Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Sherman Biker Dudes
Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Commander Cody Band with special guest The Booze Brothers along with Boots and Saddles all featured in The Sherman’s first Biker Show on Saturday May 26th. A small but lively crowd showed up to enjoy the music and share some stories with the performers. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz, Cheryl Yost, and Bill Kelly (all of the Sherman) were there along with Our Good Friends Gary Lambert and Arline M. Smeltz to enjoy the performance. The next show at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre will be The Pocono Choral Society’s “Music for a New Century” Concert taking place Sunday June 3rd. 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 AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Theatrical Review: Nunsense
NUNSENSE
Written by: Dan Goggin
Directed by: Susan Jordan
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts’ production of Dan Goggin‘s “Nunsense.” The company has gained a reputation for presenting entertaining plays to satisfy the family oriented taste of their audience. While this play about a convent of nuns preparing to stage a show may tend to adventure into some risqué realms, it does so with a high degree of tastefulness to ease any concern families may have in this regard.
As mentioned earlier, the play takes place in a convent whose nunnery is preparing a show. The mixture of songs and comedic pieces brings an uproarious delight to the audience and the production transpires. While most comedies I’ve seen of late inspired only a smile or a slight chuckle, I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit as the play progress. In short, this play is funny.
The play was very well acted as one had an overwhelming sense the situations were met for the very first time by the actors. This is a text book example of what many in the art form refers to “The Suspension of Disbelief” or the concept of “Being in the moment.“ Either way, the cast mastery of these concepts and forms made the evening all the more enjoyable.
The only unfortunate aspect of the play is the fact it‘s run is complete. Therefore, I’m unable to encourage anyone to come out to enjoy the theatrical experience. However, I could encourage you to remain aware of future productions of The Pocono Lively Arts which are coming to Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre. This will be the case of their production of “Jekyll and Hyde” taking place June 22nd - 24th. Please explore The Pocono Lively Arts Website at www.poconolivelyarts.org for more information.
The Production was Directed by Susan Jordan, Musically Directed by Nancy Joy Koch who also served as the Orchestra‘s Conductor, Production Manager Heather Clarkson , and Stage Managed by Luke Ackerman (who also appeared in the play). The cast included Tassy Gilbert who portrayed Sister Mary Regina (Mother Superior), Kelly Foley who portrayed Sister Mary Hubert (Mistress of Novices) who also served as Choreographer, Trudy Austin who portrayed Sister Robert Ann, Heather Dean who portrayed Sister Mary Amnesia and who also served in the marketing staff, and Alexandra Dickison who portrayed Sister Mary Leo. The orchestra consisted of Gary Raish on Keyboards, Bob Riday on Woodwinds, and Charlie Cahn on Percussion. Other members of the production staff included Scott Desantis who served as Lighting and Technical Director, Eric Ramos, David Diaz, and Eric Dwyer who served as members of The Technical Assistants, and Michael Eyth who Designed the set for the production and helped Merlyn Clark build it, Kathie Avery served as Costume Mistress with Neil Snuffer as her assistant, Antoinette Martinelli served as Property Mistress while Theresa Lawrence, Annette Kaiser, and Peter Korovesis served as part of the marketing staff..
Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre 07 Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at myspace.com/forwardian_arts
Written by: Dan Goggin
Directed by: Susan Jordan
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts’ production of Dan Goggin‘s “Nunsense.” The company has gained a reputation for presenting entertaining plays to satisfy the family oriented taste of their audience. While this play about a convent of nuns preparing to stage a show may tend to adventure into some risqué realms, it does so with a high degree of tastefulness to ease any concern families may have in this regard.
As mentioned earlier, the play takes place in a convent whose nunnery is preparing a show. The mixture of songs and comedic pieces brings an uproarious delight to the audience and the production transpires. While most comedies I’ve seen of late inspired only a smile or a slight chuckle, I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit as the play progress. In short, this play is funny.
The play was very well acted as one had an overwhelming sense the situations were met for the very first time by the actors. This is a text book example of what many in the art form refers to “The Suspension of Disbelief” or the concept of “Being in the moment.“ Either way, the cast mastery of these concepts and forms made the evening all the more enjoyable.
The only unfortunate aspect of the play is the fact it‘s run is complete. Therefore, I’m unable to encourage anyone to come out to enjoy the theatrical experience. However, I could encourage you to remain aware of future productions of The Pocono Lively Arts which are coming to Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre. This will be the case of their production of “Jekyll and Hyde” taking place June 22nd - 24th. Please explore The Pocono Lively Arts Website at www.poconolivelyarts.org for more information.
The Production was Directed by Susan Jordan, Musically Directed by Nancy Joy Koch who also served as the Orchestra‘s Conductor, Production Manager Heather Clarkson , and Stage Managed by Luke Ackerman (who also appeared in the play). The cast included Tassy Gilbert who portrayed Sister Mary Regina (Mother Superior), Kelly Foley who portrayed Sister Mary Hubert (Mistress of Novices) who also served as Choreographer, Trudy Austin who portrayed Sister Robert Ann, Heather Dean who portrayed Sister Mary Amnesia and who also served in the marketing staff, and Alexandra Dickison who portrayed Sister Mary Leo. The orchestra consisted of Gary Raish on Keyboards, Bob Riday on Woodwinds, and Charlie Cahn on Percussion. Other members of the production staff included Scott Desantis who served as Lighting and Technical Director, Eric Ramos, David Diaz, and Eric Dwyer who served as members of The Technical Assistants, and Michael Eyth who Designed the set for the production and helped Merlyn Clark build it, Kathie Avery served as Costume Mistress with Neil Snuffer as her assistant, Antoinette Martinelli served as Property Mistress while Theresa Lawrence, Annette Kaiser, and Peter Korovesis served as part of the marketing staff..
Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre 07 Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at myspace.com/forwardian_arts
Friday, May 18, 2007
A Lot of Hoagy at The Library
Our Good Friends at The Eastern Monroe Public Library (EMPL) in Stroudsburg, PA presented a concert entitled, “Just an Old Sweet Song” with John Abernathy featuring the songs of Hoagy Carmichael with Tom LaMark at the piano during their Bookhouse Concert Series on Friday May 18th. It was a delightful evening filled with many memorable tunes. Our Good Friends Rob Ramos, John Cusumano, and Linnae Cintron (both of The EMPL) along with Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz was among the very large and appreciative audience who attended the event. The Next Bookhouse concert will be An Evening with Saycon Senbloh sharing a variety of Broadway Show Tunes on Friday June 22nd. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Eastern Monroe Public Library at 570-421-0800 for more information. You’ll find Numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Music AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Gratefully Tripping at The Sherman
Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Dark Star Orchestra Concert on Sunday May 13th. The Dark Star Orchestra recreates Grateful Dead concerts so those who would like to relive or experience them for the first time can do so. Hundreds of people showed up so they could be passengers on the long, strange trip recreated from a concert performed in April of 1989. The vast audience danced and sang their way through the four hour show and left with the delightfully satisfying buzz associated with being in communion with The Grateful Dead and their music. I saw too many of Our Good Friends to list but I welcome any of you who attend to share their recollections of the show with me. However, I would like to take special note of Our New Friend Bill Kelly who had his creative endeavors hanging upon the walls among The Sherman. His work not only reflected the spirit of the show, but they demonstrated a talent touching the soul of all who view it under any circumstances. I encourage anyone to come visit the Sherman to see his work whether there’s a show going on or not. The next show at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre will be The Pocono Lively Arts production of “Nunsense” taking place May 18th-20th. 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 AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Filmmaker Evolution
Our Good Friends at The Shining Star Productions presented food, fun, conversation, and a reading of their new film entitled, “The Filmmaker” written and directed by Dave Morton while featuring Michael Demyan as Will Sennet, Don "Charlie" Johnson as Mike, Angel Berlane as Mary, Talya Lockwood as Ashley, Lou Lebron as Jimmy DeMille, Our Good Friend Paul Adam Smeltz (that’s me) as Professor Roberts, Merrill McGuiness as Lauren, Daniel McLaughlin as Grant, Jason Pallay as Gary, Armando Medina as Mr. DeMille, Matthew Davidson as Brad, Raj Shankar as Big Boy, Elly Koening as The Girl on Date, and Our Good Friend Angelo Revilla as The Guy on Date at The Dansbury Park in East Stroudsburg, PA on Friday May 11th. The film is a comedy relating to the dreams of a young filmmaker as he encounters the life changing decisions many artists makes when their dreams seem to be in conflict with whatever reality deems more important. I think. Please visit Our Good Friends at The Shining Star Productions at www.myspace.com/shiningstar_productions for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Filmmaker Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
COTA Meeting for May
Our Good Friends at The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) held their monthly meeting to plan their annual festival honoring all areas of the arts especially the lively yet relaxed for of Jazz Music at Our Good Friends at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Tuesday May 8th. The General Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month and all who wish to participate in the great event are welcomed to attend. Volunteers in Security, Stage Crew, Ticket Sales, and other areas are always valued. Our Good Friends Cyndie Dutkiewicz and Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner (who both chaired the meeting), along with Our Good Friends Jill Goodwin, Tim Helman, andChristine Trembly (Board Members of COTA) were among those who attended. Our Good Friends Marie Steeger, and Arline M. Smeltz along with Pat (who took the minutes) and Terri Gaughan were also present. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Celebration of the Arts at 570-424-2210 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society COTA Meetings 2007 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Potluck of Hearts
Our Good Friends at The Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, PA held a Film and Potluck event featuring the film, “King of Hearts on Sunday May 6th. The classic film humorously explored the insanity of war in terms which still speaks to the audience of our modern times. A wonderful variety of foods complimented the sharing of culinary treats, enlightening conversation, and good fellowship. Our Good Friends Jean Richardson and Nancy Scheirer of The Kirkridge Retreat Center along with Don Slepian and Arline M. Smeltz was part of the delightful day. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Kirkridge Retreat Center at 610-588-1793 for more information. You’ll find a photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Friends Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Theatrical Review: Twelfth Night
TWELFTH NIGHT
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Michael J. Harron
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Our Good Friends at The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company’s production of William Shakespeare‘s “Twelfth Night.” The company has gained a reputation for presenting Shakespeare in unique interpretations of the works while faithfully honoring the integrity of the text. This makes the Bard’s work more accessible to the modern day audience which includes those students who benefit from their “Plays in the Curriculum Series.” This production of “Twelfth Night” adds to the evidence the company’s reputation is well deserved.
The play begins with a tragedy. Two twin siblings (a brother and sister) become victims of an accident at sea. They both wash up separately on shore believing the other to be dead. They then set out learning to cope with their new environs the best they could without the other. Thence the tragedy begins to evolve into comedy through the people and situations they encounter throughout the course of the play.
Many theatrical companies have discovered Shakespeare and other classical works are timeless. They are not limited to the time they were written in. They can take place in any era and embrace any social situation as long as it remains a faithful interpretation of the text. The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company has proven this assertion by placing the play in the 1960 during the Hippie Renaissance. Although I must admit hearing the singing of “Age of Aquarius” during the early scenes caused me to wonder if this show was going to be a bit (forgive the pun) Hairy, this was soon replaced by another form of wonder inspiring an appreciation of the production and all it presented.
To say this play is well acted would be an understatement. The clarity brought to what may easily become a recitation of an arcane manner of speaking which turns many off from Shakespeare brought more hilarity the humor embodied in the play. In fact, a Shakespearean purist might have to strain their ears to hear the “Thous” and “Thees” associated with his work. They were present, but they did not hinder the flow of the production.
The only unfortunate aspect of the play is the fact it‘s run is complete. Therefore, I’m unable to encourage anyone to come out to enjoy the theatrical experience. However, I could encourage you to remain aware of future productions of The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company. If they stay true to form, it’ll sure to be a evening worthy of your attention.
The Production was Directed by Our Good Friend Michael J. Harron who also designed the production and Stage Managed by Nance Brown (who also served as Assistant Director and Sound). The cast included Michael Alan Read who portrayed Feste - The Jester and also served in the construction crew, Will Erwin who portrayed Duke Orsino - The Lifeguard, Travis Southward who portrayed Curio - The Guitar Player, Sara Ferguson who portrayed Viola - The Surfer Girl, Our Good Friend Marty Courtney who portrayed Valentine - A Sea Captain, Wayne Dotteer who portrayed Sir Toby Belch - A Drunk and also served in the construction crew, Lorin Gartner who portrayed Maria - The Maid and also served in the construction crew, Our Good Friend Jerry Durkin who portrayed Sir Andrew Aueecheek - ??, Kate Nevill who portrayed Olivia - The Countess, Ryan Moore who portrayed Malvolio - The Butler, David Schappert who portrayed Sebastian - Viola‘s Brother, Patrick Turner who portrayed Antonio - Smitten with Sebastian and also served in the construction crew, and Brydie Jacques who portrayed Fabian and also served as a member of The Property Personnel while a chorus of Beach Bums were portrayed by Evan Wichman, Molly Brunkard, Tameshaa Ventiere, Faith Revera, Sydney Southard, and Edi Martinovic. Other members of the production staff included Scott Marlin who served as Lighting Designer, Al Raunch who served as a member of The Property Personnel and in Set Construction, and Our Good Friend Jill Howell who Designed Poster Art for the production.
Please call The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company at 570-223-7034 for more information.
Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre 07 Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Michael J. Harron
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Our Good Friends at The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company’s production of William Shakespeare‘s “Twelfth Night.” The company has gained a reputation for presenting Shakespeare in unique interpretations of the works while faithfully honoring the integrity of the text. This makes the Bard’s work more accessible to the modern day audience which includes those students who benefit from their “Plays in the Curriculum Series.” This production of “Twelfth Night” adds to the evidence the company’s reputation is well deserved.
The play begins with a tragedy. Two twin siblings (a brother and sister) become victims of an accident at sea. They both wash up separately on shore believing the other to be dead. They then set out learning to cope with their new environs the best they could without the other. Thence the tragedy begins to evolve into comedy through the people and situations they encounter throughout the course of the play.
Many theatrical companies have discovered Shakespeare and other classical works are timeless. They are not limited to the time they were written in. They can take place in any era and embrace any social situation as long as it remains a faithful interpretation of the text. The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company has proven this assertion by placing the play in the 1960 during the Hippie Renaissance. Although I must admit hearing the singing of “Age of Aquarius” during the early scenes caused me to wonder if this show was going to be a bit (forgive the pun) Hairy, this was soon replaced by another form of wonder inspiring an appreciation of the production and all it presented.
To say this play is well acted would be an understatement. The clarity brought to what may easily become a recitation of an arcane manner of speaking which turns many off from Shakespeare brought more hilarity the humor embodied in the play. In fact, a Shakespearean purist might have to strain their ears to hear the “Thous” and “Thees” associated with his work. They were present, but they did not hinder the flow of the production.
The only unfortunate aspect of the play is the fact it‘s run is complete. Therefore, I’m unable to encourage anyone to come out to enjoy the theatrical experience. However, I could encourage you to remain aware of future productions of The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company. If they stay true to form, it’ll sure to be a evening worthy of your attention.
The Production was Directed by Our Good Friend Michael J. Harron who also designed the production and Stage Managed by Nance Brown (who also served as Assistant Director and Sound). The cast included Michael Alan Read who portrayed Feste - The Jester and also served in the construction crew, Will Erwin who portrayed Duke Orsino - The Lifeguard, Travis Southward who portrayed Curio - The Guitar Player, Sara Ferguson who portrayed Viola - The Surfer Girl, Our Good Friend Marty Courtney who portrayed Valentine - A Sea Captain, Wayne Dotteer who portrayed Sir Toby Belch - A Drunk and also served in the construction crew, Lorin Gartner who portrayed Maria - The Maid and also served in the construction crew, Our Good Friend Jerry Durkin who portrayed Sir Andrew Aueecheek - ??, Kate Nevill who portrayed Olivia - The Countess, Ryan Moore who portrayed Malvolio - The Butler, David Schappert who portrayed Sebastian - Viola‘s Brother, Patrick Turner who portrayed Antonio - Smitten with Sebastian and also served in the construction crew, and Brydie Jacques who portrayed Fabian and also served as a member of The Property Personnel while a chorus of Beach Bums were portrayed by Evan Wichman, Molly Brunkard, Tameshaa Ventiere, Faith Revera, Sydney Southard, and Edi Martinovic. Other members of the production staff included Scott Marlin who served as Lighting Designer, Al Raunch who served as a member of The Property Personnel and in Set Construction, and Our Good Friend Jill Howell who Designed Poster Art for the production.
Please call The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company at 570-223-7034 for more information.
Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre 07 Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
May on Main
Our Good Friends at The Pocono Arts Council and The Jacob Stroud Corporation in Stroudsburg, PA held an grand event to kick off their summer Evening on Main Season on Saturday May 5th. The event takes place the first Saturday of the month. A great number of colorful works were on display to the delight of the many who were in attendance. These included the numerous bags decorating the parking meters and the exhibition at Our Good Friends at The Artspace Gallery who hosted the Pocono Arts Council’s Membership Show. Many awards were presented in recognition to the creative achievements of artists throughout the area. They included Our Good Friends Joan Polishook, Marcia Flammonde, and Brandon Durand. Although the turnout was a bit more sparse than in previous years, I’ve met up with many of Our Good Friends and I’m sure to forget a few if I tried to list them all. So, I won’t. However, I do welcome any of you who would like to share their recollections with me. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Pocono Arts Council at 570-476-4460 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Weird Night at The Sherman
Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented a Live Concert entitled, “The Straight Outta Hollywood Tour” featuring Weird Al Yankovic on Friday May 4th. A vast audience of over 2000 people laughed their way through the evening. The spectacle included clips from Al TV with other film and television references to the Dude along with a multitude of parodies of songs from the 80s, 90s, and the 0h 0h’s. I saw too many of Our Good Friends to list but I welcome any of you who attend to share their recollections of the show with me. The next show at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre will be The Pennsylvania Reparatory Theatre’s continuation of their production of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” on Saturday May 5th. 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 AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Choral Springs Eternal
Our Good Friends at East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA presented their Spring Choral Concert with The Concert Choir and A Cappella Ensemble on Wednesday May 2nd. A variety of music ranging from classical to African American Spiritual were part of an entertaining program. Our Good Friends Anna Busteed and Arline M. Smeltz were among the soothing blend of voices while Our Good Friends Jim Hannan and Helen Heeren were a part of the appreciative audience. Please contact Our Good Friends at East Stroudsburg University at 570-422-3483 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Music AMJ 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
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