Page 18 Thursday, May 31, 2012 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Cranford Teens Perform Benefit Concert For Fallen Friend By ERIC NIERSTEDT most people know about,” said Danny, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” to Children’s Show Recommended Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times who researched the disease and made Cara’s own performance of Mariah CRANFORD — On Thursday night, pamphlets for the event. “Only about Carey’s “Hero.” There were also clas- the students of Cranford High School two hundred people get it each year. sical pieces such as Mary Kate (CHS) came together for “Call For a So it’s very hard to get research and Mueller’s “Casardas,” and group a For Pirate Lovers of All Ages Cure,” a benefit in memoriam of CHS funds specifically for this type of capella versions of the Plain White By SUSAN MYRILL DOUGHERTY name. For six weeks, three times a culture references that the parents es- student Colin Maher, who passed away cancer.” T’s “Rhythm Of Love,” and the Celtic Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times week, a cast of nine characters – the pecially will ‘get.’ We’ve been chuck- two years ago from Ewing’s Sarcoma, Colin’s loss had been felt by many song “Loch Lomond.” WESTFIELD - “Let’s put on a show” exact ones from the book – have re- ling at every rehearsal over them.” a rare form of cancer that affects young in the school; his friends created Many of the students performed is a familiar mantra in Judy Garland/ hearsed in preparation for the show. As director/ choreographer, Mr. adults and teens. The evening’s rev- Friends of Colin, a nonprofit organi- original material; Victoria Treboschi Mickey Rooney movies and was a sum- The multi-generational cast will Jacobs offered kudos for his colleagues. enue, which totaled $2,700, went to zation that worked to raise awareness performed “Tomorrow Morning” mer time slogan for Hedgehog and present the imaginative production on “The costumes (by Alisa Korunow) are Georgetown University’s Research and funds for research. They also which she wrote for her late cousin; Feather Theatre Company’s directors Friday, June 8, at 7 p.m., Saturday, June some of the best I’ve seen. It’s been a Department, which is pursuing a cure channeled funds to the research at Rebecca Deczinski choreographed a when they were growing up. Sara 9, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, blessing to work with this company. I for the disease. Georgetown and similar studies. As dance to her poem “In My Life” and Hedgepeth, musical director of the June 10, at 4 p.m. The air-conditioned was used to doing so many things my- The event was organized by Cara such, many students offered to per- a string quarter and flutist brought Westfield company, said she grew up Parish Hall of St. Paul’s Episcopal self for shows I directed in Michigan. Costa and Danny Rahal, two friends form in the concert, which became a pianist Nate Moon’s Celtic-tinged with the idea of putting on a show every Church at 414 East Broad Street, It’s a treat working with Sara and Julie of Colin who put on the show as part problem for Cara. “I’ve done pro- “Sadness and Sorrow” arrangement chance she could get. Westfield will be transformed from a who are open to my wacky ideas.” of their University Research Semi- grams for the arts and music before, to life. Co-director of the theatre company, staged theatre area to a pirate ship. A six piece professional band will nar, a special academic track offered but we had so many people who Despite the somber nature of many Julie Minogue Fetter and set and props Director Ty Jacobs explained, “The accompany the cast with musical di- at CHS. wanted to remember Colin,” she said. of the performances, Cara said that manager of the upcoming show How I children will sit on the floor on beach rector Ms. Hedgepeth on keyboard. “You basically get to study one “It really only got easier when a few she worked to keep much of the Became a Pirate, said she remembers towels in front of the adults who will be The Sunday afternoon performance topic for a year,” Cara explained. “I people had to drop out.” evening “uplifting” and many acts hanging a sheet as a makeshift curtain seated in chairs in modified theatre-in- is billed as “sensory sensitive for chil- worked with fundraising and when it The variety of students was evi- kept that in mind. Zach Love gave an for plays that she and her friends would the-round. As the story opens, just like dren with special needs and their fami- came time to do the final project, I dent in the concert’s eclectic lineup, impassioned version of “Corner of put on for the family and neighbors. in the book, there is a sand castle scene. lies.” Ms. Fetter, a paraprofessional in couldn’t think of a better cause to which featured music, dance, and the Sky,” from the Broadway musical The idea of the backyard show has The characters sail away on a dinghy Special Education with McKinley El- raise funds for.” poetry. The songs ranged from Pippin; Jessica Nesi performed a come a long way with the upcoming and then, before the audience’s eyes, ementary School in Westfield, said, “Ewing’s Sarcoma isn’t a cancer Jonathan Furer’s piano rendition of fierce, yet gentle dance to “Move presentation of the children’s musical, the space will actually be revealed as “This special performance will have a Along” by the All-American Rejects, How I Became a Pirate, with music, the ship itself with rigging and sails.” five to eight minute intermission, where and the Celtic Tigers Irish dance book and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and There is more than just visual excite- the other performances, with a running troupe opened the second act with a Mark Friedman. It is based on the ment. Ms. Hedgepeth predicts that there time of one hour, will be without one.” stomping performance. Melinda Long children’s book, a 2003 is something for everyone in the fam- Ms. Hedgepeth said of the company The concert ended with the entire New York Times’ best seller by the same ily. “Ty [Jacobs] is throwing in pop that also runs the popular theatre sum- cast onstage performing the Irish mer program for elementary school hymn “Danny Boy,” a request from and middle school age children, “We Colin’s mother, who was on hand have definitely found a niche here in selling refreshments, and a speech by Westfield.” Colin’s friend Mike Zanfardino. The cast includes: Jeremy Jacob – Mike reminisced about how he and Max Kleiman of Westfield; Captain Colin met, “It was the first day of Braid Beard – Joe Roberts of Madison; seventh grade, and I thought I’d be Sharktooth – John Cote of Westfield; cool and walk into class singing a Swill – JD Kelly of Westfield; Max – song. Of course, I only knew the first Christopher Slavik of Weehawken; five words, but then Colin jumped in. Seymour – Sharon McGuire of He didn’t know the words either, so Westfield; Pierre – Wendy Connolly of we both sang the line over and over Westfield; Scurvy Dog – Alex Ramos again.” He also introduced the group of Rahway and Jiggy – Jack Patrick of friends Colin had formed called Munley of Westfield. “The Irish Mafia,” and taught the crowd their secret handshake. How I Became a Pirate The evening came to a close with a Tickets are $15 for adults slideshow showing Colin throughout Photo courtesy of Susan Cook and $10 for children. Eric Nierstedt for The Westfield Leader and The Times FAMILY FUN...Hedgehog and Feather Theatre Company will present How I BANDING TOGETHER...Students from Cranford High School came together his life with friends and family. Became a Pirate June 8-10. The cast pictured, left to right, are: JD Kelly, Wendy For more information, visit for “Call For a Cure,” a benefit in memoriam of a fellow student, Colin Maher, Donations for “Friends of Colin” Connolly, Sharon McGuire, Jack Patrick Munley, Joe Roberts, Max Kleiman, hedgehogandfeather.org. who passed away two years ago from Ewing’s Sarcoma. Pictured, performers can be made to 365 Retford Avenue, Alex Ramos, Christopher Slavik and John Cote. sing “Danny Boy” at the request of Colin’s mother. Cranford N.J., 07016. WHS Receives 12 Rising Star Nominations For Pippin MILLBURN – Since their inception by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his in 1996, the Paper Mill Playhouse Ris- role as King Charlemagne. Rebecca ing Star Awards for Excellence in High Skowron also received a nomination School Musical Theatre have ignited for Outstanding Performance in a Fea- the careers of many notable perform- tured Role as Berthe. Bernadette Hopen ers, all of whom attended high school and Alison Antonelli were both nomi- in New Jersey. Among the former nomi- nated for the Student Achievement nees and winners are Academy Award® Award for their work as the show’s nominee Anne Hathaway, Tony® Stage Manager and Costume Designer award winner Laura Benanti, and 2011 respectively. The production also re- Tony® Award winner, Nikki M. James. ceived an honorable mention in the Since 90 schools across New Jersey category Outstanding Lighting participated in the 2012 Rising Star Achievement for the work of Lisa and Awards, it is a great honor to be recog- Michael Kimmell. nized. Westfield High School received The 2012 Paper Mill Playhouse Ris- 12 Rising Star Award nominations for ing Star Awards Ceremony will take its production of Pippin. The show was place at Paper Mill Playhouse Tuesday, nominated for awards in the categories June 5, at 7:30 p.m. Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical, Outstanding Performance by WHS Project ’79 Silent a Chorus, Outstanding Performance by an Orchestra, Outstanding Achieve- Auction Fundraiser ment by a Teacher or Outside Director WESTFIELD – Westfield High for the work of Daniel Devlin, Out- School (WHS) Project ’79 students standing Achievement in Choreogra- will be traveling to the Dominican Re- phy and Staging thanks to the creativity public this summer for the fourth time of Samantha Hahn, Outstanding Hair to complete the construction of a school/ and Make-up Achievement by Alexa medical clinic/clean water distribution Derman, and Outstanding Achievement point, all of which are needed in a very in Graphic Design for Asher Horowitz’s poor community just north of Santo work. Individual Domingo. The major fundraiser for Students were also recognized for this summer’s trip will be a silent auc- their achievements. Matt Lynn was tion to be held on Monday, June 11, at nominated for an award in the category 6:30 p.m. in the large cafeteria of WHS. Outstanding Performance by an Actor For further information, or to donate in a Leading Role for his portrayal of to the auction, contact Project ’79 Earth Pippin and Geoff Ko was nominated in Science teacher, Sara Soriente, at the category Outstanding Performance [email protected].

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