Page 16 Thursday, August 5, 2010 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION POPCORN™ Westfield Residents Help Salt: Has us Thirsting For a Better Movie Usher in Next CDC Season WESTFIELD – The CDC Commu- February will bring a laugh-filled

One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent nity Theatre, at its annual closing meet- farce, Moon Over Buffalo, by Ken ing, elected executive officers for the Ludwig, whose previous hit, Lend Me By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER great score. Leaving work one night, late 2 and ½ popcorns 2010-2011 season of live theatre pre- A Tenor, is currently being revived on for an important date with her bug expert sentations at its home on Winans Av- Broadway. This comedy follows the Back in the day, before the Women’s Lib spouse (August Diehl), Salt is called back movement officially began, a cynic shared when Russian agent Orlov (Daniel enue in Cranford. travails of an acting company in Buf- a fear. He – I think it was a he – fretted that Olbrychski) drops in to defect. Her exper- Joanne Geschickter and Madge falo, N.Y., as it attempts to produce after the ladies finally won equality under tise is needed. Wittel, both Westfield residents, were Shakespeare and Noël Coward while the law, they’d proceed to develop the same But what’s this? During the interroga- selected to continue in their roles as the actors are not quite sure which one bad habits of their male counterparts. They tion, old Orlov, who was in charge of business vice-president and recording is being performed tonight. might even play leads in formulaic action infiltrating U.S. intelligence with home- secretary, respectively. Outgoing presi- The theatre’s 91st season will con- movies like Salt. grown plants, suggests, for all behind the dent Rosemary Schultz handed the clude in May 2011 with the classic Since then, there have been all sorts of one-way glass to know, that Ms. Salt is gavel over to newly elected president musical Gypsy, loosely based on the gal secret agents, police detectives and other really a Russian mole. Folks start running Jennifer Love of Cranford. autobiography of the famed vaudeville- defenders of the commonweal bearing every which way; steel doors descend; guns deadly arms. But in most cases, there has start blazing. She’s gone. Well, just another Joining her as executive officers are burlesque queen, Gypsy Rose Lee. been a feminine hook, a dramatic point day at the office. Production Vice-President Elizabeth With its score by Jule Styne and made, even if ever so slight, that this one- It’s the proverbial spy-left-out-in-the- Howard of Cranford, Membership Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur person killing machine was different by cold routine. Now, apparently nobody likes Vice-president Bill Chamis of Roselle, Laurents, its songs, such as “Let Me one chromosome. Here, la difference makes her, except maybe her husband, who, alas, Corresponding Secretary Cathy Cohane Entertain You” and “Everything’s Com- no difference. has gone missing. In search of him and her and Treasurer John Duryee, both ing Up Roses,” have been interpreted Except for her appearance, there is noth- destiny, on the run from mysterious loyal- Cranford residents. by such theatre legends as Ethel ing about CIA agent Evelyn Salt in either ties, Jolie’s Salt makes like Mata Hari via Also elected, to three-year terms, Merman, Patty Lupone and Angela modus operandi or manner that bespeaks Loretta Young, resplendent with costume were new members of the CDC Board Lansbury, as well as a TV version that gender. ‘Tis we who bring preconceptions and hair color changes at every turn. It’s to the party. When she leapfrogs from the dizzying. of Governors, including Mike Marcus starred Bette Midler. roof of a semi on a bridge to a truck on the Still, sans a better-finessed screenplay of Springfield, Joel Redmount of Scotch The annual children’s theatre pro- span below, we’re much more impressed by Kurt Wimmer, the chase scenes eventu- Plains and Judi Chandler of Cranford. duction in December will feature a new than we’d be if Daniel Craig’s 007 made the ally run into each other, with all things They join previous board members version of the famous story “Stuart same jump. ultimately hinging on the one-trick pony of Maurice Moran of Rahway, and Sandy Little,” about a mouse adopted by hu- Whether in party dress or jeans, this a plot and its big secret. Dialogue is sultry, Howard, Marge Salway, Sandi Pells, man parents, whose family cat has other Susan M. Dougherty for The Westfield Leader and The Times young lady is as striking as the first pretty quippish or cynical, yet never Bogie and STELLAR STRINGS…David Wroe, conductor of the Westfield Symphony Becky Randazzo and John Merkel, all ideas about this. The hit film version tomboy you ever met. But she has come to Astor-like. The chemistry between Jolie Orchestra (WSO), introduced teenager Matt Kimura, winner of the 2009 Stars of from Cranford. featured the voices of Michael J. Fox play. And if that means skinning her knee and Schreiber is OK, but hardly able to save Tomorrow contest sponsored by WSO. The violinist entertained at High Tea held In addition, CDC Theatre announced and Nathan Lane, with the parents on the sidewalk, suffering an Indian burn or the day. in Ana Beall’s Tea Room in Westfield last month. Hostesses Carolyn and even a bloody nose, what’s it to us? Make The story’s biggest flaw is its lack of its production schedule for 2010-2011. played by Geena Davis and Hugh daughter Allie Fleder bid on and won the tea party at the Westfield Symphony The fall musical will be the hit show Laurie, now well-known on TV as “Dr. a fuss of it and you’ll be sorry. soul. If it’s the filmmaker’s intention to Orchestra’s fundraising auction last year. See article below. As such, it’s a more complicated perfor- inform that all this spy business is a big, Grease, directed by Becky Randazzo. House.” mance than the copycat first impression uncaring, bureaucratic dance, then he has Made popular by the long-running Subscriptions to the three main-stage might imply. Powerful and single-minded, managed it without artistic panache. How- No ‘Madness’ at WSO’s Broadway show and revival, the hit productions are available. Children’s Salt is a force to be contended with, all right. ever, if that isn’t his goal, then he has left us movie version starred John Travolta theatre tickets are sold separately. For But there’s something else going on inside, with a rather nightmarish and hollow esca- and Olivia Newton-John as reluctant more information on CDC Theatre, a secret about her we’re going to have to pade through the archives of action film Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea sweethearts Danny and Sandy. CDC’s call (908) 276-7611 or visit uncover. And therein lies the so-so twist clichés. production will run in October. cdctheatre.org. upon which director Phillip Noyce hangs Which leaves us only to assess how this By SUSAN MYRILL DOUGHERTY “You might think that the summer his hat. reflects on that most vaunted of gossip rag Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times portion would be soft, tender and Not that Miss Jolie or her superb co-star, icons, La Jolie. While Angelina doesn’t WESTFIELD – The invitation to sweet,” Mr. Wroe speculated. “Here, Liev Schreiber, as Salt’s boss, agent Ted outdo Uma Thurman in the fatal femme Ana Beall’s Tea Room on July 15 in the composer’s own words, though, Summit Playhouse Hosts Winter, is to blame. They’re the strong dept., just as sure as she will adopt another read: “We’ll drink and eat and laugh is what he wants to convey: ‘Man and points. But save for the title character im- kid, fans and finances will guarantee a pressing with her unique variation on a sequel. But separating the blabber from and be serenaded – and be quite free beast wilt in the burning sun.’” Auditions This August type, at the end of the day it’s the same old, substance, entertainment-wise Salt just isn’t to wear our hats and heels to see what With his characteristic droll hu- same old. Scratch the interpretation, and it’s worth its salt. ‘madness’ is in store for we.” mor, Mr. Wroe smiled and pretended SUMMIT – Summit Playhouse will the romantic comedy Centennial 85 percent special effects, 12 percent acting * * * Twenty-two women – friends of to mop his brow as he mentioned the be holding auditions for The Late Casting, playing at the Arclight The- and 3 percent script. Salt, rated PG-13, is a Columbia Pictures Carolyn Fleder and her daughter, words could not be more apropos. Christopher Bean on Monday, Au- ater in New York; he has also directed The cat-and-mouser starts off with the release directed by Phillip Noyce and stars Allie, who had bid on and won a gift- The second number, “Rondo gust 9 at 7 p.m. Those attending should Soprano members Vincent Pastore potential to be a poor man’s Charade (1963), Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel certificate package at the Westfield capriccioso” by Saint-Saens, took a prepare a two-minute monologue for and Robert Funaro in an Off-Broad- albeit without the lofty wit and Mancini’s Ejiofor. Running time: 100 minutes. Symphony Orchestra’s (WSO) auc- fast tempo. Maestro Wroe explained, the audition. The show runs from way Production of Lamppost Re- tion last year – attended the event. “A rondo expresses a theme that keeps November 5 to 20. union. Bedecked in hats, summer frocks, coming back.” The magnificent mu- In The Late Christopher Bean, Yan- New Jersey audiences know him gloves and even costumes, they all fit sic intertwined melody in a passage kee practicality collides with New from such shows as Enigma Varia- the whimsical celebration of an “Alice and then jumped with dramatic ar- York’s sophisticated art world, as all tions and Harold Pinter’s Ashes to in Wonderland” theme. peggios. hell breaks loose when a celebrated Ashes, as well as Brian Friel’s Nancy Baker, owner of the Ana After the women gave a rousing painter’s early works are traced to the Afterplay at the Garage Theater in Beall’s Tea Room at 412 Westfield applause to the violinist and his humble home of a country doctor. Teaneck. Avenue, donated the gift certificate mother, who accompanied the teen, Both a biting satire on the destruc- He also directed the New Jersey for the charity auction. As part of the Mrs. Fleder told her guests, “You tive power of greed and a touching premiere of Neil Labute’s Fat Pig package, WSO Maestro David Wroe have been the force beneath our view of a family in turmoil, this com- and My Italy Story at 12 Miles West. served as emcee, and a violin vir- wings to help us soar and fly this edy will have the audience cheering Character descriptions are avail- tuoso played. year.” for the most unlikely heroines. able at summitplayhouse.org. All are Teenager Matthew Kimura, win- Concluding the informal program, Frank Licato is an award-winning welcome. To learn more, visit ner of the orchestra’s annual tri-state Allie, dressed in a vibrant red en- director whose most recent show was summitplayhouse.org. Young Stars of Tomorrow Contest semble as the Queen of Hearts, read 2009, entertained. Mr. Wroe intro- a Lewis Carroll poem. The women duced the violinist and looked over then sampled tasty treats, which were Matt’s music, the “Summer” move- attractively displayed on three-tiered ment of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. racks.

FESTIVAL OF THE ANDES…New Jersey City University’s 18th annual “Fes- ‘The Rat Pack’ Performs tival of the Andes,” an outdoor event that celebrated the cultures of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, featured live Andean music, performances by dance troupes, musical instrument and dance workshops. Among the dancers Songs of Sinatra, Davis Jr. who gathered with festival coordinator Hugo Morales, third from right, are, from left to right, Marco Ruiz, Stephany Cadenas of Westfield, Jahmel Moselli, CLARK – The Union County Sum- television show “Stars in Their Eyes.” Nathaly Zevallos, Ashley Arribasplata, Sofia Ramirez and Miguel Zevallos. mer Arts Festival concert series contin- He delivers one of the finest tributes to ues on Wednesday, August 11, with a Sinatra and travels the world – and to performance by The Rat Pack. The free Oak Ridge Park – in the guise of the outdoor concert of songs by Frank Chairman of the Board. Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and friends The Union County information van begins at 7:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park will be at the concert site with staff in the Township of Clark. from the Office of the Union County Wayne Kennedy, who portrays Dean Clerk to answer questions and offer Martin, runs this reincarnation of the information about activities and ser- Rat Pack, which has toured the United vices available to Union County resi- States and abroad. Fred Gardner, who dents. portrays Frank Sinatra, came to promi- The 6th Annual “Party in the Park,” nence when he appeared on the British to benefit the Runnells Specialized Hospital of Union County Foundation, will be held under a party tent in a nearby section of the park on August “MY GIFT AND THINE OWN ACQUISITION”… The powerful and enigmatic 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for magician Prospero blesses the marriage of his only daughter, Miranda, to the benefit are $35 and should be pur- Ferdinand, the son of his former enemy. The Hudson Company will present the chased in advance. work tonight in Kenilworth at 7:30 p.m. A grilled buffet and beverages will be served. Call (908) 771-5803 for REGISTRATION TIMES: tickets and information about the Hudson Company Wraps Up Runnells Foundation. Tuesday, September 7th: The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue in August on Wednesdays, Series Tonight with Tempest 12:30 - 2:30pm & 4:30 - 7:30pm beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge KENILWORTH – The Hudson mately 1610-1611 and is believed to be Wednesday, September 8th: Park in Clark. Lawn chairs, blankets Shakespeare Company returns for its the last show that Shakespeare wrote and picnic baskets are encouraged. third and final installment of its on his own. Although the bard would 12:00 - 4:30pm Refreshments and snacks will be avail- Shakespeare’s in the Parks Series with go on to write three more plays with his Thursday, September 9th: able from vendors. The Tempest, tonight in Kenilworth. protégé, John Fletcher, The Tempest is The remaining free concerts in the The play will take place at 7:30 p.m. regarded as Shakespeare’s farewell to 12:30 - 2:30pm & 4:30 - 7:30pm Union County Summer Arts Festival at David Brearley High School, located his life on the stage. The playwright is series include: August 18, The Nerds at 401 Monroe Avenue. In case of in- often seen as the embodiment of the RAE OF LIGHT…A multimedia show- (Jersey Shore party band) and August clement weather, the show will be per- main character of Prospero. case of works by 21 young award-win- 25, Jimmy and the Parrots (Jimmy formed at Kenilworth Library, located The Tempest tells the story of a pow- Visit Our ning artists selected from the annual Buffett cover band). at 546 Boulevard. erful man turned wizard and his quest Website To See Juried Student Exhibit at the duCret In case of rain, call the Union County Patrons are encouraged to bring a to right the wrongs done to him in his School of Art in Plainfield will serve as Department of Parks and Community lawn chair or blanket for the shows and past while forging a more-harmonious Why People Are the summer exhibit from now through Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. admission is free. Hudson Shakespeare future for his only daughter. August 14 at Swain Galleries in Plainfield. on the concert day or visit ucnj.org/ has been performing in Kenilworth The performance is free to the Choosing Us! On view will be pastels, oils, stained glass, digital photography and more, includ- parks/summerarts.html to learn the sta- since 2004. public, who are encouragedto come ing the above mixed-media work by tus of that evening’s show. There is no Earlier this summer, the group pro- early for the best seating. For infor- Westfield’s Rae Cauley. Swain Galleries alternate site for the outdoor concerts duced a modern-day King Lear and re- mation, visit is located at 703 Watchung Avenue. For and shows may be cancelled due to naissance-era Much Ado About Nothing. hudsonshakespeare.homestead.com 137 Central Ave., 2nd Fl. Westfield, NJ 07090 908-789-3011 more details, call (908) 756-1707. severe weather. The Tempest was written in approxi- or call (973) 449-7443.