A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, August 20, 2015 Page 15 UCPAC To Hosts Grease POPCORN Sing-a-Long Event Sept. 19 Ricki and the Flash No Flash in the Pan RAHWAY – Celebrate "Summer Every performance starts with a Lovin" when Sing-a-Long-a Grease Sing-a-Long-a host who warms up 3 popcorns rolls into the Union County Perform- the audience, trains them how to One Popcorn, Poor — Two Popcorns, Fair — Three Popcorns, Good — Four Popcorns, Excellent ing Arts Center Mainstage on Satur- "hand-jive," use the contents of their day, September 19 at 8 p.m. free magic moments fun packs and By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER Adding their own vitriol to the fire are The classic movie musical becomes heckle in all the right places. Sing-a- film critic twin brothers Josh (Sebastian Stan) an interactive show, complete with Long-a Grease is "the one that you Seeing Meryl Streep dissolve into and Adam (Nick Westrate). on-screen lyrics and the chance to want" for a night of fun entertainment rock musician Ricki Rendazzo in The subsequent train wreck and become a Pink Lady or T-Bird for the and nostalgia with a group of friends. Jonathan Demme’s Ricki and the rather predictable upshot veers to the night and enter the costume competi- Tickets start at only $12 and dis- Flash, it occurred to me how lucky I clichéd side of things. But again, at the tion. Sing-a-Long-a Greasers will be counts are available for groups of 10 am. The simple facts of chronology risk of seeming très ad nauseam, and decked out in their own versions of or more. UCPAC's Mainstage is lo- precluded me from seeing baseball using an adverb as an adjective, it fifties high school garb worn at Rydell cated at 1601 Irving Street in the players like Babe Ruth, Mel Ott, Tris requires noting that Miss Streep uti- High, including poodle skirts and heart of Rahway's Arts District and Speaker and Ty Cobb play their craft. lizes the dysfunctional typicalness as a saddle shoes, black leather biker and easily accessible to major roads and But in that fickle, sometimes great telling contrast to how far from the powder-pink bomber jackets, chiffon public transportation. To purchase equalizer of fate, I’ve had the opportu- fold the housewife turned rocker has scarves and skinny ties. Costumes are tickets, call the box office at (732) nity to witness the Great Streep’s ca- drifted. In a poignant monologue from definitely encouraged, but singing is 499-8226 or visit the website at www. reer, right from the beginning. A few the stage, a bit in her cups, Ricki notes mandatory. ucpac.org. A LEARNING EXPERIENCE...Students in the Westfield Public School’s En- films in, I actually disliked her in how it’s funny that Mick (Jagger), who glish Language Learners (ELL) summer program enhanced their study of English with activities in and out of the classroom. One of their favorite outings was to the Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) because has seven children by four women, is Westfield Fire Department, where the children met Firefighter Craig Manning she gave my man Dustin the gate. I “still the man.” Yet she, who gave up The Bandstand to Premiere and observed the station’s functions firsthand. In preparation of the guided tour, have since forgiven her. hearth and home for her passion, is the students learned vocabulary associated with emergency response systems and Fast forward a few decades and you deemed a monster. crafted several questions. The twelve participants in the extended school year can’t help taking her for granted. She’s Playing kindred spirit to her diva, At Paper Mill Playhouse program are from six countries: China, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Germany, and always going to be good. More likely real rocker Rick Springfield is decent Switzerland, and will enter Westfield’s first, second, or third grades in the fall. the question is, will she score yet an- as Greg, who’d like to be more than MILLBURN – Paper Mill Play- every ounce of talent, stamina and This summer, the federally-funded program was taught by Westfield ESL teacher other best actress nomination? She just Ricki’s lead guitarist. And Flash house announced that Tony Award raw nerve that these musicians pos- Maggie Gonzalez and student teacher Elizabeth Fredas. “The major focus of the already has 19. That’s seven more than members Rick Rosas, Joe Vitale and program is to ensure that students are continuing to grow in their English nominee Laura Osnes, Corey Cott sess. language acquisition throughout the summer and are given opportunities to Katharine Hepburn (who has one more Bernie Worrell, accomplished musi- and Tony Award winner Beth Leavel The Bandstand will be performed understand the various roles the many members of any vibrant community play,” win—4) and nine more than Bette cians all, create an authentic milieu as will star in the theater’s world-pre- at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times explained the District Supervisor of World Languages and ELL, David Greer. In Davis, esteemed colleagues in that our gal’s loyal band of cohorts. But miere musical The Bandstand . a week, Wednesday through Sun- addition to being welcomed at the Westfield Fire House, the students toured the pantheon of which she’s now a full- like the patrons of the story’s Salt The Bandstand will be directed day. Performance schedule: Wednes- operations within the town’s Post Office. They also experienced a day at the fledged member. Well, we’ve come to see Ricki, to once and choreographed by Tony Award day at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 1:30 Newark Museum, where they learned about the importance of preserving cultural Such accomplishment comes with again be amazed, and left to wonder winner Andy Blankenbuehler. The p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., artifacts. a challenge. Each succeeding perfor- not what Ricki and the Flash’s blazing Bandstand features a book and lyr- Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and mance is an in event unto itself, which star can do, but rather, if there’s any- ics by Richard Oberacker and Rob- Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tick- can easily upstage the drama encom- thing she can’t do? ert Taylor and music by Richard ets are on sale now and start at just The Wild Party to Bring passing it. But the greats have a way of *** Oberacker. The Bandstand begins $29. Tickets may be purchased by ameliorating that, employing some sort Ricki and the Flash, rated PG-13, performances Thursday, October 8, calling (973) 376-4343, at the Paper of secret thespic supercharger to direct is a Sony Pictures release directed by 2015, and runs through Sunday, No- Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Prohibition Era to Life our focus. Therefore yes, we know Jonathan Demme and stars Meryl vember 8, 2015. The official press Brookside Drive in Millburn, or that’s Ms. Streep up there on the silver Streep, Rick Springfield and Mamie opening night is Sunday, October online at www.PaperMill.org. Visa, RAHWAY – The roaring twenties whose lives are spiraling downward screen, larger than life. Still, as the Gummer. Running time: 101 minutes 18, at 7 p.m. Complete casting will MasterCard, Discover, and Ameri- are set to come alive this September fast, filled to the brim with meaning- reels roll, we’re certain that she’s also be announced at a later date. can Express accepted. Groups of 10 at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in a less sex, drugs, drinking, jealousies, Ricki, the struggling singer who gave Deutscher Club to Host Set in 1945, The Bandstand tells or more can receive up to a 40 per- Gatsby-esque production of Andrew and casual betrayals. it all up for her music. the story of a mismatched band of cent discount on tickets and should Lippa’s The Wild Party, presented by The show runs at the UCPAC’s So of course, as the captivating lead German Biergarten military veterans who join together call (973) 315-1680. College stu- Fearless Hearts and Fearless Produc- Hamilton Stage Fridays and Satur- singer of the title rock group that is a CLARK – The Deutscher Club of to compete in a national radio con- dents can order $20 rush tickets over tions through the Union County Ad- days, September 11 and 12, 18 and 19 regular attraction at the Salt Well, a Clark will host an authentic German test in New York City with a prize the phone or in person at the Paper vancing Community Theater at 8 p.m., Sunday, September 20 at 3 San Fernando Valley saloon, the ac- Biergarten on Friday, August 28 from that will guarantee instant stardom Mill Playhouse Box Office on the (UCACT) Program. p.m., Saturday, September 26 at 8 tress also convincingly plays rhythm 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. to the winners. But with compli- day of the performance. A steamy prohibition tale p.m. and Sunday, September 27 at 3 guitar. The train of big money stardom The Deutscher Club of Clark is cated relationships, the demands of "I’m thrilled that The Bandstand steamrolling and roaring its way p.m. pulled out of the station some years located at 787 Featherbed Lane, Clark. the competition and the challenging will make its world premiere at the across the stage, Andrew Lippa's Wild Tickets are available now and can ago. But having never given up their The event will feature an American after-effects of war, going all the Paper Mill Playhouse,” remarked di- Party was an off-broadway gem that be purchased online at ucpac.org or allegiance to the god of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Classics Auto Show, music by Don way for a win in the contest seems rector and choreographer Andy garnered an array of industry acco- through the UCPAC Box Office at like countless other, ‘should-a-been- Bitterlich and DJ Hot Rod Mike. like a dream that may break these Blankenbuehler. “Like so many of lades, including Drama Desk, Outer (732) 499-8226. Seating is general famous’ bar bands around the globe, Admission, which is open to the musicians. The original score is us in the theatre, I feel it’s like being Critics Circle, and Obie awards. Based admission and tickets are priced at these grass roots altruists play the old- public, is $2 per person, children un- strongly influenced by authentic back at home. The show follows a on Joseph Moncure March's 1928 $20. ies and throw in a couple new ones, der 12 free 1940s swing music, much of which group of young musicians, having narrative poem of the same name, the The UCACT program grants fund- just to prove they can. They have a German and American food and is played onstage by the characters recently returned home from the war. darkly brilliant show features one of ing to cover the hard costs associated small but devoted following. beverages will be available. No out- who make up the band. The show When this sizzling music and swing the most exciting, pulse-racing scores with putting up at production at the Exploring this oft-overlooked bit side food or beverages permitted. No races towards a 'live on air' finale dancing explodes onto the stage, I ever written. Union County Performing Arts Cen- of sociology, director Demme, work- bicycles, skates, skateboards, scoot- that has an emotionally charged and know that the audiences are going to A take on Shakespeare’s A Mid- ter. Through creative partnership and ing from a script by Diablo Cody, ers, glass containers or pets permit- surprise twist ending that requires go wild.” summer Night’s Dream, the show a holistic approach, the program cre- attaches a rather traditional tale about ted. For more Information call (732) paints a vivid picture of a decadent ates a successful business model for the family Ricki Rendazzo, a.k.a. Linda 574-8600 or visit and deadly all-night party in late 1920s Community Theater, allowing them Brummel, forsook in service of her www.deutscherclub.us. Manhattan, just a year before the to provide quality performances while muse. Expect the usual fallout, re- Young Audiences Announces Crash of 1929, when nearly every- also thriving financially. criminations, awkward moments and thing in America would collapse. For more information on UCACT, tender epiphanies when, informed that Westfielder’s Artwork It's the story of a desperately dam- please contact Victoria Durbin Drake, her recently betrayed daughter has gone New President & CEO aged relationship between vaudeville Chief of Staff, Union County Board off the deep end, Ricki flies back to her On Exhibit at Gallery dancer Queenie and vaudeville clown of Chosen Freeholders, at (908) 558- prior world to stop the bleeding and WESTFIELD – Westfield artist, PRINCETON – Young Audiences sented nationally and regionally on Burrs, two vicious, reckless people, 2278 or visit ucnj.org/ucact. mend fences. Kanak "Kay" Bhasin's artwork is New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylva- arts education. There, literally back home in Indi- currently on exhibition at Galeria nia (YA), the leading provider of Ms. Russo shared, “I am honored ana, she is greeted by her former hubby, West, 111 Quimby Street in arts education in the region, has that the board has chosen me to lead Pete, who sent out the S.O.S. A nice Westfied. Galeria West is open from announced the selection of Michele Young Audiences New Jersey and NJYT Performing Arts guy played by Kevin Kline, his 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Russo as its new President and CEO. Eastern Pennsylvania in this new workaholic ways have bought him a Ms. Bhasin’s exposure to art Ms. Russo will transition into the chapter. I am thrilled to bring my McMansion in a gated community. started early in life. Her creative role on October 19 as Laurence experience from The Geraldine R. Classes To Begin in October Although remarried, his wife (Audra mother had decorated their home Capo retires after 25 years of dedi- Dodge Foundation and my passion McDonald) is off visiting her sick dad with prints of Degas and Miro's cation to YA. A national search was for arts education to this important ROSELLE PARK – “Right now This past summer, NJYT pre- in another state. Hmm? Oh, it’s OK. paintings and objets d'art from conducted by the board of trustees’ organization. Under Larry’s leader- on Broadway, Adam Rodgers is in sented Kander and Ebb’s classic It’s even OK, in a soap opera sort of around the world. Kanak took pri- search committee led by Board ship, YA has made incredible American in Paris, Daisy Hobbs is musical, Cabaret at the Algonquin way, that Ricki, a supermarket cashier vate paintings lessons when she was Chair Belinda Roll and Immediate progress in its mission to reach ev- in Aladdin, Okieriete Onaeodowan Arts Theatre in Manasquan and the when she’s not rocking and rolling, a young girl and excelled in the art Past Chair Richard Goldman. ery child with the arts. I am eager to was in Rocky and is now in Westminster Arts Center in has no money to stay in a hotel. Hmm? class in school. She has a degree in “Michele is a proven leader in work with the board, staff and art- Hamilton,” said Cynthia Meryl, Ar- Bloomfield. Before long, we meet the immedi- Fine Art/Art Education from Kean both the non-profit and arts educa- ists to grow YA’s reach, continue to tistic Director of New Jersey Youth Starting its 24th season, registra- ate victims of Ricki’s mortal sin, gath- University, and enjoys painting with tion field,” said Belinda Roll. “Her adapt to the educational landscape, Theatre (NJYT) listing several tion for NJYT classes in drama, ered to vociferously impress that there acrlyics in her New Jersey studio. wealth of knowledge and passion and deliver programs that nurture NJYT alumni who are successfully voice, ballet, jazz, tap, and musical is no statute of limitations for desert- Most of Kanak's paintings are im- along with her bright vision for YA’s and expand the creativity, cultural progressing in their theatrical ca- theatre for ages eight to 21 will take ing one’s family, with the two-timed pressionistic or abstract expression- future will help our organization understanding and learning skills reers. She added, “NJYT students place at the Roselle Park Studio. daughter, Julie, played by Streep’s real- istic and are characterized by the move forward in its quest to ensure of our children.” not only have gone on to Broadway, For detailed information on life offspring, Mamie Gummer, lead- use of vibrant color. It is her hope that all children in our region expe- “I could not be happier with the but also to prime-time television, NJYT, visit ing the tirade. While it’s too early to that her paintings convey her natu- rience high quality arts education.” board’s selection of Michele,” shared film, and to major regional theatres www.njyouththeatre.org, click on say whether or not Miss Gummer is a ral sense of optimism and joie de Richard Goldman shared, "We are Mr. Capo. “I am confident she will across the country. As important, “classes,” and then on “current class chip off the old icon, her frighteningly vivre. pleased to announce this appoint- carry forward our rich legacy. She many have entered first-rate theatre brochure.” For class information, unkempt martyr assures us that Hell Ms. Bhasin's website is ment. Michele will bring leader- has an expansive vision, proven pas- arts programs at major colleges and call (908) 233-3200. still hath no fury like a woman scorned. kbhasin.artspan.com ship, passion and creativity to YA’s sion for the field and a depth of universities. We are proud of all our programs and a deep sense of com- knowledge and skills to bring the alumni and hope to continue to edu- mitment to our region’s non-profit organization and the field of arts cate and, motivate students, and to sector and the arts education arena. education to its next level.” instill in them the self confidence She has a breadth of perspective they will need to move on to college and experience.” and then to make their theatrical Ms. Russo’s experience includes www.goleader.com dream a reality.” over 15 years of arts administra- tion, communication, program de- velopment and assessment in the non-profit arena. She leaves her position at The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation where she managed the Biennial Geraldine R. Dodge Po- etry Festival, the largest poetry fes- tival in North America, the Poetry in the Schools Program and partici- pated in the Dodge Emerging Lead- ers Program. Prior to her time at the Dodge Foundation, she served as a Senior Education Associate at Young Audiences New Jersey where she managed programs that included Creative Beginnings Early Child- hood Residency and Professional Development Program, Artists-in- Education Long-Term Residencies, and Arts 4 Learning Literacy Les- sons. As a volunteer, Ms. Russo has dedicated her time, passion and ex- pertise to the Big Brothers, Big Sis- ters of Essex County, the Morristown Festival of Books and the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown. Ms. Russo obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in French from The College of New Jersey. She has been published as a co-collaborator of early childhood arts integrated curriculum in Young Children: The Journal of the Na- tional Association for the Educa- tion of Young Children and has pre-