22 The Queens Courier • MAY 30, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com THE COURIER/ Photo by Angy Altamirano Tribute to the ‘King of Ragtime’ Residents and fans of the “King of Ragtime,” Scott Joplin, gathered for an afternoon of music on Saturday, May 25. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra performed at the 8th Annual Scott Joplin Concert at St. Michael’s Cemetery’s All Soul’s Chapel in East Elmhurst. Playing some of Joplin’s classics, the orchestra was met with a room full of cheers during the free concert in tribute to the composer and pianist. THALIA FEATURES NEW COMEDY A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN The most irreverent comedy in recent memory is currently on stage at 41-17 Greenpoint Avenue in Sunnyside. The Thalia Spanish Theatre offers alternating performances in English and Spanish for this riotous new production. Their intimate venue is the perfect setting for playwright Inigo Ramirez de Haro’s project which includes significant audience interaction. His play is unquestionably bawdy and sometimes scatological. It is entitled, “Secret Weapons of Fat Destruction.” However, it is more than a bold display of outlandish mechanisms that destroy cellulite. The “fat” represents our emotional and intellectual excesses, not merely our physical overindulgences. The story opens with a “lecture” in impeccable English by Francisco Fuertes as the “Director/Author Ramirez”. He sits on a lavatory seat as he explains his new concept of self awareness. His efforts are as hysterical as they are confusing. No wonder a stupefied audience member named Santiago (William Saquicela) begins a dialogue with Ramirez that leads to an epiphany. He is somehow captivated by Ramirez’s value system. Soon he stands facing us, parroting his newly acquired four word mantra. By now, the audience is in hysterics. But the zaniest character has yet to arrive. She is Bartola, Santiago’s wife. Portrayed by Soledad Lopez, her emotions are uncensored as she verbalizes every thought that enters her mind. Parading across the stage, she utters an endless stream of non-sequitors. The ladies in the front row are laughing to the point of tears! The fourth actor’s entrance from the third row completely turns the evening on its ear. Jesus Martinez as Harry hawks a completely different way of thinking. Somehow Bartola is smitten. She is heard offstage, engaging in extremely suggestive activities with Harry. Clearly, the show’s humor is not for children. Meanwhile, everyone in the audience has been verbally challenged. In fact, my guest has earned the nickname, “Wild Card!” The comedy’s supernatural conclusion is followed by a wine and cheese reception. The playwright is in the house, answering questions. The ubiquitous Artistic and Executive Director Angel Gil Orrios charms the crowd as usual. Administrative Director Kathy Giaimo mingles with the guests. Behind the scenes experts also deserve attention. They include translator Sarah Thomas, Assistant Director Alexandra Gutierrez and Tech Director Fabricio Saquicela. For tickets to this and future productions, call (718) 729-3880 or visit www.thaliatheatre. org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘Honest’ Jimmy VAN BRAMER REPORTS ATTEMPTED BRIBE BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO [email protected] In the midst of ongoing turmoil in city politics, one politician has helped bring a Long Island City business owner to justice for an alleged bribery attempt. According to the Department of Investigation, Mike Wolfert, owner of a rock climbing facility called The Cliffs, received a Stop Work Order for failing to obtain the correct permit to convert a large warehouse into a 30,000-square-foot climbing arena. An unannounced inspection by the City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) reportedly prompted the order. Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer said on April 10, he received a “disturbing” and “inappropriate” message from Wolfert allegedly asking for help with the violations. The message allegedly offered to provide assistance promoting Van Bramer’s campaign in return for the favor. After reading the email several times, Van Bramer believed the only appropriate response was to tell the City Council’s General Counsel, who then notified the Department of Investigation (DOI). The tip led to a fourweek undercover investigation of Wolfert. “I don’t believe there was an option here, I had an obligation to report it,” said Van Bramer. “I’m not a hero. Every elected official, if presented with something like this, should always respond like this.” According to a criminal complaint issued by the district attorney, on two occasions Wolfert allegedly paid a total of $1,094 to a DOI undercover investigator posing as a DOB inspector offering help getting the Stop Work Order withdrawn. Wolfert is charged with bribery in the third degree and unlawful continuance. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison for the bribery charge and fines up to $25,000 as well as up to a year in prison for the unlawful continuance. “We’re grateful that at a time when some people are succumbing to corruption, this was reported to DOI,” said DOI Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn. “Cutting corners illegally and paying off city employees is not acceptable.” Michael Lambert, Wolfert’s lawyer, declined to comment at this point in the investigation. Wolfert also declined to comment. The Cliffs was expected to open this month, but is now looking to open its doors in July. CB 1 APPROVES HALLETS POINT BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO [email protected] Hallets Point, the site of Astoria waterfront’s public housing, is one step closer to getting thousands of residential apartments, retail space and parkland. On Tuesday, May 21, Community Board 1 unanimously approved Lincoln Equities Group’s plan to bring 11 buildings to the area. The developer is applying for zoning changes in order to continue with the project. It will still need approval from other government agencies. If the plan is approved, construction on 2,000 apartments will begin in late 2014 or early 2015. Twenty percent of the apartments will be affordable housing. Robert Schenkel, development director of Lincoln Equities, said the project would effect positive change for Hallets Point by bringing new housing, an affordable supermarket, retail, a spot for a K-8 public school and a landscaped waterfront path.
QC05302013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above