62 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • FEBRUARY 8, 2018 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
buzz
Theatre’s musical magic improves lives
Shakespeare wrote; “All the world’s a
stage…” For children who benefi t from
special social supports, the magic of the
stage can become a very welcome venue.
Whether onstage or behind the scenes,
many approaches are improving their
world.
Dr. Ilana Slaff resides in Queens with
Celebrating
something
special in
LIC
Sandias Academy, a tutoring
service in Long Island
City, celebrated a grand
opening and the Asian
Lunar New Year with a
party on Feb. 3. Among
those pictured at the event
are (from left to right)
Raymond Wong, Wai Jan
Lau, Michelle Lo, Jenny Cao,
Sharon Cai, business owner
Stavros Sanidas and Steven
Yim.
Photo by Dean Moses
her family. She has researched various
methods that strengthen the quality of life
for those on the autism spectrum. Th e use
of music, she says, can provide numerous
cues that help in the recognition of certain
facial expressions. On a larger scale
she describes projects such as the ATI
(Autism Th eatre Initiative).
Th e ATI brings children and families
to major musical performances. At specially
chosen matinees, well known musicals
are presented. To help their audience
focus, the aft ernoon’s modifi cations
include picture cards instead of playbills.
Th ese help explain the characters
and their actions onstage. Th ere’s a quiet
area and another area for jumping on
mats. Lighting is regulated, small squeeze
balls are distributed. Th ere’s an overall
sense of stress reduction. Aft erwards, the
performers answer questions and mingle
with guests. Th e children, including
young adult Talia Gala tan, can laugh,
smile and rock to the music.
Dr. Slaff has written a multi themed
book. It covers nonprescription strategies
for those on the autistic spectrum.
It is called “Don’t Medicate—Educate”.
In it she provides many personal examples
and also emphasizes many broader
techniques. Individuals over the age
of 21 are highlighted as well. She affi rms,
“Eff ectively treating behaviors and avoiding
chemical sedation is imperative for
community integration so people can
enjoy shows and other activities.
A VIEW FROM
THE CLIFF
BY CLIFF KASDEN
‘Tango Fire’ is sizzling success at Queens Theatre
It is another bitter cold night for
Queens Th eatre patrons at Flushing
Meadows Corona Park. Inside, though,
the audience has all the heat they need
from internationally acclaimed “Tango
Fire.” Th eir graceful, athletic and statuesque
interpretations of the magnifi cent
Argentinian tango brings encores and
ovations through the packed house.
Executive director Taryn Sacramone
can barely contain her excitement as she
steps onstage to greet the audience and
introduce the troupe. Now, tango!
A mesmerizing combination of lights
and music support the dancers as they
strut across the stage. Impeccably dressed
in glamorous dresses and well-tailored
suits, their magic touches the audience
from the very fi rst chords (Matias Feigin,
piano). An uncomplicated story line
shows competition for the ladies’ aff ections.
Sometimes they are acknowledged,
other times they are vigorously spurned.
Proving once again that music and
dance are international communicators,
the haunting yet elegant vocalizations
(Jesus Hidalgo) in Spanish reach
our deepest emotions. But it is the dancers
who attract all eyes. Indeed the tango’s
fi re is breathtaking as each couple twists,
turns, spins and dips in almost superhuman
positions. Bravo, bravo!
Director of choreography German
Cornejo with his dance partner Gisela
Galeassi are a dazzling light in a shimmering
palette of artistic expression. Th e performers
sometimes hold the stage alone. Other
times, their coordinated rhythms include the
full ensemble. Kudos to Sebastian Alvarez
with Victoria Saudelli, Marcos Esteban
Roberts with Louise Junqueira Malucelli,
Ezequiel Lopez with Camila Alegre and Julio
Jose Seffi no with Carla Dominguez.
A powerful, tireless orchestra provides
the vital musical backbone. Th e bandoneon,
a cousin to the accordion, fi nds nimble
fi ngers with Clemente Carrascal. Th e
violin by Gemma Scalia and the contrabass
played by Facundo Benavidez are all
eminently professional.
Clearly, Queens Th eatre’s winter/spring
season is off to a great start. For information
on this and future productions, call
the box offi ce at 718-760-0064 or click on
www.queenstheatre.org.
As always, save me a seat on the aisle.