Page 22 Thursday, October 19, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION David Palladino’s Music Corner A Review of Local Concerts Arts & Entertainment

Celticfusion Blends Music, Sample Area’s Finest POPCORN™ The Fabulous Greaseband, Cuisine During Meet The Parents Big Joe Henry to Perform Dance at State Theatre At National Guard Armory Taste of Westfield Comical Confrontation CRANFORD – The Cranford PBA By DAVID PALLADINO tured. WESTFIELD — A Taste of By Michael S. Goldberger Local No. 52 will host an evening Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times of music and dance on Saturday, Solo musical numbers were weak Westfield is set for Sunday, Octo- One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent NEW BRUNSWICK — Liam and oftentimes inappropriate. The ber 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Temple October 21, at 7 p.m. at the Na- 3 popcorns string of lovably intrepid shlumpfs who tional Guard Armory in Westfield Harney’s melding of traditional miscast black narrator/singer, who Emanu-El located at 756 East Broad have graced the silver screen before Celtic music and dance with mod- opened the concert, did not pos- Street, Westfield. Maybe it’s the menace Robert De him, is a modern update of the classic with The Fabulous Greaseband and ern styles was combined in his sess the correct voice or style for This fundraising event will fea- Niro’s characters are capable of sum- comic suitor. Cast from the very template special guest Big Joe Henry from Celticfusion, which was featured moning that enraptures our sense of that the likes of Chaplin, Keaton and New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio. creating a believable Celtic-Core ture a sampling of all the best humor so efficiently when he stars in a last week at the State Theatre in sound of circa 1850’s Ireland. Arbuckle etched in celluloid, the hope- For over 20 years, the Greaseband restaurants, bakeries and caterers comedy. less romantic is no quitter. New Brunswick. The pre-recorded, tinny sound- in Westfield and its neighboring has performed to sell-out audi- Perhaps we are relieved and simulta- He banks on the quixotic theory that, ences receiving rave reviews na- The production re-created a ing music was turned up a bit too communities. Samples range from neously enthralled at the prospect of all whatever the circumstances, love will somewhat stylized history of Irish loud which did not enhance the appetizers, side dishes and main that potential energy being harnessed tionwide. A staple of Jersey Shore out. So what if he’s a male nurse seeking nightlife, the Greaseband features influence on prevalent American sometimes echo-chamber like courses in French, Italian, Conti- for the creation of laughter instead of entree into a family chock-full of doctor dance styles such as classical and acoustics of the State Theatre. nental American, Chinese, etc. threat. It’s a transporting release. There is son-in-laws. Who cares if his utterly hits from 40 years of Rock and Roll. jazz. The merging of the styles The California troupe of Mr. Desserts will include gourmet always the disquieting possibility that reprehensible last name is virtually un- The band has performed at the ranging from pure, traditional Celtic within De Niro’s latest persona there pronounceable? And what harm is a little Spectrum in Philadelphia, New Harney has been touring the coun- pastries, cakes, cookies and home- lurks a Crazy Charlie (Mean Streets). antecedents to modern American try for the past several months. tete-a-tete with an overly zealous future York Stock Exchange, Giants Sta- made chocolates. Each participant Imagine if he were your dad and you father-in-law? It won’t kill him. Will it? mixed styles. Not just another Harney is a world champion Irish will receive a glass of complemen- dium and the White House. wanted to bring home your latest signifi- You’d have no problem answering The Greaseband has shared the Riverdance, Celticfusion focused step dancer who has starred in the tary wine and gourmet coffees cant other. Which is why he’s perfect in that question if the antagonist were more heavily on these non-tradi- London Production of Riverdance will be served with desserts. the often hilarious Meet The Parents. stage with Bruce Springsteen, Cindy represented by anyone other than Rob- Lauper and the Beach Boys, among tional pieces. and the Irish dance musical WAVES. Taste of Westfield benefits First He’s Jack Byrnes, the comfortably ert De Niro. He poses just the right For example, one of the many Harney’s talents were combined Night Westfield, the town’s annual ensconced master of a picturesque manse question mark. Unlike Harrison Ford’s others. dance numbers included dual with Kevin Patterson, the modern New Year’s Eve celebration. in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Surrounded unwieldy journey from leading man to Tickets are $35 each. Adult bev- dancing between traditional Irish by two daughters in their 20s, a teen- character actor as evidenced in What erages, food, wine, soda and as- dance style Director and Choreog- Tickets are $35 per person if aged son and an adoring wife (Blythe stepdancers and modern jazz danc- rapher of the production. Patterson purchased in advance, and $50 Lies Beneath (2000), the transition fits De sorted chips are included. Doors Danner), he is the epitome of American Niro like the proverbial old shoe. And open at 7 p.m. with showtime at 9 ers. The sequence ended with both also choreographed Harney’s per person at the door. prosperity. He says he’s retired from the styles melding to create a new because he appears to be genuinely p.m. Tables for 10 will be reserved moves in Riverdance. The Westfield Y is offering a Kids rare flower business. But we know enjoying his thespic change of venue, it modern version. For information or tickets to pro- Night Out at the same time for better. How else would you explain the on a first come first served basis. makes his Devilish fomentations all the Tickets should be reserved early. Other numbers featured pure ductions staged at the State The- parents with children ages 3-10. lie detector in his secret basement hide- more diverting. ballet and jazz styles including the atre, please call (732) 246-7469; Kids Night Out tickets are $12 per away? Bearing the brunt of this inquisitorial All proceeds from this fundraiser Dance of Death segment of the (877) STATE11; or visit child. Children participating at the That’s precisely what’s puzzling Ben assault, Stiller does his comedy-team will benefit the sick, death and Banshees during the plague time. Stiller as the visiting boyfriend, Greg, parents proud. Adroitly making the un- welfare fund of Cranford PBA Lo- www.StateTheatreNJ.org. Kids Night Out will start with din- when his snooping ways take him down An enjoyable evening of diversi- ner with the choice of pizza or derdog the hero, he wisely leaves just cal No. 52. to his host’s hidden catacombs. Needless enough doubt about Greg to keep the For more information and to fied styles was enjoyed by the near chicken nuggets, drinks and des- to mention, he is caught. And thus capacity audience which sincerely viewer slightly off balance. What he and order tickets, please call Sergeant Mystery, Sci Fi Writers serts. Age appropriate activities will begins a series of uneasy confrontations De Niro lack in natural chemistry, they appreciated the top notch dancers be offered for the rest of the evening as potential father-in-law and possible Frank Hanley at (908) 709-7344 or make up for in skill and talent. Lieutenant Steve Wilde at (908) who were primarily drawn from To Visit Town Book Store ranging from movies, arts and crafts, son-in-law square off in ritualistic com- But bottom line, this is a farce. California. Eight awesome male bat. At issue is the fair hand of Pam, 709-7358. WESTFIELD – The Town Book organized sports and games. Hence while the love story aspect of and 30 female dancers were fea- Tickets for A Taste of Westfield nicely played by Teri Polo. the tale has its sweet moments, as in Store of Westfield will host two Like De Niro’s last comedic outing, any number of Marx Brothers movies and Kids Night Out are now on Analyze This (1999), Meet The Parents is author appearances this weekend. sale at the Westfield Y, 220 Clark it is merely a prop in the employ of that On Saturday, October 21, from funnier than it has any right to be. The purpose. In fact, Miss Polo as the well Editorial Street in Westfield. Please call (908) script by Jim Herzfeld and John Ham- RECOMMENDED 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jonathan scrubbed and winsome WASP prin- 233-2700 for more information. burg is inspired, but not ingenious. And cess is quite reminiscent of the typi- OCTOBER CONCERTS Harrington will be in the store to while the shtick that the dueling future CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 AT STATE THEATRE cally unwitting ingenue of that era. promote his newest mystery, in-laws lay down is quite convivial, it is And Blythe Danner as her mom is a pile of green turtlenecks that fell also often predictable. every bit the breathless observer that on the floor while dodging a dis- 19 Thu. 8 p.m. “Death of Cousin Rose.” Copies of Mr. Harrington’s first book, “Sec- Yet a happy synergy of buoyant ele- Margaret Dumont perennially portrayed play rack of delicate Lenox figu- Ballet Nacional de Caracas Commercial ments makes director Jay Roach’s zany for the boys. 20 Fri 8 p.m. ond Sorrowful Mystery,” will also effort more comical than the sum of its So, the question is, how funny is it? rines nearby. Half of the time, my Philharmonia of Nations be available. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 jokes. Plus the filmmaker exhibits a Well, it’s no Something About Mary cousin must yell across the store, 21 Sat. 3 p.m. New Jersey author Russel Like heavyweights such as Sony facility for filling his scenario with sup- (1998). But you can figure on one true “Do these boots look good on me?” portive comic business. roar, two or three legitimate guffaws, six while I’m outside the store because Peter Pan will be in the store to promote his through the ad agency Young & For instance, there’s the matter of 7 p.m. hearty laughs, a dozen or so cackles, a I can’t get through it. Meanwhile, science fiction book, “After the Rubicam, Coca-Cola via Leo Greg’s last name. Suffice it to note, it steady stream of heh, hehs and countless Peter Pan Blue.” Without profanity and adult Burnett International and shares a pronunciation with a German approving nods. Which doubtless makes the store clerks are scowling be- 22 Sun. 7 p.m. situations, Mr. Like has penned an MasterCard through McCann fighter aircraft, other than Meet The Parents worthy of your funny cause I’m trying to answer her in a Paul Anka ideal story for children at adult Erickson. Past accounts also in- Messerschmitt. And because just the bone’s acquaintance. loud, yet reasonable tone. 24 Tues. 8 p.m. slightest typographical error would reading levels. clude Levi’s, McDonalds, Kellogg’s, To these inconsiderate and in- Veriovka - Ukranian National Nike, Pepsi, Bell South, FOX doubtless compromise the standards * * * * * Song and Dance For those who cannot attend, of this fine family newspaper, it won’t Meet The Parents, rated PG-13, is a hospitable store owners I plead Sports, America On-Line, ESPN, be printed here. 26 Thu. 8 p.m. autographed copies of these books MTV and Disney. Universal Pictures and Dreamworks Pic- – “Get a conscious and widen may be reserved by calling The But Vaudeville-like references to tures release directed by Jay Roach and the aisles. Someday, it will be Die Fledermaus - Western According to Mr. Librati, the com- Greg’s homonymic handle form one of Town Book Store at (908) 233- stars Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller and Teri your turn to steer the ship through Opera Theater mercial is expected to air within a the film’s several running gags. Like the Polo. Running time: 105 minutes. 3535. few weeks. good-natured jabs about his Jewish heri- these choppy waters.” tage or Jack’s uncharacteristic adoration for his peculiarly trained cat, Mr. Jinks, they humorously serve as mini sub- Godspell texts. However, Meet The Parents enjoys the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 good fortune of possessing that comic je ne sais quoi that ferries it past the limits the disciples. This is most important. It Unfortunately, it was a stilted, “look of its simple comedic structure. Like a is confusing to have an actor play one at us, this is a song, so we are dancing comedian who happily goes on a roll of the speakers, and then disappear, now” sort of dance. It completely after providentially winning the not to be seen for the rest of the broke the magic and read untrue. audience’s approval, Mr. Roach’s rather performance. “Prepare Ye,” is not a dance num- standard effort is inspired to burst for the When John the Baptist arrives ber, it is the realization of Jesus’ divina- fences once viewers buy into its prepos- onstage singing “Prepare Ye”, the tion and a celebration of love. Move- terous plot and get into the rhythms of its thinkers/disciples should rejoice in ment is necessary, yes, but it should very own insanity. Think about it. What the excitement of what is to come, come from the heart. The dancing bridegroom-to-be would still stick around passionately running forward to be should be a ceremony. It should feel after being manacled to a polygraph baptized. What happened at CDC like, “I am so joyous right now, I must machine and then mercilessly interro- was odd. A large group of people leap into the air!” It cannot come gated by his intended’s demonic father? came forward and began to dance. across artificially, as in “this is a big You see, Ben Stiller’s Greg, like the number, folks, so we’re gonna dance!” The show began on this synthetic note, and it ruined the spirit of the piece. There was no connection between these people and Jesus, so it weakened the bond that is the very through-line of the story. When Jesus ultimately says goodbye to these followers, it is meant to be touching and deeply, deeply sad. At the perfor- mance that I attended at CDC, it felt fake and “acted.” And that is horribly injurious to a production of Godspell. Without getting into specifics, a lot of the song and dance numbers felt “staged.” The parables were often cute, but could have been much clearer and far more inventive. There is so much room to be innovative with a show like this, but this produc- tion was rather unimaginative and unpolished. It was hard to under- stand, as this was a very talented cast Tarantella's Restaurant in and one could easily see that they all “Let Chef Michael Cook for You!” had the right stuff to present this piece in the spirit that it was intended. All orders are prepared with Clark creates Italian The finale was also unnerving. The ensemble surrounded Jesus on the fresh ingredients dishes that are just the cross, writhing and swaying in agony, but not one moment of it felt real. I have We prepare large orders for way your mother would seen productions of Godspell where large eaters and small orders the cast is wailing in pain as they realize cook them –with Old World that they have killed their leader. Done for small eaters. properly, the finale can rip your heart style, fresh, with the finest out. It felt cold and rehearsed at CDC. Daily Specials This is not the fault of the cast. There herbs and ingredients and were many fine performers on that Children’s Menu Available stage who truly committed to what robust with authentic Ital- they were doing. All cast members Take-Out Orders Available were charming, particularly Rick Brown ian flavor. And there's of- as John/Judas, John Schweska as Jesus, Let Us Cater Your Next Function and tribe members Melissa Loderstedt, Matthew Nazzaro, who had a glorious ten a line at the door or a voice, Molly Frieri, Ginger Burd, Tif- fany Wilson, F.J. DeRobertis, Matthew list of reservations to Beams and Sandy Howard. Ed Wittel was also delightful as a strolling min- prove the restaurant's strel who participated in most of the Full Bar performance, adding music and song. popularity. I do encourage people to go see this production. It is not a bad rendition in --Michelle H. LePoidevin any way. It just could have been tighter, more focused and true. CDC is a terrific The Westfield Leader company and I look forward to seeing more of their work in the future. Godspell was directed and choreo- 1199 Raritan Rd, Clark graphed by Janice Lynn, and musi- cally directed by Alissa Corritore. Corner of Central Avenue CCD veteran Liz Howard, produced, and Art Kusiv stage managed the 732-396-3700 production. It will run on Fridays and Visit us on the web www.tarantellas.com Saturdays at 8 p.m. until October 28. CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK