“The Court Jester” in Newburgh

by Derek Leet

“The vessel with the pestle has the pellet with the poison; the chalice from the palace has the brew that is true!”

“NO! The chalice from the palace has the pellet with the poison: the vessel with the pestle has the brew that is true.”

Do you know which of the above secret life-saving warnings is the correct one? If not, to find out, you’ll have to sit through one hour and forty-one minutes of one of the most creative musical/comedy/farces in film history, The Court Jester, a 1955 costume, medieval romance film. The movie, written, produced, and directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, makes heavy use of slapstick comedy and quick-witted wordplay, and is best remembered for the above tongue twister by most fans. This writer remembers the film for that, of course, BUT mostly remembers it because joining stars Danny Kaye and Glynis Johns is a plethora of great supporting actor characterizations by Basil Rathbone, Angela Lansbury at the height of her “second career” in the 50s60s doing brilliant comedic, dramatic, melodramatic, farcical, supporting roles, Cecil Parker, Mildred Natwick,

Robert Middleton, Michael Pate, John Carradine and Alan Napier, among many others, PLUS Hermine’s Midgets as Hubert Hawkins’ acrobatic troupe as the casting-icing on the delicious cake.

This troupe of little people dates from the post-vaudeville period. They crossed the puddle from their homebase in Vienna for the 1939 World’s Fair and just stayed, touring the U.S. throughout the 1940s. When live gigs dried up, their main bread and butter became TV. (You can see members of the troupe in Robert Downey’s Putney Swope.)

Tickle your funny bone at the Alice Desmond Center, 6 Albany Post Road, Newburgh, on February 3 at 10:00am

To register: 845-565-1326.

See page 7 for more Danny Kaye.

Window Art in Liberty: Gene Iovine

Gene Iovine has been creating artworks in various mediums for the past forty years. He specializes in still life and landscape using acrylics and oils.

Gene moved to Sullivan County in 2010 and exhibits his work regionally with the River Valley Artists Guild and Wurtsboro Art Alliance. Gene has also been curating the art exhibitions held in the Sullivan County Goverment Center in Monticello for the past few years.

A small sampling of galleries and venues where Iovine’s artwork has been featured include the Port Jervis Library, UpFront Exhibition Space, Bon Secours Hospital, and Gio’s Gelato Cafe - all in Port Jervis; Delaware Valley Arts Alliance in Narrowsburg, and the Artists’ Market Community Center in Shohola.

Although the Liberty Museum and Arts Center, 46 South Main Street, Liberty, is closed until Spring, artwork by Gene Iovine is on display in the window, with viewing 24/7 from the sidewalk area, through February 28

His impressive 5 foot long interpretative pictorial of Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech is on display. “It took me over a year to research the items to paint,” said Gene. “The bottom of the canvas features his speech in its entirety,” he continued. The intricate piece is waiting to be admired, so if you’re strolling along in Liberty, make a quick stop and check out the art of Gene Iovine, right in the window of the Liberty Museum and Arts Center.

For more information about the artist, email him at Iovine.g@gmail.com

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Shine!

Forestburgh Playhouse, under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Franklin Trapp, presents the Local Auditions for the 2023 Season!

Perform at the Forestburgh Playhouse this summer! The 2023 Season is full of exciting performance opportunities in professional mainstage productions and shows for young audiences! This year, they are looking for young actors to perform in roles in Matilda the Musical and The Addams Family musical. They are also seeking talented teens to sing and dance in the production of The Addams Family as ghoulish ancestors from beyond the grave!

The Forestburgh Playhouse is also looking for young actors (ages 6-12) to perform in the ensembles of Dreamworks’ Madagascar and Gordon Gets Down, the Playhouse’s two productions geared for young audiences. So much fun awaits!

Where: Seelig Auditorium At SUNY Sullivan, 112 College Road, Loch Sheldrake.

When: February 12: 9:30am-Noon, and 3:00pm-6:00pm

How to sign up: Email production@ fbplayhouse.org. In the subject line, put “Local Auditions/Actor’s Name” and in the message, please choose the 9:30amNoon -or- 3:00pm-6:00pm slot as your audition window.

What to Bring: Your talent! Auditioners need to bring a 16 bar selection of a song that showcases their talent. Please have your sheet music marked and ready for the accompanist. If you do not have sheet music, you may certainly sing a short selection a cappella! Visit www. fbplayhouse.org/local-actors for more info and available roles for each show.

De-Stress with Dancing & Coloring

DANCE!

Have you ever wanted to learn ballroom dancing?

Here’s your chance! Take a class with Janice Vilardo and learn the basics of the Waltz and Foxtrot.

Registration is required as space is limited. You do not need to bring a partner. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and