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Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment
Amedeo Modigliani 18841920
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Italian painter and sculptor, Amedeo Modigliani, battled poverty, tuberculosis and an addiction to drugs and alcohol, while cultivating a unique style through his striking portraits and nudes.
“Life is a gift from the few to the many from those who know and who have to those who know not and have not,” Modigliani mused.
Influenced by Henri de ToulouseLautrec and Paul Cezanne, Modigliani settled in Paris in 1906 and mastered his style which includes patches of flat color, distortion of figures, and elongation of facial features.
One of his most famous pieces, “Young Redhead in an Evening Dress,” (1918) is an oil on canvas which captures his distinct signature style.
Living with his wife and favorite model, Jeanne Hébuterne, Modigliani died in Paris at the age
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of 35. Jeanne committed suicide thereafter.
The price of a Modigliani painting ranges from $1 to $15 million.
“YOUNG REDHEAD IN AN EVENING DRESS” (1918) BARNES F OUNDATION, MERION, PENNSYLVANIA.
The playbill brom the broadway production, “ART” which is currently performed at the Royale Theatre. Permission to use this photo was granted by the show’s publicist.
By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times
NEW YORK CITY -When the purchase of a plain white painting wreaks havoc on the longtime relationship of three friends, Serge, Marc, and Yvan, the competition between artistic taste, ego, and friendship is played out in Art at the Royale Theatre on Broadway.
The Paris apartments of the friends are the backdrops for the scandal as Marc and Yvan openly react to Serge’ impulsive, yet conscientious purchase of the controversial painting.
Serge, who is notably depicted by George Segal of television’s “Just Shoot Me” fame as Jack Gallo, is classic and polished in his performance. He honestly believes that his new painting is a bonafide masterpiece and is offended by Marc’s intense distaste for the piece of art.
Segal tries to convince Marc that the painting is profound and deep in its meaning, but his doubtful friend is aghast at the concept.
Portrayed by Buck Henry, who penned the screenplay for The Graduate which received a nomination nod from the Academy Awards, Marc is played out as an energetic character with his anger, defiance, and indignation. He is convinced that Serge has gone off the deep end and no one can convince him otherwise.
Not even Yvan who is played by Wayne Knight, “Seinfeld’s” beloved Newman.
This is such an incredible departure from the Newman character which has made Knight almost synonymous with Jerry Seinfeld and NBC.
Knight demonstrates versatility. While glints of comedy are still wonderfully evident, you want to cry along with the trials and depression of Yvan as he watches his two best friends split up their friendship over a trivial work of art.
A knockyouover performance, Knight is the life blood of Art. He makes you feel like your two best friends are cutting ties. You feel torn. You feel lonely as he describes his doubt about entering into a marriage he is unsure of. He convinces you that he will be alone if his friends break up – even once he takes his marriage vows.
Knight proves that he is more than just television’s Newman. He has the talent and distinct style to handle a dramatic role beyond the popular comedic performance.
Segal’s performance was convincing, yet reminiscent of his role as Jack Gallo. This veteran actor who has won a Golden Globe Award for
A Touch of Class and earned an Oscar nomination for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, is obviously chock full of professionalism and skill.
Believable as Serge, there still seemed to be a yearning for a more individual or unique depiction. The role of Serge seemed almost as absent minded as that of Jack Gallo. It seemed like the characters could be one in the same.
Henry gave an incredible sense of a tormented friend who felt betrayed by Serge’ love for a painting. He was made you know that his friendship with Serge was on the line, but if a
painting was to sever the ties— so be it. Unique to Art, which offers no intermission, is the upbeat, charming chiming in of music as scenes change. It keeps a somber, troubling topic peppy, holding interest without dragging anyone down.
Interjections of striking monologues by Serge, Marc, and Yvan, are strong, effective, and appropriate
at each break. They give you their side of the story. They tell it like it is. They let you in on the real deal.
Serge gets to explain that he thinks Marc is overreacting. How could anyone not love this pure, white, unframed painting. Doesn’t anyone see the streaks of color in the bland masterpiece?
Yvan has the chance to tell you how lost he would be without the familiarity, the comaradary of his trusted friends. What will become of him, he pleads with the audience that leans forward.
Marc treats the audience to a little laughter, an icebreaker when he asks everyone if Serge is blind, if he is the same friend he knew so long ago.
These three actors keep you bouncing from emotion to emotion – here comes the sympathy with Yvan, then the ability to rationalize with Serge, and the humor with Marc.
I will never give away an ending, however it does leave you asking yourself a couple of interesting questions. What is the importance of friendship? Can ego outshine the beauty of art or someone’s perception of art?
Do you need to see Art to answer those questions? Art is thoughtprovoking. It doesn’t put you to sleep, but it doesn’t rock your world with a cuttothe core meaning. Still, it is one of the most intriguing pieces of theater in New York City’s theater district.
Directed by Matthew Warchus, written by Yasmina Reza, and produced by David Pugh, Sean Connery and Joan Cullman, Art runs 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tickets range from $45 to $60 each. For ticket information, please call TeleCharge at (212) 2396200.
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CHESTER – Historic Chester Village in Chester will be the backdrop for the Annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and 20, from noon to 5 p. m. The event will be held rain or shine.
Main Street in Chester will be adorned with activities, contests, and food selections featuring strawberries during that weekend.
On Saturday, Sweet Adeline’s Choir and Magic Moments will perform. A Magician, Dr. J. will also
entertain festivalgoers. On Sunday, “Spike the Clown” will create animal balloons.
A storyteller and a pet adoption will also be available on both days.
Fresh baked goods, strawberry picking and chocolate dipping will tempt the taste buds.
For directions or a shopping/ dining/ events guide, please call (908) 8794814.
RECORDSETTING TOUR... The Executive Officers of the Friends of the Westfield Symphony Orchestra (WSO) celebrated their highly successful house tour by presenting a check in the amount of $26,000 to Nancy N. Jackson, Director of the WSO. More than 1,000 people attended the tour, generating a recordsetting $26,000. Pictured, left to right, are: Deirdre Malacreci and Renee Trabert, cochairs of the house tour and Andrea McDermott and Georgann Dowling, copresidents of the Friends organization.
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By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times
WESTFIELD-Every morning, wrapped baguettes of fresh, crusty bread stand like soldiers at the door of Lia’s in Westfield – waiting to be adorned by spicy honey mustard, generous slices of brie or beds of aromatic smoked turkey.
What began as a joint venture between husband and wife team, Peter and Pamela Lia, has been supplying standout cuisine for almost nine years.
Pamela met Peter when she was working at a restaurant he owned in New York City. She was pursuing a career in theater and admitted that although she couldn’t cook, but followed recipes to the letter when she was teaching herself, she always loved food.
Now, the dynamo restaurateurs go to food stores and supermarkets to feast their eyes on different ingredients while everyone else is going to the movies or doing other things couples commonly do.
Lia’s is a family affair. Peter and Lia’s young son Beau has been involved in the business since its inception when he peered over a playpen watching the café make its mark in Downtown Westfield. Now, Beau helps his parents by busing tables and politely taking their food orders.
“This is his world,” she reflected. It is quite obvious that Lia’s is more than your average deli. In fact, it makes its own unique impression on Elm Street. As storefronts change and mold around her, she remains a staple despite the surrounding eating establishments.
“Food brings people in more than any other business,” responded Pamela when asked about the abundance of restaurants in the immediate area.
Describing Lia’s as a café that lures tastebuds with Mediterranean fare that leans toward Italian flavor, Pamela said that she likes to think that Lia’s is a place where hungry customers can be casual.
There is also a notably successful catering service offered by Pamela, Peter and friends. This is an ideal way to bring flavorful food to those who may not know about Lia’s fare.
Now for the food! Ricotta Pesto Crescents, Chevre & Smoked Salmon Bundles, and Crab & Brie in Filo Triangles top some of the appetizer offerings.
Pasta fare includes dishes, such as Mediterranean Orzo Salad, Pasta with Carrot Sauce, and Ravioli Cruda. Salad offerings are also unlimited. Try Escarole Saute, Chick Peas Provencal, French Lentil Salad, or Roasted Brussel Sprouts.
Pinoli Encrusted Sea Bass, Calamari Salad, Chicken Curry Salad with Apples and London Broil with Bearnaise Sauce or Horseradish Sauce are also menu highlights, which challenge the senses.
Rugelach, Chocolate Mud Cake, and Cognac Pumpkin Cheesecake are perched atop pretty platters on Lia’s countertops. Try passing the display without a second glance.
When Lia’s began, she noted, they did not begin offering sandwiches. Grilled vegetables, tuna and hummus were highlighted on the menu. Later, the fare took its own shape with presentation that is to die for.
Anyone walking into Lia’s will be sure to find joy in the chicken salad which is not mayonnaisebased. Instead, blending flavors of smoked mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, scallions, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar fragrance the chicken.
Pamela revealed that the customers are also an integral part of the family at Lia’s. There are “regulars” who always find their way to the café’s door and when they bring their friends the family grows and grows.
In fact, the customers at Lia’s are food connoisseurs themselves. They can appreciate the varied ingredients spotlighted in each dish – the surprising splashes of balsamic vinegar or the generous helpings of goat cheese with grilled eggplant.
Perhaps what makes Lia’s so special is the oneonone connection she maintains with her customers. Each one is unique to her and if she hasn’t seen a regular customer in a while, she is sure to look after their wellbeing.
In a simple phrase – Lia’s gives familiar establishments such as Dean and Deluca in New York City a run for their money. It’s the type of place where you will get more than just cuisine you can boast about – you’ll become part of a family.
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WESTFIELD – Contemporary New Jersey artist, Edward M. Adams, will hold a oneman exhibition at Parness Gallery in Westfield from Sunday, June 27, to Sunday, July 18. An opening reception will be held on June 27 from 1 to 5 p. m. to meet Mr. Adams.
The artist utilizes the element of “spirit” in his paintings. He applies his paint without using brushes. Instead, he uses his hands, cloth, sticks, or other tools that create marks.
Mr. Adams is an accomplished sculptor. A Holocaust Committee has commissioned the artist to create a 13foot bronze statue to honor the memory of Raoul Wallenberg. The original creation is located in a park in New Jersey while 25 smaller versions were cast for acquisition by private collections.
One of these sculptures is owned by film director, Steven Spielberg.
Mr. Adams has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Washington, D. C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Arizona, New York, Ohio and Chartres, France.
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TRULY INVITING... Lia’s in Westfield welcomes customers who yearn for unique cuisine with Mediterranean flair. Lia’s has been located on Elm Street for almost nine years and is owned by Pamela and Peter Lia.
Michelle H. LePoidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times
Where Imagination Leads to Discover y
SUMMER SESSION NOW FORMING A Fun Filled Art Workshop Experience
For Children, Teens & Adults... All Levels Welcome! 908-654-5663 • 500 North Avenue East • Westfield
Now Introducing Teen Drawing & Painting Westfield
Classic Car Show Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce At The South Avenue Train Station
Thursdays • Starting June 24 2pm 7pm
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