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Arts & Entertainment

HONORABLE ETCHING... “In Her Head,” an etching by Westfield artist Barbara Zietchick won Honorable Mention on June 13 at the New Jersey Center for the Visual Arts Members Show.

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Pippin at Paper Mill Lucille Lukas to Participate In Peters Valley Art Event

WESTFIELD – Lucille Lukas of Westfield will display several pieces of oneofakind sterling silver jewelry with brass accents and semiprecious stones during the Third Quarter Exhibition of Art in the Open: The Peters Valley Gallery Without Walls from Saturday, July 1, to Saturday, September 30.

The gallery is located at 19 Kuhn Road in Layton.

Ms. Lukas stated that her work “expresses beauty, femininity, balance, contrast and sensuality.” She added that she “strives for balance without symmetry and strength without overstatement” in her pieces.

“I feel that the volume and contours in my designs impart a sensuous quality to my forms,” said Ms. Lukas, “Contrast is provided by the use of soft contours and sharp angles, richlytextured metal and smooth, polished wire. My experience with sewing and fashion enables me to design jewelry that complements clothing and is, therefore, both beautiful and feminine.”

Ms. Lukas concluded, “My approach reflects a design system based on an instinctive perception of design principles, sense of color, and aesthetic relationships.”

For more information about Ms. Lukas, directions to the gallery, or exhibit details, please call Gallery Without Walls at (973) 9485200 or visit www. pvcrafts. org.

Jack Noseworthy as “Pippin”

Courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse

ing of life. Utilizing a troupe of actors (the players), the musical uses war, sex and deception as tools to teach and caution the young man on his journey. The character Pippin, son of King Charlemagne, and heir to his throne, flagrantly experiments with these darker sides of life as he searches for the truth. The lesson here, of course, is that the true meaning of life exists in the simple things: love, family and integrity.

The new ending to this production at Paper Mill clearly employs this altruistic theory and is very effective. In this new finale, our hero stands alone onstage with his love, Catherine, and her son, bravely defying his demons.

In the title role of Pippin, film and television star Jack Noseworthy is terrific. Fans who recognize him from his role in the blockbuster film, U571, will be delighted to see that this handsome young heartthrob can truly sing and dance. With several Broadway shows, including

A Chorus Line to his credit, this actor clearly is capable of doing it all. He has several more films on the horizon, including the upcoming John Waters film,

Cecil B. Demented, opposite Melanie Griffith.

Television fans will enjoy Charlotte Rae’s performance as Berthe, Pippin’s grandmother.

The Emmy nominated star of “The Facts of Life” sings the showstopping number, “No Time at All,” and Ms. Rae is clearly enjoying herself onstage. Though it seemed at times during her number that she was struggling a bit with her lyrics, Ms. Rae is a talented and energetic performer, and an undeniable audience favorite.

In the role of The Leading Player, which was originated by Ben Vereen, Jim Newman is a powerhouse. This nontraditional casting choice was right on the money and Mr. Newman is simply fabulous. He is a true triplethreat in every sense of the word as he expertly acts, sings, and dances his way into your psyche.

From the moment he appears onstage in his lowcut pants showing just a hint of tattoo, he grabs you and doesn’t let go. The Leading Player is essentially the Narrator of this musical tale, and this version of Pippin is flawlessly lead by this amazing performer. This is a finely tuned, sly, and unbelievably sexy performance. It is a real tribute to Mr. Newman that he is so appealing in a role that is ultimately the Devil. This boy is hot. I couldn’t get enough of him. Jim Newman rules.

Sara Gettelfinger is brilliant in the role of Fastrada, the villainous stepmother of Pippin, who would much rather see her own son, Lewis, step into the role of King. This beautiful actress is magnetic onstage and her rendition of “Spread a Little Sunshine” brings the house down.

Charlotte Rae as Berthe, Pippin’s Grandmother

Courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse

Her performance is intelligent and focused, and Ms. Gettelfinger has an amazing voice. She is a truly polished performer.

Broadway veteran Ed Dixon is outstanding in the role of

King Charlemagne. Mr. Dixon is a true professional who gives a dry, understated and consummate performance. He is terrific in the King’s big number “War Is A Science.” Possessing a strong, powerful presence on the stage, he commands your attention without clobbering you on the head. Mr. Dixon’s work is a perfect example of an actor taking on a role that could easily be played way over the top, yet he keeps it defined and real.

I cannot say enough about Natascia A. Diaz, who plays Catherine. Ms. Diaz gives a multidimensional portrayal of this role. She is sweet, she is funny,

she is beautiful and she is strong. You can easily understand why Pippin falls in love with her, and also why this actress was chosen to play this role. Her rendition of “I Guess I’ll Miss the Man” brought tears to my eyes.

A role like Catherine could be played rather simply and still work effectively, but Ms. Diaz’ portrayal was layered with so much emotion and spirit that she simply took my breath away. This is honest, genuine work and the kind of performance that any actor should strive for.

Both Davis Kirby and Ramzi Khalaf in the roles of Lewis (the stepbrother of Pippin), and Theo (Catherine’s son), respectively, are superb. Both gentlemen have some terrific moments onstage in their principal roles and strongly support the ensemble throughout the musical. The players are all spectacular, and Mr. Ashford should be extremely proud of his choreography and of his dancers.

Accolades go to the casting director and the producers of Paper Mill for assembling this fine group of performers. This is a delightful and sexy retelling of this classic musical tale. Director Robert Johanson and Musical Director Danny Kosarin should both be thrilled with the work that they did in this production.

The scenic design is extraordinary and the special effects were impressive. I also really enjoyed Theo’s pet duck (which was real and very well behaved on stage.) The costumes by Gregg Barnes were striking, and the lighting design by Kirk Bookman was innovative.

And did I mention that Jim Newman is really hot?

All in all, this new recreation of Pippin is a mustsee.

Pippin continues its run at the Paper Mill Playhouse through Sunday, July 23. There will be matinees on Thursdays and Sundays at 2 p. m. and on Saturdays at 2: 30 p. m. Evening shows begin at 8 p. m., with the exception of a 7: 30 p. m. curtain on Sundays. Tickets range from $36-$ 60.

Earrings by Ms. Lukas

Courtesy of Peters Valley Gallery

On The Beat

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Phish Goes Pop and Brings The ‘Farmhouse’ Down

By ANDY GOLDENBERG

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

Elektra Records brings us another Phish album, “Farmhouse.” Recorded in a Vermont farmhouse studio this may be the most commercially accessible album they have made yet. Gone are the 15minute jams – they are instead replaced by intelligent concise, downright enjoyable pop tunes. I always knew that Phish had a pop album in them. Pick this one up – you’ll dig it!

Once in a while I like to give praise to import labels who I feel deserve to be heard by the general American listening and purchasing public. One such exemplary label is Angel Air Records, an English record label which remasters obscure Progressive Rock gems which the major labels either forget or choose to ignore.

Some of their latest releases include Warhorse’s selftitled album from the early ‘70’s. Fans of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath will love this disc. Also included are informative liner notes and five bonus tracks.

Also from Angel Air comes a great Andromeda 2CD compilation covering the late ‘60’s to early ‘70’s. Andromeda were one of the first psychedelic bands to make the jump totally to Progressive Rock as the ‘60’s came to a close and this great compilation traces that evolution.

Finally, as Andromeda’s career waned, out of their ashes arose the classic Progressive Rock band Atomic Rooster, featuring former Andromeda guitarist John Du Cann. While they never achieved great stardom in the U. S., they did have quite the following in the UK. They were most famous for their drummer, Carl Palmer, who later went on to Emerson Lake & Palmer.

Angel Air has remastered some rough master tapes to give us Atomic Rooster, Live & Raw –‘ 70/ ’71. While the sound quality may not be of studio quality, these tunes are priceless as an historical document.

Some great new Elvis Presley remasters have just popped into stores courtesy of RCA/ BMG Records including I’m 10,000 year oldElvis Country, Moody Blue, From Elvis To Memphis & Promised Land. All have been upgraded sonically.

Universal/ A& M bring us (at last!) sonically remastered Cat Stevens albums, “Mona Bone Jakon,” “Tea For The Tillerman,” and “Teaser & the Firecat.” They sound absolutely stellar and all three albums are masterpieces in melody, acoustic guitar and songwriting, absolute essential listening!

Also, long overdue from Universal/ MCA come three greatsounding James Gang titles, “Rides Again,” “Yer Album” and “Thirds.” The James Gang featured Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh on lead vocals and guitar. Standout tracks include “Walk Away” “The Bomber” and “Funk No. 49.”

Also from the Universal/ Motown family be sure to check out their Marvin Gaye anthology, “Every Great Motown Hit.” In the early, ‘80’s, a supergroup composed of ProgRock geniuses ruled the airwaves. Geffen/ Universal gives us “The Very Best of Asia,” featuring John Wetton of King Crimson fame on vocals and bass, Steve Howe of Yes on guitar and the aforementioned Carl Palmer from ELP on drums. Every great hit is included so don’t hesitate to pick this up.

Finally A& M Records brings us VH1 Behind The Music, the GoGo’s collection, featuring all the hits we need to cure what ails us.

Our friends at Elektra Records present “Mermaid Avenue, Vol. II,” the second compilation of Woody Guthriepenned songs from Billy Bragg & Wilco, easily as enjoyable as the first one, Natalie Merchant again makes a guest appearance. Be sure to pick this up.

Artemis Records, a recently established record label, brings us new music from two songwriting veterans, Steve Earle and Warren Zevon.

Earle, who borders on the Country/ Folk fringe, comes back with a vengeance with Transcendental Blues, a great new collection of tunes.

Meanwhile, Warren Zevon is back in action cheering us up with the “Life’ll Kill Ya.” Zevon, known for his caustic tunes and cynical viewpoints, presents us with the most aptlytitled country tune, “I Was In The House When the House Burned Down” (can it get more country than that?)

Shimmy Disc, an offshoot record label of the Knitting Factory in New York City known for the strange but wonderful bands, brings us two stellar releases, one from Adult Rodeo, “Texxxas,” a crazy fun record and “The Ladytron,” a ‘70’slike Progressive/ Psychedelic gem from The Ladytron. They just aren’t making sounds like this anymore.

Finally, King Biscuit Flower Hour Records returns with three great releases, Iggy Pop recorded live at the Ritz in New York from 1986, Pat Benatar live from Austin Texas 1981, and the legendary Mountain from the Capitol Theatre in Passaic circa 1974. All three releases sound fantastic.

H&M Store Storms NYC

Local Stars Shine At www. goleader. com

hattan store and recently opened streamlined version in Paramus.

The store, whose motto is “Fashion and quality at the best price,” is like nothing you have ever seen. Even on a weekday afternoon, the 35,000squarefoot store is packed full of people. Lines for the fitting rooms coil around like a giant snake. Those waiting at the register look tired of holding the huge heap of clothing over their arm.

“Oh it’s always this crazy,” said one of the young, hip girls at the cash register.

You would think they must be giving the clothes away, and they practically are.

Just imagine, sleek camisoles for $15, cute summer halter dresses at only $19 and super cool suede jeans for a mere 70 bucks.

And they have everything, from women’s wear – young and older, to men’s wear, plus sizes, lingerie, swimwear, accessories and even their own lines of cosmetics and beauty care products.

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The Bottom Line: H& M in Manhattan is definitely a trip worth making. A unique shopping experience and a great way to supplement your wardrobe with up to the minute pieces, without breaking your budget.