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. WESTFIELD -- The Contagious following for anyone interested. All a part of the Premiere Stages Play mation. and best of all perform on a real stage Readers of “Rebecca and Her Drama Workshop (CDW) teen class are welcome. with sound, lights and costumes. Brothers” will receive an added bo- will take the stage to perform in the To learn more about the Conta- Whether it’s your first time on stage nus, for the book contains an idea world premier of Ben Clawon’s new gious Drama Workshop,visit POPCORN™ or if you’ve done dozens of perfor- conceived by another daughter –in- play, Bomb Threat Day. The play, which www.contagiousdrama.com. The mances, you will find something here law, Debbie: an appendix of recipes was written especially for this class, winter session begins January 19. that excites you and takes you to the served in Dr. Schrager’s mother’s res- deals with 10 students and how they Enrollment is now in progress. True Grit next level. taurant. respond to a bomb threat letter left on Registration will take place on History, a family legacy and food. a desk in their high school. Ironically, Sure as Shootin’ Cinema January 17 and 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. This book is a winner on all accounts. this ensemble piece is a comedy that is E-mail [email protected] “Rebecca and Her Brothers” is avail- both moving and hilarious. One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent if you cannot make those times and able at many online and local book Beth Painter, founder of CDW, By Michael S. Goldberger would still like to register your child. sellers and as an e-book. wanted to get her students immersed 3 and ½ popcorns trek takes the form of an odyssey, Registration can be completed at More information about Dr. Gloria in a project that was challenging and replete with the Coen brothers’ regu- www.forumtheatrearts.org or by O. Schrager can be found at unique. “We work on process, im- Putting off for a paragraph or so lar supply of near mythical charac- calling (732) 548-5600. gloriaschrager.com. provisation and scene study on a my customary, bombastic analogies ters and eccentric intermediaries pop- regular bases. I thought it would be and gratuitous citing of metaphors, ping out of the forest scenery. Pre- Christian Band ‘Array of so fascinating for the kids to get to note that the Coen brothers’ re-cre- pare to hold your horses. There is no work directly with a playwright to ation of True Grit is a rip-roaring, shortage of rough-and-tumble action. see how the process works,” she said. sure as shootin’ adventure yarn, by Mr. Bridges’s protagonist is as pie- Hope’ to Rock Holy Trinity Ben Clawson, a writer from cracky! To borrow from “The Lone eyed as one-eyed, a delightful, lum- Montclair, came to class, questioned Ranger” intro, it stirringly invites you bering juggernaut who bathes only in WESTFIELD -- Array Of Hope, a tion of radio programmers through- and talked to the students and wrote to “Return with us to those thrilling the legend surrounding him. Now at Christian rock band, will perform at out the United States and Canada BELLE OF THE BALL…Westfield a play based on that meeting. How resident Joan Wright and her profes- days of yesteryear.” an age, by Old West standards, when Holy Trinity with their first hit single, many actors get the opportunity to sional dance partner Sergei Bezrodnov. Harking back to Saturday mati- it occurs to wax nostalgically, he pep- Interparochial School “I Need An Angel.” have a role written just for them? Ms. nees at the Bijou, the Brothers Coen pers the landscape with autobio- on Sunday, January 30, “We want to have fun, Painter adds, “I wish someone would unreel their contemporary equivalent graphical anecdotes: a wife that didn’t at 6 p.m. share our music and make write a play for me!” She said she Westfield’s Wright of a double bill of horse operas, a understand him, a clumsy son he dis- Array of Hope will a positive impact of the plans on having Mr. Clawson back bucket of popcorn, a box of Goobers interestedly abandoned. present a show that lives of anyone who is for the fall 2011 session. Tangos to Title and a Coke…a real Coke. For this is Uncharacteristic, and as surpris- will include two Chris- there to listen to our mu- Bomb Threat Day, starring Aaron WESTFIELD – Westfield resident full calorie entertainment, unadulter- ing as the realization came in David tian rock bands, come- sic,” stated Samantha Black, Anna Bloomfield, Dan Joan Wright, paired with dance part- ated by artifice or pretense. At least Mamet’s The Spanish Prisoner dians, entertainers, Hebert, lead vocalist for Connolly, Will Connors, Leo ner Sergei Bezrodnov, recently took for this one film, our love affair with (1997), there is virtually no cursing, motivational speakers, Sacred Road. Kleiman-Lynch, Matthew first place in their catagory in the Westerns is rekindled. no random spewing of four-lettered and multimedia pre- The event will kick off McGowen, Megan Mulrooney, Lexi World Pro/Am Championships held Starring Jeff Bridges, who now favorites. While perhaps in deference sentations. the celebration of Catho- Nelson, Hannah Painter and Mat- recently in Columbus, Ohio. progresses from mere Academy to the presence of an adolescent lass, Sacred Road, one of lic Schools Week in a way thew Schuman, will premier this The competition is considered to Award winner to national treasure as this is more likely the behavior of the two bands that will that is sure excite people Saturday, January 15, at 7:30 p.m. at be the largest professional/amateur the curmudgeonly yet quixotic Mar- folks figuring to face Judgment Day be performing, takes a of all ages and is open to the Presbyterian Church of Westfield, dance competition of its kind by the shal Rooster Cogburn, the tale of a lot sooner than later. unique approach to the community. The Westminster Hall, 140 Mountain National Dance Council of America. revenge pays homage to the 1969 Equally interesting, whether re- Christian music. Com- school will host the event Avenue. In order to claim the title, the dance classic while gloriously adding its searched for authenticity or a calcu- bining members with in their gym located at Admission is $5 for students, kids team had to master an array of dances own imprint. Hailee Steinfeld and lated supposition, is an often stilted various musical backgrounds and 336 First Street, Westfield. Tickets and seniors and $8 for adults. There including the waltz, tango and foxtrot. Matt Damon are superb as the other dialogue stingy with its contractions. nationalities, this diverse band brings are $5 and will be available at the will be a talk back with the actors, Ms. Wright is also a member of the senior two-thirds of the intrepid troika. Romantically hinting at the sociol- a new exciting blend to the pop style. door or by stopping by the school’s director and playwright immediately dance team for the New Jersey Nets. Displaying yet again what fine ogy, and reminding that it hasn’t been Sacred Road released their self-titled office. Contact Rose at (908) 654- cineastes and molders of the medium that long since the King’s English CD entitled “Sacred Road” this past 1116 for more information as seating they are, Ethan and Joel Coen startle was relinquished, the filmmakers gift year after the group caught the atten- is limited. Speed the Plow Coming to and abash with the sort of realism the language with an engaging, pe- Robert Altman brought to the cow- riod-establishing patina. boy movie in McCabe and Mrs. Miller But no one’s speech pattern is more Junior Musical Club Summit Playhouse (1971). However, while establishing profound than Miss Steinfeld’s Mattie a stark frankness, they also imbue the Ross. Surely no 14-year-old can ex- SUMMIT -- Speed the Plow will Speed the Plow stars Robert doings with what is perhaps their be performed at The Summit Play- Barwick of Wayne as Bob Gould, temporaneously expound with the Auditions Sunday, Feb. 6 most sentimental statement to date. presence of mind shown by this pro- house from February 18 through James Sloan of New York City as Just in case you don’t know the WESTFIELD -- The Junior Musi- pieces is recommended but not required. March 5 at 8 p.m., except on Febru- Charlie Fox and Danielle Pennisi of digious avenger. But whether citing cal Club, a division of The Musical Audition dates are Sunday, Febru- tale, note that it follows the exploits legal precedent or sleuthing strategy, ary 27, when the production will Cedar Grove as Karen. of a threesome that evolves out of Club of Westfield, is a performing ary 6, on or after 6 p.m. at the home take place at 2 p.m. The Summit The creative and production team she soon earns our suspension of group of eighth grade through high of Alex Goldschmidt, 26 Hawthorne precocious, lawyerly, 14-year-old belief, underscoring that this is the Playhouse is located at 10 New En- for Speed the Plow includes Trey Mattie Ross’s (Steinfeld) unswerv- school instrumentalists and vocal- Drive, Westfield and Sunday, June gland Avenue in Summit. Compton, director; Lindsey Nazelli, saga of extraordinary people. ists from Westfield and nearby com- 26, on or after 6 p.m. at the home of ing desire to avenge her dad’s mur- Almost as intense in his raison Speed the Plow is one of several producer; Bill Roome, lighting and der. The dastardly culprit, Tom munities united by their love of mu- Beverly Thomson Shea, 2121 successful plays Mamet has writ- sound designer; Diane Lotti, stage d’etre and how he proffers it is sic. Club meetings are held once a Princeton Avenue, Scotch Plains. To Chaney (Josh Brolin) — that’s one of Damon’s LaBoeuf. A boy scout in the ten about the business world. Filled manager; Justine Bailey, assistant his names — is reported to have month throughout the year. Musi- receive an application, schedule an with his trademark, rapid-fire dia- stage manager; Jim Mayfield, set finest sense of the term, his belief in cians in the club perform for each audition, or for more information, hightailed it into Indian Territory. the Texas Rangers’ code is altruistic logue, it focuses on the ruthless builder; Rhoda Roper, set designer; Arriving in town to search for other during club meetings and join call David Mandala, vice-president nature of Hollywood and the movie Ingrid Heil, set décor; and Ann Lowe, almost to a fault when you consider with members of the Senior Club to of auditions, at (908) 721-8311 or e- mercenary help, she learns from more that adversaries aren’t about to play industry. With Mamet’s superb use costume designer. than one source that the one-eyed perform for special events such as mail [email protected]. of dialogue and taught plotting the Tickets fare $20 for adults and as fairly. In fact, his goodness and the Festifall . Cogburn is a man of “true grit.” After loquacious way he advertises it are seemingly superficial depiction of $15 for students (18 and under). For much colorful negotiation, she lands Highlights this year are the En- two Hollywood producers looking tickets visit often a source of comedy relief. semble Concert on Saturday, March his services. But then, just to compli- Save for a slight stutter before for a big break finds deep mean- www.summitplayhouse.org/ cate matters, Damon’s Texas Ranger 26, at 3 p.m. featuring all the mem- ing. tickets.html or call (908) 273-2192. shifting into high gear at the three- bers of the Junior Musical Club and LaBoeuf arrives on the scene. He’s quarter mark, this is fast-moving, a Graduation Recital on Saturday, been tracking the shrewd villain for “I’ll-wait-to-go-to-the-bathroom- June 11, at 3 p.m. by club members killing a Texas senator. later” entertainment. And yeah, as about to enter college. Both concerts Problem is, while the resourceful touching as it is exciting, as melan- are held at the First Baptist Church, Miss Ross wouldn’t mind the extra choly as it is uplifting, the thrilling 170 Elm Street, in Westfield and are help at no extra cost, it is the righ- trail is sprinkled with those afore- free and open to the public. teous Ranger’s intent to bring the mentioned metaphors. All of which Auditions for membership in the criminal back to Texas, where it is makes True Grit stouthearted stuff Junior Musical Club are open to in- expected he’ll be tried and hanged. indeed. dividuals in grades eight to 12 who But that’s too tangential for Mattie. *** are studying music. Two pieces must She wants the murderer to know that True Grit, rated PG-13, is a Para- be performed for the audition – one his wretched fate comes as the direct mount Pictures release directed by piece from the period up to and in- result of killing her father. Ethan Coen and Joel Coen and stars cluding Beethoven, and another piece LOVE OF MUSIC...Junior Musical Thus a lively repartee ensues as Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld and from the Romantic or Modern pe- Club members Chloe and Rachel the unlikely ensemble sets out for Matt Damon. Running time: 110 min- riod. Memorization of one or both Baron. Auditions are on February 6. hostile parts. In good fashion, the utes.