A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, January 31, 2019 Page 17 NJ Festival Orchestra Offers Puccini Opera Tosca WESTFIELD — Opera’s most tem- voices entering the opera circuit to- pestuous tale of love, deception and day. The role of the menacing police political intrigue—Tosca—comes chief Scarpia, determined to possess alive in Westfield on Saturday, Febru- Tosca and thwart Cavaradossi, is per- ary 23, at the Presbyterian Church in formed by Todd Thomas who is rec- Westfield, as New Jersey Festival Or- ognized by opera companies and crit- chestra (NJFO) and award-winning ics alike as one of the true baritones soloists perform Puccini’s passionate gracing stages today. and beautiful music in its full glory. Sung in Italian with English Puccini’s irresistible lyric genius has supertitles, the opera is brought to life long made Tosca one of opera’s most with costumes, sophisticated staging breathtaking masterpieces. A cast of and colorful design by Stage Director internationally acclaimed guest per- Maria Todaro. A free pre-concert lec- formers joins ture will be pre- HEALTHY CHOICES...The sixth annual Westfield Municipal Alliance Palooza NJFO to sented at 6 p.m. GO MUSTANGS!...The basketball season has begun at Lincoln School so that Contest finalists were recognized on January 23 at 7 p.m. at the student center at present, acted prior to the per- means it is time for our School Spirit Pep Club to spring into action! The club was Westfield High School. Westfield Public School students and Holy Trinity School and in cos- formance by open to students in grades four through seven and led by Mrs. Benc. Members of students, in grades 1 through 12, created posters, poetry, and PSA’s themed, tume, this grip- Michael Rosin. the club met several times to create banners and posters to display in the gym in “Westfield, We Have Better Things To Do: Healthy Choices, Everyday Choices,” support of the school’s girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. They designed a club tee for substance abuse prevention. ping tale of Mr. Rosin’s love, lust, cor- discussions are shirt, made water bottle shakers, and learned a few cheers that they performed ruption and ul- an engaging from the bleachers. The Pep Club is pictured here sitting in the stands for one of the recent home basketball games, wearing their original tees while cheering for timate struggle way to learn the Lincoln School Mustang teams! Westfield Municipal Alliance for survival. about the “Tosca has Puccini’s mag- long been one nificent opera Recognizes Palooza Finalists of the most and the music Eva Noblezada of Miss WESTFIELD — The sixth annual vember. Each year, in January, the popular op- makers on of- Palooza Contest finalists were recog- finalists are celebrated by their fami- eras in the en- fer. nized on January 23 at 7 p.m. at the lies and other community members. tire reper- Tosca, The Saigon to Perform at Kean student center at Westfield High Finalists’ posters, poetry, and the PSA toire,” said Joseph T. UNION - Kean Stage will welcome Ms. Noblezada, 22, has also been School (WHS). Westfield Public are posted on the Westfield Munici- NJFO Music DeAlessandro Eva Noblezada, star of the 2017 Broad- performing cabaret shows, where she School students and Holy Trinity pal Alliance Facebook page, Director Memorial Op- way revival of Miss Saigon, to Enlow sings a mixture of show tunes as well as School students, in grades 1 through www.facebook.com/ David Wroe. era Concert, is Recital Hall, located at 215 North Av- jazz, blues and alternative music. She is 12, created posters, poetry, and PSA’s westfieldalliance. “Puccini’s presented in enue, Hillside, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, looking forward to performing this show themed, “Westfield, We Have Better The message of the WHS Dream powerful partnership February 1. at Kean Stage. Things To Do: Healthy Choices, Ev- Team, to students, is Confidence, score illumi- with Ray Ms. “It’s a journey eryday Choices,” for substance abuse Choices, Challenges, Changes. The nates the tense Catena of Noblezada will of little Eva’s prevention. Dream Team promotes positive deci- drama at every Union and has appear fresh off musical career The night of recognition was hosted sion-making and healthy choices and step, giving been made her starring role from all the way by the students from the WHS Dream creates programs that provide alter- numerous op- possible in the musical back when I was Team and sponsored by the Westfield natives to underage drinking and drug portunities for Soprano Jenny Schuler through addi- Hadestown at singing songs in Municipal Alliance. Awards to final- use. The mission of the WHS Dream our guest prin- tional generous the National my closet,” she ists were generously donated by the Team complements the mission of cipals to shine.” support of Marty Jeiven, the New Jer- Theatre in Lon- said. “At the end, Albert Anthony Kayal Foundation the Westfield Municipal Alliance to Singing the title role of fiery prima sey State Council on the Arts and the don. I’ll sing some- (AAKF). Also, the WHS Dream Team provide substance abuse prevention donna Floria Tosca is award-winning Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Hadestown is thing from generously matched each award and education in Westfield schools and to soprano Jenny Schuler who has earned Can’t make the performance on Feb- scheduled to Hadestown.” donated to two local organizations, the broader Westfield community. praise in recent seasons for her power- ruary 23? NJFO’s Tosca will also be transfer to During the Imagine and the Westfield Rescue For more information, please visit ful vocalism and compelling stage art- presented on Sunday, February 24, at Broadway, with cabaret show, Squad. www.westfieldnj.gov/wma, or con- istry. Lauded for his distinctive timbre 3 p.m. at Drew University in Madison. previews begin- she speaks The Palooza Contest is announced tact Louise DeDea at and magnetic stage presence tenor Kirk Tickets for both concerts ($30 to ning March 22. openly to her annually in October during National [email protected] or Dougherty makes his NJFO debut in $76, students under 18 are $15) are The cast has not audience about Red Ribbon Week and entries are Kerri Oligino at the role of revolutionary artist Mario available online at been an- the realities of a typically due before the end of No- [email protected]. Cavaradossi. With a sound combining www.njfestivalorchestra.org. Tickets nounced. Could theater career clarity, strength and integrity, Mr. may also be purchased by calling the the Tony Award and offers up ad- Dougherty is one of the most exciting box office (908) 232-9400. nominee be on vice to those on the bill? Eva Noblezada the same path. “I’m always “I’ve seen POPCORN Mark Hyczko to Conduct the last to know,” she said. mental health issues, like anxiety and Stan & Ollie Ms. Noblezada was “discovered” by eating disorders,” she said. “Nobody casting director Tara Rubin when she tells you the dangers of this industry. “Old Fat & Skinny” Steeple Concerts at St. Paul’s placed fifth in the 2013 National High People think once they get to Broad- 4 popcorns WESTFIELD — St. Paul’s Episco- He has served as music director and School Musical Theatre Awards, also way that everything will be perfect. The pal Church in Westfield has announced conductor of NBCO since 2012. In known as the Jimmy Awards. Then 17, people you admire still do not think One Popcorn, Poor — Two Popcorns, Fair — Three Popcorns, Good — Four Popcorns, Excellent the Steeple Concert Series, comprised addition, he currently teaches at the she auditioned for and won the lead role they’re perfect and they never will. of three upcoming Contemporary/Clas- Mason Gross School of the Arts at of Kim in Cameron Mackintosh’s Lon- Don’t compare yourself to other people. We cherish the vanity. Though of sical events to which the music-loving Rutgers University and is choir direc- don revival of Miss Saigon. Just focus on your own craft. That will By Michael S. Goldberger course unimportant insofar as measuring film critic public is cordially invited. First on the tor and organist at Temple B’nai Or in After earning rave reviews in Miss carry you farther in life.” the intrinsic talent of a comedy team, it is Steeple Concerts program is The New Morristown. In 2015, he began the Saigon, Ms. Noblezada took on the Tickets for Eva Noblezada are $25 to Stan & Ollie, director Jon S. Baird’s nonetheless our unspoken wish that the Brunswick Chamber Orchestra successful NBCO@Zimmerli SALON role of Éponine in Les Misérables. $40. Tickets can be purchased at the Kean lovingly responsible biopic about Stan two, usually in contrast to their stage (NBCO), who will perform their es- lecture series (Rutgers) to promote Ms. Noblezada has wrapped pro- Stage Box Office in Wilkins Theatre on Laurel and Oliver Hardy, the world’s behavior, be true friends in real life. While most famous comedy duo, convivially Neil Simon put a cynical, roundabout teemed “Transcendence” concert on NBCO’s innovative programming of duction on the film Yellow Rose, co- Kean’s Main Campus, 1000 Morris Ave., invites you to bask in its embracing no- edge to it in his semi-biographical The Saturday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. at St. contemporary classical works focusing starring Salonga and country singer Union, by phone at (908) 737-7469 or tions of love, friendship, loyalty and sense Sunshine Boys (1975), about vaudeville Paul’s. All are welcome to attend. on the works of living composers. Dale Watson. online at www.keanstage.com. of duty. The passion is such that, feeling duo Smith and Dale, Mr. Baird, working The concert title, “Transcendence,” Mr. Hyczko received his Master’s protective of the boys, I couldn’t help from Jeff Pope’s screenplay, is sympa- reflects NBCO’s wish to “reframe clas- Degree in Piano from The New School’s fantasize that if I should become king I’d thetically indulgent. Spoiler or not, we sical music and explore the mystical Mannes College of Music (NYC). He make it a law that, once the talent in just couldn’t stand it if we discovered that minimalism” of three contemporary also holds degrees in both music and Master Classes in Dance question was universally adored by the behind the paycheck Stan and Ollie actu- composers: Henryk Górecki, whose chemistry from Rutgers University. public, the enthusiasm was not to dimin- ally disliked each other. “Harpsichord Concerto, Op.40” is fea- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is lo- ish, unless of course said entertainer ei- But while in this manner pleasing our Offered by NJPAC ther colluded with the Russians, repeat- sense of values, the interaction between tured; Arvo Pärt, whose “Tabula Rasa” cated at 414 East Broad Street in edly lied to the American public or was these national treasures goes far beyond is also featured; and Sir John Tavener, Westfield. Parking is free. Tickets at the AREA—Young dancers will have a day, March 2 from noon to 2 p.m. is led disgustingly narcissistic. just a tale of names that could be uttered whose “Mahashakti” will make its North door are $25 (adults) and $10 (stu- chance to learn from masters in their by Lyvan Verdecia, born in Havana, Of course Stan and Ollie, who are little in the same sentence as Chaplin and American debut on Saturday, Febru- dents), or purchase discounted Steeple field of dance. Master Classes at Cuba. Graduated from the National more than a vague name to most audi- Keaton without compunction. Gadzooks, ary 9 at St. Paul’s. Concert Series tickets online at NJPAC Arts Education bring in some Ballet School of Cuba and joined the ences under 50, wouldn’t dare commit man, this is the stuff of great philosophers NBCO’s conductor, Mark Hyczko, is www.steepleconcerts.org. Concert at- of the dance industry’s top choreogra- ranks of the National Ballet of Cuba any of the aforementioned sins against since time immemorial…the idea of also the new music director at St. Paul’s. tendees are invited to a gala reception phers, educators, and dancers for spe- through December 2014. In 2017, Mr. society. But sorrowfully, me not being friendship itself…the essence of He succeeds Charles M. Banks who, after the event. For more information, cialized two-hour classes. Intermedi- Verdecia was awarded a Princess Grace king, and the whims and wiles of things gregariousness…the very DNA of civili- following an exemplary 32-year career contact Mr. Hyczko at (908) 232-8506, ate and advanced dancers ages 13 – 18 Award in Dance. He is a current com- entertainment being as fickle as they are, zation. the prologue to the film starkly notes that While billionaires may find solace in at the church, retired in June 2018. ext. 10. are invited to register. The cost is $10 pany member at Ballet Hispánico. while at the pinnacle of their interna- the sizeable balance their bankbooks per class. Modern Dance on Saturday, March tional success in 1937, by 1953 when the show, anyone who’s lived at least a little Hip Hop Dance on Saturday, Febru- 30 from noon to 2 p.m. is led by pair launch a comeback concert tour across time in this world knows that real wealth ary 2 from noon to 2 p.m. is led by Ana Carolyn Dorfman, choreographer Europe, they are practically unknown. is having made at least one true friend “Rokafella” Garcia, a New York City and founding Artistic Director of We join them at this watershed juncture before the fat lady sings. They care just as native who has represented hip hop Carolyn Dorfman Dance. Touring as they valiantly struggle to resurrect much whether you’ve broken your arm or dance professionally over the span of nationally and internationally, her their careers and establish a proper legacy. were saddened because the cobbler rang two decades. She is a current artist in company presents immersive per- I and my Baby Boomer ilk were intro- the death knell on your favorite pair of residence at the American Tap Dance formance and teaching residencies duced to the legends via morning and shoes. Watching these great comics try- midafternoon movie shows on TV in the ing to iron out their differences and pre- Foundation and an adjunct professor in diverse communities to share art ’50s, when stations rented their films at serve a very special relationship in spite at The New School. and process that can build connec- bargain basement prices. We immedi- of the challenges wrought by a changing Latin Afro Cuban Dance on Satur- tion and human understanding. ately loved them and claimed them for world becomes a very personal experi- our generation, and I’ve little doubt that ence as you find yourself warmly con- their iconoclastic, individualistic hijinks, templating your own Stan or Ollie. usually at the expense of polite society, Stan & Ollie, rated PG, is a Sony The 2019 Weiss Family Jazz had no small part in freeing our minds for Pictures Classics release directed by Jon Photo courtesy Mark Hyczko, NBCO the social revolution we would wage in S. Baird and stars John C. Reilly, Steve ENCORE…On Saturday, February 9, at7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church the 1960s. Coogan and Shirley Henderson. Run- in Westfield, new Music Director Mark Hyczko (center, standing) will conduct Series* opens with the To my wife Joanne in the pre-politi- ning time: 97 minutes. The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra in the first of three Steeple Concerts. cally correct era of her childhood, refer- ring to Laurel and Hardy as “Old Fat and Dave Braham Trio Skinny” differentiated them from the more contemporary, also great but perhaps not At the Westfield Memorial Library as ingenious, Abbott and Costello, or, CDC Theatre presents “New Fat and Skinny.” Hence, even though we now partake only rarely in an Saturday, February 9 at 2:00 pm occasional screening of a Laurel and Hardy film on TCM, the spark is quickly *The Series was established with a bequest from Joseph and Dorothy Weiss relighted. We share a past. So as the story to the Westfield Memorial Library Foundation unwinds it’s a bit difficult to witness the post-1937 trouncing, much of it con- ducted by Philistine, showbiz bigwigs and their stooges. Alas, they fight the good fight…sheer talent and gumption their weapons. Pow- erfully emotive performances by Messrs. John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan as Hardy and Laurel, respectively, are such that not only do they genially affect devotees, but FEB. 15 - MAR. 2, 2019 probably also go a long way to roping in and causing a similar disgruntlement among members of the Great Unwashed Fri. & Sat. - 8pm who serendipitously decide to see this film. What newbies might not realize as Sun. Feb. 24 - 2pm their empathy is aroused is just how star- tlingly accurate Reilly and Coogan’s ac- Come for a jazzy afternoon! cents and appearances are. Hardly five minutes of the movie had elapsed before I was predicting an Oscar nomination for Mark Coulier’s metamor- Open to WML and MURAL phic transformation of Mr. Reilly to Oliver cardholders. Sign up online at Hardy. Furthermore, if either Mr. Reilly 78 Winans Ave. Cranford, NJ Get tickets online for best price or Mr. Coogan missed an inflection or a www.wmlnj.org and click on the nuance, you’d have to be a close relative 908-276-7611 cdctheatre.org It’s your Library … Calendar link, or call of either title character to know it. But the make the most of it 908.789.4090 option 0. two actors’ greatest achievement, aside 550 East Broad Street It’s your Library … make the most of it from emulating to a T the signature shtick Made possible by funds from the Union County OƏce of Cultural & Heritage Aƌairs, their characters made famous, is in char- a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Westfield www.wmlnj.org 908.789.4090 acterizing the depth of their friendship.