeton University Art Museum

Late Thursdays 

 

Princeton ArtWalkInaugural Princeton ArtWalk

WHEN: Thursday, November 3, 5-8 PM

An Evening of Japanese Art and Culture

WHEN: Thursday, November 3, 6:30-9 PM
WHERE:
Sterling Morton Gallery, Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton

The Museum is delighted to be one of ten venues participating in the inaugural Princeton ArtWalk, a casual, self-guided way to discover the vibrant visual arts scene in downtown Princeton. Whether you visit one or all ten venues, the quarterly Princeton ArtWalk is an opportunity for campus and community alike to enjoy the arts scene in a new way—after hours and free of charge. In Princeton, art is always just a few steps away.

Four AccomplishmentsAs part of the Princeton ArtWalk, the Museum is offering an exciting evening of Japanese art and culture, in conjunction with our special exhibition Multiple Hands: Collective Creativity in Eighteenth-Century Japanese Painting. Join them for Japanese culinary specialties, a sake tasting, live entertainment, and scavenger hunts. Students will lead gallery tours from 5 to 6 PM.

FAMILY PROGRAMS @ THE PRINCETON UNIV. ART MUSEUM

Art for Families Bring the family to the Museum on Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 1 PM for drop-in art projects and self-guided tours. The programs are free and open to all. Call the Museum's Education Department at 609.258. 3043 or visit website for more information.

November 5: How's the Weather Today, Monet? 
Learn about French Impressionism and create a three-dimensional landscape inspired by Claude Monet.

November 12: Celebrating Nature in Japanese Art
Discover Japanese art in the Museum's collections and decorate a scroll.

November 19: Art Tales
Hear stories from around the world and make a puppet for your own theater.

FARMSTEAD ARTS PRESENTS FIRST PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Positano_StormPhotography 11 
WHEN: November 5-27, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 PM
WHERE:
Farmstead Arts,  450 King George Road, Basking Ridge

 

Yosemite_Ltl_Tree247Featuring 28 photographers, the focus of Photography 11 Exhibit and Sale will be on SIZE with works having an image size of 11”x14”, according to Kristina Lloyd, of Basking Ridge and curator of the exhibit. Most of the photographs are in black and white. Photographers in the show include Katie Corrigan, Filip Everaert, Frank Gubernat, Cinder LeDell, Jean Leigh, Hilary Klimek, Lorraine Regan, Kathy and Patsy Ragonese, and Mahvash Saba of Basking Ridge; Jeff Bosie, Holly Fazelat, Nino Gjivoje, and Gail Mardfin of Bernardsville; Joanne Devine of Elizabeth, Michael Downey of Somerville, Kathleen Kirchner of Stanhope, Richard Koch of West Orange, Parvathi Kumar of Bridgewater, Gary Martin of Warren Township, Sher Weston Stec of Long Valley, Mary Staudmyer of Morristown, Judy Shanahan and her two children Abigail and Fiona of Warren, Mike Tesi of Madison, Joe Torres of Miami Florida and Diane Whitebay of Montclair. 

Parvathi Kumar p1In addition to photography, other artists will display their work.  Works include nature-themed votive candleholders by Patrick Healy of Bernardsville, ceramics by Susanna Kopchains and beaded jewelry by Kristina Lloyd of Basking Ridge, decorative handmade lampshades by Jon Martinez of Millington, and artistically interpreted and restored furniture by Andrea McKenna of Jersey City. 

On Sunday, November 6 from 1-4 PM, Holiday Family Portraits by professional photographer Hilary Klimek of Basking Ridge will be offered just in time for the holidays. Family portraits will be taken in front of a winter setting designed by Back-to-Nature of Basking Ridge. The $50 sitting fee includes three digital photos that will be e-mailed to participants. There is a limit to 5 people per sitting. Housebroken pets are welcome. Reservations are encouraged, however, drop-ins are welcome based on availability. Call 1.347.927.8748 to book an appointment.

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAOn Saturday, November 12 from 1 – 5 PM there will be an Artists Boutique featuring live music by singer/songwriter Maura Glynn (right) and singer/instrumentalist Shannon Glynn of Bernardsville and affordable pottery, paintings, beaded jewelry, luminaries, candles, jewelry, furniture and photography for sale. Refreshments will be served.  

For a complete list of Farmstead Arts events and classes, visit www.farmsteadartscenter.org, or visit Facebook.  For more information, e-mail farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com, or call 1.347.927.8748.

The Farmstead Arts farmhouse is wheelchair accessible. Anyone anticipating the need for additional accessibility services is requested to make a request by sending an e-mail to the farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com at least three weeks in advance.

Funds for these events have been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program Grant administered by The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

(Top: Positano Storm by Mike Tesi and Yosemite Ltl Tree by Mike Tesi; color photo by Parvathi Kumar)

RVCC THEATRE TO PRESENT WORKS OF NJ DANCE COMPANIES

 

Dances from the Garden
WHEN: Saturday, November 12, at 8 PM
WHERE:
118 Lamington Road in Branchburg
TICKETS: $17 and $27
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Box Office, 908.725.3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. A variety of subscribers’ packages are available for all Theatre series. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for a variety of performances.

artist                                      video                                    tickets

The evening will feature the outstanding talents of the Nimbus Dance Works, Randy James Dance Works and Lustig Dance Theatre. The presentation is part of the Theatre’s 2011-2012 Major Artists Series.

Nimbus Dance Works will present Memo, featuring choreography by Samuel Pott and music by Dvorak, Bloch, Prokofiev and Rochberg. The piece was inspired by Pott’s desire to create a work that emanated out of the personal experience of each dancer. Pott explains that he “wanted to find a process that would compel the dancers to speak directly and honestly through movement about subjects of importance in their lives.”

Lustig_Dance_TheatreLustig Dance Theatre will present Pulcinella, featuring choreography by Graham Lustig and a neo-classic score by Igor Stravinsky. In the piece Lustig explores the Commedia dell’arte, the Italian form of theatre that began in the mid-16th Century and was characterized by masked “types” of iconic characters. A farcical forerunner to slap stick, Commedia dell’arte is the perfect setting for this high-spirited romp to one of the world’s greatest pieces of music. (Above: A scene from Lustig Dance Theatre’s Pulcinella. Photo courtesy of Lustig Dance Theatre)

Master Class with Randy James
Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1 PM

Open Rehearsal Randy James Dance Works
Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 PM

Open Rehearsal Nimbus Dance Works
Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9 AM

Master Class with Sam Potts
Thursday, Nov. 10 at 3 PM

Open Rehearsal Lustig Dance Theatre
Friday, Nov. 11 at 12:15 PM
Master Class with Company Dancer
Friday, Nov. 11 at 3 PM

Classes are FREE. Pre-registration required. Call Cindy at 908.231.8801

Pre-talk
Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:40 PM

Ticket holders for Dances from the Garden concert are invited and encouraged to arrive early for a brief and informative preview of the evening.

For the eighth year in a row, Courier News readers voted The Theatre at RVCC as the “Best of the Best” in 2011 in the “Theater” category.

RVCC’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. Serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 40 years, the College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates. RVCC @ Bridgewater, located at 14 Vogt Drive, offers technical, trade, credit and non-credit courses. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

ORIGINAL SHORT PLAYS HIGHLIGHT THEATRE FESTIVAL 1 WEEKEND ONLY

image

TRI-STATE THEATRE FESTIVAL
A special performance of original short plays by Jack Donahue, Jerry Lieblich, Anthony R Pezzula,  Margaret L Rogers, Joe Starzyk, Robert Scott Sullivan, Tom Tunnington, Joe Wohlgemuth

Directed by Elizabeth Barker, Armand Marino Jr., Michael T. Mooney, Margaret L Rogers, Robert Scott Sullivan, Jim Walsh, Caitlyn Wright

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 4 & Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 PM; Sunday, Nov. 6, 2 PM
WHERE: Wesley Hall, 4th & Mercer, Spring Lake, NJ
TICKETS: $15 Adults, $10 Seniors & Children under 12
Call for Tickets: 732-447-5169
www.southstreetplayers.org

*This black box festival is an artistic fundraiser—to help South Street Players maintain its commitment to producinghigh-quality, entertaining theatrical experiences for the 2011-12 season…and beyond.

PARK PLAYERS SEEK ACTORS FOR 2 MUSICAL PLAYS

The Park Players will hold Auditions for their 2012 Season

 
An Evening at Antonia’s
An Upbeat review of the Musicals of the New Millennium.

 

 

 

 

Two by Two
Broadway musical that starred Danny Kaye with a book by Peter Stone, lyrics by Martin Charmin, & music by Richard Rogers.

Based on Glifford Odet’s play The Flowering Peach, it tells the story of Noah’s preparation for The Great Flood & its aftermath

WHEN: November 7, 9 & 14, 7:00–9:30 PM
WHERE: Church of the Good Shepherd, 1576 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee

For more info call 201.941.6030/ 201.736.0878 or visit  www.parkplayers.com

MUSIC, FAMILY FARE @ UCPAC NOVEMBER 3-6

headerBuskin and BatteauThe City of Rahway presents
Buskin & Batteau
WHEN: Thursday, November 3, at 7 PM
WHERE:
UCPAC, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
FREE CONCERT presented as part of the Mayor's Concert Series

LightSoundSpace Concert SeriesJuan-Carlos Formell — Live Concert
WHEN: November 3
WHERE:
LightSoundSpace, 1591 Irving Street, Rahway, located next door to the UC PAC
Call the UC PAC Box Office at 732.499/8226 to make a reservation.
Presented as part of Rahway Arts District's 1st Thursday events.

Juan Carlos Formell represents the third generation of one of Cuba's most important musical families. The grandson of Francisco Formell, the arranger for Ernesto Lucuona's Cuban Boys, and the son of Juan Formell, founder and leader of Los Van Van, Formell has clearly inherited the musical skills of his ancestors.

Buddy Guy on November 4 at 8PMWHEN: Friday, November 4, 8:00 PM
TICKETS: $85, $70, $60, $50 & $40
(Ticket prices include all fees.)
  BUY TICKETS HERE

"When I was 21,” says Buddy Guy, "some of my older friends, who are no longer with us, they’d say, 'You’re still a baby.' And then they said the same thing when I was 31, then 41, and I thought, ‘Man, when do I get old?’ I've been hearing that ever since I first went to Chicago—'You’re still wet behind the ears.' So when do I get dry?"

With his new album, Living Proof, Guy takes a hard look back at a remarkable life. At age 74, he’s a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound, and a living link to that city’s halcyon days of electric blues. He has received 5 Grammy Awards, 23 W.C. Handy Blues Awards (the most any artist has received), the Billboard magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts. Rolling Stone ranked him in the top 30 of its "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time."

NJ Ballet's Cinderella on November 6 at 3PM

Union County PAC & NJ Ballet present

New Jersey Ballet's CINDERELLA
WHEN: Sunday, November 6, 3:00 PM
BUY TICKETS HERE

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
See why Cinderella is one of New Jersey Ballet’s most popular ballets for families.

This beautiful full two-act ballet has a beautiful Cinderella, a handsome Prince, two wickedly funny stepsisters, and a Pumpkin that turns into a Coach before your very eyes! All accompanied by original ''storyteller'' narration so even the littlest ones can keep up with ease.

Bring the entire family to experience the beauty of dance
with this delightful fairy tale ballet by New Jersey Ballet Company.

Visit the website http://www.njballet.org for more information.

FREE HALLOWEEN MOVIE FEATURING “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA”

header

The Phantom of the OperaThe Phantom of the Opera
starring Lon Chaney

With Live Organ Accompaniment by Ben Model
The Mighty Little Wurlitzer will be played for the first time in five years.

WHEN: Monday, October 31, 7 PM
WHERE:
  UCPAC, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
FREE ADMISSION: A Ticket is Required for Entry.
Click here to download the Free Movie Night flyer with your ticket.

Pizza Party at Patria
Before and After the movie.
Download the flyer above for more information.

Live Organ Accompaniment by Ben Model
The Mighty Little Wurlitzer will be played for the first time in five years.

Ben ModelBen Moden is one of the USA's leading silent film accompanists, and has been playing piano and organ for silents at the Museum of Modern Art in New York for the past 27 years. Ben co-curated MoMA's "Cruel and Unusual Comedy"series and Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle retrospective, and also curated Shout! Factory's new "Ernie Kovacs Collection" DVD  box set. A five-time recipient of the Meet The Composer grant, Ben is a regular accompanist at classic film festivals around the U.S.A. and in Norway, and performs at universities, museums, and historic theaters. Ben is the producer and co-founder of The  Silent Clowns Film Series, now in its 14th season in NYC. Ben's recorded scores can be heard on numerous DVD releases from Kino Video and others. Ben's composed ensemble scores for films by Chaplin, Keaton and Lloyd  are performed around the U.S. every year by orchestras and by concert bands.

 

Click on the image to view the YouTube video:

“DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS” OPENS @ THE STROLLERS THIS WEEKEND

Just a reminder: if you want a little laughter after the awe-ful, awful snowstorm last weekend, mark your calendar for The Strollers’ upcoming production:

TICKETS: go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/196693

A PLAY FOR THE FAMILY ABOUT THE EFFECT OF ANNE FRANK ON THE PLAYWRIGHT’S LIFE

If you missed (or saw) Hannah at Premiere Stages, you might want to check out this play about how Anne Frank informed the life of the playwright/actress Carol Lempert.

after anne frankAFTER ANNE FRANK
By Carol Lempert
Directed by Janice L. Goldberg

WHEN: Sunday, November 13, 5 PM
WHERE:
Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, 110 South Orange Ave., Livingston
TICKETS: start at $36
For more information call 973.929.3194 or e-mail holocaustcouncil@ujcnj.org

Writer-performer Carol Lempert has crafted her enduring involvement with the story of Anne Frank and its influence in shaping her own Jewish identity into an absorbing one-woman show.

More than once during After Anne Frank, Lempert observes, "Everyone tells me I look a lot like Anne Frank." And her experiences in performing in various stage adaptations of Anne's diary—first as Anne; then as Anne's sister Margot; and finally as their mother Edith—make up much of the piece.

However, Lempert's play, smartly directed by Janice L. Goldberg, is much more than a dramatized résumé. While celebrating the continuing inspiration of Anne Frank's humanity, the script passionately questions whether the retellings of Anne's story are part of a "commercialization of the Holocaust" and whether the artificialities of the stage can come anywhere near portraying the real-life tragedy. It also looks at the deep differences between the stage adaptations: the Broadway version by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett and Meyer Levin's adaptation. (The controversy over Levin's play was also the subject of Rinne Groff's Compulsion at the Public Theater earlier this year).

Lempert melds all this with her own lively and expressive presence, making this an entertaining, touching and provocative 80 minutes of solo theater.

WORLD PREMIERE ACADEMIC SEX COMEDY EXTENDED @ TWO RIVER THEATER COMPANY

By Madeleine George
Directed by Ken Rus Schmoll

WHEN: EXTENDED THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2011
WHERE: MARION HUBER THEATER, Two River Theater Company, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank

Madeleine George’s new play is a deliciously smart and funny “academic sex comedy” about life in a small university town. Dean Wreen’s college is in dire financial straits, and a plan to close its on-campus natural history museum is sending unexpected shock waves in every direction—just as the Dean’s ex-girlfriend has come back into her life. This definitely complicates things with her much younger girlfriend, Andromeda. Neither budget cuts nor the shadows cast by seven about-to-be-homeless mammoths are any match for the sweet taste of romance in this hilarious and deeply moving play.

Rated M for mature content and language. This production features simulated sex between prehistoric college students and contemporary lesbians. No mammoths were harmed in the making of this play.

Click here to purchase tickets!

Click on the video above to catch a glimpse of this world premiere production

Click here to watch a slideshow; then click here to purchase your tickets today!

Bring a group of more than 10 people and get up to 30% off!
Click here to learn more about our Group Sales program.
Contact:
Brian Holland, bholland@trtc.org
732.345.1400 x1813

Sunday, October 30, 2011

THEATER ROCK @ DARRESS THEATRE RESCHEDULED DUE TO STORM

Darress Theatre Logo

Theater Rock at the Darress Theatre Rescheduled for
November 12 at 8 PM

Theater Rock

WHEN: Rescheduled for November 12 at 8 PM
WHERE:
Darress Theatre, 615 Main Street, Boonton

Theater Rock

Theater Rock is a collection of the best songs from the best rock musicals performed live. Theater Rock combines outstanding songs from contemporary Broadway presented by talented musicians and singers from a variety of musical paths, demonstrating an amalgam that can make for a unique night of aural entertainment and sheer enjoyment. The ensemble showcases the talents of some of the most dynamic vocalists in the tri-state area. Backed by a powerful band that delivers an animated performance with high musicianship, Theater Rock provides moving tribute and deep meaning to the rock musical theater genre.

Please check web site for details. (www.darresstheatre.com)

TICKETS FOR JANUARY–MARCH EVENTS GO ON SALE OCT. 31 @ McCARTER THEATRE IN PRINCETON

Tickets on Sale for January - March Events Starting Monday, October 31<br />    Mavis Staples<br />Jan 21 - 7:30pm<br />Richard Thompson<br />Solo Acoustic <br />Feb 17 - 8:00pm<br />The Midtown Men<br />Mar 3 - 8:00pm<br />Australia’s National Circus<br />CIRCUS OZ <br />April 7 - 8<br /> ( featuring three performances!)

WHERE: McCarter Theatre, Princeton, NJ
TICKETS: CLICK HERE or call 609.258.2787

MUSIC, COMEDY, DRAMA, FAMILY FARE @ McCARTER THEATRE IN PRINCETON

Upcoming Events<br />    Strictly Speaking: <br />ALFRED BRENDEL  <br />Does Classical Music Have to be Entirely Serious? <br />Nov 1 - 8pm<br /><br />Penn & Teller<br />Nov 7 - 8pm<br /><br />Charles Ross’ One-Man <br />Star Wars® Trilogy<br />Nov 8 - 8pm<br /><br />BÉLA FLECK &<br /> THE FLECKTONES <br />with Original Member Howard Levy <br />Nov 9 - 8pm<br /><br />YAMATO<br />Japanese Taiko Drum Ensemble <br />Nov 10 - 8pm<br /><br />An Evening with <br />JOAN BAEZ <br />Nov 11 - 8pm<br />

FIRE & ICE benefit<br />    February can be chilly, but McCarter Theatre plans to heat things up with a rocking party <br />following the Bruce Hornsby concert on Friday, February 24 at 8pm! Join us for a reception <br />immediately following the performance with specialty cocktails, seasonal fare, music, <br />door prizes, and other surprises along the way. Tickets for the performance and <br />reception can be purchased for $100 (reception only tickets are $50). <br />To purchase tickets, call 609-258-6545

FAMILY FEST<br />    Featuring:<br /><br />One Day Sale on Family Events <br />Bounce houses <br />Stage combat and creative drama workshops for the kids <br />Holiday craft project <br />Face painting <br />Behind the scenes of A Christmas Carol <br />Photo ops with Scrooge and Tiny Tim  <br />Snacks and refreshments <br />

A SPECIAL EVENT @ THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE OF NJ

If you loved the film and just saw the stellar production at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, then you won’t want to miss this special event:

Meet Mary Badham from the film To Kill A Mockingbird!

www.ShakespeareNJ.org

REVIEW: “A FAR CRY”’ BRINGS CLASSICS TO CENTENARY ARTS CENTER

Sheila-current3By Sheila Abrams

You might call it democracy. Or to some it may look like anarchy. But in the end it sounds divine, when the youthful chamber orchestra, A Far Cry, flouts musical convention to do its own thing.

Delaying an apparently eagerly anticipated visit to White Castle in Hackettstown, the group of 17 young musicians from Boston stopped long enough to wow an appreciative audience with a marvelous concert on Oct. 22, in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Center on the campus of Centenary College. Actually, the White Castle was a lucky surprise. “We don’t have White Castle in Boston,” one of the violinists told the audience. “Fortunately, they’re open late.”

For the audience, the concert was a great treat. Classical music has not been much in evidence since the handsome new performing venue opened last year, and those of us who enjoy hearing it live generally have to travel.

The democracy/anarchy observation recognizes the fact that, among these talented string players, there is no String-Player-in-Chief. This group plays without a conductor. The signal to begin is so subtle that, even if you are watching for it, you will probably miss it. And it travels. It’s not always the same person. The musicians’ positions on the stage also change with each piece. Considering the hierarchical, often dictatorial structure of the normal orchestra, this is radical. But if you think of them as an overgrown string quartet, it makes sense.

The program they played was intriguing. They began with the Triple Quartet by contemporary American composer Steve Reich. Widely respected by some critics as one of the 20th century’s greatest composers, Reich is a master of minimalism, the music aggressively repetitive. The Triple Quartet represented the style with irritating precision.

As if rewarding us, the ensemble moved on to Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, called Serioso, arranged for string orchestra. This piece was composed in 1814, a time of great personal upheaval in Beethoven’s life, but also a period of great musical creativity. The quartet, while majestic in its classicism, has some surprises that make it sound unexpectedly modern at moments.

For sheer melodic beauty, the Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3 by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi won the prize. Respighi, who lived from 1879 to 1936, might be expected to ride the cusp between late Romanticism and Modernism. Instead, his work is steeped in the Baroque, taking old themes and reframing them in unique orchestrations.

One major difference between Respighi and Antonin Dvorak, whose Serenade for Strings in E major closed the program, is in the area of thematic development. Like the Italian composer, Dvorak’s was rich in melody. The Czech composer, however, was brilliant at developing themes. The Serenade, like much of his music, contains echoes of Bohemian folk melodies of his youth. In his later years, including a lengthy and productive visit to the U.S., during most of which he lived in New York City, he incorporated American folk themes in compositions like his Symphony No. 9, From the New World, and his String Quartet in F, The American Quartet.

We are grateful to the Centenary Stage Company for making this gesture of recognition of the sorely-neglected audience for classical music and hope more stellar classical musicians will follow in the footsteps of the marvelous A Far Cry. And maybe the young Bostonians will come back. White Castle can be used as an enticement.

Friday, October 28, 2011

ALL-WOMAN AWARDWINNING VOCAL ENSEMBLE @ ENLOW HALL ON THE KEAN UNIVERSITY EAST CAMPUS

SweetHoneyGroup

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK

WHEN: Sunday, November 6, 3 PM
WHERE:
Gene & Shelley Enlow Recital Hall at Kean University’s East Campus at 215 North Avenue, Hillside
TICKETS: $35
Tickets can be purchased by calling Kean Stage Box Office at 908.737.SHOW (7469), online at http://enlowhall.kean.edu, or in person at Kean University’s Wilkins Theater Box Office located at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union.

American Grammy Award-winning and internationally renowned all-woman African-American vocal ensemble, SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, captures a wide range of musical genres including blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, Hip Hop, ancient lullabies and jazz improvisation.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK is one of the most celebrated international ambassadors of a cappella music. The troupe expresses their history as women of color through song, while entertaining their audience, offering added interpretation through the use of American Sign Language. They have together worked from four women to the difficult five-part harmony with a sixth member translating the sign language. Although the members have changed over three decades, they continue to sing and have helped to produce several children's records as well as those intended for adults.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK was founded in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon who founded the group out of singers from a vocal workshop she was teaching with the Washington, D.C. Black Repertory Company. Reagon retired from the group in 2004. The name of the group was derived from a song, based on Psalm 81:16, which tells of a land so rich that when rocks were cracked open, honey flowed from them. Johnson has said that this first song in which four women blended their voices was so powerful, that there was no question what the name of the group should be. The members are Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson and Shirley Childress Saxton (Sign Language Interpreter).

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK has received several Grammy Award nominations, including one for their children's album, Still the Same Me which received the Silver Award from the National Association of Parenting Publications. They won a Grammy Award in 1989 in the category of Best Traditional Folk Recording for their version of Leadbelly's "Grey Goose" from the compilation album Folkways: A Vision Shared.

WQXR is a media sponsor of Gene & Shelley Enlow Recital Hall. For complete Enlow Hall 2011-12 Season information, please visit the website or contact Ms. Cory Ransom, Director, Operations 908.737.5932, ransomco@kean.edu.

BERGEN COUNTY PLAYERS’ SECOND STAGE PRODUCTION RUNS JUST 2 PERFORMANCES!

WHO AM I THIS TIME?
Based on a Story By Kurt Vonnegut
Adapted By Christopher Sergel
Directed by Dottie Fischer

WHEN: Saturday, November 5, at 2 PM; Sunday, November 6, at 7 PM
WHERE:
Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
TICKETS: $10
Buy tickets HERE

BCP’s Second Stage season kicks off with a story that centers on Harry Nash, an extremely shy and bland small-town man. However, whenever he takes a part in the local, amateur theater production he becomes his character to an overwhelming extent. Soon Helene Shaw, a recent addition to the town, falls in love with Nash—but only with his character in the play.

And no, this show is in no way based on any members of the Bergen County Players!

CHESTER THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS COMEDY BY QUINTESSENTIAL WASP PLAYWRIGHT

THE COCKTAIL HOUR
By A. R. Gurney
Directed by Cindy Alexander

WHEN: November 5–19, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM; Sunday. November 13 and 20, at 2 PM
WHERE:
Black River Playhouse, the corner of Grove Street & Maple Avenue, Chester 
TICKETS: $18 ($16 for Seniors/Students).
For reservations call 908.879.7304
For more information visit www.chestertheatregroup.org

Winner of the Lucille Lortel Award as Best Off-Broadway Play and a long-run New York success, this witty, perceptive play blends mordant humor with moments of affecting poignancy.

The time is the mid ’70s, the place a city in upstate New York. John, a playwright, returns to his family’s house, bringing with him a new play which he has written about them. His purpose is to obtain their permission to proceed with production, but his wealthy, very proper parents are cautious from the outset. For them the theatre is personified by the gracious, comforting era of the Lunts and Ina Claire, and they are disturbed by the bluntness of modern plays. And there is also John’s sister Nina to contend with, although her reservations have to do with the fact that John has given her character such a minor role.

Their confrontation takes place during the ritual of the cocktail hour, and as the martinis flow, so do the recriminations and revelations, both funny and poignant. In the end, it is evident that what John has written is closer to the truth than his family has heretofore been willing to admit, and that beneath their WASP reserve, his parents and siblings are as beset with uncertainties and frustrations as their presumed “inferiors.” But while they seem shackled by the past and tantalized disappointments, with unfailing warmth and humor, pained resignation is converted into cautious but hopeful anticipation.

The cast includes: Michael Foley (Andover) , Penny Hoadley (Brookside), AnnDonne Pepito (Somerset), and Steve Catron (Mendham).

“THE COCKTAIL HOUR is as funny and moving as The Dining Room…it could be the best play he has done so far.” —The New Yorker

“It makes for a deliciously funny and also occasionally touching evening, as Gurney’s family sit around raking over old coals and settling old scores with a quite new and beguiling freshness.” —NY Post

The lines in the play crackle and pop with an electricity all their own.” — Drama-Logue

…"when I watch Gurney at his best, as he is here, I laugh through the tears.” —NY Daily News

Thursday, October 27, 2011

IMPROV TROUPE COMES TO PIANOS BAR & GRILL: 1 NIGHT ONLY

nutty by nature pic 3NUTTY BY NATURE PLAYS PIANOS!
 
WHEN: Saturday, November 5,
8 PM
WHERE:
Pianos, 36 Broad Street, Bloomfield
TICKETS: $10
Tickets may be reserved by calling 973.566.9700, Ext 4.

The Herald News has called them, "Bawdy, brilliant and proof that ingenuity can strike at a moment’s notice." The show is based entirely on audience suggestions! “After all,” says executive director Bob Sapoff, “the only thing better than having a great idea is watching it come to life right before your eyes”! In addition to providing the material for the show, audience members are encouraged to bring their own crazy “props” that the actors will use during the show!

Nutty By Nature has been making audiences laugh throughout the metropolitan NY/NJ area for the past 14 years. In addition to having performed at The NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), The South Street Seaport,12 Miles West, Theater Under the Stars,The Black River Playhouse, Luna Stage, Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores; they were featured on the E! Television/Style Network’s reality TV series, Try My Life.

Executive director Bob Sapoff has been profiled on ABC News, CNN, NY 1 News and in the Star Ledger, Herald News, and Daily Record. A professional actor for over 20 years, his theatre credits include the role of Harpo in the Off-Broadway revival of The Cocoanuts, which was named one of the 10 best Off-Broadway productions of that year. Bob has appeared on Nickelodeon and in countless television commercials (including a Clio Award winner) and print work nationwide.

Other members of the troupe include Troupe Director Paul Acocella, Elaine Brodie, Jody Eiden, Laura Hartin, Robin Lewis, Shelly Miller, Wendy Tiburcio, Jackie Valeo and Ted Wrigley.

Photo by NJ School of Dramatic Arts

FILM COMEDY CUM MUSICAL OPENS THE STROLLERS’ 80th SEASON

clip_image002[4]

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek
Book by Jeffrey Lane
Directed by  Don Guida
Choreographed Carol Cornicelli

WHEN: November 4-18, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM; Sunday, November 6 & 13, 2 PM
WHERE
: The Strollers, Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Place, Maplewood
TICKETS: $20, $16 seniors/students
Order tickets online at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Two con-men—one suave and sophisticated, one crude and uncultured—who prey on wealthy tourists, compete for the right to operate exclusively in the resort town of Beaumont-sur-Mer on the French Riviera.

Starring Gene Ciccone, Jim Coe, Selena Drobnick, Mentha Marley, Betty Slevin and Laura Olsson.

SUMMIT PLAYHOUSE PROUDLY PRESENTS MUSICAL PLAY BASED ON CLASSIC FILM

Meet Me in St. Louis Poster

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Based on "The Kensington Stories" by Sally Benson and the MGM motion picture "Meet Me In St. Louis"
Directed by Jay Mills
Musical direction by Rich Lovallo
Choreography by Lauren Moran Mills

WHEN: November 4-19; Friday & Saturday 8 PM; Sunday, Nov. 6 & 13 2 PM
WHERE:
Summit Playhouse, 10 New England Avenue, Summit
TICKETS: $25 for adults and $20 for students (18 and under).
For tickets: visit www.summitplayhouse.org/tickets, or call 908.273.2192.

Summit Playhouse kicks off its 94th season and stages its 301st production with one of the finest American musicals, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, an adaptation of the movie musical. Set in the early 1900’s, it is the story of the Smith family and their joys and tribulations in a time when things were simpler—or were they? Humor, love and respect tells the family story enhanced by memorable musical numbers.  

As part of a commitment to give back to our community, the Summit Playhouse asks patrons to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Donations will be accepted on all performance evenings and matinees.

The Summit Playhouse’s production of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS features Aaron Braden, Arnold Buchiane, Naomi Fisch, David Hoffman, Morgan Kelleher, Anna Lovallo, Alice Regan Moynahan, Stacey Petricha, Alex Post, Todd Shumpert, Sam Spare, Sky Spiegel and Rosemary Walter.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL SCIENCE FICTION NOVELS OF ALL TIME COMES TO CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY

“Attention grabbing theatre! Critics’ pick!” - Backstage

“Blast off” with the Drama Desk nominated Radiotheatre and their new live stage version of the most influential science fiction story of all time…H.G.Wells’ THE TIME MACHINE! Complete with a great cast of storytellers, an elaborate soundscape, and an original orchestral score! 

TIME MACHINE - FRANKa

THE TIME MACHINE
WHEN: Thursday, November 3, at 7:30 PM, Friday, November 4, at 8 PM, Saturday, November 5, at 8 PM, and Sunday, November 6, at 2 PM
WHERE:
  Edith Bolte Kutz Black Box Theater at the David and Carol Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstwon
TICKETS: $20-$25 with discounts for seniors and students. Thursday evenings are “family night” at CSC, with a two-for-one “rush” ticket price, available at the door on the night of performance.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.centenarystageco.org, by phone at 908.979.0900, or at the CSC Box Office at the David and Carol Lackland Center, located at 715 Grand Ave in Hackettstown. The box office is open 1-5 PM Monday through Friday, and two hours prior to each performance(Above: Frank Zilinyi in H.G.Wells’ The Time Machine)

2010 Drama Desk Nominee H.G. Wells The Time Machine, performed by RADIOTHEATRE, makes its way to the Centenary Stage Company for a limited engagement. One of the greatest science fiction stories ever written, The Time Machine is told in a unique, creative, exciting and theatrical way in this production by RadioTheatre. Variety Magazine hailed the production as “A sound extravaganza,” and Time Out NY Magazine called the piece “spooky, shocking, horrific!” 

By combining a unique presentation with unnerving sound effects, symphonic background music, lighting, and dramatic tension, RadioTheatre brings a modern innovative piece of work to contemporary audiences, while also celebrating the genre of audio drama which inspired the production.

The RadioTheatre production of The Time Machine is directed, written, and sound-designed by Dan Bianchi, who has spent over 35 years in theater, film, and fine arts. Bianchi founded RADIOTHEATRE in 2004 and has since produced over 40 live shows and 240 performances at New York City venues. He has been nominated for a 2010 Drama Desk Award and has won 2 NY Innovative Theater awards for Best Sound and Best Music.

The cast of The Time Machine features Frank Zilinyi and Kate Siepert.   Returning for his 35th show with Radiotheatre, sound engineer Wes Shippee is a Drama Desk-nominated sound designer, audio engineer, and musician. His notable projects include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and multiple New York Innovative Theatre Awards during his four years  with RADIOTHEATRE.

Now in its 7th season, the RadioTheatre company combines the artistry created during the Golden years of Radio with Story Telling. Using great voices, music and sound effects, as well as the individual imaginations of its audiences, the company calls up the primary ingredients to provide a memorable, live, theatrical experience. With 21st Century touches, such as cinematic scripts, fully scored orchestral sound tracks , a plethora of aural effects and, a few visuals effects as well, the company creates a unique production with a non-traditional, modern, innovative stage presentation.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

CATCH “ANNIE” @ SMILING RHINO THEATRE ALL WEEKENDS IN NOVEMBER: GREAT THEATER FOR KIDS

In its 11th year of providing quality live theater,  Smiling Rhino Theatre proudly presents

clip_image002

ANNIE THE MUSICAL

WHEN: weekends in November, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM; Saturdays & Sundays at 2 PM
WHERE:
Smiling Rhino Theatre, 247 Wanaque Ave., Pompton Lakes
TICKETS: $25 adults; $22 seniors; $20 children
Group rates available
Box office: 973.248.9491
Purchas them online HERE.
Send and e-mail to tickets@smilingrhinotheatre.com

 

Fairfield NJ resident Kira Shabbab (below left) and Waldwick resident Taylor Schwencke (below right) share the lead role!

<SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA>

<SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA>

RLO SEEKS SINGERS TO CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OF COLE PORTER

rloAuditions:

Hot ‘n Cole: A Cole Porter Celebration

WHEN: Friday, November 18, 7-10 PM; Saturday, November 19, 10 AM–2 PM
WHERE:
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 140 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge
Performances are February 2, 3 and 4 at 8 pm and February 4 at 2 PM.

Rehearsals will be held 3-4 times per week in January 2012 plus 3 music rehearsal prior.

Ridge Light Opera seeks experienced cabaret style singers/performers to sing a large array of Cole Porter songs in this carefully scripted show published by Samuel French. 

This show involves three male and three female adult singers of various ages. All singers must read music and move well on stage.

Auditions are by appointment only and will be selected from pictures and resumes e-mailed to ridgelightopera@optonline.net. No calls please. 

Pay is honorarium plus travel expenses. Non-Union.

Performances will also be held in Basking Ridge, NJ.  

RLO seeks only NJ based performers with their own means of transportation.

Monday, October 24, 2011

BROOK ARTS CENTER SPRINGS TO LIFE OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER! BE A PART OF IT!

brook arts centerbanner

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN AT THE BROOK ARTS CENTER
A special Halloween treat awaits movie goers! The classic silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney, will be accompanied by Bernie Anderson on the Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.
WHEN: October 31, 8 PM
WHERE:
Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook
TICKETS: $8; $7 for seniors and those wearing costumes.
Sponsored by the Garden State Theatre Organ Society.
For info call Cathy Martin, 973.256.5480.

RIVERFEST has been rescheduled.
WHEN: November 5, from 10 AM - 5 PM 
WHERE: Main Street in downtown Bound Brook
The Board of Directors will be operating the beer/wine garden.

NELSON ILLUSIONS: Smoke & Mystery Tour
WHEN: Thursday, December 29, at 2 PM and on Friday, December 30, at 7 PM.
WHERE: 
Brook Arts Center, Hamilton Street, Bound Brook
Come see an extraordinary display of Magic & Illusion.