Memories Shaken and Stirred

The Pocono Community Theater* in East Stroudsburg, PA and Eclipso Media Wurks presented a reading of works along with a musical performance by members of Railroad Earth* on Saturday November 28th. The afternoon celebrated the completion of a manuscript written by Samuel Saint Thomas entitled, “Frying Spam and Other Things to do before The Rapture” in an event called, “Memories and Martinis” and included a Martini Reception at The Liquid Martini Bar located in Stroudsburg, PA after the event. The well attended event has the distinction of being initiated and promoted through facebook.

The event began with a welcoming statement given by Eric Hanston* of The Pocono Community Theater*. Rex Fortuna then took the stage to introduce the writers and musicians who were about to share their talents. Rex is best known for his show on The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* whose show entitled, “Purveyor of Style” can be heard every Tuesday beginning at 6pm.

The readings began with a recitation of work created by musician and writer Michael Buozis of the Band Nocoats. His sense of poetic melody was quite evident as he read his words. The poetic essence of his words flowed though his voice which enhanced not only the pleasure of hearing them but also added something indescribable to their deeper meanings. It brought to mind how much richer literary work is when the writer has a poet’s love for words and the playful sounds they can make.

Poet and teacher Sara Bauer followed with work reflecting the many images she continues to carry from her past. Many centered around her family and how much its members mean to her. One could not help but to be touched by those recounting her relationship with her grand father and the stories of her parents’ romance. In the later, she described how her father would travel a distance on foot to court her mother. It reminded me of stories my father told me of how he once walked up a steep and long hill during a snowstorm to be with my mother. I’m not certain if the tales my father told are true, but, if they are, Ms. Baurer’s poem gave me an understanding of his love for her I didn’t have before.

The spoken word was followed by a performance by Timothy Carbone, John Skehan, and Andy Goessling of Railroad Earth*. This well known Jam Band scaled down to an acoustic set with Guitars, Mandolin, and Fiddle to accompany the rousing yet soothing songs they presented. This was a delight as it allowed many of their fans (including me) to just sit and listen to their music without the usual atmosphere adding to the performance. Not that the atmosphere is unwelcome as it often enhances the experience of the performance. But, just as it’s great to live an exciting life, it’s also good to just sit and take it all in without any distraction no matter how pleasant they are.

After a brief intermission, Author Samuel Saint Thomas took the stage. The mixture of humor and pathos in his newly completed work entitled, “Frying Spam and Other Things to do Before the Rapture” captured the audience with its bizarre stories that seemed a bit too familiar to many. The stories consisted of instances in Saint Thomas’ childhood memories of being a member of a Pentecostal family. The reading proved to be quite enjoyable inspiring all who experienced it to look forward to purchasing the book once it becomes published.

The event ended but continued to The Liquid Martini Bar where a Martini Reception awaited all who traveled to the location. I personally did not go but I’m sure there were numerous occasions for those who enjoyed the event to learn more about those who participated in it. The Next event scheduled to be held at The Pocono Community Theater* will be The Forwardian Arts Society Film and Chat Gathering on Friday December 4th in which a film will be watched and followed by a discussion of it afterwards in the Theater’s Café. Please Contact The Pocono Community Theater* at 570-421-3456 for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Literary Works Gallery www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Here are the Website of those mentioned in the article. They are Eric Hanston* of The Pocono Community Theater* at www.poconocommunitytheater.org, Rex Fortuna of The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* at www.pibco1.com, The Liquid Martini Bar at www.liquidmartinibar.com, The Forwardian Arts Society at www.theforwardianartssociety.com, Samuel Saint Thomas at www.samuelsaintthomas.com, Michael Buozis at www.myspace.com/nocoatsband, and Sara Bauer at www.sarabauerpages.com along with Tim Carbone, John Skehan, and Andy Goessling of Railroad Earth* at www.myspace.com/railroadearth.

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

Mudworking the Holidays

The Antoine Dutot Gallery and Museum* in Delaware Water Gap, PA hosted an Opening Reception for The Mudworks and Friends* Holiday Show and Sale featuring a variety of artisans on Friday November 27th. The myriad of items included everything from jewelry to ceramics and from stained glass window adornments to unique clothing accessories keeping the wearer warm and fashionable. The afternoon proved to be a wonderful experience to get some holiday shopping done early as well as engage in some delightfully enriching conversation with those who created the item with their creative gifts.

There seemed to be fewer artisans present this year than previous ones. But, this diminished number did little to diminish the enjoyment of the event. In fact, the increased space of the gallery lent itself to a more leisurely atmosphere in which attendees could explore the variety of offerings without becoming overwhelmed by them. It seemed the idea behind this year’s show was to have a “Less is More” approach which worked very well.

Among those sharing their creative talents through their handiworks were JoAnn Stratakos* of MudWorks Pottery*, Ursula Pooley* of Me Crazy Jewelry, Linda Newswanger* of Get Lit Stained Glass, Mary Ann Kirkhoff* of Luxury Mohair Fiber Art, Pottery by Margaret Benson*, A and M DiCillo, and Cathy Wells of Out of My Gourd along with Marci Molina*, Anita Bondi*, Stan Stewart* and Susan Bradford* of Mandala Design Works*. In addition to these artisans, Jen Kotch* and Katie Taylor (who are studio assistants at MudWorks Pottery*) shared their works along with young Jessie Pooley* who had some soap products for sale. The Show and sale continues two more consecutive weekends on December 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2009 Gallery www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Here are the Website and email addresses of those mentioned in the article. They are The Antoine Dutot Gallery and Museum* at www.dutotmuseum.com, JoAnn Stratakos* of MudWorks Pottery* at www.mudworkspotterypa.com, Ursula Pooley* of www.mecrazy.com, Cathy Wells of Out Of My Gourd at camwells@ptd.net, Linda Newswanger* of Get Lit Stained Glass at getlitstainedglass@comcast.net, Marci Molina*, Anita Bondi*, Stan Stewart* and Susan Bradford* of Mandala Design Works* at www.madaladesignworks.com, Mary Ann Kirkhoff* of Luxury Mohair Fiber Art at www.fibersite.com, Jen Kotch* at www.randombabblefromtheday.blogspot.com, and A and M DiCillo at www.Naturesjewels.ecrater.com

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

Theatrical Review: “An O Henry Christmas”

AN O HENRY CHRISTMAS
Written by: O Henry as adapted with music and lyrics by Peter Ekstrom
Directed by: Anthony Frisina
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA is currently their presenting their production of “An O Henry Christmas” featuring the dramatization of two of his short stories entitled, “The Last Leaf” and “The Gift of the Magi.” The plays are presented as Operettas with a chorus of children presenting Christmas Carols between the scenes. They consisted of a Red cast featuring Audrey Haskell, Aarti Katara, Jessica, Ledergerber, Jadyn Lynah, and Kimberly Rauscher and a Green cast featuring Tori Debenedetto, Lorynn and Olivia Eldridge, Claudia Hernandez, and Anastasia Moreo. While imperfect, the plays proved to be a nice time out in preparation to holiday season.

O. Henry was the pen name of William Sydney Porter whose short stories are well known for capturing the zeitgeist of the early 20th century and for their twist endings which has become known as "O. Henry endings" by literary enthusiasts. “The Last Leaf” and “The Gift of the Magi” are typical to this style and have become much loved by O. Henry fans throughout the years.

“The Last Leaf” begins with a Doctor (as portrayed by Dan Lendzian) who introduces the play and serves as it’s narrator throughout. During the course of his introduction, two women named, “Sue” (as portrayed by Jenell Manzi*) and “Johnsy” (as portrayed by Sara Ferguson*) begin moving into a third floor garret located in Greenwich Village. We soon discover they’re both artists and we learn of Johnsy’s dream to paint the bay of Naples. They soon meet their elderly neighbor, who is also an artist, named, “Berhman” (as portrayed by Ray Papay). He is of German descent and likes to drink a great deal of Gin.

During the course of the story, an epidemic comes over the city and Johnsy becomes seriously ill. It’s revealed earlier she perceives the world in a slightly dark manner in which death and hell often comes to her mind. This preoccupation is heightened by her illness as she refuses to consume the broth the Doctor prescribed her and declares, when the last leaf of a vine outside her window falls, she will die. She then proceeds to wake up every morning in morbid curiosity to see if it’s time for her to depart from this world.

In the meantime, we discover Berhman is a failed artist who endeavors to bestow the success he never had upon the two women. He desperately beseeches Sue to make sure Johnsy recovers so she can pursue her vocation and admits he drinks because he could not as evident by his empty canvas. She leave him to mull over his broken dreams to tend to her friend.

The next day, Johnsy begins recovering from her illness as it’s discovered the last leaf of the vine did not fall as it was expected to. The Doctor enters to examine her and declares all she needs now is further rest and nourishment to continue to a state of full wellness. He also reveals that Behrman was found outside that morning dead and left a painting of a leaf on a vine in his room.

It is often said that the singing in musical productions are done because sometimes the emotions needed to be expressed are to profound and intense for mere dialogue to convey. However, sometimes the musical aspects of a play can obscure those contained in the original work. Although the songs are nice to hear in this production of “The Last Leaf,” one had to pay particularly close attention to the story’s assertion Behrman gave his life so Johnsy could live. This level of attention was not necessary for the readers of the short story to obtain in their endeavors to get the meaning of it but it was for this reviewer during the play.

This reviewer saw two other troubling aspects of this production as well. As mentioned earlier, the Doctor served as the narrator throughout and was seen quite often on stage. This was true even when he wasn’t serving such purpose or when he was part of the scene. His almost constant presence on stage proved to be a distraction from the action the other characters were presenting.

Another troubling area of the production was Ray Papay’s performance of Behrman during the song entitled, “I’m a failure in Art.” The song conveys Behrman’s feeling of failure as an artists while revealing the despair he feels is a reason why he drinks. There are many moments in the song where he hiccups. Although his performance through the rest of the play is more than adequate, the hiccups he transmits seem fake and only take place because that is where they’re indicated by the song to be presented. It was amusing, but very few believed he was drunk.

The second play, “The Gift of the Magi” was much more straight forward which might have been largely due to the fact it was the better know of the short stories. It’s about a man named, “Jim” (as portrayed by Dan Lendzian) and his wife named, “Della” (as portrayed by Sara Ferguson*) who are somewhat financially impoverished and live in a one room flat in NYC. Jim admires Della’s long black hair while Della admires his pocket watch. In order to give each other a gift for Christmas, Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch while Jim sells his watch to purchase some special combs for Della’s hair.

The actions of the characters seem frivolous and ultimately without any intellectual merit, but O Henry said it best when he noted at the end of his short story that the Magi was wise and therefore gave wise gifts. And while the gifts of “two foolish children” seem unwise, those who received the gift they have that day are the wisest in that they gave each other love. As O Henry wrote in his concluding sentence. “They are the magi.”

The Shawnee Playhouse* production of “An O Henry Christmas” featuring two short stories written by O Henry as adapted with music and lyrics by Peter Ekstrom was Directed by Anthony Frisina and Staged Managed by Byrdie Jacques* as assisted by Kevin Hillman while the Set Designer was Scot Cleveland. The Lighting Designer and Tech person was Michael Demyan* with the Sound Tech Person being Marshall Haskell* with Travis Southard* on Spotlight. The Costumer Designer was Missy Benefield* with Amy Rau serving as Musical Director and Kyle Donahue composing the Musical Arrangements. The Shawnee Playhouse* producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while group Box Office Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* as assisted by Becky Haskell*. The Box office staff included Barbara Ross, Christina McManus, and Areil Hudak*. The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. Midge McClosky* serves as The Shawnee Playhouse* Executive Director.

This production of “An O Henry Christmas” continues its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until December 20th. In spite of the imperfections I’ve noticed throughout their presentations, they are somewhat worthwhile seeing as they are a very good way to begin the holiday season with a lighter heart which may be needed as the madness of this time of year becomes a bit more pervasive inspiring many to wish for the more simpler times depicted in these stories. The next Shawnee Playhouse* presentations will be their Children’s Theatre production of “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas” November 28th through December 19th, “The Nutcracker.” December 6th through 21st, and their Annual Free Community Sing In of Handel’s masterwork, “The Messiah” on Tuesday December 22nd. 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 of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

No Photograph was provided to The Forwardian Arts Society by The Shawnee Playhouse for this production.

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

Martians at The Bookhouse

The Eastern Monroe Public Library* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Ghost Light Theatre* on Friday November 20th as part of their Bookhouse Series. They presented their re-creation of an installment of The Mercury Theatre on Air radio drama production of H. G. Wells “The War of the Worlds.” A large group of fans gathered to enjoy an evening experiencing the dramatization and all the history associated with it. It was an enjoyable performance as one could almost close their eyes and relive those auditory moments and the emotions of dreadful apprehension they inspired.

The Theatre Company itself was founded in in 1937 by Orson Welles and John Houseman and earned a reputation for their inventive adaptation of William Shakespeare's “Julius Caesar” which was set in contemporary Fascist Italy. They were later picked up by The Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) to present an anthology series which began with their production of Bram Stoker's “Dracula” with Welles playing both Count Dracula and Doctor Seward. The broadcast of The Mercury Theatre “War of the Worlds” took place as a Halloween Special in the series on October 30th, 1938. It was written for the medium by Howard Koch and directed by Orson Wells who also starred in it. The series ended on December 4th, 1938 with their production of "Bridge of San Luis Rey."

The first two thirds of “The War of the Worlds” broadcast was presented as a series of simulated news bulletins which suggested to many listeners an actual Martian invasion was in progress. Since The Mercury Theatre on the Air was a “sustaining show” running without commercial breaks, the dramatic effect was heightened. There were numerous accounts of listeners believing an actual extraterrestrial invasion was in progress creating an unprecedented panic throughout the country. This was partly due to people listening to only a portion of the broadcast missing the introduction to the show and partly due to the ever growing tensions throughout the world which eventually led to the outbreak of World War Two. Regardless of the cause of the reaction, the episode was widely criticized as its news-bulletin format was considered cruelly deceptive by some newspapers and public figures.

The Ghost Light Theatre* re-creation of “The War of the Worlds” broadcast did not produce the panic the original was known for, but it did prove to be a good evening out. The cast performing the radio drama consisted of Dan Eash*, Irene Garner*, Maude Garner, Michelle Kane* (who also participated in the Program Art and Design along with Ethan Kane), Mark Lichty*, Kyle Mahaney* (who served as the production‘s Sound Consultant), Rob Ramos*, Patrick Turner*, and Chris Webster. The Production Stage Manager was Tom Nordin and was introduced by Barbara Keiser who is the Director of The Eastern Monroe Public Library*. Please Contact The Eastern Monroe Public Library* at 570-421-0800 for more information on future events in their Bookhouse Series and all they have to offer the community. You’ll find more Photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre 2009 gallery www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Website of The Eastern Monroe Public Library* is www.monroepl.org.

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

Souls Giving Thanks to Horror

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted a special Thanksgiving installment of their Severed Sinema* Series on Thursday November 19th presenting the films, “Horror Hotel” and “Carnival of Souls” along with two short experimental films entitled, “Girl and a Bicycle” and “Robots Don’t Exist.” In addition to the films being shown, there were a variety works of whose styles had a visual relationship with the films while Steve Truglio* of the Real Great Debate Show on The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* was on hand to sell his line of Dead Issues* Tee Shirts. The entire evening proved to be a great time to enjoy some truly creepy films, checking out some intriguing art work and apparel, and engaging in some enlightening conversations with horror and art enthusiasts.

The film entitled, “Horror Hotel” (whose original title when released in the UK was “City of the Dead“) was made in 1960 and directed by John Llewellyn Moxey who has received some renown for directing episodes from a variety of Television shows ranging from “The Saint to The Avengers” in the UK and from “Kung Fu” to “Murder She Wrote” in the US. It starred Christopher Lee as Professor Alan Driscoll, Patricia Jessel as Elizabeth Selwyn, and Valentine Dyall as Jethrow Keane with Venetia Stevenson as Nan Barlow. In spite of its low budget producing some slightly laughable moments, the film does manage to create a mood of eeriness throughout giving its audience something to gasp about.

The film begins in 1692 where a witched named, Elizabeth Selwyn is being burned at the stake by the townspeople of Whitewood, MA. She beseeches her fellow witch Jethrow Keane to intercede which he does by first denying he knows her and then praying to Lucifer to come to her aide. He does so by creating a storm allowing her to put a curse upon her tormentors. The film then cuts to a tutorial lecture on the incident is being given by History Professor Alan Driscoll in which Nan Barlow is one of the attendees. Her boyfriend and fellow student, Bill Maitland (played by Tom Naylor), mocks the idea there is anything to the curse or witchcraft itself but Nan proves to be more open minded to the possibilities. This allows her to be persuaded by Professor Driscoll to go to Whitewood, MA to research the event and write a term paper on it.

In spire of the objections of her boyfriend and brother Science Professor Richard Barlow (played by Dennis Lotis), she goes to the town. She meets the nearly 300 year old Jethrow Keane along the way and later the town’s Inn Keeper Mrs. Newless (who is the reincarnation of the witch Elizabeth Selwyn). She begins her research and soon experiences a great number of odd going ons until she becomes a victim of a ritual sacrifice. We later learn she is a descendant of one of the townspeople who took part of the burning of Elizabeth Selwyn back in the day and is recipient of the curse made against her ancestors.

The rest of the film takes place two weeks later and details the process of Nan’s boyfriend and brother quest to discover what has happened to her. They go to the town and soon begin to experience the same mysterious occurrences Nan had before her demise. However, when the grand daughter of a blind local reverend named, Patricia Russell (played by Betta St. John) is taken, they come to her rescue. The coven is kaput and so is the film.

After the film and intermission, the showing the short experimental films entitled, “Girl and a Bicycle” and “Robots Don’t Exist.” The first was pretty much about what the titled indicated. It was about a girl who took a ride on her bicycle. Yet, the four to eight minute film wasn’t so much what it was about but in its presentation. The colors were saturated so one could not see the images depicted but somehow one could tell what was going on. This was an interesting approach as it placed the cinematography of the film in each audience member’s imagination. The second film entitled, “Robots Don’t Exist” was a much shorter piece lasting only a few minutes but it nether the less proved to be a potent work as it contradicted it’s title and demonstrating the real robots that exist are humans as they routinely go through their repetitious daily endeavors.

The low budget 1962 “Carnival of Souls” shown soon afterwards which was directed by Herk Harvey and starred Lee Strasberg-trained Candace Hilligoss who portrayed Mary Henry. The film was made with a $33,000.00 budget over a three week period while the director was on vacation in Salt lake City UT from his job as a director and producer of industrial and educational films for The Centron Corporation which was located in Lawrence, KA. The film didn’t receive much attention when it was first released but has since gained a large cult following as evident from the audience members of this night’s Severed Sinema event.

The film begins in the Lawrence, KA area where two drivers challenge each other to a drag race. While crossing a bridge, an accident ensues sending one of the cars into the river. One of the passengers, Mary Henry, is later seen walking dazed upon a sand bar by the rescue team who are searching for the car and any survivors. She later returns to her life and leave town to begin her job as a church organist in Salt Lake City, UT. She begins to see a mysterious figure who appears at frightening times during her journey.

Her arrival at her destination is accompanied by even more bizarre experiences which includes more visitations by the figure and not being seen or heard by those around her. She is inexplicably drawn to a Pavilion which she discovers was a carnival. She becomes obsessed by the pavilion feeling she is somehow tied to it in a way that she can’t understand. She visit’s the Pavilion alone and discovers something she had guessed at was all too true. In turn, we are shown the truth of her experiences in a surprise ending.

Most of the film shown during The Severed Sinema* Series are noted to have the distinction of being so bad they’re good. But, this was not the case during this installment of the series. Although “Horror Hotel” and “Carnival of Souls” were low budgeted films and subject to the flaws the lack of funds could have upon a production, these were far from inferior works. The acting, directing, and the cinematography create a mood that often escapes many modern day horror films as they lack the same level of talent of those who made the films shown at The Sherman Theatre* that night. This made the evening an enjoyable one not only for horror cult film aficionados but for film lovers in general.

The Severed Sinema* Series showcases the best classic horror, cult, and art house cinema each month whose goal is to act as a vessel for people to experience, re-live, and enjoy the golden era of extreme cinema in all its scary, sleazy, and sometimes cheesy glory. The next installment of The Severed Sinema* Series will be held at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA on Thursday December 10th beginning at 7pm featuring the films entitled, “Don't Open til Christmas” and “Christmas Evil” along with an opportunity to have your picture taken with their Evil Santa with special effects created by Shane Izykowski*. There will also be music provided “Mega Savant” but I personally wouldn’t expect to hear any old time Holiday Carols.

The next events taking place at The Sherman Theater includes a performance by Railroad Earth* on November 27th and 28th who are back by popular demand. Please Contact The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Film/Video 2009 Gallery www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The websites and email addresses of those mentioned in the article are The Sherman Theatre* at www.shermantheatre.com, Severed Sinema at severedsinema@hotmail.com, Steve Truglio* of the Real Great Debate Show at www.myspace.com/beanerandweevil, The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* at www.pibco1.com, Dead Issues* Tee Shirts at www.myspace.com/deadissues, Mega Savant at www.myspace.com/megasavant, and Railroad Earth* at www.myspace.com/railroadearth.

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

Drumming up An Appetite

The Kirkridge Retreat Center* in Bangor, PA held their November Pot Luck Gathering at the Farmhouse on Sunday November 15th featuring an introduction to drum circles provided by Reiki Master and Drumming Instructor Cat Coley*. A sizable crowd of friends gathered to enjoy an afternoon of rhythmic fellowship as the beat of the drums resonated with the good feeling the gatherings at Kirkridge* are known to inspire. Once the last echo of the session (which included an exercise on Hunting and Gathering), a variety of foods awaited the attendees to be digested along with some relaxed conversations.

Although most of the drum circle held at Kirkridge* had a native American feel to it, it’s said the origins of a Drum circles can be traced back to Africa when humans first began to gather about 100,000 years ago forming communities known as villages. This was done for a variety of reasons most notably to enhance the protection of their young and most vulnerable members from attack from animals and other tribes wishing them harm through territorial disputes. Drum circles seem to have been developed as a means of community support as they embarked upon endeavors maintaining their needs such as hunting, gathering, and healing.

As seen in villages still existing in remote areas of Africa and South America, the whole community participates in Drum Circles including the elderly, women, and small children. The process of Drumming Circles takes each individual’s beat and combines it with others participating so that a harmony develops thus creating a relationship among the community enhancing that found within oneself. Drum Circles have become popular in recent decades in Modern Cultures as there is a need for many to go beyond their own limitations and seek the strength of harmony found in the beat of many drums.

To learn more about Drumming Circles along with workshops designed to enhance the experience, please contact Reiki Master and Drumming Instructor Cat Coley*at 610-863-6764. Please Contact The Kirkridge Center* at 610-588-1793 for information on their upcoming workshops and all they have to offer the community. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The websites of those mentioned in the article are The Kirkridge Center* at www.kirkridge.org and Reiki Master and Drumming Instructor Cat Coley*at www.reikidrumbeat.com.

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

A River Flows with Art and Cinema

The Pocono Community Theater* in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception for the 7th Annual Inter-Disciplinary Art Show entitled, “The Riv-7 The Delaware River–A Big Picture” featuring a variety of artists and styles all paying homage to the Delaware River area on Saturday November 14th. Numerous artist presenting their work included Filmmaker Nick Patrick whose documentary film entitled, “Ghost Waters” detailed the story of the abandoned Tock’s Island Dam Project of the early 1960’s and how it affected the local population living along the Delaware River. The film complimented the complex beauty depicted in the paintings and photographic images of the river.

A large crowd filled the halls of the quaint little theater which has become well known for the independent and foreign films they show to a discerning audience. Yet, this afternoon, they opened their doors to art lovers who find a unique fascination for The Delaware River which figure prominently in the Monroe County Area. The works found along the theater’s wall presented all the complexities of the river ranging from it’s quiet journey from the New York State area to its end in the Philadelphia, PA area when it enters the Atlantic Ocean. The pieces themselves were as varied in their dimensions as they were in their styles which created a unique phenomenon of encouraging the viewer to look closely at the smaller images thus allowing him/her to see even more when their gaze were cast upon the larger ones.

A special treat was presented to those who attended the Opening in the manner of some films relating to the Delaware River being shown. The first film was Nick Patrick’s “Ghost Waters” whose Documentarian approach his film was quite unexpected and pleasing to the viewer. The film began as a narrative film which means it started as a story of a couple who ran out of gas and searched an abandoned town until they came across a man in an empty barroom. It was from him they learned the story of The Tock’s Island Dam Project as the audience began meeting people who were involved in the film’s subject in the usual Documentary film manner. This made the film much more interesting as it would have otherwise have been as it places us in the position of the young couple who is discovering why the town is so disserted.

The second film was entitled, “Lucky Lake” and was made by Tina Spangler who won a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) for the film. The film is about an area called Lucky Lake (aka Luxton Lake) which is located two miles south of Narrowsburg, NY (on the east shore of the Delaware River in an area between the Catskill and the Pocono Mountains). It once had a racially mixed vacation community with a vibrant past which was a jazz and vacation Mecca throughout the 1950s and ’60s until, in 1982, the lake was drained causing the population to dwindle. Although the film was a brief and a much more conventional documentary than “Ghost Waters,” it nonetheless proved effective in depicting the frustration people feel when the politics of water effects their lives in ways they have no control over. The film proved to be a good companion piece to its predecessor.

Among the artists showing their work at The Pocono Community Theater* during “The Riv-7 The Delaware River–A Big Picture” exhibition were Jackie Lima*, Jim Smeltz*, Will Daskal*, Jean and Gordon Perry*, Joanne Bridgeman*, Joan Polishook*, Thomas Augusta*, Penny Ross*, and the exhibit’s coordinator Rod Cameron*. The Exhibition continues until January 10th with several events yet to be scheduled including a poetry reading and musical presentations. Please contact The Pocono Community Theater at 570-421-3456 for more information. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2009 Gallery www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The websites of those mentioned in the article are The Pocono Community Theater* at www.poconocommunitytheater.org, Will Daskal* at www.willdaskal.com, Thomas Augusta* at www.thomasaugusta.com, and The Film “Ghost Waters” at www.ghostwaters.com.

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

Gentle Sounds Find a Home

The ArtMusic Coffeehouse* in East Stroudsburg, PA presented Harpist Patrick Ball as part of their monthly house concert series on Friday November 13th. The friendly atmosphere welcomed all who were drawn to the abode owned by Don and Jan Slepian* to hear and become reacquainted with the souls met during previous concerts. However, newcomers to the series were greeted warmly in a similar manner which newborns are welcomed in the warmth of their families.

The evening’s host, Don Slepian, began the evening in his usual manner in which he played a series of compositions designed to wash away all the cares the pre-show conversations failed to dispel so the audience gathered could enjoy the sounds they were about to encounter more fully. And, what sounds they were. From the first stirrings of the harp Patrick Ball expertly played, a hypnotic hush encircled those who experienced them. The music moved each member of the large audience to contemplate all they were and could be in a journey taking them to indescribable realms where they met their spirits and played. This act of play was evident in the stories Mr. Ball interspersed throughout his performance. Their humor lightened the room with laughter which was accompanied by an everlasting smile.

The next installment in The ArtMusic Coffeehouse* will be Saturday December 5th beginning at 8pm although those who wish to attend are requested to arrive between 7 and 7:30pm. The performance that evening will be by Singer Songwriter Craig Bickhardt*. Please contact The ArtMusic Coffeehouse* at 570-476-6307 for more information and to reserve your spot as space is limited. You’ll find more photographs at The Don Slepian’s ArtMusic Coffeehouse 2009 Series Gallery www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The websites of those mentioned in the article are The ArtMusic Coffeehouse* at www.artmusiccoffeehouse.com, Patrick Ball at www.patrickball.com, and Craig Bickhardt* at www.craigbickhardt.com.

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

Around the world on behalf of a book

Dear Friends,

I hope my words find you well. Here is a review regarding The Centenary Stage Company’s Production of “Underneath the Lintel” which is continuing its run until November 22nd. Please feel free to explore their website at www.centenarystageco.org for more information. I look forward to hearing from you soon and I’ll keep a good thought for you until then.

Paul
www.theforwardianartssociety.com

Around the world on behalf of a book
By Peter Filichia/For The Star-Ledger connect.nj.com/user/njopfilichia/index.html
November 11, 2009

What a difference seven years on “The West Wing” can make for an actor.

Back in 2006, when Richard Schiff bounded onto the stage of a New Jersey theater to perform “Underneath the Lintel,” he got a warm and enthusiastic round of applause before he’d said a word.
Now, when Steven Dennis enters at Centenary Stage Company to do the same play, he’s greeted by silence.
That’s the fate for an actor who does play after play on a Hackettstown stage, instead of a series in a Hollywood TV studio.

Ah, but at the end of Dennis’ one-man marathon, the audience makes it up to this splendid performer. The cheers let him know just how magnificent he was.

Dennis portrays a character simply known as “the librarian.” Playwright Glen Berger considers this man such a nonentity that he won’t even bother to give him a name. Indeed, the librarian is so meek that he may feel he doesn’t deserve one.

The diminutive Dennis starts out as man who seems unaccustomed to public speaking, with the delivery of an eccentric if not quite nutty professor. His story starts out unassumingly, as he recounts manning the overnight slot into which people deposit their returned books.

But one book turns out to be 113 years overdue.

Dennis conveys well the outrage that this officious librarian feels. When he discovers that the borrower signed out with only the letter “A,” he’s as scandalized as the Puritans were when Hester Prynne sinned.
His moral code demands that he get to the bottom of the “crime” and make certain that the offender pays the hefty fine. To start tracking him down, The librarian consults an atlas. Suddenly Dennis trades in his agitated face for a small smile when he says, “I’ve always liked atlases. They allow you to travel all over the world without the expense.”

Without the fun, too. But the librarian is about to have plenty of adventure as he goes literally to the ends of the Earth to find the offender. Dennis’ furrowed brow and nervous demeanor disappear as a much wider smile embraces his face. “I was a regular detective,” he says, feeling alive for the first time in a long time — perhaps in his life.

After he is away from everybody and everything, The librarian finally finds the time to discover who he really is inside. Like anyone who talks too much, he winds up revealing more of himself than he originally expected.

He also does, in a manner of speaking, find the person responsible for the overdue book. It’s neither a zombie nor Bigfoot; Berger has a much more profound agenda going on here about “things we cannot understand.”

The librarian is established as a citizen of Holland, so Dennis must adopt a Dutch accent. He sustains it beautifully for the show’s entire 75-minute length — except when he must mimic the voices of the foreigners he meets on the journey. There he’s entirely successful, too.

“Underneath the Lintel” could be slow going without an expert actor on hand. What fascinates the librarian about an overdue book might not strike the same chord in all theatergoers. Dennis, though, so commands an audience’s attention that he prevents any dull spots from intruding. Credit director Carl Wallnau, too, for keeping the actor honest and focused.

The action is punctuated with handsome slides that show London, Peking and other cities.

Fine destinations. But the serious theatergoer is urged to get to Hackettstown, too.

Peter Filichia may be reached at pfilichia@starledger.com.

Underneath the Lintel
Where: Centenary Stage Company, 400 Jefferson St., Hackettstown
When: Through Nov. 22. Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 2:30 and 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
How much: $17.50 matinees, $20 evening performances, except Saturdays, which are $25. Call (908) 979-0900 or visit centenarystageco.org

Photograph provided by The Centenary Stage Company and taken by Carl Wallnau which depicts Steven Dennis as the Librarian in the Centenary Stage Company’s production of “Underneath the Lintel” presented in Hackettstown, NJ through Sunday November

“Underneath the Lintel’ fascinates at Centenary

Dear Friends,

I hope my words find you well. Here is a review regarding The Centenary Stage Company’s Production of “Underneath the Lintel” which is continuing its run until November 22nd. Please feel free to explore their website at www.centenarystageco.org for more information. I look forward to hearing from you soon and I’ll keep a good thought for you until then.

Paul
www.theforwardianartssociety.com

“Underneath the Lintel’ fascinates at Centenary
By Sheila Abrams
Contributing Writer
Published in “Out and About” on November 11th

We love theater because, when it works, it does magic. It turns one person into another. It transforms time and place.

That kind of magic is happening on the stage of the Centenary Stage Company, on the Centenary College campus at 400 Jefferson Street in Hackettstown, where Glen Berger’s intriguing dark comedy, “Underneath the Lintel,” will be presented through Sunday, Nov. 22.

The Librarian, the only visible character in the 80-minute opus, is being played by Steven Dennis. Or, more accurately, Steven Dennis is becoming the Librarian. His performance is more a transformation than a portrayal.

And he is the only visible character because the play has an invisible one too: the subject of the Librarian’s quest and his obsession. Because of the brilliance of the writing, the intensity of Dennis’s performance, the deftness of Carl Wallnau’s direction, and the cleverness of Brian Flynn’s set design, the audience is drawn into that quest. The Librarian’s obsession becomes the audience’s as well. That’s what theater at its best does.

The play is quirky. A Dutch librarian of middle age and limited accomplishment finds in the book drop one morning a battered copy of Baedeker’s travel guide. He determines that it is 113 years overdue.

Moved by bureaucratic zeal he thinks, What a coup it would be to collect that fine!. But who is this mysterious miscreant, identified only with the capital letter “A,” who is responsible? Aha! There’s a clue, an ancient laundry ticket from a cleaning establishment in London.

That he pursues the clue, although London is far and the library refuses to pay for his travel, is a telling window into the soul of this man. We know from a few snippy comments about his co-workers that he is not immune to pettiness. Something unspoken in his manner tells us right away that he has no family at home waiting for him at the end of the day. In fact, he has so little in his life to engage him that he is swept away by the mystery of the book and its borrower.

The first clue leads to a second and London leads to China and then to Bonn, and so forth. The clues take him on an odyssey that leads him to a strange conclusion: The travel guide was borrowed by The Wandering Jew of legend. Which leads us to the meaning of the play’s title.

The myth, of indeterminate origin, is that a cobbler in Judea found, collapsed by exhaustion on his doorstep, a criminal, on his way to execution by crucifixion. Though at first moved to offer comfort, he made what is perhaps the world’s most common decision: Not to get involved. Since the man on the doorstep was Jesus, the cobbler, whose name is Ahasuerus, suffered a far worse consequence than befalls most who make that decision. He was doomed to wander the world with no respite until Jesus returned. All this happened on his doorstep, underneath the lintel.

That the punishment doesn’t fit the crime, and this whole story seems very unchristian, has not stopped the story from hanging on. Ahasuerus, or A., the Librarian discovers, has turned up in a multitude of places over the centuries, most recently he relates, outside the fence of a Nazi death camp.

We gradually see the Librarian assuming for himself many characteristics of this mythological person he is pursuing. The weight of the world is on his shoulders but he finds he also can’t, figuratively, sit down and rest.

All of this is related by the Librarian, speaking to the audience from a grungy-looking lecture room (that cleverly-designed set) rented for one evening for “An Impressive Presentation Of Lovely Evidence,” as the play is subtitled. His presentation is aided by a handful of props and a few slides projected on a screen.

What is most surprising about the Librarian and his tale is that it is funny! Not Three Stooges funny or George Carlin funny. The dry and prissy man on the stage makes us laugh most often because we begin to recognize aspects of ourselves in him. Therein lies the brilliance of Dennis’s portrayal.

“Underneath the Lintel” will be presented Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Wednesdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $17.50 to $22.50, depending on the performance.

Thursday is Family night, with two tickets for the price of one at the box office prior to the performance. Discounts are also available to seniors and students. Moreover, during the run of “Underneath the Lintel,” a special 15 percent discount will be offered to anyone presenting a card for any New Jersey library.

For more information and reservations, call the box office at (908) 979-0900 or visit the website, www.centenarystageco.org

Photograph provided by The Centenary Stage Company and taken by Carl Wallnau which depicts Steven Dennis as the Librarian in the Centenary Stage Company’s production of “Underneath the Lintel” presented in Hackettstown, NJ through Sunday November 22nd.

A Tapestry of Poetry

The Tapestry Corner* in Stroudsburg, PA held a poetry reading and book signing featuring the works of poet Dr. Juanita Kirton* and readings on Sunday November 8th from her recently published first book entitled, “Inner Journey” which is available on www.Amazon.com and www.Aresya.com. She is the recipient of a grant from "Sisters in Script" and will soon receive The Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE) South Africa Initiative (SAI) “Vision Award” at their New Brunswick, NJ campus on Wednesday November 18th.

The afternoon proved to be a thoroughly delightful experience. Juanita* moved around a room full of comfortably seated poetry lovers as her words took them upon mental journeys. Many of them were to experiences and locations unknown before hearing her words while others took them back to their hearts with renewed perspectives enriching their souls. The numerous conversations engaged in throughout the event reflected this sentiment and enhanced it a great deal.

Much of the proceeds gained by the sales of the book will go to benefit The Rutgers Graduate School South Africa Initiative (SAI) which is an interdisciplinary program facilitating international contacts among United States and South African educators and committed to educating students for responsible global citizenship deepening their learning and improve the quality of the world community. SAI envisions educators as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy and works with business and educational institutions to further cross-national considerations of educational issues.

Please Contact Dr. Darren Clarke at 732-932-7496 ext. 8106 for more information about The Rutgers Graduate School South Africa Initiative (SAI). For more information regarding The Tapestry Corner* and all it offers, please Contact them at 570-426-1584. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Literary Works Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.com

The websites and email addresses of those mentioned in the article are The Tapestry Corner* at www.tapestrycorner.com, Juanita Kirton* at Juanita.Kirton@gmail.com, and The Rutgers Graduate School South Africa Initiative (SAI) at www.gse.rutgers.edu/southafrica/site/default.asp

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

Jukebox Poster Art

The Main Street Jukebox* in Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception featuring the work of Poster Artist Earl Kessler* on Saturday November 7th. Among the records, CDs, and even cassette and 8 track tapes of vintage (and not so vintage) quality, was a wall filled with colorful depictions of events enticing the mind with memories of those events they might have (or wish they had) encountered along with creating an anticipation of those they might like to experience in the future. There were very few of the later, but there were enough to whet one’s appetite.

Many of the posters depicted shows which were featured at The Sherman Theater* in Stroudsburg, PA during the recent years including their while Dream of Fire, Methodical, Railroad Earth, Tea Leaf Green, and The New Familiars Concerts along with their annual Halloween Screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In addition to these, there were posters from past and future installments of The Severed Sinema Series* Earl* hosts at The Sherman Theatre* every month showcasing the best classic horror, cult, and art house cinema. The exhibition continues until November 30th. Please Contact The Main Street Jukebox* at 570-424-2246 for more information.

The Next installment of The Severed Sinema* Series held at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA will be on Thursday November 19th presenting the films, “Horror Hotel” and Carnival of Souls” along with a short film by surrealist artist Salvador Dali entitled, “Un Chein Andalou.” However, the next event scheduled to take place at The Sherman Theatre will be The Dickey Betts and the Great Southern Concert on Friday November 13th at 8pm. Perhaps there’ll be a poster designed by Earl* for the show on display. It would be worthwhile going if even to see it. In any case, please Contact The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information on both events. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.com

The websites of those mentioned in the article are Main Street Jukebox* at www.myspace.com/mainstjukebox, Earl Kessler* at www.photobucket.com/ekgigposters, and The Sherman Theatre* at www.shermantheatre.com.

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

Watercolors Make an Artspace

The Artspace Gallery* in Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception on Saturday November 7th featuring the works of Watercolorist Will Daskal* in addition to other artists associated with the gallery. It was a simple affair which made for wonderful opportunities to explore each piece and for good conversation. Both were enriching as each participant were able to focus on their relationship with all they encountered as is sometimes lacking in a larger show.

For me, this simplicity allowed me to reflect upon my own misconceptions relating to Watercolor work. In grade school, I was introduced to the medium with a piece of porous paper, an enclosed tray of paint, and a glass of water. I was then given a brush and told to dip it into the water and then the paint. I tried to draw something simple like a tree but it didn’t look like one. The water made the colors to liquid to become anything but a blurred puddle which proved to be very discouraging. I wanted to draw a six-year-old’s version of a pastoral landscape, but I gave up.

I have been to many art exhibitions during the years in which Watercolor was one of the featured forms presented. I have since learned there are numerous techniques beyond those I learned in the first grade. One need not limit oneself by what one has learned a long time ago and the perceptions they create. We can be open to new ways and become willing to explore them. This has proven to be a good lesson for me in my travels of life as well.

Other artists showing their work in a variety of mediums included Ka-Son reeves*, *Thomas Agusta*, Jean Benfante*,Jorge Cruz*, Marcia Flammonde*, Helen Heeren*, Linda Mann*, Lenore Fiore Mills*, and Joanne Stratakos*. The Exhibition continues until November 29th. Please Contact The Artspace Gallery* at 570-476-4460 for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.com

The websites of those mentioned in the article are The ArtSpace Gallery* at www.artspacegallery.net, Will Daskal* at www.willdaskal.com, Ka-Son reeves* at www.myspace.com/theartofkason, Thomas Agusta* at www.thomasaugusta.com, Jorge Cruz* at www.creationsbyjorge.com, Marcia Flammonde* at www.marciaflammonde.com, Linda Mann* at www.lindamann.com, and Joanne Stratakos* at www.mudworkspotterypa.com.

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

Film Review: A Serious Man

Film Review: A Serious Man
Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen's
Performances by: Michael Stuhlbarg, Sari Wagner Lennick, Aaron Wolff, and Jessica McManus
Film Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

"Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." Rashi (1040 - 1105)

“When the truth is found to be lies and all the joy within you dies…” - Jefferson Airplane

The film “A Serious Man” by the Cohn Brothers begins with a quote from a Jewish Scholar known as Rashi (an acronym of Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki) who was medieval French rabbi and authored the first comprehensive commentary on the Talmud as well as a comprehensive commentary on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). This opening quotation by Rashi seems to be the main theme throughout the film as it demonstrates a life unable to heed its advice. As “A Serious Man,” the main character of the film is unable to receive life simply.

The concept of being “A Serious Man” denotes a man who has given up the frivolities of life in order to do what is necessary to be seen as a responsible and productive member of society. “A Serious Man” gains a good job, raises a family, and becomes active in the spiritual community. He cares for the needs of others even to the point of neglecting his own. This brings the quote from the Jefferson Airplane song entitled, “Don't You Want Somebody To Love?” into focus as the film progress.

The film is set in 1967 and is centered around Larry Gopnik (as portrayed by Michael Stuhlbarg) who encounters one set of difficulties after another. His wife (as portrayed by Sari Wagner Lennick) wants to divorce him so she can be with to be with a family friend Sy Ableman (as portrayed by Fred Melamed), a student (as portrayed by David Kang) tries to bribe him and thwarts his desire to gain tenure at the college he teaches, and his brother (as portrayed by Richard Kind) moves in with the family and gets in trouble with the law for gambling. In addition to all this, his self absorbed children (as portrayed by Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus) who only cares about the television antennae being turned in the right direction so they can watch “F Troop” regardless of what is going on around them. He is surrounded by people who refuse to take responsibility for their lives

As this reviewer was watching this film, he could not help but wonder, “Why doesn’t he just simply pick up and leave everyone to their own devices?” Well, he can’t. His sense of responsibility won’t let him. It pervades his entire existence. Event to the point of paying for the funeral of his wife’s boyfriend’s funeral. It is through this sense of responsibility that the joy he has always felt entitled to as long as you did your duty and did nothing wrong continues to elude him. In other words, his need to be seen as “A Serious Man” keeps him from seeing the truth he has been brought up to believe are lies and there is a much more simpler and meaningful approach to life bringing it a sense of joy.

This joy comes from discovering a truer sense of responsibility leading to a greater quality of productiveness. It is finding that “someone to love” and discovering it is oneself. The Larry Gopnik character is surrounded by people who refuse to take responsibility for their lives and places it on him all because he is willing to do so. It has been said one can not live one’s life while living someone else’s and this seems to be his lot in life. By taking responsibility for our own joy and happiness and not those of others who should do so for themselves, we become more productive as we begin doing what is best for us and stop trying to do what is not.

Although the film is deeply embedded in the Jewish Culture, one does not have to be Jewish to appreciate it. Anyone can see the effect of not living a full life has on the main character as everyone can ask themselves, “What responsibilities, which are not my own, am I taking on and are keeping me from living my life to the fullest?” It is good and noble to care for others. It is why we’re here in the first place. But, to do so to the point of foregoing who we are is self destructive and we cease to be victims of all that besets us by becoming volunteers through this ultimate of irresponsibility. Therefore, the film serves as a poignant reminder that a life lived simply without the complications arising from taking on other’s responsibilities contains a joy within that never dies.

“A Serous man” is rated R and is currently running at The Pocono Community Theater* in East Stroudsburg, PA. You may call 570-421-3456 for show times and dates. Most films run one week but some films may be held over for an additional week or two depending on ticket sales.

After the Friday November 6th showing of the film, The Forwardian Arts Society Gathered in The Pocono Community Theater’s* Café to discuss the film. The turnout was sizable and consisted of several members of the audience who were Jewish and lent some insights to many of the terms and concepts revealed in the film. This led to an especially thought provoking discussion. We invite you to join The Forwardian Arts Society Film and Chat Gathering on Friday December 4th to watch a film and participate in an equally engaging conversation. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Film and Chat Gatherings 2009 Gallery.

The website of The Pocono Community Theater* is www.poconocommunitytheater.org.

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

Theatrical Review: The Gin Game

THE GIN GAME
Written by: D. L. Coburn
Directed by: Midge McClosky*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players* production of “The Gin Game” by D. L. Coburn which is a play centering around two people placed in a nursing home who, out of boredom, begin to play a card game with one another. It is through this game we, the audience, begin to learn about the characters and of their lives prior to meeting one another. The comedy found in “The Gin Game” is often based upon the experiences one finds themselves in as they begin growing older and unfortunately this reviewer can attest many of the play’s observations are right on the mark. Yet, this production of “The Gin Game” by D. L. Coburn does receive some well deserved laughter from its audience as it reminds this reviewer something his father once said long a go. “There’s no sin in getting old. It’s just unhandy.”

The play begins as Weller Martin (as Portrayed by Rob Eilenberger Howell*) initiates a game of gin with Fonsia Dorsey (as Portrayed by Michele Frankenberg). As mentioned earlier, the conversation transpiring throughout the game reveals a great deal of the character’s history and what has led them to be residents of the nursing home they now find themselves in. However, the actual game of Gin begins to serve as a metaphor since the “deadwood” cards its players eliminate from their hands is done so in order to form the “melds” needed to win. In their own way, each character sees themselves as the deadwood discarded by their family and friends and soon demonstrate how on can choose to live with the hand one has been dealt or to complain about how the deck is stacked against them.

The acting in this production is superb. Both Rob Eilenberger Howell* and Michele Frankenberg brought a conversational tone to the production not commonly found in many scripted presentations. In fact, there were a number of occurrences throughout the production which seemed like impromptu utterances which was realized later to be a crucial element to a subsequent piece of dialogue. This phenomena is not only attributed to the considerable skill of this production’s actors, but of its director as well for her ability to encourage them to simply speak to one another and not be overly concerned with the structure of the script. Not many directors would take this approach, but it seems Ms. McClosky* did and the audience was much the better served for it.

The Worthington Players* production of “The Gin Game” by D. L. Coburn was Directed by Midge McClosky* (who also serves as the Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse*) and Stage Managed by Kevin E. Hillman. The Sound Technician was Marshall Haskel* and the Lighting Technician was Phillip Benefield. The Dresser and Tech Crew consisted of Soraya Jean while Costumes were provided by Missy Benefield* and the cast. The producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* (who also served as a member of the Box Office Staff) while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. The Box office staff includes Becky Haskell and Lillian Gonzalez*.

This production of “The Gin Game” by D. L. Coburn will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until November 8th and is highly recommended as a great play to laugh and consider how one is playing the game they are living in. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentations will be “An O. Henry Christmas” November 20th - December 20th along with their Children Theatre productions of “Winnie the Pooh” November 28th - December 21st, “Kids Kabaret” December 26th and 27th, and a Magic Show for Kids on December 28th. A performance of “The Nutcracker” will take place December 6th - 21st and a New Year’s Eve Special will take place December 31st. 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 of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 or Explore their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com for more information and to reserve your ticket.

No photographs of the production were provided by The Shawnee Playhouse.

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

Karmic Costumes, Music, and Art

The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio* in Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception for their exhibition entitled, “Works on Wood” on Saturday October 31st featuring over 20 artists who shared their work. Numerous people filled the small gallery which created a cozy atmosphere conducive the sharing conversation with new and established friends. In addition to the varied work presented, music filled the gallery and a costume contest to celebrate the season was held.

The work varied in styles and subjects each adding an artistic texture to the gallery among those images depicting the intriguing body art many have come to The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio* to obtain. The artists who presented their work included Nova Chan*, Ainsue Heilich* of The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio* , Shane Izykowski* of Shane's Phantasma Tography, Chris Francz*, David Schappert*, Judyta Zarach*, Laura Below*, Steve “Omni” Parker* of The Stroudsburg Social, and Will Mohlenhoff*.

Music was provided throughout the evening by local musicians which only served to enhance the mood of the opening. They were Eric Becker* and Abigail*, Keith Leslie* of The Business Fairy, and Rick Delgado* of EverBlu. The costume contest was won by Judyta Zarach* who received a gift certificate for a Tattoo for her depiction of “Zombie Dorothy” with the second prize trophy going to a young lady who dressed up as Alice in Wonderland. The exhibition will continue until January 2010. Please Contact The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio* at 570-994-6671 for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2009 Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts

The websites of those mentioned in the article are The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio* www.myspace.com/vintagekarmatattoos, Chris Francz*at www.chrisfrancz.com, Steve “Omni” Parker* of The Stroudsburg Social at www.stroudsocial.com, Shane Izykowski* of Shane's Phantasma Tography at www.myspace.com/shaneizykowski, Will Mohlenhoff* at www.myspace.com/wilbium, Eric Becker* at www.myspace.com/ericjbecker, Abigail* www.myspace.com/rivalstag, Rick Delgado* of EverBlu at www.myspace.com/rickblue77, and Keith Leslie* of The Business Fairy at http://www.myspace.com/thebusinessfairy.

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

PIBCO Celebrates “Moll-O-Ween”

The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* held their first Annual “Moll-O-Ween Bash” on Friday October 30th at The Mollie’s Restaurant located in Stroudsburg, PA. The décor of the restaurant lent itself nicely to the season as fans and DJs alike began wandering into the establishment. Some staggered in like zombies who have already indulged themselves in the many Halloween parties going on thorough the town while others strolled in with the grace and charm inherent in their elaborate costumes. The party-like atmosphere featured music presented by the station’s many DJs, many very unique costumes, some insightful conversations, and a lot of fun.

Among the DJs present included Derek McCauley* of The Balrogian Screams Show (who also serves as the station’s General Manager) and Steve “Omni” Parker* of The Stroudsburg Social Show which are both broadcast every Monday evening beginning at 7pm, Clarisa Petra Dear* and Vera Petra Dear* of the petrAlogy 233 Show airing on Wednesdays beginning at 6pm, Steve Truglio* of The REAL Great Debate airing every Friday beginning at 9pm, and Lorelei Sands* of The Saturday Night 70’s Show airing every Saturday night beginning at 7pm.

The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* is owned by Rob Miller* and the welcoming he gave set the enjoyable tone of the entire event. The station was designed to help support and promote its community by providing it a locally owned broadcast outlet on the Internet by encouraging individuals and/or groups create their own shows on the station. Please Contact The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* at 570-581-3398 for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Friends Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts

The websites of those mentioned in the article are The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* at www.pibco1.com, Steve “Omni” Parker* of The Stroudsburg Social at www.stroudsocial.com, Clarisa Petra Dear* at www.myspace.com/studyofrock, Vera Petra Dear* at www.myspace.com/rocklore1 (both of the petrAlogy 233 Show), Steve Truglio* of The REAL Great Debate at www.myspace.com/beanerandweevil, and Lorelei Sands* of The Saturday Night 70’s Show at www.loreleisands.com.

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

An Early Celebration for the Dead

The Tacos Mexigo Restaurant in Stroudsburg, PA celebrated El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) also known as All Souls' Day) early with a performance by Blue Planet/Planeta Azul* on Friday October 30th featuring the introduction of their new percussionist Obi Kaye*. The smooth yet earthy renderings of vocalist Holy Avila* blended with the Cumbia and other musical stylings creating an atmosphere even more appetizing than the Latino cuisine being served. All of which paid a fitting homage to the honored traditions of the holiday.

El Día de los Muertos takes place in Mexico and is practiced by Latin Americans living in the United States. It usually occurs on November 1st and 2nd in connection with the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day and focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember those who have died. Traditions associated with this holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased placing gifts of sugar skulls and marigolds along with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Please contact The Tacos Mexigo Restaurant at 570-421-6676 for more information about this and future events they have to offer the community. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian-arts

The websites of those mentioned in the article are Blue Planet/Planeta Azul* at www.myspace.com/blueplanetplanetaazul, and Obi Kaye* at www.shaved-monkey.com.

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

Amplified Silence at The PCT

The Pocono Community Theater (PCT)* in East Stroudsburg, PA held a Halloween Fest on Thursday October 29th in conjunction with The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* as a debut of their monthly Silent Movies to Loud Music Series. The event consisted of showing movies from the silent film era accompanied by musical performances by local bands. The films shown were Nosferatu with music by The Resonant*, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari with music by Dream of Fire*, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with music by Dewey Decimal and The System*. The event was Emceed by Derek McCauley* of The Balrogian Screams Show and Steve “Omni” Parker* of The Stroudsburg Social Show which are both broadcast every Monday evening beginning at 7pm on PIBCO*. The evening also included a lip-synched appearance of Janis Joplin by Tom Augusta* and a costume contest.

The evening began with a showing of the 1922 horror classic “Nosferatu” which was originally titled (in English), “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” or “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Terror.” The film is best known for being the very first film adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel entitled, “Dracula.” However, since the film company could not obtain the rights to the novel, the word vampire had to be changed to “Nosferatu” and the name of the lead character from Count Dracula to “Count Orlok” along with other details in the storyline. The combination of F. W. Murnau’s direction and the portrayal of Count Orlok by Max Schreck made “Nosferatu” one of the most note worthy movies of the German Expressionist silent film era.

The presentation of the film began with music provided by a DJ from PIBCO* and later by a local band known as The Resonant*. The act of removing the DJ equipment from the stage and setting up the band with all the technicalities that involved was an irritating distraction which diminished the enjoyment of the film. However, their actual performance eventually proved to be a satisfactory one as it complimented the portion of the film they shared the stage with.

Upon the ending of the film, an impromptu performance by Tom Augusta* as Janis Joplin occurred as the next segment of The PCT)* Halloween Fest were being set up. The performance was an enjoyable one which lent a touch of comedy as Janis was portrayed taking swigs of a bottle of booze while she sang. Those of us in the audience who knew about Janis Joplin’s heavy use of drugs and alcohol had no problem noting the truth of such moments while knowing they would never have been revealed during her actual performance in such an overt manner.

The next film was another note worthy movie of the German Expressionist silent film era. “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” was made in 1920 and directed by Robert Wiene and is about a deranged Dr. Caligari and his faithful sleepwalking Cesare as they are connected to a series of murders. The film is best known for its distorted set design and has been cited as an influence on the film noir style which was made popular by Alfred Hitchcock and other filmmakers of the 1940s. It is also said to be an allegory for German social attitudes in the period preceding World War II.

The presentation of the film was accompanied by a local band known as Dream of Fire*. Their well known circus like performances complimented the film to such an extent one could have imagined the group was created by Dr. Caligari himself. The hypnotic tunes surrounding the audience psyche kept them as spellbound as the film was known to do to its original viewers. Not only did the music match the tilted images presented on the screen with near perfection, but the images Dream of Fire* presented on stage often transcended those of the film. This was indeed a delight to experience for those members of the audience who are in deep admiration of the film.

A costume contest followed the film and musical performance with many competing for the grand prize. Tom Augusta* and someone dressed as a Banana shared the honor. Ok, I didn’t get his name or what the prize was. An ace reporter I’m not. However, if anyone knows this information, please feel free to make a comment so it can be shared with everyone who reads this article. You’ll receive my sincere appreciation for the selfless act.

The next film was first film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novella entitled, “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” which was shortened for the film to “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The film was made in 1920 starring John Barrymore in both roles and directed by John S. Robertson. The classic story is about Dr. Jekyll who a good man who believes that everyone has a good and evil side to their nature. He then seeks to split the duality of human nature in order to enhance the good side by using a potion he concocted. However, when he drinks the potion, the good side doesn’t come out to play. But, his bad side does and names himself, “Mr. Hyde.” Anyone who are familiar with the tale can tell you this is not a good thing.

The film was shown with music provided by the band Dewey Decimal and The System*. Although their music was as rousing as ever, their songs did little to compliment what occurred on the screen. Yet, there was one aspect of their performance that might be interpreted in doing so. Two young women from the audience came upon the stage and soon became a focal point for many of the male members (no pun intended) of the audience. At times, they expressed the duality explored in the film as one woman presented herself as an innocent while the other was a baddie. What made it all the more intriguing is how they often took turns.

The evening ended as the band concluded its performance before the film had finished. The event proved to be a good night out and was very enjoyable. There are plans for The Pocono Community Theater* and PIBCO* to present their Silent Movies to Loud Music Series on a monthly basis and there was much anticipation among the audience in regards to experiencing another one in the future. However, some have shared a hope that the bands chosen for future events in the series may utilize them to enhance their creative skills as musicians to score the films as they’re being played. It has been suggested this improvisational approach would make the event an even more one.

The date of for The Pocono Community Theater* and PIBCO* next installment of their Silent Movies to Loud Music Series is yet to be determined. However, the next event at The Pocono Community Theater* will be The Forwardian Arts Society Film and Chat Gathering on Friday November 6th in which a film will be share by those attending the gathering and discussed afterwards in the Theater’s coffeehouse. A free beverage will be provided to the discussion participants. The film and its screening time is yet to be chosen but an invitation with complete information will be sent to those on The Forwardian Arts Society email list and those in it’s facebook’s Independent Film and Video group. Please feel free to contact me for more information on how to participate. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts

The websites of those mentioned in the article are The Pocono Community Theater (PCT)* at www.poconocommunitytheater.org, The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO)* at www.pibco1.com, Steve “Omni” Parker* of The Stroudsburg Social at www.stroudsocial.com, The Resonant* at www.myspace.com/theresonant, Dream of Fire* at www.myspace.com/dreamoffiremusic, Dewey Decimal and The System* at www.myspace.com/deweydecimalplaysmusic, and The Forwardian Arts Society at www.theforwardianartssociety.com.

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