WHERE: West Orange Public Library, 46 Mt. Pleasant Ave., West orange
www.wopl.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.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
FAMILY PRE-GAME CELEBRATION @ WEST ORANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY SUNDAY AT 1 PM
JANINE JANSEN, STATE BALLET THEATRE OF RUSSIA, AND BALLET HISPANICO UP NEXT AT McCARTER THEATRE CENTER
JANINE JANSEN, violin
ITAMAR GOLAN, piano
WHEN: MONDAY, FEB. 9, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Matthews Stage
TICKETS: $25.00 - $50.00
According to The New York Times, “Janine Jansen is a player that you follow wherever she leads.” One of the foremost violinists of her generation, Jensen has curated her own chamber music festival in Utrecht and her best-selling recording of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons was an iTunes Classical Essential in 2013. For her McCarter debut, Jansen and pianist Itamar Golan will perform sonatas by Prokofiev and Ravel, plus other works.
SWAN LAKE
performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia
WHEN: FRIDAY, FEB. 13, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Matthews Stage
TICKETS: $30.00 - $62.00
One of Russia’s best-kept dance secrets, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia and its company of 55 dancers returns to McCarter with its production of one of the most well-loved ballets in history, Swan Lake, set to an unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky. From the city of Voronezh, this masterful company has brought several productions to McCarter in past seasons, including Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, and Giselle.
BALLET HISPANICO
WHEN: MONDAY, FEB. 17, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Matthews Stage
TICKETS: $25.00 – $52.00
Fusing Latin dance with classical and contemporary techniques, Ballet Hispanico has created a new style of concert dance incorporating theatricality, passion, and choreographers representing Venezuela, Cuba, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. For their McCarter debut, Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro has selected a snapshot of contemporary Spanish and Latino dance, including his own Danzon, which takes the traditional Cuban dance form and reinvents it with contemporary language to construct a joyous celebration of music and movement.
TICKET INFORMATION
tickets are are available by phone at 609-258-2787, online at www.mccarter.org, or in person at the McCarter Theatre Center Box Office at 91 University Place in Princeton, NJ.
MEET THE CAST OF “REPAIRING A NATION” AT CROSSROADS THEATRE
Nikkole Salter has had her plays produced at Luna Stage in West Orange to great acclaim. Now she has one onstage at Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick:
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW! (link on graphic will not work)
WHEN: February 26 – March 8
WHERE: Crossroads Theatre, 7 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
www.crossroadstheatrecompany.org
732.545.8100
Friday, January 30, 2015
NEW OPERA TO PREMIERE AT DELBARTON’S ST. MARY’S ABBEY
GERMAINE
Composed by R. Wayne Walters
Celebrates Life of the Patroness of Abused Children
WHEN: Saturday, January 31, at 8:00 PM
WHERE: St. Mary’s Abbey, Delbarton, 230 Mendham Road in Morristown
TICKETS: suggested donation of $20 with a reception following the concert.
For more information, please call 973.998.7239.
Germaine, a one-act opera, celebrates the life of the patroness of abused children and features soprano Elena T. Bird in the lead role. Other performers include Patricia Ruggles, a Florham Park mezzo, as the stepmother, Hortense; John Hammel, a tenor from North Las Vegas, Nevada, will sing the role of the father, Laurent; Robert Long, a tenor from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, as the Priest; and Joseph McKee, Princeton bass, and Rob Walters, Long Valley bariton,e as the shepherds. The performance also includes a small chorus of townspeople and a full orchestra.
Germaine Cousin was born in Pibrac, a small village near Toulouse, France in 1579. Her father, Laurent, was an agricultural laborer. Germaine’s right hand was deformed and paralyzed at birth. She remained weak and in poor health for most of her life. She developed scrofula, a form of tuberculosis. Her mother died while she was still an infant. When her father remarried, his new wife, Hortense, thought Germaine was a medical threat to her own children. She saw to it that Germaine was isolated from the rest of the family as much as possible. She was forced to sleep outside in a barn. Germaine was assigned the job of shepherdess where she could stay in the field, far away from her brothers and sisters. She grew to love nature and the sheep she tended.
Although she knew nothing of theology she had an abiding love for God and a deep personal faith. During her brief twenty-two year life span she lived totally devoted to God, her fellow shepherds and the young children of the neighborhood. Throughout her young life she suffered unspeakable abuse at the hands of her step mother, her step-brothers and sisters, and her father, Laurent. Germaine always shared her meager food portion with others and often offered scraps of food to local beggars. Hortense was furious at the stories that were beginning to circulate about Germaine’s holiness. Then she became aware that people were willing to pay money for trinkets and prayers. A sure avenue for profit overcame Laurent and Hortense as the story is told.
Mr. Walters is a well-known New Jersey musician, singer, composer and conductor who currently serves as the music director for the Morris Choral Society. He has performed throughout the Eastern United States and across Europe with ensembles ranging from the St. Cecilia Chorus to Pastoral Chamber Orchestra. A long time educator in Morristown High School, Mr. Walters has received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Arts Education and was recognized as an “Outstanding Professional in the Arts” by Morris Arts. He has composed both choral and instrumental works.
Funding for the opera has been made possible in part by the Masterwork Music and Art Foundation.
BARN THEATRE PRESENTS SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY BENEFIT PERFORMANCE
WHEN: Saturday, February 14, with Reception/Auction beginning at 7:15 PM and performance beginning at 8 PM
WHERE: The Barn Theatre is located on Skyline Drive in Montville, NJ, just minutes off Exit 47 from Route 287
ADMISSION: $25 general admission
This special evening features pre-performance Champagne Toast, performances by Stearns Matthews (accompanied by Markus Grae-Hauck) and Julie Mac (accompanied by Jimmy Horan) along with dessert and coffee, raffle gift items, 50/50 drawing and a Meet and Greet / CD signing with the artists.
For more reservations, information or directions, call The Barn Theatre Box Office at 973.334.9320, or visit The Barn Theatre on the web at www.barntheatre.org
Thursday, January 29, 2015
LECTURE, FILM ABOUT IMPRESSIONIST PAINTER @ JEWISH HERITAGE MUSEUM IN FREEHOLD
www.jhmomc.org to buy tickets online (link on graphic will not work)
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
BUSY WEEKEND @ NJPAC
The Philadelphia Orchestra plays Beethoven's Fifth WHEN: Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 PM |
Yannick NĂ©zet-SĂ©guin, conductor
The Fabulous Philadelphians perform Beethoven's powerhouse Fifth Symphony, as well as a pair of works by Shostakovich, in their first NJPAC appearance in nearly a decade. Join a Bank of America Classical Overture pre-performance talk hosted by George Marriner Maull, free to all ticket holders one hour prior to curtain. Part of the Bank of America Classical Series |
Chuggington Live! The Great Rescue Adventure WHEN: Friday, January 30 at 3 and 6 PM |
Join Wilson, Koko and Brewster on the most traintastic day ever! The premiere tour of Chuggington Live! The Great Rescue Adventure, based on the hit Disney Junior TV show, rolls into NJPAC as a delightful live theatrical production. More Info |
The Standing Ovation Tour WHEN: Friday, January 30 at 8 PM |
Only tour stop in the metro area! Sommore, Arnez J., Tony Rock and Gary Owen: The Standing Ovation Tour brings some of the greatest veteran comedians in the business together on one stage. Whether you like your comedy neat or on the rocks, this tour promises a night of non-stop, gut-busting laughter. More Info Part of the Horizon Foundation Urban Comedy Series |
Men Are From Mars—Women Are From Venus LIVE! WHEN: Saturday, January 31 at 2 and 8 PM |
"Not to be missed!" —Elle Magazine When Mars and Venus collide, the adventures are Earth-shatteringly hysterical! Based on the best-selling book, this one-man fusion of theater and stand-up with John Frusciante has couples elbowing each other all evening. More Info |
MPAC SETS AUDITIONS FOR KIDS 7-21 FOR “LES MISERABLES” PRODUCTION
AUDITION NOTICE:
Our third annual youth musical, Les Miserables, will run May 29 - 31!
Auditions are coming up soon for performers ages 7 - 11 and 14 - 21. All of the details can be found in this image or on our website, http://www.mayoarts.org/education/musical
FESTIVAL OF 1-ACT PLAYS IN THE UCPAC LOFT IN RAHWAY
Fearless Productions presents the inaugural
Kicking & Swearing Festival of 1-Acts
18 new 10-minute plays by writers from New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and across New Jersey.
WHEN: Feb. 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 PM: The plays are performed in three groups of six on individual preview nights. The final competitive judging for Best Play takes place Sunday, Feb. 8 with three shows repeating all the plays at 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM
WHERE: The Loft at Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street in the heart of Rahway Arts District.
TICKETS: $10 per show
Tickets can be bought online at www.ucpac.org, by calling 732.499.8226 or at UCPAC Box Office, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway.
Participating playwrights include Mike Burdick, Steve Taylor, Brian Harris, Irwin Hahn, Mike Sockol, Greg Adkins & P.J. Murray, Lindsay Adkins, Greg Macklin, Dave Duncan, CJ Nolan, D.D.L. Webber, Charles E Denk, Ben Simons, Blaire Deziel.
Festival producer Jessica Foerst notes that The Loft, a 60-seat blackbox, is a perfect space for the festival. “You are so up close and personal with the actors that you can't help but be drawn in to the experience.”
Performances Dates:
Program A (Mon. 2/2 at 7:30 PM – opening performance / Sun. 2/8 at 1:30 PM – judged performance) American Marvel, The Final Interview, The Wrong Stuff, Yankee Stadium, Vigilance, The Most Disgusting Thing in the Universe.
Program B (Tue. 2/3 at 7:30 PM – opening performance / Sun. 2/8 at 3:30 PM – judged performance) The Light in the Middle, Diplomat’s Dilemma, Voice of God, Staring Contest, Hot August Night, The Talk.
Program C (Wed. 2/4 at 7:30 PM – opening performance / Sun. 2/8 at 5:30 PM – judged performance) Mercy Killing, Clover, Restaurant, Lightning, No Homo,Waiting for Evangeline.
“New plays are the lifeblood of American Theatre,” says Union County Performing Arts Center executive director Lawrence E. McCullough. “UCPAC and Rahway are thrilled to serve as the showcase for this emerging literary talent.”
MUSICAL BY CREATOR OF “RENT” OPENS @ UCPAC HAMILTON CENTER JAN. 28
American Theater Group presents
tick, tick….BOOM!
By Jonathan Larson, the creator of RENT
WHEN: January 28 - February 8, 2015
WHERE: Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton St., Rahway
TICKETS: $35
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Jonathan Larson weaves an unforgettable spell in this passionate, funny and uplifting musical about a struggling artist who is trying to keep it all together; his girlfriend, his childhood buddy… and turning thirty, all while trying to write the next great american musical. Before there was RENT, there was Tick, Tick…BOOM!
FEBRUARY PROGRAMS @ THE MORRIS MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN
The Morris Museum continues its winter 2015 season of children’s programming with a fun array of family festivals, theatre, art workshops, and more. Further program and ticket information is available by calling 973.971.3706 or online at morrismuseum.org.
WHERE: Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Ave., Morristown
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 7, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bring the family to the Morris Museum for a day of chocolaty fun. Attend a performance of Alice in Wonderland in the Bickford Theatre, enjoy chocolate tastings, make desert themed crafts, and listen to love songs from the Museum’s collection of automated musical instruments.
Alice in Wonderland
Saturday, February 7, 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
Filled with Lewis Carroll’s brilliant characters and Pushcart Player’s whimsical direction, this production offers a precious theatre experience that young viewers will long remember.
FESTIVAL TICKETS: Free for Members; $7/Child, $10/Adult for Non-members
COMBO TICKETS: $9 Members; $15 Non-members (Includes Festival and Alice in Wonderland performance)
PRESIDENTS’ DAY ACTIVITIES
Monday, February 16
This Presidents’ Day, children will enjoy an assortment of fun activities at the Morris Museum. Visitors can take in a laser show in the Theatre, participate in a studio art workshop, or visit the many family-friendly exhibitions currently on view.
THEATER:
American Pride Spectacular
Monday, February 16, 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
TICKETS: $10 Members / $12 Non-members
This incredible show returns with a dazzling display of laser magic to celebrate America’s spirit of innovation, discovery, and exploration. Using the most advanced visual technology, Prismatic Magic has been captivating the imagination of over one million children since 2003.
STUDIO ART WORKSHOPS:
Scrimshaw on Paper Workshop
with Kelly Bogucz (Ages 6 – 8)*
Monday, February 16, 10 AM–12 PM
TUITION: $35 Members / $40 Non-members
Three-D Collage Workshop
with Nina Nemeth (Ages 8 – 14+)*
Monday, February 16, 10 AM–12 PM
RUITION: $40 Members / $45 Non-members
Adventures in Mixed Media
with Caitlin Albright (Ages 8-12+)*
Monday, February 16, 1–3 PM
TUITION: $35 Members / $40 Non-members
Please note that advance registration is required for all the studio art workshops.
EXHIBITIONS:
Mega Model Trains
Through March 1
Train enthusiasts will marvel at the spectacular 288-square foot interactive model train display. Popular features include a Thomas and Friends model train and the Polar Express model train.
Museum Mind Benders
Through March 1
Featuring over 20 puzzle stations, Museum Mind Benders will provide visitors of all ages hours of entertainment. Sponsored by the Walter F. & Alice Gorham Foundation.
Brick by Brick
Through March 15
This invitational exhibition features innovative works created by LEGO® artists, architects, and engineers who use LEGO brand building bricks to create incredible art and architecture.
Dollhouses from the Morris Museum Collection
Through March 22
Enjoy vintage dollhouses, miniature rooms and children’s tea sets from the collection of the Morris Museum.
About the Morris Museum
Founded in 1913, the Morris Museum is an award-winning, community-based arts and cultural institution which serves the public through high caliber exhibitions in the arts, sciences and humanities. The Museum also offers educational programs, family events, and is home to the Bickford Theatre and its wide range of performing arts offerings. Continuously serving the public since 1913, the Morris Museum has been designated a Major Arts Institution and has received the New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ Citation of Excellence, among other awards. The first museum in New Jersey to be accredited, the Morris Museum was re-accredited in 2013 by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Morris Museum is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Location & Hours
The Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00pm. In addition, the Museum is open evenings from 5:00 to 8:00pm on the second and third Thursday of the month. Admission to the Museum is $10 for adults and $7 for children, students and senior citizens. Admission is always free for Museum members. For more information, call (973) 971-3706, or visit www.morrismuseum.org.
MONTCLAIR PUBLIC LIBRARY’S PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES EXHIBITS CONTINUES WITH “LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY”
LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY
a display of photographs by acclaimed photographer Barry Gray that capture the essence of life and the beauty of nature
WHEN: during library hours from February 1 through February 27
WHERE: Montclair Public Library Gallery, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Barry Gray majored in photography at the New School for Social Research and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He also earned a degree in commercial photography at Essex County Vocational School and majored in Art Education at Essex County College.
Based in New Jersey, Location Photography was founded July of 1987 by Mr. Barry Gray. Its New Jersey location affords it the flexibility to efficiently service the Tri-State area. Mr. Gray’s vast experience, training, and education in the photography industry enable him to provide an array of photography services to all types of customers. Commercial, industrial, educational, portfolios and brochures are a few of the many services available. With over twenty-five years of experience in the photography industry, he possesses the skills to also consult and teach. Location photography provides a complete range of professional photographic services to all, for all occasions and both the private and public sectors.
Gray has exhibited his spellbinding works of art at such places as the Newark Museum, City Without Wall Gallery, and Irvington, Montclair and Hillside Public Libraries and other galleries and institutions.
Owner of Mr. G’s School of Martial Arts and Physical Fitness, Gray was inducted into both the United International Kung Fu Federation and World Christian Marital Arts Hall of Fame in 1998.
Barry Gray is member of the Newark Council of the arts and a former member of the New Jersey National Conference of Artists, NJ Chapter. He conducts lectures at Arts High School and The New Community Corporation.
The Library welcomes inquiries from local artists and arts organizations regarding use of the exhibit space. For further information, please contact the Montclair Public Library (973) 744-0500 ext. 2221.
ALLIANCE REP TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR APRIL PRODUCTION
AUDITION NOTICE:
RIDE
by Eric Lane
directed by Michael Driscoll
WHEN: Saturday, February 14th, and Sunday, February 15th, at 1 PM
WHERE: MONDO, 426 Springfield Ave in Summit NJ.
Performance dates are April 10 - 25, 2015.
Eric Lane's poignant and hilarious play RIDE takes three teenage girls on a life-changing road trip. While Carrie and Molly would never hang out together at high school, the two form a fragile bond during their job at a local farm stand. Molly convinces Carrie to join her on an unexpected road trip, which deepens their connection. Sam, Carrie's eleven-year-old sister, joins them and creates the bridge the older girls need to move forward. All three girls are keeping secrets, which unfold over the course of their adventure. Throughout the play, Carrie recalls the life of Anne Frank, the subject of a high-school composition. Carrie wonders if everybody isn't living in hiding in their own secret annex. The girls' true selves begin to emerge; their "ride" is both a physical and emotional one
Characters
- Carrie - 18 yr old, smart, sensitive, extremely responsible. Basically raises her younger sister. A protector.
- Molly - 17 yr old; Pretty, a somewhat tougher exterior to mask her vulnerability underneath. Stylish.
- Samantha - 12 yr old; Carrie's younger sister. Bright, full of ideas and energy. Aspires to be an equal with Carrie and Molly. (Sam uses Adult Language)
Pictures and Resumes Required
Readings will be from the script. CLICK HERE FOR SIDES
Cast breakdown and sides can be found on their website Alliance Repertory Theatre
FRANK LICATO TO OFFER WEEKDAY ACTING CLASSES
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LAWYERS ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 10th ANNIVERSARY WITH A GAGA HONORING NJPAC AND NJ BALLET
If you are a lawyer and wish to support the arts, you might be interested in this event:
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FREE PROGRAM ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE @ LIVINGSTON SYNAGOGUE FEB. 25
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015
“FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY, THE MUSICAL” LIVE ON STAGE @ THE FORUM THEATRE IN FEBRUARY
FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY, THE MUSICAL
WHEN: February 7 – 15: Saturdays & Sundays, 1 PM
WHERE: The Forum Theatre Arts Center, 314 Main St. Metuchen
TICKETS: $15.00
Groups of >20: $12.00
www.forumtheatrearts.org
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical, based on the beloved New York Times Best Selling book by celebrated actress Julianne Moore, is a fun and touching family musical. Specifically created to perform for young audiences, the play allows families to step inside the book's pages with Freckleface and friends as they learn to love the skin they're in. (LeftL-R: Elana Iskowitz, Evan Krug, Shannen Doyle, DeVaughn Johnson and Shannon Garahan)
Freckleface Strawberry will do anything to get rid of her freckles—from scrubbing them with soap, to caking on makeup, and even wearing a ski mask to school! Will her schoolmates realize it's her under the mask? Will Freckleface be brave enough to finally face her complexion in the mirror?
With the help of her loveable schoolmates including an amazingly talented ballerina, a cutie jock, a charming ditz and a totally kooky teacher, Freckleface learns that everyone is different—and that's what makes everyone special.
FEBRUARY PROGRAMS @ THE MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM
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UPCOMING @ THE SHEA CENTER OF WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
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4th WALL TO HOLD OPEN AUDITIONS FOR LEADING ROLE IN NEXT PRODUCTION
OPEN AUDITION NOTICE FOR LEADING ROLE
NEXT FALL
By Geoffrey Nauffts
Directed by Gwen Ricks-Spencer
WHEN: Thursday, January 29. Auditions will begin at 7:00 PM. Sign-in will start at 6:30 and end at 8:00 PM
WHERE: Montclair Operetta Club's studio, 494 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, NJ
4th Wall Theatre will hold OPEN AUDITIONS for the leading role of LUKE in Geoffrey Nauffts’ NEXT FALL. An actor has had to leave the cast suddenly due to a film project. The play was a 2010 Tony Award and Drama Desk Nominee. The show will be presented at The Westminster Arts Center in Bloomfield, NJ, where the company is in residence, as well as the Irvington Town Hall Theatre in Irvington, New York. Non-union, no pay.
Geoffrey Nauffts' NEXT FALL takes a witty and provocative look at faith, commitment and unconditional love. While the play's central story focuses on the five-year relationship between Adam, a confirmed atheist, and LUKE, a devout Christian, it goes beyond the typical love story. Following a serious accident, Adam must reassess his views and seek support from Luke’s family and friends. Next Fall is a timely and compelling new American play that forces us all to examine what it means to "believe" and what it might cost us not to.
SEEKING: One man for the role of LUKE. Non-traditional casting will be strongly considered.
- Prepare a short monologue from contemporary theatre.
- Sides from the script will be available at the auditions and are available for DOWNLOAD HERE as PDFS.
- Also bring a headshot and resume stapled together.
- Be prepared to provide all potential conflicts for evening and weekend rehearsals beginning immediately.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals will begin IMMEDIATELY, as early as Saturday, January 31, 2015. They will take place on weekday evenings and weekend days in Bloomfield or Montclair.
PERFORMANCES
Performances are scheduled for March 7 and 8 in Irvington, NY, and March 13, 14, 15 in New Jersey.
PUBLIC FORUM IN SUMMIT TO DISCUSS CIVIC ROLE OF THE NEWS IN OUR SOCIETY
Local citizens will have a rare opportunity to engage with news professionals around the fascinating question, “What Should News Be?” This civic forum is being co-presented by Interweave (a community-based learning center) and NJ Arts News (the cultural news site NJArtsNews.org) and hosted by Central Presbyterian Church.
WHEN: Monday March 2, 7:15 PM; refreshments 6:45 PM
WHERE: Central Presbyterian Church, 70 Maple Street, Summit (Parking: Commuter lot off Elm St., next to Central Presbyterian Church)
ADMISSION: free and advance registration is required. Please click here to register. Register by February 23.
For more information and to register, visit www.interweave.org or www.NJArtsNews.org.
Panelists include:
- Terry Baker, VP Presentation, Al Jazeera America
- Mark Di Ionno, Star-Ledger Columnist
- Jim Schachter, VP for News, WNYC
- Kate Tomlinson, Publisher, New Jersey Monthly
- Mary Alice Williams, News Anchor for NJTV
Monday, January 26, 2015
REVIEW: DURANG COMEDY OFFERS LAUGHS, SATIRE AT THE PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE
The old adage, "The pen is mightier than the sword," aptly applies to the works of award-winning Montclair-born playwright Christopher Durang, who writes hilarious comedies with a fine sense of modern life’s absurdities, which he skewers with a rapier-sharp wit. He's taken on the Catholic Church, child abuse, our dependence on psychotherapy, even terrorism in works that feature sharp satire, crackling dialogue and off-the-wall comedy.
As is its wont in the month following the excitement of the holidays, the Paper Mill Playhouse eschews its usual musical comedy fare for a "straight" play, in this case Durang's 2013 Tony Award-winning (for Best Play) Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike now onstage in the Millburn theater through February 15.
In a wicked mash-up of Anton Chekhov's classic comedies—specifically, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, The Seagull and The Cherry Orchard—Durang has fashioned a modern tale that, while referencing the Chekhovian themes of love and loss, satirizes our quest for eternal youth, our preoccupation with appearance and our infatuation with technology to the detriment of sharing and community.
Named by their community theater enthusiast parents after Chekhov's characters, middle-aged Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet single life in the Bucks County, Pennsylvania, stone farm house where they grew up, staying on after having cared for their aging and ailing parents for 15 years. The two spend their days reflecting on their lost chances, arguing whether the grove of nine cherry trees on the property constitutes an orchard and generally bemoaning their lot in life. Their gloomy (albeit peaceful) lives are turned topsy-turvy with the unannounced arrival of their overly dramatic movie star sister Masha (left) with her latest beau, a 29-year-old would-be actor named Spike. Through two acts, along with three other characters, a wild weekend of raucous rivalry and regret ensues. Will Vanya and Sonia ever find happiness? Will Masha sell the house out from under her dependent siblings? And will Spike ever appear fully dressed?
You don't have to be familiar with Chekhov to understand all the in-jokes, for Durang provides much comedic fodder through his absurdist point-of-view. He does this through a series of monologues; each delivered by one of the four main characters. While this provides each actor with a chance to show his/her dramatic chops, most of them go on much too long. Too, as each character emotes, the others are left to stand around and just watch; I found it uncomfortable to watch them.
Mark Nelson (far right) is sympathetic and poignant as the gay Vanya, a man who has never held a job and hides an interest in play writing. He kind of moseys along agreeably until the penultimate scene, where he erupts in a eight-minute tirade about life in the fifties when people wrote letters, watched "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriett," and licked stamps. As Sonia, who never tires of reminding everyone that she is adopted, Michelle Pawk (second from left) morphs from dowdy spinster to begowned bombshell ("Sequins are a girl's best friend," she says) before our very eyes; she does a spot-on, and side-splitting imitation of Maggie Smith in "Plaza Suite" that brings down the house.
And Carolyn McCormick (center) as Masha is narcissism on steroids, swans around the morning room lamenting her inability to garner roles like her namesake in Three Sisters instead of the lead in a tacky franchise of "Sexy Killer" films. Returning from the costume party she has inveigled everyone to attend and miffed that her Snow White costume (a la Disney) has made her mistaken for Norma Desmond or a Hummel figurine, she throws the best tantrum by an adult I've seen in a long time. (Photo above by Jerry Dalia)
As Spike, Philippe Bowgen(above, far left) nails the male bimbo persona as he struts around the stage in his underwear. His hilarious monologue re-enacts his audition for a role in "Entourage 2," and he gets big laughs when, told to do a reverse strip-tease (get dressed), he swings his pants around his head and saws his belt between his legs. Extra laughs are provided by Gina Daniels (third from left) as the maid Cassandra, who quotes Greek tragedy and predicts doom for this already gloomy assemblage. Rounding out the sestet is a winsome Jamie Ann Romero (above second from right) as the lovely Nina, niece of the neighbors next door, who wanders over one afternoon, becomes enamored of the glamorous Masha and piques the aging actress's jealousy when Spike takes an inordinate interest in her. Sweetly, it is she who encourages Vanya's artistic endeavor and helps bring an uncomfortable state of affairs to resolution.
Director Don Stephenson has directed this patchwork of a play with spirit and a sure hand. That actors have to stand around and observe as one delivers a long monologue owes more to Durang's inability to let an idea go than to sluggish rhythm. David Korins has designed a bucolic set reminiscent of the houses in Bucks County; Leon Dobkowski's dynamite costumes add to the fun. Mark Bennett's original music and Stephen Terry's lighting design are atmospheric and suggest very well the passage of time. (Above L-R: Pawk, McCormick and Nelson; photo by Matthew Murphy)
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike may not be top-drawer Durang. While all of the characters are droll, much of the comedy is over the top, and the various parts of the play don't always connect very well. But those who love the theater (especially Chekhov) and great comedic talent won't go wrong spending a warm two hours with this crew at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will be performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, through February 15. For information and tickets, call the box office at 973.376.4343 or visit www.papermill.org online.