Reeds Among The ArtMusic

The ArtMusic Coffeehouse in East Stroudsburg, PA presented Jazz Duo Spencer and Nancy Reed on Friday January 29th as part of their monthly house concert series. A sizable gathering came together into the welcoming home of Don and Jan Slepian to enjoy the smooth sounds of the featured guest which was preceded by some entrancing music composed by Don himself. This originally was followed by the familiar sounds many fans of Nancy and Spencer have embraced throughout the years and tonight was no exception.

In an atmosphere of delightful conversations, entreating décor which included a number of carousel horses hanging from the ceiling, and an abundance of food provided by the Slepians and brought in by those who attended the event, an excited calmness settled over the gathering as they began to absorb all that was offered. The ArtMusic Coffeehouse provides the Slepian’s an opportunity to open their home to the public to share their musical friends with the community. The warmth and wealth of their offerings never fail to enrich the many who come to partake of the welcoming experiences. A loving cord is touched in each soul and continues its vibrations long after the concerts are completed.

After taking few months off due to an overseas tour Don will be performing in along with Jan Directing The Worthington Players Production of ‘The Importance of Being Ernest” at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on Delaware, PA which will run March 27th - April 11th, The ArtMusic Coffeehouse will return on Friday April 16th with The Jack Stafford Foundation featuring Jack Stafford beginning at 8pm. Reservations are requested as seating is limited. Please Contact The ArtMusic Coffeehouse at 570-476-6307 for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society ArtMusic Coffeehouse Series 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Websites of those mentioned in this article are The ArtMusic Coffeehouse at www.artmusiccoffeehouse.com, Spencer and Nancy Reed at www.reedjazz.com, The Jack Stafford Foundation and www.jackstafford.co.uk, and The Shawnee Playhouse at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com.

Theatrical Review: The Housekeeper

Theatrical Review: The Housekeeper
Written by: James Prideaux
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 Housekeeper” by James Prideaux. The play centers around a writer who thinks he’s a good one named “Manley Carstairs” (as portrayed by Robert Hughes) hires a woman named “Annie Dankworth” (as portrayed by Suzanne Ford) who thinks she’s much more refined than she is as his housekeeper. The two characters seem to be completely opposite of one another but soon develop a relationship when their commonalities are discovered in this amusing comedy.

However, the opening night performance of this production has a number of problems that goes beyond those associated with what is commonly referred to as the “opening night jitters.” The timing of the play was seemed to be way off as the blocking became stagnant in many areas and the actors seemed to be struggle to remember their lines. Although the actors were well cast in their roles and interpreted their character well, it seems to this reviewer the play needed more rehearsal time and it is hoped the remainder of its will remedy some of what transpired.

The production’s failings comes as a surprise to this reviewer considering the caliber of the director, Midge McClosky. Her work as a director and actress in previous Shawnee Playhouse productions was exemplary and this production of “The Housekeeper” would have been far more funnier if she utilized those same talents here. Instead, while there was laughter in the audience at the genuinely funny lines and moments, there was also a tense quietness while watching the actors help each other with their forgotten lines.

The Worthington Players production of “The Housekeeper” by James Prideaux was Directed by Midge McClosky (who also serves as the Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse) and Stage Managed by Kevin E. Hillman. The Light and Sound Operator was Kyle Mahaney and the Spotylight Operator was LeahAnne Rosengarten. 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) as assisted by Becky Haskell while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer.

This production of “The Housekeeper” by James Prideaux will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until January 31st and, although it is hoped the flaws of this production will repair themselves as the actors become more accustomed to their lines, it‘s unfortunate this reviewer can‘t recommend seeing this play as it is at present. The next Shawnee Playhouse presentations will be “The Three Tenors” on Sunday January 31st, “Love in the Time of War” February 6th - 14th, “Lovers, Winners, and Losers” on Sunday February 14th, “The Seafarer” February 19th - 21st, and The Shawnee Playhouse Annual Staged Readings February 26th - 28th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $3.00 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.

Photographs provided by The Shawnee Playhouse and depicts Suzanne Ford and Robert Hughes from their production of “The Housekeeper.”

Another Evening with Bob Dorough

The Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA presented “An Evening with Bob Dorough” on Friday January 22nd. The event was an accompanying one as the great Jazz Pianist performed at the theater earlier in the month on Friday January 8th. Bob performed more of his favorite film songs as well as those he composed for the “Schoolhouse Rock“ series which appeared the ABC Television Network during the 1970s and 80s during their Saturday morning programming along with some additional songs he composed. However, those who attended this concert as well as the previous one was treated to a somewhat different show featuring songs and stories not included in the first.

One of these memorable differences was Bob’s telling of how he appeared in a Dennis Hopper film who appeared a a jazz pianist playing a song he wrote about the navy. The evening concluded with the entire audience joining Bob in the singing of some familiar tunes followed by a reception filled with wonderful culinary treats provided by The Pocono Community Theater. These treats enhanced the conversation which followed the concert which included stories when people first became aware of Bob Dorough and his music. Many spoke of how it began their interests and enjoyment of jazz while other conveyed how the depth of his compositions had an impact on their lives.

The concert served as a special thank you for those members who chose to renew their membership early to enhance the theater’s financial stability. It also served to raise funds (which included a 50/50 raffle) to enhance The Pocono Community Theater’s work in not only bringing the best of Independent and Foreign films not commonly seen in larger movie venues, but other meaningful experiences including art exhibitions, lectures, festivals, and literary readings. The Pocono Community Theater strives to be what it name indicates; a theater for the community serving its desire to enhance its life through the arts. You’ll find more photographs of the January 22nd “Evening with Bob Dorough” in The Forwardian Arts Society Pocono Community Theater 2010 Gallery.

The next event to be held at The Pocono Community Theater will be The Forwardian Arts Society Monthly Film and Chat Gathering Friday February 5th featuring an opportunity to view a film and discussing it afterwards. The film “It’s Complicated” was the film seen and discussed during for January. You’ll find our review of the film posted on our profile. Please contact us to learn how you can be a part of The Forwardian Arts Society Film and Chat Gathering.

In the meantime, The Pocono Community Theater continues service to film lovers throughout the area with their showing of the films “Nine,” “Up in the Air” and “A Single Man.” Please feel free to contact The Pocono Community Theater at 570-421-3456 for more information on their film showing times and other offering they have.

Websites of those mentioned in this article are The Pocono Community Theater at www.poconocommunitytheater.org and Bob Dorough at www.bobdorough.com.

One further thought. I know many of you who have enjoyed the offerings of The Pocono Community Theater has a great deal to be thankful for. Please feel free to share your comments of appreciation with me as I'm sure everyone would like to learn of them.

A Gathering of Pocono Artists

The Pocono Arts Council held an Art Town Meeting at The Artspace Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA on Wednesday January 20th to provide an opportunity for many art lovers to share their views and concerns about the arts in the area . The meeting well attended was led by Richard Spezzella who is president of The Pocono Arts Council. Executive Director Laura L. Goss and staff member Tassy Gilbert (who helps many with their grant applications) were also on hand to help facilitate the meeting. Those representing the many art related groups in the area included Pat Transue of The Pocono Mountain Arts Council, JoAnn Stratakos of Mudworks Pottery, Myke Maldonado and Sherley Escribano from The Dreamland Creations, Shane Izykowski and Steve Parker of The Stroudsburg Social Show on the Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company, Richard Berkowitz of The Sherman Theatre, Jazz musician Mark Hamza, Singer/Vocalist Sheila Stratton, Stephanie French of The East Stroudsburg University Theater Department, Amy Cramer of The Shawnee Playhouse, Ainslie Heilich of The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio, Debbie Burke of Pocono Jazz and Poetry, Darlene Farris LaBar of The East Stroudsburg University Art Department, and Clavaertis Miller of The Miller Fine Arts Gallery.

Although the meeting provided ample opportunity for those attending to learn what The Pocono Arts Council has and will have to offer the creative community, there was much discussion on how the organization is perceived by those artists not associated with it. They mostly consist of the younger non conventional artists who seek to stretch the boundaries of what is and is not acceptable to the general public. It was expressed they feel unwelcome by the “established” artistic community the Arts Council often showcases in its endeavors.

There was much discussion on this topic and there seemed to be a consensus it bears further exploration as to how these individuals can participate in the larger artistic community the Pocono Arts Council represents. It was agreed that there will be another Art Town Meeting in the Spring to explore this and other topics more fully. Please contact The Pocono Arts Council at 570-476-4460 for more information. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Pocono Arts Council 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Websites of those mentioned in this article are The Pocono Arts Council at www.poconoarts.org, The Artspace Gallery at www.artspacegallery.net, The Pocono Mountain Arts Council at www.poconomac.com, Mudworks Pottery at www.mudworkspa.com, Myke Maldonado at www.myspace.com/tatmyke, Sherley Escribano at www.myspace.com/Sherley_tattoo_girl Dreamland Creations at www.dreamlandcreations.net, Shane Izykowski at www.myspace.com/shaneizykowski, The Stroudsburg Social at www.stroudsocial.com, The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company at www.pibco1.com, The Sherman Theatre at www.theshermantheatre.com, Jazz musician Mark Hamza at www.markhamza.com, Singer/Vocalist Sheila Stratton at www.sheilamarkproductions.com, Amy Cramer of The Shawnee Playhouse at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com, The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio at www.myspace.com/vintagekarmatattoos, Pocono Jazz and Poetry at www.poconojazzandpoetry.com, The East Stroudsburg University Art and Theater Departments at www.esu.edu, The Miller Fine Arts Gallery at www.millersfineartsgallery.com.

Robert T. Cooke at The Artspace

The Artspace Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception featuring the drawings and sculpture of Robert T. Cooke on Sunday January 17th. In spite of the rainy chill of the weather, a sizable crowd gathered to experiences the pieces offered. They consisted of a multidimensionality which conveyed a complex simplicity both pleasing to the eye and challenging to the intellect.

Many of the two dimensional pieces presented in the exhibit were aligned with the three dimensional work which were created in close chronological proximity. This placement enhanced the work’s impact upon the viewer as it hinted at the artist’s perspective in regards to his creative process. Examination of each work and it’s corresponding piece offered revelations what was in the artist’s mind while exploring their differences as well as their similarities. A rare glimpse to be savored as one appreciated the work.

There were also pairings of three and two dimensional works based upon themes. One theme were those relating to the 1946 film, “Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête)” which was an early film adaptation of Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont's fairy tale and directed by French Jean Cocteau. The work captured the surreal qualities of the film with it’s depictions of Belle the beauty in one dimensional drawings with the beast portrayed in sculpture. This gives the impression there is more to the depth of our beastly natures than those aspects we associate with beauty.

There were many such pieces offering similar opportunities for introspection. The exhibition continues until February 15th. Please Contact The Artspace Gallery at 570-476-4460 for more information about this exhibit and all they have to offer. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Website and email address of those mentioned in this article are The Artspace Gallery at www.artspacegallery.net and Robert T. Cooke at rtcabc@verizon.net.

Impressions made at PCT

The Pocono Community Theater (PCT) in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception on Saturday January 16th featuring the recent paintings of impressionist Carlo Savo. A modest gathering of friends and family members along with a number of art lovers attended the opening offering a generous variety of food while some truly remarkable pieces throughout the gallery proved to be as satisfactory to the pallet as the culinary delights. The conversation inspired by the work enhanced the event as it enabled each participant to learn more about each piece’s origin and each other.

The impressionistic aspects of the work allowed each viewer to become more involved in the images as some were blurred enough to create an interest to ascertaining what some objects actually were. This challenge engaged the viewer and encouraged them to participate in the creative process. In this way, the piece remained incomplete until the viewer determined the composition of the work and went beyond the images to discover its inner meanings.

An example of this could be found in a trilogy of pieces entitled, “The Table Doesn’t Know (#1, #2, and #3).” The blurred colors give rise to a curiosity to what they might be. We soon discover they are of people sitting around a table in conversation. Each individual painting shows the images engaged in different progressions of the same conversation and we begin to wonder what is it the table does not know. It’s there. So, it must know what is being said. But, it doesn’t.

However, we soon realize we’re standing in front of the painting and we don’t know what is being conveyed by the images. We could ask ourselves “Do the people in the painting know what is being said to one another?” “Are there times when we don’t really know the fullness of the conversations we engage in?” These provocative questions expands our thinking as we increasingly become part of the object of our ponderings. This is the pinnacle artistic expression and many of Carlos Savo’s work captures their viewers in similar ways in order to set them free. The exhibition will continue at The Pocono Community Theater until February 27th.

The next event to be held at The Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA will be a repeat performance of “An Evening with Bob Dorough” on Friday January 22nd beginning at 7pm featuring the great jazz pianist. Reservations are required. In the meantime, the theater continues to show the very best of Independent and Foreign Films not commonly shown in larger venues. These include the present screenings of “A Single Man,” “Up in the Air” and “It's Complicated.” The film “It’s Complicated” was the film recently seen and discussed during The Forwardian Arts Society Monthly Film and Chat Gathering for January. You’ll find our review of the film posted on our profile. Please feel free to contact The Pocono Community Theater at 570-421-3456 for more information on their film showing times and other offerings they have. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Pocono Community Theater 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Websites of those mentioned in this article are The Pocono Community Theater at www.poconocommunitytheater.org, Carlo Savo at www.carlosavo.com, and Bob Dorough at www.bobdorough.com.

Spitin’ Out Some Documentaries

The Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Youth Infusion, Inc. evening of documentary films and slam poetry on Thursday January 14th. The two documentary films created by students of East Stroudsburg High School (ESHS) - South exploring the safe, uncontroversial topics of pollution and alcoholism and were titled, “We are the Solution to Pollution” and “Before You Drink.” Each film was accompanied by a voice performance by Urban Mountain Voices which is a group of poets consisting of student of both the East Stroudsburg, PA Area and Pleasant Valley School Districts as mentored by Tricia McGarvin-Fernandez.

The evening began with a performance by musicians Michael Colao, Andrew Norman, and Tom Ostrow who are also ESHS students whose formation is so new that not only do they not have a name for their band, but they just had their first rehearsal a few days prior to the event. Nether the less, their performance of some popular cover tunes made a pleasant sound complimenting the event. A member of the trio mentioned they have recently written some original pieces and they hope to present them at a future date.

The evening continued with the introduction of the students who help create the film, “We are the Solution to Pollution” made by Francesca Turturro who is the Executive Director of Youth Infusion, Inc. They were Udochi Onwuka, Tito Rodriguez, Mariette Martinez, Alexis Marrone, and Hasana Parham. This was followed by a voice performance on pollution by Urban Mountain Voices who consisted of Poets Carl Watts, Elcy-B, Ray, Malcum D. Tinglin, Blake Quin, K. J. Wilson, Ryan Bernard, Nessa, Joeseph “The Kid” Melara, Blair “The Truth” Thomas, and Kerry Sprouse. This was then followed by a screening of the film itself.

After an intermission, Patricia Tiernan was introduced who serves the ESHS - South as an English teacher and directed the documentary films providing oversight and guidance over the projects. This was followed by an introduction of those students who helped created the film, “Before You Drink.” They were Tiara Raman, Tiffany Alvarez, Jake Wombacker, Tim Clarke, and Andrew Reeves. A team slam presented by Urban Mountain Voices followed prior to the screening of the film. The evening ended with to giving away of some raffle items and numerous recognitions to all who have made the event possible.

The films “We are the Solution to Pollution” and “Before You Drink” were made as part of a project designed to give the 10th grade students of ESHS - South an opportunity to learn something about the art of filmmaking while giving voice to their concerns regarding some social issues. The project was done as a collaborative endeavor between the school district and Youth Infusion, Inc. whose mission is to engage “young men and women of Northeast Pennsylvania in the process of improving communities by providing them with skills, knowledge, resources and opportunities that will foster youth voice/action and empower them to improve their lives and the lives of others.” It was through this collaboration these students got a chance to participate in the filmmaking process and it is hoped their experiences will plant a seed so many of them will pursue it as a career and make some truly meaningful films. You’ll find more information about Youth Infusion, Inc. and all they have to offer by calling 570-839-2330.

The films themselves were quite well done especially if one considers some of the filmmakers never picked up a camera prior to learning of the project. They were by no means up to the standard of Michael Moore, but they well exceeded the expectations one may have from a group of dedicated fifteen year olds deserving of great praise and encouragement for their worthy endeavors. In fact, the film “Before You Drink” may have imitated a new slogan to help curb driving while intoxicated. “If you’re going to drink and drive, drink Pepsi.”

However, there was an element present during the event that is often pervasive in school related activities. This was an element of faculty control over their students. This was first made evident during the introduction of the students participating in the filmmaking process. They were interviewed by one of their colleagues but all of their answers were read from a written statement. It made one wonder if their answers were written by the student reading it or someone else. This may be a bid paranoid, but when one considers the uncontroversial aspects of the films’ topics, one realizes how much the school system had in the real decision making process. After all, no one would disagree pollution and alcoholism are unwanted aspects of our society. But, if a student wanted to make a film against the War in Iraq, would he or she be able to do so?

In contrast, The Urban Mountain Voices (UMV) performance provided more substance to the issues explored during the event. The group’s goal is to empower “young adults ages 13-19 years throughout Monroe County to develop critical inquiry skills while achieving a high level of literacy necessary to becoming effective leaders in the community. UMV achieves this by providing FREE, safe and uncensored creative writing and performance workshops, adult and peer mentoring, public performance opportunities and the publication of works.” While many of their endeavors are done in cooperation with several school districts, they simply provide guidance and encouragement to their participants without the type of oversight a secondary educational institute would instill upon them. In other words, Urban Mountain Voices is not bound by the limitations of school boards or parent groups who feel they have the right to determine what are acceptable topics students can approach even if those topics directly effect their lives.

An example of this contrast can be seen in a scene from “Before You Drink” and a poem presented by one of The Urban Mountain Voices’ participants. The film interviewed someone who was raped by someone who was intoxicated. As the person identity was concealed, the person’s gender was unclear. The person said the result of the rape led him/her to be more aware of whom he/she will choose as friends. The person also said he/she wanted to tell his/her story so others can learn from it. However, there was no story about her experience beyond the statements just mentioned. On the other hand, a poet from Urban Mountain Voices presented a poem about her experiences with alcoholic parents that was so powerful she had to stop in the middle of it to compose herself before she could continue. This gave a reality and depth to the condition which made it personal for each person who heard her words. You’ll find more information about Urban Mountain Voices and all they have to offer by calling 610-587-3725.

The next event to be held at The Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA will hold an Opening Reception on Saturday January 16th beginning at 1pm featuring the recent paintings of impressionist Carlo Savo. The exhibition will continue until February 27th. In the meantime, the theater continues to show the very best of Independent and Foreign Films not commonly shown in larger venues. These include the present screenings of “A Single Man,” “Up in the Air” and “It's Complicated.” The film “It’s Complicated” was the film recently seen and discussed during The Forwardian Arts Society Monthly Film and Chat Gathering for January. You’ll find our review of the film posted on our profile. Please feel free to contact The Pocono Community Theater at 570-421-3456 for more information on their film showing times and other offerings they have. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Pocono Community Theater 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Websites of those mentioned in this article are The Pocono Community Theater at www.poconocommunitytheater.org, Youth Infusion at www.youthinfusion.org, Urban Mountain Voices at www.urbanmountainvoices.org, and Carlo Savo www.carlosavo.com.

Please Note: “Spitin’” is a term used by Slam poets referring to the recitation of their work.

Theatrical Review: “Moments”

MOMENTS
Written and Directed by: Rob Howell
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA is currently their presenting their production of “Moments” featuring a collection of 10 minute plays written and directed by Rob Howell which were chosen as the winners of The Annual Shawnee Original Playwrights Contest. The evening consisted of 10 plays of varying themes and qualities. Some were better than others but the entirety of the program was enjoyable as it gave the audience an opportunity to see some new unpublished work.

The first of the plays presented was entitled, “To Tongue or Not to Tongue” which was an amusing piece centering around two actors who are directed to engage in a passionate kiss (with tongues) in spite of not knowing each other. The second play was entitled, “Lifting the Seat” which proved to be one of the best in the collection. It was very amusing as it allowed a common complaint among couples who are living together to reveal other problems in the relationship. The third, sixth, and ninth plays were presented as a trilogy and were individually entitled, “The Encounter,” “A Closer Encounter,” and “Ad Infinitum.” This set of plays proved to be the best among the collection as they were filled with some very funny dialogue which was delivered superbly by those cast in the principle characters’ roles.

The fourth play was entitled, “Easy to Love” and was an interesting exploration into the main character’s propensity fall in love instantly and completely with every woman he meets. It was acted well enough and the premise was amusing but there seemed to be something missing from the piece. The relationship between the main character and the woman he shared a conversation about his predicament didn’t quite work for this reviewer and that kept the play from being as enjoyable as most of the others being presented. The following play entitled, “The Price of Serenity” didn’t fare much better which consisted of a conversation between two people and contained a twist ending. However, the characters seemed very one dimensional which made it a bit dull for this reviewer.

The remaining plays were entitled, “Some Guys Never Learn” done in two scenes relating to a character owing money to the mob, “Home on the Grange” about three farmers talking about how to improve their farming and marketing skills, and “Meditating Bob” about a couples’ differencing approach to the death of a neighbor and other marital problems. These plays were nice to watch but they did little to enhance the evening’s theatrical experience.

As mentioned earlier, some of the plays were better than others which could be attributed by the unevenness of the acting. Some actors were excellent as they gave life to their roles while others seemed to be merely reciting lines and gave very little to their roles. Many actors have found the script they’re given needs to be modified as a number of writers tend to be too structured in their writing. They write in complete sentences not realizing people don’t often speak in complete sentences while they’re holding a conversation or encountering an unexpected occurrence. It then becomes necessary for actors and directors to go “Off Book” in order to present the play with a suspension of disbelief.

The plays presented in “Moments” that really worked for this reviewer felt conversational while those that didn’t quite work felt “written.” However, it seems the plays in this collection were written over a period of time with some being created quite a while ago. The Playwright/Director’s made mentioned of how some of the pieces may evolve in the future. This demonstrates how the writing process is a never-ending one allowing the work to grow as the playwright along with his/her skill grow. This give this reviewer much cause to anticipate future endeavors by this author of both original scripts and re working of those presented during this current production.

The actors performing in “Moments” were seen in a variety of roles. They were Nance Brown, Molly Burnside, Chris Centrella, Amy Cramer (who is also The Shawnee Playhouse Publicist), Kate DeGerolamo, Wayne Dotter, Lillian Ramirez Gonzales, Kevin Hillman, Scotty MacIntosh, Chris Martinelli, August Massingill, Christopher McLaughlin, Bob Marrow, Mark Pender, and Kyra Walters.

The Shawnee Playhouse production of “Moments” written and Directed by Rob Howell as assisted by Jill Howell and Staged Managed by Irene Garner. Travis Southard provided the production’s Lights and Sounds. 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. Midge McClosky serves as The Shawnee Playhouse Executive Director.

This production of “Moments” continues its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until January 17th. Although the production has it’s downsides, it’s still worth attending as the enjoyable pieces are very funny and not to be missed. Perhaps this serves “Moments” well as a metaphor since the moments of our lives are often a mixture of what is and what isn’t enjoyable thus making it all the worth while living.

The next Shawnee Playhouse presentations will include “The Housekeeper” January 23rd - 31st, “The Three Tenors” on Friday January 29th, “Love in a Time of War” February 6th - 14th, “Lover, Winners, and Losers” on Sunday February 14th, “The Seafarer” February 19th - March 21st, and some Staged Reading February 26th - 28th. 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.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse depicting Lillian Ramirez Gonzales and Scotty MacIntosh who appeared in Rob Howell’s “Lifting the Seat.”

An Evening with Bob Dorough

The Pocono Community Theater (PCT) in East Stroudsburg, PA presented “An Evening with Bob Dorough” on Friday January 8th. After an introduction by PCT President of the Board of Directors Skip Scheetz, the capacity crowd who gathered to hear the Jazz Great were treated to a selection of songs made famous by a variety of films all sung in the incomparable style Bob Dorough has become well known for.

The concert continued with songs from his best known work done for the “Schoolhouse Rock“ series which appeared the ABC Television Network during the 1970s and 80s during their Saturday morning programming. The remainder of the program consisted of other songs from his Jazz repertoire with many either being composed Bob Dorough or co written along side many legendary lyricists. The evening concluded with the entire audience joining Bob in the singing of some familiar tunes followed by a reception filled with wonderful culinary treats provided by The Pocono Community Theater.

The concert served as a special thank you for those members who chose to renew their membership early to enhance the theater’s financial stability. It also served to raise funds (which included a 50/50 raffle delightfully solicited by Emily Jane Duda) to enhance The Pocono Community Theater’s work in not only bringing the best of Independent and Foreign films not commonly seen in larger movie venues, but other meaningful experiences including art exhibitions, lectures, festivals, and literary readings. The Pocono Community Theater strives to be what it name indicates; a theater for the community serving its desire to enhance its life through the arts.

There will be another “Evening with Bob Dorough” concert scheduled for Friday January 22nd at 8pm for those who were unable to attend the one on the 8th. Reservations are require to attend as seating is limited by the size of the theater. Please feel free to contact The Pocono Community Theater at 570-421-3456 for more information and to reserve your seat. You’ll find more photographs of the January 8th “Evening with Bob Dorough” in The Forwardian Arts Society Pocono Community Theater 2010 Gallery at www.mysapce.com/forwardian_arts.

In the meantime, the next event to be held at The Pocono Community Theater will be Thursday January 14th beginning at 7pm of a Youth in Fusion Event in collaboration with East Stroudsburg (PA) High School - South featuring a collection of Documentaries made by 10th graders in conjunction with the Alcoholism and Pollution for Community Awareness organization. The event will include Spoken Word performances by Urban Mountain Voices and Youth Poetry Slammers along with live music provided by students of East Stroudsburg High School- South. Please Contact Youth in Fusion at 570-839-2330 for more information.

The Pocono Community Theater continues service to film lovers throughout the area with their showing of the films “Precious,” “Up in the Air” and “It's Complicated.” The film “It’s Complicated” was the film recently seen and discussed during The Forwardian Arts Society Monthly Film and Chat Gathering for January. You’ll find our review of the film posted on our profile. Please feel free to contact The Pocono Community Theater at 570-421-3456 for more information on their film showing times and other offering they have.

Websites of those mentioned in this article are The Pocono Community Theater at www.poconocommunitytheater.org, Bob Dorough at www.bobdorough.com, Urban Mountain Voices at www.urbanmountainvoices.org, and Youth in Fusion at www.youthinfusion.org.

Strete meets Main Street

The Main Street Jukebox in Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception for a show entitled, “The Art of Nara Strete” on Saturday January 2nd featuring, well, the Art of Nara Strete. The band Calamity Menagerie performed as Nara’s musical guest of whom she painted a portrait of during the reception as assisted by Chris Francz. The animated aspects of the music and art offered upon the walls complimented each other to they point of enhancing the entire experience of the reception.

The work of Nara Strete consists of numerous line drawings along with a few painted pieces most depicting some cartoon like images ranging from the humorous to those offering deeper insights to the human condition. The music presented by Calamity Menagerie band member Jay Mazeffect, Mrs. Tink, Scruff Cardinale, and J-Dawg was a nice eclectic mix of several styles played on an interesting selection of instruments including an accordion. However, the highlight of the reception was the opportunity of watching Nara Strete at work while she and Chris Francz painted a portrait of Calamity Menagerie as they played.

The Exhibition will continue until February 4th. The next open reception for an exhibition featuring the work of Chris Francz along with musical guest Keith Leslie will be Saturday February 6th beginning at 6pm. Please Contact The Main Street Jukebox at 570-424-2246 for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Websites of those mentioned in this article are The Main Street Jukebox at www.myspace.com/mainstjukebox, Nara Strete at www.myspace.com/hondurastoxicdogstar, Calamity Menagerie at www.myspace.com/calamitymenagerie, Chris Francz at www.chrisfrancz.com, and Keith Leslie at www.myspace.com/thebusinessfairy.

The Price of Coffee

The Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA presented the documentary film entitled, “The Price of Coffee” on Saturday January 2nd which was followed by a discussion as part of their educational series exploring all aspects of coffee the human, political, and economic factors involved in its production along with how to discern the variety of tastes and aroma of the beverage. The film was introduced by series leader Kim Fisher with the discussion led by her as well. The film was very informative and was enhanced by the conversation that followed a great deal.

The film was about how coffee had been fundamental to the economy of Republic of Nicaragua for over 100 years and how the numerous civil wars negatively affected the industry. The film also explores how modern day Nicaraguans are trying to repair the damage inflicted on the industry and how those producing and harvesting the beans can obtain a fair price in the marketplace.

The discussion was held in the Theater’s Café over a cup of hot coffee which was even appreciated by non coffee drinkers like me. The conversation mostly addressed questions regarding the current political climate and how to help those who pick the beans can receive a fair wage for their endeavors. It was mentioned the US could help in this area but it was also noted there is a great deal of mistrust toward our country due to its past support of the oppressive Somoza regime and the Contra insurgency.

The next installment of The Pocono Community Theater’s educational series will be entitled, “Brewing Coffee: The Many Methods” and will be held Saturday February 13th. Please contact The Pocono Community Theater at 570-421-3456 or Kim Fisher at the email address below for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Pocono Community Theater 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Websites and email addresses of those mentioned in this article are The Pocono Community Theater at www.thepoconocommunitytheater.org and Kim Fisher at kim@poconocommunitytheater.org.

Film Review: “It’s Complicated”

Film Review: “It’s Complicated”
Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Performances by: Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin.
Film Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The film, “It's Complicated” was directed by Nancy Meyers whose previous work includes “Something’s Gotta Give” which, like “It’s Complicated” explores relationships between older people allowing those younger members of the audience to discover their romantic lives don’t become easier as time goes on. In fact, the film’s line uttered by the Meryl Streep character of “We’ve should have known better” rings very true for those of us past the age of 50 who should know better but really don’t. Perhaps while the mind and body ages, the heart remains youthful. This could prove to have equal amounts of favorable and unfavorable results.

“It's Complicated” romantic comedy about a couple who has been divorced for 10 years named Jane (as portrayed by Meryl Streep) and Jake (as portrayed by Alec Baldwin). She owns a successful bakery in Santa Barbara, CA while he is a successful Attorney. They have three grown children and they have a pretty good relationship. That is, until it gets too “Good.”

Although Jake is now married to a much younger woman, they begin a romantic/sexual relationship against Jane’s better judgment. Jake repeatedly (almost incessantly) expresses his affection toward Jane which leads her to question her previous decisions leading to their divorce. And, if Jake being married to the “other woman” whom she now becomes wasn’t enough of a complication, Jane meets an architect named Adam (as portrayed by Steve Martin) and begins to explore having a relationship with him. What a mess.

While the film is light and should not be taken very seriously, it does offer some serious commentary on human relationships in regards to how loneliness and second guessing ourselves when one is over can make life much more complicated than it needs to be. It seems sensible at the end of a relationship to let your ex be your ex and, while it’s ok to continue an appreciative love for those who have touched your life it would be best to love them at a distance. The further away the better. But, the characters in this film don’t follow this common sense approach and we learn what happens.

The film allows us to laugh at ourselves when we abandon our common sense in order to experience the promised joys of a romantic relationship. Sometimes these promises are kept while other times they are not. This is true in encountering people we’ve never dated in the past. But, to go back to the same well containing the waters we’ve found detrimental to our well being can prove to be a bit self defeating.

In the film, Jane goes back to her discarded well out of feelings of loneliness which are manipulated by Jake as he heap one complimentary platitude upon her after another. He doesn’t seem to do this consciously but out of a sense of some misguided self awareness of his feminine side in which leads him to wear his heart upon his sleeve. He declares himself to be more sensitive, more caring, more nurturing, more patient, and more everything a woman may want in a man except for being a man.

His self indulgence convinces him he has made a mistake and wants a redo of his life by convincing his former wife to take him back. He succeeds in seducing her in a bar with numerous drinks and utilizes that momentary lapse of reason on Jane’s part to establish an ongoing affair. This all would be malicious if it were not for the fact he honestly believes both he and Jane would be better off together.

It isn’t until the introduction of the character Adam when Jane begins to place her relationship with her ex husband into perspective. They begin to like each other. Not out of a sense of repairing mistakes from the past, but out of a desire to be with someone who makes them feel good. Their relationship develops when they begin to become able to let go of their past and explore a new future. For Jane, the image of this future allows her to see where Jake doesn’t fit into it and, eventually, Jake begins to see it, too.

In the meantime, Adam becomes hurt through this process of Jane and Jake’s revelation and decides to cool things down. However, by the end of the film, a sense of hope that a relationship between Jane and Adam can evolve as the closing credit roll. It doesn’t escape this reviewer’s sense of irony that Steve Martin who has become known for his outrageous comedic style and antics is playing a character who proves to be the most sensible and mature of the film’s principles.

In regards to “It’s Complicated” being a film exploring the complexities of the human condition in reference of our relationships, well, it’s not that. After all, it is a romantic comedy and that is all it’s meant to be. However, it does touch upon aspects of relationships and what can go awry in them enough to make it a worthwhile film to watch. And besides, it’s funny.

“It‘s Complicated” is rated R and is currently running at The Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA. You may call 570-421-3456 or visit their website at www.poconocommunitytheater.org 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 January 1st showing of the film, The Forwardian Arts Society Gathered in The Pocono Community Theater’s Café to chat about it. The turnout was rather small but the conversation was very engaging. We invite you to join us Friday February 5th to watch a film and participate in an equally stimulating conversation. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Film and Chat Gathering 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.