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QC03132014

for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com MARCH 13, 2014 • buzz • The Queens Courier 65 Send us your announcements & pictures to: The Queens Courier c/o making a buzz: 38-15 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361 • editorial@queenscourier.com subject: making a buzz s people making a buzz COMPILED BY angy alt amirano HONORS & AWAR DS “SENIOR PRO M” “Anything Goes” in Bay Terrace More than eighty years after its original Broadway debut, Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece “Anything Goes” still delights audiences. It is arguably the most familiar project on community stages. The latest revival is running at Theatre by the Bay. Director/Producer Lawrence F. Bloom has selected the show’s 1962 version. He joins co-producers Barbara Koenig and Martha Stein in achieving a theatrical knock-out by wooing one of the best husband/wife teams in the region—Cathy and Michael Chimenti. Cathy, as former evangelist, now night club singer Reno Sweeney is a triple threat with her great voice, dancing skills and comedic timing. She brings an adult edge frequently overlooked by less clever troupes. Michael honors all Three Stooges and every 1930s movie gangster as hilarious Moonface Martin--unlucky Public Enemy #13. With the Chimentis at the heart of the production, many familiar faces have reached the top of their game. Eli Koenig as ruthless businessman Elisha Whitney makes an unscripted pratfall that adds an extra humorous layer. John Canning as clueless Sir Evelyn uses his resonant voice to his melodious advantage. He musically suggests to shapely Reno Sweeney “Let’s Misbehave!” Smiling scoundrel Billy Crocker (Mark Solkoff) sets off a series of mischievous mishaps aboard ship. Luckily Reno has his back. They share mutual admiration singing, “You’re the Top.” Good hearted gun moll Bonnie (Lila Edelkind) alerts Moonface when the coast is clear. On the other hand, true romance sometimes needs an operatic anchor on the open sea. Enter Andria Amarosa (Hope Harcourt) who showcases her beautiful voice as she professes her love for Billy in “All through the Night.” Her mother (played by Sonya Tannenbaum) is far from romantic with her high society snobbery. Look for choreography (with some great tap dancing) and costumes by Chery Manniello with consistent musical direction by Richard Louis- Pierre. They certainly enhance Cole Porter’s 1930s irreverence without losing a more modern feel. Supporting players including Sue Fiebert, Jay Gurka as Ching, Nick Cuttonaro as Ling, Fran Geier as a dancing “angel” and dozens more performers too numerous to name individually maintain the troupe’s always warm community feeling. The troupe performs at 13-00 209th Street (Bay Terrace Jewish Center). Call (718) 428-6363 or surf to www. TheatreByTheBayNY.com. Their next show will be South Pacific. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. “Children of Eden” in Bayside Bright colorful costumes, plenty of music and a clever spin to some favorite biblical stories provide a pleasant platform for Beari Productions’musical “Children of Eden.” Yes, the adults portray their characters with skill and sincerity. However, the scene stealers are clearly the children. The project is produced by Debbie and Rene Bendana, directed and choreographed by David Arzberger with musical direction by Gia Gan. Among them, they have an enormous amount of experience and ability. Their collaboration earns high marks for this popular community theatre production. Offstage a voice is heard. It is stern yet caring. He is called father (played by Gene Ferrari) but it is obvious that he represents much, much more. The scene is the Garden of Eden. Naturally, we meet Adam (Jahlil M. Burke), Eve (Sochima Udedibla) and the Snake (Eleet Lucheonnie). Through songs and actions, Adam and Eve convince us that their feelings are genuine. Soon, as we all know, they will face the consequences of their actions. The snake, as expected, is magical and mesmerizing with her colorfully stylized costume and irresistible dance. Act I continues with another popular biblical tale. Cain (David Cronin) and Abel (Julio Ulloa) have been rivals since they were children (David Fabio, Jonathan Kamprath). Now things are getting rough. Don’t expect Cain to slay Abel for the generally accepted reason. The story soon takes one of its effectively modern twists. Act II begins with a delightful parade of children crossing the runway to the main stage. The generations that lead to Noah (Rene Bendana) are recited. Later, the kids, wearing animal costumes, jump, crawl and hop onstage for their grand entrance into the ark. Strong acting and vocal performances in Act II include David Cronin as the rebellious son Japeth and his beautiful love, Yonah. She is played by Jessica Lausell with dramatic fervor and clear affection for her rescuer Japeth. Mama Noah (Candis Alek) uses her powerful voice to anchor her tempest tossed family. Completing Noah’s family are Ham (Julio Ulloa), Shem (Ken Voisin), Aphra (Stephanie Cruz) and Aysha (Suni Chacko). The show is on a very short run at 214-35 40th Avenue (All Saints Church) in Bayside. For this and future productions call (718) 736- 1216 or surf to Beari Production on Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIE W FRO M THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio honored Christ the King High School (CK) at a special ceremony in recognition of its efforts as the leading Catholic  high school in the Brooklyn/Queens Diocese for blood donations.    Christ the King High School is the No. 1 Catholic high school in the Brooklyn/Queens Diocese to donate blood and, in turn, help those in need. Last year, CK donated 287 pints of blood.   Through its partnership with the New York Blood Center, CK has been able to positively impact the lives of more than 800 patients in need.  “I want to thank everyone who donated blood and those who volunteered for this important community event,” said Michael Michel, CK president. “The CK community has proven once again its commitment to faith, academic achievement and service to the community.  This is truly a great achievement. Save the date for CK’s next blood drive on Wednesday, April 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come out and help us break our own record.” As the sun set beyond Manhattan on a recent Friday evening, the energy inside Flushing House was at an all-time high for the muchanticipated “Prom Night.” Accompanied by a beautiful night sky, residents danced, conversed and made memories at the Flushing House “Senior Prom.” This was the second “Senior Prom” organized by the Flushing House activities department.  About 75 people attended the gala party.  Each resident was allowed to invite one person: either a date, friend or family member. Pictured are last year’s king and queen, Tony Delauro, 84, and Miriam Brecher, 86, as well as this year’s king and queen Eric Hanson, 58, and Julia Donovan, 102.  Another Flushing House resident, Estelle Schiesel, went around to each table during the prom to collect each  resident’s vote for king and queen.  The votes were unanimous! Photos courtesy Marlo Molano


QC03132014
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