For the past two nights, the Maltz Theatre’s Conservatory for the Performing Arts (COPA) in Jupiter has performed J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s tale, Peter Pan. Ironically, this was a children’s tale performed by children to appeal to the child in all of us. This two-day production featured 82 kids who had attended a 3-week acting camp sponsored by COPA. And the play was their season’s denouement.The children were, of course, adorable. But what was so remarkable was the level of quality of the production, in view of the prep time and age levels involved. Naturally, the sets were utterly professional and completely delightful, as was the music. But so, too, were the casting, acting, choreography and direction.

Christina Reagan, a would-be thespian since the age of 5, played Peter with confidence, stage presence and a rather remarkable singing voice for an 11-year-old. She hit every note with skill few adults could match. Her archenemy, Captain Hook, played by Spencer Ballantyne, showcased his burgeoning talent with several singing numbers of his own. And Sydney Carbo, as Wendy, was a remarkably skilled young actress with a surprisingly mature singing voice. And the rest of the cast, ages 10-12, followed suite. Read the rest of this entry

If you moved into 196 Barbados Drive, in The Island at Abacoa, you’d be happy just sitting on the big porch swing with bare toes, looking out at the lovely tree-lined drive. And you’d never get wet coming in from the car, with that portacache alongside.

Of course, you’d be equally happy lazing about in the huge screened-in backyard…big enough to add a pool, but incredibly charming as is. Looking out on a quiet lake with the view of golf beyond.

But if you did decide to wander indoors, you’d never be at a loss. Every detail of this charming 3 bedroom, 1900+ square foot, single level, Cape Cod-style home is crafty, comfy, stylishly smart. From the ample laundry room filled with light to the cozy den, to the master suite with a walk-in closet large enough to store a Sex & the City wardrobe for the whole cast!  But what’s really great about the floor plan is the great room, with living space flowing into living space gracefully, purposefully. And the fact that both the living room and master bedroom open onto that glorious lake view.

 Just listed at $495.000…this one is all charm wrapped in solid value. See it before it sells!

There was nothing safe or sane about the Revolutionary War for Independence. It was a bloody, risky business, but well worth the price. Our celebrations of that event, however, run from the beautiful to the tragic.

At Roger Dean Stadium in Abacoa Town Center, the emphasis will be on safety and beauty…as glorious fireworks displays will be set off after the baseball games on July 3^rd and 4^th. That’s a smart place for kids to view them. And similar organized displays will be going on at locations up and down the coast. Romantic, exciting, holiday flares will light up the night sky.  Hot dogs and burgers will vie with watermelon, corn on the cob and ice cream for appetite appeal. And a great time will be had by almost all.

But even as the fun continues, emergency sirens will blare and emergency rooms fill up with people who make poor holiday choices… mishandling their own fireworks or driving lit up. And while I’m sure our founding fathers would be thrilled with our remembrance, I doubt they’d find that prospect worth celebrating.

So as my husband Dane and I wish you all a happy, yummy, family fourth…we also wish you careful handling of the holiday and all that goes with it.