FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com NOVEMBER 17, 2016 • buzz • The Queens Courier 71 ‘IN THE CAR…’ AT QUEENS THEATRE A poignant look at aging and its complicated grasp is currently on stage at Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows/Corona Park. Playwright Joni Fritz offers a comedy/drama filled with layers of emotions. Their unexpected origins and consequences confront us throughout the story. Entitled “In the Car with Blossom & Len,” director Lynn Taylor-Corbett introduces two middleaged daughters, their octogenarian parents and a well-meaning social worker. The family members show intense respect, strength and frequent frustration. They also show us their foibles and weaknesses. At times their quirks make the audience laugh out loud. Other scenes find us staring silently in somber agreement. The patriarch, Len Gold, is well played by Peter Levine. His character is extremely intelligent and extremely proud. But at 84 years old, his lifelong defenses and alibis are crumbling. His long-suffering wife, Blossom (Emily Jon Mitchell), has named her daughters Fern and Holly. “How nice, you’re all flowers,” the social worker observes. “Plants, not flowers,” their father interjects. The insidious ravages of old age are most apparent in Blossom. She chronically forgets things midsentence, along with other warning signs of senility. Her younger daughter Holly (Patricia Randell) is the driver for most of the “In the Car” scenes. While driving, she shows extraordinary patience and compassion as her parents make their most surprising and vulnerable comments. Older sister Fern (Martha Byrne) is the least likable but the most important in shaking Holly and her parents from their downward interdependent spiral. Meanwhile Whitney Andrews as the well-meaning social worker is often flustered when caught in the verbal crossfire. Is this group typical of homes with extremely “senior citizens”? Should we draw personal comparisons? The cast deserves praise for resolving that question. They maintain a certain distance that both welcomes and warns the audience. Yes, they show frustration but there is also great kindness, and most importantly, there is hope. And love. In addition to this talented professional cast, well-earned nods for the creative team (Bob Phillips, Anna Grigo, Jason Kantrowitz, Dustin Cross, Katie White, John Salutz, Susan Whelan, Samantha Gruskin, Heather Shields and Stephen DeAngelis, William Cameron, Beth Fritz-Logrea, Jerald Fritz, Centenary Stage and Royal Family Productions). For information on this and future performances, call 718-760-0064 or visit www.queenstheatre.org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Newest branch now open for business in Oakland Gardens Flushing Bank celebrated the opening of its newest branch on Springfield Boulevard in the Oakland Gardens section of Bayside with a ribbon cutting on Monday, Nov. 14. Among those on hand to celebrate the achievement was John Buran, Flushing Bank’s president and CEO, and various bank employees. Buran is pictured front and center flanked by Ling Xu (right), the branch manager, and Maria Grasso (left), chief operating officer of Flushing Bank. Photo courtesy of Flushing Bank SCHNEPS COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTS AUTISM NONPROFIT WITH DONATION Last week, Schneps Communications presented Paul and Christina Halvatzis of Amorelli Realty with a check for $1,000 to be used towards services provided by the organization Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC). The money was raised at Star Network’s Kings of Queens event held on September 22. Paul Halvatzis was honored at the event as a “King of Queens” and serves on QSAC’s Board of Directors. QSAC is a New York City and Long Island-based nonprofit that supports children and adults with autism and helps them achieve greater independence, realize their full potential and contribute to their communities in a positive way. Pictured from left to right are Amy Amato of Star Network; Victoria Schneps of Schneps Communications; and Paul and Christina Halvatzis. buzz
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