Welcome to the Oakwood Register

December 26, 2007 - Volume 16, No. 52

a Winkler Company publication

Also featuring photos from our monthly supplement...

The Painted Lady of St. Anne's Hill

The Nutcracker - superb, pure, classic ballet

By Burt Saidel

What is The Nutcracker? Why does it have such a hold over the ballet public and ballet companies at every level? Even a political candidate covering America could not begin to attend every “Nutcracker” being performed this very week.

I was fortunate to attend Dayton Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at the Schuster. Customarily, my December ski trip keeps me away. The early snow dump in Colorado gave me a great skiing trip and an opportunity to experience a wonderful evening of ballet.

Dayton Ballet dancers make up the most beautiful company I have ever seen. I state that repeatedly, and seeing these amazing youths reinforces my opinion. When these beauties dance, the image is nearly intoxicating.

The choreography of Dermot Burke and Karen Russo has made The Nutcracker flow smoothly from scene to scene. Every dance number melds with Tchaikovsky’s mellifluous music. Lowell Mathwich’s colorful costumes and Dan Gray’s elegant set complete the picture.

The dancers were only part of the event. The large audience was filled with starry-eyed young ladies from six to sixteen. All of them were ready to leap onto the stage and dance their hearts out. I’ve seen, over five decades, a little mouse or lamb become a Snow Queen or a Sugar Plum Fairy in the blink of an eye.

I was sitting next to a lovely seven year old, holding a gift nutcracker. I made her promise to call me when she was the Sugar Plum Fairy – and she solemnly agreed. I will expect that call in a few eye blinks!

The dancing was superb. The company was augmented with dancers from the training companies and loads of effervescent little dancing tots. Everyone sent their vibrations to the very walls of the beautiful Mead Theatre.

Each and every company member deserves kudos. Paul Gilliam and Oren Porterfield’s Snow King and Queen fairly floated through their dream ballet dancing exquisitely. Handsome Justin Koertgen and darling Christy Forehand gave the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy excitement and grace. Reno Street and Eduard Forehand took their “Waltz of the Flowers” pas to great heights.

The double casting made me miss Jennifer and Richard Grund dancing as Snow Queen and King. They are married in real life and their love is reflected in their dancing together. No less authority than my wife, Alice, pronounced their evening performance as superb.

The company moves from pure classic ballet to a modern dance drama in There was a Time in February. March takes them back to fantasy with Peter Pan and the always awaited exciting repertory evening ends the season in April.

I promise you that the dancers will be just as beautiful and just as exciting. Don’t miss this incredible combination.

Cantor Alan Halpern

Magnetism in the arts is universal. The attraction is powerful but, often, the fulfillment is frustrating. When a career path ends in a very artistic and spiritual endeavor after time as a teacher and business executive, you have to take notice.

Oakwood resident Alan Halpern has made just such a journey. He is presently the administrator of Temple Israel and also serves as Cantorial Soloist. These positions are normally full time undertakings. Alan’s particular background allows him to wear both hats, patient and careful administrator and an active representative of the congregation in its religious endeavors.

All of this began when Alan was a student at Yale University. He was pursuing courses in the liberal arts and business. Joining several of the collegiate singing groups, his interest and passion were kindled. He was able to receive formal vocal training at Yale.

After graduation, he taught history, English and Latin for several years while pursuing an MBA. This launched his career as a business executive. As a member of Temple Israel, his exposure to the spiritual life of the congregation led him to become a lay leader. Using his vocal talents, learning more Hebrew and rituals, he became prominent in the life of the congregation.

It was a short but brave leap into full-time devotion to the congregation and to his religious leadership. He resigned his business post, took on the administration of the congregation as well as the duties of Cantor. While not ordained, he has become a valuable and prized leader of Dayton’s largest Jewish congregation.

He continues to study voice with Cantor Jerome Kopmar. Cantor Kopmar is a passionate advocate of vocal excellence and is a musical icon in Dayton. He has helped create a fine baritone singer and a passionate artist in Alan Halpern.

One of the milestones of Alan’s artistic life occurred on Dec. 9 at UD’s Sears Recital Hall. Joining with pianist Byron Dobbs, they presented an excellent recital of wide-ranging musical selections.

To prove the point, Alan sang the music of three centuries in six languages. The recital began with a Hebrew prayer and ended with two charming songs in English by Lee Hoiby. In between was the music of Verdi, Ravel, Mozart and Schumann.
I admit that I am not a dispassionate observer of Alan’s talents. My pride in his accomplishments as an artist and as a person does not color my appreciation of his musical gift. While content with his cantorial music, I want to hear more from this talented and committed artist.

Adult Ballet offered at OCC in January

Join Miss Camille for a stimulating ballet class designed especially for women. Let the hustle and bustle of your busy day ebb away as you immerse yourself in stretches aimed at releasing tension and stress. Class will do elementary/ intermediate ballet techniques to beautiful classical music. This class is a must for those that have danced before or for those that have dreamed of dancing in a non-competitive supportive environment.

Class will meet on Thursdays beginning Jan. 10 and running through Feb 14 from 1-2:15 p.m. at the OCC. Participants must have ballet shoes. Dress can be leotards and tights or soft flexible workout attire.

For additional information call the OCC at 298-0775.

Auditions for Glass Menagerie Jan. 6-7

Lebanon Theatre Company announces auditions for The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.

When: Sun., Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. and Mon., Jan. 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Top of the Shoe Theatre, 120 E. South, Lebanon, OH
Who:
• male actor that can play early 20’s or early 30’s as the Narrator/Son
• male actor that can play early 20’s or early 30’s as the Gentleman Caller
• female actor that can play late 40’s or early 50’s as the mother
• female actor that can play about 20 yrs. old as the daughter/sister

Auditioners will be asked to do cold readings from the script. Production dates are March 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16. For further information, call (513) 228-0932 or visit the website www.LTCplays.com.

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