66 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • APRIL 3, 2014 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com “AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO” AT QUEENS THEATRE Of all the irreverent entertainers s people making a buzz who have shaped the American psyche, few are equal to legendary comedian Groucho Marx. An ongoing tribute to his genius made its way to Queens Theatre, where actor Frank Ferrante offered his zany one-man show March 28-30. The production was directed by Dreya Weber, and performances included live music by pianist Eric Ebbenga. Ferrante dons Marx’s greasepaint moustache and eyebrows as the audience watches. In minutes, he transforms into the familiar face that has brought sidesplitting laughter to generations. The 90-minute presentation resurrects the comedian’s heart and soul. At Sunday afternoon’s performance, “Groucho” hurls his most famous quips at the audience along with countless ad libs. He jumps over furniture, salutes his safari helmet and generally creates comical chaos. At times, he halts the hilarity to reminisce about his childhood and A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN his brothers (Chico, Harpo, Gummo and Zeppo). But soon he’s back with his silly songs, “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady,” and “Hello, I Must Be Going.” But why is Groucho Marx still relevant more than thirty years after his last joke? Well, an 11-yearold in the audience has been laughing hysterically. She is brought on stage. Gently Ferrante/Groucho holds her hand as they face the audience. Then he paints a moustache and eyebrows on the still-laughing youngster. Clearly, laughter and affection are the strongest bridges uniting generations. Queens Theatre is located at 14 United Nations Ave. South in Flushing Meadows/Corona Park (near the Unisphere). For information on “An Evening with Groucho” and future productions, call 718-760-0064 or visit www.queenstheatre.org. Frank Ferrante as Groucho with Queens Theatre’s Managing Director Taryn Sacramone. Photo courtesy Queens Theatre Clearview Park Golf Course Voted #1 Golf Course In Queens! We won "Best of the Boro" by The Queens Courier for being the best place to host your golf outing, and for our successful track record of fundraisers and social events. With our top-notch staff & amenities, plus our beautiful golf course and friendly atmosphere, we can help with your next fundraising or private event to make it great! Contact Jamie Johnson in the Events Office at (718) 428-7262 for more information. 202-12 Willets Point Blvd, Queens, NY 11360 | www.clearviewparkgc.com Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law REAR-ENDED BY A FIRE TRUCK Q: In the rear, my car was struck by a fire truck. It was responding to an emergency. The truck struck my car 30 seconds after the traffic signal controlling our lane changed from red to green, and while the truck was decelerating. I had been in the far left lane with the truck immediately behind me. In order to get out of the truck’s path, I attempted to move my vehicle into the center lane, but was unable to complete the lane change because of traffic ahead of me. The fire truck then struck my car on the rear driver’s side. The fireman has been telling it otherwise. He says that his truck was in the center lane and my car was cutting across from the left lane to the right lane – but was unable to completely enter the right lane before his truck struck my car. A: As a preliminary point, the City often will argue that its driver was engaged in conduct that is exempted from the rules of the road by Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1104(b). That statute permits an authorized emergency driver to (1) stop, stand or park irrespective of many other provisions of law, (2) proceed past a steady red signal, a flashing red signal or a stop sign, although only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation, (3) exceed the maximum speed limits so long as this does not endanger life or property and (4) disregard regulations governing directions of movement or turning in specified directions. Unfortunately for the City, the statute does not exempt the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the prohibition against following too closely behind you. Your attorney will argue that the driver of the fire truck was not engaged in the specific conduct exempted from the rules of the road by Section 1104(b), and, thus, the principles of ordinary negligence apply. Specifically, a driver of a vehicle approaching your vehicle from the rear is required to maintain a reasonably safe distance and rate of speed under the prevailing conditions to avoid colliding with your vehicle. A rear-end collision establishes a prima facie case of negligence on the part of the operator of the rear vehicle, thereby requiring that operator to rebut the inference of negligence by providing a non-negligent explanation for the collision. The parked vehicles do not amount to a latent or dangerous condition on your hosts’ property. Even if your hosts may have been more aware of this potential obstruction than you, that did not create a duty on their part to assist or warn you. Advertorial The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2014 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 1750 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710 718-738-9800, 914-337-9800, 1-866-927-4878
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