Page 16 Thursday, February 4, 2010 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Author Helps Get To The Heart of Anger BERKELEY HEIGHTS – Author Janet Pfeiffer will hold a book sign- ing on Wednesday, February 10, at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Heights Public Library, located at 290 Plainfield Av- enue in Berkeley Heights. Washington School’s 62nd Annual Ms. Pfeiffer will be available to sign copies of her anger-management book, “The Secret Side of Anger: The Quickest and Easiest Guide (Ever!) Show Is One in a ‘Million(aire)’ to Managing Anger.” By CHRISTIE STORMS (Jonathan Fishman), “Flashback But it was the show’s traditional men’s Ms. Pfeiffer reveals in the book Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Abigail” (portrayed by the scriptwriter number that received the most shouts of that anger itself is not the real issue. It WESTFIELD — If you ever ques- herself) revisited memories that in- “Encore!” on Friday night. This year, is triggered by underlying emotions tioned how knowledge attained while cluded Westfield firefighters, the Me- students’ dads donned black tank tops and problems that need to be ad- growing up in Westfield might be put to morial Pool and the WHS prom. and silver sequined mini-skirts to sashay dressed first. good use one day, the Washington The “Millionaire” producer and stage to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Employing a sarcastic, lighthearted School Players’ 62nd annual show, manager (Mark Parmelee and Ralph Ring on It).” approach, she provides simple, yet TELLING A TALE…Local celebrity of the racetrack “Champagne” Charlie Believe, provided the answer. Actually, Venturino) sought to undermine and And no Washington School Show effective, techniques that anyone can (David Christopher) entertains his daughter, Mary, (Barbara Guidi) with an- many answers, as this past weekend’s disqualify Abigail, but her family and would be complete without its trade- use to confront and release angry other of his wildly exaggerated tales. performance employed a quiz-show- friends provided constant support and mark “muck and mire” quotes, this feelings that might be on the verge of style format to tell the fictitious story of faith in her, which ultimately lead to her year exchanged in a cameo by co- destroying lives. a brave Westfield High School (WHS) success. directors Charlie Bowman and Janet For more information, contact Jim The Stakes Are High student. Lively musical numbers incorporated Sarkos. Miller at (888) 361-9473 or Writer Julie Shanebrook’s clever by music director Mitch Slater high- This was Ms. Sarkos first experience [email protected]. script focused on the plight of Abigail lighted the fast-paced show, including a directing and her last of nine years with At Alliance Repertory Theater Rhoades and her efforts to prevent a spirited version of “Don’t Stop the show, which has served as the By SUSAN MYRILL DOUGHERTY everything,” says his wife, “except smarmy real-estate developer (played Believin’” inspired by the television school’s largest fundraiser since 1948. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times his age.” He exaggerates, prevaricates by Ms. Shanebrook’s husband, Joshua Parents handled every aspect from Paulo Pinho Performs RAHWAY – There’s a legend at slightly and then smiles enigmati- Wein) from converting Mindowaskin writing, directing, producing and per- Monmouth Racetrack that a man nick- cally about his stories. Park into a gated active-adult commu- forming to choreography, instrumental At First Friday Series named “Paper Bag Pete” appears at “They love me,” Charlie tells his nity. music and set design for the event held WESTFIELD – The New First Fri- the track once a week, places a single family one afternoon at the racetrack. From the moment the Westfield annually at Roosevelt School. day Music Series at Galeria West Art bet, wins a bundle and takes home his And they do. “Champagne Charlie,” mayor (Rich Elbert) announced the Carl Pansini, who co-produced with Gallery welcomes Paulo Pinho and winnings in a paper sack. as his friends and acquaintances call impending park closure and was subse- Joe Ascione, Linda Habgood and Mary Friends on Friday, February 5, at 7 There’s no “Paper Bag Pete” at Al- him, is in for a day that he will long quently bombarded with questions by a Claire Givelbar, said the majority of p.m. liance Repertory Theater in Union remember. “Westfield Leader reporter” (Kip profits are turned over to the Parent- Mr. Pinho and Friends will present County Performing Arts Center His wife, in a wheelchair because Brindle), it was apparent Abigail (Lani series, “Glee.” Teacher Organization (PTO) to fund the romantic bossa nova and samba (UCPAC), but there is someone just as of an impending hip replacement, Lipkind) had moxie. She quickly Performers often danced into the assemblies and student activities as well from Brazil. This music genre from colorful in The Champagne Charlie wants to make it his perfect day at the hatched a plan to raise enough money auditorium’s aisles and additionally as purchase items such as Smart Boards Brazil has been popular throughout Stakes. Charlie is a lovable chap at the races. His friend and bookie middle to stop the real-estate transaction by tossed neon Glo-sticks and inflatable and laptops for the school. the world since the late 1950’s to the racetrack who’s the engine that pushes man Jackie (John Correll) has ar- becoming a contestant on “Who Wants balls into the crowd. He said planning for the annual Janu- present. the Bruce Graham two-act play about ranged for the sixth race to be named to Be a Millionaire?” Washington School Principal An- ary production begins as early as Feb- Proceeds from each event benefit relationships, secrets and reality. after Charlie. “I was inspired by [the movie] drew Perry and teachers donned ruary. They select a script in the spring theatrical programming efforts at Charlie – wearing a bone-colored In celebration of that event, Charlie Slumdog Millionaire,” Ms. Shanebrook Mozart-style wigs to the delight of stu- and later perform an entertaining sample TEATRO Sí, a 501(c) 3 New Jersey straw hat, a Hawaiian shirt, plaid totes his private bottle of champagne, said of her self-proclaimed “rookie” dents in the audience during the rous- scene during the PTO’s Fall Social to nonprofit corporation. For reserva- pants, a beige jacket and socks with enters the “Best Body” contest for entice fellow parents to join in the fun. tions and information, call the his sandals – is a man who dreams. senior citizens and plays host for his This was Mr. Pansini’s first year with TEATRO Sí box office at (908) 301- Sometimes, his dreams are based on wife Mary Lee (Noreen Farley), their the show, and he also performed in the 9496. For more information, visit the sheer fantasy, and sometimes, they adult daughter Mary (Barbara Guidi) couples’ dance to the B52’s “Love events page at TeatroSi.com. caress possibility. “Charlie multiplies and her boyfriend Paul (Chess Shack” with his wife, Suzanne. Lankford). Ms. Shanebrook, Ms. Sarkos and With a roll of Benjamin Franklins Mr. Pansini all expressed their appre- Filmmakers Symposium in his pocket and a race boasting his ciation for the incredible hard work and name, Charlie is riding high. cooperation from nearly 175 volun- He places $2 bets in the first few teers. Celebrates 20th Anniversary races, losing every one. As the sixth As an added twist this year, the entire MOUNTAINSIDE – Starting Feb- Worthington, director Massy race – his race – approaches, how- cast and crew took the stage after the ruary 22, the 20th Anniversary Film- Tadjedin; Margaret with Anna ever, Charlie feels especially lucky final curtain to perform the “Jai Ho” makers Symposium Spring Series will Paquin, Matt Damon, director Ken- and wants to bet his entire pocketful dance from Slumdog Millionaire. Stu- run for 12 weeks at two New Jersey neth Lonergan; Mother with Bin Won, of money that he’s been squirreling dents in the audience stood up to join in theatres: AMC Loews, Mountainside Hye-ja Kim, director Joon-ho Bong; away for years. as their enthusiastic teachers had taught and AMC Loews, Monmouth Mall. Ondine with Colin Farrell, Stephen The monumental bet he’s about to them the dance steps during lunch hours The series has hosted 1,361 movie Rea, director Neil Jordan; Tree of Life make, he tells Jackie, is “a sure thing” Courtesy of co-director Charlie Bowman the past few weeks. premieres, with 901 live guest ap- with Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, director because the horse’s name is “Charlie’s “I think everybody wants a piece of pearances, over the past 19 years. Terrence Malick; and The Yellow B.Q.” He’s positive it stands for A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS...The Washington School Players donned Beatles-inspired attire to perform “With a Little Help from My Friends” it,” Ms. Shanebrook said. “Whether Oscar winners and nominees Danny Handkerchief with William Hurt, “beauty queen,” a reference to his during the 62nd annual show fundraiser, Believe. The story centered around a you’re on stage or selling t-shirts or Aiello, Alan Arkin, James Cromwell, Kristen Stewart, director Udayuan daughter, Mary, who was a runner-up Westfield High School student who becomes a contestant on “Who Wants to Be tickets…to be involved is gold.” Ethan Hawke, Viggo Mortensen, Prasad. in a beauty contest. a Millionaire?” to raise money to save Mindowaskin Park. The faith and support Ms. Sarkos reflected that the most Chazz Palminteri and David The series is open to anyone, but When he tells his wife that he’s of her family and friends help make her a winner. “striking thing” she and her husband, Strathairn have joined Famke Janssen, seating is limited, so early enrollment about to bet the “whole shebang” on George, who has been stage manager Joseph Gordon-Levitt, David Morse, is advised. Subscription is $171 for the underdog, she encourages him to attempt at scriptwriting. “It’s the whole ing rendition of Falco’s “Rock Me, the past seven years, noticed through- Joe Pantoliano and Kevin Smith as six weeks or $309 for 12 weeks. Dis- get their daughter’s blessing on his concept of having a contestant on a Amadeus.” out the decade is how little the show has guest speakers who have come to counts will be available for early reg- foolhardy plan. game show generate answers through The choreography of blank-faced changed. share their insights with Symposium istration. The storyline isn’t particularly im- flashbacks of real-life experiences.” “zombies” to Michael Jackson’s “Different personalities may create a participants. Also being offered is a “Bring Your pressive. The characterization, direc- So, while present-day Abigail “Thriller” and precision hip-hop dance little bit of a different feel each year, but “The program will always be flex- Friends” special: for each friend who tion and acting are. sweated it out against the devious (and, moves during Flo Rida’s “Right Round” it is what it is,” Ms. Sarkos said. “It isn’t ible in order to take advantage of signs up, an existing subscriber gets It’s the relationships of the charac- at times, hilarious) television host were remarkable. Broadway, but we love it. It’s our thing.” opportunities as they arise,” said Sym- $50 off his or her subscription for 12 ters that bring poignancy to the show. posium Director Chuck Rose. “Won- weeks (or $25 off for six weeks); or a Mr. Correll’s Jackie, complete with derful surprises and fantastic celebri- subscriber can bring four friends and brow-mopping, everyday manner- ties can pop up out of nowhere, so I his or her subscription is free. isms, rings true to life. With precise try to keep the schedule as fluid as Spending time on both coasts, Mr. timing and his signature deadpan de- possible.” Rose has authored 24 screenplays, livery, Mr. Correll knows how to milk In the past two years, the series has directed Vietnam Vets starring Danny each of the comedic lines he’s been premiered 65 films that later earned a Aiello, worked in the story depart- handed by the playwright. Yet, when total of 17 Oscar, 25 Spirit, 17 British ment at Orion Pictures, served as a he speaks to Charlie and Mary about Academy and 27 European Film contributing editor at “Movies USA” their longtime friendship, the rough Award nominations. and written feature articles on the edges around this guy turn to mush. Confirmed films and those under film industry for The Hollywood Re- Noreen Farley handles the role of consideration for the upcoming se- porter. the mother with her characteristic ries include City Island with Andy He has held faculty positions at finesse. The private moments, when Garcia, Julianna Margulies, director Seton Hall University, Adelphi Uni- Charlie dances with Mary Lee in the Raymond de Felitta; $5 A Day with versity and New School University, wheelchair and when he kneels down Christopher Walken, Alessandro where he developed a program in to whisper a truth in her ear, Ms. Nivola, director Nigel Cole; The Good Film Script Analysis adopted by ex- Farley and Mr. Christopher reveal Heart with Brian Cox, Paul Dano, ecutives at HBO, ABC and many depth and understanding of those director Dagur Kari; Jack Goes Boat- independent production companies. characters that have lived together as ing with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Currently, Mr. Rose has a World one for 53 years. Amy Ryan, director Philip Seymour War II drama, Changing My Reli- Well known to local and regional Hoffman; L’Affaire Farewell with gion, under development. theater, David Christopher in the role Emir Kusturica, Willem Dafoe, di- For information or to register, call of Charlie slips into this – and any A Tango Fantasy rector Christian Carion; Last Night (800) 531-9416 or visit character he plays – like he’s slipping featuring Carolina Jaurena, with Keira Knightley, Sam PrivateScreenings.org. into a comfortable pair of well-worn loafers. Diego Blanco and friends Effortlessly, Mr. Christopher’s por- trayal of the title character is both paradoxically comic and tragic. His MISSY MAZZOLI* These Worlds In Us Charlie is the optimistic underdog of GERSHWIN Concerto in F the sixth race of life who is sure this time he’ll be the winner. We’re root- soloist Elena Batkst ing for him all the way and hope that DE FALLA The Three Cornered Hat “the fix” isn’t in this time. Rounding out the cast are Barbara Guidi and Chess Lankford, whose Saturday February 20th, 2010 at 8pm honest moments together echo the Union County PAC, Rahway, NJ need for all people to feel a sense of belonging. Director Michael Driscoll has given TICKETS $25 to $70 the small black box theater of Alli- ance Repertory Theater three staging Students K-12 $10 areas, utilizing the intimate space CALL 908.232.9400 wisely for this production. He has exacted performances from his ac- EMAIL: wso@westfieldsymphony.org tors that make a forgettable play worth or visit our ticket outlets 20 MORE FILMS IN YEAR 20…The Yellow Handkerchief, starring William remembering. The Town Bookstore in Westfield Hurt and Kristen Stewart, and 20 more not-yet-released movies will premiere in The show runs weekends through the 20th year of Filmmakers Symposium in the spring 2010 series, beginning in February 13, at 8 p.m. with 3 p.m. Martin Jewelers in Cranford February at AMC Loews Mountainside and AMC Loews Monmouth Mall. Sunday matinees. *Missy Mazzoli is the Music Alive: New Partnerships Composer-in-Residence with WSO. 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL BRING YOUR FRIENDS! Design: MoldaveDesigns: Mountainside, NJ FOR EACH FRIEND (NEW SUBSCRIBER) WHO SIGNS UP WITH YOU, GET $50 OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTION FOR BOTH SESSIONS (OR $25 OFF FOR ONE SESSION) BRING 4 FRIENDS AND YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS FREE! OFFER ENDS SOON--CALL NOW

An entertaining exploration of the creative process The Best & smartest new films public release surprise visits by filmmakers & actors Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation Funding has been made possible in part through a grant by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.