QNE_p079

QC11122015

for breaking news visit www.qns.com november 12, 2015 • buzz • The Queens Courier 79 s people making a buzz Elmcor celebrates 50 years of service with gala PHOTOS BY JOSEF PINLAC Longtime supporters and members of Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities gathered at the Queens Museum on Nov. 6 for a gala celebrating the organization’s “A Funny Thing…” in Bayside! The bright, bawdy streets of ancient Rome are alive and well and onstage in Bayside. It’s time for Theatre by the Bay’s version of the hilarious musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” On opening night, with an irreverent nod to old-time slapstick, and an equally flippant wink to lax modern morality, the cast delivered an upbeat and very entertaining performance. The obligatory dancing girls, lascivious aristocrats, mistaken identities and incredibly improbable situations definitely do justice to Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics—and famed TV writer Larry Gelbart. This presentation marks the first effort by the troupe’s artistic director Ovi Vargas. His theatrical credentials are extensive. Producers Barbara Koenig, husband Eli Koenig and Martha Stein, along with musical director/accompanist Alan Baboff and costumer Chery Maniello, complete the current creative team. The story itself revolves around hapless but very shrewd slave Pseudolus, played with exuberance and wit by Frank Josephs. He hopes to gain his freedom by arranging a successful match for beautiful courtesan Philia (Michele Mazzocco) and the love-struck but naïve young aristocrat Hero (Sam Kaufman). Naturally, the series of confusing but comical events ultimately lead to a happy ending. Pratfalls and exaggerated accents are intended for the local audience’s benefit. They are generally well done, without excess. Hunched Erronius (Bob Alpert) must complete Herculean tasks. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Henpecked Senex (Eli Koenig) tries to upgrade his masculine prowess but is foiled by his always overbearing wife Domina (Andria Amorosa/Lila Edelkind). Their personal slave Hysterium (Sam Hunt) creates as much trouble as his fellow plotters. Pompous warrior Miles Gloriosus (Michael D’Emidio) means business with the fast-talking purveyor of feminine pulchritude, Lycus (Roger Leonardis). Several soldiers, proteans and courtesans are deadpan or over the top, depending on the comical situation. Bravo to one and all! There are simple but colorful sets in this TBTB production (Barry Stein, John Baratta, John Palmieri, Steve Cavaseno). Barbara Koenig, Helene Schwartz, Marleen Rothstein and Maria Louise are just some of the many backstage talents involved in this energetic endeavor. The community theatre group is housed at the Bay Terrace Garden Jewish Center at 1300 209th St. in Bayside. For information on this and future productions, surf to www.theatrebythebayny. com, call 718-428-6363 or like them on Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. 50th anniversary. Founded in 1965, Elmcor provides an array of social services to seniors and families in the Corona and East Elmhurst areas. Originally started as a small group of volunteers, Elmcor is now one of the largest community-based service groups in Queens operating senior centers and preschool programs. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz was among the dignitaries on hand for the event and presented Elmcor members with a proclamation recognizing the group’s efforts through the years. Saeeda Dunston, Kevin Gilyard, Shanel Thomas and Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry Saeeda Dunston and Rene McKenzie Torey McCleskey, Brenda Jones and Mariah McKenzie Saeeda Dunston, Kevin Gilyard, Shanel Thomas and Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry


QC11122015
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