A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, January 31, 2008 Page 19 WESTFIELD FOOD 4 THOUGHT WESTFIELD FOOD 4 THOUGHT Giant Fun – ‘Super’ Recipes

By JAYNE SALOMON the middle rack. Serve warm. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times *To choose very ripe avocados, make sure they How happy are we local football are very dark in color and soft but not mushy to fans? The Giants made it to the Super the touch. Bowl! This hasn’t happened since 2000. Yield: 12 muffins The only thing that will make us even SWEET AND Southern Fried Funk – From left to right, Seth Applebaum, Keyboard; Julian happier is when the Giants win. And Applebaum, Bass; Dan Zavaro, Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica; even though they are the underdogs, TANGY EATBALLS Andrew Gialanella, Guitar; Alex Bubnov, Drums they actually have a good shot at win- *Sesame oil adds to the oriental flavor of this dish CONTINUED from Pg. 20 SOUTHERN FRIED FUNK ning this year. After all, they did come but can be substituted with another type of oil. close to beating the Patriots when they Canola, Peanut or any vegetable oil are all suit- The band’s musical influences in- “Southern Fried Funk is a group of were pitted against them during the able alternatives. clude The Allman Brothers Band, Par- extremely genuine guys; the band is a season. Photo Credit: Phil Martin INGREDIENTS liament/Funkadelic, The Red Hot Chili reflection of hard work and commit- “IT’S YOUR WEDDING DAY”...The Wedding Singer, featuring the Tony- The Super Bowl is always great, and 1 onion, diced Peppers and Pink Floyd, among many ment to music,” he said. nominated score created by former Westfield student Matthew Sklar (pictured the parties that accompany this major 1 red bell pepper, diced others. “[The members of the band] play below), will come to the NJPAC in early February. Merritt David Janes (Robbie American event are always fun. How- 5 garlic cloves, whole *3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil Three of the four members of the with a lot of energy. They are definitely Hart) and the cast of the The Wedding Singer are featured above. ever, when your team is playing, it adds 1 pound ground beef band have played together since middle a band for the music world to keep their a whole new dimension to the excite- ½ cup Japanese Panko bread crumbs school. eyes on.” ment. This year’s parties are bound to 1 egg The members’ camaraderie has According to band leader Dan The Wedding Singer to Play be super special. ¼ cup + ¼ cup ketchup Salt & pepper to taste turned Southern Fried Funk into a truly Zavaro, the Internet played a part in the No Super Bowl gathering would be 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley or ¼ teaspoon cohesive unit. band’s booking at the Starland Ball- NJPAC in Early February complete without a large pot of chili. ground parsley “There is great communication be- room. This chili is a celebratory, smart version ½ cup white vinegar tween band members,” Julian said. “I’d heard that Starland Ballroom of the traditional kind – celebratory 1 jar (18 ounces) apricot preserves Tony-Nominated Score Composed 1 teaspoon soy sauce “We can be playing at a live show, frequently books local acts, so I checked because it involves a couple of shots of and one of us will start to spontane- their website and noticed they were By Former Westfield Student, Sklar tequila and smart because it is made PROCEDURE ously improvise the music. The rest of looking for one to play at the Mountain with ground chicken, instead of ground In a large skillet, sauté the onion, red pepper By CHRISTIE STORMS recreate the 1980’s sound for the oth- and garlic cloves in the oil until they are browned. us can also make things up freestyle show,” he explained. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times ers. beef, so it has fewer calories even with Turn the heat off. In a large bowl, mash the and go along with it.” “I sent them an e-mail, and the book- WESTFIELD — Two decades ago, “I had a lot of specific synthesizer the addition of the alcohol. chopped meat. Pour enough water over the Quinn Boyes, a WHS junior, has ing agent said he was very impressed breadcrumbs to cover and let soak for one minute. Matthew Sklar was an Edison Interme- sounds, guitar and drum licks in Add the soaked breadcrumbs to the beef. Add the been a Southern Fried Funk fan for with our sound and that it would fit the diate School (EIS) student composing mind…things that were very specific egg and ¼ cup ketchup, salt, pepper and parsley. about a year. bill perfectly. Two-and-a-half weeks one of his first songs for a year-end to the decade,” Mr. Sklar said. Add half the sautéed diced onion and red pepper “I saw them perform both at the later, we were booked.” program. Now, he’s the Tony-nomi- He was inspired by Van Halen’s mixture, reserving the remainder for the sauce Festifall and at their recent venue in The members of Southern Fried Funk and maintaining the garlic cloves in the pan. nated composer of the Broadway musi- “Jump,” Bryan Adams’ “Summer of Combine until smooth. Roll mixture into small Sayreville at the Starland Ballroom. are hoping that their Starland Ballroom cal The Wedding Singer, which will ’69” and Rick Springfield’s “Jesse’s cocktail size meatballs and place in a baking pan. Both times, I was impressed by the raw appearance is just the start of things to begin its week-long run at the New Girl.” Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 30 energy and skill that the band pos- come. Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) “I think fans of the movie will really minutes. sessed,” he said. “Now that we’ve played our first big While the meatballs are baking, turn the heat in Newark next week. enjoy it because we capture the spirit of on the skillet and add the vinegar, apricot pre- “Southern Fried Funk’s latest perfor- show, we’re looking forward to playing Mr. Sklar recalled his EIS music the movie, but we have more time on serves, remaining ¼ cup ketchup and soy sauce. mance is hopefully just a sign of things on a professional level so that more teacher, Kristine Smith-Morasso, en- stage to explore the characters better,” Stir constantly until a smooth texture is achieved. to come because these guys clearly people can hear our music,” Julian said. couraging him to compose the afore- Mr. Sklar said, adding that they also TequilaChickenChili When the meatballs are cooked, add them to the have the talent to spread the funk all Southern Fried Funk’s self-titled CD sauce, cover and simmer for at least 10 minutes. mentioned song in eighth grade. Soon threw in some surprises. Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with rice. over the world.” is available at Sound Station, from any of after, he submitted it to Walt Disney This exploration of characters led to The tequila just gives it a little zip, Corey Wisler, also a WHS junior, is the band members or by contacting Julian Productions, which accepted and re- countless changes – even after the show and since the alcohol cooks off, it is Yield: approximately 15 to 20 equally captivated by the group. at [email protected]. corded it for the “Mickey Mouse Club” was already being previewed on Broad- suitable for all to eat. These avocado miniature meatballs corn muffins make a nice accompani- and additionally in- way. TEQUILA vited Mr. Sklar to ap- Mr. Sklar spoke ment to the chili. Serve them warm, if Westfield Jr. Musical Club pear on the show at about one song that possible. CHICKEN CHILI The recipe for these delicious sweet age 14. was scrapped and INGREDIENTS He was equally rewritten brand- and tangy meatballs can be doubled, Welcomes 3 New Members tripled or quadrupled, if necessary. 2 red peppers, diced appreciative of mu- new because he 2 green peppers, diced WESTFIELD – At its November and studies with Steve Shevlino. In sic director William and the rest of the Somehow, there never seems to be 1 large onion, diced auditions, the Westfield Junior Musi- addition, she plays clarinet in the enough of these to go around. 2 to 3 tablespoons canola oil Mathews at creative team 3 pounds ground chicken cal Club, a performing group of high- Westfield High School Wind En- Westfield High wanted to make the AVOCADO MUFFINS 2 cans (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes school instrumentalists, vocalists and semble. School (WHS), who character sound 1 can (15 ½ ounces) light red kidney beans pianists from Westfield and nearby The Westfield Junior Musical Club allowed him to com- happier. They only INGREDIENTS 2 shots tequila communities, welcomed the three new will hold its next auditions on Wednes- 2 ripe avocados* 3 cloves garlic, crushed members – Tim Ko, pose two more had four days to 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 ½ teaspoons salt day, February 6, pieces during his complete the task. ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper James Chu, and Siyu at 7 p.m. at the time there. The Wedding ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 tablespoon ground cumin Xiao. home of Ellen “When you’re a Singer was nomi- 1 cup shredded 4 cheese Mexican or shredded 3 bay leaves Tim, a violinist, is Scariati, located Monterey Jack a junior at Westfield teenager, it’s really nated for a Tony 1 small container (6 ounces) lemon yogurt PROCEDURE at 840 Cranford important to get your Award in 2006 for 1 cup corn meal In a large pan, sauté the peppers and onion in High School (WHS) Avenue in music heard in front Best Original 2 teaspoons baking powder the oil for 2 to 3 minutes or until browned. and is a member of Westfield. Cooking spray Remove from the heat and spoon into a large pot. of an audience,” Mr. Score, along with In the same pan, sauté the chicken, chopping the Central Jersey Auditions for Sklar said. “You four other major PROCEDURE finely as it cooks until it is cooked through. Music Educators As- membership are learn so much from nominations. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mash the avoca- Remove and add to the pot. Add the crushed sociation Regional open to music that.” Matthew Sklar Mr. Sklar said dos in a large mixing bowl. Add the chili powder, tomatoes, kidney beans, tequila, garlic, salt, Orchestra. He has NEWEST MEMBERS… Pictured, students in the While attending WHS, Mr. Sklar attending the Tony Awards was defi- salt and red pepper and blend. Add the cheese, crushed red pepper, cumin and bay leaves. Cover been playing violin from left to right, are Tim Ko, James eighth through yogurt, corn meal and baking powder and mix and simmer for 1 hour or longer stirring occasion- Chu and Siyu Xiao, who recently joined spent his Saturdays at the Juilliard nitely a high point in his career thus far. until well blended. Lightly spray a 12-count ally. Remove the bay leaves before serving. for seven years and 12th grades from studies with Steven the Westfield Junior Musical Club. School as a Composition Major in the “Since I was 11, I always dreamed of muffin tin with canola or any vegetable spray. Fill Yield: 10 – 12 servings Westfield and the Pre-College Division, where he gradu- doing Broadway,” Mr. Sklar said. “So, each cup halfway. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes on Wolosonovic. surrounding area. ated with honors in 1991. to sit in Radio City Music Hall with the James, also a junior at WHS, is a Two pieces must be performed for “It was really intense, and they gave cameras near our faces and watch our POPCORN™ clarinetist and a pianist. He has been the audition committee – one from the us a lot of homework, so I definitely opening number, ‘It’s Your Wedding playing clarinet for 12 years and piano period up to and including Beethoven sacrificed some social time,” Mr. Sklar Day,’ be performed at the Tony’s….It for eight. James studies clarinet with and the other piece from the Romantic said. “But it was the greatest education, was pretty thrilling.” Cassandra’s Dream: Returns Andrew Lamy. or Modern period. To audition, con- really incredible.” In addition to composing, Mr. Sklar, Siyu, a sophomore at WHS, has tact Ben Baron, vice-president of au- As an undergraduate at New York 34, has worked as an associate conduc- To the Scene of the Crime been playing the piano for 10 years ditions, at (908) 233-4136. University, he was the music director of tor, rehearsal pianist and pit pianist on the school’s Godspell production. such Broadway shows as 42nd Street, One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent A manager from Musical Theater Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Nine and By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER out of an illicit jam and becoming the Horn and Greenstein Lead Works, developers of new musicals, Caroline, or Change. 3 popcorns beneficiaries of his gratitude, that’s just approached him after seeing the show He is also grateful for the opportuni- A new Woody Allen film, good, bad or for bad people. That is, unless they can New Summer Stage Theater and asked if he’d consider writing one. ties he has had to work with composers mediocre, is occasion for labeling and rationalize otherwise. He introduced Mr. Sklar to another up- he admires, such as Stephen Sondheim, slotting into place the latest part of the Tom Wilkinson is his usually superb WESTFIELD – Two new directors, training and experience in education, and-coming young composer, Chad Maury Yeston and Marvin Hamlisch. cinematic legacy the filmmaker has con- self as the legendary uncle…positive proof both Westfield educators and profes- have given our new directors the skills Beguelin. Mr. Sklar is currently writing two structed over the past 40 years. that it may indeed be possible to break out sional artists, will guide young per- necessary to work with young people “We just hit it off and started writing new musicals and recently composed Cassandra’s Dream, a tight little delve of one’s assigned class. OK, so, he’s a bit formers this year for the initial produc- who have an interest in the stage.” immediately,” Mr. Sklar said. music for children’s television program into the realm of right and wrong, iterates corrupt. Maybe it’s the only way, they tion of the 2008 Westfield Summer The Summer Stage Theater, for stu- The pair continues to write together “Wonder Pets” on Nickelodeon. a continuing infatuation with the prepara- justify. Workshop (WSW) Summer Stage The- dents in grade 6 to 10, will be held daily today and most notably composed the He said he’s excited about The Wed- tion and consequences of murder. Recalling the brotherly apologias Biff ater. at Edison Intermediate School, located Tony-nominated score for The Wed- ding Singer coming to New Jersey this Placing this intriguing contemplation and Happy countenanced in “Death of a Kenneth Horn has been named stage at Rahway Avenue in Westfield, from ding Singer. week. While he resides in New York in moral struggle behind Crimes and Salesman,” the interplay is sublimely director and Karen Greenstein musical June 30 until July 31, from 8:30 a.m. The Wedding Singer was originally a City, he has family in New Jersey, in- Misdemeanors (1989) and Match Point desperate. Vouching that the dire angst to director of the new musical-theater- until 12:30 p.m. popular movie starring Adam Sandler cluding his parents, who still reside in (2005) is less a criticism than a testament succeed is not solely an American pathol- ogy, it also says a lot about the influence performance program, which will No audition is necessary to be a cast and Drew Barrymore, and the Westfield. to Mr. Allen’s body of work. However, present the funk-rock production of member. Rehearsals for The Wiz will be soundtrack is known for its assortment “I had the best time doing this in the obsessive interest in this dark corner that blood can wield. suggests a mystery as curious as the se- While an old yarn, in Mr. Allen’s hands The Wiz, a contemporary tale based on held on Friday, July 25, and Monday, of popular music from the 1980s. junior-high and high school, and I just it’s dissected for all its guilt-ridden rami- “The Wonderful Wizard of OZ,” by July 28. Performances will take place However, for the Broadway musical, thought, ‘This is what I always want to cret only Jimmy Durante and Mrs. Cala- bash shared. fications, brought into such high defini- Frank Baum. the afternoons and evenings of Tuesday the producers sought original songs. do,’” Mr. Sklar said. “That’s why I’ve Perhaps it’s the dividing line between tion that we suspect the protagonists are A Tony Award-winning show, known and Wednesday, July 29 and 30. “In the movie, most of the music is in devoted my career to kind of recaptur- animal and human that so engages Woody: running fevers. Surely Terry is. Farrell is for its upbeat musical score, The Wiz, For more information on the Sum- the background as a way to evoke an ing those days.” the notion of a conscience. He is pro- intense in his uncharacteristic depiction with book by William Brown and mu- mer Stage Theater, call the WSW num- era,” Mr. Sklar explained. “In the musi- Tickets for The Wedding Singer may found. Watching this absorbing tale about of vulnerability, his Cockney “We’ve sic and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, is ber at (908) 518-1551 or visit the NJWA cal, it’s used more to tell the story.” be purchased by telephone at 1-888- two British brothers who, in one’s own crossed the line” the film’s unofficial noted for its catchy tune “Ease on Down studios at 150-152 East Broad Street in While two of the movie’s original GO-NJPAC (1-888-466-5722), at the words, “cross the line” for quick financial catchphrase. the Road.” Westfield. A complete Westfield Sum- songs, “Somebody Kill Me” and “Grow NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street in gain, it’s apparent that if Allen had lived Less affected on first blush is Ian Mr. Horn is a member of the fine-arts mer Workshop brochure will be avail- Old with You,” remain in the musical, downtown Newark or by visiting before movies were invented, he’d prob- McGregor’s upwardly mobile poseur. staff at Edison Intermediate School able in February. Mr. Sklar and Mr. Beguelin had to njpac.org. ably be a major novelist. Like Dreiser’s Clyde Griffiths in An (EIS), where he co-directs the Broad- Log on to njworkshopforthearts for He builds his scenario with deft know- American Tragedy (1931), it’s the yearn- way Singers and acts as musical direc- information on any NJWA program. how. Calling on an inspirational holy ing for a seemingly unobtainable siren tor for the Edison Spring Musical. Community Players Hold trinity consisting of Greek tragedy, the and wishing to shake off the perceived He is noted in Westfield for his elec- Arts Center Celebrates Bible and film noir (with a slight nod to shabbiness of his caste that’s at the heart tive course in opera at EIS. In this class, Hitchcock), Mr. Allen places his troubled of his conceit. But whether blind ambi- he guides students in script writing, 75 Years on April 4 Auditions for Forever Plaid siblings right at the precipice of free will. tion or evil, the deed is done. Meanwhile, upping his daily booze composing original music, acting and Editor’s Note: In last week’s Leader/ WESTFIELD – Director Linda ability. Singing four-part harmony and All they need decide is whether they’ll be , the January 23 kick-off party able to live with their crime. and pill regimen, Terry talks about re- all aspects of producing an opera. Times Correll of Westfield Community Play- the ability to blend and sell a song is Neither doubts that a quick windfall crimination from G-d. Abashed, the pre- A vocalist and keyboardist who has for the April gala was misconstrued as ers (WCP) is holding open auditions required. will solve his problems. For Ewan viously calm Ian angrily asks, “What G- appeared in various venues in the tri- the gala itself. The January event for the Stuart Ross musical comedy Francis: Second Tenor/Lyric Bari- McGregor’s Ian, who has fallen hope- d?” So add that to the philosophical mix. state area, Mr. Horn has been involved served as a way to rally everyone to Forever Plaid on Sunday, February tone – Confident but not cocky, ro- lessly in love with a flighty actress (Hayley Push has come to shove. We’re at seat’s with the stage for more than 25 years in get excited for the upcoming fundraiser 10, between 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday, mantic crooner and all-around good Atwell), a hotel venture in California will edge. And like the fare at a good deli, schools as well as in community the- in April. We regret the error. February 11, between 7 and 10 p.m. guy. mean escape from his working class roots. there’s plenty to digest, plus lots to take aters, among them in the Summit Play- SUMMIT – The public can join the in the WCP theater at 1000 North Sparky: Baritone – Class clown For Colin Farrell’s Terry, mechanic by home and chew on, too. house production of Fiorello. Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Avenue, West. Callbacks will be Sun- and cutup with tons of enthusiasm day, luckless gambler by night, the moti- Again Allen solemnly reaffirms the Ms. Greenstein, a vocal-music in- (VACNJ) in celebrating 75 years of day, February 17, between 1 and 5 and a heart of gold. Loves to perform. vation is less ambitious. departure he parodied in Stardust Memo- structor at Roosevelt Intermediate success in “bringing art and people p.m. at the theater. Jinx’s stepbrother. Their respective plights framed within ries (1980) when aliens informed his School (RIS), has performed in re- together” in April. Play rehearsals will start in Febru- Jinx: High Tenor – Shy and terri- the context of a humble background, both character, “We enjoy your films. Particu- gional theater and New York City show- On April 4, the arts center will ary for performances on April 26, fied at first, he grows in confidence characters achieve terrific texture while larly the early funny ones.” There’s no cases, in addition to being a teaching come together for Viva Art!, the art May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. throughout the show and shines on helping establish the milieu. Dutifully humor here; just dead serious irony. The artist for the New Jersey Performing center’s 75th Anniversary Gala. Viva In this parody of harmonizing “guy the high notes. Sparky’s stepbrother. but begrudgingly, Ian works at dad’s res- thing is, Woody can revisit his frivolous Arts Center (NJPAC) and the John Art! will take place at the Park Av- groups of the 1950s,” the Plaids prom- Smudge: Bass – The worrier with taurant. And while mildly agonizing for roots, flit back and forth across the line if Harms Performing Arts Center. enue Club in Florham Park and will ising career is cut short by a busload “coulda, woulda, shoulda” syndrome. the boys, they regularly visit Mum and he wishes. Ms. Greenstein is a vocal instructor honor and celebrate those who have of Catholic schoolgirls on their way By the end of the show, he lets go and Dad. Not so for Ian and Terry. The pur- at the Kreative Kids Theatrical Work- played a significant role in the devel- This is not the landscape of killers. chase of a boat they can’t afford at the to the Ed Sullivan show to see the takes the stage. beginning of the movie ominously sig- shop; her students have been accepted opment of the arts center, as well as Beatles. When fate intervenes, the All performers should bring sheet Always one payment away from bank- ruptcy, Dad (John Benfield) lives the life nals their disconcerting grandiosity. into national music and musical theater raise funds to support the art center’s Plaids are given one last shot at star- music and be prepared to perform a of quiet desperation; Mom (Clare Little did they know when they named programs. They have performed in pro- Community Outreach Programs. dom, singing “Three Coins in the song from the 1950s or early 60s. Higgins), chain-smoking and berating it Cassandra’s Dream that it would sail ductions on and off Broadway, at the The gala will include awards for Fountain,” “Love is a Many- Songs from the show are encouraged. him out of habit, derives consolation from them into the filmmaker’s stormy night- NJPAC, Radio City and Lincoln Cen- corporate and individual supporters, Splendored Thing,” “Shangri La” and Sides will be provided for the acting the storied success of her physician mare. ter. a silent auction, tribute journal and other hits. portion of the audition. Music will be brother, Howard (Tom Wilkinson). * * * Ted Schlosberg, founder and execu- live entertainment. The cast requirements are as fol- taught at the audition to determine Nope, these are people who shalt not Cassandra’s Dream, rated PG-13, is a tive director of the non-profit New Jer- “This is a very special occasion for lows: the actor/singer’s ability to harmo- kill. They read about it in the tabloids and Weinstein Company release directed by sey Workshop for the Arts, parent com- the arts center and an opportunity for Four male singers – age range 20 to nize. discuss it over the back fence. And while Woody Allen and stars Colin Farrell, pany of the WSW, said, “Their rich, us to bring into the limelight our 30. Each of the parts calls for excel- For more information, contact pro- their sons in search of an easier route may Ewan McGregor and Hayley Atwell. theatrical backgrounds in regional and community outreach programs,” said lent singing skills and strong acting ducer Kay Macrae at (908) 232-9568. fantasize about helping rich uncle Howard Running time: 108 minutes. community theater, combined with their VACNJ President Eric Pryor.