50 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • MARCH 12, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com buzz – a view from the cliff DESIGNER SUNGLASSES STARTING AT $29 ONSITE DOCTORS • EYE EXAMS • CONTACTS • 1 HOUR SERVICE • VISION PLANS ACCEPTED • SUNGLASSES • LOWEST PRICES 2 PAIR OF EYEGLASSES QC QC QC $99 Includes: EYE EXAM, Frames & Lenses Select frames with clear plastic, single vision lenses+/- 4 sph., 2 cyl. Not valid with any other offers, sales, vision plans or packages. Must present prior to purchase. Offer valid at this location only. NO-LINE BIFOCAL EYEGLASSES $99 Includes: EYE EXAM, No-Line Bifocal Lenses & Frame Select frame with select clear plastic no-line bifocal lenses +/- 4 sph., 2 cyl up to 2.50 add. Not valid with any other offers, sales, vision plans or packages. Must present prior to purchase. Offer valid at this location only. BAY TERRACE SHOPPING CENTER 211-51 26 AVENUE • BAYSIDE, NY 11360 718.631.3699 *FREE with the purchase of glasses. Contact Lens Exam and EYE EXAM fitting add’l. *See store for details. QC FLEX SPENDING Use it or lose it! DISPOSABLE CONTACTS $159 Includes: •EYE EXAM •4 Boxes of Lenses Contact Lens Fitting additional. Clear Soft contacts brand clear spherical lenses.Not Valid with any other offers, sales, vision plans or packages. Must present prior to purchase. DESIGNER SUNGLASSES QC st $29 of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place SPRING SAVINGS STARTING AT All clearance items are final. Some restrictions apply. See store for details. In Stock items only. ‘Legally Blonde, the Musical’ in Douglaston The well-worn stereotype of the clueless sorority girl absorbs some good natured jabs in “Legally Blonde, the Musical.” It’s currently staged by the Marathon Little Theatre Group at 245-37 60th Ave. (Marathon J.C.C.) in Douglaston. Director Barbara Auriemma and producer Sandi Plotkin introduce us to beautiful, goodhearted, extroverted blonde Elle Woods (Brittany Juilfs). She’s broken-hearted after her vain boyfriend Warner (Nic Anthony Calabro) dumps her for a smarter, less fl ashy opportunity. In the lead role, Juilfs sings, dances and interacts with energy, vulnerability and likeability. Well done! As the story progresses, Elle is accepted to Harvard Law School, still chasing her former boyfriend. Her new circle of friends and foes makes for good storytelling, good music (Rhea Arkin, musical director), plenty of watchable dancing (Jenifer Badamo, choreography) and lighthearted fun. Elle’s manicurist and confi dante Paulette (Kristin Martine) is a powerful singer with a big personality. Her hapless romance with Kyle (Frank Auriemma) is very, very funny. Elle herself needs a new boyfriend. There’s easygoing mentor Emmett (Austin Auriemma) who happens to be a principled attorney and a truly smitten suitor. Other infl uences on Elle’s legal trials and tribulations include unscrupulous Professor Callahan (Gene Ferrari). He propositions her, and then fi res her when his advances are rejected. Cynical Vivienne (Angel Vail) humiliates Elle in more than one situation. When will she realize that our heroine is anything but dumb? Well, the murder trial of health guru Brooke Wyndham (Jill Ameri) is the perfect platform. Yes, all will be happily revealed. Naturally, Wyndham happens to be a sorority sister, just like Elle! With the help of Enid Hoops (Heather Bilczic), the real perpetrator is caught. Omigod! A large local supporting cast, along with musicians and behind-the-scenes expertise, gives MLTG’s current project a true community theatre edge. Although it’s not exactly a carbon copy of the movie version, the current stage production is certainly an enjoyable diversion. Look for two adorable neighborhood pets who steal the show. For information on this and future productions, call 718-229-4644 or email them at mtgproducer@ gmail.com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Photo by Alicia Brosky The cast of Legally Blonde. ‘The Sound of Music’ at Theatre by the Bay “Climb every mountain … till you fi nd your dream.” Sacrifi ce, courage and devotion to family still resonate after so many decades in “The Sound of Music” at Theatre by the Bay. Director Lawrence F. Bloom leads his troupe of community players for the last time. Some have performed and benefi ted from his expertise in dozens of TBTB productions. Sadly, Bloom is stepping down. This decision punctuates a career that has prospered for decades on local stages. He’ll pursue less strenuous efforts in the future. Perhaps other staff (producers Barbara Koenig, Martha Stein) will take the helm. But now, the show must go on! On opening night, the large cast provides an enthusiastic tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein with some of their most beloved songs including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-re-mi” and the musical’s title song. The seven Von Trapp children (Morgan Schabhuttl, Ryan Backer, Faith Mosley, Ryan O’Connor, Tess Robin, Madelyne Greenberg and Aviva Kaufman) often steal the show with their unabashed deliveries, mannerisms and excellent harmonies. In fact, beautiful harmonies characterize the entire evening. Bravo to musical director Alan Baboff and the orchestra. Haunting vocals are plentiful in the original Latin by Mother Abbess (Andria Amarosa) and the Abbey’s devout but very human Sisters (Pamela Merrill, Sue Fiebert, Cathy Cosgrove and Fern Nash). These hymns are countered by their lighthearted “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” Well done. The lead roles are fi rmly anchored. There’s naval captain Von Trapp (Eli Koenig) with his usual consistency and an extra touch of poignancy. Confronting him comically is deepvoiced local favorite John Canning as slick promoter Max. Portraying Maria, Amanda Braverman offers a caring, compassionate characterization with solid singing and staging (Chery Manniello, choreography). Brava! Her romantic rival Elsa (Lila Edelkind) is equal to the task although she fi ghts a losing battle for the captain’s heart. Ultimately, the newly united family challenges the totalitarian tidal wave that threatens their homeland, Austria. They defi antly sing “Edelweiss” in the dark days before World War II. As the story musically unfolds, it still sends ripples of pride and patriotism through the audience. The group performs at 13-00 209th St. in Bayside (Bay Terrace Garden Jewish Center). For information on this production call 718-428-6363 or surf to www. TheatreByThe BayNY.com. Whatever their future holds, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN
QC03122015
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