The Westfield Leader Newspaper
The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

Arts & Entertainment

Garden Club Tour to Feature Lush, Two-Year-Old Mountainside Garden

WESTFIELD — New gardens surrounding a gracious center hall colonial in Mountainside will be among those featured in the tour of six private gardens sponsored by the Garden Club of Westfield on Saturday, June 3, from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m.

Carlene (Tinky) Dunn was raised in the Mountainside house and moved back into it with her husband James only two years ago.

The path leading to the front door is flanked by a dogwood tree and a red maple, gifts to her parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day 12 years ago.

In only two years the Dunns have developed all the lush new beds of flowers surrounding the house. Although both have fulltime professional jobs, they enjoy handson gardening.

“I love to get my hands in the soil and Jim likes to dig,” said Mrs. Dunn.

Twin island beds with weeping cherries, and laurels mark the front perimeters of the property, with a variety of evergreen shrubs along the house front. Mrs. Dunn’s love of perennials is illustrated by a large border filled with what she hopes is a seasonlong successor of bloom.

She shows visitors a lengthy list of the flowers she has planted there, including coral bells, astilbe, oriental poppies, lilies, false indigo, digitalis, potentilla and many more.

In the rear, beside the spacious patio, there is an oval bed of rose bushes brimming with buds. A variety of shadeloving shrubs grow

under the tall oak trees that mark the rear of the property.

The garden tour will take place rain or shine.

At one house there will be a boutique featuring gifts for gardeners and baked goods. Refreshments

Arts, Crafts, Music To Turn Local Park Into Cultural Event

GARDEN OF SPLENDOR... This magnificent twoyearold garden will be open to visitors during the Garden Club of Westfield’s tour of six private gardens on Saturday, June 3, from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. Tickets may be purchased from any Garden Club member or by calling (908) 2337572.

CRANFORD — The 14th annual Spring Fine Art and Crafts at Nomahegan Park show will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4, in Cranford across from Union County College.

The show will feature over 120 professional artists, photographers and craftspeople from throughout the northeast and beyond, displaying and selling their Americanmade, handcrafted work. This free to the public show will be open from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m., rain or shine.

The show is cosponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Division of Parks and Recreation and Janet and Howard Rose of Squared Pro ductions, Inc.

Sue Preston of Springfield will display her clothing and glassware, Bill and Sandi Kaplan of Short Hills will offer pottery, Mary Westcott of Edison will show her stained glass

pieces and Gina Romano of Summit will display her handcrafted jewelry.

The Spring Fine Art and Crafts at Nomahegan Park Show also will feature fine art, photography, weaving, clothing, pottery, wood, fiber, leather, stained glass, and much more. The show will be accented with music of the 1970’s by the band “Carnaby Street” and a variety of ethnic foods.

For further information, please call (908) 8745247 or visit the Website: www. rosesquared. com.

DAZZLING EARRINGS... These silver and pearl earrings by Gina Romano of Summit will be among some of the handcrafted gems available at the 14th annual Spring Fine Art and Crafts at Nomahegan Park show on Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4.

Spring Recitals Scheduled At Paul Nazzaro Music Studio

WESTFIELD — The Paul Nazzaro Music Studio in Westfield will present its annual Spring Recitals at the end of May and during the first week in June. Mr. Nazzaro’s students will be performing works in styles such as classical, jazz, blues, ragtime, popular and new age.

Showcased at this recital will be pieces students have written on their own. Students have been composing on the computer and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) keyboard at the studio, and now will perform these pieces.

Some original pieces include: “Twelve Strikes” by Kaitlin Kominsky, “Crashing Waves” by Jacob Lavenhar, “My Lullaby” by Seton Hartnett, “Now And Then” by Mark Raimondi, “Dreamland” by Hillary Nicoll, and others.

Students will receive their Digital Cassette Tapes and Digital MIDI Disks (MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface) which they have been working on all year. They include digits recordings of pieces they will perform at the recital as well as pieces they mastered during the academic year. Also on these tapes and disks are original pieces the students composed, performed, and recorded throughout the year on the studio’s digital music technology setup.

Also featured at the Spring Recitals will be original arrangements by Mr. Navarro of various classical pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, J. S. Bach and Haydn. These pieces are part of an original music book series, “Classic Music Adventures For

Piano and Keyboard, Level 1 and Primer Level,” with music arranged by Mr. Nazzaro, and artwork by his wife.

On Tuesday, May 30, the performers will be: Connor Jennings, Derek Wanfried, Kate McGee, Kim Angus, Jackie Nicoll, Matt Harris, Courtney Phillips, Lucy Peterson, Cecilia Della Peruti, Hillary Nicoll, Matt Carville, Don McGee and Annie Peterson.

On Wednesday, May 31, the recital will feature: Andrew Calvaruso, Jay Tieman, Andrew Goldman, Melanie Kaufhold, Patrick McGowan, Nikolai Chowdbury, Kylie Fraser, Kaitlin Kominsky, as well as some of the Studio’s adult students, Nancy Bateman, Trisha Wheeler, Karen Vowells, and Mary Kominsky.

On Thursday, June 1, the following students will be spotlighted: Liz Allen, Seton Hartnett, Eamon Hackett, Georgie Williamson, Ben Chewey, Crista Ricci, Mark Raimondi, Allison Cascone, Max Kaplan, Michelle Morganoff, Helen Kaplan, Angela Ricci and Eric Pratt.

On Friday, June 2, the musicians will be: John Thomas Colucci, Julia Wasilewski, Steve Marino, Mallory Boesch, Laura Schwab, Julie Yee, Harry Marino, Allison Sharkey, Jacob Lavenhar, Matt Liebowitz, Katherine Nicol, Mike Yee, and Laura Yee.

For more information, please call (908) 2323310, email paul@ nazzaromusic. com, or visit www. NazzaroMusic. com.

Clarissa Nolde’s Pupils Present May Recital

WESTFIELD — The students of Clarissa Nolde gave a recital in her home on May 22.

The recital opened with a performance of the “Concierto No. 4 in B for Five Flutes” by Boismortier. Beth Grausso, Kristin Wuest, Allison Grow, Ilana Weinberg and Christina Rosa performed.

Following was a selection of works by Bach, Handel, Schumann and Haydn for flute and piano, performed by Nicole Spera, Mary Anna McCabe, Adrienne O’Rourke and Allison Grow, all of Westfield.

Adrienne, Nicole and Mary Anna performed two Renaissance trios. Lydia Foresti of Rahway performed an Arietta by Haydn.

Intermediate students of Scotch PlainsFanwood include Sara Schwartz, Kaitlin Carmen and Christina Rosa, who performed pieces by Bach, Purcell, and Handel, respectively. Ilana Weinberg, a junior, performed a Telemann Sonata in C.

Kristin Wuest, a freshman at Scotch PlainsFanwood High School, performed Franz Doppler’s “Hungarian Pastoral Fantasie.” Kristin is a member of the New Jersey Youth Symphony Flute Choir.

Beth Grausso, a member of the GUYS Flute Forum, performed the Sonata for flute and piano by Francis Poulenc. A junior at Scotch PlainsFanwood High, she was recently accepted to study flute at the Northwestern University Summer Institute.

Both Kristin and Beth are members of the Junior Music Club of Westfield.

Mia Laine of Scotch Plains performed the piano accompaniment.

The recital ended as everyone joined together to perform the Allegro from the “Boismortier Concierto No. 2 for Five Flutes.”

Clarissa Nolde, far left, and her students at their May recital.

comedydrama for CBS, the network decided it wasn’t interested after all.

For years after turning its nose up at the show, CBS played with the idea of making then“ Stuckeyville” a halfhour show instead of a fullhour program and even decided to change the name.

“CBS didn’t really fit the direction that the program goes with,” Ms. Luckenbill told The Leader

and The Times, adding that “Ed” and NBC make a better fit.

Mr. Whelan had described the main character of Ed, played by Thomas Cavanaugh, as “a man from a small town who goes to New York to get rich, has a wakeup call, and goes back home to reconnect.”

NBC. com described the pilot as follows: “First, Ed lost his job as a lawyer. Then he found his wife in bed with the mailman… returned home to Stuckeyville to look up the girl of his adolescent dreams. The reunion was a bust (she’s already involved).”

While Ed decides to stay in Stuckeyville and become “a small town lawyer,” he moves in with his best friend and runs a bowling alley on the side.

The comedydrama will also star Julie Bowen and Josh Randall.

Ms. Luckenbill said that NBC executives picked up two new dramas including “Ed” which she considers “a privilege and an honor.”

“We’re stoked and we’re excited,” she said, adding that NBC reaches a younger demographic and younger people than the network it was originally intended for.

While the program will be placed in the Sunday night lineup, Ms. Luckenbill feels this is better than the network’s blockbuster Thursday night menu which has included halfhour hits such as “Friends” and “Frasier.”

“We’re crossing our fingers and hoping for the best,” said Ms. Luckenbill. “It’s quirky, funny and something unique, something different.”

Several telephone calls to publicists at NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif. were not answered for this report.

On The Beat

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NBC Picks ‘Ed’ Flying Burritos and Jeff Buckley:

Just Some of the Finest Releases

By ANDY GOLDENBERG

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

Some great archival releases to note this past week, courtesy of Columbia/ Legacy Records. Most interesting musicallyspeaking are two Ornette Coleman albums, “Skies of America and The Complete Science Fiction Sessions.”

Recorded in 1971 and 1972, Legacy now offers this classic avant garde altosax legend with nine

bonus tracks. While jazz purists may be offended at the inclusion of extra material, music archivists/ addicts can’t get enough of these extra tunes as they often shed light on potential alternate directions the artist may have taken at the time as evidenced by the Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix reissues.

While the “Science Fiction Sessions” is typical jazz mayhem from Coleman, Skies of America was a totally different ball of notes as Coleman recorded this gem in April, 1972 with the London Symphony Orchestra.

The music, which flows more smoothly than the usual freejazz one was accustomed to from Coleman, was based on the Harmolodic Theory, which Coleman described as, (paraphrasing) “using melody, harmony and the instrumentation of movement of forms.”

Consequently what one hears is Coleman playing inventive sax fills over ornate orchestration. While I prefer the atonal craziness of the “Science Fiction Sessions,” I admire Coleman for attempting such an ambitious undertaking, may the listener decide if he succeeded or not.

Also from Legacy come five late 1970s early 1980s remasters, “Never Die Young,” “That’s Why I’m Here,” “JT,” “Flag” and “Dad Loves His Work.” These albums never sounded better and with summer coming around, are always great to pop on as one basks in the summer sun.

Hits spread out among these releases include “Your Smiling Face” “Handy Man” ‘Up on the Roof” and the touching “Her Town Too.” Definitely check these out as they are sure to put a smile on your face.

From the main label, Columbia, comes a terrific release from the lategreat Jeff Buckley, “Mystery White Boy.” Buckley, who tragically drowned a few years back just as his career was taking off, is captured live from various locations.

Son of the majestic folk troubadour Tim Buckley (who also met an early demise at the hands of a drug overdose,) had an amazing voice and could outsing any of his peers as evidenced by the majestic, “Mojo Pin” “Last Goodbye” and a fantastic cover of Big Star’s “Kanga Roo.”

If you are interested in music with some emotional and lyrical intelligence, look no further than this great live release. There will not be another talent of Buckley’s caliber for a long time.

Finally this week comes a long overdue anthology from A& M/ Universal, “Hot Burritos! The Flying Burrito Brothers Anthology 19691972.” It features all of the great tunes from the band that many consider the most underappreciated of the countryrock bands, “The Flying Burrito Brothers.”

Consisting of Chris Hillman and the late Gram Parson of the Byrds as well as future Eagle Bernie Leadon among other rotating members, the Bros. helped pave the way for future alternative country bands such as Poco, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt Wilco and The Jayhawks.

Standout tracks include the beautiful, “Colorado” (brilliantly covered by Linda Ronstadt in the early ‘70s,) “Lazy Days” “High Fashion Queen” “Wild Horses” “White Line Fever” and the rollicking, “Hand to Mouth.”

If you are curious where The Eagles learned their terrific harmonies, be sure to pick up this release.

will be provided by Trader Joe’s. Cochairwomen for the tour are Jennie Williams and Mary Ann Malloy.

Tickets are available, for a donation of $1, from all garden club members or by phoning (908) 2337572.

mer stock and community theaters. It has at least one song with which everyone in the audience can sing along. Based on an old German story, Germelshausen, the play, actually, is about a mystical town in Scotland that has been blessed by a miracle.

With such stunning musical classics as “Come to me, Bend to me,” and “Almost Like Being in Love,” the musical tale tells the story of a lovely Scottish Village that appears only once every one hundred years. In an attempt to protect the indigenous people of Brigadoon from the evils of the modern world, a wise Minister asks God to allow the people to fall asleep every night as if nothing has changed. (When they awake, however, it is one hundred years later.) The people have not changed; their customs and beliefs have not changed, but the outside world has moved ahead one hundred years.

Obviously, this bizarre miracle makes it very difficult for outsiders to stumble upon Brigadoon, but when two American travelers do fall into the mystical town one fateful day, the story begins.

WCP presents a lovely adaptation of the classic tale, and, with a few minor problems, it is a winning production. The entire Principal cast is appealing, and several performers stand out notably.

Rick Brown is charming and debonair as the American, Tommy Albright, who falls in love with a local lassie, Fiona. Mr. Brown has some wonderful romantic moments with his Scottish love, as well as some very humorous scenes with his best buddy, Jeff, the other American tourist who has stumbled into Brigadoon.

Joe Schmidt in the role of Jeff Douglas, Tommy’s friend, is exceptional. The role of Jeff is sarcastic and wary; a true devils advocate sort of character.

Not wanting to fall into the romantic jeopardy that his best friend has, Jeff is cocky and faithless. He refuses to trust in the miracle that he and his companion soon discover, and Mr. Schmidt shrewdly covers all of Jeff’s emotions. He gives a dry, witty performance that is at times funny, and sometimes quite sad. He is a very good actor.

I cannot say enough about Hope Weinstein, who plays the leading role of Fiona MacLaren. The difficult soprano role of Fiona is sung effortlessly by Ms. Weinstein, and she also delivers an impeccable Scottish accent. Her work onstage is honest and heartfelt, and she is a true professional who is a pleasure to watch.

I recently experienced Ms. Weinstein’s work in the very different role of Agnes Gooch, in a production of Mame at the Cranford Dramatic Club. Gooch and Fiona are like night and day, and Ms. Weinstein handled both roles with ease. This is an actress to watch.

Roger Hayden, in the strenuous tenor role of Charlie Dalrymple, is an absolute treasure. Mr. Hayden sings the lovely Lerner and Loewe music with acuity and sheer talent. His voice is spectacular and belongs on a professional stage. Mr. Hayden is polished and professional, and I look forward to hearing more of his glorious voice in future productions.

Elizabeth Mahon is adorable in the comic role of Meg Brockie, the notorious local girl with a voracious appetite for the lads. Ms. Mahon sings the two humorous songs in the musical play, and she is particularly effective in a witty scene with the American, Jeff, who seems to be the only man who won’t be cast under her spell.

I would like to have seen Ms.

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Brigadoon at Community Players

Mahon really let loose in some of her scenes. The character of Meg is full of vim and verve, and Ms. Mahon’s portrayal is on the sweet side, feeling more like the ingenue than the wacky second banana. But she is charming and genuine, and she clearly is enjoying herself onstage, which is always a delight.

Richard Sibello is terrific as Harry Beaton, the disillusioned local lad who is the only person who is not happy with the miracle. Harry wants to see the rest of the world and he knows he can’t ever leave Brigadoon. He is also madly in love with Jean MacLaren, Fiona’s younger sister, who is marrying Charlie Dalrymple. Harry Beaton meets a tragic end, and Mr. Sibello conveys all of his character’s dark sentiments.

It is a multidimensional performance, full of anger and selfpity, fear and the pain of unrequited love. Mr. Sibello is a strong, focused actor.

Leilani Makuakane Potter is lovely as the bridetobe, Jean. She is fresh and innocent, and is also a graceful dancer. Ms. Potter shines on stage.

Alexandra Orme and Meryl Bezrutczyk, two local high school performers, are both quite good in the roles of Maggie Anderson and Jane Ashton, respectively. Both young ladies are refined and secure onstage, and give proficient performances.

Ms. Orme dances beautifully as the brokenhearted Maggie, (who was in love with the deceased Harry Beaton), and Ms. Bezrutczyk is elegant and interesting as Jane, (Tommy’s American girlfriend). She is terrific in a rather small scene towards the end of the play and also strongly supports the ensemble throughout most of the performance.

Ms. Bezrutczyk has a nice career ahead of her.

Stephen Bonick, Jim Caffrey, Jeff Rea and Russ Cronin all turn in very good work in smaller roles. These gentlemen firmly plant their feet onstage and deliver fine performances.

This leads me to mention the only negative thing I have to say about this production. The ensemble in some areas is rather weak. I hesitate to say this about a community production, because I know that people do this for the sheer love of performing.

This production could be flawless if some members of the ensemble would commit 100 percent to what they are doing onstage. At times some performers seemed a bit lost, particularly in the opening number, which should be strong and focused. It is the first time that the audience sees the entire cast onstage together, and it sets the pace for the rest of the show.

The ensemble of a play is extremely important, and one should never feel that their tiny role is not an integral part of the puzzle. Everyone onstage is significant, whether you are the star or the third chorus girl from the right. If you have a solo line to singcommit to it! Own it! That line was written for a reason and you earned the right to sing it. Never feel embarrassed or insignificant to be in the ensemble. It is just as worthy a job.

That said, this is still a very good production and I encourage you to go see it.

Brigadoon was directed by WCP veteran, Anne King. The show was musically directed and conducted by Jonathan D. Flowers, and agilely choreographed by Ann Marie Squerrini. The costumes were also quite impressive.

Brigadoon continues its run at WCP June 2, 3, 9, and 10. Tickets are $12.

Calling AllLocal Laureates

The Arts & Entertainment Editor is looking for a few good poets. If you would like to see your poetry considered for publication in a new section called “Local Laureates,” please send to: Michelle H. LePoidevin, P. O. Box 250, 50 Elm St., Westfield, 07091 or email: michelle@ goleader. com. No simultaneous submissions to other poetry journals or publications will be considered.