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Glimmering Lights
When neighbors go for music and memories
by Sharon Keigher
Article is from Matters Magazine
On clear evenings, West Orange neighbors gather at Crystal Lake. Manhattan’s glimmering skyline blurs in the dense foliage atop the hills. But the stars visible aren’t just those in the sky. Beyond the lake, on the summit of Orange Mountain, an amphi-theater nestles on four acres of gently sloping field. It is here that residents unpack the kids, spread blankets, picnic, and enjoy acclaimed productions at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center.
This arts center’s unusual name tells a story. When Millennium Homes proposed a development of 205 townhouses off Prospect Avenue, then-rookie Councilman John Skarbnik suggested the need for a performance space. Millennium Homes revamped their proposal and donated the amphitheater and the four surrounding acres.
Developer Larry Pantierer had just one request. He asked that the arts center be named for Oskar Schindler, the businessman who protected more than 1200 Jews from the Nazis by choosing them as workers in his enamelware factory, and whose story is told in the 1993 movie Schindler’s List. Pantierer’s father, Mejzesz Puntierer, (now known as Murray Pantierer) was a Polish member of "Schindler’s List." After the Holocaust, the elder Pantierer became a successful real estate developer who honored Schindler by naming streets for him in his developments. Larry Pantierer, his son, wanted to carry on this tradition with the amphitheater. It is the only performing arts center in the country named for Oskar Schindler.
Despite the gravitas of its name, the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center, known as OSPAC, is a relaxed, family-friendly venue that serves hotdogs and encourages picnics. OSPAC boasts state-of-the-art acoustics, an impressive lighting system and the technology to host musicians, stage performers and film presentations. And all of the performances are free.
"There’s really nothing like this anywhere. Period," says OSPAC Executive Director Kate Baker. "It’s the virtual town center where the community can come together in a totally relaxed environment, enjoy extremely high-quality professional acts at no cost, and know that this beautiful production utilized not a single tax dollar. OSPAC is entirely underwritten by private and corporate sponsors." OSPAC’s current sponsors include Organon Pharmaceuticals, Commerce Bank, Matzel and Mumford, Recksons Associates, Sovereign Bank, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and individual OSPAC members.
A commitment to fundraising is essential as OSPAC hosted more than 13,000 guests last season. Now entering its third season, OSPAC will host 17 shows this season and many more musical acts including a two-day Jazz Festival. But it’s not just the audience enjoying OSPAC. Musician Dave Stryker notes that "Performing here is a great experience. The setting is beautiful, the sound and lights really bring together the whole presentation, and it’s really a wonderful place to play music."
Fun and cultural richness merge in OSPAC’s diverse offerings. This season’s performances will include Grammy-winning jazz artists, the New York Symphony, the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Big Band Night, World Music Night, and much more.
The movies come to OSPAC, too. "People like the idea of the outdoor film so much that we’re expanding it to include kids’ films this season," says Kate Baker. "I can just see the families coming with their blankets and beach chairs, handing out big bags of popcorn to kids in pajamas. This is just a fun place to be." Shrek and other children’s films are slated for the 2005 lineup. But outdoor movies aren’t just limited to kids stuff.
For the second year in a row, OSPAC will be hosting "The Black Maria Film Festival." Named for Thomas Edison’s innovative film studio found on Main Street, this festival features award-winning film shorts that may also participate in the prestigious Sundance Film Festival or even the Academy Awards. Live music plays as the audience waits for the sun to set. Blankets are spread, food is purchased, and an evening of film begins under the open sky.
Entertainment is just one facet of OSPAC’s mission. It also seeks to foster appreciation of performing arts through education. A weeklong jazz and world music workshop allows musicians and vocalists of all ages and abilities to study with renowned musicians.
Children and teens can participate in the "Stars of Tomorrow Workshops," where students of diverse backgrounds use music education to cultivate friendships.
OSPAC regularly exceeds its creative goals, despite its non-profit status. Board President Larry Smith explains that "We want OSPAC to remain self-sufficient while offering high-quality performances that are free of charge. Financially, we hope to take things to the next level and begin to develop a long-term endowment plan. This will ensure a long and healthy future for OSPAC."
On with the shows at West Orange’s own Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center!
Sharon Keigher is a lifelong resident of West Orange. She currently teaches and coaches at Trinity School in Manhattan.
The Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center is located at 5 Yale Terrace, West Orange, NJ 07052. For more information about any of OSPAC’s activities visit their website at www.ospac.org or call 973-669-7385.
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