By Rachel Galvin
Marcie Gorman-Althof has a passion for theatre. She has kept her foot in the theatrical community in one way or another for most of her life. She taught and has been a guest director at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. She even worked in directing and producing a film called “Incubus,” and has helped with other film productions, but has found that she prefers the stage.
Today, she runs her own nonprofit theatre company, MNM Theatre Company, founded in 2014, and has plays at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Her last play was “Man of La Mancha.” Their next production is “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” It runs Nov. 22 through Dec. 8. After that, “Cabaret,” running May 15 to 31.
But putting on plays is only one part of her contribution to the theatrical community. She also has a 3,500 sq. ft. space in Boca Raton on NW 2 Avenue near 10 Street that she rents out to productions. Production companies can build sets there, hold classes, do rehearsals and more.
Many times, theaters are booked up with other productions, and once a production company finally gains access, they must scramble to put on a show. With this space available, producers can build the sets in advance and have plenty of time to practice and then sets can be moved to the Kravis Center. That way, once the actors go there, they already know their blocking and can just focus on a last-minute tech rehearsal.
The location, she feels, is perfect, being centrally located between West Palm Beach and Miami. She also operates during off season so as not to compete with everyone else. Her goal is to bring jobs to actors and production people. She wants to let everyone know they don’t need to go off to New York or Los Angeles; they can stay right here. She hires both Equity and Non-Equity performers, live musicians and top-notch designers and technicians.
“Every waitress in New York is waiting to be discovered. Come back here. Everyone I hire has grown up here, lives here. I want to bring talented people back to South Florida,” she said.
“For each show, we hire over 50 people,” she added. “There is too much competition during season. Everyone is running shows. We are a smaller fish. Off-season, I am the only game in town. I am trying to fill a niche that no one is doing.”
She continued, “I love watching live theater. I love to watch it grow. [Live theater is different — like when actors are faced with a situation where someone forgets a line and they are forced to deal with it]. I love watching it morph from day one to the last day.”
In addition, she partners with other groups, letting them build sets or rent space for their productions, including the Shakespeare Troupe of South Florida and Primal Forces, which has shows at Sol Theatre.
For Theater Arts Productions, a nonprofit working with middle and high schoolers interested in the arts at Wellington High School, MNM provided monetary support and set building services for a three-week run of The Lion King Jr. presented at their school.
She also works with a group called Imagina, a U.S. based nonprofit that supports disadvantaged Mexican nationals, collaborating with them by providing a choreographer and letting them perform here at Rinker Playhouse on Nov. 10. In order to be brought to America to perform, the students compete, and the best ones come over, and she also provided a dance workshop for disadvantaged Palm Beach County children and the Imagina cast.
This work is done under the auspices of their Emerging Artist Initiative. MNM Theatre Company recently kicked off a $100,000 campaign for their job training program, as well as to increase the number of jobs they can offer and opportunities for students who want to intern or get community service hours.
Before she took on MNM Theatre Company, she owned several Weight Watchers franchises. The skills she developed there, employing more than 400 staff members, translated into her work in live theatre, including overseeing staff, training, problem solving and building teams.
She has been married to her husband, Stan, now for 16 years. She named her company after her children Michael and Mark. (Instead of M&M, she made it MNM). She has become a well-known asset to the South Florida community for her contributions.
To find out more about opportunities available at MNM Theatre Company, including how to get tickets for upcoming productions, visit www.mnmtheatre.org.

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach senior quarterback Michael Pratt returned from injury and passed for two touchdowns, and rushed for another, to lead the Bucks to a 44-6 win over host Palm Beach Central, 44-6, in the Class 8A regional semifinal last Friday night.

“We played well and are peaking at the right time,” said Bucks coach Jevon Glenn, whose team defeated Palm Beach Central in last year’s regional final. “We were prepared and have played a tough schedule to be ready.”

After Palm Beach Central seized a 6-0 lead, the Bucks scored 44 unanswered points for the victory. Pratt, a Tulane commit, returned to the field after missing the regional quarterfinal contest with a wrist injury on his throwing arm.

“We just took care of business,” Pratt said following the game. “Our offensive line blocked well so our run game was established stuck to their assignments so they had to take care of that and we were able to get outside and make some big plays.”

After the Broncos took the initial lead, Deerfield Beach wasted little time in responding and taking the lead for good on a 90-yard kickoff return for a score by Joseph Kennerly for a 7-6 lead. Pratt made it 14-6 with a TD run and then responded with two TD passes from Pratt to Xavier Restrepo and Deajaun McDougle to extend the lead to 28-6. Bucks running back Jaziun Patterson added two second half TD runs for the final margin.

Deerfield Beach will play in the Class 8A regional final at Vero Beach on Friday.

Pompano Beach Golf Results

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association recently held several events starting with a Four-Man scramble on Oct. 30 at the Pines Course.

The team of Jim Foster, Fred Joy, Lance Naiman and Willie Smith won the event when they carded a 62. They were followed by Jorge Duarte, Bob Mascatello, Pete Strychowskyj (who played with alternating shots) and finished second with a 65 after matching cards with Jerry DeSapio, Bill O’Brien and Jack Permenter (who also alternated shots).

Chuck Brown, Bill Delaney, Kevin Narus and Brian Nixon shot a 67 to finish in fourth. The closest to the pin winner on hole No. 3 was Bob Mascatello.

In the Two Best Ball of a Foursome event on Nov. 6 at the Pines, the team of Terry Denoma, Jorge Duarte, Kevin Narus and Dennis Rooy fired a 114 to win the championship by one stroke over the team of Chuck Brown, Andy Burt, Steve Serkey and Willie Smith. Finishing in third was George Disch, Jerry Goodman, Mike Katawczik and Val Rapoport, who shot 118, while the team of Oscar Aleman, Gary Gill, Mike Marruquin and Bob Mascatello shot a 119 to finish fourth. Lance Naiman won the closest to the pin on hole No. 15. He stepped up and made the 2-ft., 5-in. putt for a birdie.

Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association results

The Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association also held a 1-2-3 Best Ball, mixed foursome event with the team of Terri Schulte, Pat DeSanctis, Nancy Cutler and Eleanor Tague coming out on top with a 123. The team of Sandra Gore, Vonnie O’Keefe, Lori Tarmey and Carla Tinnirello (won tiebreaker) with a 128.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

An epic tale can be told in 17 days. That is the major lesson that was learned in the 2 ½ weeks of the 34th Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), which featured a strong beginning, middle and a grand finale.  There were heroes and villains, featuring close calls and thrilling escapes. There was also an acknowledgement that regardless of race, color or creed, there is a community of individuals who love stories told on the big screen.

Winner of the best ensemble award,Working Man, is a film that symbolizes the themes of FLIFF 2019. Ten years in preparation, Robert Jury molded his script into a 1 hour and 49 minute drama that touches upon all the elements of Aristotelian drama: sadness, penance, comedy and redemption. Yet, for all of the academic touch points, Working Man is a contemporary movie that taps into modern sensibilities. The production values of this film reflect upon a little independent film that costar Talia Shire was involved in 43 years ago — Rocky.

Forty-three years ago, the biggest star on the set of Rocky was Burgess Meredith, an actor who was known to one generation as Batman’s nemesis “The Penguin,” to another generation he was “George” to Lon Chaney Jr.’s “Lennie” in John Steinbeck’s adaption Of Mice and Men.  The production values of Rocky were far more depressed than the previous mentioned Burgess Meredith productions. In fact, the actor’s dressing room was a shared van on the streets of Philadelphia.

Instead of missing the glory of salad days gone by, Talia Shire saw him (in his Long Johns, in the dressing room) proclaiming, “Isn’t this great?” Meredith garnered an Oscar nomination for Rocky and steady work in the industry for another 30 years. This is a lesson that the then 29 year-old Talia Shire embraced.

Being trained in theater with the gravitas that “the show must go on,” Shire flew into Ft. Lauderdale on a red eye jet, later than expected, despite an injured index finger and waves of throbbing pain. She would have made Burgess Meredith proud. 

Shire provided expert analysis of Working Man (Videos will be downloaded on my blog — https://cinemadave.livejournal.com this weekend.)  She was generous with the press, signing autographs and posing with fans for photographs.  Shire is a movie star, but she prefers to be known as a character actress.

As an Italian child from Long Island, the film From the Vine helped me recapture moments of my youth.  Starring Joe Pantoliano in a rare leading role, this filmis the story of an overworked executive who discovers the bucolic joy of making wine. 

In 17 days, the climate changed from tropic heat to November chill.  As a double feature, Working Man and From the Vine were great Sunday afternoon matinee fun.

FLIFF 2019 has closed. Many of the backstage angels and class acts are limping home from a job well done.  In fact, 17 days is a great benchmark in the motion picture industry. For Working Man and Rocky were filmed within a similar time period.   Hmm … Cinema Dave has an idea for a film project in 2020 Anno Domini …

By Rachel Galvin

Dog lovers flocked to Baja Cafe Dos (1310 S. Federal Hwy.) on Sunday, Oct. 27 for this year’s Paws For a Cause event. They brought their four-legged friends with them. This event, hosted by the Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach, gave to local dog rescues. Within the small parking lot there, they packed in plenty of fun. There were tables set up with information and giveaways from local pet-related businesses. The Woman’s Club had plenty of baskets to raffle off too.

People from Pet Vet, who brought along their large Dalmatian dog mascot Pete, were busy talking about their $25 new client exam. They also had people “Spin To Win” with hopes of winning different treats and toys.

Pet Supermarket (located near Hillsboro & Federal) had pet toys on hand and coupons, as well as doggie biscuits. They even gave away Halloween coloring sheets to kids who attended. It was the first time they were involved.

“We are happy to be part of the event. A lot of customers who come to our store are here,” said Shannon Lipton.

Scruffy to Fluffy pet groomers (located across from City Hall at 101 NE 2 Ave.) were also there. They offer grooming for dogs and cats. They offer all natural products and strive to create a calm and quiet atmosphere for pets (including making sure cats and dogs are not there at the same time).

Milo’s Pet Rescue brought five dogs and two were adopted (possibly more later).

These were just a few vendors.

The highlight of the event was the costume contest. The judges included yours truly, as well as Perry Victor, Gordon Vatch, Vice Mayor Todd Drosky and Commissioner Michael Hudak. After a little deliberation, the winners were clear. For “family” category (human and pet both dressed up), the winner was Bryanna Meade with her dog 11-year-old Dymitry Jones. The overall winner, Willow, charmed the judges by pulling up in a miniature remote control car while wearing sunglasses. The car was operated by the dog’s owner Cherie Disque.

There was also rockin’ music by Iggy DiLeonardo & Marc Claus.

On top of all this, the restaurant itself was giving a portion of its proceeds back to the cause.

The Woman’s Club is always involved in activities. They have many of their own and also are always helping out others. To find out more about the Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach, visit www.dbwc.org.

By Rachel Galvin

Everyone was hitting the links on Oct. 26 for the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. The event was held at the Greg Norman Course. They are currently working on building a new stage at Galuppi’s there for their weekly entertainment. It is sure to draw a crowd.

“This is my first time. It was great. It is a great course,” said Alec Barr.

“It was an extremely enjoyable tournament. There were so many things on the course – food samples, [drink samples]; it was a lot of fun. The weather was perfect because the rain cooled it down” said Roger Gingrich.

Besides playing golf and enjoying what could be found around the course, players had a buffet style lunch, and could win prizes in the Chinese and silent auction. There also was a wagon that held the grand prizes.

To find out more about the chamber, visit www.pompanobeachchamber.com.

By Gary Curreri

With starting quarterback Michael Pratt out with a wrist injury in his throwing arm, the Deerfield Beach football team was still hitting on all cylinders as they rolled to a 53-9 victory over visiting Palm Beach Gardens in the Class 8A regional quarterfinals on Friday.

Senior running back Jaylan Knighton had 15 carries for 105 yd. and two first half touchdowns to help stake the Bucks to a 29-9 halftime cushion.

Derohn King threw two TD passes to Dejaun McDougle to put Deerfield up big. The host Bucks also picked up a safety, a 90-yd. kickoff return for a TD by Xavier Restrepo, a scoring run by Jaziun Patterson and a scoring pass from Marquise Pierre to Aydin Henningham.

“We’re trying to make history here,” said Bucks coach Jevon Glenn following the game. “Nobody here has ever made a state championship. The only time you can get cocky is if you come out December 13th or 14th with a victory because that’s when we did something that nobody’s ever did.”

Deerfield Beach will host Palm Beach Central in a rematch of last year’s regional final in the regional semifinal.

Tigers fall to Atlantic, 47-12

For the second time in three weeks, Blanche Ely came up short against district rival Atlantic High School on the road.

Atlantic running back Montahj Joseph ran for 154 yd. and two touchdowns in a 47-12 Class 7A regional quarterfinal contest on Friday night in Delray Beach. Junior quarterback Guenson Alexis passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more in the win.

Danard Little had a 4-yd. scoring run late in the first half to pull the Tigers within 14-6, but it was the closest they would come. Atlantic tacked on a late score with four seconds left in the half and forced a running clock in the second half.

First Tee kicks of Vets program

The First Tee of Broward County recently kicked off its Veterans programs at the Pompano Beach Golf Club, Weston Hills Country Club and Eagle Trace Golf Club. In partnership with Mission United, the First Tee of Broward holds free eight-week programs for the veterans.

The coaches include T.J. Ziol, Darrell Welker, Rob Steffes, Julian Gil, Steve Voguit and Nick Cupper, while the volunteers include Garry Moses, Mike Dobzinski, Tom Kuhlman, Tom Meehan, John Pisano and Tyler Bohall. There are 55 participants in the program, which is sponsored by The Harry T. Mangurian Foundation.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Based on a true story, The Warrior Queen of Jhansi opens this weekend and deals with the 1857 Indian Rebellion against the British Empire.  If you remember the historical epics that starred Errol Flynn, Charlton Heston and David Niven, The Warrior Queen of Jhansi presents an alternative perspective from the losing side of history.  Like the Alamo, the seeds of victory were planted in this rebellion that was led by a warrior woman, Rhani of Jhansi (Devika Bhise).

Clocking in under two hours, this film is an entertaining piece of history. The film provides costume drama with conflict between the Rhani and Queen Victoria (Jodhi May), but also presents the outdoor beauty of India. The battle scenes are epic, but lack the bloody intensity of current events provided on the big screen and the small screen these days.

It is with a sense of melancholia that The 34th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival closes this Sunday evening with From the Vine starring Joe Pantoliano.  Pantoliano stars as a damaged individual who returns to rural Italy in an attempt to resurrect a wine vineyard. 

Written and directed by Daniel Cohen, A Stone in the Water will play this weekend. Bonnie Bedelia portrays a grief-stricken mother who projects her worst fears upon a pregnant survivor of a car crash. Sunday evening will wrap up the festival with Working Man, which features Talia Shire’s return to the festival.

Prolific actress, Diane Baker has graced the festival with her warmth and humanity. A voting member of the Academy Awards who serves with the Actor’s Branch, Baker  credits acting to opening her world to adventures in Greece and Israel.  She has witnessed firsthand a government dictatorship, while acknowledging the common wishes and desires of worldwide humanity.  She credits much of her education to her mentor, Melvyn Douglas, a MGM contract player who won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor in Hud and Being There, respectively.     

Douglas helped Baker deal with Joan Crawford, an actress who could be very demanding. Baker and Crawford made three films together: The Best of Everything, Della and Strait-Jacket. Perhaps because Crawford portrayed Baker’s mother in two of the three films, the fine line between fantasy and reality seemed to be crossed. This weekend, I will be presenting the videos of Diane Baker’s interview with Professor Foster Hirsch on my blog — www.cinemadave.livejournal.com, which will detail how Baker dealt with her conflict with Joan Crawford.

As much as I love partying and reconnecting with friends and colleagues, it is these special moments with people like Diane Baker that elevates a film festival like FLIFF.  As much as the industry has changed, it is great to listen to a professional of her caliber who believes in good stories, human values and the importance of laughter.

By Rachel Galvin

Kiwanians are always about giving back and, on Oct. 26, they did just that. At the Woman’s Club clubhouse in Deerfield, local Kiwanians, as well as members of their Key Club from Deerfield Beach High and a representative from Circle K International from Florida Atlantic University, as well as someone from their K-Kids division at Deerfield Beach Elementary, participated in Kiwanis One Day, a day when all Kiwanians do some sort of community service. This club chose to benefit SOS Children’s Villages by finishing no-sew blankets for the foster kids there. They also had volunteers create cards for vets, stamp the Kiwanis name on dictionaries and thesauruses to be given out to kids, put together goody bags for students who are nominated by their teachers because they brought up their grades or were terrific kids of character, and created luminaria bags for the Hope on the Beach event, which was held on Nov. 2 and benefits the American cancer Society. (See Pg. 1 for more details).

“I think it’s really nice. It’s really fun. It’s good for the community. I feel like I am doing a service. The [Community Service] hours are just a bonus,” said Jake Nilsson, who was busy tying knots on the end of the blankets, with his mom Joanne.

Kimberly Casseus and Ritchelle Pierre-Seide were busy coloring luminaria bags.

Casseus said, “It’s cool to have a chance to give back to the community.”

Pierre-Seide added, “I want [those battling Cancer] to know they are not alone. I want them to know they can fight and feel gorgeous about it and to know they are a fighter.”

Eric Cerpa, who was creating Veterans Day cards, said, “It’s a good thing to do, for people who serve this country.”

Lauren Mechtly said, “It’s actually really fun. I love helping out with the community. It gives me a good opportunity to interact with other schools and people.”

She has been in the Key Club for three years and finds the group has given her an opportunity to be more outgoing and improve her leadership skills.

“Kiwanis One Day is celebrated internationally and shows the world impact we can make in one day all around the world in 80 nations,” said Kiwanian Kerri Gordon, who said clubs were doing a wide variety of projects from planting trees to helping the homeless and beyond. “There are at least 100 people here.”

“I think it is really great that kids could come out on a Saturday to help the community,” said Angela Huang.

“This is a great event, getting the kids out. It is really amazing,” said Kiwanian Ed Dietrich.

“It is a nice way to spend a Saturday,” said Bryan Valle.

After pitching in with the various projects, everyone enjoyed hot dogs, chips, soda and water, and root beer floats!

By Rachel Galvin

Kids ran screaming and laughing out of the Haunted House put together in the Johnny Tigner Center while the main activities were happening next door at the Leo J. Robb Gymnasium at the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex in Deerfield Friday night, Oct. 25. This yearly event is always plenty of fun centered around Halloween. Kids, and some parents too, get dressed up and hang out for awhile to partake in the festivities. Kids could bounce in the bounce house, decorate a cookie, play video games and more.

The costume contest on the stage was watched by people on the bleachers, with judges including Velmina Williams, of Kiwanis West, who seems to be on-the-scene at many District 2 events, and Brenda Cox and Grace Dowdell, of Boys & Girls Night Out.

There was a toddler area this year next to a large bounce house. It was being manned by Timouria Bentley and Sarah Charles.

“We have a ball pit, tunnel throw rings and more,” said Bentley.

“It is a safe zone so they won’t get hurt,” added Charles.

Saher Shakil and Camila Vazquez, of Universal Rentals & Events, were creating balloon animals for kids.

“We do local events, from Plantation to Daytona Beach. Today, we are doing balloons. We also do face painting, rentals for bounce houses and more,” said Vasquez.

Aliyah Gowdy, Miss Deerfield Beach USA, was on-site and posed for a picture with Vice Mayor Drosky and Commissioner Hudak. She plans on competing for Miss Florida USA next.

Amanda Cannon does not live in the community, but works as general manager for Five Guys here, which gave out 20 $5 gift cards at the event.

“I am not from this community, but I came out to support,” said Cannon.

Freda Dean came out with her kids Tasheem and Maylasia.

“This is our second year coming. They are both having a ball. They can’t sit still,” she said.

The City of Deerfield Beach would like to announce free admission (Sightseeing or Fishing) for all retired and active military personnel on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, at the International Fishing Pier, 200 NE 21 Avenue. Please see the eligibility list and documents required below. Anyone currently serving in or a Veteran of the US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, US Marine Corps, US Coast Guard, Reserves or the National Guard. Veteran includes all individuals who are retired from the US armed forces or who have been discharged (e.g., honorable, under an honorable condition, general). The acceptable forms of documentation to receive access are: Veterans Identification Card (VIC), Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), Common Access Card, Uniformed Services Identification Card, Uniformed Services Identification Card Active Duty, State driver license and identification with veterans designation, DD214 or DD256. For more information, please contact the International Fishing Pier at 954-480-4407.