Page 20 Thursday, May 16, 2013 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Remarkable Residences Highlight the Westfield Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Tour of Notable Homes’ By CHRISTIE STORMS and researching historic details down lent rooms. A unique circular banquette along with a full-size porch overlook- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times to the original single-family floor plan highlighted the spacious kitchen, while ing the breathtaking grounds. WESTFIELD — Visitors in record and paint colors. a handsome antique phonograph was a The extensive walk-in pantry off the numbers flocked to five local residences The couple, their dog and three cats focal point in the study. The sumptuous main level kitchen featured a library- for the Friends of the Westfield Sym- also had to live in one room on the third custom window treatments throughout style rolling ladder to peruse the shelves. phony Orchestra’s (WSO) 29th annual floor for months during renovations. the home and lovely garden areas were Part of the lowest level was designed Tour of Notable Homes last Saturday. Mr. Stewart said the biggest challenge also noteworthy. to look like an outdoor café, complete Whether built as long ago as the 1800s was facing the “unknown” during the The grand Minisink Way home com- with a pub, tables and signage. or as recently as 2010, timeless style process. bined a wonderfully eclectic mix of Even the homeowner’s dogs had their prevailed at each locale. Another home from the 1800s was formal and whimsical. Homeowner own shower space designed into the Nestled on what was formerly known located on Lawrence Avenue in Dana Richter’s creativity was evident customized laundry room. as “Millionaire’s Row” in Plainfield, a Westfield. Chockfull of antiques, col- upon entering, with her combination of The tour also featured its annual gift lovingly restored 1893 Queen Anne lectibles, and handsome Stickley fur- custom “burnished copper” wall paint basket raffle and musical accompani- Victorian impressed visitors with its nishings, it also featured such modern and framed inset panels of hand woven ment in many of the homes provided stunning architecture inside and out. amenities as a kitchen with two size- jute fabric. Sentimental family heir- by the Junior Musical Club of Westfield. Most remarkable was the spectacular able islands. The sunny yellow walls looms were showcased among fanciful Elizabeth Ryan, the WSO’s director paneled woodwork and coffered ceil- displayed the homeowner’s collection and fun MacKenzie-Childs pieces, in- of marketing, said, “This has been one ings as well as the six-foot tall rose and of vintage Kellogg’s breakfast cereal cluding a living room table with color- of the most successful home tours ever. gold stained glass windows that envel- ads. ful “stocking feet.” Striking chande- We are incredibly grateful to our near oped the main staircase in the largest Under the authentic gaslight chan- liers and light fixtures like the rolled 100 volunteers who came out to help us turret. delier in the entrance hall, many guests glass one illuminating the kitchen is- open these homes today.” Homeowners John Stewart and Craig gathered to view a circa 1896 photo of land added to the warm ambience. Bowman, who purchased the residence the residence and its surrounding neigh- Mrs. Richter spoke with The Leader- in 2005, spoke with The Westfield borhood. Times about her inspiration for many of Leader and The Scotch Plains- Nearby on Kimball Avenue, a tradi- the refined yet family-friendly choices Fanwood Times about their extensive tional colonial known for its serpentine in décor. For example, she retrieved the restoration. It included removing walls brick wall inspired by a Thomas billowy pink ballet costume from her that had recently been added to divide Jefferson design, featured an extensive daughter’s closet that inspired the mar- the house into four separate apartments collection of artwork among its opu- velous one-of-a-kind tulle-skirted win- dow treatments and bedding in her room. When approaching the expansive colonial on Rahway Road in Plainfield, one could almost mistake its architec- MEMBER SHOW…The Essex Water Color Club, New Jersey’s oldest organiza- tural grandeur for that of a historical tion devoted to the art of watercolor, will be host its spring and summer exhibition mansion. However, this home was ac- of member paintings from Tuesday, June 4, through Tuesday, July 16, in the tually built in 2010 and designed to Upstairs Gallery of the Morristown Community Theater, 100 South Street, replicate the Jazz Age era’s style and Morristown. The reception and awards presentation will be held Saturday, June sophistication. 8, from 6-8 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (973) Each majestic room offered its own 539-0345. Pictured, “Grand Turk Vendor,” a watercolor by John Wolf. unique features. The living room re- vealed an extensive bar area hidden Westfield Symphony behind a sliding panel designed to look Christie Storms for The Leader and The Times like a framed painting as a nod to the STUNNING...Nestled on what was for- merly known as “Millionaire’s Row” “speakeasy” days of yore. in Plainfield, a lovingly restored 1893 Presents Season Finale The enormous master suite was com- Queen Anne Victorian impressed visi- prised of multiple sitting rooms, its WESTFIELD — Join Maestro Music Director Wroe. “This young tors with its stunning architecture in- own upstairs kitchen, separate his and side and out including this turret and David Wroe and the Westfield Sym- woman is one of the most strikingly hers walk-in closets and dressing areas phony Orchestra on Saturday, June 1, unique and foremost talents of her stained glass windows. at 7 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church generation and we are honored that in Westfield for a rousing 30th anni- she has agreed to join us for our season Scarpa to Demonstrate versary season finale concert and cel- finale celebration.” ebration of the orchestra’s upward The festivities continue with Christie Storms for The Westfield Leader and The Times momentum and graduation to regional Scarmolin’s short orchestral poem JAZZ AGE...When approaching the expansive colonial on Rahway Road in Oil Portrait Painting at WAA acclaim. “Night,” and culminate dramatically Plainfield during Friends of the Westfield Symphony Orchestra’s Tour of WESTFIELD — On Sunday, May London, Paris and Florence. Cur- The program opens with a magnifi- with Mussorgsky’s fanciful, powerful Notable Homes, one could almost mistake its architectural grandeur for that of 19, the Westfield Art Association rently, Richard teaches both academic cent celebratory gesture: the vivacious musical paintings “Pictures at an Ex- a historical mansion. However, this home was actually built in 2010 and features an opulent dining room, above. (WAA) will host a demonstration of figure drawing and portraiture at the energy and high spirits of hibition” (orch. Ravel). oil portrait painting by Richard Scarpa duCret school of Art in Plainfield and Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” Probably the most famous compo- of the duCret School of Art. continues to accept portraiture and whose grandiose, lyrical and playful sition to attempt an analogy with vi- POPCORN Richard Scarpa initially studied fine fine art commissions while building themes create a fitting opening to the sual art, “Pictures at an Exhibition” is art at New York University and then a body of fine art. season finale. a suite of pieces depicting 3 transferred to the Parsons School of This demonstration for artists, as- Joining Maestro Wroe and the 60- Mussorgsky’s stroll through an art Design to major in Illustration and piring artists and art enthusiasts will piece orchestra for this evening of gallery and the impressions made by This Time with Irony graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree be held May 19 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the symphonic fireworks is virtuoso vio- his late friend Victor Hartmann’s draw- 3 popcorns in Fine Art in Illustration. While in Community Room, Westfield Mu- linist Sandy Cameron performing ings, paintings and ceramics. One Popcorn, Poor — Two Popcorns, Fair — Three Popcorns, Good — Four Popcorns, Excellent school, Mr. Scarpa worked on an nicipal Building, 425 East Broad Tchaikovsky’s scintillating Violin This season finale concert and elec- illustration project for Abrams Books Street. The meeting is handicapped- Concerto. trifying celebration of the orchestra’s By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER hearted terrorist of penultimate acu- with fellow Parson’s alumnus Peter accessible, open to the general pub- Passionate, virtuosic, full of heart- glorious thirty years and upward mo- Film Critic men who’s been having his ghastly De Sève. lic, and admission is free. rending melodies and lush orchestral mentum and graduation to regional Oh, to be fifteen and totally grok way, artfully portrayed by Ben While working as an illustrator and textures, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Con- acclaim has been made possible director Shane Black’s , Kingsley. A study in evil with no real simultaneously in the interior design certo is one of the world’s most be- through the generous support of the seen with your best pals and later objective other than the total intimida- field doing murals and decorative loved works for violin. WSO is thrilled NJ State Council on the Arts and the praised over cholesterol-ridden tion of the planet, it is no mistake that painting, Mr. Scarpa continued to to welcome Sandy Cameron, fresh Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and burgers, accompanied of course by his mystery and elusiveness evoke a study and practice his fine art. Around from Cirque du Soleil in Hollywood, the A Louis Scarmolin Foundation. an unconscionably-sized basket of reminiscent chill. 1992, he started doing portraits pro- to perform what is generally recog- The concert begins at 7 p.m. with a fries. Inside that magic circle, this But beware. Director Black weaves fessionally and taking fine art com- nized as one of the most cherished and free pre-concert lecture by Dr Barbara film is probably great. Outside it, the a fairly good story between the cre- missions. He also continued his stud- challenging solos in the violin litera- Thomson at 6:15 p.m. For tickets and third episode of the - scendos of visual wonder. All is not ies at the Art Students League of New ture. further information call (908) 232- derived adventure is just pretty good. what it seems. And, lest we fear that York and the Ridgewood Art Insti- “The concerto will sing and ring in 9400 or visit Still, even seen from the vantage the razzle-dazzle of techno wiz film- tute. the hands of Sandy,” commented www.westfieldsymphony.org. point of the Great Unwashed, there is making forgoes the dramatic elements Subsequently, after having taught much to recommend this rousing of the comic book adventures that fine art and portraiture at the Reilly adventure as Robert Downey, Jr.’s won our favor in the first place, note League of Artists, Rockland Com- Local Students Chosen for Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, jumps there is ample quixotic melody strewn munity College, and the National Art once more into the breach to save through the action. League, Mr. Scarpa traveled to study All State Honor Choir humankind. And if the experience Yep, for all the thrill that was gleaned at Studio Escalier in Argenton-Cha- jogs a fond memory of those comic way past your bedtime— imagina- teau, France and traveled extensively AREA - Bobby Morris of men. This was the first honor choir book reading days, odds are it’ll am- tion, comic book and flashlight under to the study the great master paint- Cranford, Tommy Meade of Clark experience for Bobby and the sec- plify your enjoyment. the covers - the writers didn’t omit ings and drawings in the museums in “Maria,” by Richard Scarpa and Conor Flood of Scotch Plains ond for Tommy, however Conor Indeed, there is the minutiae and your romantic education. Tony is cool, were selected for and participated has been in previous New Jersey lore of the franchise, doubtless the handsome, cute, witty and, like the in the annual New Jersey Junior Honor choirs, all Eastern honor entertainment lifeblood of the male icing on French apple pie, intrigu- Madrigal Singers to Present High All State Honor Choir Con- Choirs in Philadelphia and Provi- adolescent enthusiast…a phenomenon ingly rich. Analogously, Gwyneth cert held at the J. P. Case Middle dence and a National Honor Choir his parents wish would transfer to his Paltrow’s is surely this School in Flemington on May 4. this past year in Dallas.” schoolwork. But don’t sweat it if the 14-year-old’s blonde ideal. Holiday Concert May 19 The students were sponsored by The New Jersey Honor Choir con- terminology overwhelms. You’ll pick Call me a corny old sap, but it’s WESTFIELD — The Madrigal Mercury. Tom Pedas of Garwood, their pri- cert is an annual event sponsored up what you need, and what you don’t, believing that their amour is every bit Singers will present their annual Spring The Madrigal Singers are an a vate voice teacher, and were se- by the American Choral Directors well, rest assured there won’t be a test as genuine as the most earnest of Concert “Yet More Wondrous I” on capella choral group specializing in lected through competitive audi- Association and the New Jersey afterwards. Hollywood’s pairings that keeps this Sunday, May 19, at First United Meth- Mediaeval and Renaissance music. tions held in January. The junior Music Educators Association and Meanwhile, simply surrender to the leviathan of color and sound from odist Church, One East Broad Street, The group, founded in 1948, is cur- high honor choir consists of stu- open to public and private schools, kaleidoscopic onslaught of special dissolving into just one more CGI Westfield at 4 p.m. General admis- rently in under the direction of John dents in grades seven to nine. churches and private studios effects that propel the saga with mega- extravaganza. But the prime mover sion, available at the door, is $15; Sichel, and is comprised of sopranos “Not only was Conor selected for throughout the state. ton shock and awe. If there’s an f/x and shaker, fully matching the visuals admission for students and seniors is Martha Desmond, Heather Keith, Pam this prestigious choir, but he also This year, the choir sang music in language, Iron Man 3 pens a veritable in one-two punch fashion, is Robert $10. Newell and Amy Wechsler; altos had the highest baritone score in six different languages including thesis, the film neatly and rather won- Downey, Jr. himself. The program will feature secular Deborah Allen, Donna Brumbaugh, the state and was selected to sing a Latin, German, Hebrew, Ukranian, drously melding its over-the-top visu- He is the glib braggart personified, and sacred masterpieces from the Re- Roberta Lichtenberg, Jennifer Melick solo in the Hebrew song “Al Swahili and Spanish. The choir was als with the narrative that manages to at once human and extraordinary, and naissance, including works by Tallis, and Sarah Riffel; tenors Tim Brown, Shlosha” during the concert,” Mr. conducted by nationally known con- seep through its crevices. It’s all about likeable because we know in our hearts Lassus, Weelkes, Byrd and Josquin Richard DeVany, Christopher Ferro Pedas siad. “This is a huge honor ductor Dr. Janet Galvan, professor that uniform. that beneath all the vaunt and persi- des Prez. Also on the program are a and Gustavo Sanchez and basses Gre- and accomplishment and I am very of music at Ithaca College in New For those who’ve come late to the flage the protection of his fellow man group of Appalachian hymns from the gory Hartline, Kirk Robbins and Gor- proud of all three of these young York. party, note that Tony Stark, multi- is job 1. Although, in this episode, Shape-note tradition and more recent don Rowan. Judy Sullivan will per- billionaire weapons manufacturer attempting to convey the vulnerability works by John Sichel and Freddie form the readings. turned Earth savior is a tinkerer under the alloy, the psychoanalysis is extraordinaire. As such, he has been a bit much. But don’t worry, he’s still working on a customization of his quite super. Iron Man suit… a new fold in the However, whether a metaphor about metal that hopefully will allow him to heroism or merely this go-round’s respond more effectively when the notional mechanism, there is an irony bad guys rear their ugly heads. to this third installment of Iron Man. Which just happens to be now. En- Yes, the title persona performs many tering stage left is disgruntled old col- spectacular deeds. But it is when he is league, Aldrich Killian, played despi- compromised, bereft of steel-capsuled cably well by Guy Pearce. After hav- identity, and still able to outclass the ing reached bottom in the single- foe, that we are most heartened. minded pursuit of egocentric ambi- In that ability is captured the es- tions, he’s back in town to show off his sence of the fantasy…a profound wish stuff, especially to Gwyneth Paltrow’s for control and a hope that there is Pepper Potts, his now archenemy’s something more within our own power main squeeze. to ensure our future. We are about Shades of Nazi superman genetic accomplishment and the vanquishing altering insanity, the preening Mr. of perceived boundaries. So, when a Killian, via his Advanced Idea Me- film like Iron Man 3 successfully il- chanics (AIM), is touting the majesty lustrates that dream, we celebrate our of , a substance invented by own destined mettle. Stark’s ex, Maya (Rebecca Hall). He … plans to rule the world, and he’d like Iron Man 3, rated PG-13, is a Walt CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS…Theodosia A. G. Tamborlane of Cranford announced that two of her paintings “Connections and Communi- HONOR CHOIR…Bobby Morris of Cranford, Tommy Meade of Clark and Pepper to be his Ava Braun. But she’s Disney Studios Motion Pictures re- cations IV and VI,” pictured above, have been selected for the Gaelen Juried Art Conor Flood of Scotch Plains were selected for and participated in the annual not buying, and you can figure the lease directed by Shane Black and Show, which will opens with a Public Reception on Sunday, May 19, from 2 to 4 New Jersey Junior High All State Honor Choir Concert held at the J. P. Case upshot. stars Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth p.m. at JCC Metrowest in the Gaelen Gallery West, 901 Route 10 East, Whippany. Middle School in Flemington on May 4. Pictured, left to right, are: Conor, Also sullying the mélange of anti- Paltrow and Guy Pearce. Running The show will continue until June 23. Contact her at [email protected] or Tommy, music teacher Tom Pedas and Bobby. thetical forces is The , a dark- time: 130 minutes (908) 276-4967.