By Douglas E. Hall

For the ten years I’ve been writing this column, I’ve taken the opportunity to write tributes upon their death to some of the 300 show business personalities I interviewed back in the 1980s when I was producing radio programming and interviewing the stars who in one way of another made music in the preceding decades, particularly in the 1940s through the ‘60s.

Douglas E. Hall

Among the Hollywood stars I spoke with then was Jane Russell (May 10, 1988), who I am sorry to say died last month on Feb. 28 at her home in Santa Maria, Calif.  She was 89, which means she was coming into her 60’s when we spoke.

She looked good and had class and style and comported herself as the movie star she was. She was tall (5 foot seven, but statuesque compared to most of her contemporary actresses), which made her imposing, but she was a bit reserved and had to be drawn out a bit to keep the rolling recording tape filled with facts and tidbits of her glamorous career in Hollywood.

She also showed that she was a serious business woman, who was interested in talking about her then new line of lingerie especially designed for full-busted women.

Since the show I was producing was a musical magazine format that surveyed the musical hits of the past 40 years, I wanted to talk about her musical-comedy films with Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe.  Of course we talked about both and her whole career, including the film that launched her at the age of 19 into the public’s consciousness and made her a star.  That was Howard Hughes’ controversial “The Outlaw.”  And yes, according to Ms. Russell, the multi-talented airplane pilot, tycoon and in this case film producer-director Howard Hughes did design a special bra she was to wear in that film, to show off her prominent bosom.  But it was for pure publicity as Ms. Russell said she never did wear that bra.

The movie exposed too much cleavage and too much skin according to censors of the 1940s.  The ruckus delayed the film’s release for two years and then resulted in a nine-week run in San Francisco in 1943, but postponed openings in New York until 1947 and a nationwide release that was further delayed until 1950.  Critics turned up their noses at this Western where Jane played a tough cookie to a sheriff and Billy the Kid.  But, as was so often the case in those days, the sexuality-related controversy guaranteed good box office.

Jane Russell found her stride in the better movies that showcased her talent when she teamed with Bob Hope in 1948 in a Western musical comedy, “The Paleface.”  She played Calamity Jane and Hope was the inept and cowardly dentist in the old West.  The movie included one of the biggest song hits of the year, “Buttons and Bows,” which featured Bob Hope singing to Russell.  Unfortunately the opportunity for a Hope-Russell duet was missed.

“They didn’t know I could sing then,” Ms. Russell told me 40 years later. Not only that, but Hope was a long established star of the first magnitude while Russell was getting her first real break in a first-class movie. The song won an Academy Award as best song of the year, and it was a big hit for Dinah Shore

Jane did sing in the sequel, “Son of Paleface” in 1952, but the songs were mediocre, and none became hits.  The movie was a hit with Bob and Jane paired again plus the addition of King of the Cowboys Roy Rogers in a supporting role.

The following year Jane did duets with Marilyn Monroe in the musical film adapted from the Broadway Carol Channing show “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”

Jane and Marilyn were those “Two Little Girls From Little Rock,” trying to gold dig their way to Paris singing an appealing show-stopper of the film, only exceeded by Marilyn’s iconic rendition of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

This greater exposure of Ms. Russell’s singing ability led to her landing a recording contract that produced an album of 78 rpm records, which today are quite collectable.  There is a CD currently available of Ms. Russell’s vocals from over the years.  With 21 selections, many of the tunes are forgettable, but there are some gems: “As Long as I Love,” “Body and Soul,” “Love for Sale,” “Until the Real Thing Comes Along,” A Hundred Years From Today,” “I Can’t Get Started,” “It Never Entered My Mind,” “You’re Mine You.”

In all, I found Ms. Russell a charming, down-to-earth person to interview, who I would say deserved a bigger career in both films and musical recordings.

Time marches on and 22 years have gone by since I did the last of these interviews when I was working in radio programming.  The stars and other performers I interviewed are aging and leaving us at a faster rate.  I missed commenting on Mitch Miller, when he died in July of last year at the age of 99, songwriter George David Weiss, who once lived in Fort Lee, who died in August of last year and Eddie Fisher, who died in September of last year.

Mitch was an oboe player who became a supervisor/creator of hit recordings, who became a leader of a chorus.  Who can forget “Sing Along With Mitch Miller?

Who can forget the hit songs of Mr. Weiss – “What a Wonderful Word,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Lullaby of Birdland,” “That Sunday, That Summer” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”?

Who can forget the hits of Eddie Fisher – “Oh My, Papa.” “Wish You Were Here,” “I Need You Now,” “I’m Yours,” “Anytime” “Dungaree Doll,” “Count Your Blessings.”

Someday, no one will remember.

Artist Adele Grodstein of Haworth points out the details of one of her paintings of flowers in a vase to visitors at the Piermont (N.Y.) Fine Arts Gallery during a reception of Friday, Feb. 11.

By Robyn Nadel

ENGLEWOOD – The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is planning “Meet the Cast of Aida, 3-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27 at 44 Armory St., in the city.

Entertainment will feature Verismo Opera’s principal artists from “Aida,” many of whom have performed at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House, singing arias and duets from Giuseppe Verdi’s story of the gods and forbidden love thwarted by a jealous, vindictive Egyptian princess.

Opera supporters will be entertained with performances by cast members, including Steven Fredericks (Ramphis) of Tenafly, Ryan Allen (the King) of Fort Lee and Adam Klein (Radames), who have performed at the Metropolitan Opera House.  Other cast scheduled to appear are Sharon Azrieli-Perez (Aida) and Galina Ivannikova (Amneris).

Guests will meet the company’s artistic director, former Metropolitan Opera star, Lucine Amara; Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif, Chorus Coordinator Mary Ellen Rohon, Volunteer Coordinator Rita Tonitto and Costume Coordinator Catherine Mirabella.

Wine, cheese and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Suggested donation is $15. For information and to RSVP, call 201-997-8494.

Verismo Opera, also known as the N.J. Association of Verismo Opera, is the only professional opera company in Bergen. The company is recognized for providing up and coming performing artists with the training to enter a career in opera.

TEANECK – After the Flood: The New Orleans Portrait Project, a photo show, first presented at The Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, opens at the Puffin Gallery, 22 Puffin Way, off Teaneck Road, with a reception on Friday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.

This is a collection of poignant black and white portraits of New Orleans teenagers and buildings created by Lisa Silvestri, a native of New Orleans, now living and working in NYC.

Ms. Silvestri started photographing the remains of her childhood home in the weeks after Katrina struck but soon turned her camera to those returning to see what was left of their communities. She began this portrait series to help people recreate and replace the thousands of family photos lost during the storm; after being introduced to the students of John McDonogh High School, she decided to focus on them.

Using a large-format view camera and a 19th-century finishing process, the black-and-white images celebrating this pivotal point in the lives of these brave young people and in the life of their city are stark and revealing.

The opening reception includes a talk and question and answer period by Ms.  Silvestri and music by New Orleans jazz guitarist Warren Battiste.

This is Free and open to the public. Reservations not available

The exhibit runs from February 11 through March 1.  Regular gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

Call (201)-836-3499 or visit www. PuffinCulturalForum.org.

Ms. Silvestri, born and raised in New Orleans, moved to New York in 1980 to study fashion and photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the International Center of Photography (ITP), Parsons, and through independent study. After completing her education she designed her own children’s clothing label, Ida Ltd., which sold worldwide. She created all of Ida’s advertising images and gained a great deal of portraiture experience photographing children.

In 1997 she turned her focus solely to photography; since then, her work has been featured in editorial articles in “Self,” “Martha Stewart,” “Money,” “Smart Money” and “Avenue“ magazines. Her passion, however, remains her hometown – New Orleans — and she is currently pursuing another project there. Lisa uses a large format view camera, shooting either 4×5 or 5×7 negatives. Contact prints are made directly from the negative using a 19th century process. Platinum and/or palladium metals are hand mixed in liquid form and the paper is hand coated. Prints are exposed to sun or ultraviolet light source to complete the process, creating stark images that carry a natural elegance.

By Robyn Nadel

ENGLEWOOD – Five new members, Michael DeCotiis, Esq., Matt Ross, Koryn Schermer-Engle, Brendan Walsh and James Carroll, former Bergen County Freeholder from Demarest have joined the Board of Trustees of Bergen Performing Arts Center (BergenPAC) in the city.

Michael R. DeCotiis

Michael R. DeCotiis, Esq.: A Managing Partner of DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick & Cole, in Teaneck, where he heads the Executive Committee and chairs the Corporate Law Practice.  From May 2002 to March 2003, he served as Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and from March 2003 to September 2004, he served as Chief Counsel to the Governor of New Jersey.  Mr. DeCotiis is a co-founder of the Dearheart Charitable Foundation, Inc., a charitable organization that assists cancer patients as they undergo treatment and recovery.  He is a graduate of Clarion University and Seton Hall University Law School.

Matt Ross

Matt Ross: Chief Executive Officer of Turning Point Media, an investment and consulting firm in Cresskill specializing in developing innovative media and education businesses.  In 1995, Turning Point became a principal investor in the School of Rock and Mr. Ross became the Chief Executive Officer.  He developed the company into the world’s largest chain of music schools for kids before leaving the company in 2010. Mr. Ross previously held executive positions with Clear Channel Communication, Q104.3 New York and Emmis Communications.  He is also founder and president of the Kids Foundation, a non-profit group that raises funds to support Tri-State area organizations that provide therapeutic and educational services for children with Autism.  Mr. Ross is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and of New York University.

Koryn Schermer

Koryn Schermer: chief executive with RITTA, the marketing and advertising agency in Englewood, since 2007, specializes in integrated marketing solutions for luxury brands such as BMW and Samsung.  Prior to that she was studio manager and producer at Rosa + Rosa Studio in New York City, a photography studio specializing in luxury brand imaging for clients such as Apple Computer, Bulgari and Nike.  She is a member and volunteer at the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center and the Englewood Historical Society.  Ms. Schermer is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Brendan Walsh: is Senior Vice President, Corporate Banking, at the PNC Financial Services Group in Woodland Park.  He was formerly with J.P. Morgan.  He has focused on middle market and large corporations, working with management and owners to meet strategic objectives.  Mr. Walsh is a graduate of Seton Hall and Pace University.

James Carroll: A new trustee from Demarest, Mr. Carroll had previously served on the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  Mr. Carroll is also in his second term as Mayor of Demarest.  He was with Verizon Corporation for 29 years.

Edmondo Schwartz, president of EMS Enterprises, Inc., and chairman of the BergenPAC Board of Trustees, says, “BergenPAC has grown by leaps and bounds during the past few years.  We welcome these new trustees on our board and are pleased to have the leadership and experience they will provide as we move forward.”

By Robyn Nadel

ENGLEWOOD – Upcoming performances scheduled at the BergenPAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St., in the city, are as follows:

Blood, Sweat & Tears including (l-r): Steve Jankowski, Bobby Colomby, Teddy Mulet, Jeff Lorber and Jens Wendelboe.

Blood Sweat & Tears: 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16. Tickets are: $69, $49, $39 and $29. One of the most popular and bestselling bands of the ‘70’s, Blood, Sweat & Tears coined the term “jazz-rock” with their innovative techniques and horn section. Among the first in its genre, Blood, Sweat and Tears has been producing successful albums like, New City, New Blood, Brand New Day and Nuclear Blues with hits including “Spinning Wheel,” “You Made Me So Very Happy,” and “God Bless the Child.” The band donates money through its “Elsie Monica Colomby” music scholarship fund to deserving schools and students to boost music education across the country.  In 2008 the band was named Honorary Ambassador of Peace by Governor of Gangwon Province Republic of Korea, Kim Jin-sun.

Pink Floyd Experience

Pink Floyd Experience: 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17. Tickets are: $59, $49, $39, and $29. The Pink Floyd Experience has been doing a spot-on replica of Pink Floyd all over the world. Pink Floyd is rarely discussed without using words like “psychedelic,” “conceptual” and “provocative.”  Their shows are described as being theatrical with mind-blowing lights and unsurpassed sound.  The 1977 concept album Animals was a statement regarding the decline of society of the day.  While making the album did set in motion the discord that would eventually destroy the band, the subsequent tour for this release planted the seeds for what would become The Wall. Animals will be presented in its entirety along with their greatest hits including, “Money,” “Have a Cigar,” “Time,” “Comfortably Numb” and “Run Like Hell.”

Members include: Tom Quinn, band leader, lead guitarist, Gus Beaudoin, bass guitarist, Graham Heath, lead vocalist, Jesse Molloy, saxophone player, John Cox, a self-taught keyboardist, who began playing at age 9 and Stephen Shannon, drummer.

For tickets information call 201-227-1030.

By Robyn Nadel

HACKENSACK – In association with The Hackensack Cultural Arts Center (HCAC), the Teaneck New Theatre (TNT) is kicking off its’ 25 season with “Prelude to a Kiss,” by Craig Lucas at 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m., Sundays, Friday, Feb. 18-Sunday, Feb. 27.

Originally starring Alec Baldwin and Mary Louise Parker, this seemingly straightforward love story has an extraordinary twist. Here’s what happens: At the wedding of Peter and Rita, a young couple who are crazy about one another, the bride is kissed by an old man whom nobody knows. It’s not until the newlyweds are on their honeymoon that Peter becomes aware that something is amiss. He gradually realizes that the disturbing change in Rita’s personality is a result of the unknown man’s kiss. Peter also realizes that there is only a limited time to find the elderly man and undo the damage to Rita and to their marriage.

TNT’s production of “Prelude to a Kiss” features, in the area, Michael Hanson, Sr. of Hackensack, the Jamaican waiter, Hackensack resident Michelle Thomas-Hanson serves as stage manager, Timothy Meola as the determined Peter, Maria Pagoulatos as the changeable Rita, Harry Bates as the mysterious Old Man, Penelope Surgent is Mrs. Boyle, Rita’s mom, Rick Monaco plays Dr. Boyle, Rita’s dad, Jim Wirsz portrays Taylor, Peter’s friend, Mark Gordon is Tom, Rita’s friend, Brenda Sherman is cast as Aunt Dorothy, Martin Cohen is Uncle Fred, Jill Haas plays Leah, the Old Man’s daughter and Beatriz Esteban-Messina plays the minister.

Tickets for “Prelude to a Kiss” are $15; $12 for students and seniors; and $10 for theatre parties of 10 or more. Opening night only: Two tickets for the price on $15. For reservations and information call TNT at 201-692-0200 or visit: www.go-tnt.org.

By Robyn Nadel

ENGLEWOOD – A special Valentine’s Day weekend show is among the upcoming attractions at BergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., here.

The Temptations and The Four Tops:  7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13. Motown rounds out during Valentine’s Day weekend when these musical giants are scheduled to perform. Tickets are: $99, $76, $59, $39 and $29.

The music of the Temptations’ has brought sweethearts of all ages together for five-decades with up-tempo love songs including “Get Ready,” “My Girl,” and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.”  The lovers’ weekend performance will feature “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”

The sweeties’ weekend concert features the Four Tops, performing mood music hits including “Can’t Help Myself,” “Reach Out/I’ll Be There,” “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got,” and “Baby I Need Your Lovin’.” The Four Tops was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and both the Temptations and the Four Tops were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999.

Robert Wuhl: New Jersey native, actor, comedian and history buff, brings a stage adaptation of his one-man HBO special,  “Assume the Position,” at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12. Tickets are: $59, $49, $39 and $29. The show’s format puts Mr. Wuhl in the position of funniest social studies teacher giving a lecture to his class.  The audience travels with Mr. Wuhl through sagas of Americana known by heart and explores the lesser-known legends of the nation’s making. Mr. Wuhl has done stand-up comedy and co-starred in films such as “Bull Durham” with Kevin Costner, “Cobb” with Tommy Lee Jones and “Mistress” with Robert DeNiro.  Mr. Wuhl has two Emmy’s for co-writing the Academy Awards with Billy Crystal.

For tickets, call the box office at 201-227-1030.