A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, December 15, 2011 Page 17 Watercolor Works by Arturo ‘Unemployment’ Demonstrates Morales at Bouras Galleries Unusual Techniques SUMMIT - Watercolorist Arturo Guild of New Jersey in Rahway, BAYONNE – With the official job-search game will leave you re- Morales of East Brunswick will exhibit where he studied Expressive Water- unemployment rate around nine per- laxed, confident and motivated. at Bouras Galleries from Wednesday, color with Lito David, who encour- cent for more than two years and the Marcus Valentiner works as a stock- January 4, 2012 through February. The aged him to display his art. Arturo average duration of individual un- broker, trader and market analyst in exhibit is open to the public. has started exhibiting and has sold employed at 40 weeks, most job- New York, N.Y. and currently builds Mr. Morales studied fine art, graphic several paintings already. He stated, searchers are not only overwhelmed his career-coaching business. Over design and illustration at the School of “Watercolor has a magical quality, by the challenges of looking for a the last year he documented all expe- Visual Arts in New York City. He worked when at first you put brush to the job, but also by the psychological rience and skills he gained and wrote as a graphic designer, art director and paper it seems to talk back to the effect of being out of work. this book that also provides a highly illustrator for 35 years, receiving many artist, the color says this is how strong The book “Unemployment as an interesting “behind-the-scene”-view graphic design and marketing awards. and powerful I am or how soft and Opportunity” by Marcus Valentiner of the corporate hiring process. After the economic downturn he was subtle.” blends a practical job-search guide, For more information about the forced into early retirement. Follow- Bouras Galleries is located in demonstrating usual and unusual book visit www.volt-aic.com. ing the advice and encouragement of Bouras Properties at 25 Deforest techniques that successfully lead you his family and friends he started paint- Avenue, Summit. Mr. Bouras, owner through the process with an inspira- ing again, awakening a dormant pas- of the building, is very community tional real-life self-help book about Triskelion Presents ‘To sion for watercolor. oriented and has supported many motivation, energy, life and personal He became a member of the Arts charitable and civic organizations in development and presents it as one All A Goodnight’ town and throughout the country. Photo courtesy of Mark Adamo real story, which it actually is. It is SCOTCH PLAINS- Triskelion will Bouras Properties has also been the Dance Theatre of Harlem entirely based on his experience while present “To All A Goodnight,” a holi- WCP to Present location for various city-sponsored he was unemployed and looking for day treat with readings, carols and events. Along with the idea of a venue a job for more than two and a half kids. This holiday show will feature a Rehearsal for for New Jersey artists goes the added Kean University Presents years. special presentation by children of bonus that part of the proceeds from This new book explains how to the community performing an origi- any sales at the Bouras Galleries goes start the job-search game with seri- nal work. Performances will be held Murder to benefit Overlook Hospital. Dance Theatre Of Harlem ously analyzing yourself, getting the on Friday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m. WESTFIELD - Westfield Commu- For an appointment, call Linda Col UNION - Kean Stage presents spirit of dance into the new millen- information you need and actively and Sunday, December 18, at 3 p.m. nity Players continues its 2011-2012 at (908) 277-6054. Dance Theatre of Harlem on Satur- nium, in 2000, Dance Theatre of reaching out to employers, even con- Performances will be held at All season with the mystery, Rehearsal day, January 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Kean Harlem performed to sold-out tacting managers directly. At the same Saints’ Church, 559 Park Avenue in For Murder, by Richard Levinson University’s Wilkins Theatre. houses in China, giving the country time, it shows that it is critical to Scotch Plains located across from and William Link. The show opens A classic American institution, its first performances of “Firebird”, understand that only the right mindset Park Middle School. There is addi- Saturday, January 7, and runs through Master Class Dance Theatre of Harlem keeps their and conducted extensive outreach and the right approach will get you tional parking behind the church off Saturday, January 21. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 choreography and approach to bal- and educational activities in Man- the job you are looking for. Recog- School Place. After his leading lady (and fian- preparation for a professional acting let unique while remaining true to darin Chinese. That same year, the nizing that you are the most impor- Tickets are $15 for adults and chil- cee) commits suicide, Alex Dennison showcase on Tuesday, January 17, in classical technique. In an innova- company returned to the legendary tant person in the world, that every dren under 18 are $10. is left heartbroken and believes she NYC to introduce the actors to the tive performance at Kean, audience Apollo Theater in Harlem, which situation in your life offers an oppor- For information and tickets (908) was actually murdered. On the anni- industry professionals. members are taken behind the marked DTH’s first performance tunity, that life itself is a gigantic 256-5704 or visit versary of her death, he gathers the After asking Ralph Saro and Jason scenes as the troupe incorporates on its stage in 25 years. game and knowing the rules of the www.triskelionartists.org. cast and crew of his last play in an old Gillis about their characters’ back story its trademark artistry with audience At home or abroad, DTH is met Broadway theater in order to find out in Red Light Winter by Adam Rapp, the interaction. with sold-out performances and ac- what really happened that fateful actress told the two that she had noth- In 1955 Arthur Mitchell, an Afri- colades. After successfully return- night. ing more to add to their performance, can-American ballet dancer se- ing to the UK in 2002 and 2004, Christmas Songs The show is directed by Brian Remo implying that they had presented a lected by George Balanchine and DTH celebrated its 35th Anniver- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 of South Plainfield, produced by Steve completely researched, well-done Lincoln Kirstein, joined the New sary with an extensive U.S. tour, December. Mixing classics with poignant with Clemons’ passing away Lemenille of Clark and stage man- scene. When the last duo of Kevin York City Ballet. This historic oc- followed by performances in Greece newer compositions (“Dig That Crazy this year aged by Barbara Ruban of Spring- Gilbert and Cassandra Otten presented currence in pre-civil rights America prior to the opening of the 2004 Santa Claus!”), Setzer and his top- “Christmas Song” by Dave field. The cast features A.J. Liana of an amusing scene from The Spin by set the stage for many firsts by summer Olympics. In late 2004, notch band infuse every song with Matthews — Dave Matthews seems Bayonne, Bob Pape of Rahway, Laura Greg Pierce, Ms. Burstyn commented Mitchell, which changed the face the professional company went on tremendous energy, making classics to always have a good time, but he Casey of Atlantic Highlands, Angel on the physicality of the scene that was and future of dance forever. hiatus; in keeping with the DTH like “Jingle Bells” and “Winter Won- gave perhaps the starkest performance Duncan of Maplewood, Ami Martino supposedly taking place in a closet. Through roles choreographed by philosophy of “using the arts to derland” seem fresh and alive again. of his career with this song. Despite of Clark, Ken Webb of Fanwood, “Pay attention to the sensory aspect of Balanchine specifically for ignite the mind” the DTH Ensemble, There are several albums to choose its name, this is not a rendition of the Steve Lemenille of Clark, Kristina the closet you are in,” she suggested Mitchell, such as the pas de deux in the performing arm of the school, from, but Ultimate Christmas Col- classic carol, but a telling of the story Hernandez of New Providence, Russ and told them to actually rehearse the Agon and the role of Puck in A continues to thrill audiences with lection is your best choice for some of Jesus, with only Matthews and his Ortiz of Islin, Mark Schumacher of scene in a closet without a light and Midsummer Night’s Dream, he lecture-demonstrations at schools, fun, big band style Christmas music. guitar. The song paints a picture of Middletown, Peter Curley of with coats hemming them in on all honed his craft to become a princi- colleges, universities and dance fes- “Christmas in Hollis” by Run- Jesus’ life, showing him not as a Morristown, Craig Tiede, and Mandy sides. pal dancer with New York City Bal- tivals. Most recently, the Ensemble DMC — A seeming oddball (a Christ- messiah, but as man full of love for Russell. In the question and answer portion let for 15 years. was invited to perform for the Presi- mas rap), this is still an earnest ac- his fellow man, no matter their status Continuing the opening night tra- of the night, which was opened to the Shortly after the death of Dr. Mar- dent and First Lady of the United count of Christmas time from per- or worth. The song even moves dition, audience members are invited full audience, Ms. Burstyn, who is the tin Luther King Jr. in 1969, Arthur States at the White House and is the haps rap’s greatest band, Run-DMC. through his crucifixion and death, to a reception with the cast and crew Artistic Director for New York’s Actor’s Mitchell and Karel Shook founded only performing arts group invited The drums and beats hit as hard as with Jesus asking God why he is immediately following the final cur- Studio, expounded on aspects of her the Dance Theatre of Harlem to dance in the elegant rotunda at any other song in the band’s reper- filled with love in such a hateful tain. philosophy of acting. Dressed in dra- (DTH). Nurtured by the optimism the New York State Supreme Court toire, but bells echo loudly, as the world. A reflective song about the The theater is located at 1000 North matic, loose fitting leather pants, turtle and idealism of the Civil Rights for the annual African American lyrics speak about Christmas dinner, source of Christmas, that dwells not Avenue, Westfield. Tickets are $20 neck and a long brown vest, the theatre Era, the school began with classes History Month celebration. presents, and even returning Santa’s on his divinity, but the message of and can be reserved by calling the 24- star comfortably sat onstage to field taught in a garage on 152nd Street Tickets to Dance Theatre of wallet. A little cheesy in retrospect, love he left behind. hour tape (908) 232-1221. questions, with Mr. Wooten acting as in Harlem, the community in New Harlem are $30 standard, $20 se- but still a one of kind effort from the “Happy Xmas” (War is Over) by Funding is made possible by the moderator. York City in which Mitchell grew nior, student, child and can be pur- Crown Kings of Rap, and worthy of John Lennon — One of the Beatle’s New Jersey State Council on the Arts, “Acting is the only art you have to up. chased by calling Kean Stage Box a spin at your Christmas party. best-known solo hits, the song is a Department of State, a partner agency have an audience, a witness,” she told The school’s curriculum was de- Office at (908) 737.SHOW (7469), A Charlie Brown Christmas reflective hymn for the spirit of the of the National Endowment of the the students. “We should ‘practice’ just signed to give the children of online at www.keanstage.com, or Soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi Trio - season. Its timelessness is due to the Arts, through a grant administered like a concert pianist, every day. You Harlem the same opportunities in person at Kean University’s While the namesake special is one of raw questions it asks - have we made by the Union County Office of Cul- have to be working all the time—audi- Mitchell had as a teenager. Dance Wilkins Theater Box Office, located the staples of the Christmas season the world better as another year comes tural and Heritage Affairs. tion, act and practice.” Theatre of Harlem flourished and at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, N.J. thanks to it’s earnest message, the to an end? Can we use the spirit of the ™ the nucleus of a professional com- soundtrack is a major part of its charm. season to help do it? And can we POPCORN pany was born. Recorded by jazz legend Vince remember to share that spirit and One of the benchmarks of the Guaraldi, the twelve songs here range effort with everyone? As with his ‘The Muppets’ school became the “Open House from renditions of classics (“O greatest solo work “Imagine,” Lennon Series,” which opens the doors of Tannebaum”, “What Child is This?”) wraps these questions in a gorgeous Occupies the Conscience Dance Theatre of Harlem to show- to Guaraldi’s unforgettable originals melody, with a children’s choir sing- case the activities of the profes- (the irresistible “Linus and Lucy”, ing the chorus. A song for the holi- 3 popcorns sional Company, DTH Ensemble, “Skating” with it’s piano line that days, and for the time after. One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent students from the school as well as perfectly paints the image of falling “Fairytale of New York” by The By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER the line of now displaced Muppets im- guest artists from all disciplines. snow). There are even mixes of the Pogues feating Kristy MacColl — Film Critic press an urgency for their return to grace. These informal studio performances two, such as Guaraldi’s “My Little The Pogues are known for blending When “The Muppets” is going full tilt, That’s just one of the many metaphors are a community concert series that Drum” which takes a page from “The Irish and punk music, but it was this espousing its positivism and good cheer, adeptly tied together in no less than six continues today, offering quality FIRST PLACE...Haley Needle of Little Drummer Boy.” It all combines holiday song that made them famous. and the endearing compassion makes us storylines weaving through the saga. A entertainment at nominal ticket Scotch Plains, a junior at The to form not only a great jazz album, Teaming with British singer MacColl, laugh with well-being, observe the nice score complements the message. Wardlaw-Hartridge School, won first prices to families living in Harlem place in the 15-17-year-old division in but a warm Christmas collection that The Pogues crafted a moving, bitter- audience’s happy faces. It makes you Interestingly, the gaggle of obviously and the New York Metropolitan keeps its charm no matter its age. sweet song about an elderly couple wish you could just grab Congress by the astute 9 to 11-year-olds perched to my the Watchung Center Arts Competi- shoulders and say, “C’mon man, join right got it, snickering heartily at the area. tion for her “Screaming Man” illus- “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” trying to celebrate the holiday while in…be a little less selfish. You could film’s social satire, probably affirming Eager to continue to shape the tration. by Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street blaming each other for their lost really make this a better world.” what they’ve all along suspected. While Band — No New Jerseyan would dreams. It’s a stark example of forced Yeah, well, until the rainbow connec- there was otherwise no great guffawing ever host a Christmas party without feelings of joy at Christmas, effort- tion exercises that kind of magic, we in the theater, but rather a series of inter- Gene and Shelley Enlow Recital giving this classic a spin. Recorded lessly shown by MacColl and the have this feature-length big wish to re- mittent yet earnest chortles, the joyful live, this is a rendition that reeks of slurred vocals of Shane MacGowan. mind us that not everybody has turned mirth of social contagion was in full Springsteen at his joyous best, begin- It’s another song not to play for the full cynic, detractor or obstructionist. flower. Hall Presents Holiday Brass ning the song by asking if the crowd’s young as there are profanities, and While not the best Muppet yarn to date, Aside from a curiously stolid Gramps HILLSIDE – Gene and Shelley purchased by calling Kean Stage been good (and the band, as he asks the characters are plainly shown as we are still heartwarmingly informed and Grandma seated in front of me who, Enlow Recital Hall at Kean Uni- Box Office at (908) 737-SHOW Clarence Clemons if Santa will bring addicts. But there is a redeeming why a couple generations have been en- I suspect, never reacted to anything in versity presents an annual tradi- (7469), online at thralled by the life-ennobling fantasy. their entire lives, the audience knew this him a new saxophone). From there, sweetness to the melody, and the song Smart and plucky, there is no shortage was an experience in goodness. While tion of sonorous arrangements enlowhall.kean.edu, or in per- things takes off with Springsteen’s ends on the note of the husband’s of muckraking cleverly aimed at our cur- the script by Jason Segel and Nicholas of music for brass and percus- son at Kean University’s Wilkins building vocals that erupt into a full love and the hope of reconciliation rent political quagmire/malaise as Tex Stoller isn’t as tight or joke-filled as sion, Holiday Brass on Sunday, Theater Box Office. Enlow Re- on party song, as he does a call and amidst a soaring coda. It’s a totally Richman (get it, get it?), deliciously por- we’d like, it nonetheless spans the gen- December 18, at 3 p.m. cital Hall is located at 215 North response with Clemons before the disarming, heart - twisting song that’s trayed by Chris Cooper, seeks to block erations with warmth and glee. The brass quintet features Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205. big man wails into his saxophone. A a message of love and hope despite the Muppets from saving their old studio Miss Adams and Mr. Segel, the goody- Charles Bumcroft and Jerry WQXR is a media sponsor of prime piece of Jersey Christmas mu- all the hardships - a perfect song to and making a comeback. You see, there’s two-shoes cliché playing afflatus to Bryant, (trumpets), Lisa Pike, Gene and Shelley Enlow Recital sic, a moment of joy made even more celebrate the holidays to. oil under that thar building and Tex reck- would-be-Muppet Walter, put it across (horn), Anthony Mazzocchi, Hall. For complete Enlow Hall ons to corral it all for himself. nicely via a one-two combination of in- (trombone) and Andy Bove 2011-12 Season information, If he makes some poor suckers un- nocence and self-effacement. They are at happy in the bargain, all the better. But be once grownups and children, yet wise (tuba) with James Musto (per- please visit the website or con- warned, Mr. Richman, the film ostensi- enough to detail the challenges Walter cussion). tact Ms. Cory Ransom, Director, bly proclaims, the Muppets and all that must face up to if he is to ever self- Tickets to Holiday Brass at Operations (908) 737-5932, they symbolize are not to be trifled with actualize. Enlow Hall are $25 and can be [email protected]. so cavalierly. Representing Muppetkind’s In addition to the étude in good vs. interests are Jason Segel’s blithe Gary, evil, the coming of age contemplation his puppet brother, Walter (Peter Linz), and the ponderings about stardom, the and girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams). musical comedy also includes a primer The envisioned renaissance of Jim on the protocols of keeping a romance in JUXTAPOSE GALLERY Henson’s original gang, now depicted as bloom. Bouquets aren’t enough, we ob- having long forsaken showbiz, begins in serve, as Gary, heretofore preoccupied Smalltown, U.S.A., when Gary, plan- with Walter’s pilgrimage, must himself ning a combination vacation/anniversary grow into the altruism that is love. trip to Hollywood, springs it on Walter The movie’s height of sensitivity and that there’s a ticket for him, too. And of whimsy comes when Walter and Gary, course that means they’ll be visiting the through song and dance, take turns ad- Muppet Theater, a Mecca for Walter. dressing their alter egos—Gary to his But alas, upon arrival, the Muppet puppet self, Walter to his human paral- Theater has gone to seed. A tour by a lel—in the very simple but delightful doddering old guide played by Alan Arkin “Man or Muppet.” You can’t help but only makes the scene of dishabille all the smile. I mean, gosh, here we are taking more depressing. Oh, what’s a poten- the Muppets seriously, and rightly so. tially heroic puppet in search of his true Oftentimes, especially after hearing a destiny to do? Simple, responds Gary, lying politico or being pickpocketed by save the day by visiting the Muppets in the bank’s “other fees,” we wish folks diaspora and reunite them. would be a bit more upright, like it seemed “Westfield’s Flatiron Building” In the mode of “The Magnificent when we were little, before we got to Seven” (1960), the self-appointed cru- know the score. “The Muppets” a miniature by Ingrid Hunt saders start at Kermit’s hermitage, a veri- enchantingly reminds of our human po- table museum to yesteryear’s glory remi- tential, that we are not puppets, and that CREATIVE FRAMING & DESIGN • ORIGINAL ART niscent of Norma Desmond’s (Gloria you can’t pull our strings for very long. ART CONSULTATION • APPRAISAL & RESTORATION • UNIQUE GIFTS Swanson) manse in “Sunset Boulevard” … (1950). It takes some cajoling to sell the “The Muppets,” rated PG, is a Walt JEWELRYTRUNK SHOWS • SAT.,DEC. 17th & SUN., DEC. 18th retired icon, but soon they’re off in style Disney Studios Motion Pictures release in his 1984 Rolls-Royce. directed by James Bobin and stars Jason Stops at Gonzo’s plumbing empire, Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper and 58 Elm Street • Westfield, NJ • 908.232.3278 the third rate theater where Fozzie Bear The Muppets. Running time: 103 min- juxtaposegallery.com bravely ekes out a living, and on down utes