A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, October 7, 2010 Page 19 Metropolitan Opera’s Live HD Simulcasts Begin Fifth Season By GREG WAXBERG Alagna in the title role, conducted by Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Yannick Nézet-Séguin. WESTFIELD — This Saturday, The To commemorate the 100th anniver- Metropolitan Opera begins its fifth sea- sary of the opera’s world premiere at son of “The Met: Live in HD,” an the Met, the company is reviving Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning Giacomo Puccini’s La Fanciulla del series of Saturday matinee perfor- West this season, and it will be simul- mances simulcast live in high defini- cast on January 8 at 1 p.m. The cast tion to movie theaters around the world. includes Deborah Voigt as Minnie, with Select theaters will also show encore Nicola Luisotti conducting. presentations at 6:30 p.m. on the third John Adams conducts the Met’s pre- Wednesday after the live performances, miere production of his first opera, and PBS televises the simulcasts on Nixon in China, on February 12 at 1 “Great Performances at the Met.” p.m. In the cast are James Maddalena, These simulcasts capture onstage Janis Kelly and Kathleen Kim. action and the orchestra by using close- Susan Graham and Plácido Domingo up shots taken from many perspec- headline the cast of Christoph Willibald tives. During intermissions, the series von Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride on offers behind-the-scenes features, live February 26 at 1 p.m. Patrick Summers Photo Courtesy of Debbie Hoffman SHARING THE LIMELIGHT…Sara Hoffman, right, of Mountainside and Eric Nierstedt for The Westfield Leader and The Times interviews with cast and crewmembers will conduct. and short documentaries, all of which Mr. Summers will also be on the Tandria Fireall of South Carolina step out in bright lights in the big city at the OH, WE’RE HALF WAY THERE...The Kilkenny House in Cranford celebrated premiere for a private screening of their winning film, “Save Our School.” The September 17 (halfway point to St. Patrick’s Day) and its two-year anniversary offer an unprecedented look at the ele- podium for Donizetti’s Lucia di pair was among other lucky contestants competing in the Skintimate Studios “In with The Itinerants, who feature Westfield resident Chris Flynn on guitar. ments involved in staging an opera. Lammermoor on March 19 at 1 p.m. Front of and Behind the Camera” contest produced by Dreaming Tree Films. The “Our live transmissions have made Natalie Dessay sings Lucia. red carpet event reunited 18 girls at a private screening of the winning short film grand opera more accessible and popu- The Met is also presenting at Skylight West in Manhattan on September 14. Kilkenny Celebrates Two lar,” said Peter Gelb, the Met’s general Gioacchino Rossini’s comedy Le manager and the executive producer of Comte Ory for the first time this season. the live transmissions. “They have Juan Diego Flórez sings the title role, Mountainside Teen’s Short Years of Grog with Itinerants helped to make it possible for opera to joined by Joyce DiDonato and Diana By ERIC NIERSTEDT on pub highlights such as the Pogues’ continue to flourish in a difficult eco- Damrau, on April 9 at 1 p.m. Bartlett Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times “If I Should Fall From Grace with nomic time.” Sher directs, and Maurizio Benini con- Film Wins Skintimate Contest CRANFORD — South Avenue East God,” which featured a pounding drum The 2010-2011 season of “The Met: ducts. By LINDA B. CONDRILLO ductions were wrapped – “Save Our in Cranford was filled with the sounds break and the a capella “Auld Tri- Live in HD” will include 12 operas, six Richard Strauss’ Capriccio returns Specially Written for the Westfield Leader and The Times Schools” and “The Locket.” Sara was of Irish music and the taste of Guinness, angle.” of which are featured in new produc- to the repertory this season, starring MOUNTAINSIDE – A on “Team S.O.S.” Both shorts were last month, as the Kilkenny House cel- There were also classic Irish favor- tions. Renée Fleming, and will be simulcast Mountainside teenager’s short film subsequently available for viewing ebrated its second anniversary. ites like “I’ll Tell Me Ma,” “Riley’s Robert Lepage’s new production of on April 23 at 1 p.m., conducted by Sir has won a national studio contest. online, and people were asked to pick The occasion also served as a launch Daughter” and the pulsing, rock-influ- Richard Wagner’s Das Rheingold, con- Andrew Davis. As previously reported in The their favorite. for a weeklong celebration, culminat- enced “Fields of Athenry” (likely in- ducted by Music Director James Levine, The following week, Mr. Levine re- Westfield Leader and The Times, 17- “Save Our Schools” was chosen as ing on September 17, the date every spired by the Dropkick Murphys’ ver- kicks off the season on Saturday at 1 turns to the podium for Verdi’s Il year-old Sara Hoffman of the winner, and on September 14, all Irish bar knows as the “Halfway to St. sion). p.m. The cast includes Bryn Terfel Trovatore on April 30 at 1 p.m. He Mountainside earned a trip to Holly- 18 contestants were reunited in New Patrick’s Day” marker. There was even a lone rock song – a singing his first Met Wotan. This is the conducts a cast including Marcelo wood after entering an essay contest York City to view a private screening Barry O’Donovan, a native Irishman surprisingly joyful “Folsom Prison first part of the Met’s new staging of the Álvarez, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Sondra on why she wanted to be a filmmaker. of “Save Our Schools.” The Red Car- (from county Kilkenny), who moved Blues.” But none of it topped the med- entire Ring. Radvanovsky and Dolora Zajick. (See full story at goleader.com/ pet premiere was held at Skylight to Cranford from Brooklyn 10 years ley of classic “Red is the Rose,” along Two weeks later, on October 23 at 12 On May 14 at noon, the HD season 10aug12/24.pdf). West, a Midtown private event venue ago, owns the Kilkenny House. with Van Morison’s “Crazy Love” and p.m., Valery Gergiev conducts Stephen concludes with the new Robert Lepage The contest, “Smooth Moves, In offering views of the New York Sky- Aside from running the pub, Mr. “Tupelo Honey,” as well as The Band’s Wadsworth’s new production of Mod- production of Wagner’s Die Walküre, Front of and Behind the Camera,” line on the city’s largest open roof- O’Donovan has become involved in “The Weight,” with Mr. Robinson’s est Mussorgsky’s historical drama Boris conducted by Mr. Levine. Bryn Terfel was sponsored by Skintimate Stu- top. various Cranford organizations, which accordion adding soulful balance along Godunov with René Pape in the title is Wotan and Deborah Voigt adds dios and afforded 18 girls from across Skintimate, the ladies shaving have helped to raise money for breast with Mr. Bosch’s tasteful solo. role. Brünnhilde to her Wagnerian reper- the United States the opportunity to cream brand, awarded prizes, includ- cancer and local scholarship funds. Mr. After a short break for a raffle hosted On November 13 at 1 p.m., Anna toire at the Met. win a seven-day, all-expense-paid trip ing a Flip video camera, a $500 schol- O’Donovan also helped send local by Mr. O’Donovan, (who reminded the Netrebko sings Norina and John Del For more information about the to Hollywood. arship and bragging rights to the pro- rugby players to Utah for a tournament. crowd to come back because he still Carlo sings the title role in Gaetano operas, to find a movie theater and to After their arrival in Los Angeles, duction receiving the most votes. In addition to celebrating at the had 18 years left on the lease), the band Donizetti’s comedy Don Pasquale. Mr. order tickets online, visit the girls were divided into two teams, Sara is a senior at Governor House, patrons also gathered to enjoy delivered a second, more-rocking set, Levine will be conducting this opera metopera.org/hdlive. Tickets are also and mentored by Dreaming Tree Livingston High School and, after the music of the Itinerants, an Irish- as Mr. Flynn switched from acoustic to for the first time. available at participating theater box Films and learned the ins and outs of college, intends to live her dream – influenced rock group that features electric guitar. Giuseppe Verdi’s grand Don Carlo offices. Parsippany Cinema 12, Re- producing a 12-minute film. either in front of, or behind, the cam- Westfield resident Chris Flynn on gui- After a straight version of The Roll- will be shown in a new production by gal Commerce Center 18 in North After the week was over, two pro- era. tar. ing Stones’ “Dead Flowers,” the Itiner- Nicholas Hytner on December 11 at Brunswick and Monmouth Univer- The band played two sets at the ants delivered many more surprise 12:30 p.m. The cast includes Roberto sity are participating. House, the first consisting almost solely medleys, like the New Orleans classic Dodge Poetry Festival Shifts of traditional Irish pub songs. Begin- “Iko Iko,” with King Radio’s calypso ning with “Down By the Riverside,” tune “Man Smart, Woman Smarter,” the band powered through classics like which featured Mr. Flynn breaking in Venues to Newark’s NJPAC “Whiskey in the Jar” (also covered by with a monster solo. NEWARK – The New Jersey Per- Collins (2001-2003), Rita Dove the Dubliners and Thin Lizzy), “The The band then delivered the most forming Arts Center (NJPAC) and (1993-1995), Kay Ryan (2008- Wild Rover” (featuring the traditional unlikely medley – Tom Petty’s “Ameri- the City of Newark will host the 2010), and Mark Strand (1990- handclaps from the crowd) and “The can Girl” with the O’Jays’ “Love Train,” largest and most renowned poetry 1991). Rising of the Moon.” while a group of women danced in event in North America, the The Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Mr. Flynn, drummer Chris O’Hara, front of them. After keeping the dance Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation’s Festival, an initiative of the Geraldine bassist Sean Seymour (who also sang going for as long possible, the Itiner- 13th Biennial Dodge Poetry Festi- R. Dodge Foundation held bienni- on a few songs), and second guitarist ants called it a night with the Stones’ val, this weekend. ally in even-numbered years since Mark Bosch formed the perfect rock- “It’s All Over Now,” Peter Frampton’s The festival is expected to attract 1986, is a celebration of poetry that solid foundation for the songs. They “Show Me the Way” (with voice box an audience of more than 20,000 immerses participants in four days expertly added fills and solos with the guitar courtesy of Mr. Flynn) and a people nationally and internation- of readings, conversations and per- perfect amount of gusto and taste. final medley of “Take Me to the River” ally. The Dodge Foundation will also formances. Eleven of the previous Accordionist/vocalist Pat Robinson and Creedence’s “Born on the Bayou.” provide free tickets to more than 12 festivals have been held at Water- was also a strong factor, singing with Hopefully, they’ll be back next year for 4,500 high-school students repre- loo Village in Stanhope. the perfect amount of restraint for each the House’s three-year party. senting nearly 250 schools across When it was announced by the song and playing his accordion per- More on the Kilkenny House (menus, the country. Dodge Foundation that the 2010 fectly, while getting up on chairs to hours, etc.) and the Itinerants (down- The festival features former U.S. Festival would be canceled due to play for the crowd. loads, bios, etc), can be found at Poets Laureate Kay Ryan, Billy financial restrictions, the City of Collins, Rita Dove and Mark Strand, Newark and NJPAC stepped for- Despite some early problems with thekilkennyhouse.com/ and Courtesy of Samantha Lloyd mic volume and setup, the band shone myspace.com/itinerants. HIGHLANDERS IN EDINBURGH…Highlander Band members Issy Perrin, as well as dozens of distinguished ward to partner with the foundation Ollie Lloyd and Amanda Reiss pose in front of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland after poets over four days of readings, to ensure the event’s continuation. their performance in the world-famous Edinburgh Cavalcade. The Highlander discussions and conversations. “The Geraldine R. Dodge Foun- Band will be performing again at Governor Livingston High School on October 17. The festival opens tonight, Octo- dation is thrilled to partner with the ber 7, with a Poetry Sampler featur- New Jersey Performing Arts Center ing back-to-back readings by two- and the City of Newark in re-imag- GL Hosts Marching Band dozen major poets, including Kay ining the Dodge Poetry Festival,” Ryan, the most recent U.S. Poet said Christopher Daggett, president Laureate, and former Poets Laure- and chief executive officer of the Pageant Of Champions ate Billy Collins and Rita Dove, as Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. BERKELEY HEIGHTS – A large of William Livingston, near the En- well as Pulitzer Prize and McArthur Newark Mayor Cory Booker said, turnout is expected at this year’s glish border. Livingston was the first “Genius” Fellowship winner “Newark has a long history of pro- Marching Band “Pageant of Cham- post-Revolutionary Governor of New Galway Kinnell. The event takes ducing literary giants like Stephen pions” Tournament at Governor Jersey from 1776 to 1790, a signatory place in NJPAC’s 2,800-seat Pru- Crane, Philip Roth and Amiri Baraka. Livingston (GL) High School on Sun- to the declaration of independence dential Hall. This festival will add a new chapter day, October 17, at 1 p.m. and for whom Governor Livingston Other notable poets reading in the to that history and will continue to A total of 13 bands from across the High School is named. Poetry Sampler are Amiri Baraka, manifest Newark’s status as a world- region will converge on the home In its recent victory at Jefferson Kwame Dawes, Matthew Dickman, class destination for entertainment ground of GL’s award-winning High- Township, the Highlander Band not Bob Hicok, Martín Espada, Dunya and the arts.” lander Band. The Marching Band only achieved the highest score of the Mikhail, Joseph Millar, Nancy Tickets can be purchased by Tournament is a spectacle for the day (83.40), but also earned top rank- Morejón, Sharon Olds, Marie Ponsot phone at (888) GO-NJPAC, in per- whole family, with hot food, snacks, ing in its group in all of Tournament and Claudia Rankine. son at the box-office at One Center Susan M. Dougherty for The Westfield Leader and The Times sodas and souvenirs on sale. Berke- of Bands (TOB) competitions, which All poets in the Poetry Sampler Street (open Monday to Saturday, MAKING CONNECTIONS…Miss New Jersey 2010, Ashleigh Udalovas, chats with ley Heights and Mountainside kids in includes more than 400 schools across will participate in the festival’s sub- noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to children of board members of the Literacy Volunteers of Union County, who held a scouting or school-spirit wear get in nine states. sequent three days of scheduled read- 5 p.m.), or online at njpac.org). As celebration on Thursday, September 30, at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield. Adult students read excerpts from their submissions to Connections, the literacy free. The Highlander Band once again ings, conversations and discussions. they become available, information students’ art and literary magazine that was sponsored by a HEART (History, The Highlander Band, this sum- has its sights set on the TOB Chapter The festival will culminate with a and program updates about the 2010 Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) grant from the Union County Board of Chosen mer, performed in the world-famous X championships and the Atlantic Sunday afternoon Poetry Summit Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festi- Freeholders. From left with Miss New Jersey are Taylor Dobson, Megan Bertsch, Edinburgh Cavalcade, along with Coast Championships, which it has on October 10 in Prudential Hall val will be available at Sydney Dobson, Meghan Johnson and board member Bernadette Murphy. bands from all over the world, to an won 11 times since 1980. featuring four Poets Laureate: Billy DodgePoetry.org. audience of more than 100,000 Music starts at 1 p.m., and tickets people. They also performed in the are $10 ($6 for seniors and kids). Musical Club of Westfield 500-year-old buildings of Stirling Attendees can park at Alcatel Lucent Book Store Welcomes Castle, a fitting environment for the (Bell Labs) off Glenside Road, Ber- tartan-clad musicians and Color keley Heights, and a shuttle will take Begins Its 95th Season Guard. visitors to and from the school. For WF’s ‘Jack Blank’ Author WESTFIELD – The Musical Club Toenes, clarinet, both of Westfield, will The students also visited the vil- directions and more information, visit WESTFIELD – The Town Book and family, where he is busy finish- of Westfield will present the first pro- be joined by pianist Mary Beth McFall, lage of Ancrum, the ancestral home highlanderband.org. Store in Westfield will host a meet ing up the second book in the Jack gram of its 95th season on Wednesday, of Roselle, in a performance of and greet with Matt Myklusch, au- Blank trilogy. October 13, at 1 p.m. in the First Baptist Alexander von Kreisler’s Concertino. thor of the young-adult book “Jack Fans can meet Mr. Myklusch at Church, located at 170 Elm Street in Born in Russia in 1894, Mr. Kreisler Eliz. Art in the Gardens Blank and the Imagine Nation” on The Town Book Store, located at 270 Westfield, featuring music for solo pi- came to the United States in 1927 and Saturday, October 9, from 2 to 4 East Broad Street in Westfield (cor- ano and flute, clarinet and piano trio. taught at the Cincinnati Conservatory p.m. ner of East Broad and Elmer Streets). Pianist Carolle-Ann Mochernuk of of Music and later at the University of Features Music and Dance For fans of Harry Potter and Percy To learn more, call (908) 233-3535 North Plainfield will perform works of Texas. The Concertino was composed ELIZABETH – “Art in the Gar- said Crystal Stell, Marketing Director Jackson, meet Jack Blank. He does and reserve an autographed copy. two Romantic composers who wrote in 1965, four years before Kreisler’s dens,” an October celebration of Na- for Jersey Gardens. “We have been not know who he is or from where he extensively for solo piano: Frédéric death. tional Arts and Humanities Month, overwhelmed by the local talent right comes. He does not even know his October Promotions Chopin’s Nocturne in D Flat, Op. 27, The program is free and open to the takes place over the Columbus Day here in our own backyard.” real last name. All of that changes At Juxtapose Gallery No. 2, and Robert Schumann’s public. A reception featuring light re- Weekend, October 8 to 11, at Jersey “Our goal is to raise awareness of the when he travels to the Imagine Na- Phantasiestucke, Op. 12. freshments will follow the performance. Gardens in Elizabeth. arts in Union County and the many tion, a place where all the unbeliev- WESTFIELD — Juxtapose Gal- Pianist John Blasdale of Whippany All are welcome to stay and meet the “Art in the Gardens” features in- artists who deserve recognition for their able things in this world originate, lery will have a silhouette afternoon will include selections from early, performers. strumental, vocal and dance perfor- achievements. Our shoppers come from including him. on Sunday, October 17, with Ruth middle and late romantic composers. The Musical Club of Westfield, in its mances in the center court of the mall. all over the tri-state area and beyond; Matt Myklusch works for MTV Grabner. They make great Christmas Russian composer Alexander Scriabin’s 95th season, is comprised of perform- This year, the Columbus Day Week- this is an opportunity to showcase our Networks, where he has produced gifts for grandparents. Prelude in C Minor, Op. 9, No. 1, for the ing and associate (non-performing) end Splash is planned with free per- local talent,” Ms. Stell added. celebrity interviews, managed “MTV Call for an appointment at (908) left hand alone, will open Mr. Blasdale’s members who share a common interest formances starting on Friday, October Jersey Gardens, New Jersey’s larg- Spring Break” in Cancun and 232-3278. section of the program. Ludwig van in music. The club provides scholar- 8, and continuing through Monday, est outlet shopping mall, is located on Acapulco, and helped launch MTVs Juxtapose’s favorite jewelry, de- Beethoven’s Sonata in F Major, Op. 78, ships for promising young musicians October 11. Kapkowski Road in Elizabeth at Exit college network, mtvU. A lifelong signer Gena from Due Sorelle, will will follow this. Mr. Blasdale’s final to pursue their musical education. “Since opening its doors in October 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and love for comic books inspired him to return for Girl’s Night Out on Thurs- selection will be the Intermezzo in E New members are welcome. For 1999, Jersey Gardens has become the features 200 stores all under one roof. spend his nights and weekends writ- day, October 14, from 5 to 9p.m. Stop Flat Minor, Op. 118, No. 6, by Johannes membership information, call (908) center of the community; therefore, it For more information about “Art in ing “Jack Blank and the Imagine by to see her new fall designs. Brahms. 232-2173, or visit the club’s website at is a natural fit for us to host the cel- the Gardens,” call (908) 558-2550. Nation.” Paid Bulletin Board Jenny Cline, flute, and George westfieldnj.com/mcw/. ebration of the arts in Union County,” ore e-mail [email protected]. He lives in Westfield, with his wife goleader.com/express