November 20, 2024

Dems, Republicans, Nonpartisans Look to Uncertainties Ahead

By Donald Gilpin

Two weeks after the culmination of the fiercely fought and — at least for many — surprising, 2024 elections, politicos, local organizations, and Princeton residents from across the political spectrum are wondering what comes next.

Donald Trump and JD Vance registered a dramatic victory nationwide, winning all the swing states, and made significant gains in New Jersey in losing by only 46.1 percent to 51.9 percent. In Princeton, however, the total was about 83 percent (10,201 votes) for Kamala Harris and 16 percent (2007 votes) for Trump, and the Democrats won the mayoral election and two Council seats unopposed. Democrat Bonnie Watson Coleman coasted to reelection in the 12th Congressional District, and Andy Kim handily won in the New Jersey race for U.S. senator.

Nick DiDomizio, president of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO), expressed concerns shared by many of his fellow Democrats. “The results in New Jersey were obviously disappointing,” he said. “It was really close, just a single digit margin for New Jersey, and I think that’s been causing a lot of despair as it pertains to next year’s governor’s race and the Assembly race.” more

“Battle Window” Unveiling Marks New Era, Upgrading Princeton Battlefield Experience

“BATTLE WINDOW”: The November 18 ceremony at Princeton Battlefield State Park was highlighted by the unveiling of a “battle window,” designed to help visitors better understand the Battle of Princeton. That interpretive device is just one of many enhancements preparing the Battlefield for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. (Photo by Dan Komoda)

By Donald Gilpin

In a ceremony at Princeton Battlefield State Park on Monday, November 18, a gathering of about 50 heard how new tourist-friendly historical signage and other upgrades will be providing future visitors with a better understanding of the Battle of Princeton, which was a decisive moment in American history and has been called the battle “that saved the American Revolution.”

The event was highlighted by the unveiling of a “battle window,” an interpretive sign that includes elements from a James Peale painting applied onto a clear acrylic window so that viewers can peer through to gain a sense of the battle action that took place on the landscape. more

McCarter’s Holiday Production of “A Christmas Carol” Brings Back Popular Actor as Ebenezer Scrooge

SCROOGE IS BACK: Veteran stage and screen actor Joel McKinnon Miller returns to the lead role in McCarter Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” running December 10-29. (Photo courtesy of McCarter Theatre)

By Anne Levin

When Joel McKinnon Miller signed on in June 2023 to play the notorious miser Ebenezer Scrooge in McCarter Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol last December, he wasn’t entirely familiar with the Charles Dickens classic. But he immersed himself in the play, reading the script numerous times before rehearsals began.

Miller’s characterization was a success; so much so that McCarter has brought him back for this year’s run of the show. A Christmas Carol, adapted by director Lauren Keating, opens December 10 and runs through December 29 in McCarter’s Matthews Theatre. more

Womanspace Renames and Rebrands to Better Serve Domestic Violence Victims

By Anne Levin

In an effort to make its services to victims of domestic violence more inclusive, the local nonprofit Womanspace has changed its name to Younity. The rebranding was made official at a gathering of staff, board members, community leaders, survivors, and supporters at Trenton Country Club on
November 13.

“We know that our community is diverse, and we also know that domestic violence does not discriminate,” said Nathalie Nelson, Younity CEO and president, this week. “It doesn’t only affect women. It affects men, children, the elderly — people from all backgrounds. We want to reflect that.”

Founded in 1977 to provide critical services for those affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse in the Mercer County region, Womanspace provides emergency and follow-up services including round-the-clock crisis intervention, short-term emergency shelter, short-term and long-term transitional housing, counseling, and support groups for adults and children. In the last fiscal year, more than 10,000 people received assistance from the nonprofit, according to Nelson. more

HomeFront Prepares for Busy Holiday Season with Multiple Initiatives to Serve Community

“DREAM COME TRUE”: HomeFront will be expanding its Diaper Resource Center with help in the form of $250,000 from the State of New Jersey. Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, seen here (on left) with Homefront CEO Sarah Steward, assisted in acquiring the state funding. (Photo courtesy of HomeFront)

By Donald Gilpin

As the holidays approach, HomeFront is stepping up its efforts to help families “break the cycle of poverty” with Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week through November 23, its Thanksgiving Basket and Food Drive, the Holiday Wishes Drive to make the season merry for local children in need, its Holiday Market November 23-24, its expanding Diaper Resource Center, and more.

“This holiday season the need is both great and growing, as homelessness continues to rise,” said HomeFront CEO Sarah Steward. “In Mercer County alone, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness increased by 31 percent from 2023 to 2024. At HomeFront we provide emergency shelter and vital support for families in crisis, while also working to prevent others from reaching that breaking point.” more

On the Brilliance of “My Brilliant Friend”

By Stuart Mitchner

The television adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend (Europa 2012) made its HBO debut on November 18, 2018. After watching the concluding episode of the fourth and final season on November 11, 2024, my wife and I sat in stunned silence, feeling as if we’d just seen an unquestionably great film in spite of a pandemic-mandated two-year “intermission.” It didn’t matter that we’d had to rewatch some of the third season to catch up with the tangential characters, events, and relationships. What made it possible to appreciate the film as a single unified work of cinematic art was the evolution of the extraordinary friendship suggested by the title. All the other characters and plotlines and subplots were ultimately and necessarily secondary, “supporting” in every sense of the word. Postwar Italian history, politics, communism, fascism, drugs, family life, black marketeers, local color — nothing compared in significance to the relationship between Rafaella “Lila” Cerullo and Elena “Lenù” Greco. more

Princeton University Glee Club Celebrates 150 Years of Music

By Nancy Plum

The glee club tradition dates back to late 18th-century London, with musical groups informally gathering to perform short compositions and popular songs. Named after the Baroque-era English “glee” part song, these ensembles were until the mid-20th century comprised of male voices, with countertenors taking the upper parts. While late 19th-century glee clubs in London were superseded by large choral societies, they became very popular in U.S. high schools and universities, and more so after opening their ranks to women. A number of local collegiate institutions have glee clubs dating back to the mid-1800s, and Princeton University is no exception. The Princeton University Glee Club, founded in 1874, has grown far beyond the “short song” repertoire to become the largest choral organization in the University’s campus, with a commitment to complex works and commissioning new music.

The University Glee Club, currently under the direction of Gabriel Crouch, celebrated its 150th anniversary this past weekend with three days of concerts, rehearsals, and alumni reunions. Continuing its long-standing commitment to collaborating with world-class musical organizations, the Glee Club opened last weekend’s festivities with a join concert with The King’s Singers. Considered the “gold standard” of a cappella singing, the six-member all-male ensemble has been a pillar of choral excellence for the past 55 years. Glee Club conductor Crouch was a member of the chorus for eight years, and since then has built a solid partnership between the University choral program and the renowned vocal sextet.  more

“Eurydice” Updates a Myth, Retells it from the Heroine’s Viewpoint; Theatre Intime Delivers a Strong Staging of a Poignant, Poetic Script

“EURYDICE”: Theatre Intime has staged “Eurydice.” Written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Lucy Shea, the play was presented November 15-17 at the Hamilton Murray Theater. Above: After a fatal accident, Eurydice (Melanie Garcia, right) arrives in the underworld and encounters her Father (Martin Brennan, left), who predeceased her. (Photo by Elena Milliken)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

According to the Greek myth, Eurydice — a nymph and, according to some versions, the daughter of Apollo — fell in love with Orpheus, who was said to be the son of the muse Calliope. Orpheus “was gifted with such extraordinary musical skills that even trees and rocks danced,” notes Britannica.com.

Fleeing to avoid the unwanted advances of Aristaeus, Eurydice was fatally bitten by a snake. Orpheus traveled to the underworld and charmed Hades with his music. Hades agreed to release Eurydice on one condition: “Orpheus and Eurydice were forbidden to look back while they were in the land of the dead.” Orpheus was unable to resist looking to see if Eurydice was following him, and she returned to the underworld forever. more

Renaissance Quartet Comes to McCarter Theatre Nov. 21

RENAISSANCE MEN: McCarter Theatre hosts the Renaissance Quartet, a group of Juilliard School graduates mentored by Itzhak Perlman, on Thursday, November 21. From left are Daniel Hass, Randall Goosby, Jeremiah Blacklow, and Jameel Martin.

The Renaissance Quartet, featuring violinists Randall Goosby and Jeremiah Blacklow, violist Jameel Martin, and cellist Daniel Hass, comes to McCarter Theatre on Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Graduates  of the Juilliard School who were mentored by Itzhak Perlman, the quartet blends classical mastery with a reimagining of chamber music traditions. The New York-based ensemble takes a forward-thinking approach to appeal to a diverse audience. more

Rock Musical Classic Comes to New Brunswick

ANNIVERSARY TOUR: Time-travel to 1973 with “Selling England by the Pound,” at State Theatre New Jersey on Friday, December 6. (Photo by Jean-Marc Hamel)

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Musical Box – 50th Anniversary Genesis—Selling England by the Pound on Friday, December 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $29-$49. 

Fifty years ago, Genesis released Selling England by the Pound and changed rock history. In 1973, Peter Gabriel’s famous theatrics and Genesis’ musical apex produced some of the most iconic images and sounds of the ’70s, which to this day have a cult following. The Musical Box, who shared the stage with Phil Collins and Steve Hackett as performing guests at such venues as London’s Royal Albert Hall and Paris’ Olympia, will perform the emblematic 1973 show in painstaking detail.

State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit Stnj.org for tickets.

Playwriting Competition Seeks Student Participants

Phillips’ Mill’s third annual Play with Words Student Playwriting Challenge is accepting submissions through midnight on January 12, 2025. Winners will be announced in late January, and winning plays will be presented at the location in New Hope, Pa., in a staged reading on March 1.

According to Fran Ferrone, who chairs the competition, one of last year’s winners, Saskia Cooper of The Pennington School, said that she “was nervous … that a joke wouldn’t land … but was really happy to see the actors having fun,” and plans to enter again this year.

She also quoted Abigail Wus of Pennsbury High School (Pa.), who thinks the pressure of juggling time between studies and her love of writing is worth it. “To anyone who has a notes app full of unfinished ideas and fragments of stories, I encourage you to write for Play With Words,” Wus said. “It provided me the motivation to try a new medium and helped me realize a new depth to writing that I will carry with me in the rest of my works.”  more

MCCC Students in Two Productions at Kelsey

Mercer County Community College (MCCC) students from different departments are collaborating on an interpretation of a classic Greek tragedy The Bacchae of Euripides and A Mouthful of Birds, November 21-24, at the Kelsey Theatre on MCCC’s West Windsor Campus.

Both productions involve students from the Theater, Dance, and Entertainment Technology; Fashion Apparel/Design; and Advertising and Graphic Design programs serving as performers and costume designers and providing advertising/promotion support.

According to Jody Gazenbeek-Person, MCCC’s Theatre, Dance, and Entertainment Technology coordinator, the intra-program experience serves as a real-life lesson for a career in the entertainment industry, where understanding all aspects of a production is important for success.  more

Pianist and Professor

Mikhail Voskresensky will present an all-new program on Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. in Bristol Chapel, on the campus of Westminster Choir College, 101 Walnut Lane. He will perform works by Beethoven, Mozart, Grieg, Scriabin, and Chopin. Tickets are $45 ($20 for students).

Violinist and Pianist Make Princeton Debut

Dutch violinist Janine Jansen is set to make her long-anticipated Princeton University Concerts (PUC) debut with Belgian pianist Denis Kozhukhin on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium.

The program features Robert Schumann Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 105; Clara Schumann Three Romances, Op. 22; and Johannes Brahms Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 100 and Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 108.

“We have been eager to present this legendary duo for a very long time,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer, “and after the pandemic and illness delayed their debut, it feels surreal that this historic moment has finally arrived. As we head into the holiday season, I can think of no greater gift.” more

Youthful Dancers

Princeton Youth Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Risa Kaplowitz and Talin Kenar, is on stage at Princeton High School Performing Arts Center Saturday, December 7 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 at 12 and 4 p.m. This version of the familiar holiday ballet is a coming-of-age story. Tickets are on sale at pyb.booktix.com.

Live Performance, Film is Narrated Travelogue

On December 3 at 7:30 p.m., Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts presents Courtney Stephens’ live performance/film essay, Terra Femme, at the James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau Street. Admission is free and open to the public.

An essay film, a memoir, a post-colonial reckoning, Terra Femme is a work of live cinema that takes the form of a narrated travelogue, with Stephens leading the viewer through errant cinematic scrapbooks, seeking out the stories behind the images, and wondering after the early 20th century women who captured and witnessed them. This live performance/film has toured widely.

The essay film is comprised of amateur travelogues filmed by women in the 1920s-1950s. With a score by Sarah Davachi, the fims raise questions about female representation in the archive, the role of amateurism in early non-fiction filmmaking, and the politics of the Western gaze. more

Chanticleer Vocal Ensemble Presents Holiday Program

Princeton University Concerts (PUC) will welcome the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer back for a special event performance of their A Chanticleer Christmas program of a cappella choral music, ranging from Renaissance masterworks to spirituals, on Saturday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Princeton University Chapel.

Prior to the concert, PUC will host a Do-Re-Meet LGBTQIA+ & Allies Mingle in the form of a festive “ugly sweater party,” at 5:30 p.m. at Maclean House on the campus.

Chanticleer first came to PUC in October 2023, engaging with the community by inviting singers of all ages and abilities to sing alongside as part of PUC’s free annual Chamber Jam conducted by Artistic Director Tim Keeler, a 2011 graduate of the Princeton University Music Department; singing for one of PUC’s free Live Music Meditation events; and performing a concert at Richardson Auditorium. more

Day With(out) Art 2024 Program at Garden Theatre

The Garden Theatre is partnering with the Princeton University Art Museum to again commemorate Day With(out) Art, an occasion to remember those artists and creators impacted by the AIDS crisis. This year’s program is on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m.

The collection of videos Red Reminds Me…. will be screened, free to the public. The program will be introduced by Princeton University Art Museum Director James Steward, and followed by a discussion between Steward and one of the video’s directors, David Oscar Harvey.

Day With(out) Art was organized by Visual AIDS, “the only contemporary arts organization fully committed to AIDS awareness and creating dialogue around HIV issues today,” according to their website. It was first held on December 1, 1989, to coincide with the World Health Organization’s second annual World AIDS Day, and meant to “celebrate the lives and achievements of lost colleagues and friends.” more

Arts Council to Host “Crafting a Heart” Event

“CRAFTING A HEART”: The Arts Council of Princeton will host a workshop with Gisele Fetterman, right, and Diana Weymar, left, on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. A hands-on art activity and signed copy of Weymar’s new book are included in registration.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) will present a workshop with Gisele Fetterman and craftivist Diana Weymar on Wednesday, December 4. Attendees will learn to create a unique mosaic heart out of ceramic and tile pieces and learn more about using art to transform anxiety into action.

All attendees will receive a signed copy of Weymar’s new book, Crafting a Better World. Additional books will be available for purchase at the event.

This beginner-friendly workshop includes all materials and small-group instruction. Registration is $65 and is available on artscouncilofprinceton.org. more

Day of Artful Joy at Princeton Makes

DAY OF ARTFUL JOY: Artisan card maker Danyelle Kessler will teach children and adults how to make unique greeting cards on Saturday, November 23 from $12:30 to 2 p.m. at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center.

Art Against Racism is partnering with Princeton Makes, a Princeton-based artist cooperative, to present a Day of Artful Joy on Saturday, November 23. It will be a day of creativity and fun celebrating International Art and Health Month. This event is part of Arts and Health Mercer, sponsored by Mercer County art and cultural organizations. Learn more at artshealthmercer.org. The activities will be held at Princton Makes, located in the Princeton Shopping Center.

The Lovey Monsters Beginners Sewing Class for Kids will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Ronah Harris, an artist and the creator of Lovey Monsters, will help kids unleash their imagination and craft their very own adorable monster stuffy. To enjoy this blend of creativity and fluffiness, one can purchase the Monster Lovey kit available for $12.50. more

PU Program in Visual Arts Hosts Open Studios

OPEN STUDIOS: At the 2023 Open Studios event a then-junior, now senior, shares their work with a visitor. This year’s event is on November 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 185 Nassau Street on the Princeton University campus. (Photo by Jon Sweeney)

Juniors and seniors majoring and minoring in visual arts at Princeton University will open their studios to share and discuss their works-in-progress on November 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 185 Nassau Street on the Princeton campus. The event is free and open to the public.

The evening of Open Studios will feature work by students in a wide range of media including photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, graphic design, and film, as well as multi- and interdisciplinary work. The student artists, from the classes of 2025 and 2026, will be present to discuss their work.  more

Basketball Training, Clinics, Camps, and More are Available at Jump Shot Gym in Hillsborough

SHOOTING SKILLS: “Jump Shot Gym is a specialized facility with eight basketball hoops and Dr. Dish shooting machines.” says Lara De Meo Hoyt, co-owner, with Jim Hoyt, of Jump Shot Gym. Shown is a student sharpening her shooting skills with the aid of the Dr. Dish machine and her customized app. 

By Jean Stratton

It’s all about repetition,” says Jim Hoyt.

Co-owner with his wife, Lara De Meo Hoyt, of Jump Shot Gym in Hillsborough, he points out the importance of practicing basketball shots again and again in order to achieve a successful outcome.

“In a typical setting, players may get 20 to 50 shots in practice. Here, with our state-of-the-art program and special Dr. Dish machines, they get 400 to 900. They can make many more shots here. It’s all about repetition.” more

Producing Stirring Run to Ivy Tournament Title, PU Men’s Soccer Facing Akron in NCAA Opener

TOURNAMENT TOUGH: Princeton University men’s soccer player Nico Nee, right, battles for the ball in game earlier this season. Last weekend, senior forward Nee starred as third-seeded Princeton won the Ivy League Tournament, topping second-seeded Cornell 3-2 in overtime in a semifinal contest on Friday and then defeating top-seeded Penn 3-1 in the final on Sunday. Nee scored the tying goal against Cornell and the first goal in the win over Penn. The Tigers (12-6 overall) will play at Akron (11-4-4) in an NCAA first round contest on November 21 with the victor playing at 14th-seeded Indiana on November 24 in the second round. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University men’s soccer team put together its finest soccer of the season in a whirlwind weekend to get back in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2021.

Senior forward Nico Nee scored the tying goal in a 3-2 double overtime win for the third-seeded Tigers over second-seeded Cornell in the Ivy League Tournament semifinals last Friday, then the first goal of a 3-1 win over Penn for the Ivy tournament title Sunday. Junior forward Danny Ittycheria scored twice in the win over Cornell, and capped off the win over Penn with a late tally. It’s the Tigers’ first Ivy League Tournament championship in just the second year the event has been held. more

With Sophomore Chea Emerging as Floor General, PU Women’s Hoops Tops Villanova in Home Opener

ON POINT: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ashley Chea heads upcourt in a game last season. Last Wednesday, sophomore point guard Chea scored a career-high 17 points to help Princeton defeat Villanova 70-61 in its home opener. On Sunday, Chea tallied 14 points in a losing cause as the Tigers fell 74-66 at Quinnipiac. Princeton, now 2-2, plays at Seton Hall on November 21 and at Rutgers on November 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

During her freshman season with the Princeton University women’s basketball team last winter, Ashley Chea served as an understudy to senior star point guard Kaitlyn Chen.

With Chen having departed and now playing for UConn as a graduate transfer, Chea is now applying the knowledge she gained from her mentor.

“I learned so much from her, I think that this year I am trying to take on her role but me and Kaitlyn play super differently,” said Chea, a 5’8 native of Los Angeles, Calif.  “I think both of our confidence spikes up when times are heated. I just try my best to lead the team and do whatever they need me to do.” more

PU Men’s Hoops Falters Late in Loss to Loyola, Bounces Back to Defeat Merrimack, Now 4-1

INSIDE PRESENCE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Malik Abdullahi defends a foe in recent action. Freshman forward Abdullahi has provided the Tigers with a spark in the paint. Abdullahi scored 11 points and had four rebounds along with one block in a 73-68 loss to Loyola University Chicago on Friday and followed that up with eight points and three rebounds in a 68-57 win over Merrimack last Sunday. Abdullahi was later named Ivy League Rookie of the Week. Princeton, now 4-1, will be competing in the Myrtle Beach Invitational in Conway, S.C., from November 21-24 before returning home to host Nazareth on November 27. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In its first three games this season, the Princeton University men’s basketball team displayed a knack for pulling out nail-biters.

In its season opener against visiting Iona on November 4, Princeton overcame a 16-point second half deficit to pull out an 81-80 win. Against Duquesne four days later, the Tigers trailed by four points with five minutes left before prevailing 75-68. Facing Northeastern on November 10, Princeton trailed 74-71 but produced another late surge to win 79-76. more