The Jacob Stroud Corporation in Stroudsburg, PA presented their 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade representing numerous business and cultural organizations on Sunday March 30th. Many attended the parade to enjoy the spectacle and to support their friends who participated. Maria Gerena*, Richard Berkowitz*, and Cheryl Yost* were among those marching while Arline M. Smeltz were among those along the side walks. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Parade 08 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Ye Shall Have A LVC Choral
The Lebanon Valley College (LVC) in Annville, PA presented a Choral Concert entitled, “Ye Shall Have A Song” at The First Presbyterian Church in Allentown, PA on Friday March 28th as part of their 72nd Annual Spring Tour and Home Concert. The evening was filled with a variety of musical renditions of spiritual compositions ranging from African, European, to Slavic renderings enriching all who heard the sound of the young voices. Thomas Busteed* were among those young voices who performed while Anna, Donald, and Rose Busteed* along with Arline M. Smeltz* were among the appreciative audience who shared in the wonderful experience. The Spring Tour is scheduled to continue to The Poolesville Baptist Church in Poolesville, MD on Saturday March 29th, The Trinity United Methodist Church in Roaring Springs, PA on Sunday March 30th, and will conclude at a Home Concert at The LVC on Sunday April 6th. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Ye Shall Have A LVC Choral Gallery on myspace.
(*) 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, March 28, 2008
ESU Art Show
East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception for The Art Association’s Juried Student Art Exhibition in The Madelon Powers Gallery of its Fine and Performing Arts Building on Thursday March 27th. A variety of works were presented encompassing numerous styles and points of view which entreated each visitor to the gallery to reflect upon their own perceptions of the inner and outer worlds they live. The Arts Association and ESU distributed awards to those students who excelled in their talents which were elevated by the exceptional talents of those participating in the entire show. Anthony Garbino* (a recipient of an award), Angel Berlane*, Angelo Revilla III*, Raj Shankar*, and Arline M. Smeltz* were among the many who were enriched by the exhibition. The Exhibition continues until April 23rd. Please Contact Dr. Rita Plotnicki at 570-422.3695 for more information. You’ll find numereous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society ESU Art Show 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, March 22, 2008
Independent Rockers at The Sherman
The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented Coloursound* with The Clubber Lang Gang, Stasis*, Eloosive Moose, Friday Night Parking Lots, and Zen Zen* as part of their Independent Rock Series on Saturday March 22nd. The night was filled with a variety of musical styles ranging from acoustic guitars to hard core sewing a common thread to delight the audience. Richard Berkowitz* and Bill Kelly* (both of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Bob Weir (formally of The Grateful Dead) and RatDog Show on Tuesday April 1st at 7:30pm (Doors at 6:30pm). Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Independent Rockers 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, March 21, 2008
Iron Jawed Progressives
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Poconos* (UUFP) in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Pocono Progressive presentation of their Pop Corn and Politics Series which featured the film “Iron Jawed Angels” with Hilary Swank and Frances O'Connor on Friday March 21st. The film told the story of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution which gave women the right to vote. Mark Litchy* were among the few but dedicated people who were there to enjoy the evening. Please contact The UUFP* at 570-420-0580 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Iron Jawed Progressives 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.
The Forwardian Arts Society Expedition Party
The Forwardian Arts Society held their Annual Meeting (aka Expedition Party) at The Eastern Monroe Public Library* in Stroudsburg, PA on Thursday March 20th. This annual gathering is designed to give Members (aka Art Lovers) of The Forwardian Arts Society an opportunity to share their thoughts on the future of the fellowship. The Founder and Facilitator of The Forwardian Arts Society (Me) presided over the gathering which only attendee was a curious patron of The Library who wondered why I was sitting in the Conference Room quietly alone. A conversation ensued which generated a few ideas which the fellowship may explore. These will be included in The Forwardian Arts Society Monthly Message for April found in the “About Us” section of our upcoming website. It is hoped more members will embark upon these explorations so wonderful avenues to demonstrate The Forwardian Arts Society’s love for the arts can be discovered and manifest into physical realities. No Pictures were taken at this event.
(*) 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.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
O Holy Chorus Week
The Pocono Mountain Community Chorus of Churches presented their annual concert to celebrate the Christian Holy Week which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter at The Berean Bible Fellowship Church in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday March 16th. There will be two more concerts presented at The United Methodist Church in Stroudsburg, PA on Tuesday March 18th and at The St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tannersville, PA. Arline M. Smeltz*, Anna Busteed*, Barbara Wetmore*, and Suzanne McCool* were among the voices who lent their talents to the concert. There is no contact information available. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society O Holy Chorus Week 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, March 08, 2008
Theatrical Review: A Prelude to a Kiss
A PRELUDE TO A KISS
Written by: Craig Lucas
Directed by: Jon Baptiste
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players production of “A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas. The play has been referred to as a modern day fairy tale with all the elements associated with them. This includes a life enriching theme and a restorative kiss. Like many fairy tales, this theme can be interpreted in various ways leaving the audience with many questions left unanswered at the play’s conclusion. Luckily, the production has provided a Question and Answer period scheduled to take place after each performance (except the final one on March 16th) designed to address any lingering thoughts the audience may have.
The play begins at a part where two people named Peter and Rita meet and quickly fall in love. Their love evolves and they decide to marry in the course of a few weeks. What promises to be a tale leading to a simple “Happily ever after” conclusion is quickly set aside by the entrance of an old man who kisses the bride and transforms the play as it begins to explore the challenges often encountered during the transition from the wedding day to married life. However, the kiss goes beyond the “normal” trials of Marital Bliss since the personalities of Rita and the old man are transposed with one another.
It is often difficult for actors to play characters beyond their range of personal experiences. This is especially true when the role is that of a different gender. The temptation is to over emphasize certain masculine or feminine traits to demonstrate the actor is a man playing a woman and visa versa. It takes a great deal of skill and restraint to only utilize a small amount of gestures to give the audience a hint of the character’s true identity while hiding it from the rest of the characters in a believable way. However, not showing any of the characteristics of the character’s true nature jeopardizes its legitimacy. It’s a very delicate balancing act requiring a considerable amount the skill and restraint I eluded to earlier.
Although there were the occasional timid delivery of some lines often associated with opening night performances, the acting of the entire company was very well done. This was especially true of Patrick Turner, Barbara Calchera, and Jerry Durkin who portrayed Peter, Rita, and the old man. Barbara Calchera and Jerry Durkin performed their roles with all the skill and restraint they required while Patrick Turner served as the audience’s path finder leading them to suspend their disbelief of what they’re witnessing through his commentary and explorations into what is the nature of love in all its bewildering disguises. It is said the fairies often come to us in such disguises in order to teach us such lessons through our own reflections.
“A Prelude to a Kiss” also featured Scott McIntosh as Dr. Boyle and Adia Williams as his wife Mrs. Boyles. Their characters enhanced the believability of an otherwise unbelievable set of circumstance as did Dan Eash who portrayed Taylor (Peter’s friend) who contributed additional validating observations to keep the play “real.” Other actors rounding out the production were Marty Courtney* as Uncle Fred, Michelle Kane as Aunt Dorothy, and Bob Otto as the minister along with the dual roles of the maid of honor and Leah portrayed by Maria Sole and Tom and the Waiter portrayed by Mike Slizofski. It is often said the most difficult role in a Shakespearian play is that of the spear holder. It should be noted the actors who had few or no lines to utter held their spears rather nicely.
“A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas was Directed by Jon Baptiste who also served as the Sound Technician while Neal Johnson* served as the Sound Designer. The Light Technician was Kyle Mahaney while the lighting design was created by Kayla Goble. Props were handled by Ariel Hudak while Amy Cramer* served as the Script Gopher and Publicist. Lillian Ramirez Gonzalez*, Mary Horn, and Kasey Mesko served as a members of the box office staff. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood.
This production of “A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until March 16th and is recommended for those who would like to explore the questions a tale told by fairies can inspire. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentation will be The Center Stage Players production of “Bus Stop” will be performed May 2nd - 11th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee. Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Written by: Craig Lucas
Directed by: Jon Baptiste
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players production of “A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas. The play has been referred to as a modern day fairy tale with all the elements associated with them. This includes a life enriching theme and a restorative kiss. Like many fairy tales, this theme can be interpreted in various ways leaving the audience with many questions left unanswered at the play’s conclusion. Luckily, the production has provided a Question and Answer period scheduled to take place after each performance (except the final one on March 16th) designed to address any lingering thoughts the audience may have.
The play begins at a part where two people named Peter and Rita meet and quickly fall in love. Their love evolves and they decide to marry in the course of a few weeks. What promises to be a tale leading to a simple “Happily ever after” conclusion is quickly set aside by the entrance of an old man who kisses the bride and transforms the play as it begins to explore the challenges often encountered during the transition from the wedding day to married life. However, the kiss goes beyond the “normal” trials of Marital Bliss since the personalities of Rita and the old man are transposed with one another.
It is often difficult for actors to play characters beyond their range of personal experiences. This is especially true when the role is that of a different gender. The temptation is to over emphasize certain masculine or feminine traits to demonstrate the actor is a man playing a woman and visa versa. It takes a great deal of skill and restraint to only utilize a small amount of gestures to give the audience a hint of the character’s true identity while hiding it from the rest of the characters in a believable way. However, not showing any of the characteristics of the character’s true nature jeopardizes its legitimacy. It’s a very delicate balancing act requiring a considerable amount the skill and restraint I eluded to earlier.
Although there were the occasional timid delivery of some lines often associated with opening night performances, the acting of the entire company was very well done. This was especially true of Patrick Turner, Barbara Calchera, and Jerry Durkin who portrayed Peter, Rita, and the old man. Barbara Calchera and Jerry Durkin performed their roles with all the skill and restraint they required while Patrick Turner served as the audience’s path finder leading them to suspend their disbelief of what they’re witnessing through his commentary and explorations into what is the nature of love in all its bewildering disguises. It is said the fairies often come to us in such disguises in order to teach us such lessons through our own reflections.
“A Prelude to a Kiss” also featured Scott McIntosh as Dr. Boyle and Adia Williams as his wife Mrs. Boyles. Their characters enhanced the believability of an otherwise unbelievable set of circumstance as did Dan Eash who portrayed Taylor (Peter’s friend) who contributed additional validating observations to keep the play “real.” Other actors rounding out the production were Marty Courtney* as Uncle Fred, Michelle Kane as Aunt Dorothy, and Bob Otto as the minister along with the dual roles of the maid of honor and Leah portrayed by Maria Sole and Tom and the Waiter portrayed by Mike Slizofski. It is often said the most difficult role in a Shakespearian play is that of the spear holder. It should be noted the actors who had few or no lines to utter held their spears rather nicely.
“A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas was Directed by Jon Baptiste who also served as the Sound Technician while Neal Johnson* served as the Sound Designer. The Light Technician was Kyle Mahaney while the lighting design was created by Kayla Goble. Props were handled by Ariel Hudak while Amy Cramer* served as the Script Gopher and Publicist. Lillian Ramirez Gonzalez*, Mary Horn, and Kasey Mesko served as a members of the box office staff. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood.
This production of “A Prelude to a Kiss” by Craig Lucas will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until March 16th and is recommended for those who would like to explore the questions a tale told by fairies can inspire. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentation will be The Center Stage Players production of “Bus Stop” will be performed May 2nd - 11th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee. Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Grooving with “Moe” at The Sherman
The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the group, “moe” with a pre-party show featuring Marc Silver and The Stonethrowers* on Thursday March 6th. The four hour concert (which was followed by an encore) filled the full capacity audience of over 2000 dancing and swaying people with a variety of musical styles ranging from hard rock to melodic country. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, Theresa Woehrel*, Beth Dollard*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz* and Gary Lambert*. The next shows at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Coloursound Show with The Clubber Lang Gang, Stasis, Eloosive Moose, Three Easy Payments, Friday Night Parking Lots, and Zen Zen* at 6pm as part of their Independent Rock Series on Saturday March 22nd at 6pm and The Bob Weir (formally of The Grateful Dead) and RatDog Show on Tuesday April 1st at 7:30pm (Doors at 6:30pm). Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website at www.shermantheatre.com for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Grooving with “Moe” 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.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Enjoying the Night Poetic at Kirkridge
The Kirkridge Retreat Center* (www.kirkridge.org) in Bangor, PA shared a fireside poetry reading accompanied by a Potluck Dinner on Sunday March 2nd. The relaxed evening was filled with poetry and food to nourish both the body and the soul. Nancy Scheirer* (of Kirkridge) Arline M. Smeltz, and Jan Slepian* were among the many who enjoy the company of their fellows. Please contact The Kirkridge Retreat Center* at 610-588-1793 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Enjoying the Night Poetic at Kirkridge 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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