Movers& Shakers 26 The QUEE NS Courier • JULY 16, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Local ‘Angels’ groove for a good cause photo by Allen Ngai Disco was the theme of a special fundraiser held by Angels on the Bay on July 9 at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach. The festivities included dinner and dancing with entertainment provided by Entertainment & DJ Nicky G. There was also a special performance by Bonnie Pointer. All proceeds benefited Angels on the Bay and its ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children in need. Pictured above are Angels on the Bay board members including (front row, left to right) George Russo, Jack Notary, Frank Russo Jr., founder/chairman, Dr. Kelly Mattone and John DeZago; and (back row, left to right) Roxanne Romano, Vinnie Vitucci, Gail Fass, Jonah Cardillo and Franco Ciaravino. Nurses Donna Lodato, Patricia Holohan and Darien Addario with a patient. ‘Guys and Dolls’ is a sure bet at RTC Several hours before curtain, Fort Tilden at Gateway National Recreation Area is bustling with beachgoers, bicyclists and ballplayers. An hour before showtime, dozens of actors, musicians and staffers stream through the backstage doorways. Soon the packed house buzzes with excitement. Finally, Rockaway Theatre Company’s version of the beloved musical “Guys and Dolls” is off and running! “I’ve got the horse right here; its name is Paul Revere…” At Saturday evening’s performance, gambler “Nicely, Nicely” checks the racing form with his cronies (Matthew Hunt, Dante Rei/Rob Colon). Played by popular performer Chazmond Peacock, he adds humor and vulnerability to the Nicely character. His singing testimony in Act II “Sit down you’re rockin’ the boat” is a musical comedy classic. Director John Gilleece does double duty as harried Lt. Brannigan and the voice of tightfisted Joey the garage guy. Producer Susan Jasper, faced with an abundance of talent, offers more than one actor the same role on different evenings. What a wonderful predicament! Kind hearted Sarah Brown (Maria Edwards/ Renee Steadman) has the difficult task of withstanding Sky Masterson’s smooth talking advances. Kudos indeed to Sky Masterson (Michael Whelan/Daniel Velez), who sings “Luck Be a Lady” in the pivotal scene. A truly poignant performance is offered by RTC veteran Cliff Hesse as Brown’s wise adviser, Arvide Abernathy. “A person could develop a cold!” is Adelaide’s musical lament as she realizes that a 14-year wedding engagement could trigger “sy-co-sa-matick” symptoms! On Saturday, Nicole Mangano as Adelaide is terrific as Nathan Detroit’s adorably frustrated fiancée. (Alternate shows feature Caitlin Byrne). Of course, Nathan (John Panepinto on Saturday, Matthew Smilardi on Sunday) is just a really nice guy who happens to have some really shady friends in a really illegal profession. Luckily, it’s just a fable and a happy ending will be had by all! Assorted gangsters, gamblers and dancing girls (too numerous to acknowledge by name) enhance this magical fairy tale of New York’s tough city streets turned wonderfully tame. Bravo! Naturally, the extremely talented orchestra provides solid background, thanks to co-musical directors Heather Arzberger and Richard Louis-Pierre. Final bows to choreographer Nicola DePierro- Nellen, Gabrielle Mangano (assistant director), stage manager Nora Meyers and costumer extraordinaire Susan Corning. For information on this and future productions surf to www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org, call 718-374-6400 or like them on Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Karaoke fun at Fresh Meadows restaurant photos by Marcin Zurawicz Russell, ReQuest Music and King Yum Chinese Polynesian Restaurant in Fresh Meadows celebrated several achievements at a party on July 10. Russell has been the host, MC, DJ and ringmaster of New York City’s most popular karaoke show for the last 23 years. Described as off-Broadway meets dance party, the show gets the audience involved in everything from musical performances to open-mic comedy routines. The show is running every Friday at King Yum, which is billed as Queens’ oldest Chinese restaurant. Queens Medical Associates honors cancer survivors photos by Marcin Zurawicz Queens Medical Associates in Fresh Meadows paid tribute to those battling cancer during its National Cancer Survivors Day event last month. Themed “Hope Grows Here,” the program included live classical music, and all patients received a potted plant symbolizing life and hope.
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