Page 24 Thursday, October 5, 2006 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Chinese Artists Travel Anderson, 90, to Perform Between Cultures At VACNJ In Musical Club Concert By MARYLOU MORANO into Arabic, Hindi and Chinese char- WESTFIELD – The first perfor- ent in mood from his more well- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times acters, which are displayed on panels. mance of the 91st season of the Mu- known symphonies. SUMMIT – “Travelers Between Zhang Hongtu takes the essence of sical Club of Westfield will be held The chairman for the program is Cultures,” a multimedia art exhibit fea- past masters of both Eastern and on Wednesday, October 11, at 1 p.m. Maryann Dolling, and hospitality will turing five contemporary Chinese art- Western art forms and combines them at the First Baptist Church, 170 Elm be provided by the club’s hospitality ists, is currently on display at the Visual into his own unique creations. In his Street, Westfield. Featured on the pro- committee, chaired by May Furstner, Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ). “Jing Hao-Van Gogh” he copies a gram will be music for solo piano, Edna Borchers and Maryann Dolling. The featured artists – Xu Bing, work of Jing-Hao, yet reproduces it flute and harp and two trios. The performance is free and open Wenda Gu, Zhang Hongtu, Lin Yan with elements of Vincent Van Gogh. Pianist Edith Anderson, who cel- to the public. Refreshments will be and Lin Yilin – are united by a com- Other Chinese masters whom Mr. ebrates her 90th birthday this year, served after the program, to give those mon life experience. All were born in Hongtu drenches in Van Gogh color will be a featured soloist. Ms. Ander- in attendance the opportunity to meet China, and all presently live in New are Fan Kuan, Xuang Xiangjian and son and the Musical Club, founded in the performers. York City. Wanda Yuangi. 1915, are approximately the same age. For information about membership The experience of being born into The seriousness of Mr. Hongtu’s Ms. Anderson’s and the club’s birth- in the club as a performer or associate one culture and living and working in oil paintings are balanced by his ir- days are not the only ones being cel- member, call the membership chair- another is uniquely expressed in the reverent “Chinese Zodiac Figures in Christie Storms for The Westfield Leader and The Times ebrated. This year also marks the 250th man at (908) 232-2173. pieces of art that comprise the exhibit. Tang Dynasty Three Colors,” which THAT 70’s ROOM...For the filming of Gracie, set decorators turned back time birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Lin Yan, for example, uses the tra- depict the heads of the Chinese Zodi- with retro 1970’s decor in the interior of a Lawrence Ave. colonial home in and in his honor Ms. Anderson will Kiell’s Book Examines ditional Chinese art material of black acs perched on the body of Chairman Westfield. perform the composer’s Fantasy in D ink and xuan paper to produce mono- Mao Tse-tung. minor, K-397. She will also perform ‘The Kansas Flyer’ chromatic wall hangings. To create Zhijian Qian, the guest curator of Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy. WESTFIELD – The Town Book “Raining Inside #1” and “Echoes in “Travelers Between Cultures,” currently Flutist Clarissa Nolde and harpist Store of Westfield will host a meet- Silence,” she presses the xuan paper teaches art history at Parsons’ The New Andrew Shue on Gracie Beverly Thomson Shea will perform and-greet book signing this week- against metal floors and brick walls School of Design. He has previously CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Danse Lente No. 10” by Belgian end. On Saturday, October 7, from 2 to create her effects. taught Chinese and Asian Art at several Shue goes on to explain that be- afternoon, Shue remains behind the composer Joseph Jongen. Arguably to 4 p.m., New Jersey author Paul Lin Yilin sees the entire city of schools, colleges and universities in yond soccer, the movie is also about cameras while brother-in-law Davis Belgium’s second most well-known Kiell will be in the store to promote Guangzhou, his birthplace, as a can- New York and New Jersey. Prior to the strength of family ties. His own directs a soccer scene in the back- composer after Cesar Franck, Jongen his new book, “American Miler: The vas. His digital print “Future Relic, relocating to the United States in 1997, family had to deal with losing his yard. Here, Gracie is refining her is known for his symphonies, concerti Life & Times of Glenn Cunningham.” Guangzhou #2” incorporates the he was senior editor of Art Monthly, a brother, William, due to an accident soccer skills with help from her fa- and chamber music. Glenn Cunningham nearly died in artist’s vision of what the city will Beijing-based art magazine. in the 1980’s. A similar tragedy will ther, played by Dermot Mulroney, Soprano Cindy Brogan will per- a schoolhouse fire that claimed his look like as a result of rapid growth “In exhibitions and writings in dif- befall Gracie’s brother in the movie and her departed brother’s friend Pe- form Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (“Shep- brother’s life and left the then-seven- and expansion. ferent cultural contexts, these artists and serve as her inspiration. ter, portrayed by Joshua Caras. herd on the Rock”), D-965, by Franz year-old’s legs so badly burned that Xu Bing is a conceptual artist who are often presented and discussed very “That’s really what motivates Shue reports that more than 14,000 Schubert, accompanied by George his doctor wanted to amputate them. creates art from the juxtaposition of differently. In the West, they are dis- her…to want to both honor him and girls registered to audition to play Toenes, clarinet, and Mary Beth But Cunningham endured the incred- the English and Chinese languages cussed in relation to the tradition of keep his memory alive by playing on Gracie. McFall, piano. It is believed that this ible pain and horrible scars, and after by transforming one English word Chinese art and culture, while in China a boys’ team in his place,” Shue says. “It took over a year and was quite a was the last song Schubert composed nearly a year, he learned to walk into a Chinese character. they are referred to as artists from the “Then by the end of the movie, she process,” he says. “There were a lot before his death in 1828. This song again. He went on to become one of He has contributed a site-specific West,” Mr. Qian said. kind of wants to do it for herself, too.” of amazing soccer players who had stands apart from most of Schubert’s the greatest track stars of all time and installation entitled “New English Cal- Nancy Cohen, Alice Dillon and Several of Shue’s own family mem- some acting experience, and a lot of other lieder for solo voice not only a national hero. ligraphy.” It consists of desks, cush- Rasika Reddy of VACNJ were con- bers are working on the project, which amazing actresses who had some soc- because it is scored for a second in- “The Kansas Flyer” set world ions, brushes, ink and copy books. sulting curators. he is not only co-producing but also cer experience.” strument but also because of its multi- records in the mile in 1934 and 800m Mr. Bing’s “Tree,” a reproduction Mr. Qian will present an informal co-starring in as an assistant soccer The role was finally awarded to sectional, cantata-like character. in 1936. This comprehensive biogra- of a tree outside the Palmer Gallery one-hour lecture at noon on October coach and history teacher. His sister Carly Schroeder, who has appeared Toenes and McFall will be joined phy, with depth of detail and fascinat- window, was hand-stenciled on the 17 in the Main Gallery, where he will Elisabeth, an Oscar-nominated ac- on such TV shows as Lizzy McGuire, by flutist Jenny Cline in a perfor- ing anecdotes, was written with full gallery wall, then filled in with black discuss how the five artists whose work tress herself (for 1995’s Leaving Las Dawson’s Creek and Port Charles. mance of Four Waltzes for flute/pic- cooperation and archives from his Sharpe marker. comprises “Travelers Between Cul- Vegas) and co-producer, appears in “Carly really bridged the gap in colo, clarinet and piano, Op. 97c by widow. Wenda Gu’s artistic medium is hu- tures” deal with cross-cultural issues. the movie as Gracie’s mom. Their both (areas),” Shue explains. “She Dmitri Shostakovich. The waltzes, If unable to attend this event, feel man hair. His “united 7561 kilome- His lecture will address such topics as brother John is contributing on the had also wrestled against boys and titled “Spring Waltz,” “Joke Waltz,” free to call The Town Book Store at ters” is part of a United Nations project reinterpreting the Chinese art tradi- business end, and Elisabeth’s hus- played soccer as a kid and was really “Waltz” and “Barrel-Organ Waltz,” (908) 233-3535 and reserve an begun in 1993. ‘united 7561,” con- tion in a contemporary Western art band, Davis Guggenheim, directs. dedicated to working on it now.” are light and humorous, quite differ- autographed copy. sisting of more than 5,000 meters of world, the perception of art among “Davis really helped shape the In the Lawrence Avenue yard, as- braded human hair, has been exhib- audiences from different cultural back- story,” Shue says. “We agreed that sistants touch up the three cast mem- ited in 15 countries. grounds and exploring trans-cultural basing it on my sister’s experience bers’ hair and make-up, then spritz LOC Presents Don Giovanni The hair is displayed at VACNJ in communication. Tickets for the lec- would provide a lot of inspiration and their faces, necks and shirts with water a labyrinth-styled coil. Each 121 ture are $5 and can be paid at the door. a lot of conflict, which you want with for the impending action-filled shot. meters of hair contain a tag represent- Bring a brown bag lunch. any good character.” Everyone is asked to be quiet as the At Kean’s Wilkins Theatre ing a country. This awe-inspiring work The “Travelers Between Cultures” He reports that the overall experi- scene is marked, and with the shout of UNION – The Little Opera Com- ral program at Kean University, cries out with the theme of harmony exhibit is free and open to the public, ence working so closely with family “Picture’s Up!” the cameras begin pany (LOC) of New Jersey, a division trained the Kean students for the per- and reminds all who view it that all and it will be at VACNJ until Novem- members has been positive. rolling. of the New Jersey Workshop for the formance and will take the baton to people have basic similarities – like ber 26. VACNJ is located at 68 Elm “Usually it’s like you never want to Gracie and Peter take off, aggres- Arts, announces performances of conduct the LOC’s production of The hair – no matter which part of the Street in Summit. For more informa- mix work and money with family,” sively kicking the soccer ball between Mozart’s Don Giovanni to be held on Barber of Seville, also at the Wilkins globe we inhabit. tion, visit the VACNJ website at Shue jokes. “But we know this is such them until Peter ultimately wins pos- Saturday, October 7, at 8 p.m. and Theatre, on April 21, 2007. Mr. Gu has also fashioned the hair artcenternj.org or call (908) 273-9121. a unique opportunity that will prob- session. Gracie’s father urges her to Sunday, October 8, at 2 p.m. at the Don Giovanni will be co-directed ably never happen again. Going into toughen her approach and coaches Wilkins Theatre at Kean University, by Juan Pineda and Fausto Pineda. it, we were almost expecting con- her onward, continuously shouting 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. “We are excited to have the opportu- Blues Become the ‘Biloxi flicts, so we have all just been very more advice. Michael Spassov, a native of Canada nity to direct this classic tale. We have open and honest if something’s bug- The scene is shot several more times and a graduate of the Juilliard School, a wonderful cast of professionals and ging us…and it’s been good.” without too much incident, other than will conduct the fully staged opera. a great ensemble that makes it a plea- Build’ at Westfield Church Shue says his own growing family a brief pause to wait for the noise of Singing the title role of Don Giovanni sure to direct,” Juan Pineda, co- By SUSAN M. DOUGHERTY Methodist church who have their was one of the reasons he left acting an airplane overhead to dissipate. is Argentinean baritone Gustavo founder of the LOC, said. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times plane tickets to go to work on a Habi- soon after Melrose Place to pursue When the final take is successful, Ahualli. Mr. Ahualli has performed Tickets prices for Don Giovanni WESTFIELD – The busy intersec- tat for Humanity site for a week at the other ventures, including co-found- director Guggenheim is visibly ex- extensively throughout Europe, and his are $35 for adults, $30 for senior tion of Broad Street and North Av- end of October. ing a national nonprofit organization, cited and pleased, complimenting all recent United States appearances in- citizens, and Kean alumni, faculty enue in Westfield created quite a few Before this church was wonder- Do Something, and a successful busi- those involved. clude Don Giovanni with the Palm and staff, $20 for students and $15 for double takes on September 30 and ing how to best help the devastated ness, Club Mom. He currently re- Shue reports that so far, everything Beach Opera, and Silvio in Pagliacci children. For more information and October 1 with the construction of a area with that money, Al Yoshimura, sides in Princeton with his wife and has been going well and right on for the Wichita Grand Opera. tickets to these events, call (908) 737- wooden house on the lawn of the First trustee of Greater Plainfield Habi- three sons, where he is also a soccer schedule, with production in Westfield Dr. Mark Terenzi, head of the cho- SHOW or visit keanstage.com. United Methodist Church. tat for Humanity, was launching a coach. due to wrap up on October 11. Amid sunshine and showers, more plan to get a team together to go to “Acting is a tough, tough career to “The town and police officers have than 150 volunteers from area the Gulf Coast region to build a control, and it’s very time consum- been really friendly and helpful,” Shue churches, synagogues, youth groups house. ing,” he says. “You have to be away a says. “And we’ve been keeping to our and Greater Plainfield Habitat for “What if we could build parts of the lot of the time. The attention is very schedule, trying not to stay too late at Humanity hammered, measured, house here and then assemble them in hard on families. I really like having night, things like that.” sawed and assembled the framing Mississippi?” he posed to the Board the normal life now, to be honest.” The McLanes report that the pro- and walls for a home that will come to of Trustees last winter. While he says he’s enjoying his duction company and actors have been completion in Biloxi, Miss. in No- Mr. Yoshimura, the leader of this first time producing combined with very down-to-earth, respectful and vember. joint effort project, was able to se- his return to acting for Gracie, he professional to neighboring residents. Just like the forces that inexplica- cure a sizable donation from Johnson admits having dual responsibilities They appreciate their efforts to keep bly gather to deliver a “perfect & Johnson in New Brunswick, so adds a little more pressure. the site clean and honor the agreed- storm,” many factors have contrib- the dream is becoming reality. The “I made sure my part wasn’t too big upon hours for filming. uted to this “perfect solution” for United Way and a number of area so that it wouldn’t be too overwhelm- “It’s always harder when you’re on Union County area folks to get in- churches have supported the ven- ing,” he says. location,” Shue says. “If you’re on a volved with the Habitat for ture. On this warm, sunny September studio lot, you can create the exact Humanity’s international project to The “Biloxi Build” that occurred space you want, so from a lighting alleviate the need for housing in the this past weekend in Westfield will be SP’s McMahon to Be standpoint, you can move quicker. Gulf Coast area. Aptly, it is called completed in November. But it’s never going to be as authentic Operation Home Delivery. Twenty area residents of all ages Featured in Dance Fest. as shooting on location, so I think it’s The Reverend Ed Carll of the First and walks of life are signed up to be SCOTCH PLAINS – Kathleen a good trade-off.” United Methodist Church in a part of the October 29 through No- McMahon of Scotch Plains will per- Shue hopes Gracie, set for release Westfield, a member of the vember 11 work trip. form at the Rakkasah ‘East’ Festival in the summer of 2007, will touch and Westfield/Mountainside Ted Bassman, a Scotch Plains resi- of Middle Eastern Dance and Music inspire viewers on multiple levels. Ministerium that is partnering with dent who volunteers regularly at at the Ukranian Cultural Center, 135 “Life is only meaningful when Greater Plainfield Habitat for the Greater Plainfield Habitat for Hu- Davidson Avenue, located in it’s shared with the people you care GOOD COMPANY…Little Opera Company (LOC) cast members Juan Pineda project, spoke of his congregation’s manity, will drive to Biloxi with fel- Somerset. about, and you can get through any and Nadine Robinson perform a scene from a recent LOC production of Verdi’s initial involvement. low volunteer James Pivnichny of She will join hundreds of dancers, tragedy if you stick close together,” Un Ballo In Maschera. “Back in the spring, a number of Plainfield for the work trip. musicians, artists and vendors for a he says of the movie’s underlying our former church members who have “It’ll kind of be like a ‘road trip’,” weekend of ethnic and cabaret styles messages. “And every girl in this moved to the south got together for a said Mr. Bassman, a retired engineer of folk dance and belly dance. country has not only the right but WAC Offers Life-Drawing reunion,” he said. from Verizon NJ and a retired colonel Performances are held on Friday, the opportunity to fulfill their “They raised $1,600 for an un- from the Army Corps of Engineers October 14 from 7 to 11 p.m., Satur- dreams if they’re determined known, unnamed project to help who has never visited the south. day, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 11 enough.” Courses for Autumn 2006 Katrina victims,” said the senior pas- Others at this weekend’s worksite p.m. and Sunday, October 16, from “It doesn’t matter what field you’re AREA – The Autumn 2006 series of dinator, Brian, at (973) 857-3098, tor. He is one of six members from the were there for a few hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more informa- playing on,” he adds. “You should go the Life Drawing Studio Group will [email protected] or visit volunteerism. A youth group from tion, go to www.rakkasah.com. for it.” continue to meet every two weeks for watchungarts.org/ Choral Arts Prepares Holy Trinity Church on Gallows Hill a total of nine sessions through De- Road in Westfield was there under the cember 13 and 16. The Wednesday Metro Chorus to Sing For January’s Elijah eye of chaperones and Zachary Musical Opportunities group meets from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., WESTFIELD – Singers, all Wacker, a sophomore from Oratory and the Saturday group meets from 10 At Cranford Church voices, are invited to join The Cho- Prep in Summit, who is the outreach a.m. to 1 p.m. CRANFORD – Metro Rhythm Cho- ral Art Society of New Jersey. Re- coordinator for the Holy Trinity teens. Abound for Area Musicians Each three-hour workshop provides rus, an a cappella singing group, will hearsals are held weekly on Tues- “My mom [Stella] and I researched WESTFIELD – Area musicians students. artists with the opportunity to work perform during the 10 a.m. service of days from 8 to 10 p.m., October to projects in the area and found this seeking a venue to share their talents The jazz band, also directed by Mr. from a live model in a variety of short- the First Presbyterian Church, located May, and take place in the choir opportunity to help the people in can choose from among various op- Schlosberg, will meet on Saturdays, to-medium duration poses. All serious in Springfield and Union Avenues, room of the Presbyterian Church in Biloxi,” said the Summit resident, portunities offered by the New Jersey from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. at East artists interested in sketching from the Cranford, on Sunday, October 8. Westfield, located at the corner of “so we signed up.” Workshop (NJWA) for the Arts Mu- Broad Street, beginning October 7. model are invited to attend. Artists Under the direction of Daniel Mountain Avenue and East Broad Mr. Yoshimura said that Cranford sic Studio this fall. The fee is the same as that of the under the age of 18 are welcome; Chernosky, they will sing “Let There Street. High School, which supplied 28 vol- The Monday Morning String En- Chamber Orchestra. however, they must have parental per- Be Peace On Earth,” “Danny Boy” and The fall semester will be spent pre- unteers over the two days, had the semble currently rehearses from 9 Another Saturday group, directed mission. “Thank You Dear Lord for Music.” paring for the Saturday, January 20, largest contingency of workers. until 10:30 a.m. at the NJWA stu- by Ms. Lyman, is the Symphony The fee for Wednesday evenings or This appearance is preparation for performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s From Westfield High School, Mat- dios at 150-152 East Broad Street in Orchestra, which will meet from 3:45 Saturday mornings will be $110 each, the chorus’ annual “Community Holi- Elijah. thew DeFabio and Sam Crawford, a Westfield. Those who play violin, until 5:15 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran or $220 for both days, paid in advance. day Show,” wherein local female sing- The winter/spring semester re- sophomore and senior respectively, viola, cello and string bass will be Church on Raritan Road in Clark. Members of Watchung Arts Center ers are invited to join the chorus to hearsals will start on Tuesday, Janu- videotaped some of the action of the directed by Ted Schlosberg in a va- Intended for brass, percussion, (WAC) are entitled to a $10 discount sing holiday music and receive free ary 23, in preparation for a perfor- volunteers for their new Broadcast riety of musical styles. The en- strings and woodwinds, this course on the subscription. Space permitting, vocal lessons. mance on Saturday, May 12, of Journalism class. “This will be a part semble will perform at Westfield has a fee of $150 for those already walk-in participation will be accom- The performance opportunity pro- Franz Josef Haydn’s of the Blue Devil News,” the young festivals and for area clubs and or- enrolled in the Music Studio and modated at a fee of $15 per session. gram rehearsals begin on October 11 Theresienmesse and Ralph Vaugn Crawford said, “as well as for TV-36 ganizations. $225 for non-Music Studio students. The autumn schedule is as fol- in the church gym at 7 p.m. and con- William’s Dona Nobis Pacem. Both Comcast.” Saturdays bring three different In this orchestra, which also begins lows: Wednesdays: October 18 - tinue each week until the show is the January and May concerts are to The Reverend Carll spoke hope- musical options for musicians who on October 7, participants are re- November 1, 15, 29 - December 6, performed for friends and family on be held at the Presbyterian Church fully of completing the project and have at least one year of ensemble quired to bring their own music 13, Saturdays: October 7, 21 - No- Sunday afternoon, November 26, at 4 in Westfield. what it means to be a part of it all. playing experience. From 2 until 3 stands. vember 4, 18 - December 2, 9, 16 p.m. in the church gym. On Friday, December 1, the Cho- “I’m excited for the chance to be p.m., Janet Lyman will conduct the For information on any of these The WAC is located at 18 Stirling All women of any age are invited ral Art Society will host its annual with people from our church on this Chamber Orchestra for strings only. programs, or other offerings of the Road, Watchung, next to the and welcome to participate in the joy Messiah Sing at 8 p.m. at St. Helen’s venture and proud of the religious The group will meet at East Broad NJWA, call (908) 789-9696, visit the Watchung Firehouse and Library. For of singing seasonal music. Roman Catholic Church, 1600 community for coming together for Street, beginning October 7, with a studios at 150-152 East Broad Street more information on attending or Interested parties can contact Janice Rahway Avenue, located in this worthwhile building project,” $100 fee for Music Studio students in Westfield, or log on to modeling for the Life Drawing Stu- Uhlig at (732) 381-2535 or just walk Westfield. he said. and $150 fee for non-Music Studio njworkshopforthearts.com. dio Group, contact the program coor- in the door any Wednesday evening.