Category Archives: Arts & Entertainment

Keep up to date with the arts events in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

The R-FH Area Weekend: Concert, Shakespeare, Poppins & Cars

July 10, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The sun is out and it looks like it’s going to be shining for the much less humid weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

And the weekend events are the perfect complement to the weather forecast.

Friday

• Hanga Loose Fridays continue at Umberto’s. Come and “hanga loose” in the back room of the restaurant on River Road in honor of Silvio Fabbri’s memory.

Stop by any time after 7 p.m.

• And, guess what? It’s time for the first Concert at the Fair Haven Dock tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The concert tonight features The Lads and is, of course, free at the dock at the foot of Fair Haven Road on the Navesink.

See you there!

• For theatergoers, Shakespeare in the park at Brookdale opens tonight.

Curtain (or something like that) for Titus Andronicus is 7 p.m. on the Great Lawn of Brookdale Community College’s campus in the Lincroft section of Middletown. Head to Parking Lot 2 and bring chairs.

For more information, call 732-224-2411.

• Phoenix Productions’ summer musical Mary Poppins is playing the weekend starting with a curtain at 8 p.m. tonight at the Count Basie Theatre.

Call 732-842-9000 for more information.

Saturday

• St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church in Rumson is holding services on the beach on Saturdays for the summer.

The services will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Ancorage beach in Sea Bright, right over the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge (to the left coming from the Rumson direction).

Call 732-842-0596 for more information.

• Titus Andronicus curtain is 7 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Brookdale. See above post for more information.

• Curtain for Phoenix Productions’ Mary Poppins is 7 p.m. See above for more information.

Sunday

• Don’t forget the Red Bank Farmers Market at the Galleria parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lots of organic produce, baked goods, coffee, crafts and more.

• It’s car show season and the Red Bank firefighters from Liberty Hose are hosting their annual classic car show in the White Street parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Matinee curtain for Phoenix Productions’ Mary Poppins at the Count Basie Theatre is 3 p.m.

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

A Look Back at Forrestdale’s Evening of Fine Arts

July 6, 2015 Elaine Van Develde

Knollwood School Music Teacher John Lebitsch leads a performance by student-musicians from Forrestdale School at the Evening of Fine Arts. Photo/Rumson School District — Knollwood School Music Teacher John Lebitsch leads a performance by student-musicians from Forrestdale School at the Evening of Fine Arts.
Photo/Rumson School District

Did you make it to the Forrestdale Evening of Fine Arts?

Here’s a look back at the art show and concert held on the evening of May 28:

Artwork by students in fourth through eighth grade filled the school, with three-dimensional work in the lobby and cafeteria and framed works lining the halls.

“The artwork is amazing, and I would especially like to thank the Parent Teacher Organization and Rumson Education Foundation for recognizing the importance of art in our children’s education,” said Forrestdale Visual Arts Instructor Amy Lepping. “I would also like to extend a special thank you to Art Club members Pia Binns, Sophia Kho, Isabella Hu, and Shelly Champeau who help organize and prepare artwork for display.”

“I would also like to thank all of our tireless volunteers!”

The evening’s Concert held in the school auditorium featured Junior Choir and Senior Choir directed by Forrestdale Music Teacher Barbara Leutz, and Beginning Band and Jazz Ensemble directed by Forrestdale Music Teacher John Lebitsch.

Musical performances …

• America (featuring Hannah Duprey, Piano) – Junior Choir
• Scales and Arpeggios (from The Aristocats) – Junior Choir
• Imagine – Junior Choir
• Yellow Submarine – Junior Choir
• E.F.A. Fanfare – Beginning Band
• When the Band Goes Marching In – Beginning Band
• Hard Rock Blues – Beginning Band
• Lightning! – Senior Choir
• It’s Only a Paper Moon – Jazz Ensemble
• Get Back – Jazz Ensemble

— Rumson School District press release

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

An RFH ‘Night of the Arts’

June 18, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

RFH freshman Julia Wagner with her 1st Place-winning pastel at Night of the Arts.

RFH senior Hannah Anderson with her portfolio, which won an OWL Award at the Night of the Arts Juried Art Show.

RFH senior John Esposito demonstrates his technique as part of a presentation by students at the Night of the Arts Juried Art Show.

RFH senior Lauren Mueller paints into a design she created on wood as part of an informal presentation by art students at Night of the Arts.

RFH junior Max Taffin with his sculpture, a 2nd Place winner at the Night of the Arts Juried Art Show.

Did you make it to Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH’s) Night of the Arts?

If not, here’s a glimpse of what you missed.

If so, take a look back!

— Photos/courtesy of RFH

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

For Art’s Sake: Showing Off Artwork at Deane-Porter

June 4, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Talented students recently shared their artwork at the Deane-Porter School Art Show.

The exhibit featured the creations of students in kindergarten, first, second, and third grades.

The featured art included: Monet-inspired landscapes, cool color penguins, symmetrical butterflies, crazy pumpkins, self-portraits as king or queen, and texture trees (kindergarten); Chinese New Year dragons, Kandinsky-inspired concentric hearts, painted and printed weaving, and snowman with percolator app (first grade); coil pots, Kachina masks, Audubon-inspired cardinals, and Faith Ringgold cityscapes (second grade); slab pottery, Greek columns, and Matisse-inspired landscapes (third grade).

Continue reading For Art’s Sake: Showing Off Artwork at Deane-Porter →

Arts & Entertainment, Local Life

RFH’s Talent on a Star Track at Riverfest

June 1, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The Jake Tavill Band at Riverfest 2015 Photo/Daryl Ley — The Jake Tavill Band at Riverfest 2015
Photo/Daryl Ley

Some Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) stars are born — again.

A few RFH alumni and present students, mixed with Middletown students — all together in the blues/soul/rock Jake Tavill Band — won the Riverfest Musicians on a Mission Battle of the Bands at the annual riverfront event in Red Bank on Friday night.

“I am beyond the moon right now!!” said Rumsonite Jake Tavill on his Facebook page. “We won the Riverfest Musicians on a Mission Battle of the Bands!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who came, everyone who cheered, the judges, all the bands that played, Musicians On A Mission, Brenda Wirth, Riverfest, the crew and techs, the sponsors, and my amazing band members. This wouldn’t have been possible without all of you!!! Thank you!!! I am truly grateful.”

The band is comprised of RFH alum Ben Ley, RFH senior, actress and fiddler Julia Mosby, Middletown High School South student Nick Ryan, Tavill, Middletown High School North senior Anthony Flora, guitarist/vocalist Christian Ace, of Manasquan Music Dance Arts, and Casey O’Connell.

Congrats, Jake Tavill Band!

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

Getting All Jazzy at RFH

May 22, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading Getting All Jazzy at RFH →

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

All About Knollwood’s ‘James and the Giant Peach’

May 21, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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!”

Arts & Entertainment, Local Life

Break a Leg at the Basie Awards, RFH’s Julia Mosby!

May 20, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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!

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

RFH Scores Big in Basie Award Nominations

May 18, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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.

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

Fair Haven Schools Students Make Their Mark with Art

May 11, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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.

Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

Getting Festive with Forrestdale Follies

May 6, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading Getting Festive with Forrestdale Follies →

Arts & Entertainment, Local Life

R-FH Area Weekend: Kites, Beach Sweeps, Flavour Fest & More

April 24, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

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).