The COTA Wind Down

The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* held their next to the last meeting to plan their annual festival honoring all areas of the arts especially the lively yet relaxed form of Jazz Music at The Sycamore Grill in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Tuesday August 28th. It was great to witness the many things putting together a festival of this size and meaning involves becoming solidified toward this year’s event. COTA will begin Thursday September 6th at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA with a special presentation for children of all ages and continues in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Friday September 7th until Sunday September 9th. They still need Volunteers in Security, Stage Crew, Ticket Sales, and many other areas so feel free to call them at 570-424-2210 or visit www.cotajazz.org to learn more about it. Cyndie Dutkiewicz* and Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner* Co Chaired the meeting while Jim Wyckoff*, Christine Trembly*, and Tim Helman* (Board Members of COTA) were among those who attended. Nancy Reed*, Marie Steeger*, Gary Lambert*, Cheryl Joubert*, Pat Gaughan* and Richard Chamberlain* along with Bob and Jamie Garner* and were also present. The next and final meeting will be held Tuesday September 4th at The Deer Head in Delaware Water Gap, PA at 7:30pm. 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.

A Grand Jazz Finale

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented their final Gazebo Concert for the 2007 Summer Season featuring Jay Rattman* on Saxophone, Jesse Green* on Keyboards, Nancy Reed* on Base Guitar and Vocals, Spencer Reed* on Jazz Guitar, and Bill Goodwin* on Drums at 6pm on August 26th. It was a great ending to a wonderful summer filled with many delightful memories to sustain the multitude who have attended the series until next summer arrives. Among this multitude are Michael Wetmore* of Support Your Local poets-Hooray (SYLP-H), Arline M. Smeltz*, Nancy Scheirer*, John Weiss*, Jill Goodwin*, Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner*, Richard Chamberlain*, and Cyndie Dutkiewicz*. Please contact The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* at 570-992-3934 for more information regarding The Gazebo Concerts and other work they do relating to the arts. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society PCOM Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Roches at the Gazebo

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented Kate and Richie Roche* on Sunday August 19th as part of their summer concert series. The concert was held inside the church due to the inclement weather but the smooth sound warmed the audience with its soft selections which included classical jazz pieces and show tunes. Michael Wetmore* of Support Your Local poets-Hooray (SYLP-H), Arline M. Smeltz*, Ursula Pooley, and Jill Goodwin along with Terri and James Dellaria* were among those who enjoyed the performance. The final concert for the summer season at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* will feature Jay Rattman and Friends* at 6pm on August 26th. Please contact 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.

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

A Spectacular Summer Night at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented “One Summer Night” Oldies Spectacular featuring Kenny Vance and the Plantotones, Vito Picone and the Elegants, The Del - Vikings, Cleveland Still and The Dubs, and The Passions on Saturday August 18th. The lively show brought back a great many wonderful memories relating to the times when Doo Wop music was in the musical mainstream of their youth. Yet, those who weren’t born during the 50s and 60s were still able to appreciate the great sounds to the point of becoming fans in their own right. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, Brook*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz* Jill Goodwin* were among the many who showed their enthusiasm during the evening through their dancing, singing, and clapping of hands. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will be a Benefit Show for Youth Advocacy Program on Saturday August 25th. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Spectacular Summer Night at The Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

The Sherman Tenors

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Pocono Lively Arts* presentation of “Full Circle: The Three Pocono Tenors in Concert” featuring the voices of Michael Doherty, Spencer Taylor, and Jason Zimmer with Ronan Mariano on piano and assisted by Katie Kane on Thursday August 16th. The Show consited of musical selections ranging from Broadway Shows to Opera and included some pop tunes as well. Richard Berkowitz*, Theresa*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz* were among the many who enjoyed the show. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will be “One Summer Night” Oldies Spectacular featuring many performers from the 50s and 60s on Saturday August 18th. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society The Sherman Tenors Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Preparing for COTA

The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* held their next to the last 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 August 14th. The days are winding down for the event which begins Thursday September 6th at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA and continues in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Friday September 7th until Sunday September 9th. They still need Volunteers in Security, Stage Crew, Ticket Sales, and many other areas so feel free to call them at 570-424-2210 or visit www.cotajazz.org to learn more about it. Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner (Chaired the meeting)*, Christine Trembly*, and Tim Helman* (Board Members of COTA) were among those who attended. Jill Goodwin*, Arline M. Smeltz*, Cheryl Joubert*, Spencer Reed*, Cheryl Reed*, Marie Steeger*, and Gary Lambert* along with Bob and Jamie Garner* and Pat and Terri Gaughan* were also present. The next and final meeting will be held Tuesday August 28th at The Sycamore Grill in Delaware Water Gap, PA at 7:30pm. 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.

Matt Abel at The Gazebo

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented The Matt Abel Group* on Sunday August 12th as part of their summer concert series. A variety of cover and original songs met the eager audience with engaging lyrics which were as amusing as they were enlightening. Michael Wetmore* of Support Your Local poets-Hooray (SYLP-H), Arline M. Smeltz*, Gary Lambert*, and Betsy Jackson* of The Shawnee Institute along with Terri and James Dellaria* were among those who enjoyed the performance. The next concert at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* will feature Kate and Richie Roache* at 6pm on August 19th. Please contact 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.

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

Theatrical Review: Count Dracula.

COUNT DRACULA
Written by: Ted Tiller
Directed by: Michael J. Harron*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s* production of Ted Tiller‘s “Dracula.” The Pennsylvania Repertory Company has gained a well deserved reputation of presenting fine theatre especially through their “Plays in the Curriculum Series“ which presents plays students in local school systems are studying. This is a worthy endeavor gaining a great deal of support from those who care about enhancing the educational experience the theatrical arts can provide.

However, although The Pennsylvania Repertory Company* has presented numerous theatrical gems, this particular production of “Count Dracula” is not one of them. This umpteenth telling of the overly familiar story of the Vampire from Transylvania added nothing to our knowledge nor did it satisfy those of us who are accustomed to the more sophisticated retellings which range from Francis Ford Coppola’s Beauty and the Beast version or Wes Craven Pseudo Biblical rendition which claims Dracula isn’t Vladd the Impaler but Judas Iscariot. Although many may consider the story of Dracula a timeless story mixing horror, romance, and sexuality in a blend unique to the genre, this sentiment wasn’t readily evident in this play. It seems the play was merely written to capitalize on the franchise and cash in on its popularity.

In spite of the mundane manner of the script, the actors portraying the roles they presented did quite well with the work they were given. There were many instances when an actor or actress was quite noticeably transcending the play through a more in-depth exploration of their character. Unfortunately, what made this noticeable was the fact not every everyone decided to go this creative route and stayed within the confines of the written words. There are many times in the theatrical arts when actors and directors must adhere strictly to the playwright’s intent because to do would diminish the integrity of the work but there are times when following your creative instincts are not only appropriate, but necessary to produce work meaningful to everyone experiencing it. Knowing what path to follow and when to do so requires artistic maturity which is usually found in The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s* production but, surprisingly, not in this one.

“Count Dracula” cast consisted of Katherine Neville who portrayed Sybil Steward, Al Rauch who portrayed Hennessey while serving in The Props Department and participated in the Set Construction, Wayne Dotter who portrayed Dr. Steward and participated in the Set Construction, David Schappert who portrayed Renfield while serving in the Special Effects Department and participated in the Set Construction, Mark Nelson who portrayed Wesley, Justin Rosario who portrayed Jonathan Harker, Kathi Spigelmeyer who portrayed Mina Murry, Professor Emeritus Rob Eilenberger Howell who portrayed Prof. Van Helsing, and Patrick Turner who portrayed Count Dracula.

The Production was Directed Michael Harron* who also designed the set while serving as a Sound Technician along with Glenn Kern and Marty Courtney* and Stage Managed by Brydie Jacques who also served as costumer, in The Props Department, and in The Special Effects Department. Original music for the production was composed by Tick Cummins and Manny Parrish. The Lighting Director was William Kelly*, Additional Set Construction and Stage Crews Members were Sydney Southard, Carl Montano, Edi Martinovie, and Molly Brunkard. The Box Office Staff consisted of Cheryl Yost* and Theresa Woehrel*.

This production of “Count Dracula” by Ted Tiller has concluded its one day run on Saturday August 11th. The next production of The Pennsylvania Repertory Company* will be their annual “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol” which will be presented at The Sherman Theater* in Stroudsburg, PA December 13th - 15th. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-420-2808 or by exploring The Sherman Theatre’s* Website at www.shermantheatre.com.

Photographs from the production can be found at The Forwardian Arts Society Sherman for the Count Gallery on myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Blues Festival Coverage

Tony Dellaria* has posted some Slideshows, a Festival Write Up, and Podcast Interviews for the 2007 NYS Blues Festival at the following Websites:

www.BluesSource.com
www.bluessource.com/articlesarchive.php www.bluessource.com/slideshows/NYState2007/Day01/index.htm www.bluessource.com/slideshows/NYState2007/Day02/index.htm

Please feel free to explore them and share your comments.

Look for coverage by Tony Dellaria of the 2007 Pocono Blues Festival next Tuesday, August 14th.

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

Testament of Music

The Shawnee Press, Inc sponsored a Choral program entitled, “Testament of Praise: A Celebration of Faith” at The Stroudsburg Junior High School in Stroudsburg, PA on Wednesday August 8th as part of their Annual Music in the mountains Choral Symposium. The Choir was directed by David Lantz III with many selections arranged by Joseph M. Martin and inspired by the writings of Charles Wesley who was portrayed by Mark Cabasniss. Arline M. Smeltz* was one of the sixty voices who lent their talents to the evening. A large and appreciative audience attended the program and had their faith uplifted by the music. Proceeds from the event benefited The VNA Hospice House of Monroe County. Please contact at The Shawnee Press, Inc at 1-800-962-8584 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Testament of Music Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Happy Jazz Campers

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented a Mini Jazz Festival featuring students who attended the COTA Jazz Camp first concert on Sunday August 5th as part of their summer concert series. The Jazz Camp took place August 1st - 4th as an educational extension of The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* www.cotajazz.org whose 30th Anniversary Festival takes place September 6th -9th. Several established Jazz performers lent their expertise to enhance the talents of these students. They included Spencer Reed*, Jay Rattman*, and Jesse Green* along with Richard Chamberlain* and Phil Wood* (co founders of COTA*).

A delighted audience was thoroughly entertained by the great music as they glimpsed into the future of the Jazz scene through the sounds created by these talented people. Jill and Bill Goodwin*, Cheryl Joubert*, Cyndie Dutkiewicz*, and Lauren Chamberlain-Mussner* (all of whom are members of COTA’s Board of Directors) along with Michael Wetmore* of Support Your Local poets-Hooray (SYLP-H), Arline M. Smeltz*, Maria Horn*, Bob Durough*, Nancy Scheirer*, Dave Coulter*, Gary Lambert*, and Pat and Terri Gaughan* were among the numerous people who enjoyed the performance.

The next concert at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* will feature The Matt Abel* Group at 6pm on August 12th. Please contact The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* at 570-992-3934 for more information. You’ll find Numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society COTA Jazz Camp Festival Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Evening on Main and Sherman

The Jacob Stroud Corporation* in Stroudsburg, PA held their monthly Evening on Main event on Saturday August 4th. 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 ArtSpace* wich featured a wide range of works by Will Daskal* along with performances by The Mark Williams Band and “It’s Just Comedy” Show 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 The Jacob Stroud Corporation* at 570-424-9131 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Evening on Main and Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Theatrical Review: I Ought To Be In Pictures.

I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES
Written by: Neil Simon
Directed by: Chris Centrella
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their production of Neil Simon‘s “I Ought To Be In Pictures” in their Black Box Theatre. This was the second production placed in this new intimate theatrical setting and it proved to be a wise choice. It not only allowed the audience experience the play through the words and behaviors of the actors but it also allowed them to look into the heart of the play.

“I Ought To Be In Pictures” is about a daughter of an out of work screen writer who comes to visit her father whom she hasn’t seen since her early childhood sixteen years ago. The play explores many of the issue arising from such an occurrence which includes regret, anger, and the desire to make amends. However, it’s all done with the fine mixture of humor and pathos the mastery of Neil Simon has become known for. The audience finds itself laughing while coming to terms with the plays deeper exploration of the issues that invades their hearts. This is what comedic theatre does at its best.

“I Ought To Be In Pictures” cast consists of Rob Ramos* who portrayed Herb (the father who left his home to follow his dream of becoming a writer only to realize an even larger and more fulfilling dream when he rediscovers something he left behind), Eileen Schmitt who portrayed Libby (the daughter who wants to desperately connect with the missing pieces in her life and to follow her own dreams while maintaining her new reconnection), and Marie Steeger* who portrayed Steffy (Herb’s girlfriend who provides the emotional wisdom embodied in the soul of the play). Each actor portrayed their part as if it was written for them. This made the evening a very enjoyable one to those who enjoy good theatre.

However, there was one slight flaw in an otherwise stellar evening at the theatre. There is a term in comedic theatre which refers to those utterance which are meant to illicit laughter from the audience. These utterances are called “Laugh Lines.” It’s customary for the actors speaking these lines to give a pause to allow the audience’s laughter to reach its fullness before proceeding to the next line. This pause was missing during some of the production but such a situation is often self correcting as a play continues it run and the watchful eye of the director and the instinctive nature of the actors progresses with each performance.

The Production was Directed Chris Centrella* and Stage Managed by Irene Garner. The Technical Director was Kayla Goble who also operated the Light board and the Costumer was Amanda Hughlette. Producers were Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while Midge McClosky* served as The Theatre’s Executive Director. The Box Office Staff consists of Mary Horn, Lillian Gonzalez, and Kasey Mesko. Amy Cramer* served as Marketing Assistant.

This production of “I Ought To Be In Pictures” by Neil Simon will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until August 26th. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-421-5093 or by exploring their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. This play is recommended to those who enjoy exploring the estranged emotional bonds with others and themselves while doing so with a smile.

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

The Filmmaker Evolution Continues

The Cast of The Shining Star Productions’* film entitled, “The Filmmaker” met with writer and director Dave Morton* to further explore the film before the actual production begins at The Dale Snow Theatre of The Fine Arts Buliding on the Campus of East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA on Wednesday August 1st. The film features the talents of Michael Demyan as Will Sennet, Don "Charlie" Johnson as Mike, Angel Berlane as Mary, Talya Lockwood as Ashley, Lou Lebron as Jimmy DeMille, 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 Angelo Revilla* as The Guy on Date. 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. Please visit 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.

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