A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, November 8, 2018 Page 19 POPCORN The Old Man & the Gun The Antihero & the Movie Star 3 popcorns

One Popcorn, Poor — Two Popcorns, Fair — Three Popcorns, Good — Four Popcorns, Excellent

By Michael S. Goldberger changes once he gets a sense of film critic Forrest’s chivalric code of illegal ac- If movies were cherished trinkets, quisition. Enthusiasm leads to insight director David Lowery’s The Old Man and a mutual admiration which, we & the Gun, based on a true story and fear, cannot end satisfactorily for both starring Robert Redford as the gentle- parties. manly, senior citizen bank robber, The attraction here is the inher- Forrest Tucker, would deserve a place ently glib oxymoron…a sub-genre of honor in your cigar box. It is at that deals in the theory that some once a sympathetically laced portrait brigands, by sheer dint of an other- of the legendary stickup man/jail es- wise peerless code of ethics and an capist extraordinaire and a nostalgia- enticing personality, supply us with a evoking paean to one of the last great vicarious, fantasy need. Here, the lines VERSE AND MUSIC...The Carriage House Poetry Series is celebrating its 20th movie stars. We are warmly invited to of right and wrong blur. And while Anniversary tonight at 8 p.m. in the Kuran Arts Center in Fanwood. The evening again marvel at how Mr. Redford’s ultimately in conflict with what it will feature live music, as well as poetry readings. handsomeness and signature humani- takes to keep the scales of justice tarianism have always seemed so evenly balanced, the unspoken Christina M. Hinke for The Westfield Leader and The Times YOUNG ARTISTS...Westfield High School students, Emily O’Connell, pictured Poetry Series in Fanwood magically inseparable. thought is that these idiosyncratic right, was the first place winner of the Westfield High School Charles Addams We hook up with Forrest just shortly souls are ultimately more above board cartoon contest, and Morgan Eng, pictured left, was chosen as the second place after his astonishing, much heralded in their dealings than the so-called winner. They stand with cartoonist for The New Yorker Felipe Galindo, known as escape from San Quentin. Now holed honest bigwigs who all but make our Feggo, who held a workshop on Sunday, October 28 at the Westfield Memorial Celebrates 20th Anniversary up with two old bank robbing pals, pocketbooks their very own. Library. Third Place went to Julia Plawker, and Alex Savin and Mark Johnson FANWOOD – Fanwood Mayor Winners, Geraldine R. Dodge Poets, Teddy (Danny Glover) and Waller Happily, more than just charmed were given honorable mention, who are not pictured. Colleen Mahr and the Fanwood Arts and other acclaimed poets. Special guest (Tom Waits), he immediately sets by Mr. Redford’s characterization, Council invite the public to attend a poets have included Gerald Stern, Mark about resurrecting his career. In no we are also treated to his rather astute free 20th Anniversary celebration for Doty, Stephen Dunn, Alicia Ostriker, time, he recaptures the hearts and and sensitive dissection of bank rob- WHS Charles Addams the Carriage House Poetry Series to- Patricia Smith, Taylor Mali, Maria imaginations of the cheering public ber Tucker’s pathology. In ancient night, November 8, at 8 p.m. The Mazziotti Gillan, Laura Boss, Martin in that curious, guilty thrill of hypoc- times, robed philosophers might have event will take place in the Kuran Jude Farawell, James Arthur, and doz- risy that gives dispensation to bandits opined that the purloining of finan- Cartoon Contest Winners Arts Center located on Watson Road ens of distinguished regional and local who thumb their noses at The Man, cial repositories was fated…that it WESTFIELD -- Celebrating Bob Mankoff and representatives on the grounds of Fanwood Borough poets. providing it’s done with grace and was in the perpetrator’s stars. Here, a Charles Addams’ success as a from the New Yorker and University Hall. The evening will feature music All readings are held in the Kuran style. Oh…you also can’t hurt or kill case is made for the environmental Westfield High School (WHS) alum- of Pennsylvania School of Design, by Brian Celardo, special guests, re- Arts Center (a nineteenth century car- anyone. causes, using stills and scenes from nus - current WHS students created Addams’ alma mater. Winners were freshments, and an open mic. riage house for which the series was But of course, for every amiable previous Redford movies to catalogue Addamseque cartoons inspired by a chosen during AddamsFest, held last The Carriage House Poetry Series named). Readings are usually held at 8 antihero there is an almost as interest- the progression of a thief. But bottom variety of themes. Judges includes weekend, and participants’ work are was established in December 1998 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month ing, would-be spoiler. In this case it’s line, he just has to rob banks. Esquire Magazine Cartoon Editor displayed online and were displayed by founding director Adele Kenny. from February to June and from Sep- Casey Affleck’s detective John Hunt, I am brought to two thoughts. Num- at the Westfield Memorial Library The initiative began as a project tember to November. Special book and a dedicated crime solver soon per- ber one is from an auto seat cover and Town Hall. funded in part by the New Jersey journal issue launches are scheduled plexed and miffed by what becomes expert I frequent on occasion who Emily O’Connell was selected as State Council on the Arts through a for dates other than those on the regular his white whale. Perhaps delivering a related that an uncle once told him the first place winner, Morgan Eng grant administered by the Union calendar. Most readings include an open message that many of our current, that man is born with a “giant empti- was selected as the second place win- County Division of Cultural and Heri- mic after the feature, and audience more scurrilous politicians can learn ness in his chest, and that he is des- ner, and third place went to Julia tage Affairs. With the support of members are invited to share their po- a lesson from, Hunt, a family man tined to try and fill it until the end of Plawker. Alex Savin and Mark Fanwood Borough’s mayor and coun- ems. when he isn’t sleuthing, sees the elu- his days.” Number two brings to mind Johnson were given honorable men- cil, and grants from organizations such In addition to readings and special sive golden ager not so much as an Taffy, my intrepid, handsome, wire- tion. as the Union County Board of Cho- program events, the series has spon- enemy, but more as a worthy adver- haired mutt with a perfect black eye sen Freeholders (HEART Grants) and sored several international poetry con- sary. The cat and mouse game ensues, who, like Achilles, lived his short but the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service tests with entries received from through- with each competitor’s personal life illustrious seven years from my sixth League, the series has been able to out the U.S. and Canada and from such serving as a subplot. to my thirteenth year. Taffy chased feature some of the finest contempo- countries as England, France, Nigeria, Enter stage left Sissy Spacek as cars. He couldn’t help himself. There rary poets each year. India, Italy, and Japan. Jewel, Forrest’s potential love inter- was no happier moment for Taffy Since 1998, the Carriage House Se- Nationally recognized for quality est in a relationship marked by a than when nipping at a speeding rear ries has brought hundreds of poets to and longevity, the Carriage House getting-to-know-you period that un- hubcap. Fanwood, including National Book Poetry Series continues to bring po- folds like a mystery, provides bou- For me? Of late it’s that perfect Award winners and nominees, a Pulitzer etry into the community through in- quets of whimsy, and engages us with drive on a winding country road, the Prize winner, Poetry Society of America clusive, culturally diverse, and the poetic enchantment that it is never exhaust note of the two-seater echo- chancellors, a Ruth Lily Prize recipi- nonjudgmental programs that are free too late to find that special someone. ing into the woods as I motor to that Ist Place, Untitled by Emily ent, a Wallace Stevens Award recipient, and open to all. For directions and That Jewel lives on her big ranch, out idealized, as yet unfound café where O’Connell 2nd Place, “Lunchtime” by Morgan NEA Grant recipients, Guggenheim more information, visit: http:// among the wide open spaces, sup- you can get the best darn blueberry Eng Fellowship recipients, Paterson Prize carriagehousepoetryseries.blogspot.com/ plies a dramatic if not completely cobbler there ever was, served by the . metaphorical contrast to Forrest’s al- nicest, well, you get the picture. All of most entire life of incarceration. She which goes to suggest that if you deal is cautious. And we are wary, tacitly in the sort of wish fulfillment here Met. Opera Fall Free Concert Offered by the informing that we’ll revoke our in- delineated, it might prove entertain- dulgence if he breaks our gal’s heart. ing, as well as instructive, to compare Concert Planned Meanwhile, in more traditionally notes with The Old Man & the Gun. CHATHAM — The Metropolitan Musical Club of Westfield domestic circumstances, we observe … Orchestra of NJ will present a fall WESTFIELD — The public is in- have the opportunity to meet the per- detective Hunt trying to balance his The Old Man & the Gun, rated PG- concert featuring Amy Beach’s Sym- vited to attend a free concert given by formers. The Musical Club of duties as father and husband with the 13, is a Fox Searchlight Pictures re- phony in E Minor Gaelic, Leonard The Musical Club of Westfield on Westfield is a non-profit organization professional challenges being lease directed by David Lowery and Bernstein’s Overture to West Side Wednesday, November 14, at 7:30 whose mission is to foster and en- wrought by the title character’s much stars Robert Redford, Sissy Spacek Story, George Gershwin’s An Ameri- p.m. This is only one in a year-long courage good music, provide perfor- publicized crime spree. Although and Casey Affleck. Running time: 93 can in Paris, and Aaron Copland’s series of events sponsored by the mance opportunities for local musi- downright glum at first, everything minutes. Rodeo Movement 4 Hoe-Down. The Musical Club and will be held at the cians and support young musicians concert will take place on Sunday First Baptist Church of Westfield lo- from Union county with college schol- November 18, at 3 p.m. at the Chatham cated at 170 Elm Street in Westfield. arships. It also sponsors the Junior Middle School, located at 480 Main The concert will open with a piece Musical Club for students in grades 8 The Popular ‘Everly Set’ Street, Chatham. There is a suggested entitled Wildflowers by composer Eric to 12 from the surrounding communi- donation of $20. Ewazen. A composition for trio, it ties. For more information, visit will feature Jenny Cline, playing flute Future events are scheduled for the To Perform Nov. 17 3rd Place, “Normal is an Illusion” by www.MetropolitanOrchestraNJ.org Julia Plawker and piccolo, clarinetist Kevin Dayton following dates: The Holiday Pro- WATCHUNG – Back by popular or by bringing/mailing a check to the or call (862) 571-5270. and pianist Helen Rybe. gram on Wednesday, December 12, demand, following a sold-out perfor- Watchung Arts Center. Include an The program will continue with at 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, February mance of their last show at the email address and phone number with cellist Doug Hardin and pianist 13, at 1:30 p.m., with a snow date of Watchung Arts Center (WAC), “The mail orders. Beverly Shea, who will perform Cello February 20; Wednesday, March 13, Everly Set: Sean Altman and Jack The Watchung Arts Center, located “It’s Alive!!” Concerto in B minor, Op.104, B.191, at 7:30 p.m.; The Ensemble Concert Skuller Approximate the Everly at 18 Stirling Road in Watchung on by composer Antonin Dvoøák and of the Jr. Musical Club on Wednes- Brothers” will appear at the WAC on the Watchung Circle, is a multi-disci- Raconteur Carnival of the Animals by composer day, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, November 17, at 8 p.m. The concert plinary arts facility serving Watchung, Camille Saint-Saëns. April 10, at 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, will be followed by a dessert recep- the surrounding communities and the Radio will be at Pianist Helen Ryba will close the May 8, at 7:30 p.m.; The Graduation tion, providing the audience with an Tri-State Area. To obtain more infor- program with Piano Sonata in A mi- Recital of Jr. Musical Club on opportunity to meet Sean and Jack. mation about upcoming perfor- The Westfield nor, D 537 by Franz Schubert. Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. In 1957, teens Phil and Don Everly mances, classes and workshops, and There will be a reception with light Additional information about the supercharged the vocal sound of monthly art exhibitions, please visit Memorial refreshments immediately after the club can be found by visiting Rock’n’Roll with the sparkling har- WatchungArts.org or call (908) 753- concert where audience members will musicalclubofwestfield.org. monies that influenced The Beatles, 0190. Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Library on The Hollies, and the Bee Gees. Altman Script Reading at and Skuller will perform Bye Bye Wednesday, NJIO To Open Season with Love, Wake Up Little Susie, All I Cranford Library Have To Do Is Dream, When Will I CRANFORD -- The Theater November 14 Be Loved and dozens of other Everly Project will present a staged, script- Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 hits and rarities. in-hand reading of an original play, at 7:00 pm PLAINFIELD - New Jersey feelings at the end of the Great War. New York City singer-songwriters The Place of Understanding, by with the Story of Intergenerational Orchestra (NJIO) NJIO will also perform Banks of the Sean Altman, known as the founder Michael John McGoldrick, followed debuts its 2018-1029 season in Green Willow by George Butterworth, of Rockapella and co-composer of by an open discussion with the direc- Plainfield, NJ with a symphony con- an English composer who died on the the Carmen Sandiego theme song, tor and cast, on Saturday, November Frankenstein cert entitled Loss & Remembrance, on battlefield in WWI, appropriate for and Jack Skuller, winner of The 10, at 2 p.m. in the Cranford Commu- Sunday, November 11, at 3 p.m. in the the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Songwriters’ Hall of Fame’s Holly nity Center, located at 220 Walnut The story of Victor Frankenstein's terrible creation and the resonant and historic Crescent Avenue Day, marking the end of the War to Prize in song-writing, met on stage at Avenue. havoc it caused has enthralled audiences for generations. Presbyterian Church, 716 Watchung End All Wars. Additionally, NJIO’s the famed New York City tribute se- Headquartered at the Burgdorff See this radio company perform with period costumes, Ave, Plainfield. Admission is free. Intermezzo Orchestra will play ries “The Loser’s Lounge” in 2011 Center in Maplewood, The Theater NJIO’s Symphony Orchestra will Elgar’s Mina and Granados’s Span- when Jack was just 14. Both devotees Project is an acclaimed professional theatrical lighting, extensive sound effects! Sign up now! perform the U.S. debut of a four- ish Dances. The Prelude Ensemble of the Everly Brothers, they formed theater group and the winner of two movement rendition of Schubert’s will open the event and intermission The Everly Set in 2015 to recreate the New Jersey Tony Awards. The pro- Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished) as “Fin- music will be provided by NJIO’s tight-knit harmonies of that famous gram is sponsored by the Friends of ished” by musicologist William flute choir. duo. the Cranford Public Library. Admis- Open to WML and MURAL Carragan. Elgar’s Cello Concerto in NJIO’s Symphony Orchestra is con- If you are looking for a different sion is free and all are welcome. For cardholders. Sign up online at E minor, Op. 85, composed in 1919, ducted by Artistic Director Warren evening out, come and experience the information about the Cranford Pub- will be performed by Na Yoon Koh, Cohen. The Intermezzo Orchestra is most popular and recognizable pieces lic Library, the Friends of the Cranford www.wmlnj.org and click on the one of our Young Artist (Rising Tal- conducted by Brian McGowan. Mem- of music brought to life once again by Public Library, and other upcoming It’s your Library … Calendar link, or call ent) Concerto Competition Winner. bers of both groups range in age from the Everly Set: Sean Altman and Jack events, visit the Cranford Public Li- make the most of it 908.789.4090 option 0. This piece was composed in 1919 11 to 80+. Skuller at the Watchung Arts Center. brary page at cranfordlibrary.org. For 550 East Broad Street It’s your Library … make the most of it and its elegiac and tragic character, There is free, secure parking in the All tickets are $25, and can be information about The Theater with hints of nostalgia and unresolved lot behind the church on 1st Place. purchased at http:// Project, visit their page at Westfield www.wmlnj.org 908.789.4090 grief, is said to be connected to Elgar’s Visit http://njio.org to learn more. watchungartscenter.eventbrite.com, thetheaterproject.org. The Leader/Times Website Provides Robust Features to Assist You! 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