A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, May 20, 2004 Page 19 OnOn thethe BeatBeat On the BeatITH EITH OPNICKI OnOn thethe BeatBeatITH EITH OPNICKI W K K The Pixies: Catch the Wave By KEITH KOPNICKI liked they sounded. Not so with The Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Pixies. How could a band so epic in Latest Coffee with Conscience Concert The Pixies, “Wave of Mutila- approach, so truly punk at heart, so tion: Best of The Pixies,” 4AD, twisted, sinister and haunting in sound Out Now actually look so ... ordinary? Rating: A The Pixies, perhaps unknowingly, Get Outta Features Music Fusion Artist, SONiA Never heard of the Pixies? Here’s the turned their painfully average appear- short version. It’s 1987. Band blasts onto ance into an advantage and, in doing By MARYLOU MORANO SONiA travels the world to share her Church. For more information about Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times scene. Band establishes foothold. Then, so, launched one of rock’s ultimate The House message, and has performed in Australia, the Zoe Lewis concert, visit at the peak of their powers, with a seem- surprise attacks. Nobody that normal WESTFIELD — Singer -songwriter Canada, Israel, The Netherlands, and Great www.coffeewithconscience.com. By CAROL F. DAVIS ingly endless looking could be that good, could they? Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times SONiA, whose music represents a col- Britain among many other countries. Each Coffee with Conscience concert is stream of cool But they were. lage of folk, rock, blues and country, “It’s important for people of other coun- broadcasted the following month on TV-36 tunes and clas- The impossibly silly and maddening It’s once again time for the best took to the stage of tries to meet an Ameri- for residents of Westfield, Scotch Plains, lyrics, the sometimes stinging, some- yard sale around – the Friends of sic albums the First United Meth- can one-to-one. I am Fanwood and Mountainside. Concerts can ahead of them, times crunching, sometimes soaring gui- Sleepy Hollow 11th Annual Ga- odist Church of about peace and democ- be viewed on Fridays at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. tar riffs all combined to define the musi- rage Sale will be held on Sunday, band breaks up. Westfield on Saturday, racy for everyone,” she and on Sundays at 7 p.m. Makes no cal genius that was The Pixies. May 23, in the beautiful Sleepy May 15, as part of the said, adding that the sense, but Each of their five albums is well repre- Hollow area of Plainfield. This year’s monthly Coffee with world’s focus overall has More from the these things sented here. The glorious riffery of “Where sale is bigger than ever, with almost Conscience Concert to be for humanity. rarely do. is My Mind?” the haunting “Caribou” 150 households participating. The Series of Westfield. “The truth is that Band mem- (This human form/Where I was born/I event will take place from 9 a.m. Chris Chandler, who we are all different, WF Districtwide bers go their separate ways, solo careers now repent/Cariboooou) and the berserk until 4 p.m., rain or shine. Proceeds is also a singer- but we are more alike are born, fans shed some tears and “Debaser” highlight an album that accu- benefit the neighborhood associa- songwriter and whom than we are different,” Art Show that’s the end of the story, right? Wrong. rately chronicles The Pixies’ short but tion. You won’t leave empty-handed. Coffee with Conscience she added. This story has a happy ending. productive run. producer Ahrre Maros SONiA was part of Michelle Helen Le Poidevin for The Leader/The Times Fourteen years after their demise, The Bass player Kim Deal’s pop/punk * * * * * * * referred to as a “spoken the celebrity coalition KUDOS TO THE KIDS…Countless purr on “Gigantic” serves to counter- pieces of art featured in the Westfield Pixies have come back from the dead. On Saturday, May 22, there will word-smith,” opened that joined over a mil- Maybe there was some unfinished busi- balance the devil-howl of the band’s be a spring concert, “O Heaven! O for SONiA. lion people at the District Wide Art Show garnered praise. singer/songwriter/guitarist Frank Black Some of them, pictured above, included: ness to take care of, or maybe the bills just Earth!” by The Madrigal Singers, at Although she ap- March for Women’s needed paying. The important thing on tracks like “Tame” “Planet of Sound” peared solo at Coffee Lives in Washington Devin Kiernan’s (grade 1) crayon por- 8 p.m. in First Baptist Church of trait; Steve Fromtling’s glowing acrylic; here is the band responsible for alterna- and “U-Mass.” But it’s when these two Westfield, 170 Elm Street. The con- with Conscience, D.C. on April 25, an tive music having its own section at Sam voices join forces on “Monkey Gone To experience she found Jessica Ropers’ (Art 2) India ink and cert will be directed by Elaine SONiA also performs watercolor on Strathmore paper; Rob- Goody is back. Heaven” or “Velouria” that The Pixies Fiorino, and will include modern with her sister CiNDY “empowering.” ert Bunting’s (grade 5) batik/watercolor First came a headlining gig earlier really get clicking on all cylinders. in the rock band “dis- As a soloist, composers in a cappella tradition, SONiA resist, Jessica Bender’s (Art 3) India ink this month at Coachella Music Festival Let’s not forget “Here Comes Your along with poetry readings by Judy appear fear,” which was SONiA, who claims and watercolor on Strathmore, and in California alongside a band they no Man” either, a song so catchy and damn formed in the late 80’s in their hometown Bob Dylan as a distant cousin, has ap- Philip Kim’s (Art 3) mixed media piece. doubt influenced, Radiohead. Then near perfect it deserves its own exhibition Sullivan accompanying this trea- of Baltimore, Md. peared on stage with Sarah Maclaughlin, sury of Renaissance choral music. came the announcement of a national at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Attendees at Saturday night’s concert Jewel and the Indigo Girls. and European tour and now this, a best- It is truly rare for a band to mix and The suggested donation is $10. Call heard selections from SONiA’s recently Accompanying her songs with both (908) 233-1570 for information. of collection. mash so many disparate styles of popu- released CD “No Bomb Is Smart,” includ- guitar and harmonica, SONiA calls her Sadly, “Wave of Mutliation: Best of lar music but The Pixies did it, and did * * * * * * * ing its title track. The lyrics of “No Bomb music “urban folk” and explains it is a The Pixies” does not offer any new it well. They improbably combined mix of blues and bluegrass. On Saturday, May 22, from 9:30 Is Smart” as well as SONiA’s eight other material, but it does serve to highlight, great 60s-esque melodies, manic punk collaborative or solo CDs are expressive of All net proceeds from SONiA’s Coffee over 23 tracks, the all-too-brief run of hysterics, touches of soft country bal- a.m. until 1 p.m., the Plainfield her passion for the environment, world with Conscience concert will be donated Cultural and Heritage Commission one of the most creative, refreshing ladry, rockabilly and hip surf rock to peace and equality. to the Eric Johnson House of Morristown. create a sound that was and is undeni- will sponsor the first “Central Jer- and, let’s be honest, coolest bands of “All of my songs are written from my “This concert is about being inclusive the last 25 years. ably their own. sey History Fair,” to be held at the heart and my feelings,” said SONiA in a and respectful of others,” SONiA said. Never heard of The Pixies? You’ve Plainfield Public Library, Eighth The Stones, The Beatles, The Sex pre-concert interview with The Westfield Coffee with Conscience closes another Pistols — these were bands that looked got some catching up to do. Street and Park Avenue. There will Leader and Scotch Plains-Fanwood Westfield concert series on June 19 with be exhibits, lectures, and author Times. “I write about the things that the appearance of one-woman band Zoe appearances. You may also purchase separate people.” Lewis at the First United Methodist ™ the newly published “Encyclopedia POPCORN of New Jersey,” published by Rutgers University Press, while the Friends CDC Ends 85th Season With Kiss Van Helsing: Lacks Bite of the Plainfield Public Library will CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 host a book sale of previously owned in My Fashion” rationalizes her fascina- an outstanding job with marvelously tal- One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent historical fiction and nonfiction tion with other men. Zilg’s flirtation, flair, ented musicians in the pit. Unfortunately, books. “Drop-In Lectures” will in- By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER you remember the film critic’s oath, a sworn and fancy footwork, and Fiorello’s Broad- the theater is just too small for the big 1 POPCORN clude such topics as “Landscaping way quality voice in “Bianca” are quite a sound the eight pieces produce. Their allegiance inspired by the maritime tradi- Your Historic Home,” “Doing Oral match. quality is so stellar, that one listens to the This isn’t the Van Helsing I know. My tion that asserts sea captains must go down History,” and “Caring for Histori- Inspired acting by Bobby Selig and lovely flute or sensuous saxophone in- version is an old guy, and he doesn’t look a with the ship. cal Clothing Collections.” All events Dave O’Neil, known only as Gangster I stead of the vocal line. Microphones did bit like Hugh Jackman, the Indy Jones Hence an elective stroll to the concession are free and indoors. For informa- and Gangster II, provide the play’s comic not seem to be working, or were set so low knockoff who plays the title character in this stand, “just to look,” is understandable. So is tion, call (908) 757-2305. relief. The thugs come to collect a debt in amplification that they did not accom- horribly tiring, painfully inundating film by an unnecessary saunter to the restroom. from Fred Graham, and he uses their modate the disparity in volume. director Stephen Sommers. Three or four viewers in my audience par- * * * * * * * muscle to force Lilli to remain in the play One of the night’s best scenes is “Too My Van Helsing wouldn’t deign to be the doned themselves to see if they had left their Music at Delbarton will present until the end of the week. Darn Hot,” which showcases lead dancer dashing centerpiece for a video game that headlights on. Funny -- it was daytime, and the Delbarton Schola Cantorum Both actors, Selig and O’Neill, are lead- Doug McLaughlin. Running almost 10 bears his name, as is the multi-marketing one of them doesn’t even have a car. Concert on Wednesday, May 26, at ing men quality and know how to milk a minutes in length, it requires great danc- reality here. For, he is the epitome of Old It matters not. The cacophony and con- 7 p.m. This free performance will be line, and punctuate with a look or timed ers/actors who need to utilize an under- World wisdom and intelligence. He is the fusion will be there when you get back. You held at St. Mary’s Abbey, 230 pause. They are a hit with their facial current of energy and stamina while feign- esteemed Professor Abraham Van Helsing, see, it’s all about curses set in motion centu- Mendham Road, Route 24, two miles contortions, and Tony Soprano charac- ing lethargy. It is a paradoxical challenge significantly portrayed by Edward Van Sloan. ries ago, when Count Vladislaus Dracula terizations. for actors; they carry it off with specialty He is more or less in the same business as was first killed. Well, the Count has never west of the Morristown Green. For “Van Helsing’s” younger, more testoster- quite gotten over that slight, even though he information, call (973) 538-3231. With their number, “Brush Up Your duos, acrobatics, and high-voltage chore- Shakespeare,” the audience hoots its ap- ography by Alyson Pemoulie. one-laden version. has been given eternal life, if that’s what you * * * * * * * While it spans only a few seconds, noth- call it. The New Jersey Ballet will ing Jackman’s character does in a full two Somehow or another this is connected to present two performances this week- hours and 12 minutes can possibly match these vampire cocoons he’s been saving the poignant kudos our original vampire up…thousands of ‘em. Boy, if they ever end at Kean University, Morris Av- vanquisher is accorded in Tod Browning’s hatch, we’re in trouble. enue, Union. On Saturday, May Dracula (1931). It happens when, during a Well, the modern age may foster that 22, at 8 p.m., watch “An Evening mutual test of mental fortitude, the infa- trouble. It has to do with this young Dr. of Pas de Deux.” Tickets are $15 mous Count himself observes: “Your will is Frankenstein (Samuel West) and the so- - $25. On Sunday, May 23, bring strong…Van Helsing.” called monster (Shuler Hensley) he’s the kids to see Mark Twain’s arche- It’s a bona-fide movie moment, some- created…reportedly from left-over body typal American boy, “Tom Saw- thing to be curled on the tongue in apprecia- parts. The mere concept alone is enough to yer,” at 2 p.m. Admission is $10. tion of the imaginative juices it gets sizzling. make a vampire salivate. There’s always a For more information or to pur- That’s something “Van Helsing” wouldn’t goodly supply of heads, limbs and torsos. chase tickets, call the Box Office at know much about. Sommers’ film caters to Now, maybe there’s a way to recycle them all (908) 737-SHOW (7469). that odd marriage between the silicon chip for fun and profit. and the vicariously visceral, laying into au- The opening scene when Dracula visits diences with a relentless barrage of com- Herr Doctor for the purposes of researching puter-generated bedlam. this new scientific breakthrough, is stun- Don Giovanni While the liberal, philosophical you might, ning. Done in all black and white, part CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 during this cinematic bombardment, for an campy and part techno-freak bravado, it Her voice had a ring to it that occurs instant muse that perhaps some teenage nevertheless sings a visual paean to Universal moviegoer 40 years hence will nostalgically Studios’ classic horror films. Too bad it’s all when the technique is near perfect. reflect on these rantings, you quickly dismiss downhill from there. Although Mozart’s glorious score was Susan M. Dougherty for The Westfield Leader and The Times it. “Nah, this is just garbage.” Aside from soon deluging us with all the certainly a factor, the emotional power RHYTHM…A talented cast belts out, “Another Op’nin,’ Another Show”, the Cole Which leads us to a question or three. Do aforementioned, interrelating ghouls, we and splendor of Cobb’s singing pro- Porter classic from Cranford Dramatic Club’s production of Kiss Me Kate. The great special effects have to appear in a are also immediately overwhelmed with the vided me with most of the goose bumps supporting roles and ensemble is packed with talented dancers, actors and singers. relatively good movie to be eligible for an lore that accompanies each of the dramatis I experienced during the evening. Oscar? Does the film’s screenplay have to personae, mortal or otherwise. But probably In the balcony, a 16-voice chorus also proval at the clever lyrics and ribald ges- Liz Howard and Jeffrey Fiorello pull have some ebb and flow to it? Need its plot the most important, if not at all that interest- contributed as villagers in the first act tures. Yes, it is over-the-top in approach, together the colorful, inventive costuming. be intriguing to qualify? Must the acting be ing, bit of gobbledygook concerns Anna and voices of doom in the second act. but the silliness works. Moving 20-some people around on the good? Such may be the conundrum Acad- Valerious, Van Helsing’s love interest. Played The ensemble singing was generally Add to the levity classic tunes like “So small CDC stage cannot be an easy task, emy voters face next year. by Kate Beckinsale, Anna’s mission, which very good. Each character was able to in Love,” “Were Thine That Special Face,” but this cast is not comprised of novices. For despite the agonizing boredom Van has to do with saving the souls of her get his or her point across, despite and “From This Moment On,” and the Peruse the playbill to see that many actors Helsing inflicts, especially on filmgoers who deceased family members, just happens to being in the middle of a textual and audience is in Cole Porter heaven. Yet and dancers have come straight from runs don’t appreciate their entertainment delivered coincide with his. musical traffic jam. There were some having outstanding songs is not enough as leading characters in other area shows. with the same subtlety of fresh concrete being Naturally, that doesn’t keep the two from synchronization mishaps, but in each to sell a production. And they exhibit their talent with side bits hurtled down a chute, the f/x quotient is high. bickering and fussing. Still, they fight the case Maestro Wroe recovered quickly Like parts of a delicate mosaic, all of the and business on stage that helps to define Almost completely dependent on com- good fight against Dracula, which feels a lot and minimized their effect. pieces need to coordinate and comple- their characters. puter-generated backdrops, there is nary an more like the Hundred Years War. Because, At 10:30 p.m., a violent thunder- ment each other to make the artwork Case in point is the theater’s Road to actual set utilized in the telling of this tall tale not unlike the tenacity of the undead Count storm ensued, seemingly right over the noteworthy. Padua where the cast comes down the that takes place in the late 19th century. in question, Van Helsing refuses to cease Set Designer Marc Chandler’s brick faced aisles and continues to do their activities While strict constructionists, as well as set being until practically every special effect church, as if the gods themselves had designers, may rail at the continuing techni- ever invented and just about every trite been angered by the rake’s behavior. double-story set is perfect with four dressing while singing “Cantiamo D’Amore.” rooms adorned with obligatory star designa- All in all, for the closing of the theater’s cal innovation, the fictional recreation of expression ever written are employed. Which After Don Giovanni refused to repent, Transylvania and its environs is pretty mag- is probably all well and good for the young the Commendatore’s touch of death put tors. His large set piece used for Petruchio’s 85th season, they could not have selected house is functional and efficient, nesting a better show to present with a kiss. nificent stuff. audience who feels that such vehement him in agony that Volpe acted out, In the midst of the remaining catastro- assault on the senses is the only way to writhing in his tuxedo from stage to pew into part of the set when not open. The CDC theater is located at 78 Music director Jonathan Flowers does Winans Avenue in Cranford. phe, this high-tech humming of the scenery address an increasingly low attention level. to floor. The thunder and lightning offers little consolation. Still, it’s giving credit The rest of us won’t be able to help but continued as the character descended where credit is due. wonder if we’ve left the water running. into hell, adding a natural realism that County Invites Non-Profit Don’t ask which monsters and horrors * * * * * * * no stage illusion could have provided. collide as Jackman’s Van Helsing is dispatched Van Helsingelsing, rated PG-13, is a Universal When the soloists took their indi- by a secret religious order — a sort of precursor Pictures release directed by Stephen Sommers vidual bows, the audience showered Groups to Apply for Funds to the world-saving outfit that employs 007 — and stars Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale each of them with enthusiastic and Groups to Apply for Funds to eliminate Dracula (Richard Roxburgh). and Richard Roxburgh. Running time: 132 ultimately standing ovations. Volpe COUNTY — The Union County are available. Rather, go for the short list. Inquire what evil minutes. took the final solo bow as the lead role. Board of Chosen Freeholders invites com- The Union County Arts Grant Pro- is excluded. That’s the beauty of not having to His portrayal of the rake apparently munity arts organizations, schools, librar- gram is administered by the Union bother about cohesiveness, continuity or good was so convincing that some members ies, health and social service agencies, and County Division of Cultural and Heri- sense of any sort in your filmmaking. Just ‘Festival of Harmony’ of the audience booed in disapproval. other non-profit organizations that wish tage Affairs, Department of Economic throw in everything. He took their rebuke in the spirit it to present cultural arts programs next year Development. The Division was desig- You’ve heard of Frankenstein Meets The To Tune In on Saturday to apply for funding through the Union nated a Major Arts Service Organization Wolf Man (1943) or Dracula Vs. Franken- AREA – The Fourth Annual A was intended, holding up his hands in stein (1971)? This one’s has them all for the mock defense and laughing. This re- County Arts Grant Program. The dead- by the New Jersey State Council on the Cappella Festival of Harmony, which line for proposals is Monday, June 28. Arts for the sixth consecutive year. Funds insatiable super-size era. Call it “Dracula will be hosted by the Rahway Valley action to the reprehensible conduct of Meets Frankenstein, Who Then in Turn the character yielded to more hearty “The purpose of the grant program is to for this program are made available Jerseyaires Chapter of the Society for enrich the quality of life in Union County through the Local Arts Program of the Meet the Wolf Man, with a Stop-Off at Dr. the Preservation and Encouragement and prolonged applause for the per- by stimulating and supporting produc- New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’s.” former, who richly deserved it. There may be others, and if their names of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in tion, presentation and understanding of Department of State, a partner agency of America, Inc, will be held on Saturday, the arts,” said Freeholder Chairman An- the National Endowment for the Arts. have been left out, my apologies. Don’t come get me. But filmmaker Sommers’ May 22, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. at gel Estrada. “Arts activities taking place To request an application and guidelines Rahway High School, 1012 Madison between January 1, 2005 and December for the arts grant programs, or for informa- large-scale disaster is, due to our survival Fine Arts Show 31, 2005 are eligible for consideration.” tion on other cultural programs and ser- instinct, eventually numbing. You begin to Avenue in Rahway. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 The Arts Grant Program awards grants vices, contact the Union County Division block things out. The non-stop onslaught For more information and directions, ment Supervisor Dr. Linda King, to organizations that demonstrate a high of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl of random inanities will do that to you. please call Hugh Devine at (609) 799- should take a hearty bow for all of their degree of professionalism in sponsoring Street, Elizabeth 07202, call (908) 558- You look at your watch and only 30 8170, Joe Weiss at (908) 486-5218, efforts and hard work, which obvi- or producing arts activities. Special Project 2550, e-mail [email protected]. Re- minutes have passed. “How am I going to Don Pennell at (973) 324-0957 or ously paid off. and General Operating Support grants lay users should dial 7-1-1. do this?” The exit sign beckons. But then Carolyn Schmidt at (908) 647-4363.