64 The Queens Courier • buzz • october 3, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Klein, Shakespeare are Queens Clowns Comedian Robert Klein and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are among the latest contributions to Queens’ comedy. Obie Winner, Tony/Grammy nominee Klein An enjoyable evening of music, song and comedy greeted an appreciative crowd recently at Queens Theatre at Flushing Meadows/ Corona Park. Comedian Robert Klein whose portfolio includes an Obie along with Tony and Grammy nominations over a four A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF decade career opened the 2013- 2014 season. Klein was introduced by Managing Director Taryn Sacramone and “Front of the House” manager Willy Mosquera. Klein then offered his mostly mellow, always very clever observations on American life. Self deprecating songs and Broadway hits punctuated the evening. His monologues included criticisms of hypocritical politicians, airport BY CLIFF KASDEN discomforts, observations on Florida retirees and fond tributes to past comics and composers. His “schtick” was sometimes racy but never vulgar. Soon, more entertainment will brighten the venue’s three stages. Call (718) 760-0064 or surf to www. queenstheatre.org. “Circus Shakespeare” at Secret Theatre Hurry, hurry, hurry for the greatest spills and thrills! In-ta-roducing the Queens Players under the big top! Watch their version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”! Hear lions roar, see clowns juggle and behold as sweethearts are stolen from their lover’s arms! Before the ringmaster (Jeff Dickamore) performs feats of daring; Applause for Executive Producer Richard Mazda who welcomes us to the Secret Theatre’s newest intimate venue. Isn’t that Puck (Jonathan Emerson) centerstage? Yes, he’s a prankster’s prankster with a Cheshire cat’s mischievous smile. Well done indeed! There’s Lysander (Jason Spina) with his beautiful Hermia (Aurora F l o r e n c e ) . Come on, Egeus (Charles Baker), can’t you see they belong together? If only Demetrius (Robin Rightmyer) could appreciate Helena’s (Kathleen Fletcher) devotion. Feast your eyes on the multicolored, neon bright costumes (Isabelle Fields designer) and cleverly overdone make-up (Emily Lambert designer). Prepare for the gloriously inept play within a play. Play your kazoos thespians (Blaine Smith, Evan Greene, Zack Friedman, Megan Greener, Marcus Watson and Ryan Krause). See the dazzling fairies (Sheree V. Campbell, Sabina Friedman-Seitz, Jaz Zepatos and Megan Greener). Yes, it’s a three ring circus that would make Shakespeare proud. Kudos to director Illana Stein, producers Alberto Bonilla and Jonathan as well as assistant director Emily Jackson. Bravo to the entire troupe! Located at 44-02 23rd Street in Long Island City, call (718) 392-0722 or surf to www.secrettheatre.com for tix. Look for the Secret Theatre’s next production. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. SPOTLIGHT ON JUSTICE: Judge John S. Lansden Supervising Judge for the Queens County Housing Court BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO [email protected] Coming from a family of lawyers, Judge John S. Lansden always knew he wanted to get into something related to law. “At the end of the day it’s the rule of law that makes civilization what it is,” said Lansden. “And I always appreciated that it’s not just as simple as reading a bunch of statutes, it’s the enforcement of it.” Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lansden made the move to the Big Apple when he was just a child but didn’t make his way to Queens until he decided to attend St. Johns University School of Law. Although in his second year of law school he worked in a medical malpractice defense firm, after applying for a campus interview he became really interested in real estate, landlord and tenant law. “And the rest is history,” he said. After graduating in 1991, he went on to work for a number of landlord and tenant and real estate firms, including Penn & Proefriedt. In 1997 he became a member of the New York City Loft Board. In 2001 he became the court attorney for Housing Court Judge Timmie Erin Elsner. “I always felt that one should learn to become a lawyer before one becomes a judge,” he said. “It was always important for me not just to represent my clients, but to end up with a right decision.” Lansden was appointed as a Housing Court judge in 2003 and later became Supervising Judge of Kings County in 2007. In his second term, in 2012, he was appointed as Supervising Judge of Queens County Housing Court, where he will serve for five years. “Our priority is always to provide service to the citizens of Queens, whether you are a landlord or a tenant,” he said. “We are focused on providing justice as it is both defined and intended.” He is currently in the process of possibly being reappointed for a third term and hopes to be able to continue serving Queens County. “I really enjoy working in the Housing Court,” he said. “Even though I did not grow up in Queens, I feel very much at home in Queens now. I’m very comfortable.” When he is not in the courtroom, Lansden enjoys spending his time with his three-year-old son, wife and other family members who live in the borough. Courier publisher on TV Since 2006, “Building New York – New York Life Stories,” which airs on CUNY TV, has featured the lives of 175 individuals who have made an impact on the tri-state area. On Monday, September 23, “Building New York” aired “The Life of Victoria Schneps” in which host and executive producer Michael Stoler sat down with The Queens Courier publisher Victoria Schneps. During the interview Schneps discussed what Stoler called the “interesting travels of her many years.” She talked about her family’s emphasis on education, her background, changes in her career starting as a teacher, and how she got into the business producing weekly community newspapers in Queens and Brooklyn and becoming the founder, publisher and CEO of Schneps Communications. “This thing called life is a great journey,” said Schneps during the interview. “You just don’t know where it’s going to lead you.” Schneps also discussed the evolving of LIC Flea & Food in Long Island City and hosting the Top Women in Business and the Kings of Queens networking events throughout the years. “Her life in general is very interesting,” said Stoler. Stoler is also the president of New York Real Estate TV, LLC and a managing director at the private equity firm Madison Realty Capital. “Building New York” is broadcast eight times a week in New York City on CUNY TV and aired five times a week in East Hampton and Montauk in Long Island on WEGTV. “The Life of Victoria Schneps” interview can be found on www.cuny. tv/show/buildingny.
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