A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, January 29, 2004 Page 17

Local Stars

Baruch of FW Records Track FANWOOD – Teenage jazz musician Andre Baruch of Fanwood has cut a track on a CD recorded by participants in the New Jersey Performing Arts Cen- ter (NJPAC)/WBGO-Jazz 88.3 FM “Jazz For Teens” program. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Get Outta High School tenor saxophonist recorded the The House “On Green Dolphin By CAROL F. DAVIS Street” track Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Photo Courtesy of Naomi McElynn, KaBloom Westfield at WBGO ON THE SET...Naomi McElynn also had the opportunity to take an exclusive two- On Friday, January 30, the State studios in Theatre in New Brunswick will hour tour of the “Ed” set. Pictured, above, she stands in the hallowed halls of Newark with Stuckeyville High School. present Chi - A New Era in an ensemble Acrobatics. See how this amazing group uses the ancient practice of WARM UP WITH MUSIC…Fourth graders in School One Elementary’s Broad- of young jazz cultivating the life force, and bring- way-themed chorale, led by Debbie Shapiro and Jeffrey Reo, warmed the hearts of musicians, audience members on January 13 in the school’s multipurpose room. all of whom ing about a spectacular display that Andre Baruch has been described as a “fusion of participated acrobatics and martial arts.” The in the fall semester of the NJPAC theater is located at 15 Livingston Instrumental Recital Staged arts education program. Avenue, and the show starts at 8 Andre, who attended classes p.m. Tickets are $20 to $38. There under the tutelage of professional are plenty of restaurants in the area At School One Elementary artists at NJPAC’s Lucent Tech- for before or after the show. Two of SCOTCH PLAINS – Fourth grade “Marine’s Hymn,” with Reo on trom- nologies Center for Arts Educa- my favorites, both easily within pupils from School One Elementary bone. A quartet composed of clarinet- tion, was one of 74 students to be walking distance, are Zafra and in Scotch Plains, under the guidance ists Allison Speck and Sarah Van selected at comprehensive skills Makeda. Call (732) 246-7469 for of Choral Director Debbie Shapiro Buskirk was joined by saxophonists and knowledge auditions held at more information. and Band Director Joseph Reo, of- Casey Dugan and Kevin Hesson in NJPAC last April as part of the * * * * * * * fered an instrumental recital on Janu- rounding out the evening’s presenta- Arts Center’s Young Artist Tal- Tonight is the New Jersey Per- ary 13. Principal Jeffrey Grysko pre- tion with “Theme of Beethoven” and ents Search, according to Pro- forming Arts Center’s (NJPAC) sided over the activities. “Camptown Races.” gram Coordinator Joanna 7:30 p.m. performance of the Stars The program featured soloist Claire Other performances included a ren- Gibson. of the Royal Danish Balletallet. Fif- Muirhead, playing two selections on dition of “One Brick at a Time” and teen of the world’s oldest dance violin, followed by “Twinkle, Twinkle” “Why Am I Me.” Soloist Alivia company performers, joined by with clarinetists Alivia DeMaria, DeMaria performed “Out Here On African Art Exhibit New York City Ballet guest star Nicole DePaola, Steven Devall, My Own,” while Victoria Lesce and Nikolaj Hubbe, will present the Ramona Dunning, Alexandra Lisa Matrale sang, “Castle on a Cloud,” Planned by Clarke, works of Bournoville and Rushton, Lestarchick, Lisa Matrale, Maria Paz and an ensemble of singers performed with music by Bach, Pauli, and Rivero and Kristina Zekunde. “Fugue for Tinhorns” and the finale, Westfield Resident NOSTALGIC PERFORMANCE...First grade teacher Carol Joyce stands with others. Tickets are $13 to $59, and Baritone Ben Ross performed “Rhythm of Life.” some of her Washington Elementary School students, holding a poster for there may still be some left. Call ™ WESTFIELD – Westfield resi- Welcome to the 60s, the school’s benefit production slated for January 30 and (888) GO-NJPAC. POPCORN dent and Curator of Africa, the 31. Pictured, left to right, with Mrs. Joyce, are: Marissa Alvarez, Alexandra Rood, Aidan Ward, Elizabeth Fox and Frederick Gladis. * * * * * * * Americas and the Pacific at the It’s that time of the year again for Along Came Polly: Makes Newark Mu- the New Jersey Film Festivals seum, has or- Welcome to the 60s to Aid Spring 2004 at Rutgers University. ganized three Film buffs have a unique opportu- For An Eventful Visit exhibitions nity to preview new international One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent which high- Washington Elementary films, American independent fea- light the diver- tures, experimental and short sub- By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER Obviously, Hamburg knows his way sity of African WESTFIELD – Welcome to the dance and styles of the 60s. jects, classic revivals and 1 & ½ popcorns around a camera lens. That is, he under- artistic expres- 60s, the 56th show staged by Wash- Placed in a suburban town, the stands what tangible elements he needs retrospectives, cutting-edge docu- If every good idea turned into a great sion: “My Dr. Christa Clarke ington Elementary School in show centers around Stacy Pickles, a to coalesce in order to assemble a fea- Dr. Christa Clarke mentaries, and special guest appear- movie, we’d be ear to ear in “Citizen Ethiopia: Re- Westfield, is an original musical pro- vivacious teen who is excited by the Kanes.” But, such is not the case. It’s ture-length farce. This even includes an duction written, directed, produced modern music, dance and fashion ances. There will be more than 60 ample understanding of modern comic cent Paintings by Wosene Worke screenings, film, and workshops avail- probably a hidden blessing — doubt- and performed by parents, teachers styles of the new decade. When her less, a land awash in superior films would tastes, with a particular focus on today’s Kosrof,” “Objects of Devotion: able. Most screenings are just $4 to penchant for the sights and sounds of Traditional Art of Ethiopia” and and staff from the school. school learns that it will be featured be too busy watching them to do any- Performances will be held on Fri- in a dance number on the “Ed $6, and begin at 7 p.m. For a com- thing else. gross-out humor. “In the Studio: Portrait Photo- plete schedule and information, visit One wonders if it is expected that graphs from Africa.” day, January 30, at 8 p.m. and Satur- Sullivan Show,” parents and teach- We’ve nothing to fear from Along day, January 31, at 2 and 8 p.m. at ers attempt to preserve the 50s status http://www.njfilmfest.com/ Came Polly. It will hardly distract us moneyed but below-age children will All three exhibitions will open screening.html, or call (732) 932- from our embroilment abroad and do- elude the ticket seller’s scrutiny en masse, Roosevelt Intermediate School Au- quo by controlling the teens’ perfor- on Sunday, February 1, and will ditorium, 301 Clark Street in mance. Stacy and her friends have 5775. mestic policy. In fact, it is only by way despite the PG-13 rating, in order to end on Sunday, July 4. * * * * * * * of this little supposition that Along imbibe Along Came Polly’s steady string Westfield. The matinee is $7 and other ideas, and plot to sabotage the For a laugh, see the frank com- of poop jokes and its infatuation with “This exhibition presents evening performances are $8. adults’ plans. They eventually suc- Came Polly and Citizen Kane could Wosene as an individual artist, edy, Fit To Be Tied, at 12 Miles possibly appear in the same paragraph, retching. Washington first grade teacher ceed and take a big step toward West Theater in Montclair. Play- or the same sentence. It’s kind of weird if you think about rather than a representative of Carol Joyce has been performing in independence. wright Nicky Silver, author of An inconsequential comedy from di- it...one day you’re watching Teletubbies, an artistic movement or group,” the show for 25 years. What started as a small talent show Pterodactyls, brings this new rector-writer John Hamburg, its few the next day this. said Dr. Clarke. “His work is at Welcome to the 60s was written has grown into a full-scale musical “amoral” comedy to the stage for good ideas spoil on the vine. But the point is, while the talented once culturally specific in its by Jackie Costello, Maryann Waxtel production involving over 175 parents its New Jersey premiere. Follow That’s fine and dandy if all you’re Hamburg (he wrote Meet The Parents) is visual vocabulary, highly per- and Dave Schulman and is being and faculty members. The show now the mother/son/boyfriend trio as concerned with is assuring that our place able to mimic a currently commercial sonal in its interpretation, and produced by Grace Cetlin, Mary Beth serves as the school’s primary fundraiser, they form what is coming to be the in history remains unaltered. But, how style, he lacks what a lot of young direc- international in its outlook, re- Finn, Cathy Hawkins and Ann and the approximately $25,000 in new nuclear family. It’ll be there about those audiences that were antici- tors are missing. That’s the depth of flecting the complex realities of Lazzarotti and directed by Costello proceeds are used to fund various pro- pating a good old, nonsensical and some- understanding that comes with experi- and Bruce Vasel. grams and school equipment. through Sunday, February 15. For ence. contemporary artistic practice in more information or to order tick- what bawdy diversion this a global society.” Based on themes from Bye Bye For tickets, please call the ticket weekend...one that’s fancifully roman- So, when Reuben on the rebound ets, call (973) 746-7181, or e-mail starts dating Polly Prince (Jennifer For more information, please Birdie, Dirty Dancing, Hairspray and hotline at (908) 232-5900. Tickets tic and yet offers only a minimum of other 60s-based musicals, Welcome will also be available at the door. [email protected]. insult to our intelligence? Aniston), an old high school friend, visit www.newarkmuseum.org. things progress rather typically. Playing to the 60s centers around parents Select seats are available for purchase Quite simply, if that’s where your and teens going from a traditional at ERA/Burgdorff Realtors on North movie mindset is, the advice here is to to the cherished notion that opposites [email protected] skip the Bijou this go-round. Instead, attract, we are supplied with the stan- 1950s lifestyle to the new music, Avenue in Westfield. buy some microwave popcorn and rent dard amount of skepticism de l’amour. Area NJYS Pupils There’s Something About Mary (1998), He’s conservative — a guy who charac- the deliriously jaunty outrage from the teristically calculates every risk. Com- Set Feb. 1 Concert mitment and seriousness just aren’t in Falling Stars Brothers Farrelly that Along Came Polly AREA – The New Jersey Youth WSO Seeks to Chase Away CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 tries to emulate with very little success. Polly’s vocabulary. Of course the big does not necessarily believe that their Ben Stiller as Reuben Feffer, the question is, will the twain meet? FedEx Symphony (NJYS), Inc. will con- music will become a career objective; nebbish suitor is fresh and ebullient, could deliver this one. tinue to fete its 25th Anniversary Winter Blues at Feb. Concert Yes, there are some laughs, though Concert Season with NJYS Junior they want to continue playing as an possessing a comic irreverence that WESTFIELD — On Saturday, to his fame of the 1940s and 50s,” outlet. caused some reviewers to opine that he examples don’t exactly come rushing to Strings (JS), Orchestral String the fore. But more important, there is Training Ensemble (OSTE), and February 7, at 8 p.m., the Westfield noted Wroe. The Falling Stars have played gigs in reminded of Buster Keaton. With this Symphony Orchestra (WSO), under The concert will close with Brahms’ the Westfield and Scotch Plains- film he’ll be lucky if he’s compared with never that flush-in-the-face sense of Flute Choir (FC) at a joint concert Pinky Lee. moment that hits us when we know that the direction of Maestro David Wroe, “Symphony No. 1.” According to Fanwood area, as well as in Rahway. on Sunday, February 1, at 3 p.m. at will perform their winter concert at Wroe, Brahms waited until the peak of The band members said that the audi- In short, the teaming of Stiller with something simply had to have been South Orange Middle School, Jennifer Aniston is hardly a match made borrowed from real life. The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, his career before embarking on the ence response has been very support- Further giving the impression that North Ridgewood Road in South featuring works by the “English Im- first of his four symphonies. It was ive, noting that the crowd is usually in movie Heaven. Neither Clark Gable Orange. and Claudette Colbert (It Happened Hollywood increasingly expects us to pressionist” Frederick Delius, the greeted with spectacular acclaim by enthusiastic. One Night) nor Billy Crystal and Meg accept the movie equivalent of hor- FC members include Westfield American composer Morton Gould Brahms’ champions and detractors and As a young and not entirely experi- Ryan (When Harry Met Sally) need mone-injected cattle, the synthetic taste residents Alison Ricardo, Nicole (continuing this year’s WSO retro- was called “Beethoven’s 10th” for its enced band, at times, playing before a worry that their iconic status as the It of Along Came Polly is hardly even Spera, Yixiao Wang, Michael spective), and Johannes Brahms. bold, masculine and sweeping style. crowd can be nerve-racking. couples of romantic comedy will be ameliorated by good acting perfor- Weinberg, and Berkeley Heights “This concert is, in part, an explora- Tickets, which may be purchased Mickey said, “(We) worry about usurped. mances. resident Felicia Yau. Local JS mu- tion of lost sounds; musical languages by calling the WSO at (908) 232- perfection and how the show will turn Yet, there are those readers to con- One exception is Bryan Brown as sicians include Westfielders Chris- and personalities that blazed the trail 9400, are $25 to $60 with discounts out.” sider who never go by my advice. the inspiration for the sub-text. He’s topher Salemme and Caroline in their own time, but have been for students and senior citizens. While most bands feel anxious under “Goldberger didn’t like it? Mabel, we’re mildly diverting as Leland Van Lew, a Fahey, Scotch Plains resident Elise overshadowed by such giants as Twenty-five dollar tickets may also daredevil industrialist Reuben has to the lights — especially those that really going!” Assume that each couple will be Pak, as well as Alexander Liu of Brahms, whose First Symphony closes be purchased at the WSO Office, want to please their audience — TFS assess for a big policy deal. Likewise, plunking down about $18 for tickets; Berkeley Heights. our program,” Wroe explained. Lancaster Ltd., The Town Book Store said that, even though each show is a around $30 for a babysitter; $50 for Alec Baldwin as Stan Indursky, Reuben’s disingenuous insurance com- OSTE members include Delius’ orchestral masterpiece “Walk and Evalyn Dunn’s Gallery; in Cranford new experience, their feelings of ner- dinner (if you BYOB) and figure $15 to the Paradise Garden” will open the at Martin Jewelers; in Scotch Plains at vousness are not as prevalent as when for popcorn and sodas. So, the potential pany boss, manages to rise above the Westfielders Isabelle Weisman, quotidian material. Rachel Baron and Alexandra concert. Beautiful Things and in Summit at they first began performing together. outlay of $113, despite my opposition, “Delius’ music gently massages and Frog Hollow. “When I’m onstage,” Caryn said, commands at least a few paragraphs Otherwise, Stiller merely attempts to Tinfow, Scotch Plains resident more. Call it a last ditch attempt to reprise his previously very funny shtick, Karen Bao, Berkeley Heights stu- stimulates our sensitivities with rich, lush, “I’ve got my two brothers next to me, sensuous musical colors,” Wroe stated. deter unsound viewing practices and including another self-generated sweat dents Matthew O’Sullivan, Alison I’ve got the crowd behind me, and this “‘Walk to the Paradise Garden’ encapsu- promote fiscal responsibility. bath. It doesn’t work for him...at least Kao and Oliver Hendy. is what I love, this is what I want to not yet. Sure...Jimmy Durante was al- lates his unique language, speaking of do.” She added that the band has seen First, the plot. The idea of either the bride or groom being ditched at the ways Jimmy Durante. But probably not love, tenderness and intimacy with colors “thumbs up and thumbs down,” and altar, or just après altar, as is the case in his early days. It takes time to work a that pre-empted the Jazz ballads of the has heard appreciation and rejection. here, is hardly new. But for the purpose signature act, to give it the sort of creative 1940s and 50s by decades.” But their main idea is: “just keep of introducing us to the lovelorn woes nuance required to earn that comedic Jillian Prefach According to Wroe, Gould’s “Lin- going…don’t give up because if you of very careful Reuben, risk assessment pedigree. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 coln Legend” takes as its idea, the Civil give up on yourself, you’re failing your- wunderkind, we give it a pass; things Now, as for those awaiting with baited only place I want to be.” War song “When Johnny Comes self. Work hard.” have to start somewhere. breath the news of Aniston’s perfor- Jillian should be proud, as her resume Marchin’ Home.” “Unlike his ‘Ameri- A good tip for fellow artists who So we tune in for the wedding, where mance. Have no fear. Granted, this critic appears to be the beginning of a lifetime can Salute,’ however, Gould’s inter- may want to form a group, TFS of- he marries Lisa Kramer (Debra Mess- has yet to identify it. Perhaps it’s indis- experience and a fulfilling career. pretation shows his genius for color fered, “If you want be in a band, start ing), “killer” real estate agent. The cernible to fuddy-duddies...sort of like “I have found a home within theatre and compositional ingenuity within a band with people you are close to and disastrous honeymoon follows. The a high-pitched whistle that only her and I love it,” she concluded. the popular idiom of the time, leading that you can spend a lot of time with.” newlyweds have barely plopped down fans can hear. TFS can be heard at their beach blanket when Lisa falls for Still, I suspect that whatever quality it www.mylocalbands.com, the French scuba instructor (Hank is that has made her the sitcom sweet- www.garageband.com, Azaria). heart, it’s probably also evident in her www.mp3.com.au, Reuben is back to New York in a portrayal of the ditsy but good-hearted huff, where he is then consoled by his wild card. And while this alone may be www.indiebandvault.com, and can be reason enough for some to see said film, voted for at www.musicshot.com. To best friend, Sandy Lyle, portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. A former I’d just as soon save the $113 and let e-mail the band, write Along Came Polly go its pseudo merry bradfan15@aol.com. For news updates child actor who hasn’t had a success since, Hoffman’s portrayal of the one- way. on shows, or to purchase a copy of hit wonder is greeted with enthusiasm. their first album, “Majestic Tranquil- * * * * * * * He is inevitably a bright light. But, the Along Came PollyPolly, rated PG-13, is a ity” and “Running, Pacing, and Learn- usual comedic energy this fine actor LOEWS MOUNTAINSIDE & LOEWS MONMOUTH MALL Universal Pictures release directed by John 6 WEEKS $131 OR 12 WEEKS $249 - $20 REG. FEE ing to Crawl,” visit their website at brings to an effort is all but missing. Hamburg and stars Jennifer Aniston, Ben http://www.hometown.aol.com/ Which brings us to the writing. It is to Stiller and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Run- bradfan15/fallingstars.html. blame. ning time: 90 minutes.