An Incubus Grows In Stroudsburg

The Forwardian Arts Society held their final Film Lovers’ Gathering for 2010 at The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA on Friday November 19th. The event included a free screening of the film, “Incubus” (aka Inkubo). Although the attendance was very low, the gathering was an enjoyable experience.

“Incubus” (aka Inkubo) was made in 1965 and was shown in subtitles with it’s dialogue spoken in Esperanto which was created in 1887 by Dr. Ludovic Lazarus Zamenhof who was a Russian-Jewish ophthalmologist. The language was constructed in order to foster harmony between people from different countries. This didn’t quite happen, but some primary schools teach it as preparation for learning other foreign languages.

The film was directed by Leslie Stevens who created The Outer Limits television series in 1963 and starred William Shatner shortly before he began working on the Star Trek Series in 1966. The film’s premiere took place at the San Francisco Film Festival in 1966 because many of the attendees were prone watching films with subtitles. However, several Esperanto enthusiasts "screamed and laughed" at the actors' poor pronunciation of the language and the filmmakers were unable to find distribution for the film except in France. The film was considered lost in a fire until a very deteriorated version was found and restored in 2001. Due to numerous hardships visited upon many members of the cast, the film was considered cursed.

These hardships include the actor who played the Incubus killing his girlfriend, Barbara Ann Thomason Rooney (the estranged fifth wife of Mickey Rooney) and himself in 1966, an actress committing suicide less than a year after the film wrapped, the daughter of another actress was kidnapped and murdered, and the director’s production company (Daystar Productions) went bankrupt. Even the success William Shatner found through his portrayal of Captain Kirk left him typecast to the character leaving his subsequent career somewhat lacking. The one notable exception to the curse would be of film’s cinematographer Conrad Hall whose work on the films “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “American Beauty,” and “Road to Perdition” won him Academy Awards.

The film is about a solder (played by William Shatner) who returns from war as a wounded hero. He and his sister comes to the village of Nomen Tuum which has a well that can heal the sick. The well also has cosmetic effects which can make people more beautiful. This quality of the well attracts many vain individuals and this attracts some succubi (agents of the God of Darkness) who lead them to their deaths in order to send their souls to Hell. All is working well for the succubi until one becomes ambitious and tires of easy prey.

She yearn for the desire to turn a pure soul over to their master and embarks upon doing so with the William Shatner Character in spite of warnings of her sister succubi. Her insistence leads her to the cottage the soldier and his sister lives and, after a cordial get together during a solar eclipse, she lures him away to tempt him from his purity while his sister goes blind while watching the celestial event through her naked eyes. It is during her temptations, the vain succubus becomes overwhelmed by her prey’s innocence and falls in love with him.

This is seen as a spiritual violation by the succubus and her sister tantamount to rape. The sisters summon their brother (The Incubus) from the depths of Hell to help them exact their revenge. They do so by luring the soldier’s sister into their unholy dwelling in which the Incubus rapes her in a Satanic wedding ritual. The violated succubus then embarks on exacting her revenge directly upon the soldier by creating the stage for him to discover his sister’s rape and killing her brother (The Incubus) thus tarnishing his soul with the sin of murder making it easier to send him to Hell.

This goes as planed until the soldier (dieing from his wounds gained in battle with the Incubus) become so filled with remorse for his deed that he devotes his soul to God in order to become redeemed and falls to the floor of a church he enters. Although she is unable to enter the church. The soldier’s actions lead the succubus to fall in love with him again. Her brother (The Incubus) turns into a goat and attacks her. She survives by proclaiming her soul now belongs to God and the film ends with her crawling into the church to grasps the soldier’s hand.

As mentioned earlier, the gathering wasn’t well attended, but the film was an enjoyable one to watch. It was fun to watch William Shatner speak in Esperanto which made one wonder if everything he does would be better with subtitles. As also eluded to earlier, film’s cinematography was beautifully shot which allowed it to transcend the qualities of the script and acting which were sometime lacking. It was pleasantly surprising how well the film looked while remembering all the physical damage it received prior to its restoration.

The Forwardian Arts Society is a fellowship for people who love the arts seeking to enhance the creative community by encouraging those interested in the arts to go forward toward their dreams, by supporting those groups and individuals who are manifesting their dreams through performances and/or presentations, and by loving them and all they do. Please Explore The Forwardian Arts Society Website at www.theforwardianartssociety.com for more information about the fellowship and all it has to offer.

The Next Film Lovers’ Gathering of The Forwardian Arts Society will take place in April 2011 when our active season for gatherings and other events resume. It is hoped we’ll begin our season with some original worked created by some local filmmakers. More details about this and how filmmakers can participate will be shared later.

In addition to The Forwardian Arts Society Gatherings, The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse offers a variety of coffee, drinks, and culinary treats along with other events for the public to enjoy. These include their exhibition being shown until December 12th to benefit the "Thrive to Survive" Foundation in their research for cancer cures and treatments, a Comedy Night scheduled for Friday December 3rd beginning at 7pm and their “Just Say It: A Spoken Word Symposium” events which take place every Thursday evening at 7pm. Please Explore The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse Website at www.cheekymonkeycoffee.com or Call 570-420-8222 for more information.

Theatrical Review: “It‘s a Wonderful Life”

Theatrical Review: “It‘s a Wonderful Life”
Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Thomas M. Sharkey
Directed and Choreographed by: Dan Gaouette
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA is currently presenting their production of the musical version of “It‘s a Wonderful Life” written by Thomas M. Sharkey. The play is based upon the 1946 classic Frank Capra film of the same name which was based upon a short story written by Philip Van Doren Stern titled, "The Greatest Gift." Both the short story and film are very similar (but not identical), but their most striking secularity is they were not all that popular when they were first presented.

However, the Capra film became a holiday classic due to the magic of incessant Television Seasonal Broadcasts while the short story has (with few exceptions) entered the realm of virtual obscurity. This is somewhat unfortunate as the Short Story has a few nuances the film doesn’t contain. This makes it a bit of an interesting work to visit and read but the cinematic mastery of Frank Capra enhances the story through the use of the tools available in the medium.

For those of you who haven’t had access to a television for the last 30 years, here is the basic storyline to the film. It begins with George Bailey who is on a bridge considering suicide. An angel, who hasn’t yet earned his wings, is sent to rescue him by granting his wish to never have been born. This allows the angle to show George what life would be like for his family and friends if his considerably good deeds and influence would never had touched their lives. George then wishes to be returned to existence in which his realization “It’s a Wonderful Life” is renewed and the angle (presumably) gets his wings. This musical version of the film reflects all its elements minus much of the cinematic magic that eventually made it a classic.

While it’s true something always gets lost while translating a work from one medium to another, there should be some endeavor made to enhance the original work through the tools the medium the work is being transcribed to has to offer. In this reviewer’s humble opinion, if a filmmaker or playwright is unable to do so, he/she should leave the original work alone with all the good memories of it intact. Adding mostly forgettable songs doesn’t do the trick.

Although it may be considered unfair to compare this musical version (and there has been a few of them) of “It’s a wonderful Life” to the film, it should be considered the film is very well known and it’s doubtful the play would have been written if it wasn’t for the desire to be associated with it. After all, it’s not solely based upon the short story written by Philip Van Doren Stern and it isn’t titled, "The Greatest Gift." This may have made the play a much more interesting one to experience but the only reason similarities to the short story exist is because they existed in the film.

However, in spite all the misgivings this reviewer has in regards to the translation of the film to this theatrical work, the talent of many of the actors who performed in it brought a new life to the familiar characters which made it a nice time at the theater. These actors included Brian Bowman who portrayed George Bailey, Kara Snyder who portrayed Mary Hatch Bailey, Scott E. McIntosh who portrayed Clarence Oddbody (the Angel), Brandon Hanks who portrayed Joseph and Potter’s man, Ray Papay who portrayed Uncle Billy, Jenell Manzi who portrayed Mother Bailey, Sara Ferguson who portrayed Violet Bick, Dante Giammarco who portrayed Henry Potter, Jim Lynch who portrayed Harry Bailey, Rob Eilenberger Howell who portrayed Mr. Gower, Steve Rau who portrayed Bert, David Schappert who portrayed Ernie, and the role of ZuZu was double cast by Chelsea Cirillo and Leah Beairsto. The remainder of the cast consisted of an ensemble who included Kiera Arneaud, Hannah Beairsto, Sarah Beairsto, Alyssa Beveridge, Justine Curcio, Brigitte Endrulat, Krystal Endrulat, Jillian Garvey, Chris Grape-Garvey, Emily Guzman, Beckie Herb, Julia Lofblad, Jadyn Rome Lynah, Gryffin Pedersen, Sarah Principe, Hannah Rau, Kristopher Sanchez, Julia Rose Vecchio, Elizabeth Wagner, Grant Wagner, Griffin Wagner, Joshua Wagner, and Samantha Wagner.

The Shawnee Playhouse production of “It‘s a Wonderful Life” by Thomas M. Sharkey was Directed and Choreographed by Dan Gaouette and Staged Managed by Aubrey Boyd. Scot Cleaveland served as the Production’s Scenic Designer with Marshall Haskel serving the production as its Technical Director and Lighting Designer. Amy Rau served the production as its Music Director and Sound technician while Missy Benefield served as its costumer. Kevin Hillman served as the production’s Property Master. The Shawnee Playhouse producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood with Midge McClosky serving as the playhouse’s Executive Director. The Box Office Manager is Mary Horn as assisted by Barbara Ross, Christina McManus, Pam Hudak, and Ariel Hudak. Becky Haskell serves as The Shawnee Playhouse’s Sales and Marketing Director.

Although the Thomas M. Sharkey theatrical presentation of the Frank Capra 1946 Classic film pales in comparison, the overall production at The Shawnee Playhouse was well done and presented some very good acting. It’s not what this reviewer considers to be the best theatrical presentation the playhouse has produced, but it does manage to bring a holiday smile to the face and eyes of its audience. Perhaps, in retrospect, this is a great gift to those who just want enjoy a nice time at the theater so they can realize how wonderful life can be.

This production of “It‘s a Wonderful Life” continues its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until December 19th. Their current “Mark Mysterrio’s Tales of Magic and Mystery for Kids” is being presented until December 28th. The Shawnee Playhouse upcoming presentations and productions include their Children Productions of “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Carol” November 19th - December 18th and “Kids’ Kabaret” December 28th and 29th, The Northeast Ballet Ensemble production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky‘s “The Nutcracker” December 6th - 26th, and The Shawnee Playhouse Annual “Messiah Sing In Concert” on Tuesday December 21st.

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 Explore The Shawnee Playhouse Website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com or call 570-421-5093 for more information about their productions and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse and depicts the characters in The Shawnee Playhouse’s Production of “It‘s a Wonderful Life” by Thomas M. Sharkey.

Mindful Abstractions at The PCT

The Pocono Community Theater (PCT) in East Stroudsburg, PA held Artists’ Receptions on Saturday November 13th in their Front and Back Galleries. The Front Gallery is located in the main lobby area of the theater and featured an exhibition titled, "The Abstract Show." It presented the works of Susan Bradford, Brienne Rosner, Denise Mckellick, Andrea Levergood, and Christine Griffin. The Back Gallery can be found along the corridor leading the theater’s screening rooms two and three. This Exhibition is titled, "Mindscapes" presenting the work of photographer Endel Uiga. Both Exhibitions began November 7th and continues until January 9th.

The afternoon brought a modest number of art lovers out to The Pocono Community Theater which was somewhat unfortunate as the work deserved more of a audience. The work was pleasing to the eye and many had the ability to reach into the mind altering the viewers’ perceptions of everyday reality. The conversation was quite congenial with topics as abstract as the work depicted upon the walls. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Pocono Community Theater 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Besides exhibitions like the one described in this article, The Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA presents a number of special events designed to enhance the creative needs of the community. These include book discussion groups, concerts, and screenings of original work. This is in addition to presenting films for discerning movie goers to enjoy which are not commonly shown in larger venues.

The next special event to be presented at The Pocono Community Theater will be their 2nd Anniversary on Sunday November 14th. It’ll begin at 7pm featuring performances given by Bob Dorough and Regina Sayles. It will also feature a spoken word performance given by Urban Mountain Voices and a Youth Infusion presentation of the student-made anti-bullying documentary titled, “BeNoBull.” Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Website at www.poconocommunitytheater.org or Contact them at 570-421-3456 for more information.

Thriving at The Monkey

The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Friday November 12th for an exhibition to benefit the "THRIVE to Survive" Foundation. The well attended event featured a variety of artists whose work centered around the exhibition’s theme which was the color pink. The evening also featured music performed by Singer/Songwriter Jeni Hackett who provided her audience with a listing of songs they were invited to circle their favorites so she may sing them during her set. This enhanced the event as many added their internal voice to the familiar choruses while she taught their hearts some new one through her original works.

The range of the visual works were equally impressive as they ranged from American Indian wall hangings to Japanese glass works to huge paintings and photography. The artists who participated in the exhibition includes William Mohlenhoff, Brianna Ace, Rendi, Laura Below, Morgan Crespo, Karalina Davis, Sherley Escribano, Denise VanNess, Ashley Zucker, Ka-Son Reeves, Helen Victoria (who curates the exhibition), John Kobek, Myke Maldonado, Chris Francz, Alexandra Carpenter, Alison Grey, Paul (yeah, that‘s me). The exhibition continues until December 12th. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Cheeky Monkey 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Proceeds from the sale of the work presented at The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse will go to The Pocono Medical Center’s THRIVE to Survive Program which was created is to increase breast cancer survivorship rates in our community. One of their goals is to build a new facility in which would serve the local female population in regards to the issues related to the condition and provide the appropriate treatment when the need arises. More information about The Pocono Medical Center’s THRIVE to Survive Program can be gained by exploring their website at www.poconohealthsystem.org or by contacting them at 570-476-3367.

As mentioned before, funds for The Pocono Medical Center’s THRIVE to Survive Program are raised through the sale of the donated works. This is done through a silent auction in which visitors to The Cheeky Monkey can write their bid for each piece on a form found on the wall adjacent to the one they’re interested in purchasing. This can be done until the closing date of the show which is December 12th and the item will be available for pickup on that date. Please Contact Helen Vitoria at 484-221-3592 for more information.

Other future events at The Cheeky Monkey include “Just Say It: A Spoken Word Symposium” which takes place every Thursday evening at 7pm. The event is free and open to all who love the written word. The Forwardian Arts Society will hold a Film Lovers Gathering at the Cheeky Monkey on Friday November 19th at 7pm featuring the 1965 film titled, “Incubus” starring William Shatner. The event is free and open to all who love the art of film. There will be a discussion period after the screening in which The Cheeky Monkey offers a free crepe with a purchase of a beverage to the attendees. The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse offers a variety of coffee, drinks, and culinary treats along with events such as the one described in this article. Please Explore The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse Website at www.cheekymonkeycoffee.com or Call 570-420-8222 for more information.

The Faithful Gather at The Dreamlands

The Dreamland Creations in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists Reception on Sunday November 7th which featured the work of numerous artists for their exhibition titled, “The Religion and Spirituality Show.” As with all their themed shows, Dreamland Creations encouraged artists to devise their own interpretation to what the concepts of Religion and Spirituality along with all their divinations/deviations mean to them. This led to an array of styles and approaches to the theme which included some profoundly soul touching work along with some healthy blasphemous pieces inviting each viewer to examine their own faith without the presumptions society and institutionalized entities have placed upon them.

Those who attended the Artists’ Reception were greeted by a quality of work faithful to the gallery’s usual astounding standard of creative excellence. The work presented ranged from very simple depictions of images which allowed the viewer to focus on the subject without any unwanted distractions to those whose appropriate complexities drew one in until the experience of the work included themselves. The approaches in regards to creating the work also had its own range. Some artists chose to utilize the traditional methods such as the use of oil and acrylic paints to form their visions while others explored alternative methods enhancing the originality of their pieces.

The reception concluded with a performance by the Heavy Metal band Nu Prosta Kaif whose industrial strength sounds shook the halls of the gallery adding to the irrational energies of the pieces. Their songs and performance style proved to be intoxicating which caused many to be delightfully inebriated throughout the set. In other words, it was a great way to end the evening which inspired many to eagerly await the next exhibition in December. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Forwardian Arts Society Dreamland Creations 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Those artists participating in “The Religion and Spirituality Show” include Rendi, Helen Victoria, Rob and Denise VanNess, J. J. Shlutz, Don Menza, Narlene Jacobs, Sherley Escribano, Abby Braman, Andrew Collenburg, Mark Purcell, Judy Zarach, Allison Gray, Michael Cooke, J. A. S., Brianna Ace, Brandi G. Merritt, Diane Paulhamus, Heather Hummel, Laura Below, Richard Soezzano, Marcia Flammonde, Anna Marie Hendricks, Myke Maldonado, Olaf Sigurdsson, Kari, and Paul (yeah, that‘s me). The Exhibition continues until November 30th.

The Dreamland Creations in Stroudsburg, PA serves as a studio where individuals can adorn their forms with a variety of body art such as tattoos and piercing reaching out to the vast community of conventional and non mainstream artists throughout the area. Their next Artists’ Reception will feature a variety of artists in an exhibition titled, “The Blue Show.” The reception will take place Sunday December 5th beginning at 4pm. The Exhibition will continue until January 3rd. Please Explore The Dreamland Creations Website at www.myspace.com/dreamlandcreations or call 570-421-6313 for more information about the artists, the current and future exhibitions, and all they have to offer.

Parsons at The Jukebox

The Main Street Jukebox in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artist’s Reception featuring The Artwork of Michael Parsons on Saturday November 6th. A sizable crowd gathered to partake of the fantastic scenes brought to life upon the intriguing canvases. These scenes were an interesting mixture of original visions alongside depictions of images from familiar films. Not only did these later works capture the essence of their celluloid inspirations, but Mr. parson’s interpretations transcended them.

Music for the evening was provided by Rezlep and the Apparatus whose musical escapades led each listener to a wild journey into the familiar darkness of their minds. This was done through a combination of vocals, audio from films and other source material, and ecstatic gestures emphasizing many of a song’s aspects.Rezlep and the Apparatus’s performance was indeed a multimedia event with one of the medium’s forms being within each listener’s mind. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Forwardian Arts Society Main St. Jukebox 2010 Gallery at www.mysapce.com/forwardian_arts.

In addition to Art Exhibitions and Concerts, The Main Street Jukebox offers recordings made on CDs, Tapes, and Vinyl. The Artwork of Michael Parsons Exhibition continues until November 30th. The Next Exhibition will feature The Art of Arielle Sekula and Ana Maria Hendricks with an Artist’s Reception on Saturday December 4th beginning at 6pm and concludes on December 26th. Please Explore The Main St. Jukebox Website at www.myspace.com/mainstjukebox or call 570-424-2246 for more information about these events and all they have to offer.

Exploring the Space of Art

The ARTSPACE Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA will held an Artist’s Reception on Saturday November 6th featuring the work of Sharon Cosgrove. The huge canvases filled with intriguingly peaceful images invited those who experience them to become a part of their tranquil depictions. Ms. Cosgrove’s enticing work was surrounded by the works of other works created by the artists who are part of The ARTSPACE Gallery.

These artists include Thomas Augusta, Michelle Montes, Richard Spezzano, Marlana Holstein, Irene Bartz, Linda Mann, John C. Kopp, Don Manza, Ka-Son Reeves, Will Daskal, Maroon Colvin, Lenore Liore Mills, Bud LaRosa, Jim Hanlan, Shirley Epstein, Jean Benfante, Helen Heeran, and Peter Ambush. Their pieces can be found in the Main Gallery as well as their Studio Gallery. The Exhibition Continues until November 30th. The gallery also presented Poetry written by the students who are part of Urban Mountain Voices whose work can be found along the gallery‘s “Wall of Poetry and Writing” along with works of pottery and other crafted items found in The PoconoArts Gallery Shop. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2010 Gallery at www.mysapce.com/forwardian_arts.

The ARTSPACE Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA is housed within The PoconoArts Cultural Center which is designed to meet the needs of artists and art lovers offering a venue to present and experience a variety of art forms including visual and the literary arts along with opportunities to attend art classes and workshops. The next event scheduled to be held at The ARTSPACE Gallery will be their Annual Holiday Show and Sale beginning Saturday December 4th featuring a variety of arts and crafts available for purchase for the season. Please Explore The Pocono Arts Council Website at www.poconoarts.org or call 570-476-4460 for more information.

Funny Monkey

The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA hosted a Comedy Night on Friday November 5th presented by The Off Track Players. The comedy troupe featured local comedians who showcased their talents in a variety of sketches and improvisational games which amused their audience. These games included one called, “ABC” in which a location was selected by the audience and each performer had to begin their sentence in alphabetical order in relation to where they were. Audience members were invited to participate in this an other aspects of the show which enhanced the delight of experiencing it.

You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Cheeky Monkey 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts. The next Comedy Night at The Cheeky Monkey is scheduled for Friday December 3rd beginning at 7pm. It was a fun night out and a great opportunity to hear some original work by local comics.

Other future events at The Cheeky Monkey include The “Just Say It: A Spoken Word Symposium” events which take place every Thursday evening at 7pm and an Artists’ Reception on Friday November 12th beginning at 6pm for an exhibition to benefit the "Thrieve to Survive" Foundation. The exhibition continues until December 12th. The Forwardian Arts Society will also hold its next Film Lovers Gathering at the Cheeky Monkey on Friday November 19th at 7pm featuring the 1965 film titled, “Incubus” starring William Shatner. The events is free and open to all who love the art of film. There will be a discussion period after the screening in which The Cheeky Monkey offers a free crepe with a purchase of a beverage to the attendees. The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse offers a variety of coffee, drinks, and culinary treats along with events such as the one described in this article. Please Explore The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse Website at www.cheekymonkeycoffee.com or Call 570-420-8222 for more information.

The Forwardian Arts Society is a fellowship for people who love the arts seeking to enhance the creative community by encouraging those interested in the arts to go forward toward their dreams, by supporting those groups and individuals who are manifesting their dreams through performances and/or presentations, and by loving them and all they do. Please Explore The Forwardian Arts Society Website at www.theforwardianartssociety.com for more information about the fellowship and all it has to offer.