ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS: Did You Know You …
1
A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, August 30, 2018 Page 17 WESTFIELD MEMORIAL LIBRARY EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2018 550 East Broad Street, Westfield 908.789.4090 www.wmlnj.org Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30 am - 9:00 pm Fri & Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 pm starting September 16 Closed September 1-3 for Labor Day Weekend PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN CHECK WEBSITE FOR REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 9/7 1:30 pm TGIF! The Imitation Game 9/12 7:00 pm Blues Musician Rockin’ Johnny Burgin 9/14 1:30 pm TGIF! American Classic: Tony Bennett 9/17 7:00 pm Plant-based Super Foods with Sue Rose 9/20 7:00 pm Tai Chi Demonstration with Gang Huang 9/21 1:30 pm TGIF! The Hudson River School-Artistic Pioneers 9/24 7:00 pm Diane Cypkin-The Music of Harry Warren 9/25 7:00 pm Cardio/Toning Exercise (2 more classes in October) 9/26 7:00 pm Rough Animals with author Rae DelBianco 9/26 1:30 pm TGIF! Classic Movie Week: When Harry Met Sally 9/6 & 13 10:30 am Zumba Fun 2-5 yrs Comfy clothes. With caregiver/parent 9/8 10:00 am Drop-in Chess Club-No age requirement but players must know how to move the pieces 9/14, 21, 28 10:30 am Baby Playgroup 0-23 months With caregiver/parent 9/18 & 25 10:30 am 2’s on Thursday Storytime With caregiver/parent 9/18 & 25 1:00 pm Crafternoon Storytime 3½-5yrs 9/18 6:30 pm Evening LEGO Club 5+yrs Caregiver remains in library 9/20 & 27 10:30 am 3’s on Thursday Storytime With caregiver/parent 9/22 10:00 am Paws to Read-Beginning readers read to library dogs for 10-minute sessions. • Mailed to subscribers with the printed newspaper • Provided to stores • Attached to the online edition each Thursday ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS: Did You Know You Can Insert Your Pre-Printed Advertisement into the Leader/Times? Ideal for Targeting Your Audience! Go to goleader.com/presskit/insert for more information. Theater Project to Present Comedy at Cranford Library CRANFORD — The Theater Project will present a staged, script- in-hand reading of an original play from its Playwrights Workshop, in- cluding a discussion between the au- dience and the author, on Saturday, September 15, at 2 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. Theatergoers will enjoy Making Sense of the Universe… One Comedy at a Time!, a collection of short plays of comic absurdity by Luigi Januzzi, author of 27 published plays. The Community Center is located at 220 Walnut Avenue. Headquartered at the Burgdorff Center in Maplewood, The Theater Project is an acclaimed professional theater group and the winner of two New Jersey Tony Awards. The pro- gram is sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Admis- sion is free and all are welcome. For information about the Cranford Public Library, the Friends of the Cranford Public Library, and other upcoming events, visit the Cranford Public Library page at cranfordlibrary.org. For information about The Theater Project, visit their page at thetheaterproject.org. Class of SPFHS 1958 To Hold 60th Class Reunion SCOTCH PLAINS — The 1958 graduating class of Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School will be hold- ing its 60th reunion on Thursday, September 20, at Shackamaxon Coun- try Club in Scotch Plains. There will be a cocktail reception at 1 p.m. fol- lowed by the main event at 2 p.m. welcomed by Mayor Al Smith of Scotch Plains, Mayor Colleen Mahr of Fanwood and a teacher from 1958. What makes this reunion newswor- thy? This class was the first graduat- ing class in the newly built (at that time) Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. In the previous three years, this class attended the old high school on Park Avenue on split sessions. Also, their Senior Prom was held at Shackamaxon Country Club, the site of the 60th reunion. Reunions were held every 10 years plus an extra reunion in Arizona. Five of the other reunions were held in the Scotch Plains area. The 50th three-day week- end reunion was held at the Jersey Shore, where many of the classmates spent time at the beaches and board- walks in their younger years. Thirdly, this was a small class of 184 who have remained connected. Reunions have gathered at least 100 at each reunion. This is a remarkable statistic compared to other classes speaking to the uniqueness of this class. Eighty, 78-year-olds are ex- pected at this two-day reunion in Sep- tember. Many members went on to have professional careers and many opened their own business. Sixteen classmates married within the class…eight couples, also a remarkable statistic. Approximately one-third of the class has passed away. One classmate’s father, Richard Hatfield, was the mayor of Fanwood and director of the County Board of Freeholders. Another classmate’s fa- ther, Dr. Gary Osher, was the town physician of Scotch Plains. Classmate Stuart Burns was killed in the Vietnam War and perhaps was the only casualty living in Fanwood of that war. Thirty class members attended St. Bartholomew theApostle School, now known as St. Bartholomew Academy. They were the first graduating class of that school as well. A very close group, they have remained friends over the years and comprise 90 per- cent of the Reunion Committee. For those attendees who arrive on Wednesday, September 19, a minia- ture golf outing at the Scotch Plains Country Club and pizza party at the Stage House Inn are planned. For more information, please call Class of 1958 Reunion Committee member Barbara Hauser Scott at (732) 890-0996. By Michael S. Goldberger film critic I doubt I’ve ever reviewed a movie more important than Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman. Greater? Most likely. Although, in astutely fashioning his heart- felt S.O.S. about America’s burgeoning racist threat, Spike Lee is no slouch in the art department, either. This scintillating film based on a true story about how, via a white counterpart, Afro-American cop Ron Stallworth infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan, wouldn’t be nearly as shocking in its appeal to our better angels were it not such a fine achievement in cinema. Will it win Best Picture? A mere bag of shells. If Mr. Lee’s magnum opus proves to be this generation’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and successfully causes an elec- toral outcry against the seething hate that currently threatens our ship of state, it would behoove the Pulitzer Committee to add a film category. I’m fairly sure that, assuming the prize wasn’t bestowed on the same night that the New York Knicks were playing for the NBA championship, Spike would drop by to memorialize the occasion of his humanitarian achieve- ment. This is stirring stuff, devotedly ferry- ing the viewer from intriguing adventure yarn to the realization that racism, whether in its inept reaction to inner city violence or through the reckless injustice perpetu- ated at our borders, has tacitly become official policy. Smartly injecting stock footage from cataclysmic episodes delin- eating the bias that Americans have pe- rennially heaped on their less fortunate citizens, Lee, working from a script that he, Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott adapted from Stallworth’s book, writes responsible his- tory. But while the action-filled, undercover drama at the center of the work will have audiences on tenterhooks, and thus prime them for the contemporary tie-in deto- nated in the movie’s last 15 minutes, patriots must hope that BlacKkKlansman preaches beyond the choir. The serio- comic irony is that it fights fire with fire. Our current crisis had its nascence in reality TV, which inveigled its way into portions of the national consciousness that mistook the appeal of novelty and a promise of quick fixes for good govern- ment. Spike aims to out-dramatize the con. In flourishing the First Amendment as the Founding Fathers intended when they created a democracy in a world ruled by kings, emperors and sultans, Lee pulls no punches. Weaving his provocative saga, which takes place in the demonstration- filled era of the early 1970s, the inter- splicing of filmed documentation shows how entertainment and politics have merged into a disingenuous Hydra. Fine period piece effects recall the angst of the times, matched in look, mood and attitude by John David Washington’s afro-coiffured title character and his even- tual love interest, Patrice Dumas (Laura POPCORN POPCORN POPCORN POPCORN POPCORN One Popcorn, Poor — Two Popcorns, Fair — Three Popcorns, Good — Four Popcorns, Excellent Harrier.), president of the black student union at Colorado College. The assertiveness of the activists portrayed, at once innocently naïve and staunchly brave, escapes caricature thanks to how confidently Lee etches his muckrake. But there’s no equivocating when it comes to how the KKK is depicted…no claptrap about blame on both sides. Similar to Steinbeck’s intermittent in- sertion of the so-called inner chapters in “The Grapes of Wrath,” Mr. Lee at poi- gnant times poetically pauses his narra- tive with stills of America’s purple moun- tain majesty, rivers and valleys. It im- presses how the beautiful goodness, our new Garden of Eden, is endangered by the sullying greed of narcissistic white supremacists who claim, in profane con- tradiction to the egalitarian ode sung by Woody Guthrie, that this is their land and their land alone. Here we are in the 21 st century only to again find Orwell valid…that by dint of color there are those who still consider themselves more equal than others. A subplot concerning the surreptitious Jew- ish identity of Stallworth’s white partner, Flip Zimmerman, superbly played by Adam Driver, adds a subtle, expansive wrinkle to the film’s insights into preju- dice. We red-blooded—not black, not white—inclusionary Americans who know better are outraged by these practi- tioners of hate. Their fanaticism against African-Americans, Jews, gays and any- one else who stirs their fear is where malevolence meets evil. But while we are rendered aghast, the perpetration serves to affirm our resolve. No matter from where we sprang to embrace Washing- ton, Jefferson and Adams’s bold experi- ment, the legacy, myth and ideology be- long to everyone. The Pilgrims, the cow- boys and Indians, the wars fought against tyranny…it’s all ours. Mr. Lee captures and compresses into a nutshell not only the horror of bigotry, but its economic stupidity. Immersed in his crucible of unvarnished truths, it strikes us how many countless lives continue to be tragically ruined or ended by a venal justification as nonsensical as the idea that brown eggs are healthier than white ones. How many potential curers of can- cer were deterred, barred or killed for no more reason than their color, creed or religion? As BlacKkKlansman cries out to our humanity, it’s almost as if we can hear Daniel Webster himself exhort, “End this suffocating indecency that has shrink-wrapped itself over our democ- racy in the guise of a TV show. Push a lever in the voting booth and change the station.” … BlacKkKlansman, rated R, is a Focus Features release directed by Spike Lee and stars John David Washington, Adam Driver and Laura Harrier. Running time: 135 minutes. BlacKkKlansman There’s no Politics like Show Business 4 popcorns Ceramics and Photo Exhibit Begins Wednesday UNION -- “Terra” an Exhibit of Ceramics and Photographs by Union resident Jessica Garber will be hosted by the Les Malamut Art Gallery. It will be on display from Wednesday, September 5, through October. A meet the artist reception will be held on Thursday, September 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the gallery. The public is invited to attend. Ms. Garber has been creating ce- ramics for the last four years and specializes in carved surface textures and applied patterns, as well as ex- perimentation with different ceramic firing techniques. Ms. Garber holds an AAS and BFA from the Fashion Institute of Tech- nology, SUNY. She has a passion for teaching and has held various roles in New York and New Jersey. Her ceramic work is showcased in large scale photographs and three-di- mensional work in this solo exhibition. The gallery is located on the lower level of the Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Avenue, Union. The ex- hibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours. It is handicapped accessible. For further information visit lesmalamutartgallery.wordpress.com or call (908) 851-5450. UNIQUELY CARVED...“Terra” an Exhibit of Ceramics and Photographs by Union resident Jessica Garber will open Wednesday, September 5, at the Les Malamut Art Gallery. Shown is a selection of ceramics by the artist. Seeking Writers Do You Have: * A Musical Background? * A Passion for Writing? The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times is seeking creative writers who can review local symphony perfor- mances. Send a writing sample and brief resume or online resume for con- sideration to: [email protected]. CDC Theatre Holding Auditions for Seussical CRANFORD — CDC Theater is celebrating its 100th season and is proud to announce auditions for Seussical, a fantastical, magical, mu- sical extravaganza! Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime) have lov- ingly brought to life all our favorite Dr. Seuss characters. These beloved stories will spring to live at the the- atres home, 78 Winna’s Avenue in Cranford. Auditions are set for Tuesday, Sep- tember 18 and Thursday, September 20, at 7 p.m. Please prepare a 32-bar cut of in the style of the show and bring sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. Headshots and resumes are not re- quired but gladly received. Rehearsals will be Tuesday and Thursday eve- nings 7:30 to 10 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending on need). Performances are to be held Decem- ber at 7,8,14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and December 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Visit cdctheatre.org for additional details. Youth Choirs of New Jersey To Hold Auditions AREA — Ever wonder what it’s like to perform locally, nationally, and internationally all in one season? Members of the Children and Youth Choirs of New Jersey invite talented singers, ages 7 to 18, to schedule an audition to join these internationally acclaimed ensembles. The goal of these choirs is to develop the love of artistic singing, enhance music edu- cation, provide global performance opportunities and enrich the lives of our children and communities. While prior training is not neces- sary, an audition is required. Singers will be placed in the appropriate group based on their skills, maturity and readiness. The audition process is quick and simple and there is no fee to audition. The conductor will listen for pitch retention, range and vocal quality. Singers may bring a selection to sing or learn a simple song at the audition. Serving as Choirs-in-Residence for one of the largest production compa- nies in Carnegie Hall, members also have the opportunity to perform in local venues throughout the school year, and international venues in the summer. Upcoming performances in- clude an appearance at the Interna- tional Festival of the Aegean in Syros, Greece in July 2019. Members re- sumes also include prestigious con- certs in at the Sistine Chapel, 42 shows for Disney at the Paper Mill Play- house and many other world-class venues of note. Programs of the ContinuoArts Foun- dation, based in Summit with a North- east branch in Montclair, members hail from towns all over New Jersey, including Summit, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Madison, Chatham, Union, Roselle Park, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Millburn/Short Hills, Maplewood, and many more. Auditions take place at the Continuo Arts Conservatory of Music, located at 36 Chatham Road, Summit. To register for an audition appointment, visit bit.ly/cafaudition or call (908) 264-5324. Curtain Call Classes Offered at CDC CRANFORD — Registration is open for the fall and winter Curtain Call Theatre Classes at CDC Theatre, located at 78 Winans Avenue. Classes will run for 12 weeks on Mondays, beginning September 17. Students in grades 3 through 5 will meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and students in grades 5 through 8 at 5:30 to 7 p.m. Both groups will combine for performances of T’was the Night Before Christmas on Saturday, December 8, at 1 and 3 p.m. This Christmas musical gives every student a star-turn with exciting theater exercises that build confidence and creativity in a supportive, lively setting. Tuition is $325 and $300 for each additional sibling. Visit cdctheatre.org for more information. SING YOUR HEART OUT...Children and Youth Choirs of New Jersey invite talented singers, ages 7 to 18, to schedule an audition at the Continuo Arts Conservatory of Music, located at 36 Chatham Road, Summit. Crescent Choral Society Invites New Singers AREA — The Crescent Choral Society is welcoming new singers from high school, and in all voice parts for its upcoming November 3 concert. No auditions are needed, just a joy of singing great choral compo- sitions from all periods. While the ability to read music is preferred, it is not required. Current Choral Society members come from all areas and towns in central New Jersey and be- yond. For the November 3 concert, the Choral Society will be perform- ing Haydn’s stirring Mass in Time of War, combining forces with the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra and the Westfield High School Cho- rale. This unique and singular col- laboration of voices and instruments in the neo-Gothic splendor of the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church will be conducted by Artistic Direc- tor of Crescent Concerts and the Cres- cent Choral Society, Deborah Simpkin King. Rehearsals for this upcoming con- cert are on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Rehearsal dates are: September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Dress Rehearsal is Friday, November 2, with a performance on Saturday, November 3, at 5 p.m. All rehearsals and the performance are held in the Crescent Avenue Pres- byterian Church in Plainfield. If you are a singer looking for a warm, inviting and inspiring musical experience, the Crescent Choral So- ciety can provide it. Come, check us out. For more information or to register to sing, please contact the Choral Society Concert Managers: Bing Bills, [email protected] or Michael Tackvic, [email protected]. NJIO Announces Orchestra Rehearsals AREA -- New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra (NJIO) will hold two, free, Monday open house rehearsals on September 17 and September 24, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 570 Central Avenue in New Providence. Individuals interested in joining the orchestra, whether a be- ginner, lapsed, curious or a virtuoso, are welcome to attend and learn more. NJIO is a unique organization in which musicians of all ages and skill levels experience the joy of making music together. Professional musi- cians work alongside members as mentors and the result is artistic ex- cellence with a strong educational component in a non-competitive, musically challenging atmosphere. NJIO has three orchestras to ac- commodate a range of skill levels and members choose which to join: Pre- lude String Ensemble, a small group for beginning string players, Inter- mezzo, a full symphonic orchestra for advanced beginner and interme- diate players, and Symphony, a full symphonic orchestra for intermedi- ate and advanced players who want to participate at a high level. No audi- tions needed. Each orchestra rehearses weekly and performs in four annual concerts in N.J. public venues. Visit http://njio.org to learn more.
Transcript of ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS: Did You Know You …
A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, August 30, 2018 Page 17
WESTFIELD MEMORIAL LIBRARY EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2018
550 East Broad Street, Westfield 908.789.4090 www.wmlnj.org
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30 am - 9:00 pm Fri & Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 pm starting September 16
Closed September 1-3 for Labor Day Weekend
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN
CHECK WEBSITE FOR REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
9/7 1:30 pm TGIF! The Imitation Game
9/12 7:00 pm Blues Musician Rockin’ Johnny Burgin
9/14 1:30 pm TGIF! American Classic: Tony Bennett
9/17 7:00 pm Plant-based Super Foods with Sue Rose
9/20 7:00 pm Tai Chi Demonstration with Gang Huang
9/21 1:30 pm TGIF! The Hudson River School-Artistic Pioneers
9/24 7:00 pm Diane Cypkin-The Music of Harry Warren
9/25 7:00 pm Cardio/Toning Exercise (2 more classes in October)
9/26 7:00 pm Rough Animals with author Rae DelBianco
9/26 1:30 pm TGIF! Classic Movie Week: When Harry Met Sally
9/6 & 13 10:30 am Zumba Fun 2-5 yrs Comfy clothes. With caregiver/parent
9/8 10:00 am Drop-in Chess Club-No age requirement but players must
know how to move the pieces
9/14, 21, 28 10:30 am Baby Playgroup 0-23 months With caregiver/parent
9/18 & 25 10:30 am 2’s on Thursday Storytime With caregiver/parent
9/18 & 25 1:00 pm Crafternoon Storytime 3½-5yrs
9/18 6:30 pm Evening LEGO Club 5+yrs Caregiver remains in library
9/20 & 27 10:30 am 3’s on Thursday Storytime With caregiver/parent
9/22 10:00 am Paws to Read-Beginning readers read to library dogs
for 10-minute sessions.
• Mailed to subscribers with the printed newspaper • Provided to stores • Attached to the online edition each Thursday
ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS: Did You Know You CanInsert Your Pre-Printed Advertisement into the Leader/Times?
Ideal for Targeting Your Audience! Go to goleader.com/presskit/insert for more information.
Theater Project to PresentComedy at Cranford Library
CRANFORD — The TheaterProject will present a staged, script-in-hand reading of an original playfrom its Playwrights Workshop, in-cluding a discussion between the au-dience and the author, on Saturday,September 15, at 2 p.m. in theCranford Community Center.
Theatergoers will enjoy MakingSense of the Universe… One Comedyat a Time!, a collection of short playsof comic absurdity by Luigi Januzzi,author of 27 published plays. TheCommunity Center is located at 220Walnut Avenue.
Headquartered at the BurgdorffCenter in Maplewood, The TheaterProject is an acclaimed professionaltheater group and the winner of twoNew Jersey Tony Awards. The pro-gram is sponsored by the Friends ofthe Cranford Public Library. Admis-sion is free and all are welcome.
For information about the Cranford
Public Library, the Friends of theCranford Public Library, and otherupcoming events, visit the CranfordPublic Library page atcranfordlibrary.org. For informationabout The Theater Project, visit theirpage at thetheaterproject.org.
Class of SPFHS 1958To Hold 60th Class ReunionSCOTCH PLAINS — The 1958
graduating class of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School will be hold-ing its 60th reunion on Thursday,September 20, at Shackamaxon Coun-try Club in Scotch Plains. There willbe a cocktail reception at 1 p.m. fol-lowed by the main event at 2 p.m.welcomed by Mayor Al Smith ofScotch Plains, Mayor Colleen Mahrof Fanwood and a teacher from 1958.
What makes this reunion newswor-thy? This class was the first graduat-ing class in the newly built (at thattime) Scotch Plains-Fanwood HighSchool. In the previous three years,this class attended the old high schoolon Park Avenue on split sessions.
Also, their Senior Prom was held atShackamaxon Country Club, the siteof the 60th reunion. Reunions wereheld every 10 years plus an extrareunion in Arizona. Five of the otherreunions were held in the ScotchPlains area. The 50th three-day week-end reunion was held at the JerseyShore, where many of the classmatesspent time at the beaches and board-walks in their younger years.
Thirdly, this was a small class of184 who have remained connected.Reunions have gathered at least 100at each reunion. This is a remarkablestatistic compared to other classesspeaking to the uniqueness of thisclass. Eighty, 78-year-olds are ex-
pected at this two-day reunion in Sep-tember.
Many members went on to haveprofessional careers and many openedtheir own business. Sixteen classmatesmarried within the class…eightcouples, also a remarkable statistic.Approximately one-third of the classhas passed away.
One classmate’s father, RichardHatfield, was the mayor of Fanwoodand director of the County Board ofFreeholders. Another classmate’s fa-ther, Dr. Gary Osher, was the townphysician of Scotch Plains.
Classmate Stuart Burns was killedin the Vietnam War and perhaps wasthe only casualty living in Fanwoodof that war.
Thirty class members attended St.Bartholomew the Apostle School, nowknown as St. Bartholomew Academy.They were the first graduating classof that school as well. A very closegroup, they have remained friendsover the years and comprise 90 per-cent of the Reunion Committee.
For those attendees who arrive onWednesday, September 19, a minia-ture golf outing at the Scotch PlainsCountry Club and pizza party at theStage House Inn are planned.
For more information, please callClass of 1958 Reunion Committeemember Barbara Hauser Scott at (732)890-0996.
By Michael S. Goldbergerfilm critic
I doubt I’ve ever reviewed a moviemore important than Spike Lee’sBlacKkKlansman. Greater? Most likely.Although, in astutely fashioning his heart-felt S.O.S. about America’s burgeoningracist threat, Spike Lee is no slouch in theart department, either. This scintillatingfilm based on a true story about how, viaa white counterpart, Afro-American copRon Stallworth infiltrated the Ku KluxKlan, wouldn’t be nearly as shocking inits appeal to our better angels were it notsuch a fine achievement in cinema.
Will it win Best Picture? A mere bag ofshells. If Mr. Lee’s magnum opus provesto be this generation’s “Uncle Tom’sCabin” and successfully causes an elec-toral outcry against the seething hate thatcurrently threatens our ship of state, itwould behoove the Pulitzer Committeeto add a film category. I’m fairly sure that,assuming the prize wasn’t bestowed onthe same night that the New York Knickswere playing for the NBA championship,Spike would drop by to memorialize theoccasion of his humanitarian achieve-ment.
This is stirring stuff, devotedly ferry-ing the viewer from intriguing adventureyarn to the realization that racism, whetherin its inept reaction to inner city violenceor through the reckless injustice perpetu-ated at our borders, has tacitly becomeofficial policy. Smartly injecting stockfootage from cataclysmic episodes delin-eating the bias that Americans have pe-rennially heaped on their less fortunatecitizens, Lee, working from a script thathe, Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitzand Kevin Willmott adapted fromStallworth’s book, writes responsible his-tory.
But while the action-filled, undercoverdrama at the center of the work will haveaudiences on tenterhooks, and thus primethem for the contemporary tie-in deto-nated in the movie’s last 15 minutes,patriots must hope that BlacKkKlansmanpreaches beyond the choir. The serio-comic irony is that it fights fire with fire.Our current crisis had its nascence inreality TV, which inveigled its way intoportions of the national consciousnessthat mistook the appeal of novelty and apromise of quick fixes for good govern-ment. Spike aims to out-dramatize thecon.
In flourishing the First Amendment asthe Founding Fathers intended when theycreated a democracy in a world ruled bykings, emperors and sultans, Lee pulls nopunches. Weaving his provocative saga,which takes place in the demonstration-filled era of the early 1970s, the inter-splicing of filmed documentation showshow entertainment and politics havemerged into a disingenuous Hydra.
Fine period piece effects recall theangst of the times, matched in look, moodand attitude by John David Washington’safro-coiffured title character and his even-tual love interest, Patrice Dumas (Laura
P O P C O R NP O P C O R NP O P C O R NP O P C O R NP O P C O R N
One Popcorn, Poor — Two Popcorns, Fair — Three Popcorns, Good — Four Popcorns, Excellent
Harrier.), president of the black studentunion at Colorado College. Theassertiveness of the activists portrayed, atonce innocently naïve and staunchlybrave, escapes caricature thanks to howconfidently Lee etches his muckrake. Butthere’s no equivocating when it comes tohow the KKK is depicted…no claptrapabout blame on both sides.
Similar to Steinbeck’s intermittent in-sertion of the so-called inner chapters in“The Grapes of Wrath,” Mr. Lee at poi-gnant times poetically pauses his narra-tive with stills of America’s purple moun-tain majesty, rivers and valleys. It im-presses how the beautiful goodness, ournew Garden of Eden, is endangered bythe sullying greed of narcissistic whitesupremacists who claim, in profane con-tradiction to the egalitarian ode sung byWoody Guthrie, that this is their land andtheir land alone.
Here we are in the 21st century only toagain find Orwell valid…that by dint ofcolor there are those who still considerthemselves more equal than others. Asubplot concerning the surreptitious Jew-ish identity of Stallworth’s white partner,Flip Zimmerman, superbly played byAdam Driver, adds a subtle, expansivewrinkle to the film’s insights into preju-dice.
We red-blooded—not black, notwhite—inclusionary Americans whoknow better are outraged by these practi-tioners of hate. Their fanaticism againstAfrican-Americans, Jews, gays and any-one else who stirs their fear is wheremalevolence meets evil. But while we arerendered aghast, the perpetration servesto affirm our resolve. No matter fromwhere we sprang to embrace Washing-ton, Jefferson and Adams’s bold experi-ment, the legacy, myth and ideology be-long to everyone. The Pilgrims, the cow-boys and Indians, the wars fought againsttyranny…it’s all ours.
Mr. Lee captures and compresses intoa nutshell not only the horror of bigotry,but its economic stupidity. Immersed inhis crucible of unvarnished truths, it strikesus how many countless lives continue tobe tragically ruined or ended by a venaljustification as nonsensical as the ideathat brown eggs are healthier than whiteones. How many potential curers of can-cer were deterred, barred or killed for nomore reason than their color, creed orreligion?
As BlacKkKlansman cries out to ourhumanity, it’s almost as if we can hearDaniel Webster himself exhort, “Endthis suffocating indecency that hasshrink-wrapped itself over our democ-racy in the guise of a TV show. Push alever in the voting booth and change thestation.”
…BlacKkKlansman, rated R, is a Focus
Features release directed by Spike Leeand stars John David Washington, AdamDriver and Laura Harrier. Running time:135 minutes.
BlacKkKlansmanThere’s no Politics like Show Business
4 popcorns
Ceramics and Photo ExhibitBegins Wednesday
UNION -- “Terra” an Exhibit ofCeramics and Photographs by Unionresident Jessica Garber will be hostedby the Les Malamut Art Gallery. Itwill be on display from Wednesday,September 5, through October.
A meet the artist reception will beheld on Thursday, September 6, from7 to 8:30 p.m. in the gallery. Thepublic is invited to attend.
Ms. Garber has been creating ce-ramics for the last four years andspecializes in carved surface texturesand applied patterns, as well as ex-perimentation with different ceramicfiring techniques.
Ms. Garber holds an AAS and BFA
from the Fashion Institute of Tech-nology, SUNY.
She has a passion for teaching andhas held various roles in New Yorkand New Jersey.
Her ceramic work is showcased inlarge scale photographs and three-di-mensional work in this solo exhibition.
The gallery is located on the lowerlevel of the Union Public Library,1980 Morris Avenue, Union. The ex-hibit is free and open to the publicduring regular library hours. It ishandicapped accessible.
For further information visitlesmalamutartgallery.wordpress.comor call (908) 851-5450.
UNIQUELY CARVED...“Terra” an Exhibit of Ceramics and Photographs byUnion resident Jessica Garber will open Wednesday, September 5, at the LesMalamut Art Gallery. Shown is a selection of ceramics by the artist.
Seeking Writers
Do You Have:* A Musical Background?* A Passion for Writing?
The Westfield Leader and TheScotch Plains-Fanwood Times isseeking creative writers who canreview local symphony perfor-mances.
Send a writing sample and briefresume or online resume for con-sideration to: [email protected].
CDC Theatre HoldingAuditions for Seussical
CRANFORD — CDC Theater iscelebrating its 100th season and isproud to announce auditions forSeussical, a fantastical, magical, mu-sical extravaganza! Tony winnersLynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty(Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once
on This Island, Ragtime) have lov-ingly brought to life all our favoriteDr. Seuss characters. These belovedstories will spring to live at the the-atres home, 78 Winna’s Avenue inCranford.
Auditions are set for Tuesday, Sep-tember 18 and Thursday, September20, at 7 p.m. Please prepare a 32-barcut of in the style of the show and bringsheet music in the appropriate key. Anaccompanist will be provided.Headshots and resumes are not re-quired but gladly received. Rehearsalswill be Tuesday and Thursday eve-nings 7:30 to 10 p.m. and Sundays 10a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending on need).Performances are to be held Decem-ber at 7,8,14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. andDecember 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Visitcdctheatre.org for additional details.
Youth Choirs of New JerseyTo Hold Auditions
AREA — Ever wonder what it’slike to perform locally, nationally,and internationally all in one season?Members of the Children and YouthChoirs of New Jersey invite talentedsingers, ages 7 to 18, to schedule anaudition to join these internationallyacclaimed ensembles. The goal ofthese choirs is to develop the love ofartistic singing, enhance music edu-cation, provide global performanceopportunities and enrich the lives ofour children and communities.
While prior training is not neces-sary, an audition is required. Singerswill be placed in the appropriate groupbased on their skills, maturity andreadiness. The audition process isquick and simple and there is no fee toaudition. The conductor will listenfor pitch retention, range and vocalquality. Singers may bring a selectionto sing or learn a simple song at theaudition.
Serving as Choirs-in-Residence forone of the largest production compa-nies in Carnegie Hall, members also
have the opportunity to perform inlocal venues throughout the schoolyear, and international venues in thesummer. Upcoming performances in-clude an appearance at the Interna-tional Festival of the Aegean in Syros,Greece in July 2019. Members re-sumes also include prestigious con-certs in at the Sistine Chapel, 42 showsfor Disney at the Paper Mill Play-house and many other world-classvenues of note.
Programs of the Continuo Arts Foun-dation, based in Summit with a North-east branch in Montclair, membershail from towns all over New Jersey,including Summit, Westfield, ScotchPlains, Madison, Chatham, Union,Roselle Park, Berkeley Heights, NewProvidence, Millburn/Short Hills,Maplewood, and many more.
Auditions take place at the ContinuoArts Conservatory of Music, locatedat 36 Chatham Road, Summit. Toregister for an audition appointment,visit bit.ly/cafaudition or call (908)264-5324.
Curtain Call ClassesOffered at CDC
CRANFORD — Registration isopen for the fall and winter CurtainCall Theatre Classes at CDC Theatre,located at 78 Winans Avenue. Classeswill run for 12 weeks on Mondays,beginning September 17. Students ingrades 3 through 5 will meet from3:30 to 5 p.m. and students in grades5 through 8 at 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bothgroups will combine for performancesof T’was the Night Before Christmason Saturday, December 8, at 1 and 3p.m. This Christmas musical givesevery student a star-turn with excitingtheater exercises that build confidenceand creativity in a supportive, livelysetting. Tuition is $325 and $300 foreach additional sibling. Visitcdctheatre.org for more information.
SING YOUR HEART OUT...Children and Youth Choirs of New Jersey invitetalented singers, ages 7 to 18, to schedule an audition at the Continuo ArtsConservatory of Music, located at 36 Chatham Road, Summit.
Crescent Choral SocietyInvites New Singers
AREA — The Crescent ChoralSociety is welcoming new singersfrom high school, and in all voiceparts for its upcoming November 3concert. No auditions are needed, justa joy of singing great choral compo-sitions from all periods. While theability to read music is preferred, it isnot required. Current Choral Societymembers come from all areas andtowns in central New Jersey and be-yond. For the November 3 concert,the Choral Society will be perform-ing Haydn’s stirring Mass in Time ofWar, combining forces with the NewJersey Intergenerational Orchestraand the Westfield High School Cho-rale. This unique and singular col-laboration of voices and instrumentsin the neo-Gothic splendor of theCrescent Avenue Presbyterian Churchwill be conducted by Artistic Direc-tor of Crescent Concerts and the Cres-
cent Choral Society, Deborah SimpkinKing.
Rehearsals for this upcoming con-cert are on Monday evenings from7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Rehearsal dates are:September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8,15, 22, 29. Dress Rehearsal is Friday,November 2, with a performance onSaturday, November 3, at 5 p.m.
All rehearsals and the performanceare held in the Crescent Avenue Pres-byterian Church in Plainfield.
If you are a singer looking for awarm, inviting and inspiring musicalexperience, the Crescent Choral So-ciety can provide it. Come, check usout.
For more information or to registerto sing, please contact the ChoralSociety Concert Managers: BingBills, [email protected] orMichael Tackvic,[email protected].
NJIO AnnouncesOrchestra RehearsalsAREA -- New Jersey
Intergenerational Orchestra (NJIO)will hold two, free, Monday openhouse rehearsals on September 17and September 24, from 4:30 to 9:30p.m. at 570 Central Avenue in NewProvidence. Individuals interested injoining the orchestra, whether a be-ginner, lapsed, curious or a virtuoso,are welcome to attend and learn more.
NJIO is a unique organization inwhich musicians of all ages and skilllevels experience the joy of makingmusic together. Professional musi-cians work alongside members asmentors and the result is artistic ex-cellence with a strong educationalcomponent in a non-competitive,musically challenging atmosphere.
NJIO has three orchestras to ac-commodate a range of skill levels andmembers choose which to join: Pre-lude String Ensemble, a small groupfor beginning string players, Inter-mezzo, a full symphonic orchestrafor advanced beginner and interme-diate players, and Symphony, a fullsymphonic orchestra for intermedi-ate and advanced players who want toparticipate at a high level. No audi-tions needed. Each orchestra rehearsesweekly and performs in four annualconcerts in N.J. public venues.
Visit http://njio.org to learn more.
