A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, January 10, 2019 Page 15 Grant to The Theater Project Supports Young Playwrights UNION — The Theater Project, formed by professional actors at the presenting programs in Cranford, March awards ceremony. On the day Maplewood, Union and Rahway, re- of the ceremony, the judges and mem- cently received a $500 grant from bers of The Theater Project’s Adult Investors Foundation. The grant will Playwrights Workshop also offer half- help further Theater Project’s mis- hour tutorials to any interested con- sion of encouraging the next genera- test entrant. Several past winners of tion of writers by supporting its 17th the Playwrights Competition have annual Competition for Young Play- gone on to pursue degrees in theater wrights. and playwriting, and they often return “We are deeply grateful for this to this event to present prizes and gift,” said Theater Project Artistic share their journeys with the newest Director Mark Spina. “Now more honorees. than ever, young people need to be This year’s submission deadline is encouraged to develop critical think- January 21, 2019. The website con- Christina M. Hinke for The Westfield Leader and The Times ing skills through arts participation, tains all the necessary entry guide- FUN TIMES ON NYE...Maestro David Wroe, pictured center and Broadway and the grant from the Investors Foun- lines and formatting rules: singer Cooper Grodin have a bit of fun performing during the New Jersey Festival dation supports them by helping us TheTheaterProject.org. Orchestra New Year’s Eve musical celebration, held at the Westfield High School provide public recognition of their The Theater Project is an award- auditorium Monday evening. work.” winning professional company in Every year, The Theater Project Union, NJ, where it will offer a sum- receives short plays from students all mer theater festival in 2019. The com- Alexis Morrast Is Set to over New Jersey. Winners receive pany also offers events in Cranford, cash prizes and see their work per- Maplewood and Rahway. ‘Dazzle’ at Watchung Arts LIGHT OF DAY...Willie Nile is one of many artists who will perform at the Light WATCHUNG – Alexis Morrast, player Sean Jones; NJPAC with Chris- of Day WinterFest 2019 to benefit ongoing battle against Parkinson’s disease. the recipient of “The Best Up and tian McBride; the world-renowned Outpost in the Burbs, First Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton, Montclair, History of Josephine, The will host the event on January 11, followed by more events at other locations. Coming Young Artist Award” 2017 Apollo Theatre, where she emerged by Hot House magazine and 2017 as two-time Amateur Night winner winner of and later returned Empress Gardened “Showtime at the as their Special Light of Day Concert to CRANFORD — Garden Historian floral industry that endures today. Apollo” is all set to Guest, and Dizzy’s Lesley Parness will give a special Ms. Parness is the retired superin- razzle and dazzle Coca-Cola Club presentation, “Josephine — The Em- tendent of horticultural education at the audience at The with jazz legend Benefit Parkinson’s Research press Gardened” on Tuesday, Janu- New Jersey’s Morris County Park Watchung Arts Barry Harris. Fur- MONTCLAIR – With a goal of here.” Ms. Cotton penned, “The Mys- ary 22, at 7 p.m. at the Cranford Commission where she oversaw pro- Center on Saturday, thermore, Ms. pushing its 19-year total past $5.5 tery of Me”—a lovely ode to self- Community Center. gramming at The Frelinghuysen Ar- January 19, at 8 Morrast’s’s re- million in its ongoing battle against acceptance — in just one night. The The event is hosted by The Hanson boretum, Willowwood Arboretum and p.m. The concert sounding tone was Parkinson’s disease, Light of Day album’s 10 tracks feature an eclectic Park Conservancy. Ms. Parness will Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education will be followed by also heard on the WinterFest 2019, presented by the mix of rock and soul, from the soaring discuss how French Empress Center. She is a member of the Herb a dessert reception Millennium Stage Asbury Park Press, is returning to “Set Me Free” to the deeply personal Josephine’s fine taste informed 18th Society of America, The Council on and an opportunity of The Kennedy Montclair on Friday, January 11, for “Drink” and the upbeat “4 Ur Life,” and 19th century style, from couture Horticultural and Botanical Litera- to meet Alexis Center, Lincoln Light of Day North Jersey: which pulls inspiration from classic fashion to interior design. Likewise, ture, and Garden State Gardens, a Morrast. Center, and more Songwriters Up Close and Personal, Motown, as well as Sly and the Fam- she was influenced by her Caribbean consortium of New Jersey’s public Singer/song recently abroad in for the world-renowned Light of Day ily Stone, in this we find Ms. Cotton heritage, her narrow escape from the gardens of which she is a founding writer Morrast, the Cape Town South Foundation. coming to terms with her newfound guillotine, and her legendary love for member. 17-year-old marvel Africa and Austria. Light of Day North Jersey: happiness. The song’s carpe-diem flowers. The Cranford Community Center and native of New- She’s worked with Songwriters Up Close and Personal, message also makes it a call to arms When divorced from her husband, is located at 220 Walnut Avenue in ark, now residing in greats like Greg starring Willie Nile, James Maddock, for the younger generation in our Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, this Cranford. The program is free and Plainfield, began Phillinganes, Steve Danielia Cotton, Williams Honor, and current political climate, she adds. “I powerful style-maker and lifelong open to the public. No registration is singing at the age Alexis Morrast Jordan, Ray Chew, Joe D’Urso, plus Jon Caspi, Chris- just feel like we need that right now. fashionista focused her energies on required, but seating is available on a of three. Since that Lisa Fischer, tine Martucci, Laura Crisci, and Rick It’s saying something that needs to be her estate, Malmaison. There, first-come, first-serve basis. This pre- time, she’s performed on several Michael Feinstein and Tony Award Winowski will be held Friday, Janu- heard, but not in a way where you’re Josephine’s passion for plants grew sentation is sponsored by the Hanson stages: the U.S. Open in 2013; the winner Christine Ebersole to name a ary 11 at Outpost in the Burbs, First like ‘goddamn.’ It’s not throwing it in and bloomed. Her legendary love of Park Conservancy. To learn more, 2015 Central Jersey Jazz Festival in few. Congregational Church, 40 South your face, but it’s also like ‘this is it, roses stopped a war, cost a fortune, please visit, New Brunswick, featuring trumpet Despite her young age, Ms. Morrast Fullerton, Montclair. Doors open 7 the moment it changes.’” It’s a strik- set explorers to sail, and started a www.hansonparkconservancy.com. has had the opportunity to “sit in” or p.m.; Showtime is at 8 p.m. Tickets ingly optimistic message, one that work with greats such as Ray Chew, are $35 ($75 VIP meet and greet) and Ms. Cotton’s arrived at after endur- History of the Jersey Amina Figorova, Alvester Garnett and available at ing some incredibly difficult times — the incredible Bertha Hope. She stud- www.outpostintheburbs.org. where she dropped into an abomi- Arts and Entertainment Shore Presentation ied under Conrad Herwig, taking part The 10-day festival will bring over nable low. But “The Mystery of Me” MONTCLAIR — The Victorian in several jazz events and venues. 150 music acts to 30 venues in two sees the Hopewell, N.J.-born singer/ Society of America will present The She feels “blessed, honored [and] New Jersey cities, New York City, songwriter rising from the ashes of Events at Area Libraries History of the Jersey Shore on Mon- humbled” to have been able to meet- Philadelphia, and Rockland County, that tumultuous period and finding a day January 21, from 7:30 p.m. at the and-greet countless musicians and N.Y., January 11 to 21, following a new healthier perspective. “This is Montclair Womens Club, 82 Union performers including Dionne holiday season European tour. sort of the album that’s coming up to Literary Café at Screening of Notting St., Montclair. Admission: $5 non- Warwick, Lalah Hathaway, Twinkie In 2018, Light of Day WinterFest the other side,” she says. “This is me members, Free for members. Clark, Danny Mixon and Randy raised enough money to catapult its standing more solidly on the ground.” Library this Saturday Hill at SP Lib. Everyone has heard of the pirates Weston. 18 year cumulative total past the $5- Straight from Asbury Park’s leg- CRANFORD -- The library will SCOTCH PLAINS – The library’s of the Caribbean, but have you heard Her first artistic influences were -million mark. Light of Day endary music scene, comes Williams hold its Literary Café on Saturday, Friday Film this Friday, January 11 is of the pirates of New Jersey? At one her mom, dad, and her aunt Vernell, WinterFest 2019 is expected to push Honor, an unstoppable collision of January 12, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 Notting Hill. It will be screened on time, the coast of New Jersey was a recording artist in the group Koffee the 19-year total past $5.5 million. likeminded influence, chemistry and p.m. Literary Café is a book chat January 11 from noon to 2 p.m. Each infested with pirates and privateers. Brown. She counts Stevie Wonder, The festival has gained international a true love for country music. Singer program. The format is simple: Bring Friday the library will screen a film This and other colorful facts about Cecile McLorin Salvant, Ella notoriety for surprise performances and performer powerhouse Reagan a few of your recent favorite books downstairs as part of its Friday Films. the New Jersey coastline will be the Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Lalah by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 18 Richards and producer/multi-instru- and tell the other members of the Every Friday in January, the library subject of historian Kevin Woyce’s Hathaway among the many artists years, including his most recent ap- mentalist Gordon Brown have come group what you like about them. If will be showing movies starring Julia talk on Monday, January 21, at the whose instrumental genius, raw vo- pearance, in 2015. together to show the world their love you don’t have a copy of the book you Roberts. No registration is necessary. monthly meeting of the Victorian cal talents or a combination of the Beyond Asbury Park and Montclair, for modern country by building on want to talk about, that’s okay, too. Notting Hill (PG-13, 124 min.) is Society in America’s New Jersey two have influenced her own musi- Light Of Day WinterFest 2019 will the years of tradition, harmonies and The books can be new or old, fiction about an American movie star who chapter. Mr. Woyce will give a tour of cal style. include shows in New York City (Janu- story songs the genre continues to or non-fiction, classic or contempo- falls for a shy Brit who owns a book- our coastal history, from the days of Tickets for this performance are ary 16 at The Cutting Room), Phila- pride itself on. After spending years rary. There is no required reading, store in the title neighborhood. Also pirates and shipwrecks to the found- $18 in advance, $22 ($20 for WAC delphia (January 12 at World Café separately in Nashville and never run- and you will have the opportunity to starring Hugh Grant. ing of today’s popular summer re- members, $10 for students) at the Live), and Rockland County, N.Y. ning into each other, they both were learn about books recommended by The Scotch Plains Public Library sorts. The presentation will include door. Purchase tickets securely (January13 at Penguin Rep Theatre writing, recording and touring for other group members. Refreshments is located at 1927 Bartle Avenue, slides featuring photographs, maps through Eventbrite, or by mailing a in Stony Point). other projects and artists. They felt will be served, courtesy of the Friends Scotch Plains. and images of historic places, people check to the Watchung Arts Center. Willie Nile’s gem-filled catalog the need to live up to the legend of of the Cranford Public Library. Reg- and events. Please include an e-mail address and encompasses blazing rock ’n’ roll, where they came from with their own istration is not required. Admission is The Victorian Society of America phone numbers with mail orders. thoughtful folk-rock, intimate acous- version of country by the sea. free and all are welcome. Sessions Reception for Abstract was founded to protect and preserve During our office hours, you may also tic balladry and even an album of Bob Just returning from Light of Day take place in the Raddin Room at the — as well as to promote understand- purchase tickets in person. Dylan covers. And while it’s hard to Europe, Joe D’Urso and Stone Cara- Cranford Public Library, located at Artist on Jan. 13 ing, education and enjoyment of – The Watchung Arts Center, located think of many recording artists who van, an Americana/Jersey Shore/Rock 224 Walnut Avenue. SCOTCH PLAINS — A gallery our 19th Century heritage. The North- at 18 Stirling Road in Watchung on are doing some of their best work this & Roll band, are a Light of Day exhibit and reception will be held at ern New Jersey Chapter of the VSA the Watchung Circle, is a multi-disci- far into their careers, Mr. Nile contin- fixture, who, like Willie Nile, have Play Reading at the Scotch Plains Public Library on holds a meeting with a presentation plinary arts facility serving Watchung, ues to seek out new creative chal- played WinterFest every year since Sunday, January 13, from 2 to 3:30 by a guest speaker each month. Meet- the surrounding communities and the lenges and conquer new musical ter- its inception. Their brand-new 14th Cranford Library p.m. It will feature the abstract art- ings are held at the Montclair Womens Tri-State Area. To obtain more infor- ritory. He’s amassed an enthusiastic CD, “Jersey Diner,” features 11 songs CRANFORD — On Saturday, work of Lana Liddy-LaPadura that Club at 82 Union Street in Montclair. mation about upcoming perfor- international fan base along the way written by Mr. D’Urso and three tunes January 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the will be on display through Tuesday, Admission is $5 for non-members. mances, classes and workshops, and that includes such admirers as Bruce penned by Tom Waits, Bruce Cranford Public Library, located at January 29 in the downstairs gallery Refreshments are served. For further monthly art exhibitions, or for office Springsteen, with whom he’s guested Springsteen and Sandy/Harry Chapin. 224 Walnut Avenue, The Theatre space. The Scotch Plains Public Li- information, visit the website hours, please visit WatchungArts.org onstage on several occasions, and Project will present a staged, script- brary is located at 1927 Bartle Av- victoriansannj.org. or call (908) 753-0190. Pete Townshend, who personally re- Michele Ragusa to in-hand reading of an original play, enue. quested him as the opening act on the followed by a discussion with the Ms. Liddy-LaPadura is the 2018 Who’s historic 1980 U.S. tour. The Guest Instruct playwright, director and cast. The winner of the “Judges Choice Award” list of avowed Nile fans also includes SCOTCH PLAINS — Actress Theater Project is an acclaimed pro- at the Roselle Park Juried Arts Festi- Bono, Lou Reed, Paul Simon, Ian Michele Ragusa will be teaching a song fessional theater group and the win- val. Find out more about her work at Hunter, Graham Parker, Jim interpretation and audition prep work- ner of two NJ Tony Awards. This www.lanaliddylapadura.com. Jarmusch, Little Steven and Lucinda shop as a guest instructor at Theatrical program is sponsored by the Friends Williams, who once remarked, “Willie Artist’s Prep in Scotch Plains. The of the Cranford Public Library. Ad- Jewelry Making at the Nile is a great artist. If there was any workshop will only have 10 students mission is free and all are welcome. justice in this world, I’d be opening and is open to teens and adults 14 and Scotch Plains Library up for him instead of him for me.” Mr. older. It will run from Sunday, January Tai Chi on Tap at SCOTCH PLAINS – A Jewelry Nile is one of the few artists to have 13, to January 20, and will take place on Making Club workshop will be held participated in Light of Day every Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. Westfield Library January 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the year since the beginning. Ms. Ragusa is an actress with cred- WESTFIELD — Learn all about library. Registration and your own A rock & roll lifer, James Maddock its that span from Broadway to televi- Tai Chi, the Chinese tradition of mar- materials are required. See https:// has been carving his unique path since sion. She plans to use her extensive tial arts movements that has become www.scotlib.org/event for materials the 1980s, when the British-born experience to help students learn to a gentle way to exercise and reduce needed and how to register online. singer/songwriter kicked off his ca- connect with their audition songs and stress, with Certified Tai Chi Instruc- The public is invited to join the fun of reer with a raw, soulful voice; a leave a lasting impression on casting tor Gang Huan, Thursday, January the Jewelry Making Club and be storyteller’s sense of narrative; and directors. 10, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Westfield amazed at what can be done under the the ability to blur the lines between Theatrical Artist’s Prep is located Memorial Library. This program will expert guidance of instructor Perthea folk, classic pop, and rock. Since at 401 Park Avenue, Unit B, Scotch teach the ways of Tai Chi, and then Brown. This month’s project will be a those early days in London, he’s rid- Plains. show the class its various movements. bracelet made with hemp cord and den the wave of a music industry Students must send an electronic The library is located at 550 East seed beads. The Scotch Plains Public that’s ebbed, flowed, peaked, and headshot and resume, as well as a 16- Broad Street. Library is located at 1927 Bartle Av- crashed. Mr. Maddock has stayed bar song choice to enue. THE JAMES WARD afloat throughout the entire ride, en- [email protected], in joying a brush with commercial suc- advance. The workshop cost is $280 Knitting Club at Guided Meditation At MANSION cess during the late 1990s — includ- per student. For more information ing a major-label record deal, a Top 5 regarding the workshop, please con- Garwood Library Mountainside Library AAA radio hit, and a song placement tact Samantha Hahn-Simpson. GARWOOD — An adult knitting MOUNTAINSIDE — Sally Make Our Mansion Your Mansion on Dawson’s Creek — before trans- club will take place Thursdays and Younghans will return to the library forming himself into an independent Support Local Journalism Mondays at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the for a special fall series on mindful- “THE BEST KEPT SECRET” IN NEW JERSEY solo artist during the decades that library. The Knitting Club is open to ness on Thursday, January 17, from 7 followed. Bruce Springsteen is a fan. all levels. Whether you’re a beginner to 8 p.m. Specializing in weddings, birthday parties, So is David Letterman. Listening to or you want to share your vast knowl- Learning to be more mindful and Mr. Maddock’s newest record, “If It edge of knitting, spend an hour being incorporating techniques that Ms. anniversaries, holiday parties and fundraisers. Ain’t Fixed, Don’t Break It,” it’s easy creative and socializing. No Regis- Younghans will share have proven to to see the appeal. tration required. Check the library decrease stress and improve overall MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY! Danielia Cotton closes her latest calendar for any holiday closings or health and well being. This series is record, “The Mystery of Me,” with a changes to the schedule. The Garwood for everyone, from beginners to those %AST"ROAD3TREETs7ESTFIELD .*ss message of resilience. “The dark spots Public Library is located at 411 Third with experience. The Mountainside www.JamesWardMansion.com will appear,” she sings on the title goleader.com/subscribe Avenue. Call (908) 789-1670 for more Public Library is located at One Con- track. “Just remember, you’re still information. stitution Plaza.