Page 18 Thursday, September 13, 2001 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Take the Stage TheThe DinersDiners WITHKERRIANNE SPELLMAN CORT ZAFRA

46 Paterson Street, One Singular Sensation After Another,, New Brunswick, 08910 1/2 One Singular Sensation After Another, IGHEST OSSIBLE ATING TARS One Singular Sensation After Another,, (732) 214-1005 H P R : 4 S By CAROL F. DAVIS and they rotate Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times shifts. Right now, A Chorus Line Sizzles at Paper Mill * * * * * the place is more Editor’s Note: Carol would like to crowded at lunch- By KERRIANNE SPELLMAN CORT Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times remind readers that her rating sys- time, and they are beginning to develop MILLBURN — In January of tem is based upon a vegetarian diet. She welcome your comments. a following of regu- 1974, Director and Choreographer lars. Michael Bennett invited 22 Broad- NEW BRUNSWICK — How Lunch and dinner share the same way “Gypsies,” (dancers who could a restaurant named for “the menu. For either meal, the prices are struggle to make their living in the harvest” be anything but scrump- unbelievably reasonable. The most chorus of musicals), to spend an tious? Let’s put it this way — I was expensive dishes were our two en- evening with him sharing their sto- not at all disappointed with the food trees priced at $8.95 each. ries. Little did the dancers know that CHILDREN’S

With Marylou Morano BOOK NOOK Nonfiction Books: Why Truth Is More Interesting Than Fiction By MARYLOU MORANO lived in various times during his- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times tory. Some were familiar to me Kerrianne Spellman Cort for The Westfield Leader and The Times One of the misconceptions of and others weren’t, but all lead POST-SHOW PRIDE...A Chorus Line cast member Lauren Wagner readers — young and (Bebe) takes a moment to shine with Paper Mill Playhouse Associate fascinating lives. For Producer Roy Miller. old alike, is that nonfic- ages 9-12. tion is boring and dull. Historical Fiction Because nonfiction is Based Upon Nonfic- the personal tales of heartache and Mr. Bennett and his original gypsies “real life” it can be as strife they revealed to Mr. Bennett proud. tion Carol F. Davis for The Westfield Leader and The Times interesting as fiction, “Dear Ellen Bee: A that night would soon turn into one Accolades go to all of the wonder- and a skilled author can Civil War Scrapbook of the greatest Broadway musicals of ful actors in this production, but sev- all time. Be sure to look up to find this make reading nonfic- of Two Union Spies” is eral performances stand out notably. at Zafra in New Brunswick. restaurant. Zafra is on the second tion every bit as excit- a fictional story based A Chorus Line opened on April 16, Mark Bove is a powerful presence as I had been hearing about this res- 1975 at the New York Shakespeare floor, visible from the street with two ing as fiction. Here are upon two, real life Zach, the director/choreographer taurant since its grand opening al- brightly colored neon lights in each some examples: women, one a wealthy Festival’s off-Broadway Newman who is holding the audition that in- most two months ago, first through Theater, and transferred to Broad- of the grand front windows. I hope Nonfiction Picture spinster and the other troduces the audience to this lovable email, and then, as people I know you get Sue as your waitperson. She Book her young, freed slave. way in July of the same year. The group of dancers. started to check the place out, by inspiring and touching musical play made the experience even more en- The Hindenburg’s During the Civil War, Mr. Bove is strong and focused, word of mouth. I don’t know what joyable with her friendly demeanor contributions to air travel the two infiltrated the Confederate took me so long to get there. and war efforts are documented in White House and passed on mili- When I finally did arrive, at about Continued on Page 17 “The Hindenburg,” a picture book tary intelligence to the Union Army. 8 p.m. on a Friday night, Zafra was by Patrick O’Brien (Henry Holt, The story, told in journal format is empty. “Uh-oh,” I thought, “this could 2000). Learn about written by Mary be a bad omen.” I walked in and early zeppelins and E. Lyons and looked around at the space. Zafra is view blueprints of how Muriel M. Branch located in an older office building, they were built. See an (Atheneum, typical of the architecture of the area, Artist of actual diagram of the 2000). For middle and is decorated just enough to make cut away view of the grade and older. you comfortable without appearing Hindenburg. The engross- Spartan. the Week Its demise is portrayed ing story of the Just when I thought they had given in the vivid full color formation of the up on the idea of diners that evening, illustrations. The book women’s Trade and the staff was in the back partying also contains a section Union League of to bad music, Sue emerged. I se- on other facts pertain- New York is told lected a seat in the window, and she ing to the Hindenburg. in “We Shall Not told us about the vegan specials of For the lower primary Be Moved” by the day. I knew I was going to be grade reader. Joan Dash (Scholastic, 1996). pleased. For Middle Grade Readers Read how a group of women As it turns out, this vegetarian Wood and paper, toenails and dan- brought the plight of poor working restaurant makes all its dishes vegan. druff — “Animals Eat the Weirdest conditions in the shirtwaist indus- Glancing at the menu, it was difficult Things.” Dinner is served in this enter- try to national attention in the early to limit my selection to one appetizer taining book about the eating habits of 1900’s. It is fascinating to learn or a main course. It all looked ex- all sorts of creatures. You’ll be sur- how both socially prominent tremely inviting. My partner and I prised at what’s on the menu in the women and college educated Kerrianne Spellman Cort for The Westfield Leader and The Times decided to split an appetizer and a animal kingdom restaurant. This book women came out in force to lend THE STARS ARE AGLOW...Stars of A Chorus Line Caitlin salad, and take it from there. is sure to be gobbled up by young their support to the poor immigrant Carter (Cassie) and Mark Bove (Zach) bask in the glow of their fine The first item we ordered was the trivia buffs. It is written by Diane women who struck for better wages performances. Cool & Crunchy Salad. Yes, it was all Swanson (Henry Holt & Co., 1998). and employment conditions. that and more. It was served on an Heroines: Great Women The saying goes “truth is oversized dinner plate, and could Through the Ages by Rebecca stranger than fiction.” I like to went on to win nine Tony Awards, as but tender where necessary, and, all have been an entrée. The salad con- Hazell (Abbeville Press, 1996) think that truth is more interesting well as the Drama Desk Award and in all, it is a terrific performance. sisted of marinated cucumbers and relates the life stories of 12 re- than fiction, as any one of the Pulitzer Prize. Cindy Marchionda is spunky and onions, sprouts, two kinds of per- markable women. The women above books will prove. A Chorus Line ran at the Shubert wonderful as Diana Morales, the fectly cooked lentils (mine are al- Neil Young Theater for 15 years and ultimately endearing Hispanic dancer who sings ways so mushy), soy nuts, and salt Neil Young played 6,137 performances. Many two of the best songs in the show, and peppered tempeh sticks. The other productions of the show were including “What marinade had a slightly sweet edge. (1945- ) The Westfield “Y” mounted worldwide, and the musi- I did for Love.” Ms. Marchionda has This was probably my favorite dish cal continues to play today in various a lovely voice and her work onstage of the evening. By FRED ROSSI venues across the globe. is honest and genuine. Money Bags came out next. No, Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times With music by Oscar winner Kim Shriver is fabulous in the role this was not the owner, but the appe- How has singer/songwriter Neil Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Ed- of Sheila, the “been there, done that” tizer: six hot, crispy fried wontons, Young managed to avoid the pit- ward Kleban, A Chorus Line brought gypsy who is painfully aware of her filled with vegetables, and accompa- falls experienced by many rock us the show-stopping tunes, “One” waning days remaining on the line. nied by ginger-tamari dipping sauce. stars of his generation? Probably (singular sensation) and “What I did The role of Sheila is heartbreaking, Sue also brought out some bread and by not cutting his hair or changing NEW CLASSES FOR FALL! for Love,” among others. Truly sassy and smart, and Ms. Shriver is a tahini spread. I could have skipped his style, by not veering off into a groundbreaking for its time, this par- terrific. that. completely different musical di- ticular musical was surely an inspi- Luis Villabon steals hearts as Paul, Since I rarely prepare this at home, rection, and by not turning into a ration to countless aspiring actor/ a shy and anguished performer. Mr. my main course was another tempeh modern-day version of a bloated Lunchtime Yoga (Mon. 12:30-1:30) dancers who dreamed of making a Villabon is a strong actor and his dish. For those of you who are not and embarrassing Elvis. living on Broadway. work in this play is touching and familiar with tempeh, it is a cultured In short, Young’s decades-long Paper Mill Playhouse is currently elegant. Mr. Villabon gives a skilled cake of beans or grains, and a choles- popularity is due to his refusal to Yoga For Kids (Fri. 4:30-5:15) staging this musical classic. Produced and sincere performance. Wonderful terol-free complete protein, often skew his music too much to what- in partnership with several regional job. used as a meat substitute. My dish ever the flavor of that day happens theaters where this production has Also terrific are Robert Tunstall as was Sweet & Spicy Tempeh - larger to be. He’s blazed his own — not Jazz Dance Workout (Sun. 11:15-12:10) recently toured, the Paper Mill ver- Bobby, Shane Rhoades as Mike, pieces this time, served over red cab- always wildly successful — inde- sion of A Chorus Line is a wonderful Caitlin Carter as Cassie, Lauren bage, and smothered in barbeque pendent path. You’re not going to trip down memory lane. Wagner as Bebe, Colleen Hawks as sauce. I did not find this to be as good find any Neil Young disco record- Directed and choreographed by Judy, Nadine Isenegger as Val, Miki as the tempeh on the salad dish. ings. His styles vary from solo ON-GOING REGISTRATION original Broadway cast member Yamashita as Connie, Charlene Carr My partner ordered Creole Style acoustic to country-sounding rock Baayork Lee, this production of A as Maggie and Eric Dysart as Richie. Seitan. Seitan is a versatile wheat- to outright hard rock, accompa- Chorus Line proves that the show is But again, all of the performances based product, also used as a meat nied by a distinctive voice that can still as poignant and powerful as are able and engaging. substitute and a rich protein. As he be described as anything but vel- ever. With a few exceptions, I’m sure As always, Paper Mill has pre- suspected when he tasted it, the seitan vety smooth. that this interpretation would make Continued on Page 17 was homemade. It was a little on the Born in 1945 in Toronto, Young’s Washington D. C. & Williamsburg, Va. spongy side, and was infused with a presence in rock music spans each pleasing array of spices and herbs. The Theater Project of the five decades it’s been a true Trip in residence at Union County College presents The flavor reminded me of my mom’s musical force. In the mid-1960s, he homemade soup. Both entrees were formed Buffalo Springfield. After October 1-4 The Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Paula Vogel accompanied by brown rice and a they broke up, he began recording tasty variety of stir-fried vegetables. with Crazy Horse, a band with Enjoy Dinner at the Pier Restaurant in To complete our vegan dining ex- which he’s been linked ever since. perience, we ended our meal by shar- In June 1969, Young joined Washington, D.C., A Tour & High Tea at The Hillwood ing a slice of banana cake, with soy- Crosby, Stills and Nash, (CSNY) Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C., A Guided Tour based cream cheese and coconut. It with one of their first public per- of Colonial Williamsburg and A Show At The Music was drizzled with a chocolate-fla- formances being at the Woodstock Theatre in Williamsburg. vored sauce, and a red, fruity sauce concert in August 1969. The as well. The cake was layered and foursome’s most popular album, Register at The Westfield "Y" 220 Clark Street dense. We finished it. Deja Vu, was released in early 1970, Directed by Mark Spina $100 deposit required to hold your space. Vegetarian or not, vegan or not, a year before their breakup. In the TH TH don’t miss this dining experience. meantime, Young released a solo For more information please call Barbara Karp at SEPT 20 THRU OCT 7 You will be eating healthy, flavor- album, 1970’s “After the Gold (908) 233-2700 ext. 335. Thursday thru Saturday at 8pm some food, and it may even open you Rush,” which contained his hit, Two Sunday Matinees: 3pm on Sept. 30th and Oct. 7th up to some new dining habits. Most “Heart of Gold.” Tickets $7 on Thursday and $14 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday dishes are based on meat substitutes, Young, who has recorded some Students are always $7 (No other discounts apply) such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, grains, three dozen solo albums, released and legumes. a number of albums during the 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ It was nice to be able to go out and Reservations Recommended 70s, including “Harvest” (1972) and select from a variety of these foods, “Long May You Run” four years The Westfield “Y”, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 908-659-5189 which I usually prepare in my own later. There was no let-up in the $ kitchen. 1980s, as he continued recording For information call 233-2700 This ad paid for by a Union County The owner-chef of Zafra, Joe, used albums of varying styles. CSNY HEART Grant 4.00 off A Member Agency of the Westfield United Fund Fri. thru Sun. to own a Cuban restaurant in New even briefly reunited to record a York. There are several other chefs, Post performance discussion Sept. 28th with this ad L Continued on Page 17 CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK