The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* in Delaware Water Gap, PA served the Devine through their annual Christmas Eve Jazz Celebration on Monday December 24th. The sounds of Jazz filled the heart, body, and soul of all who came to enjoy the wonderful event. The Service was led by Pastor Karen Nickels* while Bonnie Childs* served as the Celebration Chairperson. Matt Abell*, Saralyn Whitaker*, Marty Wilson*, Bob Dorough*, Michele Bautier*, Denny and Jan Carrig*, Arline M. Smeltz*, Bill Brugger*, Lindsey Buffa*, Kate and Richie Roche, and Jay Rattman were among the numerous musicians and singers who performed while Cheryl Read* along with Sue and Sarah Wilson* were among the many who sang, laughed, and danced while their spirits embodied in the service prepared them for Christmas day. The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* holds services Sunday Mornings at 10am and presents other musical events throughout the year. Please Contact The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* at 570-476-0345 for more information. Due to the religious nature of the event, no photographs were taken.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Skaladays at The Sherman
The Sherman Theatre* (www.shermantheatre.com) in Stroudsburg, PA celebrated the season by giving thanks to everyone in the 21 and under crowd who frequents the numerous Independent Rock Concerts for local musician throughout the year with a free show featuring “Ska” music entitled, “HAPPY SKALADAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” on Saturday December 22nd. Several great bands performed to an eager and energetic audience fill with youthful joy and appreciation. Richard Berkowitz*, Theresa Woehrel*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there with Arline M. Smeltz* along with Anna and Thomas Busteed*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will a Benefit concert featuring Artimus Pyle (legendary drummer of the iconic southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd) and The Street Survivors at 8 pm on Friday January 4th. Proceeds will go into a trust fund to benefit two year old Sean Vanluvender whose father (Lee Vanluvender of Bartonsville, PA ) was found dead after being shot several times while hunting close to the state game lands near Chestnuthill and Tunkhannock townships in PA. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Skaladays 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.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Theatrical Review: Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol
TINY TIM’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Michael Harron* and Rick Cummins
Directed by: Michael Harron*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s (www.myspace.com/pennsylvaniarepcompany) production of “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” by Michael Harron* and Rick Cummins and based on the novel “A Christmas Carol“ by Charles Dickens. This original production is offered annually as The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s gift of a Holiday Family Musical to the community. The love, affection, and appreciation felt by the company is well evident in the care and talent placed in their endeavors to present quality theatre to the area and “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” is no exception.
The play takes the familiar story created by Charles Dickens and presents it through the eyes of one of the novels most beloved characters. Although this loses some of the depth the novel creates through its third person perspective, rediscovering the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge through our journey with Tiny Tim still allows us to enjoy the story in a new way. It’s serves us well to remind ourselves this is “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” and not Charles Dickens.
This is especially true during the novel’s potent scene of Scrooge confronting his own mortality and realizing all of his act lead to their inevitable consequences. Dickens mentioned in in many lectures on the novel this scene was designed to give warning to the business community who has become hard and uncaring toward the poor in the communities in which they did business and their indifference will lead to a societal indifference which leading to their demise. However, Tiny Tim sees this scene as an opportunity to express his childlike faith in the one who was born on Christmas and can provide redemption to those who seek it. This explains why there’s a nativity scene in “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” that Dickens would never imagine placing in his.
The huge cast consisted of an amount of talented people who are too numerous to mention However, the play was well acted and the actors should be congratulated on a performance well done. Their participation made it a very enjoyable evening at the Theatre.
The Production was Directed Michael Harron* and Stage Managed by Mary Ellen Van CampJoanne Barbetta assisted by Liz Egan-Rivers and Sara Ferguson. Katy Joyce served as Costumer and Nance Brown provided the Musical Staging. Keith LaBar served as Musical Director while the lighting and sets were designed by Leigh Mundy Fretz and Mark Connors. The Sound and Microphones were provided by Glenn Kern and the light board was controlled by William (Bill) Kelly*. Marcy Wilder* and Rick Morales were the follow spot operators. Props were provided by Al Rauch and Brydie Jaques while the stage crew consisted of Mike Brightman, Mark Dodel, Julius Kollar, Liz Miller, Ariana Medero, Vicky Larianova, and Eric Ramos.
This production of “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” will continue its run at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA until December 15th which means the run may be over before you read this review. However, it may be good to keep your calendar open for next year’s production as The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s* (www.myspace.com/pennsylvaniarepcompany) “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” may prove to be a pleasurable way to spend the 2008 holiday season.
Numerous Photographs from the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Tiny Tim Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Michael Harron* and Rick Cummins
Directed by: Michael Harron*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s (www.myspace.com/pennsylvaniarepcompany) production of “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” by Michael Harron* and Rick Cummins and based on the novel “A Christmas Carol“ by Charles Dickens. This original production is offered annually as The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s gift of a Holiday Family Musical to the community. The love, affection, and appreciation felt by the company is well evident in the care and talent placed in their endeavors to present quality theatre to the area and “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” is no exception.
The play takes the familiar story created by Charles Dickens and presents it through the eyes of one of the novels most beloved characters. Although this loses some of the depth the novel creates through its third person perspective, rediscovering the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge through our journey with Tiny Tim still allows us to enjoy the story in a new way. It’s serves us well to remind ourselves this is “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” and not Charles Dickens.
This is especially true during the novel’s potent scene of Scrooge confronting his own mortality and realizing all of his act lead to their inevitable consequences. Dickens mentioned in in many lectures on the novel this scene was designed to give warning to the business community who has become hard and uncaring toward the poor in the communities in which they did business and their indifference will lead to a societal indifference which leading to their demise. However, Tiny Tim sees this scene as an opportunity to express his childlike faith in the one who was born on Christmas and can provide redemption to those who seek it. This explains why there’s a nativity scene in “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” that Dickens would never imagine placing in his.
The huge cast consisted of an amount of talented people who are too numerous to mention However, the play was well acted and the actors should be congratulated on a performance well done. Their participation made it a very enjoyable evening at the Theatre.
The Production was Directed Michael Harron* and Stage Managed by Mary Ellen Van CampJoanne Barbetta assisted by Liz Egan-Rivers and Sara Ferguson. Katy Joyce served as Costumer and Nance Brown provided the Musical Staging. Keith LaBar served as Musical Director while the lighting and sets were designed by Leigh Mundy Fretz and Mark Connors. The Sound and Microphones were provided by Glenn Kern and the light board was controlled by William (Bill) Kelly*. Marcy Wilder* and Rick Morales were the follow spot operators. Props were provided by Al Rauch and Brydie Jaques while the stage crew consisted of Mike Brightman, Mark Dodel, Julius Kollar, Liz Miller, Ariana Medero, Vicky Larianova, and Eric Ramos.
This production of “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” will continue its run at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA until December 15th which means the run may be over before you read this review. However, it may be good to keep your calendar open for next year’s production as The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s* (www.myspace.com/pennsylvaniarepcompany) “Tiny Tim‘s Christmas Carol” may prove to be a pleasurable way to spend the 2008 holiday season.
Numerous Photographs from the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Tiny Tim Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A Country Christmas at The Sherman
The Sherman Theatre* (www.shermantheatre.com) in Stroudsburg, PA presented John Berry’s Country Christmas on Monday December 10th. A multitude of country and even some non country fans came out to enjoy the great show filled with a variety of songs all touched with the unique talents of John Berry and his band. Proceeds from the show went to benefit Family Promise of Monroe County. Richard Berkowitz*, Theresa Woehrel*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz* and Gary Lambert*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will The PA Repertory Company‘s* (www.myspace.com/pennsylvaniarepcompany) production of “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol” on December 12th - 15th. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society A Country Christmas 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.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Poem: Instruction
The Forwardian Arts Society is honored to share the poetic works of Peter Serra with you. Please feel free to send us your literary works to be considered for publication on our Blog. We welcome any topic or style. We also welcome your comments on this and anything we post. We look forward to reading your work and we’ll keep a good thought for you until then.
Instruction
by Peter Serra copyright 2007
"Christian Visions from a common man"
The old man's vision
and the young man's dreams
Are different from the start.
The old man sees the road that's past
And knows the trouble parts.
The young man dreams of future paths
In hurried steps to take
But rarely heeds the warning signs
Of old man's mistakes.
Proverbs 1:8 Listen my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
Instruction
by Peter Serra copyright 2007
"Christian Visions from a common man"
The old man's vision
and the young man's dreams
Are different from the start.
The old man sees the road that's past
And knows the trouble parts.
The young man dreams of future paths
In hurried steps to take
But rarely heeds the warning signs
Of old man's mistakes.
Proverbs 1:8 Listen my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
A Boar’s Head Festival
The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church* (www.stpaultannersvillepa.org) in Tannersville, PA celebrated their annual Boar’s Head Festival on December 7th - 9th. The theatrical event recreates medieval and renaissance environments to share the Christian Story of Christmas through a series of processions and choral pieces. Anna Busteed* and Arline M. Smeltz* were among the participants while Rose* and Don Busteed* along with Suzanne McCool* were among those who enjoyed the historic evening. Please contact The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church* at 570-629-1992 for more information on this and other events. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society A Boar’s Head Festival Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Rocking Independently at The Sherman
The Sherman Theatre* (www.shermantheatre.com) in Stroudsburg, PA presented their Independent Rock Series featuring many local bands on Saturday December 8th. Many great local bands shared their musical talents to an enthusiastic audience filled with the energies of youthful vigor. The Highlight of the event was performances by The Mark Williams Band* (www.myspace.com/markwilliamsmusic) and the group named, “Zen Zen.” Proceeds from the show went to benefit The Stroudsburg High School Class of 2008. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will The Pocono Choral Society* (www.poconochoralsociety.org) presentation of Handel’s Messiah on December 9th and 16th. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Rocking Independently 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.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
A Night of Art, Song, and Spirit
The Jacob Stroud Corporation* (www.Stroudsburg.net) in Stroudsburg, PA held their Annual Night of Art, Song, and Spirit on Saturday December 8th. The wintry weather gave enough of a respite to allow many to gather to share the holiday season with one another. The Artspace Gallery* (www.spezmedia.com/artspace) held their Holiday Show and sale while The Scholl of Visual and Performing Arts presented their exhibition entitled, “Riv5 - Local Artists’ View of the Delaware River. In addition to these exhibitions, The Main Street Jukebox (www.myspace.com/mainstjukebox) featured the works of Jonathon K Slingluff and Keven Margitich. However, the focal point of the festivities was The Pocono Lively Arts* presentation of a Merry Tuba Christmas and Community Sing Along as numerous people gathered around the lit Christmas Tree in the Courthouse Square. Among the numerous people who shared the holiday celebrations were Will Daskal*, Suzanne McCool*, Kathy Kroll*, and Arline M. Smeltz. Please contact The Jacob Stroud Corporation at 570-424-9131 for more information on this and future events.. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Night of Art, Song, and Spirit Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
A Motown Christmas at The Sherman
The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Pocono Music Productions presentation of a Motown Christmas Spectacular featuring Lady “A” and Destiny on Friday December 7th. Their performance was preceded by performance artist Donna Maxon (www.Donnamaxon.com) whose impersonation of Bette Midler astounded many. Brice of Pocono Music Productions also performed to add warmth to the evening. The snowy conditions made for a small crowd, but the music brought a warmth for those who traversed the wintry roads to reach their destination which housed the sounds of Motown. Proceeds from the show went to benefit Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere (S.A.F.E.) (www.autismsafe.org). Richard Berkowitz*, Theresa Woehrel*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz* and Lori Williams*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will the first of their Independent Rock Series featuring many local bands on Saturday December 8th. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society A Motown Christmas 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.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Poem: The Nightmare
The Forwardian Arts Society is honored to share the poetic works of Peter Serra with you. Please feel free to send us your literary works to be considered for publication on our Blog. We welcome any topic or style. We also welcome your comments on this and anything we post. We look forward to reading your work and we’ll keep a good thought for you until then.
The Nightmare
by Peter Serra copyright 2007
I dreamt I was rich.
Then they toppled the system.
I sat in a room full of cash, happy.
It was locked from the outside.
I won a huge lottery and built a castle.
I built a great stone wall surrounding it.
Outside of the wall I built a wide trench.
The firemen waved.
The trunk of my car was filled with gold bars.
As I slept it was repossessed.
I found a brown paper bag with bearer bonds.
In a cold articulate and determined voice, she said, "Stick em up!"
I found a treasure chest.
I was surrounded by sharks.
Lastly, I found myself poor.
The telephone rang only to remind me.
I had so many bills I kidnapped my mailbox.
These specters I knew all too well.
Ah, restful sleep.
Thank God.
The Nightmare
by Peter Serra copyright 2007
I dreamt I was rich.
Then they toppled the system.
I sat in a room full of cash, happy.
It was locked from the outside.
I won a huge lottery and built a castle.
I built a great stone wall surrounding it.
Outside of the wall I built a wide trench.
The firemen waved.
The trunk of my car was filled with gold bars.
As I slept it was repossessed.
I found a brown paper bag with bearer bonds.
In a cold articulate and determined voice, she said, "Stick em up!"
I found a treasure chest.
I was surrounded by sharks.
Lastly, I found myself poor.
The telephone rang only to remind me.
I had so many bills I kidnapped my mailbox.
These specters I knew all too well.
Ah, restful sleep.
Thank God.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
An Irish Christmas at The Sherman
The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the Tony Kenny’s Christmastime in Ireland Show featuring Kathy Durkin, Victoria Kenny, and The Dublin City Dancers on Thursday December 6th. The evening delighted the petite crowd as the reminisced along with their favorite songs relating to the holiday season. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, Theresa Woehrel*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz*, Gary Lambert*, and Christopher McCabe*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will be a Motown Christmas Spectacular on Friday December 7th. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society An Irish Christmas 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.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Winter Concert at ESU
The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA (www.esu.edu) held their Annual Winter Concert in the Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall of The Fine and Performing Arts Building on the ESU* Campus on Wednesday December 5th. The evening began with a prelude in the adjacent Madelon Powers Art Gallery with a performance of some chamber music by The University/Community Orchestra as directed by Betsy Buzzelli-Clarke. The evening continued in the recital hall with the A Cappella Ensemble as directed by Dr. James Maroney. Dr. Maroney continued the evening towards its conclusion by directing the Concert Choir which performed a medley of holiday tunes to sooth and delight the audience. Arline M. Smeltz*, Anna H. Busteed*, Brian Foley*, and Christopher D. Palardy were among the performers while Maria Gerena* (whose Daughter Luzmarie performed) enjoyed the concert. The next performance at The East Stroudsburg University* will be The Winter Band Concert on Sunday December 9th. Please Contact The East Stroudsburg University* at 570-422-3483 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Winter Concert at ESU Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Church at The Sherman
The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the Annual Pocono Community Church Christmas Concert featuring Take 6 singing soul touching Gospel Music on Saturday December 1st. The evening included the deeply spiritual sounds of Nadeen Edwards* which also inspired the audience to experience the joy of the holiday season. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Tony Kenny’s Christmas Time in Ireland featuring a great evening filled with singing and dancing in the Celtic tradition on Thursday December 6th. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Church 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.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
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