Monday, July 30, 2007

The Devil Comes Down to Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the Charlie Daniels’ Band on Monday July 30th to a house filled with country music fans. It was a night filled with music, dancing, and down home fun. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, Theresa*, Brook*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz*, Scott Flax*, and Gary Lambert* who enjoyed the show. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will be “It’s Just Comedy” featuring “Talent” Saturday August 3rd. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society The Devil Comes Down to Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Theatrical Review: Disney‘s High School Musical.

DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Based on The Disney’s Channel Original Movie by: Peter Barsocchini
Book by: David Simpatico
Songs by: Numerous People
Directed by: Susan Jordon
Choreographed by: Evie Korovesis
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pocono Lively Arts* production of “Disney‘s High School Musical.” There comes times in many reviewers’ endeavors to critique the work they experience when an internal debate occurs. Does what one feel about the work reflects the quality of the piece or are there other considerations to be reckoned with that goes beyond personal taste and understanding of the art. This is a debate I find myself in while watching and preparing to compose this review of “Disney‘s High School Musical.”

“Disney‘s High School Musical” is not a play I would make a considerable effort to see. I find its shallowness, departure from reality, and it’s blatant commercialism repugnant to everything I hold to be true to what the theatrical experience should be about. However, when I ask myself some pointed questions regarding the production, I begin to see a world of thoughts beyond these sensibilities. Was the play well produced? Within the confines of the play as written, yes it was. Was the play well acted? Within the confines of the characterizations created, yes it was. Was the choreography staged well? Yes and with a great deal of energy. Was the production well received? Well, considering most of the large audience consisted of family and friends of the cast, it was.

“Disney‘s High School Musical” has a very large cast consisting of many teens and adults. To say they are talented and have great potential in their future theatrical endeavors would be a gross understatement. The exuberant energy and dedication they brought to their roles were quite impressive and I’ve found myself looking forward to the day when I see many of in more challenging and meaningful work. The choreography was a nice blend of simplistic and complex movements which added an excitement which brought pleasure to the audience and enhanced the production.

“Disney‘s High School Musical” is about (as the title suggests) a High School Musical. The musical the school’s drama teacher wishes to produce is taken from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and is entitled, “Juliet and Romeo.” The story consists of the rivalry between school factions comprising of Jocks (Athletes), Thespians (Actors), and Brainiacs (Science Students). Two students become infatuated with one another during the audition process of the play and their struggle to overcome peer pressures vaguely parallels those of Romeo and Juliet’s struggle to overcome the pressures of being Monique and Capulet. The play concludes with everyone free to make their own choices in whom to associate with while the leads (Troy Bolton as portrayed by Matthew Roseti and Gabriella Montex as portrayed by Megan Griffith) of “Disney‘s High School Musical” get the leads in “Juliet and Romeo.” Surprise Surprise.

“Disney‘s High School Musical” cast consists of The Jocks were portrayed by Brandon Hanks, Peter Korovesis, Birian Gilbert, Ryan McDermott, Aaron Pappalardo, Patrick Murphy, and Brian Sullivan, The Thespians were portrayed by Ali Dickison, Grant Snuffer, Matthew Catrillo, DeJuan Thompson, Akia Williams (who also portrayed a Skater Dude), Alyssa Glueck (who also portrayed a Brainiac), Natalie Gilbert, Kim Van Camp, and Vanessa Rosas (who also portrayed a Brainiac), The Brainiacs were portrayed by Rachel Cohen, Rachel Hettinger, Dominique Perez, and Rebecca Roeber, the Wildcat (the school’s team) Cheerleaders were portrayed by Kaitie Kaiser, Jullian Dente, Anne Braggs, Jasmine Morales, and Annie Spangler, and Kevin Dwyer portrayed a Skater Dudes. The teachers were portrayed by Michael Catrillo as Coach Bolton, Antionette Martinelli as Ms. Darbus, Heather Clarkson (who also served as Stage manager) as Ms. Tenney and the Science Competition Monitor, and Luke Ackerman (who also served as Stage manager) as the Karaoke Announcer.

The Production was Directed Susan Jordan Choreographed by Evie Koroveses, The Music Director was Ronan Marino, The Production Manager was Brenda Roeber, The Technical Director and Lighting Designer was Scott DeSantis, Sound Designer was Glen Kern, and the Set Designer was Michael Eyth.

This Pocono Lively Arts* production of “Disney‘s High School Musical” by David Simpatico has already concluded it’s short run which was July 27th - 29th at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA. Their next production will be based on the Chrales Dicken’s Classic, “Oliver” running November 16th - 18th. You can reserve tickets by calling the Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 or by exploring their website at www.shermantheatre.com. While I can no longer help the reader of this review decide whether or not to see this play since it‘s already over, I can recommend how going beyond personal taste and experiences can lead to an enjoyable evening at the theatre.

Several Pictures taken by The Forwardian Arts Society could be found at the Disney at The Sherman Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

The Bookhouse Robin

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (EMPL)* in Stroudsburg, PA presented a concert featuring Acoustic Guitarist Robin Greenstein www.robingreenstein.com with a percussionist (sorry-forgot the name) during their Bookhouse Concert Series on Friday July 27th. The Concert was filled with many original songs written by Ms. Greenstein mixed in with a number of folk tunes which led to a delightfully pleasant evening for all who attended. Rob Ramos*, John Cusumano*, and Linnae Cintron* (all of The EMPL) along with Arline M. Smeltz* was among appreciative audience who attended the event. The Next Bookhouse concert will be jazz quintet Co-Op-Bop* www.co-opbop.net for an incredible night of jazz on Friday September 28th. Please contact The Eastern Monroe Public Library* at 570-421-0800 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society The Bookhouse Robin Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Second July COTA

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 form of Jazz Music at The Deer Head Inn* in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Tuesday July 24th. The General Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th 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. Cyndie Dutkiewicz*, Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner (Chaired the meeting)*, Jim Wyckoff*, and Tim Helman* (Board Members of COTA) were among those who attended. Jill Goodwin*, Arline M. Smeltz*, Cheryl Joubert*, Phil Woods*, and Richard Chamberlain* along with Bob and Jamie Garner* and Pat and Terri Gaughan* were also present. The next meeting will be held Tuesday August 14th at 7:30pm. Please contact 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.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Buck Hill Falls Festival

The Buck Hill Falls Art Association* in Buck Hill Falls, PA held their Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival on July 21st and 22nd. The grand event was filled with numerous pieces of arts to delight the eye and soul along with crafts to adorn the home and body. Hector Byrd* of Functional Bronze Sculptors (www.HVQByrd.com), William D. Hobbs*, William Daskal*, Linda Mann*, Leigh Ann Stratakos* of 3 Moons Yoga, Milan Melicharek, Jamie Agins, and Jennifer Vavala were among the many artists and crafters who shared their work. Ron Ford*, Arline M. Smeltz*, and Tina Mandry* (who served as a volunteer for the festival) were also present at the event. Please contact The Buck Hill Falls Art Association* at 570-595-2514 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Buck Hill Falls Festival Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts. Visual Arts JAS 07

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Organs in the Afternoon

The East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church in East Stroudsburg, PA presented a “Program of Organ Music” by Pauline Fox with Brian McNulty, Jonathan Strack, and Our Good Friend Thomas D. Busteed (my Nephew) on Sunday July 15th. The program consisted of pipe organ music from a variety of composers along with some selections which included other musical instruments and voice. Our Good Friends Donald, Anna, and Rose Busteed along with Arline M. Smeltz were present during the much appreciated performance. Please contact The East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church at 570-421-3280 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Organs in the Afternoon Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Theatrical Review: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
Music and Lyrics by: Carol Hall
Book by: Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Based on a story by: Larry L. King
Directed and Choreographed by: Carmela Guiteras Mayo
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Our Good Friends at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their production of Larry L. King‘s “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” There are times I reflect upon some of the women in my life and wonder what I was thinking. Thanks to this production, I know. From the arousing opening number featuring shadow dances encouraging members of the audience to remark, “Holy Kama Sutra, Batman” to the climatic ending, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is filled with enough energy, humor, and tantalizations to delight even the most moralistic audience member.

In fact, the play’s down to earthy humor and subsequent wisdom reminds its audience a high moral sense isn’t just for those who proclaim it as their own personal means of gaining attention. It is the providence of anyone who wish to better the lives and situations of everyone they come in contact with including themselves. “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” demonstrates this through the independence of its women to enter a profession in which they have a control over their destinies while finding a way to pursue their profession without the pitfall others who made a similar choice have. These pitfalls include abusive pimps, contracting venereal diseases, and serving time in jail.

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” seems to be a manifesto for the decriminalization of prostitution but it is more than that. The play also explores the emotional side of human relationship including those involving neglect and abuse and political and moral hypocrisy. One only have to observe the recent news to be reminded how little things have changed since the time when “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” was first presented. Unfortunately, the play may remain relevant for some time to come.

The play is well written as it addresses these issues through humor and music without becoming silly as a lesser play might be tempted to do. The acting was superb as everyone came to the stage with ell developed characters and consistently maintained a high level of performance throughout the evening. The timing of the actors as well as the scene and costume changes were very impressive. This production could be the basis on how a musical on a small stage should be performed.

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” cast consists of Kristen Gehling portrayed Mona (the Madam of the house) with a self assuredness in her wisdom which came from many years of experience. The Girls of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (aka “The Chicken Ranch”) are Holli Banks who portrayed Jewell, Laurie Sutton who portrayed Angel, Chelsea Best who portrayed Shy, Audrey Holeman who portrayed Dawn, Christina Maslin who portrayed Ruby Rae, Jessica Bay Blyweiss who portrayed Ginger, Becky Day who portrayed Beatrice, and Lindsie Van Winkle who (with a striking resemblance to First Lady Laura Bush) portrayed Linda Lou and a waitress named Doatsy Mae.

Although these ladies were the main attraction of the evening, the male members of the cast were equally impressive. Chris J. Hadley portrayed Sheriff Dodd with a balanced mixture of common sense attitudes and political incorrectness which amused, enlightened, and even disturbed members of the audience with its bluntness. Other male roles were Michael Pine who portrayed the publicity seeking moral watchdog Melvin P. Thorpe, Thomas Schario who portrayed both C. J. Scruggs and the side stepping Governor, Michael Alan Read who portrayed both Local Journalist Edsel Mackey and “Good Ol’ Boy” Senator Wingwoah, Michael Bauer who portrayed Mayor Rufus Poindexter, Chris Johnson who portrayed the TV Colorman for the football game sequence, and Elvin Roytman who portrayed Pete. Besides the roles noted, many of the actors and actresses also portrayed Doggettes, Thorpe Singers, Aggies, and Angelettes.

The Production was Directed and Choreographed by Carmela Guiteras Mayo, The Music Director was Tim Rosser on piano along with Brian McNulty on Drums and Matt O‘Donnell on Bass, The Production Manager was Susan Bourn, and The Stage and Company Manager was Elizabeth Creamer. The Technical Director was Kayla Goble who also operated the Light board, and the Costumer was Betsy Paugh. William J Ulichney was the scenic designer. Producers were Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while Our Good Friend Midge McClosky served as The Theatre’s Executive Director. The Box Office Staff consists of Mary Horn, Lillian Gonzalez, and Kasey Mesko. Our Good Friend Amy Cramer served as Marketing Assistant.

This production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” by Larry L. King will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until September 2nd. You can reserve tickets by calling 570-421-5093 or by exploring their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. With all the humor, singing, dancing, expressions of common sense, and sex, what’s there not to like? I recommend seeing this play for all who would like to visit a place where (as one song in the show states) “nothing dirty goes on.”

Saturday, July 14, 2007

PCAC Art Show

Our Good Friends at The Pike County Arts and Crafts, Inc. (PCAC) in Milford, PA held an Artists’ Reception for their 57th Annual Art Show on Friday July 13th. Our Good Friends Christine Griffin of The BUZZ Arts Guide and BUZZ online (www.BuzzArtsGuide.com) and Paul Adam Smeltz (that’s me) of The Forwardian Arts Society were among the jurors who selected several pieces representing the best of the works to be given special recognition for the talent they manifested.

The evening began with a ceremony at The Episcopal Church of The Good Shepard and St. John the Divine in Milford, PA to honor those whose work made the event meaningful. The Ceremonies began with some welcoming words by Our Good Friend James A. Campistrious of J. Angelo Event Planning who Coordinated the Show along with Ellen Bawcom of La Tienda. They continued with the recognition Our Good Friend John Longendorfer and his family of The Golden Fish Gallery in Milford, PA for whom this year’s Art Show was dedicated to. The remainder of the ceremonies consisted of some inspiring words from the founders of PCAC and the awarding of The 12th Annual Georgiana P. Kiger “Excellence in Art” Scholarships to Anika Scheepers and Syndney Polatnick.

Afterwards, all those attended were treated with an enormous array of enticing foods prior to partaking of the wonderful opportunity to experience the work and share in the good conversation with the very talented artists who made the entire evening a further delight. It was good to meet some new friends as well as becoming reacquainted with those I’ve met in the past. There were too many to name here without the risk of forgetting a few. However, I do welcome any of you who would like to share their recollections with me.

The Art Show will continue until July 22nd. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Pike County Arts and Crafts, Inc. (PCAC) at 570-296-2338 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society PCAC Art Show Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

July COTA

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 form of Jazz Music at Our Good Friends at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Tuesday July 10th. The General Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th 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, Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner, Jim Wyckoff, Bill Goodwin, and Tim Helman (Board Members of COTA) were among those who attended. Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz, Krissy Bender, and Steve Krawlitz along with Bob and Jamie Garner and Pat and Terri Gaughan were also present. The next meeting will be held Tuesday July 24th at 7:30pm. 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, July 09, 2007

Theatrical Review: Proof

PROOF
Written by: David Auburn
Directed by: Jon Baptiste
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Our Good Friends at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their production of David Auburn’s “Proof” in their new “Black Box Theatre” designed to enhance the experience more intimate pieces than the musicals the playhouse has become known for. This setting was an ideal one as “Proof” is a play about intimacy and its staging in a small area engaged the audience to share in the deeper dynamics of each character and the scenes they inhabit.

The play is well written and has won many awards. However, if the acting is not sufficient, all the awards and recognition can not keep an audience from a bad production. This is not the case here. Besides the occasional stepping on lines which can be attributed to “Opening Night Jitters,” this production was superbly done. Each actor shared with the audience their character’s emotional depth which allowed each member of the audience to explore themselves and their relationship with those who hold significance in their lives.

Besides these emotional properties, the play is unique in its presentation of events within it. The plot of the play is told in flashbacks. This isn’t usually done in theatre and it’s more common in film or television. But, the proof (pun can be intended) it can be done well on stage is quite evident. This technique in storytelling enables the audience to see the motivation underlying words and actions. Therefore, this production becomes more real than real for its audience by not only suspends their disbelief but also breaks down the barriers of the fourth wall by presenting it in their new “Black Box Theatre.”

As I mentioned earlier, the acting was superb as each actor found and maintained an almost mathematical balance in their character’s emotion throughout the play. Sara Ferguson (who portrayed Catherine) balanced her resentment and anger for giving up her life to care for her father with the loving memories she has after his passing. Our Good Friend Amy Cramer (who portrayed Claire - Catherine‘s sister) balanced her condescending clarity with her desire to control others through her benevolence. Mark Vance (who portrayed Hal) balanced his deep respect for the mathematical accomplishments of Catherine’s father with the desire to further his career by learning from what he left behind. Finally, there is Dennis Carrig (who portrayed Robert - Catherine and Claire’s father) who balanced his desire to learn the further reaches of his genius with the fear his exploration will end in the further reaches of his madness.

The balance each character strikes is not the only aspect of this production that makes it so compelling. There is also how each character reacts to one another and how that interaction effects the balance. I’m reminded of an equation which has been referred to as the human equation. It’s simply a + b + c. Even if a person represented by “a” or “b” remain constant, any changes in the other variant changes the dynamic of the relationship as represented be “c.” This was demonstrated throughout the play as each character revised their variant to meet each thought and situation they encountered. Therefore, the mood of the play changed as did the level of the audience’s involvement which enhanced the theatrical experience.

The Production was Directed by Jon Baptiste, The Production Manager was Susan Bourn, and Stage Managed by Marissa Phillips. The Technical Director was Kayla Goble, the Light and Sound Operator was Gerald Siegler, and the Costume and Dresser was Amanda Hughlette. Producers were Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while Our Good Friend Midge McClosky served as The Theatre’s Executive Director. The Box Office Staff consists of Mary Horn, Lillian Gonzalez, and Kasey Mesko. Our Good Friend Amy Cramer (who portrayed Claire) served as Marketing Assistant.

This production of “Proof” by David Auburn will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until July 29th. You can reserve tickets by calling 570-421-5093 or by exploring their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. I recommend seeing this play for all who would like to explore their relationships with themselves and those who inhabit their lives.

Sunday, July 08, 2007

A Bautier Evening at The Gazebo

Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented the lively sounds of Our Good Friend Michele Bautier on Sunday July 8th as part of their summer concert series. A delighted audience were thoroughly entertained by the great music. Our Good Friends Michael Wetmore of Support Your Local poets-Hooray (SYLP-H), James Dellaria, Gary Lambert, John Weiss, Sarah Bentz, Nancy Scheirer of Kirkridge, Maria Horn of The Pocono Record, and Arline M. Smeltz were among those who enjoyed the performance. The next concert at Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain will feature JARO at 6pm. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain at 570-992-3934 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society PCOM 07 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Art of the 7s

Our Good Friends at The Jacob Stroud Corporation in Stroudsburg, PA held their monthly Evening on Main event on Saturday July 7th. A great number of visual and performing artists lent their talents to help make the evening a wonderful event for all who come to experience it. These included exhibitions at Our Good Friends at Gallery 705 and ArtSpace along with performances by Our Good Friends Spencer and Nancy Reed and The Pocono Lively Arts preview of their upcoming production of Disney’s “High School Musical” to take place July 27th - 29th at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre. A great number of people came to the event and I’ve met up with many of Our Good Friends in the fellowship. They are too many to name here without the risk of forgetting a few. However, I do welcome any of you who would like to share their recollections with me. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Jacob Stroud Corporation at 570-424-9131 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society July Arts in Stroudsburg Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Hamza at the Gazebo

Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PMOC) in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented the lively sounds of Mark Hamza and the Great Swamp Blues Band on Sunday July 1st as part of their summer concert series. A delighted audience were thoroughly entertained by the great music featured upon the wonderful Organ which has become associated with the group. Our Good Friends Michael Wetmore of Support Your Local poets-Hooray (SYLP-H), John Weiss, and Arline M. Smeltz were among those who enjoyed the performance. The next concert at Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain will feature Our Good Friend Michele Bautier on Sunday July 8th at 6pm. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain at 570-992-3934 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society PCOM Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Idol at The Sherman

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented a fantastic benefit concert featuring “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard with proceeds going to the YMCA, Women’s Resources, and Leadership Pocono on Saturday June 30th. The lively and soul filled performance was preceded by Our Good Friend Nadeen Edwards whose talents could easily qualify her as an “Idol” in her own right. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz, Bill Kelly and Theresa (all of the Sherman) were there along with Our Good Friends Arline M. Smeltz, Mark Litchy, and Monroe County Commissioner Suzanne McCool with the very large audience who enjoyed the performance. The next show at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre will be an Independent Rock Series Event featuring Pull the Pin, Atralen, Geronimo, Full Security, A Burden Called Aimara, Pearl Heart, and Set to Detonate on Friday July 6th at 6pm. 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 Idol at the Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.