40 North Shore Towers Courier n October 2016 Chasing Rainbows University Club visits Goodspeed Opera House for Garland bio musical by Vicki Mazel On a beautiful late summer day, Thursday, September 22, twenty-six members of the University Club took a luxurious Hampton Bus to a theater and inn on the banks of the Connecticut River in East Haddam. The bucolic scenery was almost as luscious as the sumptuous dinner served at the Gelston House Restaurant, just steps away from the Goodspeed Opera Playhouse. The special event was well-organized by Toby Wasserman, with strong backup from President Shirley Wershba and Phyllis Teplitz. The Playhouse was the scene of a new biographical musical, “Chasing Rainbows”, about the early life of Judy Garland, nee Frances Gumm. Tracing her early foray into show business, from performing a vaudeville act with her father, to her breakthrough role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” the show was replete with great choreography, a blend of operatic voices and a talented cast of professionals, all helping Judy chase her rainbows. From costumes to lighting, the show provided delight, nostalgic songs, and got a unanimous thumbs-up from University Club members. The Goodspeed Opera Playhouse is dedicated to the preservation of the American musical, and in keeping with that mission, the theater provides programs for aspiring talent, which attracts both new and newly revived musicals on its main stage. Workshops for performers, writers and musicians are also available. So... will Broadway be the next stop for “Chasing Rainbows?” As the members returned home to their respective buildings at North Shore Towers, they were reminded by President Wershba that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 27, at 8 p.m. in the large downstairs card room. The program? At long last twice postponed Political Cartoons with Don Parker of Hofstra University. Heads up! Look on your mailroom bulletin board for signs, future events and general info. Dues ($25) for next year can be paid in advance starting now. New members will be covered for the balance of this year as well as next year. Dues payment can be brought to the next meeting or dropped off at the Concierge Desk of Building #2 in an envelope addressed to “Shirley Wershba.” Big plans are in store and you won’t want to miss the action. Photos by Vicki Mazel Toby Wasserman, Phyllis Teplitz and University Club President Shirley Wershba Goodspeed Opera Playhouse Grill, Baby, Grill! University Club first ever BBQ a success by Stephen Vrattos University Club President Shirley Wershba was trepidatious. After all, she’d never tried to organize a BBQ before, and as the leader of one of North Shore Towers’ most popular social organizations, she wanted the event to be perfect. Fortunately, Mother Nature was with her and the evening of Sunday, August 28, was ideal. The slightly overcast sky kept the thermostat in abeyance and made for pleasant conditions under which to grill. And her membership responded, making the University Club’s inaugural BBQ a hit as these photos will attest! Cheers! Hot dog! BQ Central Photos by Julie Weissman
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