Saturday, April 26, 2008

A Sherman Tapestry

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Pocono Choral Society* presentation of “American Tapestry” Concert on Saturday April 26th. The afternoon featured Jerrold Fisher as conductor and Tomoko Kawamukai as piano accompaniment along with numerous voices creating a vibrant tapestry of exhilarating musical revelry. A variety of choral pieces were presented including an original Requiem and Kyrie written by Choir member Richard Bullock in honor of those he served with in Iraq. Vicki Doney* and Bob Hartman* were among the voices who shared their talents while Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) along with Arline M. Smeltz* were among the small but appreciative audience who enjoyed the musical renderings. The next event at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Dickey Betts (a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band) and Great Southern Concert on Saturday May 3rd at 8pm. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts A Sherman Tapestry Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Phillip Mentor at The Bookhouse

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (EMPL)* in Stroudsburg, PA present renowned West Indian baritone Phillip Mentor along with Pianist Christopher Centrella* on Friday April 25th as part of their Bookhouse Concert Series. A small but supportive audience were treated to music from the legendary performer and activist Paul Robeson (1898-1976). It was an enjoyable evening filled with wonderful music enhanced by the magnificent voice of Phillip Mentor. Rob Ramos* and Linnae Criton* (both of EMPL) along with Arline M. Smeltz* were among the fortunate who attended the satisfyingly relaxed offering. The Next Bookhouse Concert at The Eastern Monroe Public Library will be New Jersey-based folk musician Mike Agranoff* at 7:30pm on Friday May 30th featuring music from his newly-released 3rd CD entitled, “Ain’t Never Been Plugged.” Please Explore The Eastern Monroe Public Library Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Phillip Mentor at The Bookhouse Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Theatrical Review: Tartuffe

TARTUFFE
Written by: Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin IV)
Translated into English Verse by Richard Wilbur
Directed by: Stephanie Daventry French
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA presented their Theatre Department’s production of “Tartuffe” by Moliere in the Smith-McFarland Theatre in the University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. This 17th century classic was introduced to the audience by a set designed by Sarah Lambert which kept true to the tradition of the magnificent yet appropriate set designs ESU has received well deserved praise for. The sets in ESU productions have often become characters in the plays they adorn and Ms. Lambert’s design of “Tartuffe’s” set was no exception. The greeting it gave to the approaching audience members a prelude to the fine performances they were about to encounter.

However, to say the performances by the actors embodying the production would be a gross understatement. They were beyond exceptional. Their ability to grasp the soul of Moliere’s work while translating the potentially archaic manners inherent in classical pieces over 200 years old for a modern audience was a joy to experience. This was pointedly evident in the casts fearlessness as they played their roles with shear abandonment in both physical humor and in allowing their characters to go beyond the normal realms bordering our responses to the situations the encountered. In other words, they weren’t afraid to go over the top.

Although this wonderful approach has been clearly embarked upon by each actor, there is an abundance of credit to be given to the director Stephanie Daventry French. Her attention to the elements of the play such as timing, costuming, and research of the work enabled the play and it’s participants to gain the knowledgeable confidence it needed to bring Moliere’s work to life in 2008. She also instituted a practice seldom seen in theatre before the turn of this century. The script of this play mentions Tartuffe’s servant Laurent but he never appears. In this production, he is manifested in the body of Dave Morton* and enhances the work to the delight of the audience who laughs at his well timed antics.

The key to the success of this or any other performance of versed work written long ago and in other languages is the translation of it into English. The danger of receiving a poor translation can be from translators who aren’t good poets and their lack of ability is evident in the product the come up with or the work is translated by an accomplished poet and he/she substitutes the style of the original writer with his/her own. Luckily, neither was the case with this translation of Moliere’s “Tartuffe.” Richard Wilbur has not only allow us to hear Moliere’s words in a language we can understand and find relevance but he has also captured the spirit embodied in the work enlivening it every time it is read and performed.

The play takes place in the home of a wealthy merchant named, “Orgon.” He had taken in Tartuffe who has promised him a path to a pious existence which will guarantee him a place in heaven. Soon, Orgon himself is taken in by Tartuffe to the point of promising his daughter into marriage to him and signing over all his possessions into his care. His family and servants warn him against such actions, but Orgon remains blindly faithful to Tartuffe and his empty promises. A series of hilarious events take place to open Orgon’s eyes to Tartuffe’s treachery but it is nearly too late as he and his family face eviction from their own home.

In addition to Dave Morton‘s* portrayal of Laurent, “Tartuffe” also featured Christie Berlane* as Dorine the maid servant of the Orgon family who provides her masters with the common sense they lack, Brian Foley* (in hilarious drag) as Orgon’s Mother Mme. Pernelle whose overbearing stubbornness does not prevent her by being fooled by the imposter Tartuffe, Kendra Getz as Mme. Pernelle’s maid servant who quietly obeys her mistress’s demands until rebels against them when they become too preposterous (Ms. Getz also served as understudy for Mme. Pernelle), Rachel Mack as Elmire the wife of Orgon who becomes willing to sacrifice her proprieties so her husband can discover the truth of the unworthy man he placed his trust and his family’s lives in, Dave Ausem as Cleante the dandyish brother to Elmire whose sense of style prevents his wise words from being taken seriously, Angelo Revilla III* as Orgon’s son Damis whose distaste for Tartuffe is embolden by his youthful vigor yet displaced by his innate cowardice to act upon his pronouncements and the wily ways of Tartuffe himself, Jenell Anne Manzi as Orgon’s daughter Mariane whose perceptions of life is in much need of the common sense advice she receives from Dorine, Raj Shankar* as Orgon the wealthy merchant whose desire for spiritual wholeness makes him vulnerable to the manipulations Tartuffe brings into his life and that of his family, Michael Demyan IV* as Mariane’s fiancĂ©e Valere who is a young officer proved to be well matched intellectually for Mariane, Luke Thomas Swierczek as the bailiff M. Loyal and the King’s Musketeer whose characters rounded out the play but proved to be nonetheless a satisfying aspect of the evenings experience, Alice Mol as King Louis XIV whose mere presence brought a sense of royalty to the production, and Doug Brehony* whose portrayal of Tartuffe made his arrival on stage well worth the wait as he expertly earned the reputation created by the dialogue which proceeded him. This anticipation was met by a satisfying laughter which lingered long after the final curtain call. Doug Brehony‘s* understudy was Kriss Judovics.

“Tartuffe” by Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin IV) and translated into English Verse by Richard Wilbur was directed by Stephanie Daventry French who also served as the Production Manager while Kristin Lott* and Alice Moll (also Ballet Coach) served as Assistant Directors. Pierre Clavel served as Technical Director while Dave Dougherty* served as the Assistant Technical Director. Alex Wirth served as Stage Manager while Gini Green and Erica Moschette served as Assistant Stage Managers. Sarah Lambert served as Set Designer. The Scenic painter was Nikki Andrews along with Christie Berlane (also Master Carpenter), Dave Ausem (also Master Carpenter), Jenell Anne Manzi, Rachel Mack, Luke Swierczek, and Kendra Getz. The Carpenters included Kyle Storm and Matt Pearson. Greg Back was the Poster and Program Artist. John Scognamiglio and Robin Kessler* served as the Sound Designers. The Assistant Sound Designer and Sound Board operator was Shamus Halloran. The lighting design was created by Sooyeon Hong while E. R. Koenig* (Light Board Operator) and Scott Ross (also Master Electrician and Lighting Crew) served as the Assistant Lighting Designers. The Costume Designer for the wonderful period adornments was Jennifer Tiranti while Amanda Kalinowski (also Wardrobe Run Crew) serves as the Assistant Costume Designer. The Costume Shop Manager was Karen Schwander who also served in the Wardrobe Run Crew along with Dave Kemmerer (also Costume Construction Crew). The Costume Construction crew included Michael Demyan IV* (also carpenter and painter), Jolene Sharp, and Raj Shankar*. The Props Master was Maria Picon while Elizabeth Page served as Props Assistant. Hair and makeup crew was Angel Berlane*, Rachel Marano, Angela Caccese, and Paolina Szemraj. The Publicity Director was Rita M. Plotnicki while Ryan Werkheiser, Pat Coyle, and Stage II (The ESU Theatrical Club) served as Publicity Assistants. The Box Office Manager was Sami Avola while Melissa Franks and Mark “Calvus” Carbino* served as House Managers. French Language Consultants were Edit Vergara and Ashley E. Hansberry.

This production of “Tartuffe” by Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin IV) will continue its run at the Smith-McFarland Theatre in the East Stroudsburg University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center in East Stroudsburg, PA until April 27th and is recommended for those who would like to enjoy an evening filling our souls with laughter while examining were we are placing our trust and is it worthwhile. Please contact The East Stroudsburg University* Theatre Department at 570-422-3483 for more information and to reserve your ticket. There will be a post show discussion after the Friday Night performance.

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

Please Note: No Photographs were allowed during this production.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Climate Action Fest 2008 in DWG

The 2nd Annual Pocono Climate Action Fest 2008 took place on Sunday April 20th at The Deer Head Inn* and The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery* in Delaware Water Gap, PA. The day included eminent Speakers such as Monroe County Commissioner Theresa Merli who spoke on ways people can effect positive global changes to the environment through their individual actions and in participation of local initiatives. There were several booths in support of the environmental theme of the festival which include organizations such as The Kirkridge Retreat Center* and Quite Valley Living Historical Farm Museum. Music outside The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery* was provided by Uncle Pete Tawny and the Juggernauts* and Blue Planet* while the Deer Head Inn* provided music by Bob Dorough*, Spencer and Nancy Reed*, and John Donato and the Pretty Boys. Other events included a showing of the Film "A Crude Awakening” and music by Uke Jackson. The event is sponsored by The Buzz Arts Guide* and the Pocono Progressives. Nancy Scheirer (of Kirkridge*), Jill and Bob Goodwin, Janet Lawson*, Christine Griffin (of The Buzz Arts Guide*), and Arline M. Smeltz were among the few yet dedicated souls who came to enjoy the festive environment. Please Explore The Pocono Climate Action Fest Website for more information. I’ve forgotten to take my camera so I didn’t take any pictures. However, you can see photos from last year’s festival at The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at Yahoo 360 (360.yahoo.com/pauladam) in the flicker Climate Fest 2007 Gallery.

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

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Clean Comedy at The Sherman Gallery

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented “A Clean Comedy Night” on Friday April 19th to benefit Family Promise. The full house was treated to the comedic styles of Rich Praytor and Charles Marshall while emcee Jack Swersie entertained with his own comedic and juggling talents. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were among the many who attended as was Arline M. Smeltz* along with Don and Jan Slepian*. The next events at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Mock Turtle Marionette Theater’s production of "Book Beast Puppet" which will be a part of The Fine Arts Discovery Series (FADS)* on Sunday April 20th at 2pm and The Pocono Choral Society presentation of “American Tapestry” Concert featuring Jerrold Fisher as conductor and Tomoko Kawamukai as piano accompaniment along with numerous voices creating a vibrant tapestry of exhilarating musical revelry on Saturday April 26th. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Clean Comedy 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.

Umphrey’s McGee at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Umphrey’s McGee Show on Friday April 18th. The four hour concert featured an unique improvisations of a wide variety of musical styles including straight-up pop and rock, jazz, progressive, metal, and classical filled the near capacity audience who danced and swayed while breathing in the meditative experiences with delightful enticements towards a more blissful countenance. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, Theresa Woehrel*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were among the multitudes as were Arline M. Smeltz*, Gary Lambert*, and our friends at Strangers Helping Strangers* who held a food drive to help those in need. The next events at The Sherman Theatre* will be “A Clean Comedy Night” to benefit Family Promise featuring Rich Praytor and Charles Marshall with Jack Swersie as emcee on Saturday April 19th at 7pm, The Mock Turtle Marionette Theater’s production of "Book Beast Puppet" which will be a part of The Fine Arts Discovery Series (FADS)* on Sunday April 20th at 2pm, and The Pocono Choral Society presentation of “American Tapestry” Concert featuring Jerrold Fisher as conductor and Tomoko Kawamukai as piano accompaniment along with numerous voices creating a vibrant tapestry of exhilarating musical revelry on Saturday April 26th. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website at www.shermantheatre.com for more information. You’ll find several photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Umphrey’s McGee at The Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts. You’ll find a more complete collection at the flicker Music 08 gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at Yahoo 360 (360.yahoo.com/pauladam).

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

Sunday, April 13, 2008

COTA Library at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted Phil Woods* and The COTA* Festival Orchestra on Sunday April 13th as part of their Library Alive Concert Series. The afternoon featured music arranged by Jazz Great Al Cohn as retrieved from The Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection kept at East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA. Composers of these pieces ranged from Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie along with those created by Phil Woods* and Al Cohn himself. The orchestra comprised of the many Jazz great those who attended the past 30 Annual Celebration of the Arts (COTA) festivals which has become a Mecca for jazz enthusiast throughout the world. These mega talented musicians include Nelson Hill*, Jay Rattman*, Tom Hamilton, Matt Vashlishan*, Jim Buckley, Ken Brader III, Danny Cahn, Eddie Severn*, Pat Dorian*, Rick Chamberlain*, Zachary Giffel, Joel Mikylyak, Jim Daniels*, Eric Doney*, Evan Gregor*, Bill Goodwin*, and Mark Macinko*. The Orchestra featured the considerable talents of Phil Woods* while Wolfgang Knittle served as its music director. While the size of the audience was surprisingly small, there were so many friends I dare not attempt to name them all in fear I may forget to mention a few. So, if you attended this wonderful event, I invite your to share your reflections and recollection of the show. I look forward to learning of them. The next event at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Umphrey’s McGee Show featuring their unique improvisations of a wide variety of musical styles. on Friday April 18th at 8pm. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You can find more information on COTA and its upcoming 31st Annual Festival held on September 5th, 6th, and 7th in the Delaware Water Gap, PA by exploring their website at www.cotajazz.org. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts COTA Library 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.

Mudworks at 3 Moons

3 Moons Yoga Studio* in Delaware Water Gap, PA hosted The Annual MudWorks and Friends Spring Show and Sale featuring a variety of Pottery, jewelry, folk dolls, accessories and more on April 12th and 13th. Leigh Ann Stratakos* of 3 Moons, Jo Ann Stratakos* of Mudworks, Ursula Pooly* of MeCrazy Jewelry, Willow of the Wisp Dolls*, and Arline M. Smeltz* were among those who attended the show and sale. Please Contact Mudworks Pottery at 570-236-6819 for more information. You’ll find several photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Mudworks at 3 Moons Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Friday, April 04, 2008

Stepcrew at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented “The Stepcrew!” preceded by a performance by Guitarist Scott McKenna and Violinist Nyke Van Wyk on Thursday April 3rd. The opening performance by Scott McKenna and Nyke Van Wyk served as a gentle yet fitting prelude to liveliness which followed. The large audience in attendance met with their expectations secured as “The Stepcrew!” easily fulfilled and surpassed them. Their performance inspired smiles, clapping along with the music, and even some covert dancing among the seated audience. Richard Berkowitz*, Theresa Woehrel*, and Bill Kelly* (all of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz*, Kathy Kroll*, and Gary Lambert*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will be the return of former American Idol Bo Bice on Saturday April 5th at 8pm. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find Numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Stepcrew 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.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Regina Sayles at Common Grounds

East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Campus Activities Board (CAB) Presentation of Song writer/Musician Regina Sayles* at The Common Grounds Coffeehouse on Wednesday April 2nd. The relaxed atmosphere of the collegiate setting was enhanced by the eclectic mixture of cover tunes and original compositions which delighted all who attended the performance. The sizable gathering included Arline M. Smeltz* among many students and fans. Future performances by Regina Sayles* are listed on her website at www.myspace.com/reginasayles. The next CAB show at ESA will be Comedian Ronnie Jordan on Tuesday April 22nd at 8pm. Please Explore The ESU* Website at www.esu.edu/studentactivities for more information. You’ll find Numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Regina Sayles at Common Grounds Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Bob Weir at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented Bob Weir (formally of The Grateful Dead) and RatDog on Tuesday April 1st. The festival atmosphere included a pre show party featuring the music of Natural Breakdown along with raffles and vendors sharing their wonderful wares. There were also numerous impromptu vendors and musician throughout the town of Stroudsburg in anticipation of the event which was attended by thousands of people. The show itself lived up to all expectations and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who were there. Numerous people were swaying and dancing in a state of consciousness reminiscent of Bob Weir’s previous band (The Grateful Dead). However, his new band (RatDog) proved to be an entity to itself through its originality and its own unique relationship with its audience. The shear number of the audience inhibits me from mentioning everyone I saw there, but I welcome any of you who read this to make yourselves known and share your reflection of the event. The next shows at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Stepcrew! featuring numerous dancing styles along with some fiddling on Thursday April 3rd at 8pm and the return of former American Idol Bo Bice on Saturday April 5th at 8pm. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find Numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Bob Weir 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.