Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Poem: Freedom

by Paul Adam Smeltz
© February 28th 2007

Beloved;
I give to thee a dream,
Which you forge into the realities,
The abideth in thy love,

Beloved;
Your love is like no other love,
For the freedom I find within thy bosom,
Dispels the fears surrounding me,
Until they are cast asunder,
In the beauty of our eyes,
Which was revealed,
When you gave to me a dream.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Kashmir Rocks The Sherman

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Kashmir on Saturday February 24th. This very cool Led Zeppelin Tribute Band brought back many memories to some while introducing the classical rock experience to many others. What I found very interesting was, while I expected to see parents with their children present, I didn’t expect to see grand parents with their grand children there. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised but it was only then I realized how long ago Led Zeppelin was on the scene. This may have been because the song remained with the same timeless freshness it had 30 or 40 years ago. The dancing and delight seen on the audience’s faces proved to be a testament to that. The proceeds from the show provided funds for the rebuilding the locally popular Main St. Jukebox which was destroyed during the Thanksgiving fire that devastated much of Stroudsburg, PA. Our Good Friends Cheryl Yost and Richard Berkowitz (of The Sherman Theatre) along with Our Good Friends Fran Henry, Arline M. Smeltz, Gary Lambert, James Lansing, and Jean Benfante were part of a large and enthusiastic audience filled with many appreciative fans. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be WARPED TOUR BATTLE OF THE BANDS on Friday March 2nd at 4pm. 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 JFM 07 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Bowfire at The Sherman 02-15-07

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Bowfire. This entertaining evening was filled with lively music and dance to warm all who brave the recent wintry weather to attend this wonderful event. The theatre enjoyed a large gathering in spite of huge snowstorm that immobilized NEPA and other areas just the day before. The nearly full house is a testament to the quality of the programs Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre has become known for. Our Good Friends Cheryl Yost, Richard Berkowitz, and Brook (of The Sherman Theatre) along with Our Good Friends Fran Henry, Arline M. Smeltz, Gary Lambert, Dave (of Tie-dyed Dave’s), Steve Krawitz (of WVIA FM), Karen Glick (of The Artery Gallery in Milford, PA), Jo McNally, and Ken Oakman were part of a large and enthusiastic audience filled with many appreciative fans. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be Kashmir (a Led Zeppelin Tribute Band) on February 24th at 8pm. Proceeds from the show will go toward rebuilding The Main St. Jukebox which was destroyed in Stroudsburg’s Thanksgiving fire. 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 JFM 07 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

THE ESU ONE ACT PLAYS

Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Every semester, the student theatrical organization known as Stage II provides an opportunity to direct a one act play to their fellow students at East Stroudsburg University (ESU) in East Stroudsburg, PA. As being one of those students so many years ago, I know it’s a great opportunity to apply all a student has learned about theatre in class and through experiences as well as gaining new knowledge and insights of the interpretive process which is a basic component of the theatrical arts. One must not only delve into the elements that allow his or her character to function, but, as a director, he or she needs to explore and discover the nature of the environment in which everything (including the characters and their behaviors) exist.

This educational opportunity was extended to three students this semester. They are Raj Shanker who is a senior Math Major from Easton, PA, Rachel Mack who is a freshman Theatre/English Major from Lititz, PA, and Dave Morton who is a sophomore History Major from Lake Grove, NY. Each of these directors bring their own diverse backgrounds the theatrical arts and it was demonstrated in their approach to the one act plays they have chosen to direct. However, except for Mr. Morton (who directed a short independent film entitled, “High School Girls”) this is a first time endeavor by the directors and it would be unfair and unrealistic to expect the same level of theatre provided by a director with a great deal of experience. So, while the plays may have had some flaws in their presentation, they can easily be forgiven when this truth it considered.

The first play was directed by Raj Shanker and was entitled, “Hello Out There” by William Saroyan. The play takes place in a jail where a young man (played by Ryan Michael Groff) is imprisoned on the chard of rape. He meets a woman named Emily Smith (played by Amber Lockard) who works for the jail and they begin a romantic involvement. What interested me most about this play was a certain ambivalence to the motivation of the young man. Was he just manipulating Emily as an attempt to free himself from his cell or did he actually have the feelings he expressed during their seemingly contrived courtship? Perhaps it was a little of both. The play engaged the audience by leaving this and other issues for them to decide.

I felt it was a good interpretation of the play. The only thing I found lacking in the production was Mr. Groff’s delivery of his lines. It seemed he decided on a pattern of speech which caused him to pause every four or five words. This took away the suspension of disbelief for me and reminded me I was watching an actor delivering his lines in a play.

This was a minor flaw and it’s only worth mentioning since he was the main character with the majority of the audience’s attention on him. A more seasoned director may have discovered this flaw during rehearsal and found a way to polish the performance of the actor. However, like I said earlier, this oversight can be forgiven when one considers the play was limited by the experience of the director while still being admired as a good first effort as the seed of greater future productions can be seen in this one.

Production staff for this particular play were Elizabeth Page (Stage Manager) and Samatha Auola (Assistant Stage Manager). Other cast member included Jason Pallay (the husband of the woman who accused the young man of rape), Elanor Koenig (the woman who accused the young man of rape), and the men played by Angelo Revilla and Michelle DiBella (yes, she’s female).

The Second play was directed by Rachel Mack and was entitled, “Salmon Tribunal” by Walter Wykes. The play takes place in a restaurant where a woman named Norma (played by Jenn Welch) confronts a woman named June (played by Angel Berlane) who is having an affair with her husband. The play was quite well done as it seemed to demonstrate an encompassing understanding of the situation and how the characters would behave. While the actresses were quite accomplished, I attribute this mostly to the director who may have instilled this quality in the play. The only flaw I found in this production was an ending that could have been a bit stronger with a different choice of delivery of the final line. But, this is a very small incident to an otherwise outstanding presentation.

Production staff for this particular play was Francesca Garrard (Stage Manager).

The third and final play was entitled, “Meditations on a Blind Date” written and directed by Dave Morton. The play takes place on a college campus in which two friends named Lance (played by David Ausem) and Brittany (played by Nikki Matt) attempts to set their room mates up with one another. Their names were Rachel (played by Christi Berlane) and Chris (played by Christopher D. Palardy).

Like most new plays, the dialogue was a bit stilted as the speaking pattern seemed too formal at times. But, this was overshadowed by the authentic feeling one received of modern campus life. I recognized much of what it was like when I was a student at ESU while being reminded of how some things have changed in the last 20 years. In fact, the Chris character reminded me why I didn’t date much while in school. Personal recollections aside, this production showed a great deal of talent from both the director and the actors who performed in it.

Production staff for this particular play was Ben Cohen (Stage Manager).

The production staff for the entire presentation of The Student Directed One Act Plays were Heather Werline (Production Manager), Eric Creegan (Lighting Designer), Robin Kessler (Sound Designer), James Sommerville (Running Crew Chief), Marianne Kouba (Running Crew), Christine Giunta (Box Office and Poster Illustration), and Krista Beam (House Manager) along with Jason Barry and Michelle DiBella who also worked on the Poster Illustration.

The Student Directed One Act Plays is currently being performed at The Fine and Performing Arts Center in the Dale Snow Theatre on the Campus of East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA. The Production runs until Sunday February 11th. Please call 570-422-3483 for information and ticket reservation. The next theatrical production will be “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams to be presented April 24th - 29th.

Photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Elemental University 02-04-04

Our Good Friends at East Stroudsburg University (ESU) in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception in The Madelon Powers Gallery for their show entitled, “Metal, Wood, and Clay: An Exhibition of Fine Artisanry” featuring the works of Andrew Molinaro, Josh Blum, Hilton and Vicki Byrd, Rodney Meyer, and Kimberly Snyder. The work, while mostly consisted of ironworks, held an interesting variety to them. Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz, Mike Wetmore (of SYLP-H), and Bahereh Khodadoost were among the gathering who enjoyed the work. The exhibition continues until March 9th. Please contact Our Good Friends at ESU at 570-422-3483 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts JFM 07 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Slavic Saturday at the Sherman 02-03-04

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA hosted Our Good Friends The Fine Arts Discovery Series (FADS) presentation of The Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA Tamburitzans ensemble which performed music, songs, and dances of Eastern Europe and neighboring folk cultures throughout the evening. The show was highly entertaining and it delighted those who were in attendance. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz (of The Sherman Theatre), Fran Henry, Arline M. Smeltz, Barbara Wetmore, and Steve Krawitz (of WVIA FM) were part of a small but enthusiastic audience who attended the event. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be The Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations and the Sultry Sounds of the Supremes on February 10th at 8pm. 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 Dance Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Italian Art at Gallery 705 02-03-04

Our Good Friends at Gallery 705 in Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception for their show entitled, “A View of Italian Contemporary Art: Solo Exhibitions by Nicola Samorì and Giovanni Lombardini.” The work was quite interesting in its outstanding techniques. Our Good Friends Edward and Connie Evans (of Gallery 705), Arline M. Smeltz, Steven and Susan Washington along with Our New Friend Kathy Yvinskas were among the intimate gathering who enjoyed the work. The exhibition continues until March 31st. Please contact Our Good Friends at Gallery 705 at 570-421-0833 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts JFM 07 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Dave Bomberg and Angels at The Sherman 01-31-07

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented The David Bromberg Big Band Reunion Show with special guest The Angel Band. The evening was filled with a variety of music and was enjoyable to listen while your heart kept dancing along to the lively tunes. Our Good Friends Cheryl Yost and Richard Berkowitz (of The Sherman Theatre), Fran Henry, Arline M. Smeltz, Gary Lambert, Dave (of Tie-dyed Dave’s) along with Kate and Richie Roache, Steve Krawitz (of WVIA FM), and Edward and Connie Evans (of Gallery 705) were part of a large and enthusiastic audience filled with many appreciative fans. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be The Pocono Conservatory presentation of “Celebrating Living Legends” on February 2nd, 2007. 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 JFM 07 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Poem: February Light by Barbara Crooker

In February,
when the light begins to change,
sullen onions sprout in corners,
send blind shoots in search of sky;
crocus sink their teeth
through the skin of perennial borders;
tulip bulbs split and crack,
yearning for sun;
and reluctant houseplants
break out in flowers,
unwilling in this slow change,
this tired turning
into February,
when the light
begins to bloom.

Poem: Sweet Sachet by Alice Rodgers © 8/01

We are all mothers’ children as we saunter through the valley
Holding candles burning bright…
We are a choir…quite like angels channeling
Through the night

Our divination is to seek understanding
And maybe plea to those in pain
Our paths seem…like forever…
As clouds dance with the rain…

Sweet sachet…it is filled with love for you
With jasmine as my broach
My robe - it sways like wind struck lilies
Dark nights…dark light…turns bright upon approach---

Tie me with a binding band
Tie me with a binding band
Do protect my mothers love
Trace me and lace me

Pending stars, a surrounding of heaven
And Jupiter is within hands reach of me…
Returning to ground these sprinkled seeds
As harvest sheds the forbidden weeds…

Sweet sachet … still is filled with love for you
With jasmine as my broach…
Trace me and lace me

Tie me with a binding band
Hold me in your guiding hand
Tie me with a binding band…

Do protect my mothers love
Sweet sachet---sweet sweet sachet