Weehawken anti-bullying advocate aims to inspire with new Christian rap album

March 2, 2021

03weeactivist11 — To get a copy of the new album, go to TheresaBorrelli.com.

Weehawken anti-bullying advocate Theresa Borrelli has released a new Christian rap album titled “One Search.” Also an author, singer-songwriter, poet, and motivational speaker, Borrelli departs from her usual spoken word, embracing her faith to inspire and encourage amid the pandemic.

Finding her faith

Borrelli said she grew up in West New York “in the projects” and “had a great childhood.” She was the youngest of five children, with one brother and three sisters who supported her throughout her life. Borrelli said that at a young age, she knew she was going to “get out of the projects and go to college,” becoming a student athlete.

“I was born to a Catholic, religious family,” Borrelli said. “We always went to church.”

Later in life, she said her mother didn’t mind if she didn’t go to church as long as she believed in something. Borrelli attended many churches and services of different faiths, in search of what she truly believed.

“I always had faith,” Borrelli said. “I prayed, but it still wasn’t clear to me where I was praying.”

Around seven years ago, Borrelli ended where she’d started: Christianity. However, it was not the Catholicism of her youth, but United Methodist.

Always musical

Borrelli still has books filled with her first writings from when she was around 10. She wrote her first song at age 12.

Around age 20, she discovered rap music after finishing college in the early ’80s.

“For some reason, I always said, ‘I should do this too,’” Borrelli said. “I could write raps. And I could perform it.”

Borrelli said she started writing rap and performing in clubs, bars, places, she spoke, and for her children.

“I will just freestyle and write my own lines, and I would just do it. I was only into rap.”

Soon, her interest in rap music and faith would collide. In her 30s, she decided to write Christian songs.

“My faith was getting stronger at that time,” Borrelli said.

She was studying the Bible with her friend and decided that she would not only write a Christian song, but a Christian rap song.

“So we sit down, and I tried to rap but the words would not flow,” Borrelli said.

For the next two decades, she worked to find her sound as a Christian rap artist. She had trouble finding a producer, but she persisted.

“I never allowed anyone to discourage me from anything I wanted to do,” Borrelli said. “So I took those songs and made them into a prayer book.”

The book, titled Prayers of Inspiration, was translated into Spanish. Eight years ago, she was introduced to a band led by a former student of hers. She agreed to write and perform with the band. The group recorded the song “Summer Sweet,” which she said has been a hit around the world.

Coming to fruition

She then started working on a Christian rap album. Her bandmate wasn’t too keen on the idea because he was not a believer, leaving Borrelli on her own.

Four years ago, Borrelli began penning her lyrics. She wrote ten songs, but no producers were interested. The UK’s Birmingham University Orchestra finally helped her record the album.

Last October, Borrelli recorded the vocals to her tracks with two guest vocalists, Lissette Difeo and Edgar Natal.

Now, the album is available on CD. To get a copy, go to theresaborrelli.com or her Facebook page.

Borrelli’s first album, “One Life, One Will,” was musical spoken word. She is currently working on more projects.

During the pandemic, Borrelli sought to help others through her music. She pushed for the album to be released in December of last year around Christmas because “I wanted to be inspirational and encourage people to keep going,” Borrelli said. The album is for “anybody, of any religion.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Union City narcotics operation busted

Hudson Reporter

February 24, 2021

03ucdrug04 — Police recovered a slew of narcotics from the production facility.

A Union City man was arrested and charged following an investigation into an alleged narcotics operation at 809 22nd St., according to authorities.

The Union City Police Department assisted by the Newark Airport Border Enforcement Security Taskforce, Customs and Border Protection Agency, Hudson County Prosecutors Office, and the United States Postal Service conducted the investigation which resulted in the Feb. 19 arrest of Yonathan Seligman, 29, of Union City.

Shrooms, meth, and more

Officers from the Union City Quality of Life Unit assisted by Homeland Security Investigations recovered narcotics from the 22nd St. location. The recovery included more than 1,200 pills and tablets suspected to be ecstasy or “MDMA,” methamphetamine, marijuana, “mushrooms,” “acid,” prescription medications, and various items indicative of the distribution of narcotics. The UCPD seized more than $51,000 in cash.

Seligman was charged with multiple first and second degree narcotics offenses, including maintaining and operating a CDS production facility. He was was placed on a warrant and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Center.

“The Union City Quality of Life Unit did a tremendous job,” said Chief Nichelle Luster. “Created in 2018, the officers assigned to the Quality of Life Unit are responsible for narcotics investigations, gang intelligence as well as other issues directly impacting the quality of life of our Union City residents. This Unit continues to be successful as a result of the combination of communication with our community and ongoing intelligence sharing with other agencies. Our Department philosophy of community policing transcends one unit and extends to each and every officer who strives to make Union City a great place to live and work.”

“Quality of life in Union City has always been a top priority for my administration,” said Mayor Brian P. Stack. “One of the keys to keeping crime low is communication with the residents, especially by the Police Department. This is another shining example of the excellent work done by our Police Department. I encourage those who have information on this or any crime to call our Quality of Life Unit Tip Line at 201-348-5705. You may leave your contact information or remain anonymous.”

The above charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Bergen hires four part-time special police officers

Hudson Reporter

February 23, 2021

03nbpolice04 — The officers were sworn in on Feb. 16 in town hall. Photo by Art Schwartz.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual swore in four new Special Law Enforcement Class II Officers at a ceremony in town hall chambers on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

SLEO II officers are part-time. Three of the new officers will attend Passaic Police Academy for additional training, while one is already certified.

Representing in the community

Based on the township’s resident-only hiring policy, all four are North Bergen residents. According to the township, this ensures that the department continues to accurately represent North Bergen’s diverse community. Two of the four are Hispanic-American, while the other two are Arabic-American. All are bilingual.

Roberto J. Gonzalez graduated from the Passaic Police Academy in August of 2019 and is pursuing a Criminal Justice degree from New Jersey City University.

Rami N. Khalil is a lifelong resident of North Bergen who worked as a clerk in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for four years. He is pursuing a Finance degree from Montclair State University.

Teodulo J. Perez immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 13. He is a volunteer firefighter in Fairview.

Raheed J. Siyam is another lifelong North Bergen resident. He has a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies with a minor in Arab Studies from Montclair University.

Police Chief Peter Fasilis served as Master of Ceremonies at the swearing in. Pastor Paul Haviland performed the invocation and benediction. Also in attendance were members of the new officers’ families, along with representatives from the township administration and the police department.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Union City Police Officer charged with computer theft

Hudson Reporter

February 23, 2021

03uccomputer04 — Weslley Hernandez. Photo courtesy of the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

A Union City Police Officer has been charged with Computer Theft, a second-degree crime.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Public Integrity Unit, Internal Affairs Section, arrested Weslley Hernandez, 29, of Clifton, just after 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 19 at the prosecutor’s office in Jersey City after he turned himself in with his attorney.

The Union City Police Department conducted an initial inquiry when it was brought to their attention that an unknown police officer may have been using his position to aid in criminal activities. When it was discovered he was a Union City police officer, the UCPD contacted the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit.

Easy access

According to the charges, on several dates in June of 2020, Hernandez accessed the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Database and allegedly obtained information for purposes other than those authorized by his employment as a police officer.

“When it was brought to our attention that an officer from an unknown jurisdiction may be using his position to provide information to a criminal enterprise, the department took immediate steps to confirm or dispel a Union City Officer’s involvement,” said Union City Police Chief Nichelle Luster.

“Upon confirming involvement, and later that same day, we contacted the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit. We cooperated with the Prosecutor’s Office investigation and placed the officer on administrative leave during the investigation. In light of today’s charges, the officer will be suspended without pay. We have a zero tolerance policy for these types of actions and believe law enforcement must be held to the highest of standards.”

“Police officers, not unlike all public officials, take an oath to uphold the Constitution and to protect the public’s trust,” said Union City Mayor Brian Stack. “A career in public service means upholding the law and protecting the integrity of government. I applaud the Union City Police Department for their initial investigation of the matter and thank all the other law enforcement agencies who aided in the actions in the matter. The standards to which we hold our law enforcement community is of paramount importance.”

Prosecutor Esther Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office HCPO Public Integrity Unit, Internal Affairs Unit, the Union City Police Department, the Hoboken Police Department and the Newark Police Department with the investigation and arrest.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional arrests and/or charges are possible. The above charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Bergen to hire Janet Castro as Township Administrator

Hudson Reporter

February 22, 2021

03nbadmin04 — Janet Castro (center) has helped organize vaccine distributions across North Hudson. Photo by Art Schwartz.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners will hire Janet Castro to succeed longtime Township Administrator Chris Pianese. Castro will take over for Pianese when he retires later this year, making her the first woman and the first person of Hispanic heritage to hold the position.

Castro currently serves as North Bergen’s Health Director and Health Officer, having worked for the township since 2004. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology and a master’s degree in public health. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in public administration as well as the Certified Public Managers Program at Rutgers University.

Leading local government

“Janet Castro has proven herself to be an incredibly dedicated and competent public servant, especially in the last year when she has guided our comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic as our top public health official,” Sacco said. “I have great confidence in her ability to lead our local government and continue the innovative, ethical and efficient management that North Bergen residents have come to expect, and I look forward to working closely with her in this new role.”

Prior to working for the township, Castro worked as a Human Resources Manager and held a position in the financial sector. She has been a North Bergen resident for more than 20 years and is married with two children.

Castro currently serves as the licensed health officer for Secaucus, Weehawken, Union City, and Harrison through shared service agreements that have generated new revenue for North Bergen while providing significant savings to the participating municipalities. North Bergen plans to hire a new health officer and continue these agreements.

“Serving the North Bergen community has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience of my career, and I am incredibly grateful and excited to begin this new chapter and take on this role,” said Castro. “Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Sacco and the Commissioners, North Bergen has never been in better shape in terms of its finances, services, facilities and more, and I look forward to continuing that success and keeping this community moving forward.”

Pianese will stay in his position until July 1 and will work closely with Castro to ensure a smooth transition. The township plans to make other personnel adjustments in the administrator’s office to ensure that all responsibilities are covered.

“Having collaborated with Janet Castro for many years, and especially seeing the way she has worked around the clock helping us handle the pandemic over the last year, I have tremendous confidence that she is the right choice for this position,” Pianese said. “It’s comforting to know that North Bergen will be in good hands, and I’m excited to see what kind of positive impact Janet will make on township government.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine in North Bergen

Hudson Reporter

February 19, 2021

02nbvaccine25 — A North Bergen resident is administered the COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 16. Photo by Art Schwartz.

Eligible North Bergen residents can get vaccinated at the recreation center at 6300 Meadowview Avenue. To register, call 201-392-2084. When an appointment is available, the township will reach out to registered individuals.

The vaccine distribution site was set up nearly two weeks ago. Vaccinations had been administered at municipal buildings since the first doses of the Moderna vaccine were given to healthcare personnel on Dec. 24.

The Health Department is receiving only about 400 doses per week. As of Feb. 14, about 1,800 first doses had been administered and 360 second doses.

Recipients must receive the doses 28 days apart. According to the township, more than 500 residents are on the waiting list.

Increasing supply

“Ever since vaccines were approved by the federal government, the township of North Bergen has been pushing to secure our own supply of the vaccination,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “Thanks to the efforts made by our Health Department and Township administration, we have been able to do secure a steady supply and have been providing approximately 400 weekly vaccines to eligible personnel in our community. We are still working tirelessly to increase our supply and expand our vaccination operations.”

The vaccines are being distributed immediately to residents who qualify according to the state’s regulations. Currently eligible are healthcare personnel, first responders and individuals at high risk, including residents over age 65 and those under age 65 with medical conditions.

The township has increased capacity as the state provides more doses. According to the township, the distribution site can administer at least twice as many vaccines as soon as the state increases its allotment.

Qualified residents can put their names on a waiting list by calling the Health Department at 201-392-2084. The township has offered a phone number to accommodate residents without the internet, including seniors and Spanish speaking residents.

“In the upcoming days we will be launching an online portal for residents to register,” Sacco said. “Those residents with no internet access can still call our Health Department at 201-392-2084 to be placed on the waiting list.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Bergen lands environmental certification

Hudson Reporter

February 11, 2021

02nbsustainable18_1 — The township was one of 55 municipalities to achieve the certification from Sustainable Jersey.

North Bergen has been recognized by a statewide environmental initiative that encourages sustainability.

Sustainable Jersey representatives announced that North Bergen has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification. It’s one of 55 municipalities that attained certification in 2020.

In Hudson County, the only other municipality to receive a certification was West New York. Both received the Bronze level, with Silver being the next and highest level. In 2019, no Hudson County municipality received a certification from Sustainable Jersey.

The township will be honored at the Sustainable Jersey Virtual Awards Luncheon on March 11. Sustainable Jersey’s participating communities represent more than 81 percent of the state’s municipalities.

The township met the minimum of 150 action points to achieve certification. In addition, each certified community had to create a “green team,” implement at least two of 13 priority action options, and six actions out of 18 categories.

The township completed the following options: Recycling Depot – Backyard Composting Program; Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling; Household Hazardous Waste; Prescription Drug Safety and Disposal; Community Paper Shredding Day; Sustainability & Climate Planning – Community Sustainability Plan; Online Municipal Public Service Systems; Sustainable Land Use Pledge; Building Healthier Communities; Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Public Places; Farmers Markets; Making Farmers Markets Accessible; Lead Education and Outreach Programs; Create Green Team; Hold a Green Fair; “Green” Your Green Fair; Animals in the Community Education; Companion Animal Management Pledge; and Pledge Supporting NJ Wildlife Action Plan.

Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. Participating municipalities and schools have implemented more than 18,500 sustainability actions, according to Sustainable Jersey. More than $5.9 million in grants has been provided by Sustainable Jersey to towns, school districts, and schools for community-based projects that create healthy and sustainable communities in New Jersey.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

SnapDragon Coffee & Social/ Art Gallery Photography Exhibition Jan 29th-Apr 2nd, 2021

Hudson Reporter

January 29, 2021

White-Grid-Minimalist-Photo-Holiday-Card-3 — Curatorial Promo Flyer

The exhibition “Sense of Self”- A Photo/Art/Film Exhibit, curated by ArtbyBlouezz, is an independent curatorial arts platform and SYS Collective Photography Club with provided mentorship by others.

The Theme is Community, being that post quarantine there has been a recognized unspoken need for spaces where people can be seen, heard, and valued again. Though we are in a new digital reality, it is necessary for people to join and connect face to face while respectfully adhering to Covid-19 restrictions.

With the title “Sense of Self,” The Snapdragon Art Platform provides a space for communities to intersect while being exposed to the Arts. Snapdragon is a Cafe, an Art House, and a Gallery, in person and Virtually.

“Sense of Self” will display for 10 weeks. This gives an opportunity for the show’s audience to expand in order to support the artist’s effectively and promote art sales. The list of participating photographers will be provided to the public on the Opening Night which is Friday January 29th, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at 190 Monticello Ave., Jersey City.

It can be expected to experience live performances by up & coming talents like Dancer Eskillz, Band MylesfromPopp, Young Poet Fajr Kegler, Content Creator Adam Setton and More. There will also be screenings of short films and documentaries by creators such as Charysse Harper of Xplore the World, Tanya Gupta of “here there and EVERYwhere”, and Tara Stafford Ocansey to name a few! This opening will be a night to remember as it may set the tone for the rest of the exhibition until the Closing date of April 2nd, 2021.

RSVP Tickets can be purchased at the provided link for $14 or $16 at the door on the Opening Night. For more information and updates, follow @snapdragonartjc on Instagram.
bit.do/Artshowjc

Art House Productions Releases BLACK TOM ISLAND Radio Play

Hudson Reporter

January 25, 2021

Black-Tom-Island-Podcast-Panel-Shopify — Black Tom Island Poster

Art House Productions (Meredith Burns, Executive Director) is proud to announce their first audio play, Black Tom Island by Martin Casella. This free audio play is available for download on www.arthouseproductions.org and www.youtube.com/arthouseproductions. A free virtual panel discussion about the actual event featuring historians and the play’s creative team will take place on Sunday, February 7 at 3:00pm EST on Zoom.

Based on an actual incident that took place in Jersey City in 1916, Black Tom Island explores the first documented terrorist attack on American soil through the lens of a fictionalized Slovak immigrant and his wife who may or may not be involved in the attack. Funded in part through the Hudson County Historical Partnership Grant, the original project was imagined to include in-person readings on location in Jersey City, however, to adapt the project to the current safety guidelines, Casella’s play has been adapted as a radio play directed by Darren Lee with sound design by Megumi Katayama. The cast includes Michael Stewart Allen, Damian Buzzerio, Mason Hensley, and Jenna Krasowski. Narration by Executive Director Meredith Burns.

Black Tom Island was originally commissioned and produced by Premiere Stages at Kean University in Union, NJ. The original production was presented at the Liberty Hall Museum, which received the 2018 Broadway World New Jersey Audience Award for Best New Play Produced.

“I grew up listening to old radio dramas, which our local Public Radio station (KCRW in Los Angeles) played on weekday afternoons. Shows like THE SHADOW and PAUL TEMPLE, where only the voices and sound effects told the story,” says playwright Martin Casella. “When Art House suggested doing a radio version of Black Tom Island, I jumped at the chance! What our brilliant actors, director, and sound designer have come up with is absolutely thrilling.”

“We hope this radio play will give our patrons a new way to experience the play and learn about this often overlooked important local historical event,” says Producing Director Courtney Little. “This is the first radio play Art House produced and it’s proven to be a rewarding challenge. We’ve translated theater’s spirit of collaboration, discovery, and creativity into this new format.”

The free historical panel on Sunday, February 7 at 3:00pm EST on Zoom will feature historians Janet Akhtarshenas of Liberty State Park and Timothy R. White of New Jersey City University, along with playwright Martin Casella and director Darren Lee. Moderated by Jim Peskin of Save Ellis Island. Additional panelists may be announced at a later date. Admission is free, advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link. To register, please visit www.arthouseproductions.org. For questions about accessibility and patrons services, please email [email protected].

Michael Stewart Allen Most recently was seen playing, Juror 7 in 12 Angry Men at Indiana Repertory/Syracuse stage, Iago in Othello for The Acting Company in NYC and King Louis XIII in Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers at The Shakespeare Theater of NJ. Theater: The first Broadway National and International tour of War Horse with The National Theater of Great Britain. Company member at the Old Globe: King Lear, Madness of King George, Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, Amadeus, and Much Ado About Nothing. Company member at The Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey for the last 20 years and performed in The Acting Company, Arkansas Rep, Delaware Rep, The Folger Theater, Playmakers Rep, Florida Studio Theater, Shakerbridge Theater, and the PA and NC Shakespeare Festivals. Film/TV: The Blacklist, Billions, Admiral Rickover, Cold Mountain. Graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and proud member of Actor’s Equity and SAG/AFTRA.

Damian Buzzerio has recently appeared as Detective Lopez (FBI Season 2) Regionally he’s performed at: Premiere Stages, NJ: Father Prosco (BLACK TOM ISLAND), Phil Carter (BY THE WATER), Playhouse on Park, CT: Mushnik (LITTLE SHOP); Reb Saunders (THE CHOSEN); Robert (PROOF), Elm Shakespeare, CT: Cassius (JULIUS CAESAR), Antiochus (PERICLES); Florida Studio Theatre: Don Fermin (BOLEROS FOR THE DISENCHANTED), Shakespeare Theater of NJ: Claudius (ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN), Des Moines Playhouse: File (RAINMAKER), Mill Mountain Theatre, Pap Finn (BIG RIVER), PA Shakespeare Festival: Lord Montague (ROMEO JULIET), Northern Stage, VT: Herr Schultz (CABARET), Weathervane Playhouse, OH: Fredrik (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC), Human Race Theatre, OH: Alonso (TEMPEST).

Mason Hensley is incredibly grateful and excited to be a part of this immigrant’s story for your auditory enjoyment! NY/REGIONAL: Black Tom Island (Premiere Stages), Forever Plaid (Sunset Theatre), A Midsummer Nights Dream (NC Symphony), In Her Blood (24 Hour Plays), I Create & Auto Bon (Lincoln Center Education). FILM: Flounder, Cow-Boy, Permanent Press, MILF. VOICEOVER: Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy (Hasbro), Red Dead Redemption II (Rockstar), SELECTED READINGS/WORKSHOPS: Irish Repertory Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Theatre Barn. EDUCATIONAL: The
Memorandum, The Drowsy Chaperone, Pericles, Seminar, Cymbeline, Guys and Dolls. TRAINING: UNCSA. [email protected] “Laska moja–tajomstvo”

Jenna Krasowski is thrilled to be reprising her role as Ewa Babek in Black Tom Island. She also lends her voice to the audio dramas Craiglockhart, and Cryptids: A Sci Fi Mystery Podcast. Recent theatre credits include Proof (Hudson Stage Company) and Across the Park (Araca Project). Recent film includes: Empty Nesters (short), Emma on the Roof (short), The Resistance (short), Nesting Dolls (feature) and Landing Home (web series). Thank you to Marty, Darren, Courtney, and Art House for the opportunity to bring this play back to life!

Martin Casella is a graduate of, and taught playwriting at, the California Institute of the Arts. He also taught playwriting for eight years at the Harvey Milk High School in New York City’s East Village, which is a haven for LBGTQ students from around the country. Mr. Casella’s plays and musicals have played across the U.S. and the world. He’s a member of WGA, SAG/AFTRA, AEA and The Dramatists Guild. THEATER: (Plays) Black Tom Island (Premiere Stages, 2018); THE REPORT (2015 Fringe NYC; London, 2017); The Irish Curse (Off-Broadway, London, LA, Edinburgh, Prague, Chicago, and Rio) ; published by Samuel French); Directions for Restoring the Apparently Dead; Scituate; Mates; Paydirt; Desert Fire; Beautiful Dreamer; Grand Junction; George Bush Goes to Hell. (Musicals) Play It Cool (Off-Broadway); Paper Moon; Happy Holidays; Taking Care of Mrs. Carroll; Saint Heaven; DOO-DAH! LATEST THEATER PROJECTS: Miss Maude, about the 1950’s meeting between South Carolina midwife Maude Callen and Life Magazine photo-journalist Eugene Smith; and Club Dangerous, a jazz musical. FILM /TV: One Night Stand, directed by Talia Shire; Behind the Lens for CBS; Daddy’s Girl, HBO pilot; and staff writer on the daytime drama One Life to Live. Developed/wrote screenplays for Steven Spielberg, Kerry Washington, Anthony Edwards, Whoopi Goldberg, Disney, Universal, Warner Brothers, Paulist Productions, CBS and HBO. LATEST FILMS PROJECTS: Two British animated features: a musical The Land of Sometimes, with Ewan McGregor and Helena Bonham-Carter; and the murder mystery-thriller, A Christmas Twist. AWARDS: FringeNYC 2015 Overall Excellence Award for Playwriting, THE REPORT; New York Outer Critics Circle nomination, Best New Off-Broadway Musical, Play It Cool; GLAAD nominations for Outstanding New LA Play, The Irish Curse and Best New Off-Broadway Musical, Play It Cool; FringeNYC 2005 Overall Excellence for Playwriting Award, The Irish Curse; Dramalogue and LA WEEKLY Outstanding Play Awards for Mates.

Darren Lee’s Broadway acting credits include Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Allegiance, Shogun the Musical, Miss Saigon, Victor/Victoria, Kiss Me Kate, On the Town, Seussical the Musical, Pacific Overtures, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Film: Hackers, Everyone Says I Love You, Sisters. National Tour and UK Tour: King and I (King of Siam). Director/Choreography credits include: Broadway: associate choreographer Pacific Overtures, other New York credits: Orchard Project, Asia Society, Fringe Festival, Wagner College, NYMF, Prospect Theatre. Regional: Ogunquit Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Olney Theatre Center, MUNY, Paper Mill Playhouse, Music Theatre of Wichita, Glimmerglass Opera Festival, La Jolla Playhouse, McCarter Theatre, Williamstown Shakespeare Festival, Kennedy Center, Diamond Head Theatre, Little Theatre on the Square, Riverside Theatre, UNLV, Westchester Broadway, North Shore, Cincinnati Playhouse, Atlanta Alliance, Trinity University, Lyric Theatre, La Comedia, Casa Manana, Omaha Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, Holland America Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line. In development for The Remarkable Journey to Tianguo, Mr. Holland’s Opus. www.darrenlee.com

Megumi Katayama is a Sound Designer, Sound Artist, and Composer based in NYC. Her recent design credits include Pass Over (Studio Theater), Pride and Prejudice (Long Wharf Theater), For Colored Girls… (The Public Theater), El Huracán (Yale Rep/The Sol Project, Connecticut Critics Circle Award Nomination), Sense & Sensibility (Virginia Stage Company), soft (Williamstown Theater Festival Fellowship). Her installation Spine Line Awake: Manuel Neri Redux (Yale Art Gallery) was selected for featured emerging artist exhibit at Prague Quadrennial 2019. Originally from Japan, Megumi holds a BFA from University of Central Oklahoma and an MFA from Yale School of Drama.

Zoom is an online video conferencing software that allows you to virtually interact when in-person meetings and events aren’t possible. Participants must have wifi, download the application on a computer or smartphone, and sign up for a free Zoom account to participate. Make sure you’ve updated to the most recent version. (You can check your version by following these steps.) The Art House staff are available to help troubleshoot registration and download; please email [email protected] for assistance.

Art House Productions is generously supported by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, MACK-CALI Realty, SILVERMAN, Manhattan Building Company, CoolVines, Masterwork Arts, and Genova Burns.

Art House Productions is committed to accessibility and inclusivity in all public programming. Art House Productions produces work with a shrewd sense of social responsibility and challenges the idea of “universal” mind and “universal” body in each artistic endeavor.

Art House Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the development and presentation of the performing and visual arts in Jersey City, NJ. Art House Productions presents theater, performing and visual arts festivals, arts events, visual art exhibitions, and adult and youth art classes. For more information about our programs, please visit our website at www.arthouseproductions.org. Follow us on social media @arthouseproductions @arthouseprods. To sign up for Art House’s mailing list, please click here: http://eepurl.com/hd1FCj.

Stevens Alumna Releases Debut Indie-Pop Album

Hudson Reporter

January 19, 2021

KDillon-Perspective-Cover1 — Album artwork for Dillon's debut album, Perspective.

A new album created by Stevens Institute of Technology alumna and independent singer-songwriter, Kiera Dillon, titled “Perspective,” released on January 1, explores themes of nostalgia, emotional acceptance and isolation — topics that Dillon conceptualized long before the pandemic derailed plans for her debut indie-pop album.

Less than two weeks after the album’s release, “Perspective” had already garnered more than 5,000 streams with praise from indie music blogs For the Punks, Untold Music and Rock & Roamer (links below).

Throughout 2020, projections for the music and entertainment industries have been bleak. This experience has been no different for Dillon who was preparing to record the album in her final days as a music and technology student at Stevens. Practically overnight, her access to collaborators and thousands of dollars of studio equipment was stripped away when universities chose to shut down to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

She then headed home to suburban Pennsylvania to complete the album with only a microphone and pair of speakers, taking her back to where she first felt inspired as a young musician.

Using the backdrop of 2020’s crises to better understand her own growth and change as an artist, “Perspective” serves as a time capsule of this period in Dillon’s life while touching on the roots and challenges that many young people have related to during this unimaginable year. The album’s 2021 release represents this connection between progress and unexpected circumstances.

Relevant links
Kiera Dillon: https://www.facebook.com/kieraoke98
The album: https://bit.ly/2KP7Rlu