One of the great things about living in a downtown neighborhood like the Northside is that you meet all kinds of people, like my friend and neighbor Alexis Cerul, who’s running for Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge. The first thing I have to tell you is that Alex is not a judicial candidate out of Central Casting.

What Alex is best known for in the Northside is his garage. What looks like a two-story cottage behind his 19th century Victorian house is actually a garage to house his vintage Mustang and his enormous collection of found and collected items, sorted into hundreds of 1-gallon coffee cans, each labelled with an enigmatic tag. He built the garage mostly himself, using new and found materials like 100-year-old siding from a demolished Victorian house.

During one of his many home improvement projects he had an idea for a way to protect electrical wiring from nails through walls, for which he received US Patent US6779232.

When a friend of ours, who is a tireless neighborhood volunteer and advocate, came back from a trip to Italy raving about the beach experience there, Alex organized a group of neighbors to build a replica beach cabana for him. It’s now standing in our friend’s back yard holding his garden tools.

But Alex isn’t just a can-do guy who wants to be a judge — my lawyer friends (okay, one of them is his wife) tell me he’s entirely qualified for the position. His experience isn’t as a trial attorney, but working at the courthouse, doing the research work that helps the judges decide complex legal questions. Whenever I’ve asked him questions about legal matters in the news he’s always had a ready and understandable answer. He’s received endorsements from 9 sitting and retired superior court judges, more than a dozen working attorneys, and numerous civic leaders, elected officials, and community organizations.

I hope you’ll keep Alexis Cerul in mind when you cast your ballot for judge, either on the vote-by-mail ballot you’ve probably already received or at the polls on June 5.

Five South First Area museums and galleries hosed a fun event this afternoon, called ArtHouse. MACLA held a poetry slam (pictured) and painting workshop by a local artist. The Stage Theatre hosted Notre Dame High School’s improv comedy players. The ICA gallery held a filmmaking workshop. Numerous artists had prints available for sale. The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles had free entry to their exhibit of tapestries designed by Bay Area artist Mark Adams.

It was a pretty quiet event, on a warm, still day; but I’d love to see it grow in future years.

Mephistopheles (Silas Elash) conducts a mesmerized chorus in Opera San Jose’s production of Gounod’s Faust. Image by Pat Kirk Photography

Better late than never, the Opera (not so-) Novice is here to tell you to make fancy shmancy plans to see FAUST this weekend! This is the final weekend, and you’re not going to want to miss this thoroughly entertaining show. My guest and I absolutely adored it, and I think it was my favorite of the entire season.

It really was one of our best opera dates ever. We always have a great time at Opera San Jose, but sometimes the perfection of what they do can dull the excitement and cause me to wonder how to write a review: “The music was perfect,” “The Baritone was perfect,” “ the scenery was perfect,” “the costumes were perfect.” You know what? Last night wasn’t perfect, for me. And you know what else? Still one of the best operas EVER.

But what’s not to like? Méphistophélès, dressed as a sort of pirate, steals the show. You also have a scary, supernatural child angel who scared me more than Méphistophélès did. There’s one song which is all about drinking “beer and wine” and “anything but water” — Gotta love it! There are religious symbolism and bargains with the devil, doomed love and terrifying horror, and always the perfection of the opera orchestra and singers (which I would never really complain about!).

These were all awesome things, but some were also a little out of the ordinary (even for my short experience with the opera, where I’ve learned opera is NEVER what you expect). I’ve rarely felt as uncomfortable about a character as I did the tiny little angel on stage, and kudos to her for pulling off that Stephen King-like creepiness along with the religious grandeur and horror, all at the same time. Unfortunately, I cannot figure out the name of this young actress, but she did a splendid job.

I was also taken off guard by watching Jouvanca Jean-Baptiste on stage for the first act and a half without singing a note (that I noticed). She finally gets her turns in the second and third acts, but having watched her in production after production over the years, this was strange for me. (You don’t watch George Clooney just walk through scenes in half a film before speaking a word).

But Opera Novice, are these really things to complain about? Of course not! There were just interesting changes from the norm which piqued my interest and kept me on my toes. But I did have one problem with the show which surprised me. By the end of the first act I was clutching my friend’s arm, exclaiming how much I absolutely loved the set design. The lighting, the artwork backdrops, the bank of colored spotlights on the left and right… somehow it all came together for a most exciting, tremendous setting for the show. But the curtain went up for the second Act and I was taken by surprise. An abnormally small painted back drop was all there was, along with the bank of lights on the side… and it confused me in a less exciting way. I kept thinking they must have spent their entire budget on the amazing backdrops for Idomeneo… but I see from my materials that Idomeneo had the same set designer. What gives, Opera SJ? I’m going to assume that I’m not understanding the message of the set designer this time, and don’t get me wrong: the end of Act II was beautiful… but was it up to the gloriousness of previous Opera SJ productions? I say No.
But then! I guess I was not the only one to wonder about the set designs, because Opera San Jose gave set designer Steven Kemp a chance to tell us poor novices about his reasons for each setting. I now understand what it was he was trying to bring to the production… I’m not entirely sure it succeeded. However, aside from Act II, I absolutely adored the settings of Act I and III.  Simply gorgeous.  Click the link to see some great shots of the amazing designs.

So, is this a good opera for a beginner? YES. Resounding Yes. It has an intensely moving and interesting storyline, amazing, charismatic characters and some really fun songs, along with a great deal of terror. And for those who already love Opera, Faust is one of the most often performed operas of all time, and Opera San Jose, as always, does it perfectly.

FAUST
Opera San Jose
408-437-4450
Follow them on Facebook for news, pictures, and often discounts!

Can’t make it to see Faust?
Season 2012/2013 is coming up! Plan your dates now, or get your season tickets!
On the menu for next season is:
THE PEARL FISHERS
DIE FLEDERMAUS
IL TROVATORE
SUOR ANGELICA & GIANNA SCHICCHI

idolwatchnews.blogspot.com

DeAndre Brackensick will make an appearance at Eastridge Mall on Sunday, April 29th. He will be there from noon to 3pm.

DeAndre will talk with his fans. (Around 1:10 pm) Also, there will be a free raffle for the opportunity to have a photo taken with him.

American Idol Live – the tour will be at the HP Pavilion San Jose on July 22.

I just spotted this in front of a home on the 500 block of Arleta Avenue in the Burbank neighborhood of central San Jose. Inside were a couple of dozen books available for borrowing — mostly children’s books and thrillers. What a fantastic idea.

It turns out this Little Free Library is part of a national movement; but so far it is the only Little Free Library in the south bay to register on the national website.

I’d love to see more of these pop up around town.

AJ Meijer as "Lennie" and Jos Viramontes as "George" in OF MICE AND MEN at TheatreWorks. Photo credit: Mark Kitaoka

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TheatreWorks productions are new to Metblogs, but this won’t be the last time we review one of their outstanding productions.  I was lucky enough to be invited to review their current show, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, and was thoroughly impressed.

AJ Meijer as "Lennie," Jos Viramontes as "George," and Lena Hart as "Curley's wife" in OF MICE AND MEN at TheatreWorks. Photo credit: Tracy Martin

I was especially excited to see Of Mice and Men, as it’s one of my favorite stories by Steinbeck.  It is the emotional tale of George, a migrant farmworker, and his hardworking but mentally challenged buddy Lenny, who just likes to rub his fingers against soft things:  a swatch of luxurious velvet, a woman’s silky hair, a dead mouse he found on the side of the road…

George and Lenny are on a journey to their next job in Soledad, and when they meet the resident group of farm workers and their dogs, everyone’s lives are about to change.  This is not a happy story, but it is a most emotional, sympathetic and thought provoking tale about love and companionship, with both animals and humans, and what it means to actually be in charge of your partner’s care.  As far as I can remember the play is pretty faithful to Steinbeck’s story, which is very short, and if you have not read the book before I highly recommend it.

Gary Martinez as "Candy" and AJ Meijer as "Lennie" in OF MICE AND MEN at TheatreWorks. Photo credit: Tracy Martin

I had never seen the show performed live before but I was sure it was going to be an amazing production and I was right.  TheatreWorks raises it to an even higher level with their talented cast.   Charles Branklyn brings a truthful cantankerousness to the marginalized Crooks, who, as a black man, must live in the barn away from the other workers.  Gary S. Martinez is an amazingly sympathetic Candy, who is aware that his end of days is coming, but not soon enough.  And the two stars of the show are more than capable of carrying the entire production.  Jos Viramontes is the ever faithful George, who takes seriously the responsibility of caring for his friend Lenny, played by AJ Meijer.  Lenny is an extremely important character to cast, as it must be made clear to the audience both his weaknesses and his utmost strength, and those who play the part often (and should) get a lot of attention.  But George is also not a simple character to play, and Viramontes makes it clear his love for his friend so that George’s decision at the end of the play is understandable and accepted by the audience.  Viramontes and Meijer are both spectacular.

The show plays through April 29 and is well worth the price of the tickets (ranging from $19 – $69).  It is not a show fit for younger children, but is a great one for teens.  I have a feeling this show is going to garner a lot of nominations at the end of the year, and likely many wins as well.  I wholeheartedly recommend you see this production.  I absolutely look forward to many more shows from TheatreWorks in the future.

Of Mice and Men
TheatreWorks
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
650 463-1960

San Pedro Square Market launched a new weekly farmer’s market this morning. I was able to be there and I was pretty impressed. They had a strong selection of vendors, including produce, ready-to-eat foods, and a few crafts booths. The organic farm choices were strong, although the lack of “not-so-organic” choices seems likely to keep prices up and make this a market for the more well-off. (Hint: if reasonable prices for just-picked fresh veggies is more important to you than strict organic processes, check out Japantown’s farmers market every Sunday morning).

The San Pedro Square Market Farmer’s Market will be held every Saturday morning, year-round, from 10 am to 2 pm. It’s located on St. John Street, between San Pedro and Almaden Ave.

San Pedro Square Market’s second building, the Lusardi building, was also open, although the retail space is only partially occupied. There were a couple of craft and clothing spaces. Aptos’s excellent California native nursery, Native Revival, has a booth. An every-day produce market called Veggie Box had opened.

There’s also a bar in the new space. This one has a clean, sharp-edged looked, a complete counter-point to the San Pedro Market Bar in the first building.

While there I noticed a now familiar face. Posted on the glass refrigerator door above the sign reading, ‘Please Do Not Slam Door! I Am 53 Years Young” was a picture of American Idol contestant DeAndre.

The picture reading: Good Luck DeAndre!

Don’t forget to watch and vote for DeAndre
On American Idol !
Wednesday at 8pm

Phillip Phillips is my favorite, but it will be hard not to cast my vote for our local Oak Grove High School student.

I’ve been enjoying local organist Brian Ho’s new album, Organic, since I got ‘hold of it at the CD release party last week.

The show, at the Fairmont Hotel’s lobby lounge, was standing room only. Of course Ho showed off his chops on his signature Hammond organ, but every player got a solo turn and every instrument got a workout. Guitarist Calvin Keys probably has the most polished sound in the band, but drummer Lorca Hart and saxophonist Oscar Pangilinan also could blaze out a solo or join with the band in a smooth groove.

The album itself has much of the same material as the live performance. Most of the tunes are up-tempo, and organ solos are well-balanced by showpieces for the other instruments. The material shows off the organ’s ability to switch seamlessly from buzzing along in a background bass line to taking the center stage and carrying the main melody.

Of the original compositions on the record, I think “Reversi” and “Beat Street” are the strongest. “Beat Street” has a jumpy syncopated rhythm that will get you bopping. “Reversi” starts out slower, but quickly builds up a tempo and a groove that could go on all night. Of the cover material, I really enjoy the arrangement of Horace Silver’s “Song for my Father”, where all four instruments blend into a seamless whole with a sweet sound.

Organic is available from iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby.

Photo courtesy of Brian Ho

*looks out at sea of blank faces*

Well why the heck not??

A heated family discussion between Lenny Magrath (left- Kelly Rinehart) and Chick Boyle (Eileen Fisher) takes place as Babe Magrath looks on (Jade Shojaee in back) in Hillbarn Theatre's Crimes of the Heart

Hillbarn Theater is an amazing venue which presents some of the best plays in the Bay Area.  They consistently present top rated shows, completely transform their stage with every production, and always attract amazing talent.  Just this year you’ve already missed City of Angels, Master Class, The Will Rogers Follies, Social Security, and recently Crimes of the Heart.  Crimes of the Heart especially caused the audience to twitter excitedly during intermission about the amazing trio of actresses who carried the show, most notably an incredibly impressive performance by young Jade Shojaee – keep an eye out for that name in the future.  Foster City is not that far away from the South Bay, traffic at night is usually going the opposite direction, and the venue is run by some of the nicest people in theater.

But Hillbarn also presents many extra shows and educational events.  Crimes of the Heart just finished its run and The Producers doesn’t begin until May (put it on your calendars now!), but there is already a new event scheduled this weekend:  The award-winning dance company Diablo Ballet will present works by some of the top choreographers in the Bay Area and the world this Friday and Saturday.  Known for their exciting and innovative performances, the program this weekend will include the following:

Diablo Ballet dancers Robert Dekkers (right), Hiromi Yamazaki (lifted), and Derek Sakakura (lifting) perform KT Nelson's Escaping Game

The West Coast Premiere of the duet from Mercurial Manoeuvres, by Christopher Wheeldon, one of the top choreographers from England.

Escaping Game by KT Nelson, Co-Artistic Director of ODC/San Francisco

Back in the Day, the new dance work set to the music of Frank Sinatra by David Fonnegra.

Live music will accompany several of the works, and following the performance the audience is invited to mingle and meet the dancers at a complimentary reception in the lobby.   And I know from experience that Hillbarn always presents a fun food and drink spread for their parties.

After the Saturday, 2pm performance, young dance fans and their parents are invited to the Little Ballerina Tea in the courtyard.  Featuring specially prepared tea, food and drink, young ballet fans are invited to meet and take pictures with the dancers.  This is a wonderful family activity!

Diablo Ballet dancers Derek Sakakura and Hiromi Yamazaki perform Christopher Wheeldon's Mercurial Manoeuvres

Diablo Ballet
Hillbarn Theatre
Friday, March 30:  8pm
Saturday, March 31: 2pm and 8pm
1285 East Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City
Tickets:  650-349-6411