Topping the Sky with Art

Colorful lights, enchanting art and crafts, and the excited utterances known to accompany the holiday season filled the Executive Conference Center located within the Skytop Lodge in which The Pocono Mountain Arts Council held their 7th Annual Holiday Arts Festival on November 26th and 27th. Although I was only able to attend the festival during it’s final two hours, much of the spirit of the festival was still felt as it permeated among the vendors and all who experience their seasonal hospitality. A relaxed joy touched the air as offerings ranging from the creative works of renowned artists and crafters to the pieces created by energetic students from local school districts who shared their newly discovered talents.

Over 50 creative souls presented their works to a sizable number of art and craft lovers who awaited for the yearly arrival of the festival. Many came with a desire to enhance their holiday shopping through the purchase of the pleasantly beautiful images, the divinely adornment jewelry, and gently crafted household décor that were on display while many came to simply admire the work. Indeed, this was a festival combining love with commerce in a tastefully satisfying manner.

As for me, it was an enjoyable festival filled with some very nice work and delightful conversation. The objects presented by the crafters caught the eye’s attention and proved to be interesting products while the art presented pleased the eye with their gentle depictions. With few exceptions, the body of work presented at the festival were created with commerce in mind so there were very few pieces providing any reflections of the state of human existence.

However, there was a love for the crafts and art that were presented which emanated from their creators. Without this love, the objects would hold no more significance than those found in retail stores whose items are merely placed their to make the shop owners a profit. One can sense the work presented during The Pocono Mountain Arts Council’s 7th Annual Holiday Arts Festival were not made with a mere profit motivation to which its existence was owed. A human heart was present as each stroke of a paintbrush touched a canvas, as each nail was hammered in a piece of wood, and as each pierced stone was strung together.

The Pocono Mountain Arts Council supports the work of artists and promotes the arts in the community through education and by providing avenues of creative expression encouraging working relationships among the area's artistic groups, providing financial support toward the education of aspiring artists, and working toward the establishment of a permanent gallery space in which to host workshops and exhibitions. The Pocono Mountain Arts Council’s Annual Holiday Arts Festival is held every year during the weekend following Thanksgiving. You’ll find more photographs I took during my time at the festival in The Visual Arts 2011 Galleries Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150316388700421.390846.636000420&type=1&l=559eabb691 and Part 3 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150485302325421.426918.636000420&type=1&l=ac02183230. Please Explore The Pocono Mountain Arts Council Website at www.poconomac.com or call 570-595-3157 to learn more about them, what they offer to the community, and how to become welcomed as a member.

Castling Faces Emerge

The Castle Inn Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA held an Artist’s Reception on Saturday November 19th for their Exhibition titled, “Faces.” The exhibition features the works of Donna A. McCartney who was debuting her talents at the gallery. The reception was well attended by art lovers who were treated to a pre thanksgiving feast of etchings and sculpture destined to satisfy the creative appetite of anyone who experienced the work.

The work was arranged in an order which allowed attendees to flow freely from one object to another while enabling them to take pause long enough to contemplate the style and intricacies of each piece. There was much to contemplate and admire as each face presented in the individual pieces reached out with their expressions until it was mirrored within those who gazed upon it. This encouraged the viewer to reflect upon the feelings they were feeling during this exchange and allowed them to be acknowledged in a more profound way.

The conversation mimicked the arrangement of the work as topics flowed freely throughout the entire Castle Inn which is made up of a variety of shops. These include Ms. McCartney own (DM) Custom Framing and Art Studio in which she offers a variety of frames and workshops. She has become well known for helping artists frame and show their work throughout her 15 year residency in the Monroe County area and it was an enjoyable experience to experience her creative endeavors revealed for the very first time during the reception. You’ll be able to learn more about Ms. McCartney, her art, and all her studio has to offer by contacting her at dm-studios@hotmail.com.

Wine and appetizers were provided by The Zen Safari Ethnic Art Center which is one of the shops found within The Castle Inn offering items found in various parts of the world including Australia and Haiti.The modest variety of foods and the properties of the beverages enhanced the relaxed atmosphere of the evening. You’ll be able to learn more about The Zen Safari Ethnic Art Center and all it has to offer by contacting them at zensafari@gmail.com. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the reception in The Visual Arts Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150316388700421.390846.636000420&type=3&l=559eabb691.

The Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA was built in 1906 and was the last of the great hotels to be built in area. It housed an ice cream parlor, a mosaic floor, bowling alleys, a pool, and a billiard parlor. Performances were presented which included those given by Opera legend Enrico Caruso, Marching Band Leader John Phillip Sousa, and Big Band Leader Fred Waring along with the Pennsylvanians. This all came to an abrupt end when fire touched the Inn in the 1970s and it laid dormant until 2005 when it was purchased by Theresa Veltri and Frank Paccione who continues their endeavors to bring the Inn back as an asset to the community and all who visit it.

The Exhibition continues in The Castle Inn Gallery located in Delaware Water Gap, PA until January 21st. Jose and Maggie Sanatmaria serves as the Gallery’s Directors. More information about the exhibition as well as The Castle Inn can be gained by explore their website at www.castleinndwg.com.

Theatrical Review: Macbeth

Theatrical Review: Macbeth

Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Richard M. Rose
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” (aka “The Tragedy of Macbeth”). The company previously presented the play in The David W. Miller’s Park which is located in East Stroudsburg, PA earlier this Autumn. I’ve seen one of the presentations and I’ve written a review. You’ll find it posted at www.forwardianartssociety.blogspot.com/2011/09/theatrical-review-macbeth.html.

In the review, I’ve explored the history and shared a fairly detailed synopsis of the play. I choose not to be so meticulously repetitious in writing this review as the facts I’ve referred to in the previous one has not changed. So, I would refer those who would like to experience the history and synopsis of the play to click onto the link provided earlier and feel free to do so.

However, for those who choose not to click the link, I would briefly like to share the play is about a Scottish Thane (Lord) named “Macbeth” who wins a great war for his king. After the final battle, he and his friend meet some witches who predict his ascendance to the throne and his friend’s decedents will soon follow. Afterwards Macbeth and his wife plot to kill the king and they go mad. In his paranoia, Macbeth kills his friend and has others whom he sees plotting against him murdered as well. This encourages a real plot to develop which leads to a war and the death of Macbeth.

The review also mentioned the superb acting and directing which was experienced during the production at The David W. Miller’s Park. This not only remained true on The Shawnee Playhouse stage but the performance of the actors who grew in their roles as actors often do when a play is presented over an extended period of time greatly improved the theatrical experience. This extended run of the play also seemed to have a positive effect on it’s pacing which I felt The David W. Miller’s Park production seemed a bit rushed at times and kept the audience from absorbing the enormity of the horrendous slaughtering and their aftermaths. The pace of The Shawnee Playhouse production slowed and the audience seemed to respond to the occurrences on stage with more reflection.

The cast of The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” included Patrick Bresnyan as Macbeth, Gillian Bender as Lady Macbeth, Richard M. Rose as Banquo, Amy Cramer as Lady Macduff and a witch, Emily Fiona Rose as Lady Ross and a witch, and Lorelei Sands as Lady Lennox and a witch. There were also Robin Kessler as Ross and served as the production’s Music Director), Mark Pender as Angus and the Bloody Captain, Griffin Wagner as a Lord and murder, and Ryan Moore as Malcolm and served as the production’s Weapons Master. And there were Robert Taylor as Macduff, Samantha Wagner as Macduff’s Son, and Holly Newcomb as the goddess Hecate and a Gentlewoman. Mathew Cramer as Siward, and Grant Wagner as Young Siward and Caithness. And finally there were Maureen Gilleece Harms as Doctor and Gentlewoman, Marty Courtney as the Porter, Renard Cohen as Seyton, and Cordelia Ariel Rose as Donalbain and an apparition.

There were also come cast changes between The David W. Miller’s Park and The Shawnee Playhouse productions due to various reasons. These included Ray Papay as King Duncan, Marshall Haskell as Lennox, Sarah Mitchell as an Alternate Witch, Jeremy Cramer and Cameron Cramer as MacDuff siblings who both served the production as a stagehands. All enhanced the play with their stellar performances. Even if one had seen The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The David W. Miller’s Park last September, this reviewer would recommend seeing it once again as there seemed a certain charm in doing so. However, if anyone reading this review hasn’t seen it at the park, well, a treat awaits those who enjoy Shakespearian theater done well.

The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is directed by Richard M. Rose and Stage Managed by Amanda Kalinowski. The Costumer for the production was Bella Shanice while Irene Garner and Stacy Ritchie served as roving assistants. The producers of the productions presented at The Shawnee Playhouse are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while the group sales manager is Mary Horn. The Box Office Staff includes Chrissy McMannus while Becky Haskell serves as the playhouse’s Sales and Marketing Director. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse is Midge McClosky.

Pocono Shakes is a newly formed theatre group dedicated to shaking up Shakespeare and giving him back his groove. Their future plans include many more performances, film screenings, lessons, comedy, improv, and fun. They practice an absolute, no-discrimination policy and encourage all actors and musicians to audition and participate. Pocono Shakes is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. For more information please contact Pocono Shakes at PoconoShakes@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/poconoshakes.

The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” continues its run until November 13th. Future Shawnee Playhouse presentations will include their production of “ Home for Christmas” and their Children Theater production of “A Christmas Wizard of Oz” both running from November 18th until December 22nd, “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute” on Saturday November 19th, The Northeast Ballet Ensemble production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky‘s “The Nutcracker” running from December 3rd until the 12th, and their Annual Holiday Sing In Concert featuring Handel‘s “Messiah” on Tuesday December 20th along with their children’s presentations of “Mark Mysterrio’s Tales of Magic and Mystery” on December 26th and 27th and “Kids Kabaret” on December 29th and 30th. In addition to these presentations, The Shawnee Playhouse is seeking aspiring playwrights to participate in their Shawnee Original Playwright Series (SOPS). The Submission deadline is January 31, 2012 with Staged Readings of the finalist are scheduled to take place March 6th - 30th.

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 (including submissions for their 2012 Playwright Competition) and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Pocono Shakes.

Theatrical Review: “The Glass Menagerie”

Theatrical Review: “The Glass Menagerie”

Written by: Tennessee Williams
Directed by: Jan Julia
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Kaleidoscope Players production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.” The play premiered in Chicago in 1944 and was reworked from one of the author’s short stories titled, “Portrait of a Girl in Glass.” The work became known as a “memory play” in which (as the term suggests) the onstage occurrences are derived from the recollections of a narrator named, “Tom Wingfield” (as portrayed by Scotty Vinnacombe) whom many consider to be Tennessee Williams himself. After receiving a modest reception in Chicago, the play moved to Broadway and received the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945.

The play takes place in a St. Louis Tenement in which Tom, his sister Laura Wingfield (as portrayed by Shannon Felletter), and his mother, Amanda Wingfield, (as portrayed by Amy Jo Shaefer) lives. The family had been abandoned several years earlier by Mr. Wingfield who is the husband of Amanda and the father of Tom and Laura. Although he is a central influence on what occurs onstage, only a portrait of him hanging on the wall appears throughout the production.

In her somewhat delusional recollections of her younger days as a “Southern Belle,” Amanda seeks to instill the visages of her bygone days upon her physically handicapped daughter. Her goal throughout the play is to obtain a “Gentleman Caller” for her daughter so she could enjoy the securities of marital bliss. This in spite of the fact her marriage left her in a state of insecurity which is demonstrated through her desire to control the fate of her adult children.

Both Laura and Tom seeks to escape their mother’s overbearing by distancing themselves at every opportunity. Tom does this by leaving the apartment to attend late night screenings at the local cinema and returns home drunk so the criticisms heaped upon him by his mother is diluted. Laura retreats by listening to music from the records her father left behind and by gazing at the glass menagerie she keeps near her bed. When her retreats are not enough to isolate her from her mother, she becomes ill as she attempts to ward her effects away.

As they play progresses, Tom succumbs to his mother’s constant obsession of securing a husband for Laura and invites a co worker named, “Jim O'Connor” (as portrayed by Patrick Murphy) to come to dinner. Preparations are over made with great expectations by Amanda for Jim’s arrival. However, when the gathering occurs, Laura recognizes Jim as a boy she fell in unrequited love with in high school and is too embarrassed to greet him. She later succumbs to her mother’s will but becomes ill so she can be alone during the dinner. Jim comes to her after the dinner.

As they begin to strike up a friendship, Jim tells Laura about his Fiancé. He later reveals the news to Amanda and leaves soon afterwards. Amanda later accuses Tom of deceiving her and he soon leaves to go (as he said) to the cinema. However, this is a deception as he actually goes to sign up for the merchant marines and never returns. Yet, (as stated in his concluding soliloquy) he never left Laura behind because he is “more faithful than I intended to be.” From the distance of time, Tom encourages Laura to blow out her candles so she can walk into the brighter light of living her own life. The play ends with her seen doing so.

To say this production of “The Glass Menagerie” is very well done would be a grotesque understatement. The mood and pacing that was kept constant throughout the production enhanced the work‘s realistic depiction of every day life. It showcased all the flaws a frailties of existence often found in dysfunctional families with all its mundane aspects intact. It would be a considerable challenge for any member of the audience to leave the theater without recalling some aspect of their lives revealed through the play. The acting was superb by actors who were expertly cast for their roles.

The performance this reviewer attended, had a small audience which led to my reflection how the original production was received in 1944. However, it is with great hope more theatre lovers will come to experience this production as it will remind them why they love theater in the first place. It not only relates the stories and what composes them within each character seen and unseen on stage, but it also allows the audience to explore their own stories and what may have inspired them to be written.

The Kaleidoscope Players is a local theatrical group led by Jan Julia. In addition to presenting plays at a variety of venues including schools, They offer opportunities for those interested in the theater to develop these interests into tangible skills. Their next production at The Shawnee Playhouse will be “The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew” to be presented from March 23rd until April 1st. The public is invited to attend auditions for the production which will take place at The Easter Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday November 26th and Thursday December 1st.  Please Explore The Kaleidoscope Players’ Website at www.poconoplays.com for more information.

The Shawnee Playhouse presentation of The Kaleidoscope Players production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” was Directed by Jan Julia and was Stage Managed by Emily Cioc as assisted by Jasmine Sacarello. The Production Manager was David Schappert. The producer of The Kaleidoscope Players production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” was Don Slepian who also composed the original music for the production. The producers of the productions presented at The Shawnee Playhouse are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while the group sales manager is Mary Horn. The Box Office Staff includes Chrissy McMannus while Becky Haskell serves as the playhouse’s Sales and Marketing Director. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse is Midge McClosky.

This presentation of The Kaleidoscope Players production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” will conclude its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until November 13th. Future Shawnee Playhouse presentations will include their production of “ Home for Christmas” and their Children Theater production of “A Christmas Wizard of Oz” both running from November 18th until December 22nd, “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute” on Saturday November 19th, The Northeast Ballet Ensemble production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky‘s “The Nutcracker” running from December 3rd until the 12th, and their Annual Holiday Sing In Concert featuring Handel‘s “Messiah” on Tuesday December 20th along with their children’s presentations of “Mark Mysterrio’s Tales of Magic and Mystery” on December 26th and 27th and “Kids Kabaret” on December 29th and 30th. In addition to these presentations, The Shawnee Playhouse is seeking aspiring playwrights to participate in their Shawnee Original Playwright Series (SOPS). The Submission deadline is January 31, 2012 with Staged Readings of the finalist are scheduled to take place March 6th - 30th.

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 (including submissions for their 2012 Playwright Competition) and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Kaleidoscope Players.

Dreams Touch a Cheeky Monkey

The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artist’s Reception featuring the works of John Kolbek and Michael Parsons on Friday November 4th as part of their Espresso Yourself Art Series. The dreamlike imagery touching the walls of the popular coffeehouse flowed in and out of the perceptions of those who encountered them until one began to question where the realities of their existence ended and where the fantastic depictions reflected in the works began. It wasn’t long until one was led to discover there were no beginnings or endings as the realities and fantasies emerged as their natural states dictated.

Although each artists has their own style and vision that permeates their work, John Kolbek and Michael Parsons share a great deal of traits in their artistic approaches and interpretations of existence. This may lead some to find it difficult to discern the difference between the two. However, if one would double their endeavors to do so, the observer would be enriched by the subtle aspects within the works that distinguishes the individual artist.

John’s work often depicts imagery reliant upon the viewer’s ability to recall the validity of their dream’s logic while Michael often utilizes familiar objects which can be readily seen throughout our waking states and reinvents them so they could be seen within the seemingly contorted context of our dreams. In either case, one is treated to a journey with each image serving as a marker to a new awareness of reality and the dreams that inspires it.

The music for the reception was provided by Singer/Songwriter Jeni Hackett on guitar as accompanied by her bass player simply known as Ken. Jeni has become a favorite among those who frequent the coffeehouse and with good reason. Her voice touches the songs and the hearts of those who listen with a gentleness which guides one to melodious routes leading to solemn reflections and amused smiles. The performance enhanced the reception a great deal.

As always, Jeni presents a mix of material consisting of original works as well as those composed by others. Except for the obviously popularized pieces, a listener is hard pressed to determine which songs are hers and which belongs to another song writer. She has the wonderful ability to make every song her own including (to a large extent) those obviously popularized ones. Jeni and Ken are members of The Steel Creek Band who perform throughout the area and information on the band along with their future performance schedule can be obtained by exploring their website at www.steelcreekband.us.

The John Kolbek and Michael Parsons Exhibition continues until January 1st. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Cheeky Monkey 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150126424220421.327714.636000420&type=1&l=0ac968b925. The next Artist’s Reception in The Espresso Yourself Art Series to be held at The Cheeky Monkey is yet to be scheduled. In the meantime, Cheeky Monkey will host a comedy night featuring the Off Track Players on Friday November 11th beginning at 7pm and an Open Poetry Night on Friday September 16th beginning at 7pm. The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse also 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 570-236-5574 for more information.