Duo to Bring Musical Romance to Washington Twp. Library

For the performing duo of Francine Evans and Joel Zelnik, all the world has become a stage, from the U.S. to Japan.

The Bergen County husband and wife of 29 years is set to perform "Judy Garland & Frank Sinatra: A Musical Romance" at the Washington Township Public Library on Sunday, Sept. 26.

Evans, a former opera singer who had her own music company in New York, now writes scripts for the 12 different shows the duo performs at various locations.

"We started this about two years ago–performing together–and we've booked 25 shows already for next year," she said.

Zelnik, a professional jazz pianist, has played for five presidents and is currently planning a tour for the duo in Japan next May. A former salesman, Zelnik lost his job during the economic downturn, while Evans' school closed down where she was teaching during that same period.

"I thought this would be something fun to do," Evans said. "We're both performers and enjoy doing this very much." This is the first time the duo is performing at the Washington Township Library.

The show scripts range from 1940s music to Broadway and Liza Minnelli. Sunday's performance at the library will be approximately an hour and 15 minutes long.

"In a smaller setting like that I like to ad lib and interact with the audience. It makes for a better performance," Evans said.

This specific show, "A Musical Romance," will have Francine take on the personas of Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland while being accompanied by Joel.

"It'll be 50-50 for song selection, and we'll start with Judy Garland then end with Frank Sinatra," Evans said. "And of course we'll finish with 'New York, New York.'"

Registration is required to attend the show. For more information, visit the Washington Township Public Library's Web site or contact Adult Program Coordinator Jane Gold at 908-876-3596.