TFAS Certificate Awarded 10-29-06

The Forwardian Arts Society presented a Certificate of Recognition for Contributions to the Arts to Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre and Center for the Performing Arts in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday October 29th. Please contact The Forwardian Arts Society at 570-476-4357 for more information. Due to so many things happening this night, no pictures were taken. However, you’ll find many photographs of other presentations at The Forwardian Arts Society Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Arlo at The Sherman 10-29-06

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Arlo Guthrie Family Reunion to benefit The United Way. The evening was filled with the memorable music associated with the great folk tradition of Arlo Guthrie and his equally legendary father Woody. The show also featured other family members including Abe, Cathy, Annie, Sarah Lee, Johnny Irion, and a few grandkids, too. The show was enhanced with a multi-media presentation of archival recordings. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz, Brook, and Cheryl Yost (both of the Sherman Theatre) along with Arline M. Smeltz, Gary Lambert, John Yetter, Cheryl Peretz, and Nancy Scheirer were among the many who shared the experience. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be The Fitzmaurice Community Services 40th Anniversary Celebration show featuring Rockapella on November 4th. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Music OND 2006 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

TFAS Certificate Awarded 10-27-06

The Forwardian Arts Society presented Certificates of recognition for Contributions to the Arts to Our Good Friends Rob Ramos and Linnae Cintron who accepted them on behalf of The Eastern Monroe Public Library and the Center Stage Players. Please contact The Forwardian Arts Society at 570-476-4357 for more information. You’ll find more photographs of other presentations in The Forwardian Arts Society gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Dracula at the Library 10-27-06

Our Good Friends at The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA had a special Halloween Bookhouse presentation with the play “Dracula and Mina: A Love Story” written by Our Good Friend John Cusumano who also portrayed Reinfield. Other performers in the play were Chris Webster as Dracula, Maria Sole as Mina Stewart, Vincent Bandille as the Captain and Van Helsing, Christopher White as the Mate and Jonathan Harker, and Our Good Friend Rob Ramos as the Policeman and Dr. Stewart. Irene Garner provided the sound and musical effects.

It was an enjoyable experience of a new play which was presented as a semi staged reading since some of the actors were off book. Our Good Friends Linnae Cintron of The Eastern Monroe Public Library, Toni Cusumano, and Arline M. Smeltz along with Bernie and Candy were there to enjoy the evening.

You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam. The next Bookhouse event at The Eastern Monroe Public Library will be The Eric Mintel Quartet on November 17th . Please contact Our Good Friend at 570-421-0800 for more information.

TFAS Anniversary Celebration 10-23-06

We at The Forwardian Arts Society shared our 5th Anniversary at Our Good Friends at The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA. Our Good Friends Don Slepian (who shared his musical talents), Nancy Scheirer (who represented The Kirkridge Retreat Center and received The Forwardian Arts Society Lifetime Passionate Art Lover’s Certificate honoring their contributions to the arts on their behalf), Michael Wetmore of SYLP-H (Support Your Local Poet-Hooray), Sean Turrell and C. M. Foggio (both representing Art Amalgamation which is a newly form group for visual artists) Artist, Author, and Teacher Alex Castro, and Arline M. Smeltz share their thoughts and love for the arts. The evening gave me a great deal to reflect upon and I’ll be able to share them in our monthly message for November. I’m very thankful for those whom I come in contact with and I’m humbled by their achievements. I hope there will be many future events so you can share in the joy of meeting with and learning from Our Good Friends. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Friends and The Forwardian Arts Society Galleries at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Speaking Out at the Sherman 10-22-06

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Fergus and Clark Academy for the Performing Arts’ presentation of “Everybody Says Don't...Broadway Breaks the Silence” to benefit Women’s Resources. Performers included Scott Besser (who also served as the Music Director), Shellie Bransford (who also served as Stage Director/Script Coordinator and co Producer) Eric Bromer, Vaughn Bryner (who also served as co Producer), Kelly Foley (who also served as Choreographer), Mari Green, and Lydia Liebman. Our Good Friends Neal Johnson controlled the visual media while Our Good Friend Michael Harron recorded the performance. The afternoon was filled with many thoughtful insights through the art of musical theatre leading many members of the audience to more loving relationships. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz and Cheryl Yost (both of the Sherman Theatre) along with Arline M. Smeltz were among the many who shared the experience. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be The Arlo Guthrie Family Reunion on October 29th. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Step to The Sherman 10-19-06

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Capitol Steps. The evening was filled with laughter through the political satire of the comedy troupe and many of the audience members delighted in the insights to our world which was presented by these very funny comedians. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz and Brook (both of the Sherman Theatre) along with Silvia Brandon-Perez, Maria Gerena, Gary Lambert, and Arline M. Smeltz were among the many who shared their laughter this evening. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be The Fergus and Clark Academy’s presentation of “Everybody Says Don't...Broadway Breaks the Silence” to benefit Women’s Resources on October 22nd. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Loco COTA Party 10-15-06

Our Good Friends at The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) held their Annual Party to honor those who volunteer their services to help make the festival the memorable event it is. The Party took place at Our Good Friends at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA. Our Good Friends Rev. Karen Nickels of The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain, Richard Chamberlain, Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner, Frank Disalvo, Cyndie Dutkiewicz, Myke Maldonado of Dreamland Creations, Bob and Jamie Garner, Bill Goodwin, Krissy Bender, Marie Steeger, Cheryl Joubert, Christine Trembly, Steve Krawitz, and Arline Smeltz were among the many who enjoyed the afternoon festivities. Please contact COTA at 570-424-2210 for more information about volunteer opportunities for next year‘s festival. You’ll find numerous photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society COTA Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Post COTA Meeting 10-10-06

Our Good Friends at The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) held a meeting at Our Good Friends at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA to reflect upon the great Jazz Celebration which occurred last September 8th, 9th, and 10th and to renew the friendships the festival creates. The meeting also served as an estuary of dreams for the next festival which will be their 30th Anniversary show. An Opening Proclamation for the festival composed by Governor of PA Ed Rendell was received and read to the gathering. Our Good Friends Rev. Karen Nickels of The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain, Richard Chamberlain, Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner, Frank Disalvo, Cyndie Dutkiewicz, Bob and Jamie Garner, Patricia and Terry Gaughan, Tim Helman, Cheryl A. Read, Marie Steeger, Cheryl Joubert, Christine Trembly, Steve Krawitz, and Arline Smeltz were among those present during the evening. Please contact COTA at 570-424-2210 for more information about the Festival and the work it does. You’ll find numerous photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society COTA Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Amish Comedy at The Sherman 10-07-06

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Raymond: The Amish Comic. The evening was filled with laughter and many of the audience members delighted in the insights to our world was presented by the very funny comedian. Our Good Friends Cheryl Yost and Richard Berkowitz (both of the Sherman Theatre) along with Arline M. Smeltz were among the many who shared their laughter this evening. Their next show will be Waidestock on October 14th. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Amalgamation Art Show 10-07-06

Our Good Friends at Amalgamation Art held an Opening Reception at Our Good Friends at Art World in Stroudsburg, PA for their October show which will run until October 31st. The variety of work featured the considerable skill and insight of Our Good Friends C. M. Foggio, Keely McCool, and Sean Turrell along with Jamie Reed. Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz and Our New Friend Artist/Author Alex Castro were among the many who attended the event. Please contact Our Good Friends at Art Amalgam at 561-251-6992 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts OND 06 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Tribute to An Artist 10-07-06

Our Good Friends at The Artspace Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception as a special tribute to Artist Morris Berman who passed away recently. The exhibition will continue until October 31st and will show his work along with other artists who expressed their respect for his contributions to the creative community through their participation. Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz, Richard Spezzano (Director of The Artspace Gallery), Don Manza (Assistant Director of The Artspace Gallery), Greg Waltzer (of Hyperspace), and Our New Friend Artist/Author Alex Castro were among the many who attended the event and shared memories with Mr. Berman’s family. Their next exhibition will be in November for their members. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Artspace Gallery at 570- 476-4460 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts OND 06 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

The Forwardian Arts Society Weekly Online Newsletter

Hi there,

I hope my words find you well. I just wanted to let you know I’ve created a website for The Forwardian Arts Society Weekly Online Newsletter. You’ll find it at www.geocities.com/pauladam1@verizon.net/TFAS-Newsletter.html?1159933767453. It’s still a work in progress so let me know what you think. I value your opinion. I look forward to hearing from you soon and I’ll keep a good thought for you until then.

Paul

Film Review: ROUNDING FIRST

ROUNDING FIRST
Film Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

A film Premier and DVD Release Party was held on Sunday October 1st at the Emmaus Theatre in Emmaus, PA for the film entitled, “Rounding First.” This original film was directed, written, and produced by Jim Fleigner who came from Santa Monica, CA to share the viewing and answer questions regarding the film and its future. It was an enjoyable experience to meet everyone involved in the production.

I’ve recently heard something attributed to Pete Townsend while he was working with people involved in the Broadway production of “Tommy.” He said that it didn’t matter if the musicians got all the notes right or the singers got the tune or words right. What mattered was they all do the show with their heart. The film, “Rounding First” and the entire event brought my mind to this statement while I watched the film.

The film takes place during the summer of 1980 in the Emmaus, PA and surrounding areas. It tells of the adventures three twelve year old boys (Eugene “Tiger“ Pierce, Jr. played by Matt Borish, Joe Koerner played by Soren Fulton, and Chris Corwin played by Sam Semenza) have once they discovered some of their parent went to Philadelphia while they were away at baseball camp. Their adventures include meeting a man known as Rascal (played by Michael Dean who involves them in a robbery. However, he also teaches them some life lessons as he drives the toward their destination. Once there, the three boys uncover the secret Joe’s and “Tiger” parents were keeping which leads to a deeper relationship between them all. Other cast members (most of who are native to the area) include John Michael Bolger as Gene, Deborah Lee Johnson as Martha, Michael E. Knight as John, and Scott Lawrence as the Judge.

The film did have many flaws. There was a lack of realism in much of the story and the acting was somewhat mediocre at times. I often wondered why the characters were doing what they were doing and saying what they were saying. The acting sounded scripted and some of it looked as if it were a staged performance. Of course, all films are scripted and staged, but it shouldn’t seem so obvious to the audience. However, like Pete Townsend supposedly had said, these factors doesn’t really matter since the film was made with a desire to tell a story and to enhance the lives of its audience. It did this through giving us a glimpse into the lives of its characters and what they felt for one another.

In spite of the film’s many flaws, I would encourage those who wish to support original films made locally by visiting their website at www.roundingfirst.com.

Local Film Premier and DVD Party 10-01-06

A film Premier and DVD Release Party was held at the Emmaus Theatre in Emmaus, PA for the film entitled, “Rounding First.” You’ll find a review posted in this Blog. Our Good Friends Toni and John Cusumano along with Arline M. Smeltz were there to enjoy the event. You’ll also find numerous photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Friends Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam. Please visit www.roundingfirst.com for more information.

Sherman Beach Party 09-30-06

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre and Center for the Performing Arts in Stroudsburg, PA presented the group Parrot Beach: Your Ultimate Vacation Destination. It was a great evening with a three hour show that included three great bands including Stretch Lefty, Parrot Beach, and lots of dancing. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz, Cheryl Yost, and Brook (all of The Sherman Theatre) along with Our Good Friend Arline M. Smeltz and Gary Lambert were part of an appreciated and lively audience. You’ll find numerous photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music JAS Gallery. The next event at The Sherman will be RAYMOND (The Amish Comic) on October 7th. Please contact Our Good Friend at 570-420-2808 for more information.