A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood Thursday, March 14, 2002 Page 21 POPCORN™ We Were Soldiers: Back To The Antiwar Front One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent

By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER as devoutly religious as he is unflinch- 3 popcorns ingly brave. He assures his men that he will be the first to set foot on the battle- Get Outta “Whew!” That’s what you exclaim field and the last to leave it. Not unlike when the closing credits of We Were Patton, when he prays he asks God to Soldiers finally bring an end to the non- disregard the prayers of the heathen The House Youth Art stop killing. Simultaneously, you run enemy. By CAROL F. DAVIS the back of your hand across your brow Assigned to inaugurate the first fight- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times in a gesture of both relief and astonish- ing force in Vietnam to ride into battle ment. on helicopters, Korean vet Moore ap- This is your absolute last chance to Month Relief that you didn’t participate in take advantage of The First Congrega- preciates the irony in his newest com- tional Church’s acclaimed Lenten series the battle of la Drang Valley (now mission. His 7th Cavalry was once the known as The Valley of Death). Aston- of free, half-hour, noontime concerts, charge of General George Armstrong the Mid-Day Musicales. The program ishment that the horrors of war are still Custer. a very real part of our so-called civi- of Wednesday, March 20, will feature Thus, when the dangerous combat trumpeters Donald Batchelder and lized world. mission he is given seems strikingly Charles Bumcrot and organist Barbara You have just witnessed director similar to his 19th century predecessor’s Thomson. Who are they, you may won- Randall Wallace’s depiction of last assignment, he hopes it isn’t all a der? Batchelder, recognized as an out- America’s first major military involve- big premonition. standing freelance trumpeter in the New ment in Vietnam, circa 1965. Under- But not to worry assures Sam Elliott as York area since 1983, holds the princi- standably, your emotions are mixed. the profoundly stouthearted Sergeant Ma- pal trumpet chairs in the Westfield Sym- Respect must be paid. Yet it’s frustrat- jor Basil Plumley, Moore’s devoted right- phony Orchestra (WSO), the Stamford, ing. Because you know that the greatest hand man. He’s the type of second in Conn. Symphony, and the New York respect you could possibly pay to any- charge that Victor McLaglen always Virtuosi. Bumcrot is currently Princi- one who ever fought in armed combat played, the meat ‘n’ potatoes career grunt pal/Solo trumpet with the New Haven- would be to once and for all figure out who no West Point officer could do with- based Orchestra New England. He has how to end our unceasing necessity for out. an extensive list of performances, in- Jennifer Pinto for The Westfield Leader and The Times antiwar movies. Using a derogatory term to imply that cluding the Mostly Mozart Festival Or- “Splooge” at Melody’s in Kenilworth. But you know that there will be more Custer was a sissy, the paratrooper vet- chestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the wars which are inevitably followed by eran of WWII and Korea assures his Brooklyn Philharmonic, New York more antiwar movies. And you wonder, boss that said expletive does not de- Chamber Symphony, and WSO. ‘Splooge’: Chunky Pop how much more eloquent than All Quiet scribe him. Thomson, critically acclaimed for her on the Western Front (1930) would an Ordered to engage the enemy strong- technique, musicianship, and ability to antiwar movie have to be to finally get the hold at la Drang Valley, also known as communicate has performed extensively job done? Now, that film would be truly LZ X-Ray, the 7th Cavalry’s experi- both here and abroad. She is currently With a Fizz worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. Not like ence turns out to be a microcosm of the Voorhees Chapel Organist at Rutgers some of the goons they’ve obsequiously entire Vietnam War experience. It is a University, Organist/Director of Music By JENNIFER PINTO along with the humorous remarks given it to. primer of what America should expect. at the First Congregational Church of Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times made by the members of Splooge, In the meantime, at least we keep All the clues and hints were there. Westfield and Organist/Music Director who definitely have personality. The Michelle H. Le Poidevin for The Leader/The Times KENILWORTH — “Chunky trying. Basing his effort on the autobio- Unfortunately, the foresight wasn’t. at Temple B’nai Abraham, Livingston. Tribal Masks, Grade 2, by Madison pop with a fizz” is how lead singer crowd loved it. graphical works of Lieutenant General On the home front, unaware that the Don’t skip the $5 luncheon. Yarusi, Christine Clarke, Joseph Tommy Diaz describes the music of Later in the evening, the band per- Hal Moore and war correspondent Jo- national blood bath has begun, the ex- * * * * * McDonald, Ryan Fleming, Stephanie rock ‘n’ roll band “Splooge.” formed original material from their seph L. Galloway, director Wallace gives otic-eyed Madeleine Stowe as Colonel Kiss Me Kate, the backstage musi- Olson and Casey Schuster at Liberty Diaz said the main influences for the most recent self-titled CD. The vo- it the old college try. The gripping, heart- Moore’s dutiful army wife is the sym- cal version of Shakespeare’s The Tam- Travel. band’s self-composed music comes cals and sound were completely rending result is the most explicit battle bol of grace. With Yellow Cab drivers ing of the Shrew, will be presented by from bands like Pink Floyd and The united, allowing their experience to footage since Saving Private Ryan delivering the first smattering of bad the Union Catholic Regional High Rolling Stones, as well as musicians show through in their performance. (1998). news telegrams mailed from an insen- School Performing Arts Company Holy Trinity to Present Peter Gabriel and Eric Clapton. The CD includes nine tracks, It is tough stuff indeed. Therefore, sitive War Department, she tries to on March 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 8 p.m., Splooge has been together for about plus a short but surprising 10th unless you think your antiwar resolve maintain calm among the panicked and on Sunday, March 17, at 3 p.m. Mozart, Schubert Works 12 years. Diaz is a Westfield High track, which is a lovely hard rock/ needs a booster shot, you may wish to young wives. Reserve your seats for just $10 - School graduate and fellow band mates electronic compilation, definitely spare yourself the two hours and 17 While everything it took us nearly seniors and students are $8 - by call- WESTFIELD -- On Sunday, are from Union County. worth listening to. minutes of very graphic violence and 10 years to learn was originally illus- ing (908) 889-1600, or fax your or- March 17, at 4 p.m. at The Catholic During a recent performance at “Make it Through The Day” and simply reaffirm to self, family and trated in the tragic details of this mu- der to them at (908) 889-7867. Church of the Holy Trinity, Westfield Melody’s in Kenilworth, band mem- “Mundane Living” are both very friends your conviction that war is bad. tual massacre, so imbedded in the poli- * * * * * Avenue and First Street, Westfield, bers, Diaz (vocals), Mike Novy (gui- mellow, yet exciting, which explains Whether war buffs will like it is another tics of the century’s first half was our the Holy Trinity Choir, Soloists, and the fizz part in “chunky pop with a If you prefer a different sort of tar), Jeff Phillips (bass), and Drew Koski matter. thinking that we missed the signals. musical, see the Scotch Plains - Orchestra will present a free concert, (drums), played an array of covers from fizz.” Granted, We Were Soldiers hardly glo- Thus while showing what selfless including the Grabmusik (K. 42) by Look for Splooge’s next gig, most Fanwood Repertory Theatre’s pro- REM and Jane’s Addiction. rifies armed conflict. And depicting very sacrifices were made by both sides, it is duction of Mame on March 8, 9, 15, Mozart and the Stabat Mater in F The crowd seemed pleased hearing likely, in April. The band is talented, real people dying very real deaths may to director Wallace’s artistic credit that Minor (D383) by Franz Schubert. and 16 at 8 p.m. in the refurbished their old favorites. They sang along, and they have a great following. put a damper on things for even the he also interweaves the battlefield he- SPFHS auditorium. Go back in time The public is cordially invited to they danced, and simply had a great For information about Splooge or staunchest of hawks. But they’re a tough roics with a pervasive and knowing attend. to the 20s, when the leading lady is time. Melody’s soon became packed their CD, e-mail [email protected] or crowd to fathom and we may have to sadness. It is the sort of melancholy faced with a new task in life- caring The Grabmusik (“Grave Music”), with people enjoying the good music [email protected]. wait for word of mouth from their num- remorse that comes with realizing that for an orphan nephew named Patrick. written by Mozart to be sung as a bers. no matter how brave or glorious were Seniors and Renaissance cardholders meditation before a replica of the Leading the cast of heretofore un- their actions, it is the woe of our gen- can see this for $3, students for $6, Holy Sepulcre at a church in sung heroes is Mel Gibson as Colonel eration that we didn’t use their ex- and everyone else pays $8. Salzburg, includes two horns, two Culinary Quips: Northside Trattoria Hal Moore, a romantic contradiction ample to save some of the 59,000 oboes, strings and basso continuo. American lives that then proceeded to * * * * * Joseph Loria will sing the part of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 follow them into battle. Emmanuel United Methodist Church of Springfield’s Coffee With the soul and Janet Natale will sing fish at Harvey Cedars Shellfish, while with sausage, hot peppers and Parmesan Perhaps it wouldn’t be as exciting. the part of the angel. On the Beat Conscience Concert Series will fea- Christopher worked at various res- broth over linguine. Maybe no one would buy a movie ture Dave Nachmanoff on March 16, The Stabat Mater in F Minor was ticket to see it. But certainly it would be taurants. Jumbo shrimp lovers might order their CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 at 8 p.m. $10 will buy you a wonderful written for chorus and soprano, tenor, favorite seafood sautéed in a white wine better for everyone concerned if we and bass soloists, with a rather large After graduating from Westfield The band, who could have easily evening of live entertainment, com- High School, Christopher headed to and fresh thyme sauce with mushrooms, could rewrite history. If there were no plete with treats and refreshments. orchestra of brass (trombones and zucchini and roasted peppers, while veal given the Ramones a run for the LZ X-Ray. Then the collective biogra- horns), winds (oboes, bassoons, the floor of the New York Stock money with their lightning-fast gui- This is a family-friendly event, in Exchange, while Timothy honed his stuffed with mushrooms and sun dried phy of all those who didn’t have to fight which the performer, who wrote his flutes), and strings. tomatoes arrives with pesto risotto and tar licks and direct lyrics. This re- in The Valley of Death could be titled The text is a free German render- first song at the age of nine, performs lease is essential for any punk rock, “We Were Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers songs backed with virtuoso acousti- ing of the traditional Latin Stabat surf music guitar-loving freak. and other Civilians,” instead of We Were Mater text, a text about Mary’s vigil cal guitar and interweaves them with From England, Rubric Records Soldiers. tales and philosophical insight. The at the foot of the cross on Good releases reissues of guitarist/singer Friday. Soloists include Ms. Natale * * * * * church is located at 40 Church Mall in Nick Saloman’s “The Bevis Frond.” We Were Soldiers, rated R, is a Para- downtown Springfield. Westfield’s (soprano), Jonathan Pilkington The latest reissue is 1988’s brilliant own Ahrre Maros of Ahrre’s Coffee (tenor), and Glenn Boothby (bass). mount Pictures release directed by “Triptych” CD, complete with six Randall Wallace and stars Mel Gibson, Roastery will give you more informa- Both works will be sung in Ger- tion. Call (908) 232-8723. man, with English translations pro- luscious bonus tracks. Madeleine Stowe and Sam Elliott. Run- vided. Rives Cassel, Director of Mu- Truckstop Records of Chicago ning time: 137 minutes. sic/Organist will conduct.

Local Stars Vintage German Finery March 23, 2002 Melissa Miller Works

As Asst. Light Designer Millicent K. Brody for The Westfield Leader and The Times The Northside Trattoria Sponsored By WESTFIELD – Melissa Miller, has been steadily releasing some great the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederic culinary skills at the renowned Cor- marinara sauce, ($13.95). alternative country, the latest release The Members of The Wagner Society Miller of Westfield, recently worked don Bleu in Paris. “We’re happy to see people come in that has impressed me is Simon as the Assistant Light Designer in the “Going to Europe seemed the natural and read the menu,” said Christopher. Joyner’s, “Hotel Lives.” Moody, in- recent production of Angels in thing for me to do,” he said. “It was “Our customers are extremely loyal. trospective, even creepy at times, America, presented by The Experi- actually my father that proposed the Many of them are here for dinner at least this release nevertheless, left its mark mental Theater of Vassar College on idea. He continually recognized my ar- three times a week.” on my psyche. It would be the perfect March 4, 5 and 6. tistic, creative talent. Studying in Paris As the restaurant takes on the person- film music to accompany The Oth- Melissa is a graduate of Westfield was my first accomplishment.” ality and decor of its new owners, the ers, The Shining, or a visit to a haunted High School. “From the simplest foods like bread brothers are continually striving for the house. and cheese, to mastering foie gras, I informality found in the cafés and bis- tros of France. Joyner sounds just like a young Hamilton College Concert learned to appreciate fine cuisine,” he Leonard Cohen only more depressed said. “Having worked in many of New Jersey’s finest restaurants, I believe there if that is possible. Includes Julie Elmuccio Returning to Westfield, Timothy ac- Finally, Universal Music brings cepted a position at the once-popular are lessons you can learn from execu- WESTFIELD – Julie Elmuccio, tive chefs like Craig Shelton of the us another terrific Bob Marley De- Homeward Bounty, while his brother luxe Edition. This time it is the 1977 the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John headed to the Culinary Institute in Hyde Ryland Inn,” said Christopher. “Good Elmuccio of Westfield, and a student Park, N.Y. From serving lunch to David food must be kept simple. At Northside album, “Exodus.” Many Marley afi- at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., Rockefeller in the Executive Dining Trattoria we aim is to do just that.” cionados claim this to be his final will perform in the annual spring Room at Chase Manhattan Bank, to the Feeling blessed with their family, the masterpiece and I would be hard- concert, presented by the Hamilton Ryland Inn and Stage House Inn, the brothers continually thank their dad Jack pressed to disagree with them. College Department of Theatre and brothers continually worked toward their Boyle and step-mother Lois Boyle for Featuring such classics a “Jammin” Dance on March 8 and 9. common goal. their huge amount of encouragement as well as the title track, the album A junior majoring in psychology, “We always wanted to own our own and wisdom. flows smoothly from beginning to Julie is a graduate of Westfield High business,” said Timothy. “Not only that, end without becoming too reggae- School. but we wanted the business to be lo- Mostly Music Series redundant. The sound quality is typi- cated in our home town.” cal of the whole Marley reissue cata- Approached by former owner Alan Comes to Temple log, stunning. Tricky Tray to Have Jones, the guys decided Northside Another must-have deluxe edition The Presbyterian Church in Westfield • 8:00 PM Trattoria was to become their first joint WESTFIELD – The Mostly Mu- is “The Who Live at Leeds,” featur- enterprise. On September 6, the Boyle sic Chamber Music Series will ing the whole “Tommy” performance ANTON MILLER ELIOT BAILEN Patriotic Theme Brothers became local restaurateurs. present violinist Ani Kavafian, Elmar for the first time. “We took over the existing menu, and Oliveira, Ida Kavafian, Daniel Finally, while not in the same league Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 At Union Catholic are gradually changing it to reflect our Phillips, and Carmit Zori, violist sonically as the two aforementioned Brahms: Double Concerto taste in food,” said Christopher. Steven Tenenbom, and cellists Carter albums, Universal has just released a SCOTCH PLAINS – Union Catho- Popular with guests are the appetiz- lic High School in Scotch Plains will Brey and Ronald Thomas in a spe- three-disc set of live Velvet Under- Wagner: Siegfried Idyll ers of house made clams casino, ($6.25), cial concert on Sunday, March 17, at ground recordings, “Bootleg series sponsor the School Parents’ Guild puff pastry with shrimp, zucchini, and 7:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El in Annual Tricky Tray “Patriotic Piz- provolone cheese and a breaded goat Volume 1: The Quine Tapes.” cheese with baby greens, garlic crou- Westfield. Taped on a Sony cassette recorder WESTFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA zazz” on Friday, April 19, at 6 p.m. The evening’s program will in- in San Francisco and St. Louis 1969 in the cafeteria. tons, and red wine vinaigrette. “Whether you are in a fine dining clude Bach’s Concerto for Three Vio- by Robert Quine, who ironically be- David Wroe Tickets, which are currently on restaurant or enjoying casual fare, din- lins, Beethoven’s String Quartet No. came Lou Reed’s guitar player in the Music Director & Conductor sale, are $8 per person. The ticket ers should always expect quality food 10, Op. 74 (Harp) and Tchaikovsky’s early 1980’s, these performances were price includes admission, one sheet and service, which is our creed at Souvenir de Florence. never to have been known to exist TICKET INFORMATION of bid tickets, refreshments and a Northside Trattoria,” added Timothy. Tickets, which are available at the before and as such should be appreci- General Admission: chance on a door prize. Pizza lovers will enjoy the white pie door, sell for $20 (general admis- ated for their historical value alone. Adults – $25.00 Seniors – $22.00 Students – $15.00 For more information or to reserve with caramelized onions, sun dried to- sion), $18 (senior citizens), and $10 However, there are some rare songs matoes and sausage, ($8-$16), while an (students). For more information, here such as “Black Angel’s Death Song” Call 908-232-9400 a seat, please call the school office at entree of chicken breast is prepared please call (973) 762-0108. (908) 889-1600. “New Age” and “Ride Into the Sun.” CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK