South Orange Patch: Latest Articles

CHS Girls Saw Championship Streak Come to an End

2010-03-13T16:16:56-05:00

The Columbia girls basketball team should be strong again next season, with their nucleus intact.

By Jose Ortiz

4:16pm

When a program with as much tradition, history and success as the Columbia girl basketball team's sees its season end abruptly on its own home gym, it may be hard to look at it as a good year. But when you've been coaching as long as head coach Johanna Wright, you don't look to championships and wins and losses to define your success.

"I do look at the season as a success," the 26-year head coach said. "A successful season to me is kids being good students and doing well and moving on to college. Basketball is a means to an end."

The Cougar girls saw their streak of conference and state sectional championships come to an end this season. In the semifinals of the North II Group 4 state sectional championships, Columbia ran into a North Hunterdon team with a plan that has taken them all the way to the sectional title and now the Group 4 semifinals.

"There's nothing I could've done differently," Wright said. "The kids could've done something different, but it's over now."

In the Super Essex Conference American Division, the top division in the conference, Columbia finished second to a Shabazz team which has been nearly unstoppable this season. Three of Columbia's four losses this year came against the Lady Bulldogs. The Cougars finished with a 24-4 record.

Gone from the girls is the great back court of Brianna Thomas and Shaina Earle, as well as three-point specialist Melissa Carelli, paint players Chi Chi Ozuzu and Marcelyn Williams and backup guards India Crawley and Whitney Jackson.

"I'm going to remember their tenacious defense and their will to win," Wright said. "They won three conference championships in a row, they're going away with some championships. A lot of teams play and a lot of coaches coach and never win."

The returnees include standout freshman Jade Johnson-Walker and junior Gabby Jackson, who did a lot of everything for the Cougars this season as a starter.

"We've got a nice nucleus of kids back, and you look at the freshman class and we have a lot to be excited about," Wright said. "You can't count your chickens before they hatch. We look at summer and see how good the kids look."

Columbia employed a very balanced offensive attack this season, with no players averaging double digits in scoring or rebounding for the first time in Wright's career at CHS. To take it a step further, in 28 games this year, not one player scored more than 19 points.

"We're about balance," Wright said. "You find when you have a team of stars, you don't win very much."

The Cougars were also about defense this season, wreaking havoc on opposing guards all year long. With the loss of Earle and Thomas, Columbia's ability to apply as much pressure using the trap may be affected.

Shabazz will be the dragon the girls will have to slay should they hope to win the division next season. They'll almost definitely make the state playoffs, especially with the new state rules that put the top 16 teams in, as opposed to just teams over .500. Aside from that, as Wright intimated, everyone will have to wait and see.

CHS Literary Mag Earns 2 National Honors

2010-03-10T15:28:12-05:00

The spring 2009 edition of Guildscript has been recognized beyond the district's borders.

9:00am

The Columbia High School art and literary magazine Guildscript received two national recognitions, a first-place award in the competitive American Scholastic Press Association competition and the rank of "Excellent" in the 2009 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines.

The award-winning edition was published in the spring of 2009 under the direction of Literary Editors-in-Chief Emily Hahlbeck and Hillary Knecht; Art Selection Committee Leaders Katie Haas and Emily Hahlbeck; and Design Editor Molly Hoffman, all 2009 graduates. Faculty advisors are Mary Brancaccio, CHS English teacher, and Cindy Malhotra, CHS graphic arts teacher.

The American Scholastic Press Association selected Guildscript as one of only 105 literary magazines to receive this national award. The NCTE program awarded the rank of "Excellent" to 207 magazines, 30 of them from New Jersey. The publications are judged on the high quality, variety and artistic strength of the content.

The more than 40-page magazine features both writing and artwork of Columbia students. All students are invited to submit work to a panel of judges, who determine which to publish.

"Names are covered when each piece is judged," said Brancaccio, in a press release. "The pieces are accepted on merit alone. Students who think their work won't make the cut are often surprised.

"I believe students in this school understand what real genius is and what it means to be a writer and artist. From the caliber of conversations I hear around the building, I know there is a strong intellectual climate here."

In a letter to the reader, found in the front of the magazine, the literary editors described the content of the publication. "From deranged marionettes to a crazed boy obsessing over ice cream, this Guildscript reflects the creative vibe of Columbia's student body," wrote Hawlbeck and Knecht. "We have received an abundance of submissions revealing the artistic and literary abilities of our peers. We were satisfyingly overwhelmed by the process of choosing from such impressive pieces."

The editors also talked about a new group formed to support Guildscript, called Writer's Group. Meeting once a week after school in the library, members of the group support each other's creative talents. They write, revise, edit and critique their work and then submit their best writing, hoping for acceptance into the magazine.

Julia Wolkoff, one of the current co-editors-in-chief, said many people don't realize how talented the student writers are. She said she is often asked if most of the work submitted is poetry about teen angst. "The inquirers would be amazed to see the work submitted encompasses a broad range of emotion and diverse thought," she said in a press release.

Co-Editor-in-Chief Cory Meyers explained, "This is a very unusual collection of work. We pull from so many students from such diverse backgrounds, which makes Guildscript so interesting to read."

Brancaccio gave credit to the top notch artwork that is submitted for publication to the strong art program at Columbia.

"So many of our students, who take a wide variety of art classes here, go on to become professionals in their fields," she added. "The graphics department is no exception. The care and attention Ms. Cindy Malhotra's graphics students gave to the look and layout of the Guildscript certainly helped it win the recognition it received."

A 'Big' Musical Moment

2010-03-12T16:37:36-05:00

The signature piano scene from "Big" is accomplished thanks to technology and a few MIDI files.

By Marcia Worth

March 12, 2010

It's a big theater weekend in Maplewood and South Orange, with the Columbia High School production of "Big" premiering at 7:30 p.m., and The Strollers' production of "Indian Blood," taking to the boards over at The Burgdorff Center for Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Who says there's no culture in the 'burbs?!

It's the signature scene, the "Big" moment, if you will, when main character Josh dances on a lighted piano to the tune of "Heart and Soul" and "Chopsticks." And in the Columbia High School production of "Big," the scene is a collaboration of music, dance, lights and a MIDI file or two.

Charlie Hooven, who works for Synergy, the company that cares for the district's technology, including smartboards and cameras, has long been a go-to guy for CHS musicals. His background in technical theater, including Central Park concerts and night club lighting, makes him an obvious resource. Hooven says he has a "great working relationship" with district personnel.

Still, "Big" was "a real challenge," even for a man who managed the flying apparatus for "Peter Pan" a few years back. The "walking piano," as it's known, is available for rental, but the cost was prohibitive. At first, it seemed that the show might have to go on without the piano.

"How could we build this?" Hooven asked himself when he studied the Broadway version of "Big" and saw the lighted dance floor that responded to the actor's touch. "Wow, okay," he said to himself, when he decided to bring 2010 technology to the fore and found it worked.

Now, a long platform on center stage is "raked," raised slightly for the audience. From above the platform, two LCD projectors produce an image 16 feet wide and four feet deep. A computer scans from sheet music onto a MIDI file and generates an animated keyboard. At the same time, a keyboard player in the orchestra pit watches the actors dance on stage and accompanies them on a real piano. The effect is magical, as if the character Josh is stepping on a giant piano that responds to his movements with musical notes.

"It was a bunch of challenges coming together," admits Hooven, who noted that, as Josh dances, the music's tempo varies. "He's trying out the piano, remember?" asked Hooven. Since "the computer doesn't know how to pause," he and his colleagues had to tweak the technology a bit.

Hooven is particularly pleased that everything was done "in house," and he was able to use equipment that the district already owns.

"It was pretty incredible," he said, recalling the "test dance," when the actors first tried out the piano on Wednesday morning. "The kids loved it."

The real test, of course, comes in mid-March, when "Big" meets its audience. The magic of theater is such that viewers probably won't notice the technology; they'll only see Josh recalling the three years of piano lessons he left behind when he grew "Big." But behind—and above—the scenes, there's technology and talent at work. After all, as Hooven notes, "the scene, the piano, it's the icon of the show."

"Big," directed by Michael Healy, will be performed at CHS on March 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. It will also be performed on March 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call Columbia High School at 973-762-5600. Cast members are also selling tickets.

Update: Irvington Woman Arrested in Arson Fire

2010-03-12T19:30:24-05:00

Mexiane Joseph, 52, was found with a bottle of Clorox and a box of matches.

By Cotton Delo

March 12, 2010

A 52-year-old Irvington woman was arrested on Thursday night in connection with an arson fire at 69 Ward Place.

According to Police Chief James Chelel, police received a call from a resident at 8:40 p.m. reporting that a fire had started on her porch and she'd seen a woman dressed in white walking away from the scene toward South Orange Avenue. Officer Al DiEsso attempted to contain the fire with a garden hose before South Orange firefighters arrived, backed up by Maplewood and Orange. They found that the fire had spread to the interior of the first-floor walls, but it was quickly knocked down.

Meanwhile, Sgt. Ed Schmidt detained a woman matching the description of the suspect—later identified as Mexiane Joseph, 52, of Irvington—walking east on South Orange Avenue by Seton Hall. She was carrying a Clorox bottle and a box of matches and was positively identified by the Ward Place resident, who said Joseph had called earlier and made threats.

Joseph was taken to headquarters for processing and charged with aggravated arson, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. She was held overnight and was scheduled to be transferred to county jail on Friday.

Chelel also noted that Joseph is under investigation by the Irvington Fire Department for an incident there.

According to Fire Chief Jeffrey Markey, there were eight residents at home during the fire, but they were alerted by a fire alarm and had exited the building though the rear door prior to the arrival of the Fire Department. The fire was declared under control at 9:01 p.m., and all apparatus had cleared the scene at 11:31 p.m.

Fire damage was confined to the porch floor and ceiling and the first floor interior and exterior wall. The first-floor interior sustained moderate smoke and water damage, and the house was deemed uninhabitable. The residents were allowed to enter the building under firefighters' supervision to obtain essentials and then sought shelter at a relative's home in Maplewood.

An investigation was conducted by the South Orange Fire Department in conjunction with the Irvington Fire Department and the Essex County Arson Task Force. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson, resulting from the purposeful application of an ignitable liquid, according to Markey's report.

Musician/Studio Tech John Williams Lends Talents to Hat City Kitchen

2010-03-12T11:04:48-05:00

Hat City Kitchen's event coordinator is a musical wizard and technical guru to South Orange and Maplewood's music scene.

By Lois Cantwell

March 12, 2010

If you are at all into the local music scene, you might know John Williams as the event coordinator for the new local hotspot Hat City Kitchen in Orange. However, with that role at HCK, Williams is deep into his second or third life re-invention.

Born in Michigan, Williams's family moved around as his father's career at AT&T demanded, finally settling in Chester, N.J., which he calls his hometown (he attended Delbarton). After graduating, Williams migrated to Los Angeles, where he enrolled in the Guitar Institute of Technology (now the Musician's Institute), a place designed to teach working skills to musicians. He told Patch, "There was some culture shock going from Chester to Hollywood. It was a forward thinking place. There had never been a guitar school like that before. It was very creative, like an incubator for formal technique." He studied with Howard Roberts, a well-known Hollywood session player as well as other guitar luminaries such as Tommy Tedesco, Pat Metheney, Joe D'Orio and Pat Martino.

"I came home thinking I could be a musician and I did have interviews but they were for cruise ships and Captain & Tennille tribute bands," Williams said. Instead, he went his own way and joined the punk band Ice Nine, eventually opening for Boy George and Culture Club at Madison Square Garden in the 1980s. "That was very exciting," he said. "The week before, we had played at a local club for 25 people and then on Thanksgiving night at the Garden we played for 18,000."

Williams played many legendary New York City venues in the 1980s and '90s, including CBGBs, Danceteria, The Ritz and the Peppermint Lounge, as well as New Jersey joints like The Dirt Club in Bloomfield. Eventually he joined Hoboken-based The Cucumbers, led by local musicians Deena Shoshkes and Jon Fried (who are now involved with the Songs of the Spectrum project).

"I played with them for five or six years," he told us. "We recorded albums in London and New York. At the time, Deena worked at Skyline Studio on 37th Street in the city. I had a background in electronics, I was always the guy who could fix the copier, and I translated that talent for business electronics into being a studio tech."

Williams would repair equipment for the band: "When the console caught on fire, they would call me. I came in on the artist's side and went over to the studio side. First, I was the night guy, then the day guy and then I became management." At Skyline, Williams found himself rubbing shoulders with name acts such as Nile Rodgers, the B52s, David Bowie, Thompson Twins, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Diana Ross.

In the early '90s, Williams snagged a studio dream job and left the two-room Skyline to go to the giant Sony Music Studios, which had 50 rooms and television shooting stages.

"Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Jay-Z, Beyonce all recorded there," Williams told Patch. "Because Sony was so big, on any given day, we could have, say, Paul Simon, Nancy Sinatra and Aerosmith recording. I ran a staff at that point with 20 technicians working for me."

Williams moved out here in 1993 and has lived in both Maplewood and South Orange. Today he teaches music, guitar and bass to local students and, of course, is the event coordinator at Hat City Kitchen.

He became involved with HCK and the Valley Arts District through his acquaintance with Patrick Morrissy, HANDS Executive Director. "We got to talking about the Valley Arts District," Williams said, "and Pat asked for my help putting together the music venue that evolved into Hat City Kitchen. That's all my equipment in the building. I'm the guy that does the music, the events coordinator." Because he's so plugged into the music community, he was able to reach out to local bands who readily agreed to play the untried venue.

Williams promotes Hat City Kitchen through the HCK Facebook page. He also started a thread on Maplewood Online and has used the e-mail contacts that he collected over the years. Behind the scenes there has been a huge community outreach effort, which has been successful by any measure—with the brand new place scoring five filled-to-capacity weekends since opening during a brutal recession.

Williams is also one of the founders of Maplewoodstock. He told us the story of how the popular concert came to be. "About eight or nine years ago" he said, "I was talking to Jim Buchanan, Maplewood's Cultural Affairs supervisor, about the number of kids hanging out on Maplewood Avenue on Friday nights. We had the idea to start a concert and our first impulse was to hold it in the train station parking lot. Gary Shippy and Jamie Ross from Maplewood Online got involved, we became the seed of the project. The name Maplewoodstock just came from brainstorming." They later decided to move the concert to Memorial Park.

"We wanted it to be a free concert and we invited three or four bands. I was able to borrow P.A. equipment from Sony Music—we brought it out on Friday and brought it back on Monday. Jim had a friend with a bulldozer trailer and that was the stage," said Williams.

"We just had music at first and then later added vendors. This year Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk is the headliner. Competition for the 25 or 30 slots for local bands is fierce—there's a lot of talent." Anyone who's thinking about playing should act quickly since the application process is closing soon.

Williams currently plays guitar with The Caterpillar Book and bass with New Day Dawn. His daughter Caitlin is at UNC and his son Caleb (a drummer) and daughter Ellie are both students at Columbia High School, where they play Ultimate Frisbee.

Train Commuters Incensed About Fare Hike

2010-03-12T11:56:37-05:00

With NJ Transit announcing a 25 percent fare hike that's expected to take effect May 1, some riders are looking into commuting alternatives.

By Danielle Elliot

March 12, 2010

Every morning at 8:10 a.m., Georges Carrahas boards the Midtown Direct to New York Penn Station from South Orange. It's been his weekday routine for nearly a decade. Until recently, he had no thoughts of altering it.

That all changed when NJ Transit announced a 25 percent systemwide fare hike, expected to take effect May 1.

"I understand the budget crisis," he said, "but that's a big chunk of money. And there is nothing in it for us, no improvements. It's unfair."

Waiting on the platform, many of his fellow commuters agree when he calls the plans "outrageous." Others say it's "horrible" and "unbelievable."

For South Orange monthly pass holders, the fare hike will add $372 to a Hoboken commute and $468 to a Manhattan commute each year. Maplewood commuters will now pay more than $2,000 yearly to commute to either destination.

Cameo Rollins, an 11-year veteran of the Midtown Direct from Maplewood, is outraged. "It's unbelievable, unbelievable," she says, "that they would even suggest raising the price by the cost of two monthly payments, with the economy the way it is. It's just unbelievable."

When she started commuting, the roundtrip fare was $8. With fares rising, her days on the train are numbered. "I'll work from home two or three days a week," she says, "or carpool with friends."

Leslyn Cook and her husband, Mike Yaffe, didn't know about the increase until Thursday morning, while waiting on the South Orange platform. Yaffe's jaw dropped when he heard the numbers. "That's pretty steep!" he said. Within minutes, he was debating their options. "This is still the most convenient," he says, "but maybe we'll drive to Harrison and catch the PATH."

David Gershman of South Orange doesn't plan to stop in Harrison. He says he may just start driving to his Jersey City office.

But are either of these options actually more cost effective?

The roundtrip drive from South Orange to Hoboken is 38 miles. Department of Transportation studies show that the average passenger car runs 22.4 miles per gallon. With gas prices at $2.55 per gallon, the drive would cost approximately $4.35 per day. Factor in parking at about $12 a day, and the commute to Hoboken is around $340 monthly, if 20 days are worked each month. Driving from Maplewood, driving a larger car or SUV, paying tolls and parking in Manhattan would drive this cost up.

A monthly PATH pass from Harrison to New York is $54, daily parking in Harrison is $6 and the roundtrip drive from South Orange is 11 miles, or about $1.30. All told, the monthly commute would cost Village residents $200, plus the time it takes to drive to Harrison.

There is always the bus, but it's not nearly as convenient as the train. A monthly bus pass from Maplewood or South Orange to New York or Hoboken is $146. Getting to Hoboken takes more than an hour and requires a transfer at the New York Port Authority.

Citing the lack of alternatives, Maplewood resident Nicholas Vitiello, who moved to Maplewood from Hoboken three years ago, says he might just move back to Hoboken.

Vitiello is not pointing fingers at local government, saying the problem comes from the state. "While the hike is upsetting, the most upsetting is that [Gov.] Christie has pulled back funding for mass transit. If ever there was a place to prove mass transit works, it's New Jersey." He suggests raising gas taxes, currently the lowest in the nation, and using the money towards mass transit initiatives.

Not all passengers are protesting. Bridget Whalen, a South Orange resident who has been commuting to Jersey City for nine years, understands the fare increase.

"It's not optimal," she says with a laugh, "but quite frankly we've been getting a good deal for a long time."

Suzanne Holt, of Maplewood, seems defeated, as she says commuters are basically "held hostage." The only consolation she sees is that the increased fares will still fall within the state's $230 cap on tax-free commuter allowances.

While moving, carpooling, telecommuting and riding the bus were named as alternatives to paying more for the train, South Orange's Carrahas came up with a healthier idea, though it's certainly not for everyone.

"It's only 16 miles to New York," he said. "Build us a bike trail. I guarantee you people would bike. If you gave us a fourth option, people would take it."

The Weekender: Community Theater and Art Appraisals

2010-03-12T10:08:51-05:00

A look at what there is to do around town this weekend.

By Emma Stein

March 12, 2010

If you're a music lover, there are plenty of events for you this weekend.

To kick your weekend off with a swing, the Hilton Short Hills will host Big Band Night, a fund-raiser for the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce, on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The night will feature John Nobile's Summer Swing Orchestra, a 17-piece big band. Along with the music, guests will enjoy dancing lessons, wine tastings, a buffet dinner and auctions. Cost of attendance is $79 per person or $700 for a table of 10 people. For information or to reserve seats, call 973-379-1198.

For those who'd prefer a play, Maplewood's Strollers will present "Indian Blood" by A.R. Gurney. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Burgdorff Center. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. More information and tickets can be found here.

Also at the Burgdorff Center this weekend is "Blues and Jazz Connection," part of the Music for Kids series. The educational program will be on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Kids will learn about jazz and blues. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. More information can be found here.

For creative folk who like to perform or simply to watch, 1978 Arts Cafe is hosting an Open Mic Night on Saturday. Performers will have 10 to 15 minutes on stage. Sign-ups begin at 7:45 p.m., and the show is from 8 to 10 p.m. A $5 donation is requested but not required.

If you have ever been curious about the value of a work of art in your house, the Millburn-Short Hills Arts Advisory Committee will host an appraisal day on Sunday from 1:30 to 4 p.m.. The event is co-hosted by Nye and Company and will be held at the Millburn Public Library. Admission is $10, and proceeds will go towards the Art Advisory Committee scholarships for Millburn High School students. Your price of admission will allow you to have two pieces appraised.

For those who would like to see a film, the New Jersey Jewish Film Festival is entering its second week. Tickets for all shows are $10 for the general public and $9 for students and seniors. On Saturday at 8 p.m., "He's My Girl" will be screened at Lowes East Hanover. More information about the film can be found here. Additionally, the film "Five Hours From Paris" will be showing on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Leon and Toby Cooperman JCC in West Orange. Desserts will be served after. Directions, tickets and more information can be found here .

Looking for some live music and food? Rockn' Joe in Millburn will be hosting singer/songwriter David W. Jacobsen. Come out this Friday night to watch this former Columbia High School student perform.

Emma Stein is a Millburn-Short Hills resident and a senior at Newark Academy in Livingston.

Empty Bowls, Pantry Filled at Marshall School

2010-03-12T09:17:49-05:00

A school-wide project teaches students to work with clay and recognize hunger in our community.

By Marcia Worth

March 12, 2010

The bowls were empty, but the cafetorium was full. On Thursday night, Marshall School hosted its first Empty Bowls Project, the brainchild of art teacher Jessica Fong.

For the past two months, Fong explains, every child at Marshall, from pre-kindergarten through second grade, crafted a pottery bowl.

"When I saw that kiln," says Fong, who was new to the school last year, "I knew we had to do this project."

Inspired by a charitable effort in Michigan, Fong taught the students not only to work with clay and to see a project through the firing process, but to become more aware of hunger. While the original project had the bowls for sale, Fong recognized that, for younger children, their artwork is "too precious to sell." Instead, families were invited to view student projects on Thursday. In addition, Marshall families were asked to bring non-perishables for a local food pantry.

"We chose to donate to Our Lady of Sorrows," explains Fong, "because the food pantry, like this school, serves people in both South Orange and Maplewood." She and a group of parent volunteers plan to deliver the donations this weekend. "You can get a lot of food in a Honda," Fong jokes.

Fong worked with principal Angelica Allen to develop what they describe as a "meaningful service project" that was appropriate for young students. "The kids are over-the-moon excited," says Fong. "All day long they kept telling me they were coming, bringing food and picking up their bowls."

The evening also offered parents a chance to view Smartboards in action. Terry Woolard, Director of Educational Media and Technology, demonstrated Smart Table Technology in the school library.

The evening concluded with the popular Teacher Time raffles, an annual PTA-sponsored fundraiser in which families buy tickets that can win students a prize. The prizes include a "Principal for a Day" opportunity, a Marshall School shirt signed by teachers, a picnic at Grove Park with Mrs. Lincoln or Mrs. Charles, or a first-choice, prepaid Enrichment class for the spring term.

Until the last possible minute, young students considered the choices, each labeled clearly on a brown paper bag. Ms. Konzelman offered nail painting and lunch, while Mr. Wojcio was ready to show his bowling skills with two winning students. When students decided, their tickets went into the bags, some of which were nearly full by evening's end.

The event's true winner was the Food Pantry at Our Lady of Sorrows. By the end of the night, food overflowed a table. Cans and boxes then filled tables where the empty bowls crafted by students once stood. It was a fitting symbol of Marshall School's success in showing students that community can combat hunger, one bowl at a time.

Jonathan Ortiz Sentenced to 7 Years for Manslaughter

2010-03-11T17:57:40-05:00

Ortiz pleaded guilty to killing his girlfriend's 4-year-old son at her parents' Vose Avenue apartment in April 2008.

By Cotton Delo

March 11, 2010

On Tuesday in a packed Newark courtroom, Jonathan Ortiz was sentenced to seven years in prison for killing his girlfriend's son, 4-year-old Jayden Hayes, while babysitting at her parents' Vose Avenue apartment on April 2, 2008. The medical examiner's office cited blunt force trauma to the abdomen as the cause of death.

According to Mark Ali, director of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office's Child Abuse Unit and the assistant prosecutor assigned to the case, the plea offer was for a manslaughter charge with a prison term not to exceed seven years. Ortiz and his lawyer spoke on Tuesday to request that the sentence not exceed five years, but Superior Court Judge Peter Vasquez sentenced him to seven.

The 200-person capacity courtroom was packed with supporters of both the defendant and the victim, Ali said. Jayden's parents, as well as his maternal grandparents and paternal grandmother, also spoke.

Ortiz will be eligible for parole in 5 years and 11 months, according to Ali. He began serving his term in state prison on the day of sentencing.

'Parallel Lives: The Kathy and Mo Show (Revised Edition)' is Fresh and Funny

2010-03-11T16:18:05-05:00

The latest Dreamcatcher production runs for two more weekends at The Baird.

By Theresa Burns

March 11, 2010

I never saw the first edition of "Parallel Lives: The Kathy and Mo Show" when it became a big off-Broadway hit some 20 years ago; I spent my weekends back then buying suits and having my power pumps re-heeled. So I don't really know what's been updated in this version of the script, which was revised by the now-famous writing and performing duo Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy in 2006. All I know is that the way Dreamcatcher Repertory presents the material at The Baird this month keeps things thoughtful, funny and fresh for most of its 90 minutes. I didn't detect a single asking-for-directions joke all night.

Originally written as a two-woman play—or series of sketches, really—skewering men, women and the people who make them, Dreamcatcher's version stars four women, all of whom display considerable talent and energy: Laura Ekstrand (who is also Dreamcatcher's Artistic Director), Noreen Farley, Jessica O'Hara-Baker and Harriett Trangucci. Their performances in the 10 sketches here call to mind the old "Saturday Night Live" skits that featured Gilda Radner, Lily Tomlin and Jane Curtin playing characters that elicited laughs and camaraderie, rather than pity. Only this time there are some serious bits.

The action begins, appropriately enough, in a sort of neo-Genesis scene with Farley and O'Hare-Baker playing two "Spiritual Beings" doling out the jobs, and races, of the humans below. Since they're first alphabetically, it's decided that the females shall bear the children through "a small portal"; the men shall be compensated with enormous egos and the "wonderfulness of being really good at math." Like all middle managers, they have a tough boss who's the target of a lot of eye rolling: "Cliff," the guy who gets to say how everyone is supposed to act.

A number of skits have religion as a theme. In one, two preadolescent girls compare notes on Catholic Church dogma ("Every time you lie, you put another thorn in Jesus' head.") One swears she will be a saint, the other a priest. (Chuckles of irony; no revising needed there.) Later, we overhear a grown woman make her first confession in 14 years. It's a long and familiar list of sins she recounts, filled with promises motivated by her need to please, please not be pregnant.

Some pieces have a more somber undertone, in spite of the laughs. In "Beverly Hills/Face," Noreen Farley plays a 60-something spa patron having a pedicure done while recuperating from a salt scrub. She resents the overheard comment that she and her ilk are "divorced, rich Beverly Hills ladies," and proceeds to unpack that complicated truth in hilarious and heart-rending detail. (There is something inexplicably funny about her yelling at the pedicurist periodically to "rinse the tool in the blue water!") With her towel atop her head and her expressive face free to do its thing, I found it hard to take my eyes off her.

A few minutes later, Farley is playing a hard drinking, leering barfly somewhere out West who tries tiresomely to pick up a pretty, young regular, Laura Ekstrand. (There is no makeup or dramatic costume change here, other than a droopy, wide-brimmed hat. The transformation is done through acting.) He is all hot, sour air, of course, but their interaction is poignant all the same, since Ekstrand's character tolerates his nonsense for an uncomfortably long time.

On a side note, this is the second time I've attended a Dreamcatcher production this season. In between, I attended a top-rated, Broadway blockbuster that cost four times as much and wasn't half as entertaining. There were empty seats at The Baird the other night. Now that's something that should be revised.

Parallel Lives: The Kathy and Mo Show, Revised Edition at The Baird, 5 Mead St, South Orange, NJ 07079. Performances on March 12, 13, 19 and March 20, 8 pm; March 14 and 21, 2 pm. General admission: $27; seniors: $22 ; students: $17. Special rates for subscribers and groups. For more information, call 973-378-7754 ext. 2228, or go to www.dreamcatcherrep.org.