LEGISLATIVE ACTS IN QUEENS COUNTY

Here are a number of videos that I took of a show called, Legislative Acts performed by politicians of Queens County in New York City.

Go here for the article.   http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2013/48/legislativeacts_all_2013_11_29_q.html

TANTALIZING TASTE OF QUEENS TIDBITS

What better way to raise money to support tourism in Queens County than having a fine food event.  On May 14^th, the Queens Economic Development Corp held a feast of food with 40 vendors representing various cuisines of Queens.   Over 900 people shelled out $125 for a 3 hour array of savory and sweets tastes as well as lots of liquid refreshments, all held at that Caesars Club at Citi Field and raising approximately $40,000.  

This eleventh annual extravaganza included performances by a Big Apple Circus clown, an appearance by 1969 Miracle Met Ed Kranepool, a booth displaying work by local emerging artists curated by Jackson Heights-based Zoescope and a stand up routine by Steve Hofstetter of the Laughing Devil Comedy Club in Long Island City.

Needless to say…Citibank was a big sponsor but one who gave the most, and not just in money, was the lead sponsor, Fairway Market. Queens was hit in the Rockaway and Breezy Point areas with destruction from hurricane Sandy.  One specific area of Brooklyn, Red Hook, got its share as the Fairway Market got totally flooded out.   They were determined to reconstruct the huge supermarket and not take it out on the employees, who during the rebuilding were transported, if necessary, to another of the 11 venues around the tri-state area. 

As far as food goes, Fairway Market gave a presentation of their catering menu, which included their own brands.

A couple won a gift basket in one of many raffles. 

Just about every vendor had more than one item to sample.   The Dog and Duck offered duck burgers as one taste.   O Lavrador leant its flavor on Iberian cuisine.  La Adelita and de Mole gave us authentic Mexican fare (vs. Tex-Mex), while La Rioja showed us what you would eat if you dropped in at a restaurant in Spain. 

 

Leo’s Latticini Mama’s was there to give us a the Italian taste of not only the sandwiches offered at both their restaurant and Citi Field food stand, but the pasta and baked goodies that they make as well.  

Surprisingly, the fare was minus Asian delicacies…Thai, Chinese, Korean…even Filipino.   Only one Greek restaurant was represented by Christ’s Steak House.  

Some of the others were: Austin’s Steak and Ale House; Bourbon Street; The Irish Circle, a Rockaway venue that rebuilt; Rocoto Restaurant; La Fusta Restaurant; and Sac’s Place.  On the sweet side was: Cookie Fairy Sweets; Rudy’s Bakery and Café; and Little Bird Chocolates.

Four tasters chose winners. McClure Pickles took the appetizer spot while there was a tie for entrée with both Pine Restaurant’s Chicken Scarpareillo and spiced Burgers and Belgian Fries owned by F. Ottomanelli.   Dessert went to Take a Break and I’ll Bake (pies were later raffled off). 

Liquid refreshments of the alcohol ilk were available that included wines, vodka, and some of the hard stuff.  Native Coffee Roasters was one of the non-alcoholic option.  Me, I’m Milkaholic. Whatever reason people choose for a shot of booze….I need milk.   Luckily, I didn’t have to opt for coffee…extremely light.  Five Acre Farms had their brand called, “Local”.  I did remember seeing that at Fairway and wondered what it meant.  Fairway had some killer brownies that were OMG and Five Acre Farms was just steps away.  Need I say more? 

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall attended to give the event a thumbs up.

 Melinda Katz, who will be vying for Marshall's end of the term spot, was also present.

Photos by Merle Exit and Dominick Totino

LET'S HEAR IT FOR MARK LORD

Editor's note: What do you do when a longtime friend asks you to review a play and your job has you being a theatre critic?   Here is my review for a show called "Let's Hear It For Queens" written by Mark Lord who has done much directing but a first at both writing the show and the song lyrics.

Although longtime Queens resident Mark Lord is a retired English teacher, he has spent much of his time acting and directing.  What is left in the way of Community Theatre?  Writing a script for a play and in this case, one with original music to which he also wrote the lyrics.   The play, presented as part of the FSF Community Theatre Group, located at the Free Synagogue of Flushing, is titled, Let’s Hear It For Queens.

The show is all about Queens County (not drag queens or the Queen of England), its history and culture as Keiran Larkin plays a 400-year-old Antiquous, a humorous man who has seen it all and done everything.   

Todd Berkun, for instance, wrote an article some years ago about a woman named Mary Sendek, who opposed having her house, located on the corner of 54^th and Broadway in Elmhurst, bought up to make way for Macy’s.  The story was told with photos followed by a song called “At The Corner”; music by Joe Ferrante, lyrics by Mark Lord.

Let’s Hear It For Queens would be characterized as a “revue” vs a play as there is no plot.  At many times a group of actors would enter onstage and each would recite a line or two.  At other times, they were production numbers such as: “The Queens We Mean”, “Hello!”, “Unisphere” and a finale of “Anthem”, “We Point With Pride” and “Let’s Hear It For Queens”.

Landmarks were presented as surprised guests Daniel Dromm, Melinda Katz, Curtis Sliwa, and Carl Clay were given lines to read.  It was also a chance for Melinda Katz to announce her running for Borough President and John Liu to announce being the first Asian-American to run for mayor.  

Segments would have an actor portray an anecdote of personal information contributed to the production such as having Richard Weyhausen talking about “Gay Culture in 1970s Jackson Heights” through the eyes of Councilman Daniel Dromm.

Much of the second act was devoted to celebrating the 40^th year of FSFCTG with songs from past musicals of which most were directed by Maryellen Pierce for the last 30 years.   As a song from Fiddler On The Roof was sung the front of the playbill was shown with the date of 1997.  Doing the math I realized that it was that many years ago when I had portrayed Yenta in that production.  It was this segment of the show that appeared the most polished and where the actors truly showed their talent.  Kudos goes to Richard Weyhausen, Donald Gormanly and Amanda Doris.   Larkin was a great choice having excellent acting abilities.

At most times I felt as if I were in an auditorium during “assembly” and being lectured.   The audience is asked if anyone speaks a language other than English or Spanish and called on to say a phrase in that language.  Another one is a contest at the end to see how many questions one can answer based on whether you remember what you heard in the show.   Alma mater songs were chosen as a sing-a-long to include one from Mary Louis Academy, where Pierce teaches.

For a first time author and lyricist I applaud Mark.   Two more performances: May 11^th and 12^th.  For tickets call (718) 428-8681