Page 22 Thursday, September 21, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION FestiFall to Attract Visitors, Arts & Entertainment Residents with Music, Arts, Crafts WESTFIELD – The Westfield 4:30 p.m. •The Dixie Mix of Bridgewater, ™ Area Chamber of Commerce will POPCORN offer the 11th Annual FestiFall of Dixieland Music, street perfor- Arts and Crafts on Sunday, Septem- mances. Nurse Betty ber 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on •Petting Zoo Elm, East Broad, Prospect and •Mystic Warriors, Contempo- Quimby Streets. The raindate is rary, Inca-Style Music, street perfor- Has Cure for Reality October 1. mances. By Michael S. Goldberger Over 250 exhibits of quality crafts, •Louie the Bum (clown) of art, local businesses and children’s Upper Montclair, street perfor- One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent activities will highlight this year’s mances. 3 & 1/2 popcorns Yet in what must be the most telling event. Traffic along those streets will Pony rides, moonwalk, tem- disclosure about this movie’s insanity, be detoured for the day. Entertain- porary tattoos, sand art and Has life been getting you down harsh-toned Wesley is the story’s voice ment will include: storytelling will be on tap for lately? Well, that’s exactly how small- of reason, a violent pragmatist among •Al Madison of Scotch Plains, children. Food from local ven- town waitress Betty Sizemore (Renee self-actualizing idealists. He just wants Blues Singer/Songwriter, 11 a.m. dors will line the streets with Zellweger) felt. That is, until she dis- to take care of the business at hand. •Kathryn Weidener of Raritan, delicious fare, such as calamari, covered a cure for her ills by diving But if you ask him why, he’s hard put “The Storyteller,” 11:30 a.m. pastas, Greek foods, hot dogs, into a bizarrely divine madness and to explain. •Jim Cava of North Haledon, ribs, chicken, zeppoles, ice cream, becoming Nurse Betty. The other 25 percent of this film’s homemade fudge, funnel cakes Tossed into a post-traumatic state “Operation Red, White and Blue” main quartet of players is actually two from 12 to 1 p.m. and more. after witnessing two hit men (Morgan characters. Played by Kinnear, they • Artists from around and beyond Freeman and Chris Rock) dispatch her Front Porch Swing Band of are George McCord, the soap star, and Scotch Plains, Contemporary and the area will display original water- used car salesman of a husband (Aaron fictional Dr. David Ravell, the hand- Eckhart), Betty imagines that the soap Popular Music, from 1 to 2 p.m. colors, oil paintings, photography, some M.D. who dauntlessly perse- •Bob Mele of Elizabeth, Singer batik, pottery, decoupage, bonsai, opera heartthrob of her dreams is veres despite his wife’s recent death (a actually in love with her, too. So, in and Entertainment Host, 2 p.m. wall hangings and more. decapitation....but they still haven’t •His Master’s Peace Puppet Admission and parking are free. search of her romantic destiny, she found the head). And if that’s not bad heads for the Left Coast where Dr. Theatre and Magic Show of For more information, please call enough, there’s a sexual harassment Union, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Advertising Alliance at (908) SAVOR A SPOT OF TEA...A relaxing evening of English Afternoon Tea will David Ravell (Greg Kinnear) is a re- suit being brought by a spurned nurse; nowned cardiac man at fictitious Loma •The Gospel Shepherds, Cen- 996-3036 or the Westfield Area be on tap Tuesday, September 28, at 8 p.m. at the Fanwood Train Station. plus a conniving jealous colleague, Dr. Chamber of Commerce at (908) Hostesses for the evening will be Joan Shropshire and Phyllis Holder, Vista Hospital on the daytime drama, tral New Jersey, 3:30 p.m. Lonnie Walsh (Laird Mackintosh), is •Tom Klimchock of Branchburg, 233-3021. two members of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood. “A Reason To Love.” trying to steal the good doctor’s thun- They will provide a brief history of tea ceremonies as well as serve tea Unfortunately, the bickering gun- der in the operating room. and tasty traditional accompaniments. The program is open to the men must tail the daydreamer on her Hence, upon her arrival in L.A., after public. For more information, please call Richard Bousquet, President of odyssey. (She may know something). some Cinderella-style plot manipula- the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood at (908) 232-1199. A viewing of this spiritually uplifting, tions place Betty at a fundraiser at- often hysterical black comedy might tended by the entire cast of the soap, be just what the doctor ordered. it’s no wonder that the sleepwalker Songs, Stories Will Inspire Director Neil LaBute also takes a slaps her true love’s arch rival. devilishly good-natured poke at middle Save for the recipient of the cuff, the America. His interpretation of writer soap crew thinks Nurse Betty’s im- All at Ken Medema Concert John C. Richards’s motley crew of petuosity in defense of her avowed personae are humorously and sympa- true love is a great gag...... a party thetically fleshed out by a cast of fine WESTFIELD – Internationally- Blair K. Anderson, Senior Pastor stunt no doubt calculated to win a spot performers. on the show. Matinee idol George is known musician, singer and of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in But Zellweger deserves an Oscar intrigued. And while he may not know songwriter Ken Medema Ramsey, Minn. nomination for contributing the it at first, he is also smitten by the will offer a concert on Stated that “eight oddball performance of the season. extent of Betty’s adulation. They peel Friday, September 22, at year olds and octo- Only a portrayal this emotionally con- off from the gala crowd to compare 4 p.m. for children and 8 genarians alike” are vincing could keep the zany yet equally notes. p.m. for all at First United moved to “laughter chancy premise from badly misfiring. Amazed at what he thinks is Betty’s Methodist Church in and tears and pro- Doing the actor’s version of a tight- dedication to the stage, he observes Westfield. foundly challenged rope walk, her Nurse Betty straddles that she hasn’t broken character once. the fence between illusion and reality In the reflection of her sincere eyes he Sharing his concerns all within the course with magnetically daring panache. about the world, it’s sur- of a few hours with sees Dr. Ravell, perfect person per- However, because Mr. LaBute’s movie sonified. vival, social justice, hu- Ken. He is a unique is about two fantasies on a collision man relations and spiri- blend of poet, theo- Meanwhile, wending their way to course, Betty isn’t the only one living the coast, the hit men cometh. And tuality, Mr. Medema logian, philosopher, in an altered state. push comes to shove when they fi- hopes to provoke comedian and mu- Dramatically counterbalancing the nally arrive. So stay tuned for an thought and inspire au- sician.” title character is Freeman’s none too action-packed flourish leading up to shoddy depiction of Charlie, a paid diences with his pro- Ken Medema The Reverend the climax. But for the time being, gram. John Lohr of killer in the twilight of his career. The Betty has found a temporary home. Blind from birth, Mr. Medema has Franklin Lakes Presbyterian Church murderer features himself the Don Through some heroics the nurse Quixote of hit men. He has whimsi- wannabe performed during a shoot- been lauded by pastors and church remarked, “He’s amazing!” “Incred- cally decided that this final target is his members throughout the area. ibly profound!” out between the police and some bad Dulcinea. Imbuing Betty with all man- guys just outside the hospital emer- ner of virtue, he thereby elevates gency room (she had just been turned himself to the status of gentleman down for a nursing job), she wins the Artist Harry Devlin of Mountainside killer. gratitude of a Hispanic family. All this poetic oration as they travel Betty explains that she’s come to cross-country in pursuit of Betty drives California to be reunited with Dr. Recalls Service to Country in WWII Freeman’s young henchman crazy. David Ravell, “the famous heart sur- Played by Chris Rock, Wesley is the geon,” but that thus far she’s been CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 proverbial loose canon. Possessing unable to locate him. And with that, A PAGE OUT OF HISTORY…Colonial and Native American crafts and memorating the last Navy Day, said, “Don’t worry, Steichen got hair-trigger nerves, he is at once threat- Rosa (Tia Texada), the sister of the history will come to life at the 19th Annual Union County Harvest Festival October 27, 1945 (thereafter, the the greatest kick out of you.” ening and unpredictable. man she saved, takes her in. at Trailside Nature & Science Center on Sunday, September 24, from 11 celebration was renamed Armed Years later, Mr. Devlin responded George now adds the role of gentle- a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freehold- man caller to his cast of characteriza- ers, the festival is a cornucopia of events the whole family will enjoy. Forces Day). to a blurb in The New York Times Colonial crafts will be demonstrated and there will be storytelling, games, Mr. Devlin learned that a man reporting that the Museum of Mod- tions. And Rosa doesn’t like it. The fiery hostess has put two and two singing, dancing and a special planetarium show. Admission is $3 per named Captain Steichen of the ern Art was looking for anyone hav- Calvary Chorale Season person, with children 7 years and younger admitted free of charge. Navy’s Photographic Unit, thought ing knowledge of Edward Steichen’s together and is confounded by what Pictured, above, is fur trader and trapper Frederick Ross who participated that the image for the poster should service to the Navy during the war. To Start This Saturday she views as an unfathomable cha- in last year’s festival. For directions to the Harvest Festival, please call rade. How dare this crazy woman (908) 789-3670 or (908) 527-4900. not be an illustration but a photo- He wrote the story of their meeting SUMMIT — Calvary Chorale’s wash ashore and immediately land the graph. Mr. Devlin took Sickles’ and soon received a phone call from man of her dreams, literally? nearly completed painting to Capt. Capt. Steichen’s daughter. 27th season of montly concerts begin on Sunday, September 24, She informs her guest that David is Steichen and stated his belief that She told Mr. Devlin, “My father really named George. But retorting Sandor Szabo Kicks Off Church’s the important poster “belonged in frequently related that story of at 4 p.m. with “Mr. Handel and with the kind of dumbfounding blind the hands of an artist – not a your meeting with him. He thought Friends” at Calvary Church, 31 conviction worthy of Gracie Allen, photographer.” you were ‘the cat’s ankles!’” Harry Woodland Avenue, Summit. innocent Betty matter-of-factly replies: Fall Sunday Serenades Series After some discussion and even and Wende Devlin would eventu- Eugene Roan on harspichord “That’s funny. Half of David’s friends debate with the senior officer, Capt. ally meet Capt. Steichen’s daugh- and John Burkhalter on recorder, call him George.” WESTFIELD — Sandor Szabo, Enigarescu. This is indeed wacky stuff. And From 1983, until his immigra- Steichen consented to at least look ter at a Princeton University retro- who made their Calvary Chorale pianist, will appear in the first of you’d think that maintaining a sem- the fall Sunday Serenades, spon- tion to Canada in 1988, Mr. Szabo at the painting. Once he did the spective showing of his work. debut last season, will present a issue was settled, he told Mr. One of the last Navy Day post- blance of credibility would be its big- sored by The Presbyterian Church combined his performing career concert of English Baroque mu- gest challenge. Yet like a drunk in Westfield on Sunday, October 1, with that of piano teacher at the Devlin, “I wouldn’t change a thing. ers hangs in Mr. Devlin’s studio. It watched over by a guardian angel, the Run with it.” features illustrations of the classi- sic. at 4 p.m. in the Christian Lounge. University of Music Arts, Novi Sad, Other performances this fall story manages to weave its way through Two days later, Mr. Devlin’s com- fications of ships that comprised all manner of potential hazards with- The program will include So- and piano accompanist and assis- manding officer called him to his the U.S. Fleet in 1945 and bears include “Mass in D” by John out once falling flat on its face. nata No. 24 in F-Sharp Major, Op. tant conductor at the Serbian Na- office “on the double.” Upon his the motto, “A Strong Navy Guar- Knowles Paine, a rarely-heard Call it the likeability factor, but the 78 by Beethoven, Phantasie- tional Theatre. arrival, the officer, Captain Henry antees Peace.” As I admired the 19th Century American composer more outrageous director LaBute’s film Impromtu, Op. 66 by Chopin and Mr. Szabo holds a double Moore, with a scowl on his face poster with Mr. Devlin, I realized in October; The Out of Town gets, the more intoxicating its human- Faure’s Nocturne in D-Flat Major, master’s degree in organ perfor- asked, “Who do you think you are that over the course of the after- Quartet in November and Ralph istic message. Practicing an entertain- Op. 86. mance and sacred music from ingly strange version of laugh therapy, Westminster Choir College, where questioning the judgment of Cap- noon with this notable veteran a Vaughn Williams’ “Mass in G” in Humoresque by Poulec, Nurse Betty is good for what ails you. Debussy’s Preludes, Book 2, Dances he studied organ with Eugene tain Edward Steichen?” new perspective on the behind- December. Mr. Devlin was devastated. Capt. the-scenes effort had emerged. * * * * * of Marosszek by Kodaly and Liszt’ Roan and was the recipient of the Steichen was THE Edward There are thousands of other For a season brochure, please Nurse Betty, rated R, is a USA Films Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11, in A Currin Scholarship. In addition, Steichen, the great American pho- fascinating stories to be told by call (908) 277-1547. The church release directed by Neil LaBute and Minor are also on tap. he earned a DMA in piano perfor- tographer and painter. Seeing his the men and women, combatants is handicapped accessible. stars Morgan Freeman, Renee Mr. Szabo was educated in Yu- mance at Boston University, hav- dismay, Capt. Moore laughed and and non, who won the war. Zellweger and Greg Kinnear. Running goslavia, graduating from the Uni- ing studied piano with Tong II time: 109 minutes. versity of Novi Sad in 1984 with Han, organ with Max Miller, and Fanwood Rec. Dept. the diploma “Academic Musician harspichord with Mark Kroll. in the Piano Art.” Subsequently, he He also holds the Fellowship New Jersey Symphony Opens New Sets Ceramics Classes received his master’s degree from Certificate (FAGO) from the Ameri- FANWOOD – The Fanwood the University of Music Arts in can Guild of Organists and is a Season with NJPAC Performance Recreation Department has an- Belgrade. member of Phi Beta Delta, an nounced that beginning on Tues- While studying in Yugoslavia, honor society for international CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 he was a prize winner in both the scholars as well as Pi Kappa day, October 10, ceramics classes touted by our metropolitan elite to being able to see what is truly beautiful. Belgrade and Zareb Young Pia- Lambda, a national music honor be the “most sophisticated.” Many have also lost the art of for adults will be held at Forest nists National Competitions. He society. Currently, he is Minister The dilettantes however, will al- being able to meaningfully commu- Road Park. has performed in Yugoslavia, Hun- of Music/Organist at Glen Ridge ways fall in with the party line of nicate with each other, to move each The classes will run Tuesdays gary, Italy, Romania, East Germany Congregational Church. course. Their days are numbered other with words and with music as and Thursdays The Reader: and Czechoslovakia, including The Presbyterian Church in however as we see more orchestras we have in the past. for six weeks. concerts with the symphonic or- Westfield is located at 140 Moun- returning to quality music. “And they were speechless. Grown chestras, performances on radio tain Avenue. The public is invited Composer Danielpour stated the men and women were so profoundly The cost of the A Book Review program is $50 and television, and a recording to attend. A freewill offering will truth when he said that he “doesn’t touched that they were moved to un- be accepted. feel that music works without some controlled tears when the chorus en- for Fanwood with the Romanian baritone Octav form of harmonic language. It tered with a powerful whisper - residents and doesn’t matter if it’s tonal or quasi- Auferstehen, Ja Auferstehen.” - in refer- $60 for non- Attention Book Crafters, Artisans, Musicians To Vend tonal, but it has to have a sense of ence to final movement of the Resur- residents. verticality as well as linear move- rection Symphony by Gustav Mahler. Marion Lovers: ment. Composers today are really Musically and spiritually, the work Unique Wares At Nomahegan Park searching for this.” clearly did not hold up next to the Yotcoski, who holds years of ex- The Arts & Entertainment Some composers are trying to brilliance of the German and Italian perience and is known to teach Section welcomes a new ad- CRANFORD – The 13th Annual clothing, pottery, wood, fiber and create a new language because they masterpieces. Splendid City was not an enjoyable class, will be the dition to its pages. Beginning Fall Fine Arts and Crafts Show at stained glass will be just some of feel that they have to. It is called art well received by the audience and teacher. with the October 5 edition, Nomahegan Park in Cranford will the unique products available at for the sake of art. Modern, atonal, was a weak point in the repertoire. Registration will be held on the “The Reader: A Book Review” take place on Saturday and Sun- the show. Entertainment and a seemingly disjointed music does Despite the musical do-gooders, a first day of class on October 10 at will offer a synopsis and opin- day, October 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. variety of ethnic foods will round not work because it is most dis- repertoire need not include such ion piece based on a book by 7 p.m. For more information, to 5 p.m., rain or shine. out the two-day program. tasteful to most people. Not that the weak points as evidenced by the local authors and other writ- Approximately 90 professional Local participants include Kathy majority is any indication of cor- consistently superb repertoires of please call the Recreation Office ers. The feature will appear artists, photographers and and Robert Scardino of Cranford, rectness, however, it does not take other area orchestras such as the at (908) 889-2080. monthly. craftspeople from the northeast Anna Continos of North a genius to recognize the difference Westfield Symphony Orchestra. Is there a certain book you and beyond will display and sell Brunswick, Mary Casey of South between what is naturally beautiful New Jersey certainly possesses the We welcome your input would like to see reviewed? their handcrafted works. Orange, Sue Preston of Spring- and what is grotesque. talent and the specifically the hall We welcome your sugges- Unquestionably, great pieces have The free event is co-sponsored field and Gina Romano of Sum- (with some minor modifications to be and opinions. We also tions for consideration. Please by the Union County Board of mit. been written in the 20th century, but discussed) to reach our final goal and feel free to write to the A&E there is a whole strain of repertoire to make it all happen: To make New welcome your story Chosen Freeholders, the Union Parking is free across the street within modern music which clearly Jersey a powerhouse in Metropolitan Editor, Michelle H. County Division of Parks and Rec- from Union County College. For symbolizes one of the great failures in area music. New Jerseyans should ideas. Please write: LePoidevin, at reation and Janet and Howard Rose further information, please call modern American society. Somewhere not have to settle for less when we [email protected] [email protected]. of Rose Squared Productions, Inc. (908) 874-5247 or visit along the line, many have lost the art of can have greatness. Fine art, photography, weaving, www.rosesquared.com. CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK