Page 20 Thursday, March 22, 2001 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

Bill Burt’s DiningDining TableTable

S ALT & PEPPER Let’s Go Back, Way Back 503 Park Avenue The menu at Salt & Pepper re- Scotch Plains flects this balance “trans-Middle (908) 322-5880 Eastern” with a few extras thrown To Those Golden Days [email protected] in for good measure and patrons are encouraged to bring their own By BILL BURT Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times wine. Of Doo Wop at Paper Mill Take the Stage There are always two or three SCOTCH PLAINS — In the pasta dishes, some with an Egyp- Middle East, the harshness of desert tian “spin.” For vegetarians, there By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN Chantels, told The Westfield Leader EXCLUSIVE life has created a culture of hospi- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times is also a good selection, and, in the and The Times of Scotch Plains- WITH KERRIANNE SPELLMAN CORT MILLBURN – Paper Mill Play- Fanwood, “The Paper Mill Play- house in Millburn offered “An house is a really nice venue and Evening of Classic New York Doo The Chantels were pleased by the Wop” last Saturday evening to a reception they received. Nice WYACT Forced to Cancel leather-jacket clad crowd of oldies show, nice people.” enthusiasts, yearning to travel back The final set was offered by The in time with original vocalists and Tokens, a band that started with Second Show of Season founding members of “The Capris,” Neil Sedaka. “Please Write,” which “The Tokens,” “The Chantels,” and was recorded during the Vietnam By KERRIANNE SPELLMAN CORT Plains-Fanwood that of course the Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times company would also love to WESTFIELD — Few theater present Little Shop at NJPAC, but companies have achieved the level the Victoria Theater takes a breather of professionalism and sheer inge- every August. During this time, nuity that Westfield Young Artists’ NJPAC undergoes renovations and Cooperative Theater (WYACT) has. general upkeep of the space and All local theater companies and simply is not available to WYACT schools are very important places or any other company while these for our children to learn to spread changes take place. their wings, but WYACT is truly The new space at NJPAC, The something special. Lucent Theater, would also be a So why, then, is this spectacular perfect house to showcase Little company being forced to cancel Shop, but the new space is not yet its second show this season? completed. For those who are not familiar Ms. Meryl fought tooth and nail with WYACT and its program, the to obtain the rights to Little Shop of company presents two fully-staged Horrors from Music Theater Inter- Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader and The Times musicals in the summer months, national (MTI), as the original pro- utilizing the talents of young local ducers of the show are consider- performers. The offerings from last ing a professional revival in New season, Brigadoon and The Gay tality. Hospitality is so important spirit of Middle Eastern hospital- The Capris York. The rights to Little Shop were that traditional code of the desert Divorce, were two of the finest finally given to WYACT exclusively, ity, Chef Nabil is be glad to accom- productions I have ever seen, and dictates that even one’s enemies War, preceded crowd pleaser “Run- which was no easy feat. Now, modate. He is justifiably proud of that includes shows I have at- must be offered at least a cup of his daily soups. The day I visited, “Earl Lewis and The Channels.” away Sue” a more Beatle-like tune, unfortunately, it appears that there coffee. Indeed, to do anything Tony DeLoro, producer of the tended in New York. is no venue for the much antici- the soup of the day was a rich, “Portrait of My Love.” WYACT has had a terrific work- less than this is an insult to God satisfying Mulligatawny. famed Royal New York Doo Wop pated production. and humanity. A medley featuring “See You in ing relationship with the New Jer- While not the fault of NJPAC as On my visit, I decided to have a Show at Radio City Music Hall, set September” and “One Fine Day” sey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Because of this, most Middle “tasting platter” that included they will be undergoing renova- Eastern foods are relatively simple the mood while musing, “These rounded out “The Tokens’” reper- in Newark, for several seasons. tions and completion of their new dolma (stuffed grape leaves), were the years when music was toire, like the proverbial “icing on the This year, the WYACT production preparations made with a great Hummus bi Tahini (chick pea space, wouldn’t one think that care and with convivial enjoyment pure and authentic, when people cake.” of Once on This Island will pro- there would be another theater in spread), baba ghanouzh (eggplant sang on street corners and race ceed as planned with nine perfor- in mind. spread), kofta, Araby’s answer to Each of these incredible groups our area that would be proud to The cuisine of the Middle East is barriers were broken.” demonstrated an important moral mances in July at the Victoria The- house this wonderful company the meatball, and cous-cous. ater at NJPAC, but plans to move also quite varied and regional al- New Jersey a capella group The to the evening’s parable of nostal- for just one production? The most Dolma are frequently either ex- the show to the reputable National though outside of Brooklyn and ceedingly tough, tasteless or both. Sheps, which has performed at the gia: the voice can replace the most exasperating aspect of this situa- perhaps one or two other Levantine Classic Car Shows in Westfield, Black Theater Festival have been tion is that there are theaters in our Happily, at Salt & Pepper these conventional instruments, and of- squelched. enclaves, most Middle Eastern res- were wonderfully plump, tender also set the stage in the theater’s area that are just sitting empty taurants in this country tend to ten surpass them altogether. The multicultural Once on This during the summer months be- and filled with a zesty tomato-rice lobby with a sampling of some of Paper Mill Playhouse will present Island would be a perfect addition generalize, as with Salt & Pepper mixture that rival anything I’ve cause of a lack of air conditioning. at Park Avenue in Scotch Plains. their silky smooth crooning, and a a revival of Funny Girl, the first in to the festival, but, unfortunately, Ms. Meryl is not about to force experienced in Brooklyn. few comical acts between perfor- 37 years, beginning on Wednes- funding is not available to finance Although they have been open Hummus bi tahini, when made her students to perform in a 90- now for about the last six months mances. day, April 4. Theatre Correspon- the 75 cast member production. degree house, nor does she ex- right, can be tart, refreshing and a Set design, which included a The tour buses alone would cost they’ve been discovered by every- garlic lover’s fantasy. When it’s dent Kerrianne Spellman Cort of pect patrons to attend a perfor- one in the area except the resi- creamy white 1964 Corvette and The Leader and The Times will have thousands of dollars. mance in a steam room. made cautiously, however, it can As if the cancelled tour was not dents of Scotch Plains. That’s truly stunning pink Cadillac, was right that review. In addition, the theater’s Westfield Community Players be a tad bland, which was unfor- enough to break the spirit of unfortunate; they’re serving up tunately the case here. Perhaps, as on the mark – the perfect backdrop restaurant, the F.M. Kirby Carriage (WCP) and Cranford Dramatic Club some of the best Middle Eastern for the performers. The lighting Cynthia Meryl, WYACT’s Artistic (CDC) have both been very sup- Emeril Lagasse might say, the fla- House, will reopen that evening. Director, and her students, there is food west of Brooklyn. vors could be turned “up a notch.” and sound technicians should also portive of WYACT, but unfortu- Middle Eastern food is some of simply not a theater available for nately, these are two of the spaces Curiously, though the baba be praised for their efforts which the company to present its second the most balanced, nutritious and ghanouzh which is made with the that are dark during the summer naturally tasty food in the world. accentuated each act flawlessly. planned production, Little Shop of for this very reason. WCP also has same tahini/lemon/garlic paste, Donning purple suits, Nick Santa Horrors, in August. It’s low fat, with a nearly perfect worked well with this tameness of a performance limit each year, as balance between protein and car- Maria, Frank Reina and Tom Ferrara Ms. Meryl told The Westfield this theater in Westfield is located flavor, perhaps due to the strong of The Capris opened with the Artist of Leader and The Times of Scotch bohydrates and has something for flavor of the eggplant itself. Continued on Page 19 everyone, vegetarian or otherwise. energetic Jerry Lee Lewis classic, Kofta, a Middle Eastern classic, “Great Balls of Fire,” while telling is done perfectly at Salt & Pepper. the audience, “It’s party time!” the Week Traditionally, made with mutton, “New Jersey is a romantic state,” Arab-American chefs will often Santa Maria began before starting make do with beef or a beef/lamb mixture. At Salt & Pepper the kofta off with a heartfelt version of “Un- is 100 percent juicy ground lamb chained Melody.” “What else is spiced and grilled to perfection. there to do in those traffic lines but Cous-cous, while actually a to be romantic?” he joked. Moroccan dish, has become com- The Capris ended their set with mon throughout the Middle East. “Come Back Home to Me,” It’s very simple to make cous cous “Stardust,” and my father’s personal and fairly easy to make it taste like favorite, “There’s A Moon Out To- something. While the cous cous at night.” The audience showed no Salt & Pepper is perfectly steamed reservation when granting the triple- and light, it could have used more lift and balance from perhaps some threat trio a standing ovation. pine nuts and some raisins. With bright red suits, Earl Lewis Still, because it was light and and The Channels (Joe Odom, fluffy, it made a good compliment Wess Neil, Jack Brown, and to the kofta and other hot dishes. Salahudden) gave the audience For dessert, there is an array of “Bye Bye Baby,” “That’s My De- traditional sweets, including pista- sire,” “The Closer You Are” and Joan Rivers chio birds nests as well as some the audience favorite, “Gloria.” sugar-free versions of those items. Throughout each song, the mem- Nabil’s wife also turns out fabu- By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN lous basboosa, a semolina cake bers awed all with stylish and Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times coordinated choreography. If you think, “Can we talk?” is Continued on Page 19 Two standing ovations followed Joan Rivers’ most quotable after the group encouraged listen- question, you obviously haven’t ers to join in a rousing rendition of heard her squawk after celebs Joshua Hamerman Joins “Shout.” With arms flailing and down the red carpet, demand- Staff of Online Magazine hearty responses, Earl Lewis and ing, “Who are you wearing?” Editor’s Note: Josh The Channels evoked more ardor Some stars get a kick out of Hamerman is a reporter for than I believe they even expected. Rivers, jewelry designer and ANGELIC ACTRESSES…Sarah Mugavero, center, will play Reno Sweeney in Union Catholic High School’s The Westfield Leader and The Following intermission, the self-proclaimed fashion expert. spring musical Anything Goes. She will be joined by her bevy of Angels from left, Katie Schurtz as Purity, Deena Zack as Virtue, Yavonia Wise as Chastity and Nicole Gryzwacz as Charity. Times of Scotch Plains- group which Linda Rondstadt cred- Some, like songstress Erykah Fanwood. He will rejoin the ited for her starting her career Badu, purposely dress to send staff during his summer vaca- brought high class and elegance her into cardiac arrest. Others, tion. to the stage. The Chantels, which like Sarah Jessica Parker, do Union Catholic High School’s Performing Arts Company consists of original members Lois everything dutiful to please her. SCOTCH PLAINS – Joshua Harris Powell, Sonia Goring Wil- Most just appease her. To Set Sail With Anything Goes For Two Weekends Hamerman, a freshman study- son, Renee Minus White, and new- You can guarantee that if I To Set Sail With Anything Goes For Two Weekends ing journalism at Indiana Uni- est member Ami Oritz, have a gift ever had the pleasure of waltz- SCOTCH PLAINS – The S.S. performances are part of the Pa- and math. At Columbia, he has versity, has joined the staff of for bringing an audience angelic ing down the red carpet, I’d America will set sail from the per Mill Playhouse Rising Star been the musical director for sev- thesynapse.org, an online innocence and vocal purity, while smile and wave and keep on stage of Union Catholic (UC) High Award program. For the past two eral productions. Choreographer magazine created by gradu- adding splashes of soul. trucking. School as the UC Performing Arts years, Sarah Mugavero (playing Ed Contempo has worked ate students at Indiana Uni- Ortiz showered listeners with a Rivers offers up some of the Company presents its annual Reno Sweeney) has won the Best throughout the area in over 100 versity. voice that belongs on every CD tastiest tidbits during the E! spring musical Anything Goes for Supporting Actress award in this shows and is choreographing his Thesynapse.org, which is player. It amazed me, especially Channel’s “Fashion Review.” If a two-weekend run. competition. second show at UC. Assistant Di- part of an alternative maga- during her performance of you have seen her in action, The production will be offered Maryann Carolan, directing her rector Tracy Trukowski Doherty zine Web ring, averages ap- “Maybe,” that she only recently you know what I mean. From on Friday and Saturdays, March 14th show, received a Paper Mill and her sister, Technical Director proximately 200,000 hits a joined the group. The wonderful this year’s Grammy review, Riv- 30, 31, April 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. in Playhouse Rising Star nomination Tara Trukowski, are both UC month. The magazine offers talent this quartet possesses should ers said she liked the entire the Union Catholic High School in 1999 for How to Succeed In graduates who began their show its staff members the oppor- never be kept a secret. goings on in one rap star’s auditorium. Business Without Really Trying. business careers in PAC. tunity to hone their digital “Baby Stick With Me,” “He’s hairdo. Leading characters will include She is a graduate of UC and an Reserved tickets may be ordered and magazine journalism Gone,” and “The Plea,” were per- They’re called cornrows, Kevin Apuzzio, Mike Vogt, English teacher at the school. by calling (908) 889-1600. Ticket skills. formed with such polish, while Joan. Amanda Hudziak, Zeena Koda, Larry N. Rothweiler, Jr. is the prices are $9 for adults and $7 for Joshua is the son of Mr. and Mr. DeLoro urged audience mem- So, was Rivers always this Sarah Mugavero, Nick Kraus, Musical Director and has been students and senior citizens. The Mrs. Michael Hamerman of bers to join in a little “cheek to brash? We certainly know she Bryan Hughes, Laura Bowman, active in area shows since 1974. box office opens at 7:15 p.m. Scotch Plains. He is a 2000 cheek” dancing in the aisles. Stand- wasn’t always that thin, perky- Tino Cerimele and Mike Andy Pratt, the orchestra leader, Reserved tickets should be picked graduate of Scotch Plains- ing ovations were inevitable. nosed and de-plasticized. No, Konchalski. will graduate in May from Colum- up at the table in the theatre Fanwood High School. Marty Schein, Manager of The Continued on Page 19 The Union Catholic High School bia where he is studying music lobby by 7:45 p.m. CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK