Thursday, January 29, 2009

Vienna Returns to The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA continued its celebration of the season with a return performance by the popular Vienna Boys Choir on Thursday December 18th who presented a variety of pieces to delight the heart of everyone who attended the event. The selection of music included classical choral pieces, Austrian folk melodies, Broadway tunes, and US Folk songs.

The entirety of the program made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. This was especially true when one detected a slight Austrian accent from the young boys while they were singing the English selections. It brought a charm to the pieces transcending the intent of their composers.

The sizable audience filled The Sherman Theatre* with their appreciation and holiday spirits bringing an aura of good will to the venue. However, it was difficult to ascertain whether it was the audience who were responsible for the wonderful feeling felt throughout The Sherman Theatre* that evening or was it The Sherman Theatre* and the presence of The Vienna Choir Boys who initiated the seasonal sensations. Regardless, it was a wonderful night which will continue to touch the heart of all who were a part of it.

As mentioned, there were a great number of people attending the program and many were Our Good Friends in The Forwardian Arts Society. It’s fortunate of us to have so many friends in our fellowship to be unable to name some without the concern of neglecting some in the doing. This is the case here. So, I would like to invite those of you who have been there to share your thoughts and reflections on your experiences. I’m sure many would like to learn and be inspired by your words.

The next shows at The Sherman Theatre* will be Eggnogapalooza on Friday December 19th beginning at 6pm as part of their Independent Rock Series featuring Patent Pending*, The Brightlife*, North of the City*, Pearl Heart, Slighlty Askew, Taste, and Suicide yes*, The Pocono Choral Society* presentation of their "Gloria! Gloria!" Concert on Sunday December 21st at 3pm celebrating this holiday season by performing both the John Rutter “Gloria” and the Francis Polenc “Gloria” with chorus, brass and other instruments continuing our 25-year Pocono Choral tradition in which the audience gets to join the chorus and musicians in a rousing signing of favorite carols, “Christmas Jam in the Poconos” on Saturday December 27th beginning at 7pm (Doors Opening at 6pm) featuring a variety of local bands jamming the night away, and The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* Yuletide Jazz on Monday December 29th at 7:30pm featuring the premiere of the COTA Cats Alumni Big Band, Eric Doney’s* Pacific Street Swinging Jingle Singers and a jingle jam hosted by Spencer Reed* featuring jazz greats Phil Woods*, Dave Liebman*, Urbie and Jesse Green*, Bob Dorough*, Bill Goodwin*, Nellie McKay, Jay Rattman*, Davey Lantz*, and Mark Williams*. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website at www.myspace.com/shermantheater for more information.

No photographs were allowed during the performance.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.


A Festival of Carols

The Jacob Stroud Corporation* in Stroudsburg, PA celebrated the holidays on Saturday December 13th with their Annual Festival of Carols featuring an evening filled with seasonal music, dance, and exhibitions which took place along Main St. Stroudsburg. Numerous shops, galleries, restaurants, Christian Churches. and art related organizations participated in this enchanting event. The chill in the air did little to displace the warmth the festival inspired as many who attended enjoy all it had to offer while greeting either friends they've know for years or the new ones they discovered that night.

There were many outdoor performances along Main Street as there were those which took place in doors. Those musicians and choirs sharing their talents outdoors included Dr. Tony and Friends, The Solid Rock Church Choir, The Light of the World Church Choir and Band www.lightoftheworldchurchpa.org, and the annual performance by The Merry Tuba Christmas Band as conducted by Dr. Otis French* of the East Stroudsburg University* Department of Music which was presented in the Courthouse Square. Among the many indoor performances held throughout the evening, those who came in to enjoy the toasty respite from their wintry explorations were greeted by The Jauggernaut String Band* www.juggernautstringband.com who played the Cajun tune they've been made famous for in The Aardvark Sports Shop, Jesse and Kristine Green* www.jessegreen.com whose soft and sultry renditions of Holiday classic entertained Jazz lovers in Josephine's Fleur-de-lis, and a Teacher/Student Recital was held at The Fergus and Clark Academy for the Performing Arts* www.fergusandclark.com.

In addition to all this, the evening included some Strolling Street Performances by the legendary Blues band The Lost Ramblers* and the equally legendary Anita Bondi* and her Dance Company www.anitabondiandco.com performed some spontaneous, improvisational dance routines. There were also art exhibitions which included The Artspace Gallery* www.artspace-gallery.net who held their Annual Christmas Show and Sale. And, if that wasn't enough, Mountain Carriages gave Horse-Drawn Carriage rides with their horse named Sugar and I saw Santa.

This year's Festival of Carols proved to be a wonderful evening for the whole family. The music, art, and variety of food with warm beverages offered enhanced the holiday spirit of all who experienced it. Many left the evening filled with delightful memories and the anticipation of next year's festival which takes place the second Saturday of every December. Please Explore The Jacob Stroud Corporation* Website at www.stroudsburg.net for more information about them and their upcoming events and programs. You'll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society A Festival of Carols Gallery.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Theatrical Review: Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol

TINY TIM'S CHRISTMAS CAROL
Book by: Michael Harron* (Lyrics) and Rick Cummings (Music)
Based upon the novel "A Christmas carol" by Charles Dickens
Directed by: Michael Harron*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company's* annual seasonal production of "Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol" by Michael Harron* and Rick Cummings which is based upon the novel "A Christmas carol" by Charles Dickens. However, it's important to note this work is (as it's title implies) not Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol but Tiny Tim's as seen from his perspective. Keeping this in mind allows an audience member to enjoy the play more thoroughly without wondering if anything occurring onstage is what the famous author intended.

The play draw its similarities to the novel by being about an old and embittered miser named Ebenezer Scrooge (as portrayed by Michael Harron*) who is visited by a number of spirits who show him the errors of his ways thus transforming him into a joyous benefactor. Charles Dickens said the novel was a parable about the business community and served as a warning it had best changed it's greed filled ways or it'll be destined to collapse with few shedding a tear for its departure. This may have been a perspective worthwhile pursuing in these economic times but this would no longer be Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol and its charm would be diminished.

The play itself proves to be an enjoyable holiday experience which is eagerly awaited by its audience every year. The acting is very well done as is the quality of the musical numbers. The quality of the acting in this production can be seen through the production necessity of multiple casting of a number of its roles.

In many productions when actors are called upon to perform more than one characters, the audience often see a performance which is merely a variation of one character. This was far from being true in this production. The distinction the actors presented between each character they portrayed was such, this reviewer was constantly checking to program to see if the actor was the same person as seen before.

This well acted production consists of Conor Naughton (who portrayed Tiny Tim), Tim Naughton (who portrayed Bob Cratchit), Charles Rosa (who portrayed Mr. Clay and Father Scrooge), Maureen Harms (who portrayed Mrs. Blythe), Ryan Moore (who portrayed Fred and Young Scrooge), Hugh Halsey (who portrayed John Edmond, Male Guest, and the Ghost of Christmas Future), Sydney Southland (who portrayed a Constable and Female Guest 1), Sean Gaughan (who portrayed a Constable and Teen Scrooge), Amy Cramer* (who portrayed Mrs. Cratchit), Katherine Dodel (who portrayed Martha Cratchit and Belle), Ahna Kollar (who portrayed Belinda Cratchit), Andrew McCarthy (who portrayed Peter Cratchit and Boy on the Street), Byrdie Jacques (who portrayed Mrs. Dilber and served as costumer and in props), Marty Courtney* (who portrayed Marley's Ghost and Mr. Fezziwig), Beth Dollard* (who portrayed Ghost of Christmas Past), Madison Joyce (who portrayed Child Fan), Madison Cerniglia (who portrayed Boy Scrooge), Jullian Andres (who portrayed Teen Fan), Jan Brighton (who portrayed Mrs. Fezziwig and Mrs. Haversham), Matt Christie* (who portrayed Young Jacob Marley and Joe the Pawnshop Keeper), Lauren Santarelli* (who portrayed Adult Fan, Gloria), Samantha Muniz (who portrayed Fred's Daughter), Liam Naughton (who portrayed Fred's Son), Robb Taylor (who portrayed Ghost of Christmas Present whose elves were played by Caileen Dollard, Delaney Dollard, Emily Carmella, and Maria Johnson), Lynda Bolan (who portrayed Female Guest 2), and Villagers who were portrayed by Mary Bolan, Sophia Lovito, Alyssa Palmigiano, Jessica Oney, Mackenzie Maula, Sophia Pipalo, Sofia Schembari, Kyrsten Bowman, Amanda Franzo, Gabi Wilder, Alyson Wilder, and James Durham.

"Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol" by Michael Harron* and Rick Cummings and based upon the novel "A Christmas carol" by Charles Dickens was Directed by Michael Harron* and Stage managed by Victoria Kollar as assited by Joanne Barbetta. The Musical Director was Susan Wilkins with the Musical Staging provided by Kelly Foley*. Curt Burton was Lighting Designer with Katie Burton and Julius Kollar on the Lightboard while the sound was provided by Glen Kern*. Al Rauch served in the prop department while Mark Dodel, Mike Brightman, Kevin Bolan, Marcy Wilder*, Carman Muniz, June Jegilinski, Ashley Wilder, Julia Leanard, Deb Cerniglia, Karen Schember, and Tracy Martin served in the Stage Crew.

The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company's* annual seasonal production of "Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol" as performed at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA proved to be a wonderful addition to the holidays filled with some very good acting and musical numbers. The only unfortunate aspect of this production is it's short run for the general public which ends Saturday December 13th. However, a number of students in the area school districts did have the opportunity to experience it as the show is part of The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company's* "Plays in the Curriculum Series" which was performed for those studying the works of Dickens in their perspective schools. More information on The Pennsylvania Reparatory Company* programs and futures productions by visiting their website at myspace.com/pennsylvaniarepcompany Please contact The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 or visit their website at www.myspace.com/shermantheater for more information on their future shows for the holiday season.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Note: No Photographs were taken during the performance of this production.

A Holy Day at Kirkridge

The Kirkridge Retreat Center* in Bangor, PA celebrated the holidays on Sunday December 7th with an evening filled with music, fellowship, and a delicious turkey Potluck Dinner. The evening began with some comedy provided by Young Peter and continued with a wonderful selection of holiday tunes performed by Maria. A special reading of a classic children book was done by Mary Ellen before the gathering of friends adjourned into the dining area where everyone was met with a feast beyond imagination.

The dinner conversation was as varied as the selection of culinary treats the participants brought to the celebration. The menu included philosophy, enlightenment, and a great deal of affection for the friends made throughout the years along with those discovered that night. As warming as the feast was, it did not surpass the warming sensations Kirkridge* has for the souls of those who gather there. Among those who shared their spirit with others were Don and Alice Murray*, Nancy Scheirer*, and Jean Richardson* of Kirkridge* along with Arline M. Smeltz* and Mark Litchy*.

Please Explore The Kirkridge Retreat Center* Website at www.kirkridge.org for more information about the center and upcoming programs. You'll find numeorus photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society A Holy Day at Kirkridge Gallery.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

An Irish Christmas at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA celebrated the season with "A Classic Irish Christmas" on December 6th hosted by Singer/Song Writer Andy Cooney. The Show featured Songstress Annette Griffin, Comic George Casey, and The Darrah Carr Dancers who were Alina Grzegorzewski, Caitlin McNeill, and Melissa Padham. Musicians Accompanying the company were The Musical Director and Keyboardist Brian "Bugs" Moran, Jimmy Kelly on Drums, Colm Graham on Guitar, and Mitch Reilly on Sax, Flutes, and Whistles. To learn more about the show and to learn of their upcoming performance schedule, please feel free to explore www.andycooney.com for more information.

The evening at The Sherman Theatre* was filled with the enchantments often associated with the Emerald Isle especially refined during the holiday season. The medium sized audience were treated with a selection of traditional carols along with some original works which delighted the heart. However, bodies were moved to tap their toes, clap their hands, and share some laughter as this entertaining evening progressed. Among those who experienced the show were Richard Berkowitz* and Cheryl Yost* of The Sherman Theatre along with Jim Lambert*.

The next shows at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Pennsylvania Repertory Company's* Production of "Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol" on December 12th and 13th along with A Celebration of Youth Through Music at 6pm on Sunday December 14th, The Vienna Choir Boys at 7:30pm on Thursday December 18th, and The Pocono Choral Society's* presentation of their holiday concert entitled, "Gloria! Gloria!" at 3pm on Sunday December 21st. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website at www.myspace.com/shermantheater for more information. You'll find several photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society An Irish Christmas at The Sherman Gallery.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Too Human For The Library

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (EMPL)* in Stroudsburg, PA presented "Too Human" on Friday December 5th as part of their Bookhouse Concert Series.  The group performed an eclectic mix of Jazz, Pop, Folk, Blues, and original works interspersed with a series of personal stories delighting the audience who felt at home with their welcoming presence. Several of their tunes can be found online at their website which is www.toohumanonline.com and are available for purchase.

Among those the sizable gathering present to enjoy the music and all it inspires were Rob Ramos* and Linnae Cintron* of The EMPL* along with Arline M. Smeltz. More information regarding The Eastern Monroe Public Library along with their schedule of Bookhouse Concerts for 2009 can be found at their website at www.monroepl.org. You'll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Too Human For The Library Gallery.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

ESU String Fest

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* of PA Department of Music presented its Community Holiday String Fest on Thursday December 4th in ESU* in The Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall located in the Campus' Fine and Performing Arts Center featuring the University/Community String Orchestra as directed by Prof. Betsy Buzelli-Clark*. The program also featured The String Students of Christopher Souza. The sizable audience were treated to a variety of holiday tunes both modern and classical. The appearance of the children who are studying the violin with Christopher Souza added a charm to the evening as their eager discover of what their instruments can do touch every heart. This included an impressive solo performance by Moriah Crawford.

Among those who lent their talents to the entertaining evening were Lauren Noyes*, Breanna Goldner*, and many more. The sizable audience were filled with many good friends and it would be impossible to name them all without neglecting some. However, I invite you to make yourself known and to share your reflections of the evening by commenting on this article. I know many who read this would love to learn of your experiences through your words.

The next programs to be presented at ESU* will be their Winter Band Concert on Sunday December 7th at 7pm and their Student Voice recitals on Tuesday December 9th at 7 and 8:30pm all in the Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall. Please contact ESU* at 570-422-3483 for more information. You'll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society ESU String Fest Gallery.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.