The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Art

The 57th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show

by

Saturday & Sunday, September 29 & September 30

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rain or Shine

205 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY 10504

Top Rated and Nationally Ranked in “The Top 50” Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs, the 57th Annual

Armonk Outdoor Art Show continues its long tradition of showcasing well curated and diverse fine art.

It’s About Art …

The show features 185 juried artists from 28 states, Israel and Canada, including 38 new artists this year.

A broad range of art in every medium and price point will be on display, including painting, mixed mediums, printmaking/drawing/ pastels, sculpture, photography/digital art, wearable art, and fine crafts.

Free personal consultants, trained in fine art and home design, are available to assist visitors in selecting art that best fits their taste and decor.

… And Entertainment!

Music and “Hands-on-Art Activities” for All Ages

Family Activities Tent – Free Fun-Filled Activities under a Big-Top Tent, sponsored by:

The Harvey School- Interactive programs, appropriate for children ages 5-12.

First Five – Hands on projects, appropriate for children ages 1-5 with adult participation

And, an Engaging Alliance of Arts Organizations:

Neuberger Museum Katonah Museum of Art, Clay Arts Center, and Rye Arts Center

Food, Craft Beer and Wine – Diverse Vendors and New Additions!

Luke’s Lobster, Captain Lawrence Brewing and BBQ by Taylored Menus

Gold Sponsors: Boies Schiller Flexner, Equinox, Frank Madonna Real Estate, Northern Westchester Hospital, William Raveis, Rosen & Company, Inc., Toll Brothers, White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness

The Art Show is sponsored by Friends of the North Castle Public Library, Inc.  

Admission price: $12, $10 for seniors or with coupon, children under 18 free.

Ample free parking on site.  Sorry, no dogs allowed.

For information, and discount coupons, visit: www.armonkoutdoorartshow.org

Facebook /armonkoutdoorartshow | Instagram @armonkoutdoorartshow

I love the Armonk Outdoor Art Show and how it supports the immediate community and welcomes all to attend from near and far. The show is a study in sheer creativity and professionalism. So come check out ‘what’s new this year’ among the works created using so many different artistic mediums. The artists themselves are always so engaging and informative. With delicious food and drink from assorted eateries (always exciting given Armonk’s wonderful dining scene, too) and activities for kids too, hosted by generous sponsors. So come one, come all for a day of appreciating art and maybe picking up something really special, too. Rain or no rain, this show will “Shine.”
– Grace Bennett

Caroline Christie
Colrain, MA
Photography
Ummarid Eitharong
Orlando, FL
Painting: Oils & Acrylics
Robert Hessler
Kingston, NY
Clay
Eugene Perry
Philadelphia, PA
Sculpture

Byram Hills High School unveils Latest Interdisciplinary Art Mural with a Focus on Physics

by

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA FLAM

At Byram Hills High School, unwelcoming hallways full of cold, bare cinder block wall have become the oversized canvas for colorful, creative and incredibly detailed paintings celebrating subjects like literature, history and chemistry. These eye-catching, collaborative pieces of hallway art have sparked conversation, and maybe even some inspiration as well.

The murals of Byram Hills, created every other springtime, are the product of visual arts teacher John Anthony Lopez, who works with other educators to transform curriculum into carefully crafted artwork. In total, a mural will take 18-months to complete, with students involved in its production the whole way. From the beginning, the jobs of research and image input fall upon students who are taking courses in the mural’s subject area. Later, the mural is finished off with a four week period of painting by Mr. Lopez’s advanced drawing and painting class.

Creating Enduring Artwork

“The goal is, first of all, to create a lasting testament to the students and the curriculum, but also to give students an experience in creating public art,” Mr. Lopez said. “It’s something they can come back to in years, and even decades to come.”

Each mural features an abundance of historical figures, sites and works of art or literature that relate to the curriculum. The murals are painted in the proximity of the classrooms where the subject is taught, sometimes bringing several stretches of cinder block to life.

“They’re an expression of the importance that our faculty sees in their curriculum, and in different ways of expressing it,” Mr. Lopez said. “And it shows a love of the material.”

Music Mural Kicked Off Project

The first mural came about in 2008 when Aaron Lockwood and Marna Weiss of the Music Department worked with Mr. Lopez to make the band and orchestra space feel less industrial in a way that incorporated the curriculum. The result was the two-part band and orchestra mural that features famous artists from Duke Ellington to Mozart.

Mr. Lockwood, the only teacher whose mural is inside a classroom, still refers to it a decade after its creation.

“I find it especially inspiring when I can point to a face on the mural, and make a connection to the composer and/or the style of music being played in class,” he said. “Recently, to generate a conversation about the Mozart piece that we were learning in class, I pointed to the wall and said, ‘Mozart is watching. If he were to comment on your articulation, what would he say?’”

After this success, murals were produced for World Languages, Chemistry, World History, and Literature in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 respectively.

Einstein Serves as Inspiration for Latest Mural

This spring, the sixth and most ambitious mural to date, was created. It’s called “The Evolution of Physics,” named after the title of Albert Einstein’s famous book.  The mural covers two 30-foot walls that face each other, and features over 30 noted physicists from across history.

For the first time, this mural features 3D elements such as a solar system and golden spheres traveling downhill to demonstrate acceleration. In an interactive twist, QR codes have been included throughout the work of art, which can be scanned for more information (this project is not yet completed; biographies of the physicists that can be viewed once the QR code is scanned are being worked on by current physics students).

Hidden in this mural are meanings and metaphors left for visitors to uncover. Why is Johannes Kepler dropping the apple onto Isaac Newton’s head? Why is Einstein looking toward Newton across the hall? In this mural, placement of the figures is all relative, stimulating realizations and reinforcing material learned in the classroom.

“It’s that surprise factor,” said physics teacher Paul Beeken, who spearheaded the mural with Mr. Lopez. “We’re hoping this will be the hook to keep students interested. By design, this wall involves dozens of different themes all running concurrently. That’s the whole point. We want them to come back to the wall four and five times, and each time see something different. It’s complicated on purpose.”

Dr. Beeken, whose excitement for this project is driven by his passion for physics, hopes the mural will generate student interest in the sciences.

“I’m not trying to turn them into scientists per se, but I do want them to appreciate its importance in their lives,” he said. “I’m shameless in trying to get kids hooked on the idea of learning how science serves them and the framework for understanding our world.”

How successful the mural will be at generating interest in the sciences has yet to be seen, but one thing is for certain, it draws plenty of attention.   

“The walls were really bland before,” said Danielle Cronin, a rising senior at Byram Hills High School who assisted with the painting of the physics mural. “I think the mural really makes people come to the physics hallway to figure out what the mural is about.”

Theater, Concerts and More…

by

If you have followed the Inside Press long enough, you know that we love the arts. For this special arts edition, we also went out of our way to round up some highlights in and around town that have come to our attention. We encourage you to reserve tickets to your favorite theater company–or discover some new ones here, and the stellar productions and/or lectures and readings planned. For a family bonding experience like no other, don’t forget to take in a Summer Concert too on your favorite town green. So, for a fine afternnoon or evening out, here are some exemplary suggestions we gathered for our June ‘arts’ focus:

Don’t see a production here you’d like us to include? Send a note to grace@insidepress.com with your suggestion for adding in!

‘Anything Goes’

Bon voyage! Anything Goes, showing at the Westchester Broadway Theater from July 5- September 9, is the winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and considered one of the greatest Tap Dancing musicals of all time. A brassy nightclub singer, a starry-eyed stowaway and Public Enemy No. 13 are booked on a transatlantic luxury liner bound for romance and laughter. Cole Porter’s delightful, delicious, “De-Lovely” first-class score includes some of the musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “It’s De-Lovely,” and many more! Visit Westchester’s premier dinner/theater: BroadwayTheatre.com

‘The Dog in the Dressing Room’

The Schoolhouse Theater & Arts Center presents The Dog in the Dressing Room by Deborah Savadge June 14th through July 1st.  Get ready for a romantic comedy where jealousies, games and secrets are uncorked along with the champagne! Starring Estelle Bajou, Gregory Perri and Jack Utrata.  Savadge is the winner of the Playwrights First Award and the Golden Prize for her play, DARK AT THE CENTER.  The play is being directed by Schoolhouse Theater’s Artistic Director Bram Lewis. For more information and tickets, visit:  schoolhousetheater.org

Summer Concerts in Armonk

At beautiful Wampus Pond, the whole family is invited to come to one or all of the four free, Saturday (8 p.m.) concerts planned by The Small Town Theater Company. The line-up is as follows:

  • July 14 Soul: 3D Rhythm of Life
  • July 28 Jazz: Charlie Lagond
  • August 11 Rock: 1 Stop Pony Band
  • August 25 Broadway:  Mew Rochelle Opera

In the event of inclement weather, concerts will move to Whippoorwill Hall, adjacent to the North Castle Public Library. Visit smalltowntheater.com

‘Right to Harm’

At the Clive Davis Arts Center at the New Bedford Playhouse, on June 14, there will be a special screening and Q&A event with legendary New York Times food author, activist and personality, Mark Bittman. Documentary Right to Harm, produced by Hourglass Films, takes a provocative look at the massive and secretive industrial farming business in rural America–and poses the question, “Are the economic rights of agri-businesses more of a priority than the very basic human rights of individual Americans?” Tickets limited; on sale May 21 at Bedfordplayhouse.org

Looking Ahead: Screening and Q&A Event with Glenn Close, July 30.

‘Annie’

Summer Musical Theater and Arts Day Camp will be doing a production of Annie on Friday, July 13 at 7 p.m. at Whippoorwill Hall, Armonk Library. Tickets are available at the door or by advance reservation, 914 238 0388.  Adults are $15, Children 12 and under are $10. The camp runs from June 25-July 13 in Chappaqua from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. The kids will study two instruments, make sets, do fine art, singing, acting, and dancing and have a blast performing the show.

More information:  amadeusconservatory.com 

No Spring Chicken’

Staged Reading of ‘No Spring Chicken’

By Ginna Hoben With Ginna Hoben and Sheffield Chastain

Friday June 15, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Q&A immediately following. At the Whippoorwill Theatre, North Castle Public Library Kent Place, Armonk  hudsonstage.com

“No Spring Chicken’ is a refreshing and heartfelt comedy about one 40-year-old’s effort to achieve, survive, and (without medication) complete a healthy pregnancy, to fulfill her life’s wish to have a child.” Broadway World

And at ‘ChappPac’…

Friends of Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, a New York non-profit (with federal status pending), is working with the Town and community to help create a live cultural arts center in Chappaqua. Friends of ChappPAC will kick off a number of programs and initiatives later this year. Stay tuned for ways to get involved. Or, email Michele Gregson at michelegregson@me.com for information on how to become involved or learn about opportunities to support it.

Lowey Announces 2018 Congressional Art Competition

by

Lowey Announces 2018 Congressional Art Competition

Winner will travel to Washington, DC, meet with Congresswoman Lowey, and have art displayed in U.S. Capitol.  

Deadline for submissions is April 17, 2018.  

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester) today announced the 2018 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 17th Congressional District.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Each spring, students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their districts and at an annual awards ceremony in June in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.

“New York’s 17th Congressional District is fortunate to be home to so many excellent young artists, whose talents make important contributions to the Lower Hudson Valley’s identity,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “I always look forward to this competition because it’s a chance to recognize the creativity and talent of our young people, and to showcase their work to countless  visitors in the U.S. Capitol every year.”

All entries must be submitted to either Congresswoman Lowey’s White Plains or New City office by Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Students may submit their two-dimensional artwork and release form by mail or in person on weekdays between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM.

The competition is open to high school students only.

The judged competition will take place in late April or early May. In addition to having their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol, the first place winner will also be invited to attend a reception in Washington, DC, and to meet with Congresswoman Lowey and other nationwide winners.

For information and guidelines about the competition, visit Congresswoman Lowey’s website HERE. Students, parents, and teachers can also contact the congresswoman’s District Representative Yma Oriaat Yma.Oria@mail.house.gov (preferred) or (914) 428-1707.

###

 

Zany Fun at ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’… Just Look Up First!

by

 

(l-r) Harrison Unger, Jonathan Fielding, Clifton Duncan, Amelia McClain, Alex Mandell in the Olivier and Tony Award winning production of The Play That Goes Wrong, co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, directed by Mark Bell. On Broadway at The Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street).Photo: Jeremy Daniel.

 Soon after the audience took its seats for the Tony Award winning and Broadway comedy mega hit The Play that Goes Wrong, a member of the ‘crew’ recommended we  ‘look up.’ “The light fixtures are ancient,” he deadpanned. “And if we were sitting under one of them we ‘might want to move’ (as if we even could)…fair warning to patrons that even ‘before the show,’ nothing would be sacred or safe, and if something could go wrong, it probably would! We giggled, if a tad nervously.

The actor’s matter of fact ‘warning’ set the tone as members of a 1920s era ‘Cornley University Drama Society’ struggle valiantly to perform their roles in The Play that Goes Wrong, a double murder mystery… over the course of getting to the bottom of whodunit, the actors are ‘challenged’ by a virtual onslaught of Mad Hat mishaps. Mind you, these consummate actors all the while are effortlessly employing classic devices of comic genius whether forgetting their own lines or reciting one another’s, or yelling at the audience (“‘You are a terrible audience!” one actor bellowed to our laughter) while navigating a precarious set in which everything either bops you in the nose or eventually collapses during the ensuing mayhem.

Grab some tickets too to enjoy these hilarious and classic British ‘slapstick’ performances complete with dead bodies rising (and reappearing), staircases falling, doors slamming, a kooky affair, a nutty brawl for the lead female role, and so much more! Co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, The Play That Goes Wrong manages to induce a feeling of hopefulness about life. Despite the potential for everything to go magnificently wrong at every possible moment, you can still feel happy! And, laugh your head off! Yes, it’s true! Simply give in and lose yourself to the nonsensical, and you too may happily spring up with everyone else in a standing ovation to honor this clever, well choreographed production and in appreciation of a thoroughly entertaining eve out on Broadway in the beautiful Lyceum Theater.  More mini reviews and tickets info from the producers, below.— Grace Bennett

 

Reviews and Info from The Play that Goes Wrong:

“Year’s best! This plucky British import, against all odds (and more than a few pundits), outlasted every play that opened last season by cleaving wholly to a pure vision of comedy.” – Forbes

“One of the best Broadway debuts of the year. The Play That Goes Wrong was all about precision in its humor and each of the ensemble players delivered. Nothing was funnier or as well-executed onstage in 2017.” – Entertainment Tonight

The Tony Award winning hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong continues to go right into the New Year! The producers of the longest running play currently on Broadway have announced that a new block of tickets is now on sale through July 1, 2018 following its best week ever and highest gross yet of $707,315. for the week ending December 31, 2017.

The Broadway cast of The Play That Goes Wrong stars Ashley Bryant (Emotional Creature) as “Annie,” Clifton Duncan (City Center Encores! Assassins) as “Robert,” Mark Evans (Paper Mill Playhouse’s Mary Poppins) as “Chris,” Jonathan Fielding (Noises Off) as “Jonathan,” Alex Mandell (Hand to God) as Max, Amelia McClain (Noises Off) as “Sandra,” Harrison Unger (Broadway debut) as “Dennis” and Akron Watson (The Color Purple) as “Trevor.” The company also features Preston Truman Boyd (Sunset Boulevard), Ned Noyes (You Can’t Take It With You), Ashley Reyes (Broadway debut) and Katie Sexton (Broadway debut).

The Play That Goes Wrong began performances March 9 and officially opened on Broadway on April 2 at The Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street).

The Broadway production of The Play That Goes Wrong received the 2017 Tony Award for Best Set Design, a Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for Best Play and the Theater Fans Award Choice Award for Best Play.

Awarded 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, 2014 WhatsOnStage Best New Comedy and 2015 UK BroadwayWorld Best New Play Awards, The Play That Goes Wrong is now in its fourth year in the West End, is currently on a 30 week UK tour and currently playing on six continents. The producers have avoided Antarctica for fear of a frosty reception. 

It is a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a play which started its life at a London fringe venue with only four paying members of the public at the first performance, and has gone on to play to an audience of over 1.5 million people around the world.

Mischief Theatre, led by Artistic Director Henry Lewis and Company Director Jonathan Sayer, was founded in 2008 by a group of graduates of The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and began as an improvised comedy group. Mischief Theatre performs across the UK and internationally with improvised and original scripted work.

In addition to the current hit London production of The Play That Goes Wrong at The Duchess Theatre, Mischief Theatre’s The Comedy About A Bank Robbery plays The Criterion Theatre and in January 2017 their production of Peter Pan Goes Wrong completed a limited holiday run at The Apollo Theatre to rave reviews, making Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields the youngest ever writers to have three shows playing simultaneously in the West End. Their specially filmed studio version of Peter Pan Goes Wrong was broadcast by the BBC on New Year’s Eve 2016 and this year they were commissioned to write A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong which broadcast on BBC One over Christmas. Both shows were seen by over six million people in the UK. 

The Play That Goes Wrong is directed by Mark Bell, featuring set design by Tony Award Winner Nigel Hook, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Andy Johnson and costume design by Roberto Surace.

The Play That Goes Wrong is produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, J.J. Abrams, Kenny Wax, Stage Presence Ltd., Catherine Schreiber, Ken Davenport, Double Gemini Productions / deRoy-Brunish, Damian Arnold / TC Beech, Greenleaf Productions / Bard-Roth, Martian Entertainment / Jack Lane / John Yonover and Lucas McMahon.

Tickets for the Broadway production are available by calling Telecharge at 800-447-7400, online at www.telecharge.com or in person at the The Lyceum Theatre box office (149 West 45th Street).