Symphony of Flowers

A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, January 13, 2011 Page 17 Rebecca and Her Brothers A ‘Symphony of Flowers’ Feast for Heart and Soul Rich in Color and Detail By MARYLOU MORANO past, for the book is replete with By MARYLOU MORANO with symbolism rich in hidden mean- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times scenes of how the immigrant experi- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times ing. “Looking Forward,” a portrayal WESTFIELD – When she wrote ence informed a family’s coming to- WESTFIELD -- Last year Scotch of three Cosmos, symbolizes a hope- her first book, “The Complex Life of gether in the years prior to Wordl War Plains photographer Chung Kun ful future, while the two balloon flow- a Woman Doctor,” a few years ago, II. Shih’s “Melody of the Lotus” exhibit ers growing alongside the Great Wall Westfield pediatrician, Gloria O. Those too young to know or re- at the New Jersey Workshop for the of China in “Deep Blue Sea” illus- Schrager included a few chapters member will receive an unforgettable Arts (NJWA) was a breath of spring trates that beauty can be found in the about her childhood years in the opportunity to glimpse what life was air in the midst of December’s plung- midst of adversity. Adirondacks. like for an American family in pre- ing temperatures. Other photographs in this collec- Dr. Schrager recently released a war America. I looked forward to experiencing tion were taken in New Jersey, Kitty more detailed account of her early The author’s daughter-in-law, the same from this year’s exhibit, Hawk, N.C., Los Angeles, Philadel- life in a work of fiction entitled, Frances, suggested that Dr. Schrager “Symphony of Flowers,” also at phia and Taiwan. “Rebecca and Her Brothers.” write a novel for young people. NJWA, and Dr. Shih did not disap- A photographer since he was in The story, which begins in Brook- “[The young] seemed most inter- point. While last year’s exhibit fo- high school, Dr. Shih captured the lyn in 1929, details the life-changing ested in that part of my life…I thought cused on just one flower, the Lotus, images in “A Symphony of Flowers” effects of the stock market crash and it would be fun to make those events the Asian symbol of purity, this year’s with a Nikon F5 camera. the impact it had on Rebecca’s fam- more colorful and interesting by writ- was a bouquet of many types of In all, there were 22 images in ily. ing a fictionalized account for them flowers, including poppies, cosmos, “Symphony of Flowers.” Some of the After her father loses his new-car to read,” she said. columbine, orchids and more. photos in this exhibit were included business and sells the family home, The fact that all the names, except MIGHT BE TRAILER BUT DEFINITELY NOT TRASH… Come join the cast Like last year’s exhibit, each indi- in the 2010 calendar of the same of The Great American Trailer Park Musical – they’ll make your problems seem the family starts over in upstate New the historical ones, have been changed smaller by comparison. Standing, left to right, are: Brittany Rappise (Pippi), Jeff vidual photograph is rich in color and name, the fifth such calendar pro- York, where eventually her father de- does not impact the significance of Hogan (Duke) of Westfield, Mollie Gash (Jeannie), and Bill O’Brien (Norbert). detail. His “Breeze Over Flowers” duced by Dr. Shih. He has had a photo velops a tourist colony and her mother the book. Seated are Megan Hatem (Lin), Laura Berman Fortgang (Betty), and Maggie portrayed different colored flowers – published in the October 2000 issue a restaurant. “I hope children [who read the LaTona (Pickles). white, red, yellow and purple – ar- of National Geographic. Although it is written for young book] will understand the message of ranged in rows according to color. Dr. Shih retired in September 2009 readers, this wonderful effort of Dr. tolerance and understanding that I Taken in Kunming, Yunnan Prov- as the China joint venture manager Schrager’s is a heart warming recol- tried to convey,” said Dr. Schrager. Westfield’s Hogan Stars in ince, China, viewing it was like tak- after 30 years with Infineum, (a joint lection of a bygone era that readers of “We are a nation of immigrants, ing a walk in a garden. Dr. Shih’s venture between ExxonMobil and all ages will enjoy. composed of many ethnic groups, Production of Trailer Park “Resting” depicts a dragonfly sitting Shell) and ExxonMobil Chemical. Those who have lived through the races and religions, all of whom have on a Water Lily. The photograph, Spring is still a long way off, but 1930s and 1940s will yearn for the contributed to our greatness. If we MONTCLAIR -- Jeff Hogan of run, comes between an agoraphobic taken in Singapore, is so detailed the here in Westfield, at least for a short lose the ability to be inclusive, we Westfield stars as Duke in Montclair- housewife, Jeannie, and her toll col- individual filaments comprising the while, Dr. Shih’s photographs inspires will lose some of that greatness.” based Studio Playhouse’s production lector husband, the “Storm’s A- wings of the dragonfly are visible. one to look towards spring and all it Stars on Stage to “Rebecca and Her Brothers” is a of The Great American Trailer Park Brewin’” and it ain’t your run-of-the- Dr. Shih’s photographs are layered has to offer. true family legacy. Dr. Schrager dedi- Musical, with music and lyrics by mill hurricane. Don’t miss this campy, cated the book to her parents and David Nehls and book by Betsy Kelso. caustic musical fable that has every- Hold Auditions for leaves it to future generations. Also appearing in this production is thing from strippers to Costco. Kean Kicks Off Playwriting Festival ‘Broadway Bound’ “I would like my grandchildren to Verona resident Laura Berman Directed by Amy Fox, musical di- UNION – Premiere Stages at Kean Festival, now in its seventh year of have the courage to persevere in reach- Fortgang, a bestselling author who rection by Darren Gage and Tristian University will hold its annual Pre- operation. The mission of the Pre- The Forum Theatre Stars On Stage ing their goals despite obstacles, and has appeared on numerous television Luysterburg, choreographed by miere Student Readings on Wednes- miere Play Festival is to encourage program will be holding auditions maintain their sense of humor, per- programs including Oprah, Good Lynsey Price and stage managed by day, January 26 and Friday, January and nurture emerging dramatists in for Broadway Bound. Stars On Stage spective and decency while doing Morning America and the CBS Early Judi Liebert. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Little Theatre in New Jersey and the greater metro- is a theatre-training program for kids so,” she said. Show. Performances are Thursdays, Tickets for The Great American Trailer Park Musical the University Center at Kean Uni- politan area. Broadway Bound will feature songs Writing in leisure moments, the Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and are $22 for versity. The Premiere Student Readings and scenes from classics such as Guys undertaking took Dr. Schrager about Sundays at 3 p.m. beginning January adults, $19 for students and seniors The readings showcase the work of mirror the professional readings, al- and Dolls to contemporary musicals, three years to accomplish. 7 and running through January 22. age 65 and up with discounts avail- Kean University playwriting students, lowing student playwrights to ex- Wicked and Hairspray. Large, as well “I swim laps at the JCC (Jewish There’s a new tenant at Armadillo able for groups of 20 or more that and the public is encouraged to ac- plore their work in front of an audi- as smaller numbers and scenes will Community Center) almost daily, and Acres and she’s wreaking havoc all prepay. tively engage in the new play devel- ence and to discover the strengths be highlighted from some of the most the memories were more likely to over Florida’s most exclusive trailer To reserve tickets in advance, call opment process. and weaknesses of their scripts, help- beloved kid friendly musicals of all come back when I was swimming…. park. When Pippi, the stripper on the the box office at (973) 744-9752. The readings feature a cast of pro- ing to bridge the gap between the time! I would finish my laps, shower, and fessional Equity actors, and are di- academic and professional worlds. The Stars On Stage program is race to the computer to record what I rected by John Wooten, producing Admission and parking for the for performers of all levels, begin- remembered,” she said, adding that Teen Drama Worshop to artistic director of Premiere Stages. Kean Student Readings is free. Kean ner to advanced, to encourage kids not all the memories were happy ones. Evaluation forms will be distributed University is located at 1000 Morris to find their voice and confidence “I would swim faster, breaking sev- and patrons may participate in post- Avenue in Union. Visit on stage. eral of my own speed records when I Perform in World Premier reading dialogues with the writers. www.kean.edu/premierestages or The program is for young perform- remembered things that made me The Premiere Student Readings are call (908) 737-4092 for more infor- ers ages eight to 13. Dance, sing, act angry,” she said.

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