26 The QUEE NS Courier • august 13, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier. Grammy nominee and Disney movie for Flushing music and movie night BY ALINA SURIEL [email protected] @alinangelica Flushing elected officials and merchants have booked a Grammy-nominated performer and critically acclaimed Disney movie for the annual outdoor Music and Movie Night. The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Kissena Corridor Park at Main Street and Elder Avenue, and Councilman Peter Koo joined with Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce to reveal the night’s programming. G r a m m y - n o m i n a t e d Tony-O and His Band, a blues group with a mix of original songs and covers of past hits, will play live music Photo courtesy of Councilman Peter Koo’s office (From left to right) Don Capalbi, president of Queensboro Hill Flushing Civic Association; Jacqueline Colson, Queens chapter leader, NYC Parents Union; John Choe, executive director, Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce; Assemblywoman Nily Rozic; Councilman Peter Koo; Simon Gerson, president, Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce; Maureen Regan, president, Green Earth Urban Gardens. ‘Seussical the Musical’ is magical, fantastical! “I meant what I said and I said what I meant,” say the lyrics from “Horton Hears a Who.” “An elephant’s faithful one hundred per cent!” Beloved writer/storyteller, Dr. Seuss, weaves his magical message, thanks to the JC Players in Middle Village. They celebrate their 20th anniversary this month as they present “Seussical.” It’s an affectionate, entertaining presentation for every wide eyed 5-year-old and grateful grown up. At Sunday afternoon’s performance, Director Barbara Auriemma and husband Frank Auriemma transfer their infectious energy and quick humor to Seuss’ most popular characters. Yes, there’s a storyline but it’s just as easy to sit back and enjoy your family’s favorites. The Cat in the Hat is our narrator and host for the afternoon. Alicia Brosky, with that unmistakable striped hat, offers treats for the kids as she moves through the audience, brushing her whiskers. Costumes are bright, colorful and clever. The stage is entirely black with only one painted “flat” downstage right. The Whoville-ians sit on bleachers directly in front of it. Our star, wonderfully loyal and vulnerable Horton the Elephant (Alan Perkins) dons a simple pair of pants, shirt and tie instead of a trunk and floppy ears. Of course, Dr. Seuss’ life lessons appear throughout the musical. Some are subtle, some more obvious. Talented local favorite Annice Auriemma, as Sour Kangaroo, sings her powerful opinion. Young JoJo (Julia Rachel Marshall) is courageous and determined. Bashful Gertrude McFuzz (Jessica Helton) learns a lesson in overindulgence. Unfortunately, Mayzie LaBird (Christine Pavlatos) is much too selfish as she callously leaves Horton holding a hatchable egg…! More residents of Seuss’ fantastical world keep us smiling and reassured. Whoville’s Mrs. Mayor (Melanie Pozarycki), Mr. Mayor (Mark York), General Schmitz (Anthony Faubion), Uncle Who (Scott I. Marshall), Grandpa Who (Richard Miller) and Yertle the Turtle (Charles Hinz) are sometimes serious. Well, never too serious. After all, it’s Dr. Seuss! A dozen supporting players including bird girls, Wickersham cousins, cadets, the Grinch and Vlad are bursting with energy and enthusiasm. Their first-rate choreographer (Christine Hinz), stage manager (Alison Goldman), lighting experts (Christopher Brosky, Robert Pozarycki) and backstage support (Emily DiSanti) insure a high-quality, seamless production. The JC Players are performing at 75-27 Metropolitan Ave. (Community United Methodist Church) in Middle Village. For more information on this and future projects, call 718-894-8654 or surf to www.jcplayers.com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. at 6 p.m. The musical performance will be followed by a showing of Disney’s “Big Hero 6,” an animation in which a young boy with a gift for robotics assembles a superhero team to fight evil. “This is a great opportunity for family and friends to enjoy in an evening that celebrates our vibrant community and all that it offers,” Assemblywoman Nily Rozic said. Funding is being provided by Rozic and Koo, who allocated a total of $4,000 in funding for the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and the Queensboro Hill Flushing Civic Association. “This will be a great summertime activity for families to come out and enjoy some live entertainment with their neighbors,” Koo said. “I am looking forward to a wonderful time at the annual Music and Movie Night in the great multicultural community of Flushing, Queens — my home and birthplace,” Tony-O said. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN
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