OPEN AUDITIONS for “Sweet Charity” at the Somerset Valley Players on December 19

OPEN AUDITIONS:

SWEET CHARITY
Book by Neil Simon
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Dorothy Field

WHEN: Thursday, December 19, @ 7 pm  Callbacks:  Saturday, December 21, by invitation only @ 2 pm
WHERE:  Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Road (Route 514), Hillsborough

SHOW DATES: April 24-May 10

A musical comedy from the 1960s about Charity Hope Valentine, a down on her luck taxi dancer who just wants to be loved. Originally choreographed by Bob Fosse, the show features classic musical numbers such as “Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now.”

6 FEMALES, ages late 20s-40s

SPECIAL NOTES: 

• Auditioners must sign up for an appointment HERE.
• Please prepare a brief song that shows vocal range and acting ability.  Bring sheet music in the proper key. 
• An accompanist will be provided. 
• Bring a headshot and resume. 
• NOTE:  There will be no dancing at this call.  Women who are called back on December 21st will be taught a dance combination at that time.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS:

CHARITY HOPE VALENTINE, F28-38, a taxi dancer at the Fandango Ballroom in New York City circa mid-1960s; an eternal optimist who only wants "to be loved" yet more often than note she manages to fall for the wrong guy.  Mezzo-Soprano

OSCAR LINDQUIST/CHARLIE DARK GLASSES, M30-45  Charity's love interest; a good-natured, upright and genuinely sweet guy who is also phobic, insecure and shy.  Unintentionally charming, he is kind of messed up./Charity's shyster boyfriend who robs her.  Baritone

NICKIE, F30-45 Charity's fellow dancer at the Fandango Ballroom, and closest friend; has done prison time, but sympathetic and lively, a great friend and fun gal.  Mezzo-Soprano

HELENE, F30-45 Charity's fellow dancer and friend at the Fandango Ballroom; hardened and smart-mouthed, often sarcasatic; sees through the BS, but keeps an eye on Charity.  Mezzo Soprano.

VITTORIO VIDAL, M35-50 A romantic, but slightly faded, Italian movie star.  Baritone

HERMAN, M35-55 The tough, dry, working class New Yawk manager of the Fandango Ballroom.  High Baritone

URSULA MARCH, F30-40 Vittorio's girlfriend; fiery, hot tempered, statuesque.  Soprano

CARMEN, F28-40 Brassy dancer at the Fandango Ballroom.  Very sarcastic. Alto

ROSIE, F26-32 The hot new girl at the Fandango Ballroom.  Fresh of the bus and easily corrupted.  Alto

DADDY BRUBECK, M30-50 The head of a downtown alternative church; a charismatic and inspirational leader. Tenor

MORE INFO:  Go to www.svptheatre.org for complete info and directions to the playhouse.

Jewish Heritage Museum Presents a Chanukah Open House

WHEN: Sunday, December 22, 2019, from 11 AM to 3 PM
WHERE: Jewish Heritage Museum is located in the Mounts Corner Shopping Center, at 310 Mounts Corner Drive, Freehold, NJ, at the corner of Route 537 and Wemrock Road (between the CentraState Medical Center and Freehold Raceway Mall).  It is on the second floor of the historic Levi Solomon Barn.
ADMISSION: free; no reservation required.

The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County’s Board of Trustees extends best wishes for a very Happy Chanukah, and an invitation to a Chanukah Open House. Children’s activities, including dreidel games and make-and-take crafts, and refreshments will be offered.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet the Museum’s new Executive Director, Jessica Solomon.

Funding has been made possible in part by a general operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of the Department of State, through grant funds administered by the Monmouth County Historical Commission.

For more information, call the Museum at 732-252-6990, or visit www.jhmomc.org.

The JHMOMC is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Museum is handicapped and assisted-listening accessible.

Carrie Jackson Music Notes for December

Carrie Jackson Music Notes

Jam Sessions/ Open Mic

WHEN: Tues., December 17, 8pm-11pm Jam Session
WHERE: 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, 16 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ
www.16prospect.com
908-232-7320

Carrie Jackson & Friends

Dan Kostelnik, organ
Charlie Sigler, guitar
Les Mc Kee, drums

Jazz Stimulus, No Music Cover
Food or Beverage Purchase

Carrie Jackson & All Star Band Pre-New Years Eve Jazz, Swing & Dance Party

WHEN: Friday, December 27, 7pm-11pm
WHERE: St. Josephs Plaza - The Priory, 233 West Market Street, Newark
No Music Cover
973-242-8012

Dave Braham, organ, Charlie Sigler, gtr; Les Mc Kee, drums

Cecil Thomas DJ & Company

Bring your Dancin’ Shoes!

FREE READING @ TWO RIVER THEATER THIS MONDAY

WHEN: Monday, December 16, 7 PM
WHERE: Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank

Join us for a work-in-process reading of one of our current commissions, The Raft—a Mark Twain/Huckleberry Finn project created by multi-hyphenate talent Rinde Eckert and director David Schweizer. On his deathbed, Samuel L. Clemens aka Mark Twain, is visited by two of his most famous creations, Jim and Huckleberry Finn. Together, Jim and Huck guide Twain on one last trip down the river.

In a piece that bends time and space, Twain, Jim, and Huck encounter a rich cast of characters on their journey including a pair of ruffians, Sir Edmond Halley, Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, and Twain’s daughter, Clara. Audiences will remember Rinde and David as the team behind our acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare’s Pericles, which we produced in 2016.

Don’t miss this first public viewing of their latest theatrical adventure!

State Theatre New Jersey presents Salute to Vienna - New Year's Eve Concert (12/31/19)

Salute to Vienna
New Year’s Eve Concert 
Featuring Conductor Alastair Willis, Soprano Peggy Steiner and Tenor Michael Heim

WHEN: Monday, December 31, 2019, 5pm
WHERE: STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
TICKETS: $39-$125

This year’s performance will be conducted by maestro Alastair Willis of London, while Dresden’s Peggy Steiner (soprano) and Vienna’s Michael Heim (tenor), along with dancers from Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine and International Champion Ballroom Dancers will fill the hall with the sights and sounds of Vienna at the turn of the 20th Century.

The New Year’s Concert, Salute to Vienna gives audiences a chance to take a step back in time and explore the sights and sounds of Vienna’s golden hour. Inspired by the annual Viennese “Neujahrskonzert,” this frothy celebration blends acclaimed European singers and dancers with a full orchestra. From the eternal notes of the beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, to overtures and arias from beloved operettas, the concert features a fresh musical program and a new cast each year. Dedicated to preserving a musical heritage, Salute to Vienna celebrates a gilded age of Viennese music.

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 through 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 of the State Theatre.

Magician Mike Super & Scooby-Doo Live @ bergenPAC TICKETS NOW ON SALE

WHERE: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
TICKETS: Tickets available at: www.ticketmaster.com or Box Office (201) 227-1030

Mike Super 2.OH! SHOW!

WHEN: SUNDAY, FEB. 16, 2020 – 7 PM
TICKETS: $59-49-39-29

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place…but Mike Super’s brand-new magic show begs to differ! People raved and demanded he go back on tour. As a result, much like a super-charged software upgrade, Mike Super returns to our stage with a brand-new show with all new magic!  Instead of 2.0 he calls it 2.OH!™ SHOW!™ because of the newly created, never before seen magical, jaw dropping moments taking his uniquely branded evening of mystery to a whole new level! 

In this production, it’s possible that someone will travel thru time, the audience could solve a murder mystery, impossible predictions are made and minds are read – all involving the audience in a way never before experienced. Oh, and this is only in the first 10 minutes, so bring your family and friends to share in an all-new evening of the impossible!     

Scooby-Doo! and the Lost City of Gold
presented with Metropolitan Entertainment

WHEN: FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2020 – 6 PM; SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 – 11 AM
TICKETS: $69-49-39-29

One of the most beloved international franchises of all time, Scooby-Doo and his meddling, mystery-solving friends will embark on a new adventure to solve a brand-new mystery brought to life with cutting-edge technology, original music, puppetry, magic, singing, dance, interactive video, aerial arts, acrobatics and video mapping.

In Scooby-Doo! and The Lost City of Gold, fans of music, discovery and gh-gh-ghosts! won’t need a passport to travel with Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Daphne, Fred and Velma to Alta Luz, a fictitious South American town where ghostly sightings of La Dama de Oro (The Lady In Gold) threaten to scare attendees away from the annual music festival and Incan sun god celebration.

Through dialogue, dance, song, and amazing landscapes, audiences will join the journey as the Gang takes the Mystery Machine on its first flight to a land of ancient civilizations, legends, and culture. As they sniff for clues (and snacks), a trail of extinct purple irises leads them through a veritable Nazca lines labyrinth of mystery as the Gang meets friends…or foes?…Miguel the groundskeeper, Luis the Llama, botanist Professor Falcone, the Pachacuties, and Ayar Manco (the 13th Century founder of the Incan civilization). Zoinks!

TRAVEL TO LOUISVILLE KY WITH THE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM IN APRIL

Louisville's burgeoning art scene
with James Steward

WHEN: April 21–24, 2020

This three-day journey featuring exclusive access to private art collections, galleries in the city’s dynamic downtown, and behind-the-scenes tours at world-class museums.

HIGHLIGHTS • Exclusive access to the homes of leading collectors of modern and contemporary art, including one of the most spectacular private collections in the country. • An insider’s view of 21c, founded by collectors Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson. 21c’s changing exhibitions, site-specific installations, and cultural programming reflect the global nature of contemporary culture. • Special-access tours of KMAC, formerly known as the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. The relaunched KMAC features four stories of contemporary art curated to foster creative thinking, big ideas, and exploration. • A guided visit to Louisville’s premier galleries. • A curator-led visit to the Speed Art Museum, including a private tour of the Andy Warhol: Revelation exhibition. Long known for the history and quality of its collections, the Speed has recently expanded to include exciting architecture and new space for both modern art and temporary exhibitions. • A tour and tasting at Rabbit Hole Distillery, a destination for connoisseurs of art and bourbon alike. • Louisville luxury both old and new, including accommodations at the iconic Brown Hotel as well as lunch and dinner at some of the city’s hottest restaurants. COST: $1935 per person for double occupancy; $2260 per person for single occupancy (includes lodging, all meals, and all admissions and tour fees) For details or to register, please visit the Museum Travel Program page.

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES 2020 SEASON

Phoenix Productions is a non-profit community theatre organization.

We recreate your favorite Broadway musicals in full scale revivals.

www.phoenixredbank.com

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE NJ FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA IN WESTFIELD

www.njfestivalorchestra.org for tickets

Unlimited Free Classes Jan 2-9th

OPEN HOUSE: Unlimited FREE Dance Classes

WHEN: Jan 2nd- Jan 9th
WHERE: 1018 Washington St., 2nd Fl., Hoboken

If your child isn't enrolled in a class you can try unlimited dance classes for free for 1 week!

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Irish Step, Bollywood, Acro, Mini Musicians, Contemporary, Song and Dance and More!

  and...Don't Miss New Year Eve Drop Off Event

HERE IS THE SCHEDULE INCLUDED IN UNLIMITED DANCE CLASSES. SIGN UP NOW BEFORE WE ARE SOLD OUT!

MONDAYS:

• Adult Ballet 10am-11:15am
• Ballet 3-5 yr olds 4:45pm-5:30pm
• Ballet 4-7 yr olds 5:30pm-6:15pm
• Intermediate Tap 10-Teen 7:15pm-8:15pm  
• Mini Musicians 3-5 yr olds 4:15pm-4:45pm
• Adult Tap 8:15pm-9:15pm

TUESDAYS:

• Ballerina Princess All Ages Mommy and Me 9:30am-10:15am
• Ballerina Princess 18 months-3 yrs old 10:30am-11:15am
• Beginner Tap 5-7yr olds | 3:30pm-4:15pm
• Beginner Irish Step 7-12yr olds 4:15pm-5:15pm 
• Contemporary Lyrical 1 Mixed Ages 3:45pm-4:45pm
• Contemporary Lyrical 2 Mixed Ages 5pm-6pm
• Irish Step for 3-6yr olds 5:15pm-6pm 
• Advanced Irish Step Mixed Ages 6pm-7pm
• Adult Ballet 7pm-8:15pm 

WEDNESDAYS

• Ballet 3-4 yr olds 3:30pm-4:15pm
• Hip Hop  3-4 yr olds 4:15pm-5pm
• Hip Hop 5-8 yr olds 5:15pm-6:15pm
• Hip Hop Crew 9-Teen 6:15pm-7:15pm

THURSDAYS

• Ready Step Rock All Ages Mommy and Me 9:30am-10:15am
• Broadway Babies All Ages Mommy and Me 10:30am-11:15am
• Song and Dance ages 5-7 3:30pm-4:15pm
• Tap 1 Mixed Ages 7+ 6:30pm-7:30pm
• Ballet Mixed Ages 10+ 6:30pm-7:30pm 

FRIDAYS

• Adult Tap Adult 2:30pm-3:30pm
• Ballet/Tap Combo 3-4 year olds 3:30pm-4:15pm
• Bollywood 3-5 year olds 4pm-4:45pm
• Acro Mixed Ages 4:15pm-5:15pm
• Jazz 1 Mixed Ages 8+ 5:15pm-6:15pm

SATURDAYS

• Song and Dance 3-6 year olds 9:30am-10:15am
• Ballet 3-4 year olds 10:15am-11am
• Ballet 3-4 year olds 11:05am-11:50am
• Ballet 3-5 year olds 11:15am-12pm
• Ballet 4-7 year olds 10:05am-11:05am
• Tap/Jazz Combo 3-6 year olds 12pm-1pm 

Artrageous: 20% OFF during our Sale of Celebration! Now through Jan. 2.

Artrageous

WHEN: Friday, March 20, at 7PM
WHERE: 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
TICKETS: $30 & $40
TICKETS

(VIDEO)

Watch an artist create a masterpiece before your eyes! Part art studio, part rock group, part creation lab, Artrageous takes audiences on a uniquely entertaining visual journey and high-energy ride of inspiration, creativity and engagement, paying tribute to a variety of art forms, icons and musical genres. It’s a frenzy of movement and color as lines and brush strokes appear on giant canvasses, culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings. All the while, you’ll be dancing in the aisles to tunes ranging from pop to country to catchy Artrageous’ originals. It’s art and music gone wild!

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN JERSEY CITY; JCTC HOLIDAY CELEBRATION RESCHEDULED

In light of the tragic events on Tuesday, it was a very difficult decision for us whether or not to cancel our Greenville Holiday Art Sale. We have decided to not cancel because we believe that art, as an integral part of the Jersey City, must play a role in the healing of that community. This special gallery event showcases affordable art by Greenville artists. Light refreshments will be available, a toy drive is being conducted and we invite the community to share their stories, their grief and their feelings. As a community, we need to heal and move forward together and hopefully in at least some small way, this special event can be part of that process. Join us for our Annual Holiday Art Sale in Greenville with Jersey City Artists as part of our Stories of Greenville. It will feature Greenville and Jersey City Artists. Works for sale will be under $150. Greenville Holiday Art Sale  WHEN: Saturday, Dec 14, 1PM - 5PM WHERE: Cyan Condos, Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Jersey City ADMISSION: free REGISTER HERE

JCTC HOLIDAY CELEBRATION RESCHEDULED WHEN: February 17, 2020, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM EST WHERE: White Eagle Hall, 337 Newark Ave., Jersey City  View Map TICKETS: $250 for the VIP reception, $150 for the main event. The VIP "meet and greet" with major donors, entertainers, special guests, etc. is from 6PM - 7PM. The main event is from 6:30PM - 10:30PM. TICKETS Out of respect to the losses of Detective Joseph Seals, Mindel Ferencz, Moshe Deutsch, Miguel Rodriguez, and their families and loved ones, (Jersey City Theater Center) JCTC has rescheduled our Holiday Celebration to February 27, 2020. While we believe that the arts provides healing by unifying communities, JCTC’s board members, staff, volunteers and resident artists stand in solidarity with our grieving community. Rescheduling this event was a very difficult decision for our organization to make, but JCTC remains deeply committed to serving our community during this very challenging time. We look forward to seeing you at White Eagle Hall on February 27, 2020 to celebrate the arts and values of Jersey City. We will release further information about the rescheduled event in the upcoming weeks. Thank you all for your understanding, love and support. The hottest party of the season! This event will bring our community together for music, dancing, and art highlighting talented performers and amazing artists from our upcoming programming. A highlight of the Holiday Celebration will be JCTC's Community Service Awards recognizing individuals who have contributed to Jersey City arts & theatre and enhanced our quality of life. The 2019 Honorees are: Mira Prinz-Arey, Gaye Dunstan, and Gillian Sarjeant-Allen. Federico Castelluccio, (known as Furio Giunta, Tony’s driver on the Sopranos) will be making a guest appearance lending his support to JCTC. This promises to be an exciting fun filled evening! Food is being catered by Ruth Chris and our headliner performer is Janice Robinson (X Factor UK) with Grammy winner, DJ Hex Hector – AND Gene Simmons of KISS has donated a signed “Axe” guitar for our silent auction. We’ll also be featuring incredible JCTC musicians, performers & other artists. We’ll be announcing even more exciting details in the next weeks! So get you ticket early! New Colossus Poetry Slam Presented by Jersey City Theater Center and Jersey City Slam ALL AGES WHEN: Thu, December 19, 2019, 7:00 PM EST Doors at 6:00 PM WHERE: Merseles Studios, 339 Newark Ave., Jersey City  View Map TICKETS: $10  BUY TICKETS Jersey City Slam has taken the torch to host a regional poetry slam in the absence of the National Poetry Slam. The New Colossus Poetry Slam will feature five teams from the New Jersey/New York Area. Teams include: Jersey City Slam, Jersey City, NJ; Brooklyn Slam, Brooklyn, NY; Life:Vest:Slam, Staten Island, NY; Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ; and Lucid Language (Rutgers University), New Brunswick, NJ. The New Colossus Poetry Slam, name comes from the poem, “The New Colossus,” by Emma Lazarus. “The New Colossus,” is a poem about the Statue of Liberty which can be seen from Jersey City. Jersey City is recognized as the most culturally diverse city in the United States and the goal of The New Colossus Poetry Slam is to be a beacon for poets in the North East who want to be a part of a large-scale poetry family gathering. HBO Def Poet, Big Mike will be the host.