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for breaking news visit www.timesnewsweekly.com JULY 23, 2015 • times 29 ‘Oklahoma!’ at Maggie’s Little Theater is very OK! RIDGEWOOD TIMES/Photo by Robert Pozarycki Ridgewood church becomes ‘Everest’ for Bible camp Trinity Reformed Church in Ridgewood was transformed into “Everest” for the house of worship’s annual Vacation Bible School, which was held from July 13 to 17. Students from preschool to early teens enjoyed a wide variety of Bible-themed activities led by church congregants. Students also raised more than $300 toward ongoing relief efforts in Nepal, the Himalayan nation still recovering from two massive earthquakes earlier this year. Pol tours Maspeth Coca-Cola factory Photo courtesy of City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley popped into the Coca-Cola bottling facility in Maspeth last week for a tour of the soft drink center’s operations. Operating 24 hours a day on Mondays through Fridays, the Coca-Cola plant employs over 450 workers who blend, fill and package containers of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Dasani water and other beverages shipped to local vendors. “The jobs created here by Coca- Cola allow hundreds to sustain the lives of themselves and their families,” Crowley said. “It’s important to keep this vibrant, industrial community thriving.” Rousing songs, creative choreography, folksy dialogue and a smart script have made Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” a national treasure for close to 80 years. This tradition continues at Maggie’s Little Theater, where a talented group of entertainers offers an energetic interpretation for enthusiastic crowds. On opening night, the show’s success was guaranteed by Nic Anthony Calabro. His multifaceted efforts as director, choreographer and lead cowboy Curly McLain, brought a crisp, clever edge to the performance. An unmistakable stamp of excellence was added by musical director Frank Auriemma and his sixpiece orchestra. Additional choreography by Lindsay Levy along with bright costumes and multileveled sets put the finishing touches on this musical glimpse into the fiery, fabled Oklahoma territory of 1906. The story itself follows a pair of romantic triangles existing between strongminded cowhands, proud farmers and their girlfriends. Lovely Laurey (Emily Mathis), clad in coveralls, wins the hearts of swaggering Curly and sinister Jud Fry (Frank Radice). Meanwhile, funny, flirtatious Ado Annie (Annice Auriemma) finds irresistible charm in clueless Will Parker (Anthony Faubion) and slick salesman Ali Hakim (Joe Paciullo). Luckily, level-headed Aunt Eller (Ellen Armet) assures us that everyone’s heads and hearts will remain where they belong. Supporting cast including Gertie (Angel Vail), Mr. Carnes (Mark York), Ike (Jim Gillespie) and a dozen more very capable players maintain the show’s goodnatured exuberance. Bravo! The entire theater is filled with energy as the actors sing, swagger, dance and shout along the aisles. Of course, the unforgettable music and lyrics are magical. “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” and “People Will Say We’re In Love” are still popular favorites. Yes, Will is convinced that everything’s up to date in “Kansas City” and Ado Annie confesses that she’s just a gal who “Cain’t Say No!” Don’t forget a carefree ride on “The Surrey with the Fringe on the Top!” The powerful finale, including the title song “Oklahoma!” can still bring the crowd to its feet. Overall, it is an evening not to be missed. Maggie’s Little Theater is located at 66-05 79th Pl. (St. Margaret Parish Hall) in Middle Village. For information on this and future productions, call 917-579-5389, surf to their website www. maggieslittletheater.org or like them on Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. a view froM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Photo courtesy of Jorge Corona pounds that fell and crashed onto a sidewalk. The most satisfaction I get from this job is getting results for the public, either by settling or resolving in my church. I take care of my elderly father, I’m involved in Democratic politics.


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