Keep up to date with the arts events in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
The following is an edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:
If you didn’t get a chance to attend, now’s the time to find out how hard work, creativity, and abundant talent were driving forces behind the performances at the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Jazz Combo and Vocal Concert.
A variety of musical selections were presented by RFH jazz musicians and vocalists on the evening of May 18 in the high school’s auditorium.
The following is a press release from the Fair Haven School District:
If you didn’t get a chance to see the fourth and fifth grade Knollwood Drama Club’s recent production of James and the Giant Peach, here’s a look back:
Based on the book by Roald Dahl and adapted by Richard R. George, the production featured a cast of 36 students as well as a chorus of 16 and a troupe of 10 Cloud Dancers.
James and the Giant Peach tells the story of James Henry Trotter (Ryan-McCaskill-Schock), who lives with two horrid aunts named Spiker (Addie Cope) and Sponge (Anabelle Heinle). Poor James does not have any friends — until he meets the Old Green Grasshopper (Sophie Barabas) and the other insects taking up residence in a giant, magical peach. The group then sets off on an exciting adventure.
The production also featured Madeline Amper as Silkworm, Julia Coon as Earthworm, Kasey Hughes as Ladybug, Quinn McManus as Centipede, Nora Philips as Glowworm, and Sara Sullivan as Spider.
Scene Setters were Matthew Cruz and Ryan Giardino, and Sydney Gibson and Scott Gyimesi were James’s Mother and Father. Ben Durdack was featured as Old Man, and Vivianna Bermeo was the Captain.
Vanessa Lane and Emma Shaw were choreographers/head cloud dancers.
Thirty four students participated in the production as Ushers and also behind the scenes in backstage crew, makeup, set design, and technology crew.
James and the Giant Peach was directed by Viola L. Sickles School third grade teacher Morgan Bufano and Knollwood School fourth grade teacher Tammy Cappello.
The chorus was directed by Knollwood School music/chorus teacher Vince Mottern. Brian Ericson was tech director and Monica Caruso was the head of set design.
“Mrs. Bufano and Mrs. Cappello did an amazing job,” Knollwood School Principal Kevin Davis said. “The show was fantastic and the students were terrific.
“It was truly one of the best school performances I have ever seen!”
By Elaine Van Develde
Curtain up! Light the lights! Tonight’s the night Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) senior Julia Mosby is set to hit the heights as she competes with the area’s high school talent for two Outstanding Supporting Actress wins at the Basie Awards.
With RFH up for a total of 11 awards at the annual ceremony, Mosby is the only RFH actress nominated, and in both the drama and musical branches of the Outstanding Supporting Actress category.
Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect caught up with Mosby recently at a Rumson gathering.
Headed to Princeton in the fall, she’s a lover of the old time Broadway greats, many of whom her generation doesn’t recall. She has a great deal of respect for her craft and those who embodied stage presence and originality in characterization back in the day and it is her goal to emulate that.
She’s not a fan of any typical sound in musical voice or cookie cutter acting method.
What part would she love to play? Reno Sweeny in Anything Goes.
Mosby, for her role in RFH’s Miracle on 34th Street, is competing for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama with: Emily Esposito, Matawan Regional High School, Cocktails with Mimi; Laura Diorio, Middletown High School South, A Diamond as Big as the Ritz; Emily Mitro, Shore Regional High School, Lend Me a Tenor; Amanda Spina, St. John Vianney High School, 3 One Acts.
In the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Mosby, who was Frau Blucher in RFH’s Young Frankenstein is competing with: Joelle Rosen, Long Branch High School, A Chorus Line; Rachel Calvosa, Freehold High School, The Addams Family; Julia Crean, Ocean Township High School, The Addams Family; Eliana Swartz, Red Bank Regional High School, Anything Goes; Alysa Finnegan, Mater Dei Prep, Curtains.
Break a leg, Julia and all the other competitors!
It’s curtain up on the 10th Annual Basie Awards on Wednesday and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH) directors, actors, musicians and techies have already gotten a standing ovation in nominations.
Among its 11 nominations, RFH is up for Outstanding Overall Production in both the Drama and Musical categories for its Miracle on 34th Street and Young Frankenstein. In the acting categories, senior Julia Mosby also garnered nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in both the drama and musical categories for her roles in Miracle on 34th Street and Young Frankenstein.
RFH was also nominated for:
• Outstanding Set/Scenic Design in a Drama, Miracle on 34th Street, Matthew Leddin;
• Outstanding Lighting Design in a Drama, Miracle on 34th Street, Matthew Leddin;
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama, Julia Mosby, Miracle on 34th Street;
• Outstanding Direction in a Drama, Suzanne Sweeney, Miracle on 34th Street;
• Outstanding Overall Production – Drama, Miracle on 34th Street, Suzanne Sweeney;
• Outstanding Set/Scenic Design in a Musical, Young Frankenstein, Matthew Leddin;
• Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical, Young Frankenstein, Matthew Leddin;
• Outstanding Student/Adult Orchestra, Young Frankenstein, Vincent Mottern;
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Julia Mosby, Young Frankenstein;
• Outstanding Direction in a Musical, Suzanne Sweeney, Young Frankenstein;
• Outstanding Overall Musical Production, Suzanne Sweeney, Young Frankenstein.
Since 2005, the Basie Awards have served as a means to honor excellence in Monmouth County high school productions and performances.
The 2015 awards will be presented at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on Wednesday night.
The three Count Basie Theatre Arts Impacts scholarships to be awarded to “high school seniors whose life, academic and career choice has been impacted by the arts” will also be announced at the ceremony: the Monmouth Medical Center/Barnabas Health Arts Impact Scholarship, the Monmouth County Freeholders’ Basie Scholarship for Continuing Education and the Moser-Taboada Arts Impact Scholarship.
For the full list of this year’s Basie Awards nominations, click here.
The following is an edited press release from the Fair Haven School District:
Make Your Mark was the theme of the Fair Haven School District Art Show, featuring more than 1,000 pieces of original art.
“The art show is a great way to celebrate student talents and diverse ideas,” Knollwood School Art Teacher Kelly Fogas said. “The displayed works and items created throughout the year show the growth of artistic ability, conceptualization, and eagerness in our students.”
Students in Kindergarten through third grade at Viola L. Sickles School and in fourth through eighth grade at Knollwood School each contributed at least one project for display at the show on April 14.
This year’s show represented the district’s implementation of new standards in the Visual Arts program.
Those standards focus on essential questions to help develop both critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Fair Haven Visual Arts students are encouraged to create, present, respond, and connect their artwork to ideas that have personal meaning. This was reflected in the context of each of the displayed pieces.
Featured at the Art Show this year was a ceramics wheel and the Knollwood students’ creations from its use. The wheel was acquired as the result of a grant requested by and awarded to the Knollwood School Art Teachers by the Fair Haven Parent Teacher Association.
Also on display at the show was a variety of drawings and paintings as well as paper, wood and ceramic sculptures.
Fair Haven School District Art Teachers are: RoseAnn LaBrocca K-3, Viola L. Sickles School; Kelly Fogas grades 4 to 8, Knollwood School; and Chris Dudick, 5th and 8th grades, Knollwood School.
Art Show coordinators were Stephanie Bates and Marisa Coar.
The following is a press release from the Rumson School District:
From soulful ballads by talented vocalists and stirring performances by accomplished pianists, to comedy and dance extravaganzas and even a hard rock performance, there was something for everyone at the Forrestdale Follies talent show.
Presented by the Rumson Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), the Follies took place on the evening of April 16 in the school’s auditorium. Proceeds benefited the Rumson PTO.
The National Weather Service is telling us that the weekend weather forecast calls for brighter skies and higher temps.
So, what better time to take advantage of the events planned for the area this weekend. And there’s lots to do …
Friday
• Everyone’s hangin’ loose in memory of Silvio Fabbri in the back room of Umberto’s in Fair Haven on Fridays, starting at 7 p.m.
It’s a great way to remember Silvio, the iconic Fair Haven pizza maker and friend to all, and hang with friends and neighbors in the community.
“Hanga loose,” reminisce and enjoy!
• Coastal Decor in Fair Haven is hosting at 7:30 p.m. a Green Beachy Living event billed as a “fun night of shopping and nutrition” at it’s River Road store.
Click here for more information.
• Noel Coward’s Present Laughter is playing at the Navesink Library Theater tonight and tomorrow night, April 24, 25, with an 8:15 p.m. curtain.
A matinee is set for Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Saturday
• It should be a great day to fly a kite, and just in time for Sea Bright’s Come Fly With Us Kite Festival at Sea Bright Public Beach.
People of all ages are invited to gather at the beach at 11 a.m. and, well, go fly a kite!
There will be prizes and giveaways.
• Don’t forget that Saturday is Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps Day.
In the immediate area, the twice annual beach clean-up is being held at Sea Bright Public Beach, the beach in back of Borough Hall and Gaiter’s Restaurant in the northern section of Sea Bright from 9 to 12:30 p.m..
Here’s a list of other locations close by:
• Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion, 29 Ocean Avenue, Monmouth Beach;
• Leonardo Public Beach South, 1 Concord Avenue and the beach, north side of Leonardo State Marine Launch ramp, Leonardo section of Middletown;
• Ideal Beach at Ocean and Bayside, Middletown;
• Bayshore Waterfront Park, 719 Port Monmouth Rd., Port Monmouth section of Middletown;
For more locations and information, click here.
• Rumson’s First Presbyterian Church is hosting a healthy earth, body and mind slate of events showcasing healthy cooking, gardening, exercise and aromatherapy starting at 1 p.m. at the church on River Road.
• Monmouth Players’ Present Laughter at 8:15 p.m. (See the above entry.)
Sunday
• The annual Red Bank International Flavour Festival comes to the borough’s White Street parking lot from noon to 7 p.m.
The festival features the usual tastes and toasts of area food and craft booths and music by several area bands.
Proceeds for the event are donated to Monmouth Day Care Center, Red Bank RiverCenter and Parker Family Health Clinic.
• Matinee of Monmouth Players’ Present Laughter. (See Friday’s entry above).
The weekend forecast calls for a lot of sun and fun in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
Plan accordingly. Get out and to all or a few of the events on tap.
Friday
• Everyone’s hangin’ loose in memory of Silvio Fabbri in the back room of Umberto’s in Fair Haven on Fridays, starting at 7 p.m.
Great way to remember Silvio and hang with friends and neighbors in the community.
“Hanga loose” and enjoy, as Silvio would say.
Continue reading The R-FH Area Weekend: Hanga Loose, Whale of a Sale, George Giffin Dance & Theater
The following is an edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:
The stars shone brightly at the 2015 Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Talent Show.
Proceeds from the April 9 show — organized by the Student Government Association (SGA) and featuring a variety of crowd-pleasing entertainment by dancers, singers, musicians and comedians — benefitted the American Cancer Society.
“I think this was the best show yet,” RFH World Languages Teacher and SGA Advisor Yannell Maglione said. “The RFH students are extremely talented and it showed in their performances.”
“We were also able to raise $2,000 for a wonderful foundation: the American Cancer Society.”
The following is an edited press release from the Rumson School District:
The sun will come out tomorrow, but it was the stars that shone brightly in the musical Annie jr. presented by the Forrestdale Drama Club in March.
The production, with a cast of more than 30, was directed by Vinny Sabatino, with musical direction by Forrestdale music teacher Barbara Leutz.
The show starred and featured: Gina Teschke as Annie; Sophia Bocklage as Miss Hannigan; Kate Gagliardi as Ms. Warbucks; Mara Campolattaro as Grace Farrell; Rory McGill and Annabel Morris as the “shady characters” Rooster and Lily St. Regis; and Rachel Bailey as Annie’s dog, Sandy.
Continue reading Sun Shines on Forrestdale’s Production of ‘Annie jr.’
The upcoming weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area is all about pets getting religion, a goodbye to a community icon and some classic musical theater entertainment.
Starting on Friday night …
• It’s show time for an old favorite musical Godspell, a production by Monmouth Players at the old Navesink Library, the longtime community theater company’s home base.
Curtain is 8:15 p.m. this evening as well as Saturday and March 20.
There are Sunday matinees this weekend, on March 15, and on March 22 at 2 p.m.
Click here for more information.
On Saturday …
• It’s time for a sad goodbye, yet joyous celebration of the life of lifetime Fair Havenite Chum Chandler.
All are welcome to attend this celebration of the community icon and 65-year member of the Fair Haven Fire Department on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Fair Haven Firehouse on River Road.
Click here for Chum’s obituary.
• And at 5 p.m., St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church at 7 Lincoln Avenue in Rumson is holding its first pet-friendly, hour-long service.
All are invited to bring their pets to church. Dogs must be leashed and all other animals must be contained.
The service kicks off a new monthly tradition at the church.
Click here for more information.
Let us know if we’ve left anything out (at evd@rfhretro.com) and have a happy, healthy weekend, all! See you around the towns!
The following is an edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:
Young Frankenstein is coming to the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) stage.
The Tower Players will present the what was officially known as The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein on March 20, 21, and 22. Based on the classic 1974 comedy film, the stage version features music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan.
Young Frankenstein tells the story of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (played by Laurence Morales), a professor at a medical school who leaves behind his fiancée Elizabeth (Eli Rallo) and travels to Transylvania to claim the estate of his grandfather – the creator of the famous Frankenstein monster.
After years spent rejecting his family name, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein is visited by the ghosts of his ancestors who convince him to stay and repeat his grandfather’s experiments.
The castle’s current residents — Frau Blucher (Julia Mosby), Igor (Bailie Stypa), and Inga (Jen Andreacchi) — do their best to help Frederick bring his own monster (Michael Shaw) to life. Then the comedy ensues.
The RFH production features a cast of 42 students in singing, dancing and acting roles.
It is directed by RFH English teacher Suzanne Sweeney, who tailored the script for the high school-age actors and audience. Kasi Ann Sweeney is assistant director, and RFH Tower Players alum Patricia McCarron is the production’s choreographer along with Valerie Herman of Forrestdale School.
Costumes and props are under the direction of Carole Malik. RFH Social Studies teacher Matthew Leddin is overseeing the tech crew of 40 students. The set construction is being supplemented with contributions from the students in RFH Industrial Technology teacher Dino Pagano’s Stagecraft class.
The pit orchestra, comprised of RFH students as well as professional musicians, will be conducted by Music Director Vincent Mottern who is acting as coach for vocal performances as well.
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the café in the RFH gymnasium during intermissions and after each performance. Also offered for sale in the café will be CDs featuring music performed by RFH student-musicians.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, and $6 for students and seniors. Admission is free for RFH students with SGA cards.
To purchase tickets online, visit www.rumsonfairhaven.org and click on Young Frankenstein under Featured News.
For more information about purchasing tickets, please contact Play Production Coordinator Stefania Flecca at sflecca@rumsonfairhaven.org.
The box office will be open for ticket purchases an hour before each performance. Friday and Saturday evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinee will be at 1:00 p.m., in the RFH Auditorium.
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