State Theatre New Jersey Celebrates Black History Month with three not-to-be-missed shows!

WHERE: State Theatre NJ, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick

State Theatre New Jersey presents three amazing shows in February 2020 to celebrate Black History Month including a Tony® Award-winning musical, a Grammy® Award-winning vocal group from South Africa, and a Grammy® Award-winning R&B group.

For more information on State Theatre performances, visit STNJ.org/events or call Guest Services at 732-246-7469.

The Color Purple

WHEN: Thursday, January 30, 2020, at 8pm, Friday, January 31, at 8pm, Saturday, February 1, at 2pm & 8pm
TICKETS: $40-$98.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Academy® Award-nominated feature film, the Tony®-winning musical The Color Purple leaves its mark on the soul. This joyous American classic about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South has conquered Broadway in an all-new “ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold” (The New York Times).

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

WHEN: Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at 8pm
TICKETS: $19-$45

For over 50 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy® Award-winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide. With a deep respect for both their cultural and personal history, Ladysmith is ever-evolving with an eye toward their long musical legacy. Since the world discovered their powerful a cappella vocals from Paul Simon’s Graceland album, the original members have welcomed a younger generation in their mission, passing along the tradition of storytelling and spreading a message of peace, love, and harmony to millions of people the world over. Anointed “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world” by Nelson Mandela, Ladysmith is led by the four sons of group founder Joseph Shabalala.

Boyz II Men

WHEN: Thursday, February 13, 2020, 8pm
TICKETS: $49-$129

With an astounding 60 million albums sold, Grammy® Award-winners Boyz II Men have redefined popular R&B with their timeless hits filled with smooth harmonies and enduring themes including “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day,” “Motownphilly,” “Water Runs Dry,” “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” and “On Bended Knee.” In addition to four Grammy® Awards, the group has won a nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three MTV Awards, and three Billboard Awards.

For tickets, more information, or group discounts, call State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469) or visit us online at STNJ.org. State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm; Saturday from 1pm to 5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates unless otherwise specified. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.

About State Theatre New Jersey

The theater exists to enrich people’s lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through arts education. State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. United is the official airline

Felting Workshop To Be Taught by Exhibition Artist; Ceramics Workshop at Takaezu Studio

Two-Day Felted Animal Portraits Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, from noon to 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Hunterdon Art Musuem, 7 Lower Center St., Clinton
To learn more and register, visit our website today!

We have a special two-day felted Animal Portraits Workshop planned with Visiting Artist Katherine McClelland. In this 12-hour workshop, you will learn how to use both needle and wet felting techniques to create a unique animal portrait. No previous experience is required.

McClelland is one of the many talented artists featured in our current Explorations in Felt exhibition that runs through April 19. Don't miss this terrific learning opportunity!

Ceramics Workshop at the Takaezu Studio 

WHEN: weekend of Feb. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and concludes on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: former studio of celebrated artist Toshiko Takaezu in nearby Quakertown, NJ.
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Get inspired while working in the studio of one of the 20th century’s great ceramic artists!

This three-day workshop will be held at the former studio of celebrated artist Toshiko Takaezu in nearby Quakertown, NJ.

This workshop offers an exploration of clay as a medium for sculpture, and is led by several artists who studied and worked with Takaezu, including Karin Abromatis, Don Fletcher and Curtis Fontaine. Each will demonstrate various clay slab and coil handbuilding techniques and give insight on the pros and cons of each. As you create your pieces, teachers will assist with form, gesture and structure.

A New Take on “Alice in Wonderland” at Kean Stage

Alice in Wonderland

WHEN: Saturday, February 8, 11 AM
WHERE: Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, on the main campus of Kean University
TICKETS: $15 and can be purchased at the Kean Stage Box Office in Wilkins Theatre, by phone at 908-737-7469 or online at www.keanstage.com

Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s tale, Alice in Wonderland, will be presented in a sensory-inclusive performance that is suitable for all audiences.

Faithful to the madness and lively humor of the original piece, this performance has a unique twist: the setting is no longer a garden but a library full of pop-up books! Each book is then a discovery and a door to the next adventure.

The show is presented by Tout á Trac, a Montreal-based company that believes in theater as a springboard to the imagination. Tout á Trac invites the spectator to rediscover the very simple thing that we find, as a child, in front of a red curtain of theater, around a fire or in the arms of our parents—the bewitching magic of being told a story.

Prepare to be amazed by the ingenious set, which is an homage to reading. In this story, Alice refuses to do her homework. She prefers to play and daydream in her father’s study, where she stumbles across a strange rabbit that nibbles on books. Wanting to stop him from eating the books, she follows him into his rabbit hole. That’s where she discovers Wonderland, a world inhabited by many strange characters: an egg sitting on a wall who is afraid to fall, a philosopher caterpillar, a mad hatter and the queen of a castle of cards who loves to cut off heads. It’s an intriguing universe where the rabbits are always late and where arguments lead to friendship.

This adaptation is filled with surprises that bring the colorful characters to life. Alice rejects her boring reality and invites us to question the world around us, leading us into a universe where anything is possible, a world of our own imagination.

Guests are invited to come early for pre-show crafts in the lobby, where they can create a crown to wear, just like the Queen of Hearts and also decorate a tea cup that they can bring home for their own tea party.

At this performance, Kean Stage will provide a comfortable setting for guests with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory, social and cognitive disabilities. Patrons are encouraged to get up and walk, jump, sing and dance; lights will be kept on, although dimmed, throughout the show. The sound levels will be consistent and at a lower volume and a quiet room will be available for those who become overwhelmed or need a break.

“Kean Stage has designed a program of sensory-friendly performances that are inclusive, sensitive to individuals with special needs and truly unique,” said Ellen Hedden, clinical development coordinator  for Kean University’s School of Communication Disorders and Deafness. “By providing a truly ‘no judgment’ atmosphere, families can expect that shows labeled sensory-friendly will accommodate those with sensitivity to light, sound and crowded theater seating. Collaboration with speech/language pathologists at Kean’s Nathan Weiss Graduate School, as well as hard work, research and dedication, have all combined to make Kean Stage a welcoming place for all.”

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AUDITION NOTICE for “Twelfth Night” @ Chester Theatre Group

AUDITIONS:

TWELFTH NIGHT
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Carol Holland

WHEN: Jan 26, 3 PM - Jan 28, 7 PM
WHERE: Chester Theatre Group, 54 Grove Street, at the corner of Maple Ave., in Chester

Twelfth Night is one of the finest romantic comedies by William Shakespeare. The play centers around twins Viola and Sebastian, who have been separated by a shipwreck and believe the other to have perished. Viola (disguised as Cesario, a young man), falls for the Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with the Countess Olivia. Olivia then falls for the disguised Viola, thinking she is a man. Hilarity ensues!

Sides found on Chester Theatre's Website:
https://www.chestertheatregroup.org/auditions.php

CTG practices an “open casting policy,” which means that all roles are always open, all are invited to audition, and newcomers are always welcome.

Cast of Characters:

• Count Orsino: M, 20s-40s. Intense, intelligent, quick to anger and to love. Vibrant and enjoys life
• Sebastian: M, 20s-40s. Emotional, constant, true friend
• Antonio: M, 20s-60s. True friend, cares deeply for Sebastian
• Sea Captain: M, 20s-70s
• Valentine, Curio: M (or F), 20s-50s. Attendants to Orsino ABILITY TO PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT A PLUS (guitar, lute, drum - anything that can be carried)
• Sir Toby Belch: M, 40s-70s. Enjoys his drink a great deal. Sponges off others, drives much of the boisterous humor in the play. MUST BE WILLING TO SING, even if badly
• Sir Andrew Aguecheek: M, 40s-70s. A dullard, taken advantage of by Sir Toby Belch. Provides much of the humor by his stupidity. MUST BE WILLING TO SING, even if badly
• Malvolio: M, 40s-70s. Stuffed shirt, considers himself above others
• Fabian: M, 20s-40s. Servant to Olivia, smart, enjoys playing tricks with Sir Toby Belch
• Feste (The fool): M or F, 30s-50s. The “glue” that holds the play together. Is aware of all things going on. MUST BE ABLE TO SING A CAPELLA, playing of an instrument a plus. Be prepared to sing something at audition. Selection of songs in the play are included below
• Olivia: F, 20s-40s. Countess, pursued by Orsino, falls for Viola disguised as a young man. Dramatic, flighty in her emotions
• Viola: F, 20s-40s. In love with Orsino, most of play disguised as a young man. Sister to Sebastian
• Maria: F, 40s-60s. Olivia’s Gentlewoman, smart, helps Sir Toby play a trick on Malvolio
• Priest: M, any age
  Soldiers (2): M or F, any age
• Musicians - able to play an instrument onstage (guitar, recorder, flute, drum) Will play in two scenes
  

Song Break Downs: HERE

www.chestertheatregroup.org

NBJP JAZZ WEEKLY: January 21-23, 2020

Summit Playhouse to Hold Auditions for THE WOMEN

AUDITIONS:

THE WOMEN

WHEN: Sat. February 15th and Sun. February 16th 4pm to 7pm   CALLBACKS Thurs. February 20th at 7pm
WHERE: Summit Playhouse | 10 New England Avenue, Summit

Filled with strong, colorful, comedic characters, an abundance of witty dialogue, Clare Boothe Luce’s THE WOMEN is juicy, wicked, and full of guilty fun. It is both a scathing commentary on the life of the superficial, selfish socialite and a knowing, heartfelt depiction of romantic rivalry, toxic friendships all set against the smoke filled, art deco cocktail of 1930s Manhattan. If you love the golden age of Hollywood, this screwball comedy of manners is just up your alley! Bring as much of that old glamour, style and wit as possible to your audition! I would encourage you to watch the original 1939 film which is available to rent on Youtube, prior to the auditions to use as a guide.

We need a wide range of women of all ages and types. In addition to the core group of Women, we are looking for women who are not only strong when it comes to creating different characters within the same show, but who welcome the challenge!  There is everything from manicurists to sales girls, from maids to secretaries and everything in between. These 23 roles, each more colorful then the last, weave in and out of the fabric of the story.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN: 

Nancy Blake: 35 – 50, an authoress, part of Mary’s coterie. An acid wit and dedicated virgin, Nancy is as close as Mary’s society gets to “fighting the power.” She and Mary are really the only ones in this group of friends to see the ridiculousness of their positions. She’s sharp but not mean.

Peggy Day: 20’s-30s, a newlywed, part of Mary’s coterie. Peggy is the youngest of Mary’s group of friends and hasn’t yet defined a façade to present to society. She broadcasts her marital and financial struggles guilelessly.

Sylvia Fowler: mid-30’s,/ early 40’s (could go a bit older) a society matron, part of Mary’s coterie. Sylvia, though she occupies the exact same societal position as Mary, is her polar opposite. She is sleek and feline but prone to vicious gossip and social maneuvering. She is expert at it. This actress should do well with not only rapid-fire banter but physical comedy.

Edith Potter: mid 30’s - early 40s, a society matron, part of Mary’s coterie. Edith is perpetually pregnant and unhappy, trapped and wallowing in her own self-pity and senseof entitlement. This actress should have great deadpan delivery.

Mary Haines: mid-30’s, a society matron. Mary is the center of the play; it is around her life and troubles that the action of the play revolves. She is strong and amiable and does not (as a rule) indulge in cattiness, self-pity, or materialistic greed. She has it all. She’s the ideal of the period.

Little Mary : Mary’s young daughter - a precocious child, 11ish (should read pre-teen) and at times going on 40.

Mrs. Morehead: 50 – 65 (possibly older), Mary’s mother. Mrs. Morehead is a model patrician, expert in the ways and means of polite society. The advice she offers Mary is always correct; she is kind and loving, but reticent to suffer fools.

Crystal Allen: 25-35, a shopgirl. Crystal is Mary’s rival for the affections of her husband. She is drop-dead gorgeous (though her lack of subtlety reveals her tastes as “cheap”), truly savvy, ruthless, tough as nails, seething with social ambition.

Countess de Lage: 40/50 – ??, a serial bride. The Countess is the eldest of Mary’s friends, and a figure of fun among them. She’s a bit dotty, ridiculously pampered and self-deluded, and relies completely on her faith in “l’amour” to get her through life’s more difficult moments.

Miriam Aarons: 30 – 35, a musical comedy actress. Though, like Crystal, Miriam is an ambitious woman who has risen into society by marriage, her no-nonsense attitude and innate sense of right and wrong set her apart from many of these characters in terms of likeability. She tells it like it is, has no illusions about herself, and pokes holes in the ridiculousness of others.

Jane : 20/30 - Jane is  Mary’s housemaid who lives vicariously and emotionally through the women she encounters in Mary’s company. A great comic character. (may possibly play one or two of the other minor roles)

In addition to these roles, there are a host of characters that will require actors to play multiple roles. Each of these characters only appear once.

• Hairdresser   
• Olga – manicurist   
• Miss Shapiro - Head Saleswoman   
• Miss Myrtle - a model   
• 2nd Saleswoman/girl 
• 1st Salesgirl/FItter    
• Princess Tamara - a model
• Corset Model   
• Exercise Instructress   
• Maggie - Mary's cook   
• Miss Watts - Stephen's secretary   
• Miss Trimmerback - a notary   
• Nurse    
• Lucy - caretaker in Reno
• Helene - Crystal's maid   
• 1st Girl/Girl in Distress - at nightclub
• 2nd Girl - at nightclub   
• 1st Woman - at nightclub
• 2nd Woman at nightclub   
• Cigarette Girl - at nightclub   
• Sadie - bathroom attendant   
• Dowager at nightclub  
• Debutante at nightclub

West Orange Arts Council presents "Outlander Inspired"

Outlander Inspired: The Story, The Characters, The Light
by Heidi Sussman

WHEN: January 18, 2020 through February 1, 2020. An Outlander Premiere Party and Artist Reception will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 5 to 8pm (Snow date 2/1/20). Gallery hours are 90 minutes prior to Luna Stage performances and by appointment.
WHERE: West Orange Arts Center, 551 Valley Road, West Orange

Barney Rafferty of the Essex Shillelagh Pipes & Drums will kick off the event which includes an Outlander Trivia Contest, Scotch Tasting and light refreshments.

Outlander Inspired is an exhibit by artist/photographer and Outlander fan Heidi Sussman. The work showcases images captured via cell phone and manipulated to create digital illustrations and one-of-a-kind mixed media art. They tell a visual story of the time traveling 20th-century Claire Fraser and her 18th-century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser, main characters from the popular TV drama, Outlander, inspired by author Diana Gabaldon's novels.

Sussman, a West Orange artist and former WOAC Chairwoman, discovered Outlander a little over a year ago and while watching, was inspired to explore the many dimensions of the characters.  In a darkened room she photographed the action with her cell phone and  then altered the images employing several of her signature image transfer, photo encaustic and digital illustration techniques. 

"As a photographer I am intrigued with how the world, real or imaginary, is lit," says Sussman. "Light becomes its own character whether viewing art as a flat, two dimensional piece, or in motion as in TV or film. The lighting in Outlander is truly spectacular."

As a teaching artist Sussman offers workshops in the various processes she uses to create her art. She is on the faculty of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit , and has most recently been invited to present three of her innovative arts workshops this summer at Art Makers Denver. Her local art studio is located in Manufacturers Village, in East Orange.

"I was impressed with Heidi's work and with her unusual way of producing it through active and engaged, rather than passive TV viewing," says WOAC chair Patricia Mitrano. "Whether you are an art lover or an Outlander fan, the intent of this exhibit is to appeal to a diverse audience, to demonstrate inventive techniques and to bring new visitors to our community art gallery."

All are encouraged to  join in the festivities of the world of Outlander and of the West Orange Arts Center.

For more information visit www.heidisussman.com and www.woarts.org

2 MUSICALS COMING TO RHINO THEATRE

LOVE CAN TELL A MILLION STORIES…

BUY TICKETS HERE:

www.RhinoTheatre.com for tickets and info
973.248.9491

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! CATCH THIS CLASSIC!

INFO VIDEO HERE!

BUY TICKETS HERE:

Swing in to Rutherfurd Hall for Live Jazz!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

or call (908)852-1894 Ext 338

"Stories of St. Michaels Farm Preserve" @ D&R Greenway on Jan. 22

D&R Greenway Land Trust invites the public to

Stories of St. Michaels Farm Preserve

WHEN: Wednesday, January 22. Light reception at 6:30 pm; program 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton, 08540.
ADMISSION: free, but please Rsvp: (609) 924-4646 or rsvp@drgreenway.org.

Transformation of the land into a community treasure from a former orphanage will feature Josephine  Allen, who once lived at St. Michaels Orphanage, speaking about the healing nature of the land.  (Above: St. Michael’s Barn by Joe Kazimierczyk)

D&R Greenway President Linda Mead will demonstrate stories from a newly installed audio tour of the Hopewell preserve created in honor of the children of St. Michaels, illustrating how families can use this to encourage children to play in nature.  (Right: St. Michael’s Orphanage Girls Softball Game, courtesy of Jack Koeppel)

Wyoming-based Story Clark, founder of the “mission-driven mobile app company,” TravelStorys, will share how D&R Greenway’s innovative tours are inspiring others around the country. The purpose of Story Clark’s company is to “connect people to landscapes and communities.” 

(Left: St. Michael’s Trail by Carl Geisler)

Art and culture alert...You don't want to miss these events!

Following the screening, artists who knew Gladys Grauer intimately will share the profound impact she had on their work.  Invited panelists include Ben Jones, Danielle Scott, Onnie Strother, Nettie Forne' Thomas, and Adrienne Wheeler.

New Jersey FilmMakers Lab presents Matt Williams

WHEN: Jan. 23, 2020, 6:00pm
WHERE: Express Newark, Room 312
ADMISSION: free

Matt DV Williams an award winning filmmaker, owner of Risen TV, and founder of I’m So Newark, a media organization focused on positive things happening in and around Newark NJ. He also founded NYC Filmmakers, Newark Short Film Awards, and the Directing Actors Gym.

Matt has done film and video work with Ed Herrmann, Brian Williams NBC, Kathie Lee Gifford (NBC, Hoda Kotb NBC),  Michael K Williams (HBO Boardwalk Empire), Doug E Doug (Cool Running's) Phil Ramone (14 Grammy award recipient, Music Producer) Warrington Hudlin (Producer) production on several film crews including Sopranos, Corners, Ink Master. After being laid off in 2015 Matt DV went full speed with his own Company.

Matt is currently producing a brand-new cable show, and webisode that will be aired weekly on Cable and the internet. I'm So Newark, and Webisode name TBD. I’m So Newark is a Non-Profit dedicated to training young adults in the art of capturing and editing digital images, and storytelling though new media.

The New Jersey FilmMakers Lab is a  developing group that meets monthly with a twofold goal: to provide a safe space where film makers receive feed back and support as they develop their work; and to assist film makers in their quest to develop as entrepreneurs, thus turning their passion for filmmaking into a viable business. Eventually, the lab hopes to cultivate a script to screen program, supporting a collaborative relationship with industry professionals who can work with filmmakers in bringing their work to audiences.

Please join us for this free lab.

Click here to register for this free session!

RSVP online

LIGHT OPERA OF NEW JERSEY AUDITIONS for “In The Heights”

AUDITIONS:

WHEN: Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 at 7 pm; Saturday, March 7th, 2020 at 10 am; Call Backs (by invitation only) will take place on Saturday, March 14th, 2020 at 10 am
WHERE: SOPAC (South Orange Performing Arts Center), 1 SOPAC Way,
South Orange

Auditions are open to REGISTERED actors only

Please register for an audition date using this form. 

Performances will be on July 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 2020

For further information about audition requirements and roles, click on the "Learn More" button below.

LEARN MORE