46 The QUEE NS Courier • BUZZ • july 3, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com 103 Years of Broadway at Queens Theatre “Let’s talk, Queens!” urges Broadway insider Neil Berg. His popular musical revue has been updated and renamed. It’s now “103 Years of Broadway” and, as usual, it boasts “A-list” stars who sing the best tunes from the most successful shows. The women, as usual, are elegantly attired in stunning gowns. The men wear suits. Clearly the audience is musically transported from the green gardens of Queens to the concrete canyons of Broadway. There’s little doubt that this latest presentation at Queens Theatre is a hit — thanks in part to the efforts of popular producer Gary Fuchs and JES Entertainment. At Saturday afternoon’s performance, Berg charms the audience with his informative and down-toearth anecdotes. He talks about nineteenth century jazz and includes George Gershwin’s influences, which date back to 1928. He explains how Rodgers and Hammerstein’s storylines are strongly influenced by the country’s emotional climate during A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF World War II. Rita Harvey, Berg’s wife, is once again an integral part of the show. She captivates the audience in a duet from “The Phantom of the Opera” with Richard Todd Adams. Rita also sings with Natalie Toro. Among their showstoppers are hits from “West Side Story” and “Wicked.” Toro’s solo from “Evita” is equally breathtaking. Not to be outdone, Adams and Danny Zolli offer a dynamic duet from “Man of La Mancha.” Zolli also leads a powerful musical tribute to “Jersey Boys” with hits by the Four Seasons. Jeannette Bayardelle, whose Broadway credits include “The Color Purple” and “Hair,” is dazzling with her solos from “Dream Girls” and the stirring “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.” Guest singer Jana Robbins, seated in the audience, is coaxed on stage for her sensational solo, “I’m Still Here.” The spectacular vocals continue for two full acts. But there is still one more musical surprise — the audience enjoys real rock ‘n’ roll when Berg, the musicians (Roger Cohen on drums, BY CLIFF KASDEN Abraham Saenz on guitar) and Danny Zolli’s vocals provide a powerful tribute to Billy Joel. Incredible! With more than 150 performances annually, each show is a polished, professional musical banquet. For information on Berg’s revue, surf to www.neilberg. com. For information on JES Entertainment’s evening with Art Garfunkel at Queens Theatre and their “Summer in the ‘60s” concert at Queensborough Community College, call 718-423-8394. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Astoria celebrates Fourth of July with music and fireworks The Astoria Park Great Lawn filled with over 20,000 people Monday night to celebrate the Fourth of July. Before the sky was lit up for about 30 minutes with colorful blasts of fireworks by Grucci, people were able to enjoy a performance by the Queens Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra played American classic selections such as highlights from “Hello Dolly!” and “West Side Story,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and even a piece from “Star Wars.” “The experience was wonderful,” said Daniel DeLoma, who last week started as the orchestra’s new general manager. “This was one of the best concerts I had been to. For an outdoor concert it sounded like you were in a symphony hall.” In his new position, DeLoma is hoping to build a bigger online presence and boost the orchestra’s social media with the mission to bring in a younger crowd interested in the orchestra, along with keeping current followers. The June 30 Independence Day Celebration was presented by the Central Astoria Local Development Sher Spero, Victoria Schneps, Linda DeSebato, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Queens Parks Department Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski Helen Sears, Debbie Markell Kleinert, Harriet Novet, Peter Magnani, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Chief Diane Pizzuti, Judge Margaret McGowan, Queens County Clerk Audrey Pheffer, Claire Shulman Borough President Melinda Katz, Curtis Sliwa, Queens Parks Department Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski Coalition Inc. “Grucci did a phenomenal job and the park was overflowing with people,” said Marie Torniali, executive director for the Central Astoria LDC. “It was fantastic, but only due to the cooperation of the Parks Department and the 114th Precinct, who really knocked themselves out to make this work out.” Organizer George Stamatiades, Central Astoria LDC Executive Director Marie Torniali, Mary Anne Mattone
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