74 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • NOVEMBER 21, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Broadway is still alive and well. And it’s earning ovations in Queens! Five true Broadway headliners are hitting all the high notes and their lowest notes too. Their vehicle is “101 Years of Broadway” at Queens College’s Colden Auditorium at Kupferberg Center. Producer, composer Neil Berg is the show’s narrator and central musician. He pounds the piano keys with the unwavering confi dence of a true maestro. His passion for music is obvious. He offers historical insights into what has made Broadway such an iconic place. Even more important is his willingness to share precious pieces of his personal life. This includes the recent passing of his own father. Clearly, “101 Years…” is an A-list show with feelings! Berg’s wife Rita Harvey is a seasoned Broadway soprano. During the show she sings a powerful song from “Phantom of the Opera,” offers a musical tribute to Judy Garland and joins in a duet from “Wicked” with Natalie Toro. Ms. Toro receives several standing ovations for her powerful versions of the biggest songs from “Evita,” “Cats,” and “Les Miserables.” Another “Les Miz” celeb, Craig Schulman, truly mesmerizes with his duet from “Phantom…” and his solo from “Les Miz.” Statuesque Luba Mason proudly reveals to the audience that she is originally from Astoria. She punctuates the evening with Chicago’s “All that Jazz,” “Cabaret” and a breath taking version of “Send in the Clowns.” Charismatic Danny Zolli sings rock and roll from “Jersey Boys,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Berg calls Zolli’s selections “juke box musicals” in which popular songs become hit musicals. The troupe has given over 100 performances across the map this past year alone. What is so clear and so successful is their emotional investment in each song’s presentation. For example, Zolli stops before one of his numbers to confi de in the audience. He wants this evening to be especially important. You see, his wife and in-laws have fi nally had a chance to watch him perform. And this is the night. Most recently produced by Gary Fuchs’ JES Entertainment, this Broadway revue makes frequent visits to our borough. For information on the many outstanding programs at Kupferberg Center call the box offi ce at (718) 793-8080 or surf to www.kupferbergcenter. org . As always, save me a seat on the aisle. “Daughters” in Douglaston Hungry? Let’s have a meal with fi ve interesting ladies. They’re already at the kitchen table in Douglaston for the DCT players’ version of “Daughters”. It’s onstage weekends through November 30. Director Marilyn Welsher’s acting and directing credits span several decades. For her current project the audience is introduced to four generations of mothers and daughters. They argue endlessly and are victims (and sometimes perpetrators) of numerous social and emotional issues. Somehow, though, we can’t help but like them. Strong willed Tessie is played by Kim Kaiman. Although not the oldest in the family’s four tiered hierarchy, she considers herself the leader. This self imposed burden leaves her emotionally dangerous. To Ms. Kaiman’s acting ability, it is often hard to tell when she is manipulating or deceiving her family and when she is truly out of control. Younger sister Patty Ann (Elizabeth Bisciello) proves to be more like Tessie than she fi rst appears. She can be manipulative, defensive but never anyone’s fool. Ms. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Bisciello glides through her part with a confi dence that is very watchable. Happily she is becoming a familiar face at DCT. The most prolifi c community theatre veteran, Sharon Levine portrays “Mom”. Like many hapless mothers, her character’s cure for everything is food. Even so, as the curtain opens, she is sobbing uncontrollably. Her husband, the family patriarch is suffering from a life changing illness. He never appears onstage but his presence is strongly felt. The other husbands and boyfriends are never seen. They are all hardworking but extremely fl awed. Their behavior inspires both rage and resignation in the revelations offered by their wives and girlfriends. Gratefully, “Grandma” (Madelon Avallone) never utters a word. With so much arguing and menacing throughout the comedy/drama she offers a silent respite. Her vivid facial expressions reveal a goodness and clarity that ultimately prove to be the very essence of this extremely dysfunctional family. My personal favorite is “Cetta”, played by Harriet Spitzer-Picker. She skillfully shows the most vulnerability and then the most strength when confronting her family. She also shows the most visible affection towards Grandma and ultimately to her mother, Tessie. “Daughters” is running at the Zion Episcopal Church Parish Hall on Church Street off Douglaston Parkway. Call (718) 482-3332 or surf to www.spotlightonstage.com for information on this and upcoming productions. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. 101 Years of Bdwy in Queens YOUR PROMOTIONS SUPERMARKET SINCE 1995 CORPORATE & TEAM OUTFITTING H Staff Shirts H Giveaways H Family Reunions H School/Camps H Organizations/Events CUSTOM APPAREL H T-SHIRTS POPULAR BRAND WHITE TEE SCREEN PRINTED (1 COLOR) MIN. 144* ONLY $295 $495 QueensCourier.com (Screen Printed or Embroidered) 2013 THE QUEENS H CAPS/HATS H UNIFORMS H JACKETS H BACK PACKS H BAGS H TROPHIES EACH *SAME DEAL: SWEATSHIRTS EACH CALL FOR FREE CATALOG of the 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 YOU NAME IT, WE GOT IT!!! (We can customize your art, logo, messages on anything!) Pens (All Types) Bags (Plastic/Paper) Calendars Water Bottles Full Color Magnetic Business Cards 10 ¢ each Minimum 1,000 Your Business Card Awareness Bracelets Their Refrigerator Food Gifts Corporate Gifts Badges & Buttons Electronics Calculators Computer Accessories Eco Friendly Products 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 www.PROMOTIONALEMPIRE.com The Greek Cultural Center presents the comedy “Dinner at Iocasti’s” by Akis Dimou | Music by Stamatis Kraounakis | Directed by Anastasios Samaras Dinner at Iocasti’s is a witty comedy with many elements of farce, a crazy social satire that parodies the industry of Greek family sit-coms. Enjoy a question and answer session with the playwright Akis Dimou who is visiting us for the premier weekend!!! In Greek with English Supertitles. Cast: (Alphabetical order) Christos Alexandridis Fotis Batzas Kally Giannou Alex Malaos Anastasia Pantelidi Dimitris Pantos Katerina Zoupanou OCTOBER 25th- DECEMBER 8th, 2013 Every FRIDAY / SATURDAY @ 8pm and SUNDAYS @ 4pm General Admission: $2 0 Seniors/Children $15 Location: 26-80 30th Street, Astoria, NY 11102 Tel. 718-726-7329 Email: [email protected] TICKETS MUST BE PREPAID TO ENSURE SEATS. WALK- INS ARE WELCOMED BUT NOT GUARANTEED SEATS! COMMIT TO BE FIT ONE-ON-ONE PERSONAL TRAINING GROUP CLASSES AVAILABLE ALL AGES. ALL FITNESS LEVELS. ALL ABILITIES. THE FITNESS CONSULTANT Celebrating Our 24th Anniversary! 208-52 Cross Island Pkwy • Bayside 718.352.9075 2011 st www.tfc-gym.com FREE TRAINING SESSION CALL TODAY of the THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place
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