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Friday, December 31, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR, DEAR READERS!

head shot 2I find it hard to believe that six months have gone by since I started NJ Arts Maven blog!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my readers, the venues sending me information about their events and my patient husband for helping make this blog a success. Who’d have thought I’d get 23,000+ hits in that half year!

Thank you to all of those who commented. I published all of them! Please let me know your thoughts if you have attended events I’ve posted about. Subsequent readers get a feel for what other readers think about these events.

Thanks for reading my reviews. Since my print outlets dried up last summer, the blog has been my vehicle for publishing my reviews (which I have been doing since 1996!).

A favor: Besides continuing to read NJ Arts Maven (and subscribing to receive free updates each morning), please let the box offices know that you heard about their events from NJ Arts Maven. They like to know where their patrons come from and have learned about them, and it gives me increased credibility too!

I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Ruth Ross

ONLY 3 WEEKS LEFT TO CATCH A NOIR THRILLER IN LONG BRANCH!

CLICK IMAGE FOR ONLINE TICKETING

Click here for tickets!

PLAYHOUSE 22 ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR 2011-2012 SEASON

Playhouse 22

Submissions for 2011-2012

Playhouse 22, East Brunswick’s Community Theater, is accepting show submissions from directors for the 2011-2012 season.
drama masksSubmissions should include a copy of the show script; a cover letter with contact information, a brief summary of show that is no more than one page long; a theatrical resume, including letters of recommendation; potential staffing needs and dates available, as well as scheduling conflicts related to directing a show from September 2011 through summer 2012. Please submit shows that are better known for larger and more diverse audiences.
Playhouse 22 will be considering a potential “Black Box” type series of smaller shorter-run shows that may be performed on the theater’s regular stage. These shows should be smaller shows that are not necessarily well known, but “experimental” in nature.
The deadline is February 1, 2011. Information may be mailed to the following address:
Playhouse 22
Play Selection Committee
P.O. Box 181
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Or electronically at
submissions@playhouse22.org.
More information is available by e-mail at submissions@playhouse22.org or by phone at 732.254.3939.

Playhouse 22 voted “Best Community Theater” of the year
in Central Jersey!

CELEBRITY AS RELIGION @ PLAYHOUSE 22 IN EAST BRUNSWICK: A WICKED COMEDY

Playhouse 22I have seen various productions of this very funny, mordant comedy! Besides, it’s a pointed satire of our worship of celebrity in this country: 

As Bees in Honey Drown
By Douglas Carter Beane
Directed by Amy Levine

WHEN: January 7–16, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8PM and Sunday matinees at 3 PM
WHERE:
  Playhouse 22 in the East Brunswick Community Arts Center at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
TICKETS: $12 and are available at www.Playhouse22.org.  For more information, please call the Box Office at 732.254.3939.

Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick will be launching its “On The Edge Series” with the production of As Bees in Honey Drown by Douglas Carter Beane and directed by Amy Levine. 

As Bees in Honey Drown is the story of Evan Wyler, a twenty-something New York writer savoring the success of his debut novel.  Defined by the media as the “hot, young, thing-of-the moment,” Evan captures the attention of Alexa Vere de Vere, a blackclad woman of mystery who’s made the world of celebrity her home. In fact, it’s her religion.

Playhouse 22 voted “Best Community Theater” of the year
in Central Jersey!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

A RECIPE FOR SNOW CONES FROM 1610!

While this recipe has nothing to do with cultural events, it is appropriate for the snowy weather conditions we are experiencing here. Perhaps President Obama, a big fan of something they call “shave ice” in Hawaii, would find it tasty! Not his daughters, though, for it contains alcohol (sack)!

On this wintry day, enjoy a snow recipe from
Folger Shakespeare Library's collection.

Mrs. Sarah Longe, Her Receipt Booke, c1610

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

COMEDY-DRAMA AUDITIONS @ DOVER LITTLE THEATRE

Facade RestorationTHE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS
by William Inge
Directed by Mark Phelan

WHEN: Audition Dates
Sunday, January 9 @ 7:00 PM
Monday, January 10 @ 7:30 PM
Callbacks Wednesday, January 12 @ 7:30 PM (tentative
)

Performance Dates
Three Weekends: March 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 @ 8 PM
Sunday Matinees:  March 6 & 13 @ 2 PM

WHERE: Dover Little Theatre, 69 Elliott Street, Dover

The plot of Inge's comedy drama is less one story than a series of short stories: the fight between a husband and wife; the fear of an overly shy young girl going to a dance; the problems of an introverted little boy who feels that the whole world, including his family, is against him; the outwardly peaceful and inwardly corroding marriage of Cora's rowdy sister; the tragedy of a military school cadet whose mother has never provided him with a real home.

"What Inge is saying, with a power and tenderness of speech, is that there is dark at the top of everyone's stairs, but that it can be dissipated by understanding, by tolerance, by compassion and by the brand of companionship that demands not conformity but love..."

Any questions or for directions, please call the theatre at 973.328.9202.

Cast of Characters

  • CORA FLOOD: a housewife, mid-30's - mid-40's
  • RUBIN FLOOD: her husband, rough, loud, traveling salesman-type
  • SONNY FLOOD: their son, shy, 10-12 years old (can be played by an older actor who can play young)
  • REENIE FLOOD: their sixteen year old daughter, timid, sensitive
  • FLIRT CONROY: a flapper friend of Reenie's
  • LOTTIE LACEY: Cora's older sister who has married well
  • MORRIS LACEY: a dentist, he knows who wears the pants in his family
  • PUNKY GIVENS: Flirt's boy friend, a military cadet - non-speaking role but with some comedy
  • SAMMY GOLDENBAUM: Punky's friend, another military cadet, lonely and confused
  • CHAUFFEUR: Non-speaking, can be doubled by the actor playing Punky

DOUBLE-BILL CONCERT BY LOCAL MUSICIANS @ SYMPHONY SPACE IN NYC

I normally don’t post about events in NYC, but the performers involved are Montclair residents and are quite active in the community. Recent NJ events have included performances at SOPAC, MAYO Center for the Performance Arts, WAE/JSDD Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled and the upcoming December 7 New Providence schools concert/residency.

Glen Velez TA KA DI MI Project and TRIO GLOBO Perform in a 
Double-Bill Concert One-Night Only at Symphony Space

WHEN: Friday, January 7, 2011, 8:00 PM
WHERE: Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street)—Train 1/2/3 to 96th Street
TICKETS: $30/$20 Students + Seniors

To purchase tickets, contact Symphony Space 212.864.5400 or visit http://www.symphonyspace.org

Regarded as the founding father of the modern frame drum movement, four-time Grammy Award-winning percussionist Glen Velez performs a wide-ranging, virtuosic program of original music drawn from jazz, classical, blues and cultural traditional from around the globe.

clip_image004The TA KA DI MI Project is comprised of percussion legend Glen Velez and rhythm voice master Lori Cotler performing original compositions derived from music of the Mid-East, Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. TA KA DI MI represents the primal rhythm cycle of four beats, which leads the mind from the mystical realm of numbers and into the sublime world of music and sound.  Velez and Colter are joined by percussionists Shane Shanahan (an original member of the award-winning Silk Road Ensemble) and Yousif Sheronick (a member of Ethos and a regular collaborator with the Lark Quartet).

The first half of the program will include Velez’s groundbreaking classic, Doctrine of Signatures, the first composition for frame drum ensemble of its kind that uses the Glen Velez Handance Method of stepping, vocalizing and drumming. Influenced by John Cage, the pioneer of chance music, Doctrine echoes Composed Improvisation for One-Sided Drum with or without Jingles (1989), a work written by Cage exclusively for Velez.

clip_image002Trio Globo has been blending jazz and world music since 1993.  Having crafted a totally original voice in contemporary acoustic jazz, the group’s musicality has been cited as “inventive, instrument-stretching, genre-busting.” (Journal Sentinel)  Comprised of Grammy Award winning musicians, the members of Trio Globo are true originals, re-inventing their instruments in new music both personal and global. With roots in jazz, classical and sacred music, the ensemble’s rhythmic influences derived from travels in six continents. Program highlights include tracks off of their new CD “Steering by the Stars,” their first full-length recorded album in almost 15 years.

COLBERT & LUNA STAGE: PERFECT TOGETHER!

Love Stephen Colbert? Want to support local professional theater? Luna Stage, to be exact? Here’s a chance to experience both:

Stephen Colbert in a
Dramatic Benefit for Luna Stage

Sunday, January 9, 7 PM 
One Performance Only
!

Stephen Colbert, the multiple-Emmy Award-winning host of Comedy Central's satirical The Colbert Report, will trade his traditional comic persona for a dramatic role when he performs in a special reading of Harold Pinter's Betrayal to benefit Luna Stage.

Colbert, whose TV series has been acclaimed as "the best show of the year" by both The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly, will appear in the three-person reading, along with his wife, Evelyn McGee Colbert, and actor Jay O. Sanders. The reading will be directed by James Glossman.

Pinter's Betrayal, which premiered in 1978, is widely regarded as one of the British Nobel laureate's greatest dramatic works. Inspired by Pinter's own clandestine extramarital affair, it follows the seven-year affair involving a married couple, Emma and Robert, and Robert's close friend Jerry, who is also married.

It's one of mankind's oldest stories, but told through an innovative reverse-chronology structure, moving backwards in time from 1977 to Jerry's first drunken declaration of his feelings for Emma in 1968—always letting the audience draw its own conclusions about ethics and morality.

 

Need a Great Holiday Gift for a Special Someone?

This is It!

TICKETS: $100
For tickets visit lunastage.org


Luna Stage Theatre Company

555 Valley Road
West Orange NJ 07052

973.395.5551

MORRIS MUSEUM OFFERS PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Adults are not neglected at the Morris Museum. Here is a list of programs and workshops related to current exhibitions, for adults, in January 2011. For more information and to reserve your space, please call 973.971.3720.


Mandala: The Healing Heart
Thursday, January 6, 5 – 7 PM
Free

Join Maria Lupo (MFA, MA-ATR, Registered Art Therapist), Healing Arts Coordinator for Atlantic Health, to create a Heart Mandala to reduce stress, relax and unlock the unconscious. Mandala is a Sanskrit word, describing a concentric diagram which represents the universe. Explore this ancient archetype using a variety of art materials, which will be provided. Please call 973.971.3720 to reserve your space.

Glovemaking Workshop with Frederica Johnson
Saturday, January 8, 9 AM – 1 PM
$45

Create a fashionable pair of new leather gloves with Frederica Johnson, adjunct professor in the design program at County College of Morris. No experience is required. Participants will use soft leathers and a hand leather needle to make the gloves. Materials will be provided. Participants may bring their own threads or decoration for use in the design. Pre-registration is required. Please call 973.971.3720 to reserve your space.

Spotlight on the Guinness Collection

The Morris Museum is home to the Murtogh D. Guinness collection of mechanical musical instruments and automata (mechanical figures). Visit the permanent installation of the spectacular exhibition Musical Machines and Living Dolls: Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata from the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection, and take a journey through the history of on-demand musical entertainment. Live demonstrations Weds.-Sun. at 2 PM.

In the Age of Mozart: Early Mechanical Musical Instruments in the Guinness Collection
Thursday, January 13, 6 PM
$9/person

Long before CDs and iPods, amazing musical machines created unique musical performances. Journey back in time with staff from the museum’s Guinness Collection to experience these musical performances as they were heard in the 1700s and early 1800s. Participants will enjoy a live demonstration of rare, early mechanical instruments playing tunes from the age of Mozart.

Reservations are required. Please call 973.971.3720 to reserve your place.

MORRIS MUSEUM SETS PROGRAMS FOR KIDS & FAMILIES FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Here are a raft of activities for families and kids sponsored by the Morris Museum in Morristown during the month of January. Science, art, tours: Select the ones you’re interested in and mark your calendars. Don’t forget to go:

The Morris Museum offers a variety of fun and enriching workshops for children and families in January and February. Stop by any time during the session to participate in these workshops. Pre-registration is not required unless noted. Adults must accompany children. For more information, please call 973.971.3718.

Open Art Workshops
Thursdays 3:30 – 6:30 PM
$5/child
Appropriate for all ages

Join museum educators to create your own work of art. Drop-in anytime during the session to participate.

  • Jan. 6      Clay Gingerbread Men
  • Jan. 13    3D Snowman
  • Feb. 3     Chinese New Year Paper Lantern
  • Feb. 17    Snow Globe Scene

Super Science Saturdays
Saturday, Noon - 2:00 PM
$3/child plus museum admission
Appropriate for ages 5 and up

Families are invited to drop in and participate in hands-on science workshops. Children will be introduced to the scientific method as they conduct experiments and observe the results.
  • Jan. 8      Create your own working kaleidoscope
  • Jan. 15    Make your own glue
  • Jan. 29    Silly Slime
  • Feb. 26    Fingerprints

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

GET READY TO AUDITION FOR “GYPSY” IN CRANFORD

Looking for the right vehicle for your acting chops—one where you can even strip? The Cranford Dramatic Club is seeking actor/singer/dancers for their upcoming production of that classic of musical theater, Gypsy:

GYPSY
Music by Jule Styne
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Music, Lyrics & Book by Arthur Laurents
Directed by Jeffrey Fiorello
Musical Director Ken Magos
Choreographer Megan Ferentinos





AUDITION DATES:
  • Children (under 17): 7:00 PM on Sunday, January 9 & Monday, January 10.
  • Adults (17+): 8:00 PM on Sunday, January 9 & Monday, January 10
  • Callbacks will be on Sunday, January 16 starting at 2:00 PM.
WHERE: The Cranford Dramatic Club, 78 Winans Ave., Cranford NJ
PERFORMANCE DATES: Fridays and Saturdays, May 6–21 with one Sunday Matinee on May 15.

Gypsy is based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. In mid-1920’s to mid-1930’s America, the story focuses on Gypsy Rose Lee’s mother, Rose, whose name has become synonymous with “the ultimate show business mother.” Rose concentrates on her talented younger daughter June, leaving older, less talented Louise in her sister’s shadow. When June tires of being controlled by her mother and runs away, Rose turns her attention to Louise. In the midst of the Great Depression when vaudeville shows are dying, Rose pushes Louise to become a stripper where she finds her talent and becomes Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist.

CHARACTERS:
  • Rose: (40–55) Strong acting skills and movement required. Should be a strong mezzo.
  • Louise: (20–30) Needs versatility to portray awkward teen and the sophisticated woman she becomes as Gypsy Rose Lee. Dance required. Vocal versatility required.
  • Dainty June: (18–28) Strong actor with a quick sardonic whit. Strong dancing skills required. Strong vocals with a high belt.
  • Herbie: (40–55) Mild-mannered actor. Dance not essential. Baritone.
  • Tulsa: (18–28) “boy-next-door type.” Charming. Dance skills essential. Bari-tenor.
  • Baby June: (10-13) must look young. Pretty/cute and fake. Child belt. Strong acting and dancing required.
  • Baby Louise: (10–13) must look young but older than June. (June’s less talented but older sister. Strong actress with ability to sing and dance.
  • Tessie Tura: (35+) Burlesque dancer that shares her dressing room with Louise. Mezzo Belt (movement required)
  • Mazeppa: (35+) Burlesque dancer. Alto Belt (movement required)
  • Electra: (40+) Burlesque dancer. Mezzo Belt (minimal movement required)

ENGLEWOOD STUDENTS WORK IN “HARMONY”

Calling all American Idol and America’s Best Dance Crew fans: now you can see talented kids from your own backyard (okay, Bergen County) compete against each other at the bergenPAC:

Englewood Idol Show Debuts Its Sixth Season Benefiting Dr. John Grieco Scholarship Fund

WHEN: Friday January 7, 2011, at 7:30 PM
WHERE: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
TICKETS: advance tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults; tickets at the door will be $10 for students and $15 for adults
Tickets to Englewood Idol can be purchased in the main offices of Dwight Morrow High School and Academies@Englewood

American Idol watch out! Young stars from Englewood will dazzle the stage with their musical talents at the 6th Annual Englewood Idol, a fundraising event for the Dr. John Grieco Scholarship Fund.

Englewood Idol brings together Englewood students from four area high schools: The Dwight-Englewood School (DE), Dwight Morrow High School (DM), the Academies @ Englewood (AE), and Bergen Catholic High School (BC). 

Auditions for Englewood Idol were open to any high school student living in, or attending school in, Englewood, NJ. More than 30 students auditioned and eleven talented semi-finalists were selected: Erica Butler (DE), Dasia Capers (DM), Ty Charles (BC), Ginamarie Enriquez (DE), Taijun Haskins (DM), Shaquille Hobson (AE), Aliyah Mangan (AE), D’Asia Morrisey-Floyd (DM), Liahshea Nicolas (DM), Brian Park (DE) and Oscar Zapat(DM).                                                                                       

The show also features “Englewood’s Best Dance Crew,” a competition between dancers representing Englewood’s three high schools. Dwight-Englewood English Teacher and Dance Club Advisor Vicky Frankel lends her choreographic talents to this competition, making the show a collaboration between both students and staff at the participating schools.

START OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH A SERIES OF GIGS @ THE STATE THEATRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK!

STLogo CMYKWHERE: State Theatre, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
TICKETS: call 732.246.SHOW
Online: www.StateTheatreNJ.org


All Shook Up
Sat, January 15, 2011, at 3 PM & 8 PM
It’s the National Tour with a live orchestra! This is Footloose, Grease, and Happy Days all rolled into one! With more than 24 Elvis hits, All Shook Up kick starts a chain reaction of romances and rebellion through the power of rock ‘n roll music!

It’s a square little town until a motorcycle ridin’, guitar playin’, and hip swivelin’ hunk rides in and has everyone jumpin’ out of their blue suede shoes. Rock out with “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “One Night With You,” “That’s All Right,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “A Little Less Conversation,”  “Burning Love” and so many more.
Tickets: $32-67

Gabriel Iglesias
Thu, January 20, 2011, at 8 PM
Gabriel Iglesias, the high-octane standup comedian from Long Beach, CA, has been selling out venues and winning over audiences from around the country with his ability with voice effects and impressions, and his an uncanny knack for storytelling. The “fluffy” comedian now takes on NJ in his State Theatre debut!

Iglesias has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, and HBO Comedy Minutes. He has also made appearances on Showtime’s original series, Resurrection Blvd, VH1’s I Love the 80’s, and was one of the stars on the popular award-winning Nickelodeon show, All That. Gabriel’s one hour special “Hot and Fluffy” is currently being aired on Comedy Central. He is preparing his next one hour special for Comedy Central “2 Hot 2 Fluffy,” to be released in the fall.
Tickets: $25- 42

Budapest Festival Orchestra
Thu, January 27, 2011, at 8 PM
Iván Fischer, founder and conductorAlexei Lubimov, piano soloist
Program: Haydn, Symphony No. 102; Haydn, Piano Concerto in D Major, Hob.XVIII:11 (with pianist Alexei Lubimov); Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring

A national treasure for 27 years, the BFO and founder/conductor Iván Fischer, have represented Hungary in some of the world’s great concert halls including Zürich’s Tonhalle, New York’s Carnegie Hall, Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl, Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, and Paris’ Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. In the past 30 years, Fischer, known for his intense rehearsal methods, has conducted the likes of the London Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw, New York Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris and the Munich Philharmonic, among others.
Tickets: $32-72

Friday, December 24, 2010

EDISON VALLEY PLAYHOUSE SEASON OFFERINGS

Season

AUDITION TO TAME THE SHREW @ BRUNDAGE PARK PLAYHOUSE

Do you long to play Shakespeare? The Taming of the Shrew is one of his most hilarious and accessible comedies. Here’s you chance to try out:

The Shakespeare Initiative at Brundage Park Playhouse will be holding auditions for their next production, The Taming of the Shrew.

WHEN: Monday, January 10, and Wednesday, January 12, 7–9 PM.
WHERE: Brundage Park Playhouse, Carrell Road, Randolph

One of Shakespeare’s earliest and most popular comedies, The Taming of the Shrew bursts with disguise, deception and devilment.   Shakespeare gives us the improbably courtship of the fiery-tongued Katherina by the arrogant Petruchio. But unlike Shakespeare’s other romantic comedies, the play does not stop with the wedding. Shakespeare considers the institution of marriage, the rifts between men and women, and the rough journey toward love.   The Taming of the Shrew is a quintessential battle-of-the-sexes comedy!

Auditioners are requested to prepare a Shakespearean monologue and bring a copy of their theatrical resume and a headshot or snapshot to the audition. Cold readings will be provided for those who do not have a monologue prepared. Please wear comfortable clothes as there will be a movement section to the audition. The production will include a lot of physical comedy.

For further information please e-mail: director@theshakespeareinitiative.org

Proposed Cast with Doubling (ages from late teens on up):

  • Lucentio/Cambio: Vincentio’s son who loves Bianca; male
  • Tranio, Lucentio’s servant: male 
  • Baptista Minola, a gentleman of Padua: male
  • Bianca Minola, Baptista’s younger daughter: female
  • Katherina Minola, the shrew, Baptista’s elder daughter/Hostess: female
  • Gremio, a suitor to Bianca: male
  • Hortensio, a suitor to Bianca: male
  • Biondello, Lucentio’s servant/Bouncer 1: male
  • Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona, suitor to Katherina/Sly: male
  • Grumio, Petruchio’s servant/Bouncer 2: male
  • Nicholas/Tailor/Ensemble: m/f
  • Nathaniel/Officer/Ensemble: m/f
  • Vincentio, a gentleman of both Pisa & Florence/Philip/Ensemble: male
  • Merchant/Baptista’s Servant/Ensemble: male
  • Widow/Joseph/Haberdasher/Ensemble: female

The Shakespeare Initiative website: www.theshakespeareinitiative.org
”It’s not the Shakespeare you remember from school…”

STARS OF BEATLEMANIA COME OUT IN RED BANK

Are you a Beatle maniac? If you came of age in the sixties, of course you are! Here is an opportunity to “see” the Beatles and do a good deed at the same time. And Red Bank isn’t so far from north Jersey; it’s only 39 miles (and 50 minutes) down the Garden State Parkway from my house in West Orange. So, go! And you can still order tix for a holiday gift!

A MUSICAL COMEDY SPELLING BEE @ THE PAPER MILL

As a kid, I was a whiz at spelling, probably as a result of my voracious reading. I lost a spelling bee in 5th grade when I stumbled on the word parallel; I have always remembered those two l's in the middle of the word! We need to send our kids the message that it’s cool to be smart; what better way to do so through a musical comedy at our esteemed Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn?

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Directed by Marc Bruni
Choreography by Wendy Seyb

spellingbee PMPCraving a fun, musical comedy to sweep you up in the action and keep you laughing all the way home? Then this story of six quirky competitors and three oddball adults in search of spelling bee glory is the show for you.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
was nominated for six Tony awards and won two: Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor. David Finkle of Theatremania described the show as "a treat and a half," but one of the songs in the show says it best: "If you like to laugh, if you like to spell, you'll like this competition very well."

"We are thrilled to welcome a superb cast to Paper Mill Playhouse," said Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee. "This clever, heartwarming musical demonstrates that it can be cool to be smart. This production is sure to entertain people of all ages with hilarious antics and a magnificent score."

WHEN:  January 19–February 13; Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, Thursdays at 1:30 PM & 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 1:30 PM & 8:00 PM and Sundays at 1:30 PM & 7:00 PM.
WHERE: Paper Mill Playhouse, Brookside Drive, Millburn

Family Week is January 19 to January 23, and during this period children's tickets are half off the regular price (certain restrictions apply). This show is recommended for patrons 13 years and older.

TICKETS: $25 to $92 (on sale now). Student rush tickets are $25 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at Paper Mill Playhouse's website: www.papermill.org. Paper Mill Playhouse gift cards, available in any denomination, can be purchased at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 25% discount or more on tickets and should call 973.379.3636, extension 2438.

In conjunction with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Paper Mill Playhouse is proud to announce a series of free audience enrichment activities including:
  • The Director's Viewpoint, January 19 at 6:30 PM
  • Conversation Club, every Thursday evening at 6:30 PM
  • A With the Cast on February 12 following the matinee
Visit www.papermill.org for more details on Paper Mill Playhouse's Free Audience Enrichment Activities.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

1 BAM! 2 CRACK! IT'S MAH JONGG MANIA!

Did your mother play mah jongg? Mine did, every week and on summer weekends at the swim club. I did too, as a young married woman, although we were not very serious about it (we got sick from eating the yummy snacks we each put out when the game was at our house). I had a neighbor who played every day (I’ll bet she still does down in Florida). Well, a little farther afoot than the NJ Arts Maven usually travels, Museum of Jewish Heritage in lower NY has mounted a terrific exhibition about this Chinese game adopted by American Jewish women, and it has been extended to February 27. Better yet, on December 26, they are holding a program called Mah Jongg Mania:


Sunday, December 26
Mah Jongg Mania
Bring friends and family for a day of festivities, including mah jongg games, craft activities, film screenings of The Joy Luck Club and Mah-Jongg: The Tiles that Bind, exhibition tours and more.
Film screenings
  • 11 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. Mah-Jongg: The Tiles that Bind (1998, 32 min.)
  • 11:45 A.M. and 3 P.M. The Joy Luck Club (1993, 139 min.)
Games
  • 1 P.M. - 3 P.M. Mah jongg games co-sponsored by the National Mah Jongg League
Crafts for Kids ages 3 to 10
  • 11 P.M. - 1 P.M. and 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.
All activities are free with purchase of Museum admission.
Edmond J. Safra Plaza | 36 Battery Place | Battery Park City | New York, NY

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

THE CIRCUS COMES TO THE BICKFORD

Join the circus like you wanted to when you were a kid! famed solo circus performer Michael DuBois continues the Bickford Theatre’s acclaimed 2010-2011 Bayer Children’s Theatre Series. It’s a great antidote to holiday vacation cabin fever!

Michael Dubois WHEN:  Tuesday, December 28, at 12:30 and 2:30 PM
WHERE: Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown
TICKETS: $10 for the General Public, $9 for Museum and Guild Members, and $8 for groups of 20 or more. Please call the Bickford Theatre at 973.971.3706 or visit 24/7 at www.bickfordtheatre.org.
All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges. Programs are subject to change or cancellation. All children require tickets.

Michael DuBois has amazed sold-out crowds from coast to coast with one-of-a-kind circus stunts, getting the audience involved in everything from juggling seven balls at once to mind-reading and even unicycling! Amazing fun for ALL ages!!

Funding for the series has been provided, in part, by Bayer Health Care, Consumer Care Division and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.

EXPLORE EXPRESSIVE FACES @ PRINCETON ART MUSEUM

If you are looking for arty things to do with your family (kids), head on down to the Princeton Art Museum on the campus of Princeton University:
Art for Families 2010Faces and Feelings
WHEN: December 24, 2010, through January 2, 2011
WHERE:  Princeton Art Museum, Princeton
609.258.3788
HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 PM. In celebration of the winter holidays, the Art Museum will be closed December 24, 25, 31, 2010; and January 1, 2011.

Looking for an indoor activity the whole family can do together? Faces and Feelings is a self-guided tour exploring expressive faces throughout the Museum and the artists who created them, from fierce Asian tomb guardians to smiling Remojadas ceramic figures. Like all of our family programming, this activity will provoke thoughtful discussion and help families of all ages interact with the art and each other.

Monday, December 20, 2010

ALLIANCE SETS AUDITIONS FOR MARCH PRODUCTION

ACCORDING TO GOLDMAN
By Bruce Graham
Directed by David Christopher
WHEN:  January 15, 2011, at 1 PM WHERE:  Studio Theater (upstairs), Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway (UCPAC)

Performances:  March 11–26 @ UCPAC; Friday and Saturday at  8 PM & Sunday, March 13, at 2 PM.

WHO is needed: 2 males & 1 female

Gavin Miller:  50-60s, has-been, disgruntled film writer, now teaching in a small town, mid-western college. A pretty good teacher, who’s an avid 1930-40s movie fan, but he wishes he was back in Hollywood . Becomes professionally interested in student who seems to be a potential film writer. 

Melanie Miller:  50-60s, wife of Gavin. She loves Gavin and likes their small town life and being in academia, wishing her husband would settle into being a teacher. Makes friends with neighbors and is suspicious of her husband’s relationship with the student. 

Jeremiah Collins:  late teens or early 20s, a shy, slightly nerdy college student. Son of a missionary who plans to go into that field, but is crazy about movies, especially 1930-40s musicals. With Gavin’s help, he turns into a good film writer and becomes much more secure with himself. 

Click HERE for directions

Sides are available by clicking or copying /pasting the link below into to your browser.

http://arcadianclock.com/dru/GOLDMAN_AUDITIONS.htm

AUDITIONS FOR COMEDY-DRAMA @ DOVER LITTLE THEATRE

This play has not been produced lately, and I can't figure out why. As I remember, it is a combination of comedy and drama, both very affecting. If you are an actor and are looking for something new to stretch your skills, you might want to research the play (watch the film) and then get on over to Dover to audition.

DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS
By William Inge
Directed by Mark Phelan of Parsippany
WHEN: Sunday, January 9, 2011, 7:00 PM; Monday January 10, 2011. 7:30 PM
Callbacks (if Necessary): Wednesday, January 12,  7:30 PM
WHERE: Dover Little Theatre, 69 Elliott Street, Dover
973.328.9202

http://www.doverlittletheatre.org/

PERFORMANCE DATES: Fri/Sat Evenings, March 5–19th @ 8:00 PM; Sunday Matinee, March 6 & 13 @ 2:00 PM

SYNOPSIS: The plot of William Inge's comedy drama is less one story than a series of short stories—the fight between a husband and wife; the fear of an overly shy young girl going to a dance; the problems of an introverted little boy who feels that the whole world, including his family, is against him; the outwardly peaceful and inwardly corroding marriage of Cora's rowdy sister; the tragedy of a military school cadet whose mother has never provided him with a real home. "What Inge is saying, with a power and tenderness of speech, is that there is dark at the top of everyone's stairs, but that it can be dissipated by understanding, by tolerance, by compassion and by the brand of companionship that demands not conformity but love..."

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

  • Cora Flood: a housewife, mid-30's–mid-40's
  • Rubin Flood: her husband, rough, loud, traveling salesman-type
  • Sonny Flood: their son, shy, 10-12 years old (can be played by an older actor who can "play young")
  • Reenie Flood: their 16-year-old daughter, timid, sensitive
  • Flirt Conroy: a flapper friend of Reenie's
  • Lottie Lacey: Cora's older sister who has married well to...
  • Morris Lacey:  a dentist, he knows who wears the pants in his family
  • Punky Givens: Flirt's boyfriend, a military cadet — non-speaking role but with some comedy
  • Sammy Goldenbaum: Punky's friend, another military cadet, lonely and confused
  • Chauffeur: Non-speaking, can be doubled by the actor playing Punky
Technical personnel are also needed for the production. If interested, please contact the theater at 973.328.9202

CALLING ALL WANNABE STAND-UP COMICS:

ctglogo The Chester Theatre Group and comedienne Kate Lyn Reiter's Humor in the Midst are ringing in the New Year with laughter.

Starting on Saturday, January 22, 2011, Ms. Reiter will conduct an 8-week comedy workshop at the Black River Playhouse in Chester, NJ.

Reiter$20Daily$20Record$2007 Kate Lyn Reiter is a MFA Yale School of Drama graduate with 12 years experience as a comedienne in NYC.

The sessions will run from 9:30 AM to 12 noon. The total cost is $195 (10 percent discount for mentioning the Chester Theatre Group).
For information and registration, call 908.892.5458, or go to www.humorinthemidst.com.

Additional eight-week sessions begin March 19 and May 14.

The CTG's Black River Playhouse is located at the corner of Grove and Maple Streets in the borough of Chester, New Jersey. For more info visit http://www.chestertheatregroup.org/ .

Friday, December 17, 2010

RLO SETS AUDITIONS FOR “FOOTLOOSE”

RLO Musical Theatre & Bernard’s Township Plays in the Park
presents

FOOTLOOSE
The Original Broadway Musical
Director: Bill Corson
Musical Director: Marion Doerr          
Choreographer: Beth Gleason

Wednesday December 29, 2010, 7 PM: Dancers and Singers
Tuesday January 4, 2011, 7 PM: Dancers and Singers
Friday January 7, 2011, 7 PM: Adult roles
Call backs dates to be determined

All Auditions held at:
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140  South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Show dates: July 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 2011, in Pleasant Valley Park, Basking Ridge, NJ
Rehearsals begin late May

Seeking teens and young adults to portray high school students as well as adults for several other roles. All performers must sing. All portraying students must both sing and dance.

Roles include:
Ren McCormack – a teenage boy from Chicago
Ethel McCormack – his mother
Reverend Shaw Moore – the minister of Bomont
Vi Moore – his wife
Ariel Moore – their teenage daughter
Lulu Warnicker – Ren’s aunt
Wes Warnicker – her husband
Coach Roger Dunbar – the high school gym teacher
Eleanor Dunbar – his wife
Rusty –Ariel’s best friend
Urleen – Ariel’s friend
Wendy Jo – Ariel’s friend
Chuck Cranston – Ariel’s boyfriend
Lyle – Chuck’s buddy
Travis – Chuck’s buddy
A Cop
Betty Blast –owner of the Burger Blast
Willard Hewitt – Ren’s friend, a country boy
Principal Harry Clark
Jeter – Ren’s friend
Bickle – Ren’s friend
Garvin – Ren’s friend
Cowboy Bob – lead vocalist at the Bar-B-Que
Townspeople and High School Students of Bomont

For more information write RidgeLightOpera@optonline.net

Save that date:  September Song 2011, operetta highlights  Sept 22, 23 24

WANTED: MALE ACTORS FOR 2 ROLES IN “GODSPELL”:

Godspell poster The Park Players of Bergen and Hudson Counties are seeking two male actors for the following roles in their upcoming production of Godspell:

  • John the Baptist
  • Lamar

These are unpaid positions. The remaining roles have already been cast.

WHEN: February 25-March 6, 2011.
WHERE: The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1376 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee

If you are interested or know someone who is, call Director Joe Conklin at 201.941.6030.

RAISING FUNDS FOR THE PARK PLAYERS

Today, i received an e-mail from the Public Relations chairperson for The Park Players, a not-for-profit community theater group that performs in Bergen and Hudson Counties. Their mission is to provide affordable, quality musical theater to local communities. They also provide acting, singing, and technical experience to members of the community. They are holding a fundraiser that features acclaimed concert pianist Eric Clark. It might be just the ticket for those of you who love community theater and good music:

Classic_Fundraiser2

REVIEW: “LOGOMANIACS” @ ACTORS SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

You know how much Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch loves trash? Well, that’s how much I adore language, which I guess makes me a logomaniac, “a person insanely interested in words,” and the title of the terrific—no, “tour de force” would better describe it—production, Paul Fleischman’s Logomaniacs, now receiving its world premiere at the Actors Shakespeare Company in Jersey City.

A multitude of main characters populate this 90-minute gem of a play (actually 26, one for each letter of the alphabet), all of them real and all clearly insane about words. Several of these people you’ll recognize: William Faulkner (author of the longest sentence—1300 words on 5 pages), Georges Perec (writer of crossword puzzles), Robert McCormick (publisher of the Chicago Tribune) and Ludwig Zamenhof (creator of Esperanto), but most of them are obscure, as befits their particular obsession.

Under Colette Rice’s dynamic and tight direction, four actors perform this wild language circus as just that, a circus, complete with a Ring Master, a beautiful girl in a brief costume and net stockings, and two male characters, all of whom do a yeoman’s job in a wide variety of roles ranging over five centuries. The result is a clever spectacle that will have you laughing out loud, make your jaw drop in wonder and provide you with food for thought.

Logomaniacs 2 Timor Kocak (left) is terrific as the Master of Ceremonies, keeping the action moving along at a good clip and acting in some of the sketches himself. His droll facial expressions provide apt commentary on the antics onstage. Colin Ryan and Paul Sugarman quickly morph into a variety of characters, merely by adding or subtracting a piece of clothing, wig or hat, along with a change of voice and posture. And Jessica Myhr hits the ball out of the park playing both female and male characters with a sparkle in her eye.

Logomaniacs 3 Myhr is especially amusing as Ignatius Donnelly, who attempted to prove that Sir Francis Bacon penned Shakespeare’s plays by looking for obscure clues in the texts themselves; her Minnesota accent is hilarious! Ryan blows the roof off the little theater as a man named Chase, who wrote Anguished Languish, fairy tales re-told in nonsense syllables wherein the sounds of the words approximate the correct words (“Ladle Rat Rotten Hut” for Little Red Riding Hood and “groin murder” for grandmother); you’ll never listen to those classic tales in the same way again! (Right, top to bottom: Colin Ryan, Jessica Myhr, Paul Sugarman)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

A VIDEO GAME CONCERT AT NJPAC! WHAT’S NEXT…?

This sounds wild: a video game concert with Schola Cantorum on Hudson and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at NJPAC:

SCH_Masthead

Video Games Live (With NJSO)

The first and highly successful video game concert in the world with music performed by SCH and NJSO. Don't miss this immersive event combining synchronized lighting, video, live action and audience interactivity.


  WHEN: Wednesday, Dec, 29, Thursday, Dec. 30, at 7:30 PM
  WHERE:
NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ

 

For tickets, visit www.njpac.org or call 888.GO.NJPAC

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

NO CLUE FOR WHAT TO DO FOR NEW YEAR’S?

Looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve? A group called Mysterical Players contacted me with a program they present at Piano’s Bar & Grill in Bloomfield. Read on:

There’ll be a lot more than noise makers and funny hats
bringing in 2011 when the

clip_image003
Present
Ringing in the New Year is Murder
a comedy murder mystery written and directed by Robin L. Watkins

Plenty of suspects! Plenty of clues!
Bring along your magnifying glass to this fun and interactive comedy murder mystery and be the first to solve the crime and win a prize!
at
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WHERE: 36 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN:  Friday, December 31, 2010, 9 PM


The evening consists of the murder mystery show and a delicious buffet dinner.
All this for just $35 a person; tax and gratuity not included.
The BEST New Year's Eve value anywhere!
Call 973.743.7209 for reservations.

IMG_3203You are invited to the biggest New Year’s Eve/Birthday party ever. One of the richest men in the world, Mr. Lang Szign, owner of Szignmark Greetings, is throwing this bash. Since he has no family, at least none that he’s claiming these days, all his friends and employees are invited. Mr. Szign has stated he will make a big announcement tonight concerning Szignmark and its future. Join the top card-writer Hap P. Nuyeer and top artist Mitty Knight. Also Mr. Szign’s new wife of one month, Dee, will be there. There may be some unexpected guests showing up like Mr. Szign’s estranged daughter Sela who started her own company with her husband, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. And what is Bippy the Clown doing there?

There’s sure to be lots of excitement because Ringing in the New Year is Murder. But don’t worry if anyone gets out of hand; Security Bob, Szignmark’s top security guard is on duty tonight.

(Above L-R: Katherine Watkins as Mitty Knight; Martin Pfefferkorn as Hap P. Nuyeer; Petra Seirmarco as Bippy the Clown; Laura Moskin as Sela Brayshun; Robin L. Watkins as Security Bob; Seated: Michael Norton as Lang Szign; Elizabeth Devlin as Dee Szign)

SPRING CLASSES FOR KIDS, TEENS AND ADULTS @ PTNJ

PTNJ runs classes in theater geared to kids, teens & adults of a variety of ages. Here are their offerings for the coming new year. Register by February 18.

Creative Play (Pre-K & K, ages 4 & 5)
Thurs. 3:30-4:45 PM • 10 classes • Feb. 24 - April 25
Registration deadline: February 18 • Tuition $225

Playmakers (Grades 1 - 3)
Sat. 10:30 AM-12:00 PM • 10 classes • Feb. 26 - May 7 • No Class 4/23
Registration deadline: February 18 • Tuition $275 ($250 for returning students)

Musical Performance (Grades 4 - 6)
Thurs. 4:30-6:00 PM • 10 classes • Feb. 24 - April 25
Registration deadline: February 18 • Tuition $275 ($250 for returning students)

Acting Lab (Grades 4 - 6)
Tues. 4:30-6:00 PM • 10 classes • Mar. 1 - May 3
Registration deadline: February 18 • Tuition $275 ($250 for returning students)

Musical Performance (Grades 7-9)
Tues. 4:30-6:00 PM • 10 classes • Mar. 1 - May 3
Registration deadline: February 18 • Tuition $275 ($250 for returning students)

Adult Playwriting Workshop
Mon. 7:00-10:00 PM • Jan 3 - Mar. 7 and Mar. 21 - May 23
Tuition $275 for each session ($250 for returning students)
Can't join this class on the first day? Pro-rate options
available for late starts.

Visit their website to register or call the Education Department at 973.514.1787 X21.

Playwrights Theatre
33 Green Village Road
Madison, NJ 07940

LAST WEEK OF PLAY READINGS @ PTNJ

Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey is hosting the final week of their play reading FORUM:

The Final Week of FORUM

FORUM brings playwrights, actors and audience members together to enjoy the creative process of bringing a play to life. Staged readings of 17 innovative new plays by some of the country's best writers with intimate discussions between author and audience following each performance.

$10 per reading or get a FORUM Pass for $25 and attend all the readings.

Tuesday, December 14 - 7:00 PM
JACKASS FLATS
by John Simon & C.C. Lovehart
It's Las Vegas, 1951, and an unusual trio of women take a road trip to a sunrise picnic at the dawn of the Nuclear Age. Funny and relevant, JACKASS FLATS is a heart-warming story of survival in a time and place both mythical and real.

Wednesday, December 15 - 7:00 PM
ARTIST AS A MAN
by Joe Sutton
Author Joe Sutton explores the tangled relationship between an author and his agent. Not based on a true story, or is it?

Thursday, December 16 - 7:00 PM
THE LAW OF THE MONKEYS
by Ken Scarborough
Dani has a lot of love to give, and she gives it freely in this dark comedy by former SNL writer Ken Scarborough.

Friday, December 17 - 7:00 PM
NUMBER OF PEOPLE
by Emilie Beck
In this one person show, Len Cariou, portrays a Holocaust survivor whose encounter with a German family after his release from the camps comes to define the essence of his life.

Saturday, December 18 - 7:00 PM
MARLOWE
by James Glossman
An ensemble adaptation of Raymond Chandler's classic film noir tales of iconic private eye Philip Marlowe, amid the sun burnt, violent streets of 1940s Los Angeles.

Sunday, December 19 - 7:00 PM
THE EXCEPTIONALS
by Robert Clyman
In a new version of last year's reading, and prior to its production at Merrimack Theatre in Massachusetts, this play takes place in the Coordinator for Parent Liaison's office of a donor insemination research program for "exceptional" children and their parents.

Monday, December 13, 2010

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES @ LUNA STAGE

From Luna with Love:
Holiday Songs & Stories!

Hosted by Frankie Faison
photo by Steven Lawler

WHEN: Saturday, December 18, at 2 PM
WHERE:
Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, West Orange

Join your friends at Luna Stage for a special afternoon event filled with stories, songs, music and a  festive holiday spirit complete with Santa Claus, cookies and punch!

Storytellers:
Dania Ramos, Jane Mandel, Mona Hennessy, Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Music by The Hall Deckers!

No reservation required. 
Tickets at the Door:  $5

JEWS & CHINA: A LECTURE BY A CHINESE SCHOLAR

clip_image002The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Presents

EGG ROLLS & LATKES: THE CHINESE – JEWISH CONNECTION
WHEN:
Thursday, December 16, at 11:00 AM
WHERE: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Avenue,Tenafly
TICKETS: Free and Open to the Community

Professor Xu Xin—China’s foremost scholar on Jewish history and culture— will be giving a rare presentation on Jewish life in China at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, where he will be sharing his unique perspective of Jews and Israel through Chinese eyes. He is currently visiting the U.S. from Nanjing University.

imagesAre you curious about when and why Jews first settled in China? Did you ever wonder why the Chinese are so interested in Jewish history and culture? Do you know how many Jews from China are studying and living in Israel today? Come find out from Professor Xu Xin, who will address topics such as the history of the Jewish Diaspora in China; Judaic Studies and how it evolved in China; Chinese policies towards Judaism and why the Chinese are so interested in Jews. The program is co-sponsored by the Judaic and Senior Adult Departments at the JCC.

For more information contact Debra Turitz 201.408.1450 dturitz@jccotp.org; or Steve Golden 201.408.1426 sgolden@jccotp.org

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELVIS, @ THE STATE THEATRE

To Celebrate Elvis Presley’s 76th Birthday!

State Theatre presents the Broadway Musical
All Shook Up

8 PM performance festivities include Elvis impersonators and Free Birthday cake

WHEN: Saturday, January 15, 3 PM & 8PM
WHERE:
State Theatre, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
TICKETS: $67, $57, $52, $42, $32
Ticket Office: 732.246.SHOW (7469)

To celebrate Elvis’ 76th birthday, the State Theatre presents the national tour of the Broadway musical All Shook Up. With more than 24 Elvis hits performed with a live orchestra and singers, All Shook Up kick starts a chain reaction of romances and rebellion through the power of rock ‘n roll music! Joining the birthday festivities before the start of the 8 PM performance will be Elvis impersonators and immediately following the show, free cake will be served in the downstairs theater lobby to all ticketed patrons.

Combining all-time favorite Elvis hits with a whole new story full of hilarious twists and turns, All Shook Up is surefire fun for rock ‘n’ roll rebels of all ages. It’s Footloose, Grease, and Happy Days all rolled into one zany story. This isn’t an Elvis tribute show… it’s better!

It’s a square little town until a hip-swivelin’, guitar-playin’ roustabout kick starts this high energy retro musical that will have everyone jumpin’ out of their blue suede shoes. A young mechanic named Natalie dreams of escaping her quiet Midwestern life. When a tall, handsome, motorcycle ridin’ stranger with blue suede shoes on his feet and a guitar strapped to his back (Chad) rides into town in search of a mechanic, Natalie falls instantly in love with the new stranger, but he won’t give her the time of day. So Natalie disguises herself as “one of the guys” to get closer to him. But Chad only has feelings for the shapely Miss Sandra who runs the local museum. Mistaken identities and outlandish who-loves-whom mix-ups ensue, and the town suddenly bursts to life and creates a feel-good story of crazy love triangles with laugh-out-loud comedy.

For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732.246.SHOW (7469), or visit online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday 11 AM to 7 PM; Saturday 1 PM to 5 PM; and at least one hour prior to curtain on performance dates. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732.247.7200, ext. 517.

The State Theatre, a premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. 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 education. The State Theatre’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. Continental Airlines is the official airline of the State Theatre. The Heldrich is the official hotel of the State Theatre. Magic 98.3 is the official radio station of the State Theatre. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of the State Theatre.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” @ CHATHAM COMMUNITY PLAYERS

I have been unable to catch A Christmas Carol at the Chatham Community Players this year (vacation and then an awful cold), but I have been reviewing this production for 13 years. They have been performing this version for 22 years.

Based on my past experience, this year’s production is as wonderful as past efforts. This is a treat for the entire family. And you can do it without paying tolls, parking and hefty ticket prices!

Here are some excerpts from some of my past reviews:

The wild and joyous “Dance with Your Dumpling,” performed by Mr. and Mrs Fezziwig, ably projects the delight many people feel at holiday time. —December 14, 1997

Scrooge and Dickens Alan Semok’s Scrooge is at first appropriately tightfisted and very unattractive; with his hunched back and face screwed into a permanent sneer (“He even sleeps with a sneer,” someone says), it’s easy to see how “scrooge” became a synonym for “miser.” His smile, however, lights up the playhouse by the end of the play. December 4, 1999

Cratchits …many local theatergoers and their families are repeat ticket buyers; parents who saw the show as children often bring their own offspring to see it when they’re old enough. And not much changes, either, other than some of the actors and costume details. The lovely melodies and costumes, the ghostly appearances stay pretty much the same, as does the high level of talent attracted to audition for this show. —December 13, 2003

Appearing together for their 100-plus performance, Stephen J. Stubelt, as Charles Dickens, and Alan Semok, as Ebenezer Scrooge, act as though this is the first time they’ve played the roles. —December 2, 2005

 Cast of A Christmas Carol The changes made to the Chatham Community Players’ 2005 production of this old chestnut have only enhanced the play. The audience’s gasps at the ghosts’ appearances and the “oohs” and “aahs” in response to the sparkles and the disco ball lights remind us of the ability of the theater to awaken our imaginations. The Players pull out all the stops for A Christmas Carol, artistically and creatively, to give us a real holiday treat. So if you’ve never seen this show—and even if you’ve gone numerous times—call the box office for tickets before they’re sold out! —December 2, 2005

Back onstage after a hiatus of three years, the production sports a new look, with redesigned sets and new additions to the large cast, many of them actors in their début performances with the company. But the lovely melodies and gorgeous costumes are the same. Ditto the nifty special effects, deliberately left here unrevealed, scare Scrooge—and the audience —whenever the ghosts appear, which will be reassuring to those who have seen the production before, either as children or bringing their own offspring to extend the holiday tradition. —December 7, 2008

BOBBY CALDWELL TO HEADLINE “JAZZ IN JANUARY” AT CENTENARY STAGE

January will “sizzle” in Hackettstown when the Centenary Stage Company 2011 Jazz in January series returns with a line-up of big band sounds and some of the world’s best musical entertainers. 
WHEN: Saturdays, January15, 22 and 29, at 4 PM
WHERE: Sitnik Theater of the David and Carol Lackland Center on the campus of Centenary College, 715 Grand Avenue in Hackettstown
  • January 15: The series will present “Three Tenors and a Baritone,”  featuring seven swinging, world-class musicians, with  Grant Stewart,  Janelle Reichman and Bob Keller on Tenor Sax, Lisa Parrott on Baritone sax, Jesse Green on the piano, Jon Burr on Bass and Alvin Atkinson on percussion. “These are fabulous musicians, and they are really going to swing,” said Hackettstown’s “Jazz Impressario” Ed Coyne, “This is a great way to begin the new year.”
  • January 22: The “ultimate entertainer” Bobby Caldwell, with his 14-piece big band, is back  on the Centenary Stage by popular bobby caldwell - 2009 001 demand. Tracing a 25-year history from acclaimed soul stylist to in-demand pop and R&B songwriter, Caldwell is considered one of the most revered vocalists and songwriters in contemporary music today. As a singer, he has a successful career with numerous solo releases which have earned him accolades. Drawing from his vast repertoire of R&B, smooth jazz stylings, and big band songs, Caldwell enjoys a vast popularity, from Japan to Las Vegas, selling out shows and achieving gold and platinum status for his releases. 
  • January 29: One of the most compelling big-bands ever, The Artie Shaw Orchestra, brings the series to a rousing conclusion on. Dubbed “the king of swing” after his hit, Begin the Beguine, Artie Shaw was thereafter renowned for his innovative combination of instruments. This power-house big band, “rechristened” by Shaw himself in 1983,  has accompanied  Tony Bennett, Jack Jones and Buddy DeFranco. The band was featured at the Newport Jazz Festival, and they have toured worldwide. 
TICKETS: A special subscription rate for all three jazz events is $80, which may be purchased as a gift certificate for the holidays. Individual tickets are also available. 
  • Tickets for Three Tenors and a Baritone are $22.50 in advance and $25 at the door.
  • Tickets for Bobby Caldwell are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. 
  • Tickets for The Artie Shaw Orchestra are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.   
Tickets are available through the Centenary Stage Company box office at 908.979.0900, and online at www.centenarystageco.org.  
“Jazz in January “ is made possible through the leadership of CSC Board Chair Ed Coyne and Coyne Enterprises. The Centenary Stage Company is a not-for-profit performing arts series dedicated to serving as a cultural resource for audiences of the Skylands region, with professional music, theatre and dance events and arts education programming throughout the year. The “Jazz in January” series is made possible through the generous support of many local businesses, including Heath Village Retirement Community (the CSC  2010-11 “Platinum Sponsor”), Skylands Community Bank,  Panther Valley Pharmacy, and  Hackettstown Regional Medical Center. Year-round performances at the Centenary Stage Company are made possible through the generous support of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the NJ State Council on the Arts, The Mariott Residence Inn, The Tierney Foundation and CSC members and sponsors. 

MAPLEWOOD RESIDENT’S BOOK TO BECOME A PLAY AT DREAMCATCHER

jan slepian
Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, professional Theatre in Residence at the The Baird in South Orange, will present a new adaptation of Maplewood resident Jan Slepian’s book ASTONISHMENT: Life in the Slow Lane in January.

Slepian (left) resides at Winchester Gardens and has had a long and celebrated career as the author of books for children and young adults. Most recently, her work includes a column in the retirement community’s newsletter. These columns, previously collected into a book, are making their debut as a theatrical presentation.
A cornucopia of reflections on aging with humor and grace, this hour-long performance comments on the astonishment of being old, the heartbreak and comfort of companionship in later years, and the ridiculous moments in everyday life. It is at once bittersweet and insightful, and laugh-out-loud funny.
 
ASTONISHMENT is a collaboration between Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre in South Orange and The Theater Project at Union County College in Cranford. The play has been adapted by Dreamcatcher’s Artistic Director Laura Ekstrand and will be directed by Artistic Director of The Theater Project, Mark Spina. Presented in honor of Slepian’s 90th birthday, the play will run at Dreamcatcher on Saturday, January 15 (SOLD OUT), and and Sunday, January 16, at 2 PM, and at The Theater Project on January 21 at 8 PM and January 22 at 3 PM.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

REVIEW: “AND THEN I WROTE A SONG ABOUT IT” @ LUNA

Featured ItemBreaking into show business isn’t for the faint of heart. Given the myriad of obstacles faced by the character Randall Klausner in Eric Weinberger’s one-man musical, And Then I Wrote a Song about It, most people would give up and go to work in the family business.

But Randall is nothing if not an optimist with a capital O, an admirable trait that gets him through failed auditions, uncomfortable interrogations by his German-immigrant (and successful sausage importer) father and a variety of low-level jobs that barely pay the rent. Add to that his homosexuality—and the fact that this is the early 80s when gays stayed in the closet and AIDS is gaining a foothold in the gay community—and you have what could be a recipe for disaster. That Weinberger (and his composer Daniel S. Acquisto and lyricist Sammy Buck) and director Igor Goldin avoid bathos is a testament to his writing skill and a barometer of how far American society has come on such matters.

The song—or songs, to be precise—in question aren’t very good; they certainly won’t be included in the Great American Songbook or make the Top Forty. But they effectively chart the personal and professional journey taken by their composer Randall over the course of two years, from New Year’s Eve 1979 through New Year’s Eve 1981. And the fact that they are performed by the talented and vivacious Nick Cearley makes And Then I Wrote a Song about It a deliciously delightful piece of musical theater. Kudos go to Luna Stage for choosing to give it a World Première as the second production in their new home.

Cearley’s Randall calls himself a “professional optimist,” and he has to be one to get past the curve balls life throws at him. Tired of working at his father’s company’s office, he quits to pursue his career, taking a series of low-level (and sometimes short-lived) jobs to pay for rent and dance lessons. With his big, wide eyes and innocent look, Cearley conveys Randall’s extreme naivété about life; he doesn’t even know a that bank loan has to be repaid monthly! Too, he’s not only set his heart on making it in show biz, but he seeks love in the gay bars he goes to nightly, only to be disappointed when his “date” won’t stay for breakfast the next morning and doesn’t call for a second date. He’s not a very experienced performer either; he tells Chemical Bank loan officer Lydia Alvarez that he’s in an Advanced dance class when it’s really “Advanced Beginner,” and he blows an audition for A Chorus Line by almost falling off the stage.