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JOHN BAILEY JIM BENEROFE PETER KATZ
ON 2017
A YEAR TO FORGET
THAT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED
ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK
ON THE INTERNET ON YOUTUBE AND WHITE PLAINS WEEK DOT COM
AT THESE LINKS
the whiteplainsweek.com link is
TONIGHT! JOHN BAILEY INTERVIEWS THE CAST AND MASTERMINDS BEHIND THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME WPPAC’S SMASH HIT NEW SHOW.
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JOHN BAILEY
WESTCHESTER COUNTY’S NUMBER ONE STAGE CRITIC
INTERVIEWS
THE STARS, THE DIRECTORS OF
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
AND ON THE INTERNET NOW
ON YOUTUBE AND WHITE PLAINS WEEK AT THESE LINKS:
the whiteplainsweek.com link is
THE CAST OF THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
JENNA DALLACCO AS ESMERALDA AND
BOBBY CASSELL AS QUASIMODO
CECILIA SNOW AND CHRIS GUZMAN,LOCAL WHITE PLAINS ACTORS IN THE SHOW AND JAMES ZANNELLI, FROLIO THE VILLAIN
MEET THE DIRECTORS AND WHAT’S IN STORE
IN WHITE PLAINS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
City of Rye Appeal Holds Up Playland Standard Amusements/County Deal Indefinitely. Astorino Playland Dream Fails.
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Playland two months ago: North Broadwalk Repairs of Hurricane Sandy Damage (Sustained in 2013) finally got underway this past fall. The takeover of the park by Standard Amusements is being delayed past December 31 over a City of Rye Appeal of a court ruling that threw out The City of Rye contention it should have final approval of any changes to the park the developer wants to make. The repair to the North Broadwalk is still not complete.
WPCNR PLAYLAND-GO-ROUND. By John F. Bailey December 28, 2017:
There will be no closure and no multi-million dollar check from Standard Amusements accepting the lease management deal to manage and makeover Playland this weekend, or sometime to come.
Standard Amusements had been given until December 31 by Westchester to submit the first payment of $750,000 eventually to be $2.250 Million (as stated last April) to begin their 30 year lease on the Playland property. Standard is supposed to invest $27,250,000 in the park rides and improvements. The county was supposed to invest $30 Million in infrastructure, but this was upped in the fall to approximately $50 Million without explicit details explained.
The head lawyer for the City of Rye told WPCNR this will not happen because the city of Rye has appealed the decision throwing out the Rye lawsuit in August of this year.
Kristen Wilson, Corporation Counsel for the City of Rye Thursday told WPCNR the city had appealed the judge’s ruling in the suit Rye filed protesting the county right to approve all developments and changes to the park (by any lease/manager) without the City of Rye “final right of approval.”
Asked if the Appellate Court might expedite the hearing date for the Rye appeal, Wilson said the appellate court does not routinely take cases in the order in which they are filed, but usually it can take up to a year for an appeal to come to a hearing before the court.
Asked if the Appellate Court could choose not to hear the case, Wilson said “you are automatically given the right to appeal in New York State, and you must be granted a hearing. Only the New York State Court of Appeals chooses which cases appealed from the Appellate Court that they will hear.
“The city (of Rye) has perfected its appeal and submitted it to the Appellate Court, Second Circuit. The County and Standard Amusements have not submitted their responses (to the Rye appeal). Their (the county and Standard) responses are due in the middle of January.”
Asked if the new Mayor-elect of Rye might withdraw the suit, Ms. Wilson said she was not aware of the new Mayor’s position, but withdrawal or continuation of the appeal was up to him.
That is because the City of Rye has appealed the court ruling in August, throwing out the City of Rye suit claiming that Rye should have final right of approval of what is built and designed on the county-owned national landmark amusement park, in operation since 1929
In his last three days as County Executive, Robert Astorino’s solution for stopping the annual $3-4 Million debt service of Playland (through leasing it out to private management) has failed.
As early as last month, Mr. Astorino had assured that everything was on track for Standard Amusements coming on board with their payment by the end of the year.
Repeated rejections by the County Legislature of Mr. Astorino’s proposals to lease the park, first by the New York City High Line connected group, Sustainable Playland, Astorino’s selection that the County Legislature rejected due to lack of contractors in place ready to fix the park, and what the legislature judged was a lack of financing.
Then came the request for other proposals, which resulted in Standard Amusements being selected by Mr. Astorino as the best group. After the legislature O.K.’s a tentative deal with Standard, discussions with Standard Amusements developed over who would pay for structural repair of the park infrastructure, especially the deteriorating colonnades and the swimming pool, and addition of amenities.
In the current state of the agreement the county has agreed to pay for $60 Million of improvements on the infrastructure (double the county’s original commitment), and Standard Amusements $30 Million of improvements on the park (including new rides, restaurants, new outbuildings).
The county, by the way has already spent approximately $8 Million on the Children’s Museum on the Boardwalk there, and has not been reimbursed for that as was originally promised in the Children’s museum agreement. The Children’s Museum is open but without the extent of exhibits it has promised. The Children’s Museum was a project highly touted and approved by the County Legislature previously in the Andrew Spano administration.
Since a resolution of the legal challenge from Rye, (where County Executive-elect George Latimer lives), is a long way from being settled due to the Rye appeal, (unless the new Mayor of Rye withdraws the appeal, giving the right of final approval to the county), the deal may undergo another analysis by County Executive-elect Latimer and the new County Board of Legislators.
It is worth noting that Mr. Astorino’s efforts to wipe way Playland debt by getting a private leaser to improve the park and increase county revenue has instead ballooned county Playland debt approximately by $60 Million.
When the appeal is granted or denied, you know it will be appealed to the higher Court of Appeals so this may give the County Legislature and the new County Executive George Latimer two years to tinker with Standard Amusements on the deal, or not.
New York State Budget Director Condemns County Executive for Banning Paying 2018 Taxes Before End of 2017
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the Office of Governor Andrew M.Cuomo. December 28, 2017;
Dear County Executive Astorino,
As you know, President Trump’s tax reform bill severely limits the deductibility of local property taxes. As you also know, Governor Cuomo has issued an executive order to allow taxpayers to pay their 2018 property tax bill prior to the end of the year so those taxes can be deducted in full on their 2017 federal tax returns.
One would assume this is of special interest to you as Westchester has extraordinarily high property taxes, the highest in the state and often the highest property taxes in the nation. The loss of full deductibility will have serious negative consequences to Westchester residents who often pay in excess of $30,000 in taxes a year.
The state has 62 counties. The overwhelming majority of the counties have allowed the tax payers to prepay next year’s property taxes before December 31st. Your county has refused.
Westchester County property tax payers are among the most negatively impacted in the entire nation. Counties across the state have overcome administrative obstacles to help their tax payers. While we know your term is nearly over and you will be seeking employment elsewhere, we urge you fulfill your constitutional obligation and please put Westchester tax payers first.
We urge you to reconsider your decision on behalf of the tax payers of Westchester County before it is too late.
Sincerely,
Robert Mujica, New York State Budget Director
George Latimer Inauguration as County Executive Scheduled for January 7
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WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. December 27, 2017: The George Latimer Transition team announced yesterday that George Latimer, County Executive Elected will hold his ceremonial Inauguration on January 7 at the Hankin Academic Arts Building Theater on the campus of Westchester Community College beginning 12 noon.
County Says “NOT POSSIBLE” TO HAVE 2018 Tax Warrants Out IN NEXT 4 DAYS
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BULLETIN
WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. Statement from Ned McCormack, Senior Advisor to the County Executive. 3:45 P.M.E.ST.:
“In Westchester, the collection of property taxes is the responsibility of local municipalities. A number of municipalities are saying people can pre-pay their 2018 property taxes based on their 2017 bills and reconcile any discrepancies next year. Although this may be an option for some people, ultimately, the question of deductibility will be decided by the IRS.
Westchester County has looked into the feasibility of having residents pre-pay their county taxes. It is just not possible for the county to issue its 2018 tax warrants to localities within the next four days for a whole host of legal, operational and practical reasons.
By law, the county can only issue one complete warrant for the 259,034 properties across all of Westchester’s localities and special districts.
There is no way to do this responsibly by the end of the year given all of the laws that the county must follow under Westchester’s charter and the U.S. tax code, as well as a host of other variables and unknowns.”
City Issues Status of Paying 2017-18 Taxes Prior to End of Year–No Warrant from County Yet for 2018
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WPCNR QUILL AND EYESHADE. From the City of White Plains. December 26, 2017:
Property tax bills for the 2nd half 2017-18 city and school district taxes have already been issued and residents can pay those bills now. Payments are due on January 31, 2018, however, residents may pay any time in advance of the due date. Payments may be made in person at the Finance window in City Hall, by mail, or online.
The City has not yet received the tax warrant from the County for 2018 County property taxes. According to the Governor’s Executive Order, if the City of White Plains receives the County warrant before December 29th, residents may pay their 2018 estimated County tax bill in 2017. Payments may be made in person at the Finance window in City Hall. Without the warrant, however, the City has no authority to accept payment for 2018 County property taxes.
The City of White Plains makes no representation regarding the impact of payment in December on federal tax liability. Property owners are advised to contact their tax advisors or the IRS in regard to whether early payment may be deducted on their federal tax returns.
Please continue to check the City website for updates.
An album of Christmas Past
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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. An Album of Christmas Past:
These photographs of Christmas night and Christmas Days of the Past feature some of the festive lights of the city, an American parlor, a typical family dinner setting, complete with kids’ table, and a Christmas Hearth.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP and Reindeer, White Plains. Photo by The WPCNR Roving Photographer.
A Holiday Parlor. Photo by the WPCNR Roving Photographer.
A Holiday Hearth. Photo by the WPCNR Roving Photographer.
A HOLIDAY TABLE, Complete with “Kids’ Table” Photo by the WPCNR Roving Photographer
Christmas Morning, 2005. Photo by the WPCNR Roving Photographer
The Yule Log from White Plains Bake Shoppe. Photo, WPCNR Roving Photographer.
Christmas Treats. Photo by WPCNR Roving Photographer.
Kitten’s First Christmas. Bela The Christmas Kitten. Photo, WPCNR Roving Photographer.
WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE PROGRAM OF DEC. 22 ON THE INTERNET NOW ON YOUTUBE AND WHITEPLAINSWEEK.COM
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PETER KATZ JOHN BAILEY AND JIM BENEROFE
ON
THE ASTORINO VETO OVERRIDE
GEORGE LATIMER’S FIRST ADMINISTRATION PICKS
THE TAX VOTE
NET NEUTRALITY
MTA SAFETY
AND MORE
ON THE INTERNET NOW
WpWeek for 12-22 has been posted
the YouTube link is
the whiteplainsweek.com link is
The Bells Are Ringing for the Hunchback of Notre Dame!
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“Bravos” for Bobby Cassell’s Quasimodo! He Brings Audience to its feet!
Jenna Dallaco’s Esmeralda a Beauty for the Ages and Heaven as WPPAC Mounts “Spectacula” Show. Not a broken heart in the house.
WPCNR STAGE DOOR. First Rushes Theatrical Review by John F. Bailey. Opening Night December 23, 2017:
If any time you needed an underdog to root for and inspire you it is now.
Bobby Cassell is that underdog—the WPPAC roared at his blockbuster solo before swinging into the square like Tarzan to rescue Esmeralda in the emotion-wrenching, heart-pounding climax of this over the top show.
The audience rose as tall as they could when the company of The Hunchback of Notre Dame joined in their Finale Ultimo. The gentleman next to me to leapt to his feet, then another, and another, clusters, in a wave of a thundering standing ovation for the performance they had just seen at the White Plains Performing Arts Center Opening Night last night.
This is a must-see show. It is seamless!
In a relentlessly escalating intensity of a production of this ages old story of Quasimodo, the hunchback befriended by the gypsy Esmeralda in 16th Century Paris, WPPAC has mounted a seamless message of the rewards of doing good and rising to the occasion when action is needed. Christopher and Justin Swader the scenic designers have created the most detailed and haunting set every a Gothic masterpiece of Our Lady of Notre Dame, with massive bells that Mr. Cassell rings with such joy, he even has names for them. The lighting designer Jamie Roderick uses a gazillion spots to create the doorway to Heaven and portray the back streets of Paris at night.
Choreographer Lexie Frare sets Ms. Dallacco’s Esmerala’s dancing feet and slender hips swaying making Ms. Dallacco’s Rhythm of the Tambourine dance on All Fool’s Day just the thing that sets the deliciously evil James Zannelli into sanctimonious hatred of the gypsys.Zanneli steals the show with his lurking booming cleric’s pomposity and hypocrisy as Dom Claude Frollo.
Zannelli’s character Frollo raised Quasimodo in the cathedral, never letting him out because of Quasimodo’s deformity. Frollo hates the gypsies because they lured away his brother who had a child, Quasimodo with a gypsy women. This show is about the destruction of hate and the redemption of the good.
Cassell as Quasimodo is on target portraying a disabled person very realistically, and showing the feelings that every disable person feels which those of us not sensitive to them do not realize. Quasimodo’s existence is made palatable because he talks to the gargoyle statues in the cathedral, who come magically to live.
The gargoyles have a great moment in Act Two singing to Quasimodo that he “is better than this,” trying to get him to intercede and rescue Esmeralda. Cassell answers them in the powerful song Made of Stone
Esmerald befriends Quasimodo when the gypsies mock him as the King of Fools and beat him. She takes pity on him…and takes him into the cathedral.
Ms. Dallacco’s Esmeralda is feisty and a good person. But, of course Mr. Zannelli’s Dom Claude Frollo is furious at Quasimodo because Esmeralda is a gypsy.
Esmeralda meets Captain Phoebus, Matthew Billman, a guard of the cathedral who is smitten with Esmeralda’s independence after going out for Rest and Recreation and meeting the Gypsies. When Phoebus is stabbed by Frollo, and Frollo blames Esmeralda, she brings Phoebus to Quasimodo for help. Twice Esmeralda escaples Frollo’s clutches with a flash of explosives, and Frollo takes her to be a witch.
Phoebus and Esmeralda combine a wonderful song when things are dark for their love. That song is Someday. It is a song that will tear you up. In a voice as clear as the bells of Notre Dame she and Quasimodo duet on Top of the World and God Help the Outcasts.
Everybody stands out in this cast—Jarrad Biron Green, who is the leader of the Gypsies. He narrates the action and orients you to a lot of what is happening. A technique now very popular in Broadway musicals.
There is a choir assembled for this show which rachets up the emotional toll of the show. They sound well, spectacular!
Kudos for the softspoken director, Fran Portanova who has crafted a wonder of a show, motivating every actor and technical expert to create this perfect show. It may be his crowning achievement. This is a tough show to do.
But he and WPPAC did it.
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME plays through January 14. There are matinee performances and evening performances. You can see it today at 2 PM and 7 PM. Go to the WPPAC website www.wppac.com for more information or call the box office at 914-328-1600