The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

The Chappaqua Orchestra’s *2018* Chamber Series – Brahms Sextets

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TCO Chamber Players perform two educational concerts focusing on each of the Brahms Sextets for Strings Op 18 & 36.
Educational Commentary throughout w/Q & A.

Opus 36
Saturday October 27, 2018 – 3pm

Uli Speth, Violin

David Restivo, Violin

Nicole Peragine, Viola

Greg Williams, Viola

Bernie Tamosaitis, Cello

Seth Jacobs, Cello

Opus 18
Saturday November 10, 2018 – 3pm

Uli Speth, Violin

Clare Detko, Violin

Nicole Peragine, Viola

Greg Williams, Viola

Julian Langford, Cello

Seth Jacobs, Cello

Educational Commentary by esteemed Musicologist:
Joshua Berrett, Ph. D.

***

Free

Chappaqua Performing Arts Center,

480 Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY

Sponsored by the Town of New Castle

Hot Ticket: ‘An Evening With Robert Klein’ on June 30th at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

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Rolling Stones Magazine Named Robert Klein one of the Top 50 Comedians of All Time

Robert Klein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Klein will be performing at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on June 30th at 8 p.m.. An iconic comedian, Robert Klein has been in the comedy business for over 40 years and continues to have an acclaimed career in comedy, on Broadway, and in film and television. Passionate about making people laugh and sharing his love of comedy with audiences, comedy-legend Robert Klein’s show, “An Evening With Robert Klein,” should not be missed.

Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster: 

https://www.ticketmaster.com/Robert-Klein-tickets/artist/702598

or at: www.chappaquapac.org

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Robert Klein about his upcoming show and his career in comedy:

 Julia Bialek: Tell me about your new show! What is it about?

 Robert Klein: It’s actually not a “new” show. I’ve written 14 hours of material in my career, but everything seems to be new when people hear about it for the first time! I have developed a large repertoire from the nine HBO specials I did, but I always improvise a little during shows. And this show is particularly fun because it’s local! I live right by the venue.

JB: From where did you draw your inspiration when creating the material?

RK: Everything. When I was starting out, I talked about my short experience as a substitute teacher, which I did after Yale Drama School. Now I talk about being old. There isn’t one theme to my comedy. A million people look at an event or situation, and I look at it, and I find a funny thing in it. That’s my talent, that’s what I have been doing for nearly 50 years. Actually I have been doing it since I was a young boy, but now I don’t get in trouble for it.

JB: Were you a jokester growing up?

RK: Yes. My father was too. I think being a jokester runs in my family. But that is often the case with comedians. It’s an odd way to make a living, but making people laugh is a really wonderful thing. Everyone loves to laugh in good and bad times, and I love to make them laugh. Currently in comedy, a lot of people utilize political satire. I just recently worked with Alec Baldwin on a few episodes of Will and Grace. I reminded him that if he did the material that he does on Saturday Night Live in some other countries, he would be in jail or dead!

JB: Do you have any favorite political material that you have created?

RK: I have often utilized political satire, especially around the time of Watergate. Mind Over Matter was my first comedy album which I devoted a lot of to the Watergate scandal. That is actually the album that influenced a lot of other comedians (Bill Maher, Jay Leno, John Stewart, etc.) to go into comedy since there wasn’t a lot of political satire at the time. The culture was different then, you couldn’t just say whatever you wanted. In fact when I was in a summer replacement show in 1970 with Glen Campbell, I got eight shows and was warned not to do Vietnam materials. My career has spanned all of these changes.

JB: How has stand-up comedy changed over the years?                

RK: As I said, one of the changes is that things are not censored anymore. It’s gone too far the other way actually, where profanity is used for shock value, sometimes as a substitute for wit. That’s one way it has changed–anything goes. Additionally, comedy has gotten much crueler than it used to be. They may call it political correctness, but I think caring about feelings is a value to be admired and pursued. It just means courtesy. Another big change, which is remarkable, is that when I started in the industry, stand-up comedy was not thought of as a profession. It wasn’t something where people said, “I want to be a comedian when I grow up.” Now, there are schools teaching it, and universities have stand-up courses. Tens of thousands of people pursue a profession in comedy!

JB: What made you turn to comedy?

 RK: I went to college pretty young, at 16. When I was at Alfred University in college, I started on the pre-med track, but chemistry, biology, spelling, comprehension, and physics all got in the way. While I was at Alfred, I participated in some of their amazing productions. The two men that ran the drama department told my dad that they could get me into the Yale School of Drama. My dad was incredulous, saying, “An Ivy League for acting?” But I did get in, and that year of graduate school was valuable in that it immersed me in the business, and it set me in the right direction. My biggest break was being hired by Second City in Chicago. It was, and still is, a great organization where I learned improvisation and set pieces. There was a certain amount of luck in that because I didn’t know how to get started, as I knew no one in business. One thing led to another and I’ve been doing this since I was 23. Except for a few months as substitute teacher and a few summer jobs, I’ve never done anything else in life. I am spoiled in that way: I had success quickly. I’ve been in six Broadway shows, over 40 feature films, hundreds of television shows. I’ve also written a book, a screenplay, and comedy albums. I’ve done everything you can do in show business. Working is natural for me and I’ve never thought of retiring. I love doing this and am doing it better than I have ever done it.

JB: Your work in comedy has influenced so many other successful comedians. What do you believe to be your legacy on the comedy community?

RK: That’s an interesting question. I am proud that there is a documentary about me on Starz Network! Unfortunately produced by Harvey Weinstein, it’s called, “Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg.” In it, all the famous comedians talk about how I influenced them, which I think is a big part of my legacy. I also think I try to be intelligent and tasteful and not too cruel in my work. I have always stuck to my guns. Yes, I use four letter words from time to time, but we’re adults. I like to use profanity like a good writer would. It’s a matter of class and I always thought my material was pretty intelligent. I put on a total show: I like to sing, and I use original material. In this business, there is a lot of stealing; Dickens could more easily have protected his work in 1850’s London than I can now! I always like being original, and I have never stolen from anyone else. I wrote every word of my comedy materials. It’s a legacy of intelligent, good comedy and making people feel better.

JB: Is there anything particular you are looking forward to for this show?

RK: I’m looking forward to the new venue here. I know it has been open for a year, but I’ve never been inside. I’m excited to see Reader’s Digest, which I pass to go to my dentist, and perform in such an intimate theater. I love live audiences because I feel incredibly fulfilled when I perform. I think that even though I’ve been in show business for a while, I still surprise people, especially because I do some music in my show. I also still get a big kick out of it. So tell everyone to come out and watch. Not that I am worried about it for any particular reason, but comedians have a tendency to die. See me before I die! Is that a good sales pitch?  “Come watch me before I die!”

Living Proof: An Evening of Hope & Healing to Raise Awareness About Suicide Prevention

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The Living Proof Performers
PHOTO BY DAVID WHOLE

In early March at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA), The Lagond Music School, and Music & Miles: Changing Minds joined forces to present a new multi-arts evening of energizing performances that shined a light on mental health issues and the power of the arts as a vehicle in sharing individual stories of healing in the face of adversity.

The evening of expressive arts benefitted the Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund at The Lagond Music School and The Mental Health Association of Westchester. Performances included nine musical and dance presentations along with three “Voices of Recovery” monologues. Radio DJs Coach and Bruce Figler of 107.1 The Peak, a media partner of the event, emceed the evening.

Shari and Ed Applebaum of Armonk, Miles’ parents, were the event co-chairs. When asked what she wanted attendees to take away from the evening’s performances, Shari, who is also a Suicide Bereavement Specialist at MHA said, “A sense of hope and healing. No one goes through life unscathed. Everyone has something that they’re dealing with whether it’s a mental or physical health issue.”

The Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund was established to honor and remember Miles Applebaum, a guitar student who studied at The Lagond Music School and later the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University. Miles died by suicide at the age of 21 in 2014, and the Scholarship Fund was created to carry on his dream by providing aspiring musicians the opportunity to ignite their passion and study music at The Lagond Music School, a nonprofit musical haven for students of all ages.

Shari and Ed Applebaum
PHOTO BY KELLY LEONARD

The 2018 scholarship winners were runner-up Audrey Pretnar, a guitarist from Mohegan Lake and winner Liam Kharem, a drummer and bass clarinetist from Sleepy Hollow.

Close friends of Miles who performed at the event hoped attendees would come away with a new awareness and understanding for those dealing with mental health issues. Annabelle Hiller in her onstage monologue said, “We live in a world where sensitivity is defined as weakness. Emotions are amazing, even the sh*tty ones.”

A unique element of the evening’s performances was each of the musicians, singers, performers, and speakers had been touched in some way by a suicide or an attempted suicide. They shared their experience, strength and hope from the stage through their words and artistry with the audience.

Roseanne Lanna, Lagond Music School Co-Founder and Executive Director, who also served along with Charlie Lagond as Show Director, said she hoped the evening would offer a “sense of awareness, of noticing when family, friends, or neighbors are not acting themselves or acting out of the ordinary and to especially watch out for neighbors. We’re all connected.”

In her remarks from the stage, Shari Applebaum encouraged the audience in “taking the time to notice [others] and ask, ‘Are you OK?’”

The Miles Applebaum Music Scholarship Fund was established to honor and remember Miles Applebaum, a guitar student at The Lagond Music School and later the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University.

To learn more, visit the websites of The Mental Health Association of Westchester https://www.mhawestchester.org, The Lagond Music School http://lagondmusic.org, and Music & Miles: Changing Minds https://www.musicandmiles.org.

 Bruce Williams
(L-R): Bruce Figler,
Rebecca Haviland, Chris Rodriguez AKA Coach
Living Proof Scholarship Winners
Liam Kharem, Audrey Pretnar

“Before The Flood” – Community Screening

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A call to action on climate change! Thursday, May 3 @ 7:00 – 9:00pm, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua). Community screening and discussion of the internationally acclaimed eco-documentary Before The Flood. The film, presented by National Geographic and filmmaker Fisher Stevens, follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he explores the effects of climate change around the globe with world leaders, and provides an in-depth look at the complex issues from all sides. Learn how individuals, communities, and countries can combat climate change through sustainable measures like waste reduction, renewable energy, and conservation. The screening and discussion are free and open to the public with seating on a first come basis. This event is being hosted by:  the New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board, t​he Horace Greeley High School Environmental Club S.T.O.P., Friends of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, the New Castle Arts & Culture Committee, and the Chappaqua Central School District. For more information, please contact: sab@mynewcastle.org #BeforeTheFlood

 

‘A New Beginning’

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(L-R): Town Justice Noah Sorkin, Town Councilwoman Ivy Pool, Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein and Town Councilwoman Lisa Katz
PHOTO BY HANNAH ROSENBERG

Members of the New Castle community gathered for a very special and monumental night for all, including myself. The event was the swearing in ceremony of Rob Greenstein (who I want to state up front is my dad but I will call him Rob for this article!) as Town Supervisor, Lisa Katz as Deputy Supervisor, Ivy Pool as Town Councilwoman and Noah Sorkin as Town Justice.

The venue was the beautiful Chappaqua Performing Arts Center which supported a tremendous crowd and turned out to be an ideal location to hold the swearing-in ceremony. President William Jefferson Clinton was the honored guest and many New Castle residents were excited for a chance to see him either both before and/or during the ceremony. Some of the other honored guests were Pat Keegan and Mike Alter on behalf of Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Peter Harckham on behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Michael Jefferson on behalf of Senator Terrence Murphy’s office, Assemblyman David Buchwald and Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz.

Town Justice Doug Kraus opened the ceremony asking the packed crowd to rise for the presentation of the Color Guard. A group of local boy scouts then led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Greeley student, Elena Cantor, singing a beautiful moving rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

The Oath of Office requires elected officials to perform to the best of their ability, noted President Bill Clinton, who also reminded us that they are human beings and often make mistakes.

Town Justice Doug Kraus thanked our neighbor and keynote speaker President Clinton for joining us. Judge Kraus also commended Adam Brodsky for his dedicated service and work for the town the last four years. In addition, Judge Kraus noted three responsibilities as residents of New Castle, stating that “we are all responsible for the success of our Government.” He mentioned that responsible citizens of a Democracy should have: …the duty to be informed, the duty to be involved and the duty to be reasonable.” He emphasized that “the last thing we should want to do is go after our elected officials when they work with the other side.”

The Harvey School
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On Taking Greater Personal Responsibility

All of the members of the crowd waited patiently for President Clinton to rise to the podium. Adam Brodsky had the honor of introducing him and noted that in each of President Clinton’s inaugural addresses, he emphasized the need to take greater personal responsibility for our neighbors and our community. He mentioned that the Clintons attend many New Castle events and are often spotted in local stores in the town of Chappaqua. Brodsky then proceeded to introduce the 42nd President of the United States.

President Bill Clinton on stage at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center addressing hundreds of attendees and the panel of town hall officials soon to be sworn in, and guest dignitaries.
PHOTO BY HANNAH ROSENBERG

It was then President Clinton’s turn! President Clinton jokingly pointed out that he has lived in Chappaqua longer than any person being sworn in and stated that Chappaqua has been the longest place he has ever lived. He mentioned that he enjoys swearing-in ceremonies since they happen early in the year, which means it is a new beginning for the community. He relayed that the Oath of Office requires elected officials to perform to the best of their ability but also reminded us that they are human beings and often make mistakes.

Clinton continued: “When trying to do your best every day we wake up and inside our heart is like a scale–on one side of the scale there are ways that make us darker–on the other side there are ways to make us lighter. The balance is slighter different every day. If given the privilege of public service, put another rock on the lighter side every day.” He added that he is grateful when people take the risk to run in local elections. These people have chosen as Teddy Roosevelt once famously said, “to get into the arena.” He said we should thank them for being willing to run, and thank their opponents for being willing to run as well. He then lastly said, “Let’s get this show on the road.”

First to be sworn in was Town Justice Noah Sorkin. Judge Sorkin and his wife, Stephanie, have lived in New Castle for 27 years, sending their two children, Dana and Matthew through the local public schools. Judge Sorkin is beginning his sixth year as one of our local judges. Judge Sorkin said it was a “privilege and honor to serve as one of the Town Justices.” He thanked residents for their confidence and support noting that being a Judge “has been an amazing journey of public service.”

He thanked the Court personnel and staff, as well as the Town Prosecutors. He also acknowledged his mentors and role models County Judges Zuckerman and Kraus.

Newest member of the Town Board Ivy Pool together with Brownie Troop 1024. PHOTO BY LORI GOWEN MORTON

Newly elected Town councilwoman Ivy Pool came next. Ivy and her husband, Christian Edstrom, have lived in New Castle since 2010. They have two children, Mattias, 9, and Alexandra, 7, who attend Grafflin Elementary School. Ivy thanked everyone “for coming out to celebrate our Democracy, our community and our future.”

She thanked the New Castle Democratic Committee and Up2Us. In the aftermath of 2016 elections, Ivy felt called to run for public office. Ivy noted that “through consensus and collaboration that we can have a more effective Town Government.” By working together, “we will do great things for this town.”

Ivy promised to work hard every day. She acknowledged all of the young people in the audience, including the Girl Scouts from Group Troop 1024. She hopes that her election inspires those young people to run for public office.

Deputy supervisor Lisa Katz was then sworn in. Lisa has called Chappaqua home for the past 12 years with her husband, Steven, and their two children, Arden and Spencer. Lisa was elected and began to serve as New Castle Town Council Member in 2014. With this re-election, she begins her fifth year in office. Lisa vowed to continue to develop the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center into a regional arts and cultural destination. She thanked the New Castle Republican Party for “standing behind us and eschewing party politics.” Lisa stated “we are all in this together bound by our collective dreams to make New Castle a stronger, more vibrant and united community.”   

And last to be sworn in was Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein. Rob noted that “this really is the largest inauguration crowd in New Castle history” and thanked President Clinton for his role in bringing residents out. Rob has lived in Chappaqua for 14 years with my mom, Cindy, and my brothers Daniel and Mason.

Rob became the Town Supervisor in 2014. This is his third term. Rob congratulated Ivy for joining the town’s “collaborative government and working to make the community a better place to live and raise a family.” He also congratulated Lisa for leading the efforts to create the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. Rob reminded us that our greatest resource is our residents. He thanked town attorneys, Keane and Beane, the police department, town employees and department heads. He thanked Adam Brodsky “whose vision and leadership will indeed result in an incredibly improved Chappaqua hamlet.”

He thanked Town Administrator Jill Shapiro for helping him over the last four years. Rob also thanked the New Castle Republican leaders for supporting a Democrat–three times–without regard to his political affiliation. Rob noted that we are a small town “but that doesn’t stop us from having big ambitions. He added: “We will continue to speak out about fairness, respect and tolerance.”

It was a truly special night for the community (and for my family), and I will always remember it.

Additional photos by Hannah Rosenberg, a junior at Horace Greeley High School, are within a social media album on our Facebook page, Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines.