Photo: The cast of A Christmas Carol © Gerry Goodstein, 2011
WHERE: Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, 36 Madison Ave. (on the campus of Drew University), Madison
www.ShakespeareNJ.org
is your go-to spot for reviews, announcements and information about northern and central New Jersey theater, music, dance, museum exhibits and activities for adults, kids and their families. Click the tabs to find an event, or scroll down to the Labels at the bottom of the page to find what you are looking for.
Photo: The cast of A Christmas Carol © Gerry Goodstein, 2011
WHERE: Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, 36 Madison Ave. (on the campus of Drew University), Madison
www.ShakespeareNJ.org
NUTTY BY NATURE—The Improv Comedy Troupe & SPARKS OF INSANITY—New Jersey's Only Professional Teen Improv Comedy Troupe
IMPROV-MANIA: A Comedy Battle of the Sexes: Who's Funnier: Men or Women?
WHEN: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, at 8:00 PM
WHERE: NJ School of Dramatic Arts Theater, 593 Bloomfield Ave, Bloomfield
TICKETS: $10.00
Tickets may be reserved by calling 973.566.9700, Ext 4
Nutty By Nature, now in its 16th year as New Jersey’s premier improv comedy troupe, announced today that they will be performing their yearly improv comedy show, Improv-Mania The show will pit the men against the women to finally decide who are funnier: men or women?
Nutty By Nature has been making audiences laugh throughout the metropolitan NY/NJ area for the past 15 years. In addition to having performed at The NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), The South Street Seaport,12 Miles West, Theater Under the Stars,The Black River Playhouse, Luna Stage, Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores; they were featured on the E! Television/Style Network’s reality TV series, Try My Life. The Herald News called them "Bawdy, brilliant and proof that ingenuity can strike at a moments notice." Sparks of Insanity is celebrating their 5th year as New Jersey's only professional teen improv comedy troupe.
The show is based entirely on audience suggestions! “After all”, says executive director Bob Sapoff, “the only thing better than having a great idea is watching it come to life right before your eyes!” In addition to providing the material for the show, audience members are encouraged to bring their own crazy “props” that the actors will use during the show!
TICKETS: $20 advance, $25 door
Premiered last year at holiday time, this delightful original play was a real winner. Now, the folks at Luna Stage have tweaked the material and brought it back as the perfect gift to introduce the little ones to the power of the theater:
WHERE: Luna Stage, 555 Valley Street, West Orange
973.395.5551 or www.lunastage.org
LIGHT THE WAY FUNDRAISER
To Benefit Farmstead Arts
WHEN: Saturday, December 8, from 1 – 3 PM
WHERE: Vine Restaurant, 95 Morristown Road (Route 202) in Basking Ridge
TICKETS: $75 per person and may be purchased online at Farmsteadlighttheway.eventbrite.com or by calling 908.636.2311.
RSVPs are requested by December 6. Proceeds will be used to install professional lighting for the Farm House galleries and the English Barn.
Take a break from the hectic holiday shopping and enjoy an elegant afternoon at Light the Way, a fundraiser to benefit Farmstead Arts. The festive event will include seasonal hors d'oeuvres and beverages, live music by singer/songwriter Maura Glynn, holiday boutiques and a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind pieces of art by many of New Jersey’s top artists, including the ArtSee artists of Bernardsville and Basking Ridge.
Farmstead Arts thanks the artists who have donated their art for the silent auction and The Vine Restaurant for hosting the event. Light the Way was originally scheduled to be held at Farmstead Arts on December 1, but following Super Storm Sandy, was in danger of being cancelled until The Vine offered their restaurant for the gala on December 8. (left: Fallen Shutters
by Kristina Lloyd)
Farmstead Arts is a not for profit, volunteer-run arts center located at 450 King George Road in Basking Ridge, NJ at the historic Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead. The center offers classes and shows by professional and emerging artists in the performing, visual and practical arts. The Farmstead, which dates back to the 1700’s and is listed on the National and State Historic Registers, sits on the banks of the Passaic River. Farmstead Arts (through the Friends of the KMS Farmstead, Inc.) is a not for profit 501c3 organization. For more information, visit www.farmsteadartscenter.org, e-mail farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com, or call 908.636.2311. (Above: Tickling Light at the Farmstead by Alex Bigati)
The Vine Restaurant is wheelchair accessible. Anyone anticipating the need for additional accessibility services is requested to make a request by sending an e-mail to the farmsteadartscenter@gmail.com in advance.
AUDITION NOTICE FOR SPRING DINNER THEATER:
MURDER ME ALWAYS
By Lee Mueller
Directed by Geoffrey Waumans
WHEN: Dec. 8, 2- 4 PM & Dec. 9, 6- 8 PM
WHERE: ATC Studios, 68 Union Ave, Clifton
Performance dates are March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, + 10, 2013; Fri & Sat at 8 PM and Sun at 4 PM at Mario’s Restaurant in Clifton
TLC’s spring dinner theater murder-mystery, Murder Me Always, features a cast of 11 characters. Adults age 19 and older are eligible. Visit www.theaterleagueofclifton.com for a complete character list.
The Barron Arts Center’s Annual Holiday Concert
THE SINGING BOYS OF PENNSYLVANIA & THE KEYSTONE GIRLS CHOIR
WHEN: December 7, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Woodbridge Middle School, 525 Barron Avenue in Woodbridge, NJ
ADMISSION: NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY ~ FREE ADMISSION
Please call the Barron Arts Center for more information at 732.634.0413
Founded in 1970 as the Pocono Boy Singers, The Singing Boys of Pennsylvania has won great acclaim throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Japan. The company consists of young artists, aged 10-14, selected from the ranks of its training choirs who have been rigorously trained in vocal techniques, ear training and music reading (following the Kodaly concept), part singing, and choreography.
Performing a demanding repertoire spanning chant to contemporary works, programs frequently include sacred and secular music and a rich assortment of American and international folk music presented with costumes and choreography. The Singing Boys of Pennsylvania presents approximately 100 concerts each season in the United States, Canada, and Japan. The choir has performed more than 300 concerts in Japan since 1983 on ten extensive tours of all the major islands and large cities. The choir has performed with the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic,, the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, and more than twenty regional orchestras.
The Holiday Concert and all other activities at the Barron Arts Center are sponsored by the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission chaired by Dr. Dolores Capraro Gioffre with the support of Mayor John E. McCormac. The Barron Arts Center, a disabled accessible facility, is under the direction of Cynthia Knight.
About the Barron Arts Center – Woodbridge Township’s Center for the Arts
The Barron Arts Center, listed on the national Register of Historic Places, recently celebrated its 130th Anniversary. With the support of the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission and under the direction of Cynthia Knight, the Barron Arts Center offers programming to the public free of charge. Donations are appreciated and are essential to the continuation of free quality arts programs and exhibits.
22nd Annual Holiday Model Train Exhibit
WHEN: Opening Reception Nov. 30 ~ 5-7 PM; On View Dec. 1-28
Mon – Fri 11 AM-4 PM; Sat & Sun 2-4 PM; CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY ~ DEC. 25
WHERE: Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge
ADMISSION: free to the public but donations are always greatly appreciated.
Exhibit is available to schools & groups. Call 732.634.0413 to make a reservation.
In the tradition of family exhibitions for the Holiday Season, the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge, New Jersey will once again host an exhibition of model trains curated by Colonia resident Michael Gelesky.
The display of over 300 feet of track will feature a moving operating playground and three towns including Main Street U.S.A., a small town in the snowy mountains, The Boardwalk with a Ferris Wheel and Tilt-A-Whirl surrounded by an operating monorail. Eleven different trains will be used in the display with four trains operating at all times.
A girls softball game will be taking place on the softball field, a trailer park and an ice hockey rink will be featured. The layout will be a complete walk-around-display viewed in the round. Display cases featuring several gauges from N-scale through G-scale will also be on view.
Trains have been a passion for our “Trainman” curator Michael Gelesky since the age of five when he received his first train, a Lionel, from his parents. To this day, Mike keeps his childhood dream alive in the basement of his home which has been transformed into a train station. He has train memorabilia such as pictures of classic trains, old railroad stock certificates and a layout to which he is continually adding. Mike resides in Colonia, New Jersey with his wife Donna-Marie and their two children Stephanie and Justin.
The exhibition will be This event is sponsored by Access Self Storage of Woodbridge located at 135 Amboy Avenue, J.J. Elek Realty Co. located at 117 main Street, The Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission chaired by Dr. Dolores Capraro Gioffre with the support of Mayor John E. McCormac. Director of the Barron Arts Center is Cynthia Knight.
About the Barron Arts Center – Woodbridge Township’s Center for the Arts
The Barron Arts Center, listed on the national Register of Historic Places, recently celebrated its 130th Anniversary. With the support of the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission and under the direction of Cynthia Knight, the Barron Arts Center offers programming to the public free of charge. Donations are appreciated and are essential to the continuation of free quality arts programs and exhibits.
In the spirit of giving, The Barron Arts Center will be collecting non-perishable food items for The Mayor’s Food Bank & supplies for The Woodbridge Animal Shelter.
** Please become a “fan” of the “Barron Arts Center” on our Facebook page to get all of the latest information on upcoming programs and events. Follow us on our Twitter feed @BarronArtsCtr **
For more information or directions, please call 732.634.0413.
WHEN: Thursday, November 29, 7:30 PM
WHERE: SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange (behind the train station)
TICKETS: $45, $60, $70; SOPAC Members: $40, $55, $65
Become a SOPAC Member and Save!
Buy Online
973.313.ARTS(2787)
The Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer presents its beloved holiday program at SOPAC—your only chance to see A Chanticleer Christmas in NJ this season. Known as "an orchestra of voices" for the seamless blend of its 12 members, Chanticleer has developed a worldwide reputation for its impeccable musicianship, beauty of sound and wide-ranging repertoire. A holiday tradition that is not to be missed!
WHEN: Sunday, December 2, 2 PM & 5 PM
TICKETS: $30, $40
SOPAC Members: $25, $35
Become a SOPAC Member and Save!
E.A. Hoffmann’s fairy tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, first premiered in 1892. New York Theatre Ballet’s production is the only hour-long Nutcracker presented by a professional troupe in the metro area. It is perfectly suited to the attention span of younger audience members, yet sophisticated enough for the most discerning adult.
Running Time: 60 Minutes
Pre-concert lecture with Dr. Robert Waters in the SOPAC Loft at 6:30PM
Pianist Richard Goode returns to the series for his third performance, this time in a delightful recital of solo piano pieces and art song with Sarah Shafer, a gifted young soprano. Praised for her "luminous voice" and "intensely expressive interpretations" (The New York Times) the twenty-three-year-old vocalist is quickly emerging as a sought-after operatic and concert artist. In this evening’s performance, we delight in Mr. Goode’s profound artistry and catch a rising star. Featuring solo piano works and songs by Mozart, Schubert, Brahms and Mahler.
Herb and Milly Iris Gallery features new works by CJ Collins & Shawn Washburn
WHEN: December 5, 2012-March 5, 2013
Opening Reception: Wednesday, December 5 from 6-8 PM
CJ Collins
CJ Collins began her study of art at the University of Texas in Austin but completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Santa Barbara Art Institute in 1975 under the tutorship of James Jarvaise and Matsumi Kanemitsu. After graduation, she taught painting and drawing part time at Ventura Jr College and the Ojai Art Museum. She also led a four week art student tour of Europe’s great cities and museums. A meeting with Jack Tworkov, a visiting lecturer at UCSB, inspired her to move to New York City and the following year she established her studio in an old loft space in the Tribeca area of lower Manhattan, where she lives and works.
Shawn Washburn
Shawn Washburn has a AA in commercial art as well as BS from Edinboro University in PA. Early in his career he worked teaching art, he now balances his time between photography, film making and painting. He lives and works in Tribeca. In 2009 his paintings of planets were backdrop for the launch of fashion designer David Caldwell’s collection “Return of the Greenpeace Yuppies” hosted by Spin Magazine. He was a participant in the 2002 group show “Life and the City” at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), exhibited at the Manhattan Borough President’s Office and has premiered installations at the Tunnel and the gardens outside Shea Stadium during the US Open. Shawn has created promotional work for Judith Shakespeare Company, Lightning Strikes Theatre and Theatre in the Flesh. He is currently the President of the board of T.O.A.S.T. (Tribeca Open Artist Studio Tour).
The Herb and Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC brings contemporary art to the community, providing artists opportunities to reach new audiences. The artwork on display is for sale. Partial proceeds benefit SOPAC. To purchase the artwork on display at The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery, please contact the SOPAC Development Department at 973.382.1033 or development@sopacnow.org.
Photos above: Left: Shawn Washburn, Synthetic Twilight, 32” x 46”, Electronic Paintings; Right: CJ Collins, A Chorus Of She Done Him Wrong, 48” x 60”, Flashe vinyl o/cSeton Hall University Orchestra and Choir Present a Winter Holiday Concert
CHORUS SONG NIGHT @ THE MINSTREL
WHEN: Friday, December 7, at 8:00 PM
WHERE: Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown
ADMISSION: $7.00 at the door.
For further information, call 973.335.9489, or visit www.folkproject.org.
Unlike the usual evening, with a largely silent audience listening to musicians performing for them, Chorus Song Night blends audience and performers into a rousing mix of voices, music, fellowship, harmony and fun.
Chorus Song Night is a tradition at The Minstrel, beginning in 1993. In the Chorus Song Night format, the audience is part of the performance, joining the leaders, singing full-throated, uninhibited and with gusto. Safe in the darkness, surrounded by other enthusiastic singers, the shyest person can enjoy the magic of song and singing.
The song leaders are all experienced performers. Stuart Markus, chanteyman and balladeer, is part of the group Gathering Time. Big Jeff DeSmedt performs regularly in schools, libraries and other occasions. He is a winner of the 2004 Children's Music Web Award. Katie Weiss is a local favorite from Berkeley Heights. Mike Agranoff has been part of Chorus Song Night since 1993. Program chairman of The Minstrel, singer, storyteller, recording artist, and nationally recognized performer, he brings a vast repertoire of songs to the stage. All leaders will be onstage throughout the evening, joining in each other’s songs. The evening will morph from performance to campfire sing to hootenanny to music party.
Chorus Song Night is one of more than 100 performances sponsored by The Folk Project throughout the year. The Minstrel is at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship each Friday night, with dances, festivals, house concerts, music workshops and other events at other venues. Go to www.folkproject.org for more information.
The Folk Project is a non-profit 501C Corporation whose mission is to present high caliber folk music performances and instructional workshops for the public and members; to encourage development of musicianship and performance skills in the Northern New Jersey area; and to provide interesting social and learning activities relating to traditional and participatory folk music and dance.
Funding for this project has been made possible in part by funds from the Arts Council of the Morris Area through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
20 Shows at $20.00 - Code 20FOR20
On Sale Friday, Nov 30, at 11 AM
OFFER WHILE SUPPLIES LAST | Till December 31 at 11:59 PM
OFFER WHILE SUPPLIES LAST |
WHEN: Saturday, December 1, at 8:30 PM 2011 saw the release of Zoë's new CD "ROTARY PHONE' and her first Musical "SNAIL ROAD", produced in Provincetown to rave reviews, sell out audiences and 3 return runs. Already there's a new one in the works! She also toured with the INDIGO GIRLS as an opening act, opened for PAT BENATAR as well as playing at Festivals all over the USA.” Website: http://www.zoelewis.com |
AUDITION NOTICE
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jen Plants
WHEN: Monday, December 17th and Tuesday, December 18th at 7:00 PM
WHERE: The Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave., Chatham
Production dates are March 1 thru 10, 2013, with rehearsals to beginning mid-January.
Shakespeare's battle of the sexes concerns Petruchio's courtship of Katherina. The man from Verona does not have an easy task ahead of him. He tries many ways to tame her; however, she has her own “take” on the romance. Come and be a part of this romantic comedy classic that has challenged and entertained audiences for centuries. You could be one of our would-be lovers who battle it out, because as we know, love is a battlefield.
Director Jen Plants seeks a diverse cast of 13-14 actors of all ethnic and racial backgrounds who are bold and funny and who bring lots of their own ideas to the table. No experience with Shakespeare is necessarily required, though it can’t hurt, of course!
The Chatham Players have an open call casting policy. ALL roles are open, none are precast, and everyone is encouraged to audition. Any questions, please call Leslie Reagoso at 973.769.3886 or e-mail her at ccpcasting@gmail.com. For directions or additional information, please visit www.chathamplayers.org
Auditions will start with cold readings from sides provided in small groups. Sides are available prior to the auditions. To access sides, please visit http://www.chathamplayers.org/auditions.html. This production must never forget that it is indeed a PLAY (or in the case of The Taming of the Shrew, a play within a play!) All characters must be BOTH real and comically larger than life. Finding that paradoxical balance will make up the fun of rehearsals!
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
MEN
WOMEN
Most of the company will also play roles in the Induction (the Christopher Sly story that frames the Shrew play.)
If you can’t make the 12-12-12 Concert in NYC to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy, here’s a venue closer to home:
TICKETS: www.dancenj.org (link on graphic will not work)
WHEN: Saturday, December 8, 8 PM Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. Judy has continued an impressive musical career with an extensive catalog from every decade throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and up to the present. Judy Collins is also noted for her rendition of Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now” on her 1967 album, Wildflowers which has since been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Winning "Song of the Year” at the 1975 Grammy Awards was Judy's version of “Send in the Clowns,” a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical “A Little Night Music.” She will be joined on stage by her special guest Jimmy Webb * Offer is not valid on prior purchases and cannot be combined with any other discount. Discounted tickets are subject to availability and “Good” section seats are excluded. Tickets go on sale on Friday @ 11 AM |