Twist this

Tuxedo Performing Arts launches season with 'I’ve Got a Little Twist’ Tuxedo Park - The Tuxedo Performing Arts Group will hold its first event of its 2011 season on Saturday, Feb. 5 featuring the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players in “I’ve Got a little Twist.” The show has been described as combining the best of Broadway with Gilbert & Sullivan. Organizers said the performance was a blend of “'The Mikado’ meets 'The Music Man,’ where the 'HMS Pinafore’ sets sail for 'Brigadoon,’ where 'The Pirates of Penzance’ take shore leave On The Town.’” Under the supervision of Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, the show is written and directed by David Auxier and features Colm Fitzmaurice, Sarah Smith, Stephen Quint, Angela Smith, David Wannen and Auxier. Mark York is arranger, musical director and accompanist. The performance will take place at the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park beginning with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.. The show begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a meet the artists reception. The three course dinner will have an English theme with a choice of entrees. A vegetarian entree can be arranged with prior notice. Tickets are $60 per person for the entire evening; or $20 for only the cocktail hour and concert. Oragnizers said the ticket price is being sponsored by TPAG. Tuxedo Club members may make reservations through the club. Members and non-members may buy tickets from Tuxedo Wines and Liquors, Tuxedo Park Estates, and Tuxedo Park Preferred Properties. Call 351-3473 or visit www.tuxedoperformingarts.org for more information. Editor’s note: The following letter, dated Jan. 31, was sent to state comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Dear Comptroller DiNapoli: I am writing to again call on your office to immediately initiate a full and complete forensic audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The MTA must be investigated for gross mismanagement and waste of tax dollars and make public any results of your various audits of the mismanaged authority. One by one our local businesses are closing their doors due to this state’s excessive tax rate. The Payroll Tax has been the nail in the coffin for too many employers, costing them their ability to compete and hold onto jobs. At the same time, the MTA continues to dole out raises and overtime while cutting services and raising fares. It has been nearly a year since I received your letter telling me you had embarked on an extensive, comprehensive audit plan of the MTA. Can you please provide me with a summary of the results? While we know that the MTA’s ability to deliver economical and efficient services affects millions of New Yorkers, when they operate in a way that is fiscally wasteful and an environment of mismanagement something needs to be done. The spending of tax dollars need to be more intensely scrutinized. It is essential to forensically audit the MTA’s books immediately. The taxpayers, non-profits, hospitals, and schools who are being asked to foot the bill for this unaffordable payroll tax deserve to know how their money is being spent and if it’s being spent appropriately. Annie Rabbitt Assemblywoman 97th District