Page 20 Thursday, April 27, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Arts & Entertainment

™ Sixth Annual Spring Fling Fair POPCORN Classic Car Show Keeping The Faith To Coincide To be Held April 30 in Westfield A Mixed Blessing With Spring Fling play. Pony rides and a petting zoo By Michael S. Goldberger WESTFIELD – The streets of WESTFIELD — The Westfield Over 35 local businesses will will be located in the parking One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent downtown Westfield will be bus- Area Chamber of Commerce will vend their wares. Temple Emanu- area of PNC Bank at North Av- tling with shoppers, artisans and 2 & 1/2 popcorns Anne Bancroft as the young rabbi’s host their first of four Classic Car El will offer information on ani- enue and East Broad Street. A It’s irresistible. The premise of Keep- loving Mom who, incidentally, hasn’t craftspeople at the sixth annual Shows for 2000 this Sunday, April mal adoption, The Guillotine will moonwalk, temporary tattoos, ing The Faith, that is, and not necessar- spoken to Jake’s older brother ever Spring Fling Street Fair on Sun- 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in sponsor a cut-a-thon for the face-painting and sand-art cre- ily the film. And knowing full well that since he married a Catholic. day, April 30, from noon to 6 this country’s 2,499 other film critics This troubling fact is not on Mr. conjunction with the annual American Cancer Society from ations will be on tap. p.m. and their grandmothers will begin their Stiller’s persona as he agonizes over his “Spring Fling” Street Fair. noon to 5 p.m. Weichert and the For more information, please The raindate will be Sunday, reviews in exactly the same Vaudevil- increasingly fervid relationship with The event will take place in the Blood Center of will call The Advertising Alliance at lian way, the temptation is nonetheless Anna. So the two lovers keep it a secret, May 7. municipal parking lot on Central host a blood drive from 11 a.m. (908) 996-3036 or the Chamber overwhelming. So here goes: even to the point of excluding their The festivities will be held on Did you hear the one about the Avenue, across from the Westfield to 5 p.m. at 185 Elm Street. of Commerce at (908) 233-3021. priest pal. And no surprise, Father Elm, East Broad, Prospect and priest and the rabbi? Well, it seems that Brian is harboring a secret of his own. Post Office. More than 30 motor- Quimby Streets. Therefore, traf- growing up on the Upper West Side of Naturally, all these fragile confi- cars and trucks will be on dis- in the 1980s they were best dences ultimately foam to a proverbial fic along these streets will be play, ranging from early 1900 detoured during the day. pals with the same girl. There was head. Jake must decide if his love of Jake (Ben Stiller), who grows up to be faith is compatible with his love for vintage Model “T” Fords to 1970 Debbie Schmidt of the the rabbi; Brian (), who Anna. And what will the social ramifi- “muscle cars.” Westfield Area Chamber of Com- becomes a priest, and lovely Anna cations be? From the emotional confla- The disc jockey, sponsored by merce, the event’s sponsor, (Jenna Elfman), the winsome third gration that erupts, director Norton part of their inseparable trio. nudges his work to preach a little Comcast@Home, will play music stated, “Admission and parking from the 1950s and 1960s. Harley- are free and everyone is invited But Anna moves away when they’re sermon, impart some spiritual wis- teenagers. Jake and Brian grow to be dom, and say a thing or two about Davidson of Edison will display downtown for a great day of the best of friends. And then they don’t religious tolerance before sending his seven motorcycles at the event. family fun.” see Anna again until their early 30’s, audience out into the night. Other sponsors who will be rep- when the energetic dynamo blows But while well-intentioned, the Over 300 exhibits of crafts, art, resented at the show include STS local businesses and children’s into town on business, a high-pow- good-natured film is too fluffy to have ered head honcho of some megalo- its pontificating suddenly assume a Tire and Auto of Westfield and activities will be featured. takeover conglomerate. The troika credible gravity. If the picture boasted New Norris Chevrolet, also of Two jazz bands, “The Ollieland takes up where they left off. Only now more farcical heft, and if some serious Westfield. Puppet Show” and “The Hun- the relationship evolves into an un- notes were delivered as skillfully in- likely love triangle. terspersed counterpoints, then the Admission is free. Classic car gary 5 Oompah Band,” Blues owners who wish to participate singer Alvin C. Madison, and the Waiting for a punch line? Ah, that’s screenplay might have enjoyed a the rub. There isn’t one. At least not in greater effectiveness. are asked to call Darryl Walker, 50’s Retro group, “Class: The Girls the conventional sense of the term. For like the complementing ingredi- Chamber Chairman, at (908) 654- Next Door” are scheduled to Keeping The Faith is a leisurely com- ents of a really righteous matzoh ball, the 4100, to register their car. perform. The stage area is lo- edy that takes a little too long to get properties of comedy and drama must be cated at the corner of Elm and where it’s going. And the affable jour- weighted just so or the story won’t float. ney is rather predictable. However, the Having playful fun with some controver- East Broad Streets. comic vehicle’s three principals are sial topics, Keeping The Faith never ex- Please send Musical entertainers and such good company that, for the most plodes into that laugh-a-minute epiphany clowns will stroll the streets. D.J. part, we happily sit back and enjoy the we can truly believe in. A&E Press Releases to: and singer Bob Mele of Elizabeth ride. After all, the conversation is con- * * * * * [email protected] and the New Jersey Workshop vivial and the friendly banter engaging. Keeping The Faith, rated PG-13, by 4 p.m. on But the plot about a devout young is a Touchstone Pictures release di- for the Arts will both present Jew who has a tug of conscience when Fridays programs. rected by Edward Norton and stars he falls in love outside of his religion Ben Stiller, Jenna Elfman and Edward Food specialties will be pro- adds nothing to the ruminations on faith Norton. Running Time: 129 minutes. vided by local restaurants first mulled in The Jazz Singer (1927), credited as the first talkie and undoubt- Ferraro’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, edly the granddaddy of this genre. Cosimo’s Restaurant & Pizza, And so when there’s no big sur- Snacks n’ Such and China Light. AND THE WINNER IS…Anyone who is lucky enough to win one prise, no dramatic turn of events to Spring Fling’s menu includes of these raffle prizes will surely be a winner at the Westfield spirit the plot from conflict through Symphony Orchestra’s 16th Annual Tour of Notable Homes on climax, we suspect that these new calamari, pastas, desserts, curly buddies we’ve just made are already fries, tomato bruschetta, smoked Saturday, May 6. Over 30 elegant gift baskets will be featured in the raffle. The tour and raffle will benefit the Symphony taking our friendship for granted. barbecued ribs, garlic shrimp, directly. Pictured, left to right, displaying some of the home Although Mr. Norton makes no major Greek fare, London broil, accessories and other luxury items included in the raffle, are: gaffes in his directorial debut, he chicken, fresh fruit smoothies, doesn’t earn any gold stars either. His Symphony Friends Members Myriam Gabriel, Home Tour Chair- straightforward approach is clean if deep-fried Oreos, zeppoles, ice woman Andrea McDermott and Helene Reichlin. unimaginative. But while it is a near cream, homemade fudge and Herculean task to overcome inad- Pennsylvania Dutch funnel cakes. equate writing, a more seasoned di- Artisans and crafters are ex- rector might have applied some fancy Raffle Added to Festivities footwork to the more down-at-heal pected to display and offer for portions of the script. sale jewelry, unique designer To coin a phrase, it’s short on clothing, dolls and toys, quilts, Of Symphony’s Home Tour schmaltz. woodcarving, pottery, original Then again, there are other com- furniture, as well as home and WESTFIELD – Visitors to the An- year’s raffle. forts to console our funny bones. Just “The Home Tour Raffle, which is as screenwriter Stuart Blumberg’s saun- garden accessories. nual Tour of Notable Homes to benefit tering plot reminds of the drawing Other artwork, such as water- the Westfield Symphony Orchestra held at one of the featured homes, has room farces that brightened spirits in A CENTURY ON THE ROAD…Classic cars from every era, span- colors, oil paintings, lithographs, (WSO) on Saturday, May 6, from 10 always been a popular part of the the 30’s and 40’s, Keeping The Faith is ning 1900 to 1970, will be on display at the Westfield Classic Car photography, wooden instru- a.m. to 3 p.m. will have the opportu- day’s activities. This year we are pleased generously peppered with a gaggle of Show this Sunday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the municipal to once again offer our visitors the ments, clothing designs and ce- nity to win one of over 30 gift baskets screwballs, eccentrics and loonies. lot across from the Westfield Post Office on Central Avenue. The that will be showcased during this chance to participate in a tricky-tray, Some of them are the daughters of show is part of the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s ramics are also planned for dis- auction-style raffle for elaborately pre- congregants whom it behooves Jake “Spring Fling” Street Fair and is sponsored by STS Tire and Auto sented gift baskets that will appeal to to date in order to keep political peace and by New Norris Chevrolet, both of Westfield; Harley-Davidson everyone from the bride-to-be to the around the temple. (Little do they of Edison and Comcast@Home. gourmet and gardener,” stated Myriam know, scandal of scandals, that their rabbi is falling head over heels for a Photographer Nancy J. Ori Gabriel and Helene Reichlin, this year’s gentile.) Spring Concerts Scheduled raffle coordinators. There’s the pulchritudinous Rachel Continued from Page 22 The gift baskets include products, Rose (Rena Sofer), a news anchor as certificates and services donated by self-involved as she is beautiful. And bered. “I brought back a lot of area merchants, designers, restaurants, Lisa Edelstein is Ali Decker, a pushy By Westfield Glee Club impact on his life and revealed physical fitness freak who beseeches that philosophy to my classes salons and garden centers. In keeping that he had just been accepted to with the tour’s “notable home” theme, the cleric to punch her in the stomach. and forums.” Philadelphia School of Art. However, the finest nut case in the WESTFIELD – The Westfield Glee tional and show song selections. the raffle will also include a number of Club will complete the 75th season Meryl has been an active per- “It was a good experience to go “If I can touch somebody’s life in luxury home accessories from painted bunch is Ken Leung as Don, the croon- ing/rock n’ rolling Japanese salesman. of singing Spring Concerts on Satur- former in school and church, as well out and shoot with him, especially a way that changes their life, I glassware to pillows to artwork cre- in Yosemite,” noted Ms. Ori who Father Brian and Rabbi Jake meet the day, April 29, at 8 p.m. at the First as the Westfield Community Players think that’s my contribution,” re- ated and donated by local designers funny man whilst shopping for a Baptist Church in Westfield and on in which she will star in Brigadoon. explained that at first she shot flected Ms. Ori. “That’s my give and artisans. karaoke machine to be used at the Sunday, April 30, at 4 p.m. at the First Another special portion of the photos with a panoramic focus back.” “One lucky Grand Prize winner will interdenominational recreation center Congregational Church in Westfield. concerts will include the first pub- like Adams, but has now chosen also have the chance to win a one- they’re planning. Also lending character atmosphere A highlight of the Spring Concerts lic performances of newly-com- to zero in on her subjects. year subscription to the 2000-2001 will be the performance of this year’s posed music by Matthew Sklar. The season of the Westfield Symphony are, Eli Wallach as the paternal Rabbi After Adams passed away in Westfield Historical Lewis, esteemed leader of Jake’s con- Scholarship Winner, Meryl Leigh music was commissioned to cel- 1984, Ms. Ori still decided to at- Orchestra, including premium seats Bezrutczyk, soprano, of Scotch ebrate the Glee Club’s anniversary. and an invitation to all post-concert gregation; Ron Rifkin as the typically stern president of the affluent syna- Plains. Meryl will sing a section of His new piece, “Gaudeamus tend one of his workshops she Society Receives receptions,” added Andrea McDermott, had signed up for. She said that gogue, and the staunchly attractive the program with operatic, tradi- Hodie / Dona Nobis Pachem” was Home Tour 2000 Chairwoman. funded by a HEART Grant from the stories told by his students and HEART Grant “It is a great opportunity for anyone contemporaries helped her to get the Union County Board of Cho- who enjoys quality classical music to YFCS to Host Fundraiser sen Freeholders, administered by to know Adams even better. WESTFIELD – The Westfield experience first-hand the professional, the Division of Cultural and Heri- So intrigued by and immersed Historical Society recently re- world-class performances of the tage Affairs. in the legendary culture that was ceived a HEART (History, Educa- Westfield Symphony,” she added. Performance Including Mr. Sklar, a Westfield resident, is Adams, Ms. Ori went on to teach tion, Arts Reaching Thousands) Tour participants may place bids known for his active participation some of the workshops for eight Grant from the Union County throughout the day. The drawing will in music performed in Westfield seasons. “I was always sur- Division of Cultural and Heri- be held at 3:30 p.m. All proceeds from Orchestra of St. Peter by Sea Public Schools and in New York the tour activities, including the raffle, rounded by the way he saw things tage Affairs in the amount of City, where he also studied and directly benefit the WSO. completed music studies at New and the way he liked to teach. $4,300 for its Oral History pro- YFCS is an independent, non- Tickets for the event are $20 in WESTFIELD – Youth and Family York University. He had a big impact on how I gram. advance and $25 the day of the tour Counseling Service (YFCS) will profit agency serving the residents teach. He was quite a character.” Darrick G. Sampson, program He played and later conducted and may be purchased at outlets present a fundraiser concert with the of Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, the theater music for a number of Although she never officially coordinator, stated that the throughout Westfield, Mountainside, 45-member ensemble, The Orches- Garwood, Mountainside, Rahway, Broadway shows, including Ti- earned a teaching degree, Ms. Society’s next task is to tran- Fanwood, Scotch Plains and Summit. tra of St. Peter by the Sea, on Satur- Scotch Plains and Westfield. It pro- tanic and Miss Saigon. Mr. Sklar Ori believes her experience with scribe earlier interviews and then For more information, please call (908) day, May 20, at 8 p.m. at St. Helen’s vides counseling and mental health was recently recognized by Vari- 232-9400. Adams and his workshops was duplicate the tapes in order to Roman Catholic Church in Westfield. services to individuals, families, ety magazine as one of the year’s the best education she could reconcile material in the Society’s Musical Director and Conductor couples and groups on a sliding fee “50 Creatives to Watch.” have ever hoped for. Archives with what is in the ‘Celtains’ Irish Group the Reverend Alphonse Stephenson scale based on ability to pay. The Glee Club’s 1991 Scholar- “I think I am a good teacher,” Westfield Memorial Library. will lead the program. He formed The benefit concert will help ship Winner, Mr. Sklar also re- ceived the Jonathan Larson Per- she said. “They (students) keep Society member Earl Frawley Reveals Performance the Orchestra in 1986 while serving support YFCS programs related to coming back.” has digitized every transcript from forming Arts Foundation Award. WESTFIELD – The Celtains, a at St. Malachy’s Parish in New York parenting skills, parent / teen com- Remembering one participant in an earlier project into Adobe’s The concerts’ program will fea- premier Irish musical group from City. For years, he was conductor munication and family issues. ture old and new music. The particular she encountered at the printable document format files. Concordia College in Bronxville, and musical director on Broadway Tickets for the May 20 concert are printed program will contain an Union County Teen Arts Festival, Darryl Walker, who designs Web N.Y., will perform in concert on for A Chorus Line. $26 for general admission, $23 for historical review with a listing of Ms. Ori explained that she tried to sites, is uploading all of this to Saturday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. at Although he is retired from senior citizens and $50 for patron the six directors and six accompa- encourage him and give him help- the Westfield Internet site, Redeemer Lutheran Church and Broadway, Rev. Stephenson con- seating. nists during the organization’s 75- School. ful pointers and advice. When she www.westfieldnj.com/history/ tinues to direct the Orchestra of Local ticket outlets include: year history. couldn’t return for the next Festi- oralhist.htm. Jason Marks of Fanwood, a Westfield Mayor Thomas C. Jardim sophomore at Concordia, is a mem- St. Peter by the Sea, which is Country Squire Men’s Wear in val, the young artist was met with Mr. Sampson noted that a vid- made up of musicians from New Clark, Floral Expressions in recently issued a Proclamation that ber of the group. the week of April 24 is proclaimed a more discouraging mentorship. eotape on the mechanics of con- Admission is free. However, a York, New Jersey, Philadelphia Garwood, Bayberry Card & Gift When Ms. Ori returned to the ducting oral histories is avail- free will offering will be accepted. Westfield Glee Club Week. and the Metropolitan Area. Shop in Mountainside, Nuts n’ The public is invited to the con- Festival the following year, the able. He invited anyone who is The Celtains repertoire includes Reverend Stephenson is also fa- Plenty in Scotch Plains and all types of traditional Irish music certs. Tickets will be available at student’s inspiration was re- interested in Oral History to join miliar to New Jersey audiences as Lancaster Ltd. in Westfield. the door for a donation of $12 for kindled. He told Ms. Ori that her the Society in the interviewing from jigs to reels and ballads. A variety of Irish musical instruments the conductor of the Festival of the Tickets are also available by call- adults and $10 for students and advice kept him on the path he process. will be featured. Atlantic, which offers free, outdoor ing (908) 233-2042 or by visiting senior citizens. knew he had the talent to pur- For more information, please Irish dancers from the area are concerts on the Point Pleasant the YFCS office at 233 Prospect For more information, please sue. He was appreciative for her call (908) 317-2760. cordially invited to participate. boardwalk. Street, Westfield. call Dale Juntilla at (908) 232-0673. CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK