Page 18 Thursday, April 22, 2010 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION WF Celebrates Resurgence Of Vinyl at Record Store Day By ERIC NIERSTEDT dreamy sound to a series of folksy, and Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times sometime Springsteen-ian, songs. WESTFIELD — During an era in Later, a bus pulled up next to the Grellong Play Manuscript Poses which former giants Tower and Virgin Soundstation, bringing with it a group Records have fallen due to poor busi- of performers sponsored by NY radio ness, on Saturday, Westfield’s Sound station 101.9 RXP and led by station Station Records took part in a celebra- personality Rich Russo. Moral Dilemma at Theater Project tion of the independent record store. Each group gave a one-song acoustic By SUSAN MYRILL DOUGHERTY Begun three years ago by the owner performance, beginning with the The Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times of Bull Moose, an independent record Reveling, who brought to mind a CRANFORD – In Paul Grellong’s store in Maine and Hew Hampshire, stripped down New Found Glory with play, Manuscript, at The Theater Project, the day is designed to foster a celebra- their fast strumming and poppy vocals. Union County College’s professional tion of music and the music-store op- Following them was Christina La Roca, theater company, the audience is given erators who still play a vital role in a young guitarist blessed with vocals segments of a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle music distribution even in a digital age. that could range from smoky to strong in 90 minutes (without intermission) This year marked Sound Station’s as her song progressed. and needs to arrange them from what is first involvement in the day; the store Matt Witte, a longtime fixture on the revealed throughout the evening. received special shipments of vinyl Jersey music scene, stunned listeners Along the serpentine way, implau- records to sell to collectors. Ironi- with his vocals, a near dead ringer for sible coincidences and situations arise cally, this near-30-year-old music Jakob Dylan, the lead singer of the “I can assume that the younger to keep the audience involved, piecing form, which predates CDs and cas- Wallflowers (who recently release an together the picture. Because the plot is sette tapes, has undergone a major acoustic solo album). However, Witte generations will no longer know a mystery of sorts, it’s impossible to resurgence in the last few years. was far more upbeat and country-ish in what vinyl was. Maybe some kids give away much of the storyline with- “They just have a better sound then his song than the Wallflower frontman. will take their CD back to the out spoiling the audience’s fun of figur- CDs,” said one Sound Station patron. The last two artists to perform were shop, telling the shop owner they ing out just what is happening and why. “Most people don’t know this, but the Sarah Dolovay, only 16 years old, and have a faulty disc and if they The Theater Project is used to pre- CD actually doesn’t have the full au- The Seconds. senting thought-provoking plays, and dio capabilities of vinyl. They got Despite some thin vocals, Dolovay could please get a new one...” director Mark Spina’s choice and fi- Susan M. Dougherty for The Westfield Leader and The Times over because they were smaller and managed to put a blusey vibe into her Mike Rutherford nesse in producing this show doesn’t MUNCHING…While waiting for his friends David (Daniel Pietruszka) and easier to transport.” song, as well as powerfully singing her (of Genesis, Mike and the Mechanics) disappoint. Elizabeth (Rebecca Moore) to finish with David’s manuscript, Chris (Sean “Besides, I grew up with vinyl,” the chorus. Manuscript, billed as a mystery, McIntyre) relaxes. The Theater Project’s latest production, Manuscript by Paul “The four building blocks of the Grellong, is an intriguing tangle of jealousy, revenge and duplicity. The show runs universe are fire, water, gravel doesn’t involve the murder of a person, weekends at Union County College in Cranford. but the death of friendship. There are and vinyl.” layers of deceit around hidden agendas Eighteen-year-old Elizabeth published in the New York Times Maga- that bring three Ivy League characters (Rebecca Moore), snobbish and full of zine and has produced one critically- Dave Barry together for two evenings in a Brooklyn herself, has reason to be self-satisfied acclaimed novel. townhouse. since she has already had her work David (Daniel Pietruszka) wants his Newmark Schools to longtime friend Chris (Sean McIntyre) to bring around this famous writer/ Host Annual Art Show Community Band Presents girlfriend of his to take a peak at his first PLAINFIELD – Artwork created by novel to see if it has promise. With two students from two private special-needs 4th Annual Spring Concert ambitious, young authors in the room, schools will be on display at the sixth egos and jealousy abound. annual Art Show on April 23 in WESTFIELD – The Westfield Com- march was Barber’s first work scored Everything in playwright Grellong’s Plainfield. The event will showcase a munity Band, under the direction of exclusively for band and has since be- script, like every piece in an intricate range of artwork by students from the Thomas Connors, will present its fourth come a staple in band repertoire. Addi- puzzle, is meaningful. The dialogue — Newmark School, a K-8 facility in annual spring concert on Sunday, April tional selections for the afternoon in- often funny and filled with wit, at other Plainfield, and Newmark High School 25, at 2 p.m. clude “Mannin Veen” by times a bit long — is precise in detail. The Seconds perform at Sound Stage in Westfield. in Carteret. A special feature for the Haydn Wood, “Music for a Physical details on the set have patron added. “My first album was vi- Concluding the day, The Seconds “This year’s Art Show is poised to be afternoon includes “Porgy Festival” by Philip Sparke, profound meaning as well. David’s nyl; it was a ritual to go and listen to it all were the most energetic. Bringing to as successful as previous shows,” said and Bess Medley” featuring “Selection from The Sound collection of “action figures” of pro- the way through when you got it home. mind Bowling for Soup, the group Cynthia Allman, co-founder and co- music from the opera scored of Music” by Richard fessional wrestlers sits on a desk in That doesn’t really happen anymore.” treated the acoustic setting as just an- executive director of both schools. by George Gershwin. Origi- Rodgers and “The Seafar- his bedroom where the two evenings Besides Record Store Day’s appeal to other loud stage, as they danced about The event not only highlights the nally conceived as an Ameri- ers” by Michael play out. The figures are a mirror vinyl collectors, the day delivered a string and sang their hilarious rebellion song, creativity of the students but also serves can folk opera, “Porgy and McDermott. image of the story line. of in-store performances, beginning with “Garbageman.” as a major fundraiser for both schools. Bess” premiered in New York The concert will be held David tells Chris and Elizabeth, local band Montagna and the Mouth to More bands would come as the day “With the money raised, we are able in the fall of 1935 and high- at the Edison Intermediate “Wrestling is the only innovative form Mouth. The band gave a short acoustic progressed, and the prevailing feeling to provide students with the specialized lights popular favorites such School, located at 800 of modern dance we have left,” and the performance, with members Katie was that vinyl can succeed in a land of programming that make our schools as “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Rahway Avenue in fact that it’s all a charade is what attracts Meeker, Anthony Ragazzo and Brian iPods and that independent record stores very special,” said Ms. Allman. Necessarily So” and “I Got Band Director Westfield; admission is free. him to wrestling. De Mello stripping down the band’s may have the last laugh. Both schools serve children with Plenty ‘Nuttin.’” Thomas Connors The band will next perform “The pretending makes it so real,” learning disabilities and behavioral dis- The opera is admired for in its upcoming summer David tells them. “Ticket buyers be- orders. Gershwin’s use of European orchestral concert series starting June 24, July 1, 8 lieve what they want to believe in that WHS Grad Returns to WF The event lasts from 6 to 9 p.m., and techniques combined with American and 15 in Mindowaskin Park. charade.” The interaction between the school is located on 365 Emerson jazz and folk music themes. The after- The Westfield Community Band is David, Chris and Elizabeth is itself a Avenue. For more information, contact noon will also include the popular sponsored by the Westfield Recreation charade that reveals loyalty, betrayal To Promote Illustrations Chris Bradshaw at (908) 753-0330. “Commando March” by Samuel Bar- Department. For further information, and unchecked ambition. By MARYLOU MORANO poetic words. ber. contact (908) 789-4080 or go to The play asks the characters, as well Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Together, the author and illustrator Italian + Jewish = Originally composed in 1943, this westfieldcommunityband.com. as the audience, to question where their WESTFIELD – The illustrations “played with various styles and media moral compass lies. of Sue Anderson Gioulis, formerly of until [we] agreed that the more classic Therapy at UCPAC A handsome set by Marisa Merrigan, Westfield, grace the pages of “You’re look [of the illustrations] fit the story,” RAHWAY – Steve Solomon’s long- NJN Selects Tamborlane lush gowns for the character Elizabeth Lovable to Me,” a children’s picture said Ms. Anderson. running Off Broadway hit, My by Daaimah Talley and authentic light- book written by New York author Kat Ms. Anderson, who currently lives in Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, ing by Tom Rowe form the visual puzzle Yeh. Ocean Grove, was raised in Westfield. and I’m in Therapy, takes the stage at Paintings for Art Show pieces. Mr. Spina’s insightful direction Mrs. Gioulis, who illustrates under She is the oldest of nine children and the Union County Performing Arts CRANFORD – NJN Public Tele- due to their colorful, unique geo- moves the psychological and emotional the name Sue Anderson, will be at The a graduate of Westfield High School. Center (UCPAC) at Rahway on Satur- vision and Radio (NJN) in Trenton metric presentations of spring flow- pieces of the play at breakneck speed. Town Bookstore this Saturday, April Early art memories include painting day, April 30, at 8 p.m. for one perfor- has selected Cranford artist ers. Ms. Moore’s cool, classy exterior 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet readers and at an easel in Mrs. Ward’s Franklin mance onl. Tickets are $25 and $35. Theodosia Tamborlane to exhibit her In addition to being a member of belies the bubbling volcanic rage that is sign copies of “You’re Lovable to Me.” School Kindergarten class. Written by and starring Mr. series of paintings, “Fleurs Des New Century Artists in New York waiting to erupt. Mr. Pietruszka’s un- The book’s simple-yet-sweet mes- “Growing up in Westfield was very Solomon, he combines comic voices, Temps,” in the NJN Spring Art Show. City, Ms. Tamborlane is also a mem- kempt exterior is a façade for his con- sage employs a family of bunnies to all-American with well attended local sound effects and astounding charac- The public reception for this show ber of the Pen and Brush Gallery in trolling, calculating character of David. teach children about the unconditional patriotic parades, school plays and ex- terizations to tell stories of the wacky will be Friday, April 23, from 6 to 9 New York City, the Contemporary Mr. McIntyre’s tuxedoed Chris is the love a parent has for a child. citing Little League games,” she re- side of the human condition. p.m. at NJN Headquarters at 25 South Art Group of New Jersey, Studio perfect Ivy League stereotype of a The family in the story is called. “We walked to and from school To learn more, call (732) 499-8226 Stockton Street in Trenton. Montclair and the Woodbridge Arti- spoiled brat. intergenerational. Through Ms. Yeh’s in all types of weather.” or visit UCPAC.org. sans Guild. The time of this play is present day, words and Ms. Anderson’s illustra- Ms. Anderson is also a graduate of Ms. Tamborlane’s paintings are but the heart of the age-old situation of tions, children are shown that a par- Ringling College of Art and Design Rep Theatre Closes also on display at the Simply Gallery duplicity, jealousy and revenge is time- ent never stops loving a child, even in Sarasota, Fla., and has previously in Cranford, and she can be con- less. when that child becomes a grownup illustrated another children’s book, With Drunken City tacted at [email protected]. Her Catch the show that runs weekends with children of her own. “Off We Go.” RAHWAY – Alliance Repertory website is Tamborlane.com. through May 2. Several of Ms. Anderson’s classical Her drawings, paintings, and graphic Theatre closes its 11th season at the illustrations of bunnies in action – play- designs are displayed in galleries and Union County Performing Arts Center ing, eating, working in a garden and collections up and down the east coast. in Rahway with Adam Bock’s The Sylvia Wonders: Can a Dog sleeping – appear on each page. For more information about Drunken City, a theatrical take on the The drawings are an integral part of Saturday’s book signing, contact The mystique of marriage and the ever- the story and complement Ms. Yeh’s Town Bookstore at (908) 233-3535. shifting nature of love and identity. Be Considered a Human? Three 20-something brides-to-be SUMMIT – The Summit Playhouse becomes a major bone of contention go off on the bar crawl to end all will present Sylvia, directed by Chase between husband and wife. Book Store Welcomes crawls and find their lives going topsy- Newhart. Sylvia offers Greg escape from the turvy. During a night of revelry, they In Sylvia, Greg and Kate have moved frustrations of his job and the unknowns Westfield Illustrator meet and have their brittle concepts “Tulips with Pewter Bowl” to Manhattan after 22 years of child of middle age. To Kate, she becomes a of marriage, family and happiness raising in Summit. Greg’s career as a rival for affection. Sylvia asks: Can the WESTFIELD – The Town Book can be shared with all generations. The challenged by the dark truths that “Fleurs Des Temps” was first derivative trader has suddenly come to marriage be saved, and can a household Store in Westfield will host a meet and story begins with the repentant bunnies “the city that never sleeps” will tell. shown at the New Century Artist a halt, while Kate’s career as a public- pet actually be a person? greet with illustrator Sue Anderson for apologizing to their mama for the trouble Director Mike Driscoll’s talented cast Gallery in Chelsea, N.Y. in Septem- school English teacher is beginning to Performance dates are April 23, 24, her book “You’re Lovable to Me” on they have created throughout the day. includes Brooke Andrews, Kelly ber 2009. Ms. Tamborlane’s paint- offer her more opportunities. 29 and 30, as well as May 1, 2, 7 and 8. Saturday, April 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. Ms. Anderson grew up in Westfield Maizenaski, Sistina Giordano, Matt ings present an intricate vision of Greg brings home a dog he found in There will be a signed performance on Through the eyes of a bunny family, and is the illustrator of the children’s McCarthy, Gus Ibrianyi and Rob Evans. various flowers and Dutch flower Central Park — or that has found him May 2; an assisted-listening system is author Kat Yeh and Ms. Anderson in- book “Off We Go.” Her drawings, Show dates are from April 30 through gardens, drawn from her travels and — bearing only the name “Sylvia” on available for all performances. Tickets troduce families to a tale appropriate paintings and graphic designs are dis- May 22. Friday and Saturday perfor- from her personal gardens. her nametag. are $20 for adults and $15 for students. for readers of all ages. “You’re Lovable played in states on the east coast. She mances start at 8 p.m., and there is one NJN curator Kathy Budd chose Street-smart and sassy, Sylvia is a For more information, call (908) 273- to Me” makes a great bedtime story, enjoys life with her family in Ocean Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on May 2. Ms. Tamborlane’s abstract paintings typical “Labradoodle,” and she quickly 2192 or visit summitplayhouse.org. bringing families together to learn about Grove. Audience and cast talk-back will the power and simplicity of uncondi- The Town Book Store is located at take place on Friday, May 14. Tickets tional love. 270 East Broad Street (corner of East are $22; students and seniors pay Through the use of rhyme and classic Broad and Elmer Streets). To learn $17. To learn more, call (732) 499- illustrations, this is a tale of love that more, call (908) 233-3535. 8226 or visit ucpac.org.