A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, September 22, 2005 Page 25 POPCORN™ TAKE THE STAGE The Man: Premiere Stages’ Realistic Is More Like a Mouse Boy Gets Girl Mesmerizes

One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent By SUSAN M. DOUGHERTY realistic awkwardness on their first Specially Written For The Westfield Leader and The Times By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER back. date echoes initial date jitters we 2 popcorns Only moderately fazed by the turn CRANFORD – In the real world, have all experienced. The Man, about a dental supply stories don’t always end “happily Carl Wallnau plays Theresa’s boss salesman (Eugene Levy) who unin- of events, both on and off screen, and yakking throughout the doings, ever after.” This is one of the truisms wonderfully well. Through the whole tentionally partners up with a Federal shared in Boy Gets Girl by play- experience, his confident, profes- agent (Samuel L. Jackson), belongs Levy’s salesman continually attempts to make friends with his involuntary wright Rebecca Gilman that Pre- sional character pauses to reflect to the genre known as the buddy pic- miere Stages, the professional Ac- sympathetically on how he might ture. More specifically, it falls within associate. Jackson’s special agent will have none of it. He is merely menac- tors’ Equity Association (AEA) the- have victimized women in his life. the phylum commonly referred to as atre program at Kean University pre- Theresa’s colleague Mercer, the the salt ‘n’ pepper film. Such pairings ing. His visage stays set on the same slow burn for the duration. sents through this weekend, Sep- extremely talented Chris Henry are usually meant to be both instruc- tember 22 through 25. Coffey, wants to write about her tive and humorous, though you Missing the whole point, the film is proof that two actors working in sepa- The play starts out simply with a troubles for the magazine, which couldn’t tell it from this mouse of a blind date. Now a blind date is per- makes her feel violated all over again. movie. rate vacuums do not a buddy flick make. A good script doctor might fectly safe if arranged by people He, too, comes to see her unfortu- While the lacklustre Salt and Pep- who know you both, if you meet in a nate plight by the final scene. per (1968) featuring Rat-Packers have painted Vann a bit more self- Boy Gets Girl, Kean University’s Premiere Stages effacing once his new pal makes the public place and if you don’t give Kean University Chairman of the Sammy Davis, Jr. and Peter Lawford out too much personal information. Department of Theatre Holly popularized the notion, the best ex- genial overture. That failing, the al- ternative would be to give comedian We all know those blind date rules Rhoades develops the character of ample by which to measure all other Local Libraries Report and usually abide by them in the Detective Beck. In Act I, Beck is farcical entries in the genus is Silver Levy a lot more jokes and just let him run with the ball. But then there’s ever-changing world of online dat- stereotypically all business because Streak (1976), starring Richard Pryor ing match-ups. she thinks it’s just a routine case she and Gene Wilder. On the straight dra- always the politics of Hollywood to Stellar Summer Reading consider. Doubtless, Jackson’s camp Ms. Gilman’s heroine, Theresa has encountered. When Theresa and matic side, Sidney Poitier and Tony By MARYLOU MORANO library’s Public Services Librarian. Bedell, a high-powered writer for a the detective meet in the park in Act would have frowned upon such stra- Specially Written For The Westfield Leader and The Times Curtis in The Defiant Ones (1958) Younger children kept tabs of books magazine in New York City, meets II, however, the canned speeches remain the duo to beat. tegic upstaging. Several hundred area children had read or read to them, while older Granted, there are a few laughs, her blind date Tony at a noisy bar. He Beck has rehearsed for victims take The Man, dropped down to this the opportunity to experience the joy readers monitored their reading min- seems to be a nice enough computer on a layer of warmth as the two paragraph because it doesn’t deserve though never quite enough to go of summer reading by participating utes. Ms. Corona reported that a total around. Yet even sadder, the getting- geek and knows a friend of a friend. exchange haunting biographical in- to share space with either of those in “Dragons, Dreams and Daring of 1,763 books were either read by or Excellent. Theresa doesn’t give him formation. two, evinces not even the slightest to-know you aspect of the movie re- Deeds,” a reading program sponsored read to participants, and older readers mains stuck in low gear. her home phone number and doesn’t Lacey Jones supplies comic relief dash of their filmic DNA. The chem- by the national organization “Sum- clocked in a whopping 883 hours and let him take her home. She’s no dope. in this dark piece with her high plat- istry never flows in earnest. The di- You feel like launching up to the mer Reading Collaborative” and en- 15 minutes of summer reading. stage, filtering through the screen, She does all the right things. But form wedge shoes, naiveté and inap- rection is non-distinct. And to state dorsed by the New Jersey State Li- “This year, children participated in somehow, everything goes terribly propriate business clothes. that the writing is uninspired is too pulling both principals into a huddle brary in Trenton. greater numbers. They were really and explaining: “Look…this is a salt wrong. Les Kennkat, an ailing, lecherous kind. The Westfield Memorial Library, enthused about the theme. This year’s Tony misreads cues, sends her end- porno filmmaker played by James Pity is, it looked so good on paper. ‘n’ pepper, buddy movie. As dispar- Scotch Plains Public Library, Free reading figures exceed last year’s,” ate as your cultures are, as diverse as less floral bouquets at work and won’t Alyward, is alternately funny and Eugene Levy and Samuel L. Jack- Public Library of Mountainside and said Ms. Corona. listen to her resounding “no.” Her pathetic. He is a Hugh Heffner cari- son? Better dipoles there have rarely your folkways and mores may be, Fanwood Memorial Library all par- Fanwood Memorial Library gave you’re supposed to represent hope.” clear rejection only fans his passion cature who has found his niche film- been. The tagline is great: “One guy ticipated in the program, along with its summer reading program a theat- and he winds up obsessed. As he ing women’s breasts, and can’t be walks the walk. The other talks and Well, isn’t that what the cliché libraries in 30 other states. rical twist when it offered its young mandates? We have become inured to stalks her, audience members squirm anything but that caricature. talks. Only one of them can be…” At Westfield Memorial Library, 620 readers a drama workshop entitled with identification. Nadine Charlsen, who teaches set But it’s all downhill from there. the hackneyed. Offering up a salt ‘n’ elementary school-aged youngsters “Dragons, Dreams and Drama.” pepper movie containing virtually no Producing Artistic Director John design, lighting design, scene paint- Mr. Levy quickly establishes his sub- took part in “Dragons, Dreams and Twenty youngsters in grades 5 Wooten offers this last show of the ing and stage management at Kean, urban breadwinner persona. He is spice, The Man does nothing to amend Daring Deeds,” while 126 teens par- through 9 participated. that mindset. 2005 season as something entirely proves that she can produce what Andy Fiddler, the common man ticipated in “Joust Read,” the teenage The program came to an end in different from the other two Equity she asks of her students. Her multi- extraordinaire…a hero not only in his * * * * * * * component of the program, which in August with the production of The shows that preceded it. The two-act faceted set is both functional and own home, but in the wild and wooly The Man, rated PG-13, is a New Westfield was offered online. In ad- Dreadful Dragon by Margaret Wylie play has an especially strong second visually interesting, with revolving world of dental supply sales as well. Line Cinema release directed by Les dition, the library offered a “Little Brydon. In addition to those involved act that propels the audience to the panels and full scene sets that are And it’s just that fame that has him Mayfield and stars Samuel L. Jack- Listeners” program for those too in the drama workshop, 100 addi- edge of their seats. exchanged effortlessly. traveling to Detroit, where he’s slated son, Eugene Levy and Luke Goss. young to read. The number of books tional children took part in “Dragons, Wooten has assembled a stellar Boy Gets Girl is about the masks to address a convention of his peers. Running time: 84 minutes read to them measured their progress. Dreams and Daring Deeds.” cast that is able to display how this we all don and the facades we all Naturally, as the contrivances of “Since numerous studies tell us “I feel it is such a service for chil- terrifying situation affects not just wear for protection. It is a story of mediocre movies would dictate, a case County Hosts Arts & that children who read for fun during dren to have a place to read which the person being stalked, but the how the sexes treat each other as of mistaken identity puts him up close the summer do better in school the will help them perceive the joys of ones around him/her. much as a tale of recognizable vic- and personal with Samuel L. Healing Conference next year, we are thrilled to have been reading for pleasure,” said Susan Erika Sheffer is the credible lead, tims and predators. Jackson’s special agent Derrick Vann. COUNTY – Can visual art heal the able to make this happen and make a Staub, the Fanwood Memorial Theresa, who is so consumed by her The audience keeps hoping that Of course, he is the nerd’s direct mind? County residents are invited to difference for so many Westfield Library’s Children’s Librarian. career that she really “doesn’t have everything will turn out right in the antithesis, right down to his bad atti- find out what leading researchers and kids,” said Kathy Muhm, Children’s time for a relationship.” The “in con- end. In real life, and in the verisi- tude. Divorced and knowing not the practitioners discovered at an inter- Librarian. trol” façade she projects is all the militude of this play, that only hap- slightest thing about the pirouette his active day-long conference for men- The Scotch Plains Public Library more believable as she unravels be- pens in the world of fantasy. little daughter is trying to perfect, tal health and social service provid- also conducted separate summer read- fore our eyes. he’s even a bit angrier than usual. ers, healthcare administrators, edu- ing programs based on age. Two hun- Stalker Tony, played by John M. You see, his partner was recently cators and artists. dred and fourteen children, from pre- Vazquez, 3rd, is just enough of a See it in Color: killed. Dealers in contraband, wood- “Visual Art and the Mind: An Arts school through elementary school, novice at dating for us to assume, at enly played and led by the perfuncto- & Well Being Initiative” will take participated in “Dragons, Dreams and first, he just doesn’t know appropri- www.goleader.com rily evil Kane (Luke Goss), are the place on Friday, October 21, from Daring Deeds,” while 38 middle ate dating bounds. Mr. Vazquez’s chief suspects. And now Fiddler’s 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton schoolers were enrolled in “Joust accidental embroilment in this world Hotel, 1170 Spring Street (Route Read.” of high-stakes gunrunning is only One), Elizabeth. Pre-registration is The library kicked off its program WF’s Beth Painter’s CDW confounding matters for the hair-trig- required. in June with an opening party that ger Fed. The fee for early registration by included story telling and a skit per- Don’t say that you could have writ- Wednesday, September 28 (and stu- formed by members of the library Spreads Passion of Acting ten this script. You’re made of much dents with current I.D.) is $79 per staff. WESTFIELD – Beth Painter of Painter’s CDW will offer two programs, better stuff. But, if you just happen to person, which includes continental A variety of activities such as pup- Westfield is doing her best to spread one for young children and one for be screenwriter Jim Piddock, Marga- breakfast, lunch, snacks and all mate- pet shows, juggling demonstrations her passion for acting to children in elementary and middle school students. ret Oberman or Stephen Carpenter, rials. Registration after September and creative writing classes were of- and around Westfield. Beth, an ac- Story Stretchers is a program geared for then your penchant was to go right 28 is $90. Registration on the day of fered to participants throughout the tress, graduate of the American Acad- children four to five years old and is ahead and have Andy and Derrick do the conference is $110. summer. emy of Dramatic Arts and NJ State designed to help children make real standard role reversal no. 101. Only, Attendees will learn new strategies “We were very pleased with the certified teacher, is opening the Con- connections between literature and the just to be difficult and bewildering in to reduce stress and anxiety and pro- community’s response to our pro- tagious Drama Workshop (CDW). arts in a hands-on fashion. Each class the bargain, you did it half-heartedly. mote mental health as well as partici- grams. The children who participated Classes will begin in early fall at the will immerse the children in creative What happened? It’s as if someone pate in the second annual interactive read steadily each week and main- Presbyterian Church of Westfield. activities such as acting, movement, or went out for donuts in the middle of educational forum where they will tained participation throughout the Parents who want to channel their music using a story as a catalyst. the writing, took a piece of the screen- learn how to infuse the healing power six-week program. Our young adult children’s creative curiosity will be Act Out! is the acting class for older play with her and forgot to come of the visual arts into their daily work. programs were also very successful,” pleased to learn about the classes that children. The classes will include said Children’s Librarian Michelle Beth is working on. When describing theater games, improvisation, char- Willis. the benefits of acting for children, Ms acter study, monologues and short “Over the past year we have worked FRIDAY MORNING STRING Painter said, “acting is a creative out- scene study. to expand the materials we have avail- ENSEMBLE…String musicians who let that gives children the opportunity Story Stretchers will be held 10 to 11 able to young adults and to make the are interested in sharing their talents to play and perform; at the same time, a.m. and Act Out! will take place 3:45 to library more appealing to them,” she are invited to participate in the New 5 p.m., both on Wednesdays. For more Jersey Workshop for the Arts Friday it helps build self esteem and commu- added. “Based upon the enthusiastic nication skills, as well as encourages information and to reserve a space, response to the summer reading pro- Morning String Ensemble. Violin, viola, bass and cello players can join together active listening.” contact Beth Painter at (917) 836-3740 gram, we will continue to schedule In addition to private coaching, Ms. or [email protected] new programs for young adults.” on Friday mornings, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at 150-152 East Broad Street in Ninety-one children from pre- Westfield. The ensemble, directed by school age through the second grade Dr. Ted Schlosberg (pictured above), is took part in the “Dragons Dreams a non-tuition program, funded by the and Daring Deeds” program at the NJWA Curriculum Development Free Public Library of Mountainside, Fund. Call (908) 789-9696 for an inter- according to Linda Corona, the view.

GRAND FINALE…Ms. Janet Lyman conducts the 2004-2005 NJWA Symphony Orchestra members in their final concert. Robert Costa’s ‘Collective Pat Brentano Takes Intelligence’ On Display Deep Look Into Woods CRANFORD – Union County Col- project of Art in Plain View, and ral- WESTFIELD – Westfield artist Pat lege is hosting an exhibition of works lies the efforts of five visual artists of Brentano will be a visiting artist with by five artists, Lisa Bateman, Norm different styles and disciplines to ex- the Weir Farm Trust Visual Artists Francoeur, DB Lampman, Doreen plore collaboration as a part of the Program in Connecticut. Five large McCarthy and Aaron Yassin. Entitled, creative process. The works consist drawing and two sculptures based on “Collective Intelligence,” through of a giant pod, suggesting an alien the deep forest at night will be on Wednesday, November 23. origin, and a 100-foot long checkered exhibit at the Housatonic Museum of The exhibition is hung in the Com- windsock situated amongst clusters COOL CAT…“Cat in cool shoes,” art- mons on the College’s Cranford cam- of brightly colored geometric Art in Bridgeport, Conn., Thursday, work by Peri-Anne Richmond-Taylor September 15 through Friday, No- of Villas. She is one of 110 fine artists, pus at 1033 Springfield Avenue. Due inflatables. vember 4. photographers and craftspeople at the to extensive renovations being made Video surveillance cameras simul- The 38-by-50-inch graphite and upcoming 18th annual Fall Fine Art to the MacKay Library, the taneously relay fragments of this charcoal drawings were inspired by and Crafts at Nomahegan Park on Sat- Tomasulo’s offerings are being moved aerial landscape to four TV monitors. the meadows of tall grass and dense urday and Sunday, October 1 to 2 in from the gallery space to various ven- The mixed media installation hangs forest of her childhood spent in Indi- Cranford. ues on the Cranford Campus. from the ceiling trusses of the UCC ana. Their texture and gesture hint at “Collective Intelligence” is a Commons. what is hidden in the fields. Nomahegan Showcases Ms. Brentano is an adjunct profes- sor of drawing at Kean University. Jewelry Exhibitors CRANFORD — The eighteenth annual Fall Fine Art and Crafts at The New Jersey Nomahegan Park show will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 1 &Workshop for the Arts and 2, in Cranford across from Union County College. The show will feature many new artists and crafters from throughout the northeast and beyond, displaying Kids 'n' Arts and selling their American-made handcrafted work. This show is free Art Music Drama to the public and will be open from 10 Now With Beginner Recorder & Violin Class! a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. The show will feature fine art, pho- Ages 3-5 AM & PM Classes tography, weaving, clothing, pottery, wood, fiber, leather, stained glass and Register Now! 908-789-9696 much more. The show will be ac- cented with live music by the Barley 150-152 East Broad Street Westfield, NJ 07090 Pat Brentano’s “Forest Sentinel” Boys Band a variety of ethnic foods.