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Tuesday, May 30, 2017

“MAGIC ON MAIN” THIS FRIDAY @ THE DARRESS THEATRE IN BOONTON

Darress Theatre Logo

WHEN: Friday, June 2nd, at 8:00PM 
WHERE
: Darress Theatre, 615 Main Street, Boonton
TICKETS:  $12 adults, $6 children 13 and under

Tickets can be purchased at the box office. For additional info, call the box office: 973-334-9292

Please check our website for details. (www.darresstheater.com)

THIS WEEK @ THE NEW BRUNSWICK JAZZ PROJECT

 

Emerging Artists Night & Open Jam: CHRIS GOLD Quintet 

WHEN: Tuesday, May 30, 8pm-11pm
WHERE:
Garden State Ale House, 378 George St., New Brunswick

CHRISTOPHER GOLD, Sax/Flute
Gabriel Plotkin - Piano
Nick Benitez - Trumpet
Mike Noordzy - Bass
Zach Lorelli-  Drums

Part of the New Brunswick Jazz Project's mission is to showcase the next generation of jazz musicians...the future "greats!" Tuesdays are your opportunity to see them now!

DG Organ 4Tet

WHEN: Wednesday, May 31, 8pm - 11pm
WHERE:
INC , 302 George St., New Brunswick

DAVE GIBSON, Trombone
Jared Gold - Organ
Freddie Hendrix-Trumpet
Mark Whitfield, II - Drums

"...elegant yet wildly sophisticated swing that will hit you right between the eyes..." ~ Brent Black

"...possessed of a gorgeously warm tone and confident dexterity reminiscent of J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding, and Curtis Fuller...” ~Bill Milkowski

"...Gibson however uses speed, sweet talk, seduction and brashness to demonstrate the scope of his instrument ..."  ~ Elliot Simon

David Gibson

RADAM SCHWARTZ Quartet

WHEN: Thursday, June 1, 8pm-11pm
WHERE:
Hyatt, 2 Albany St., New Brunswick

RADAM SCHWARTZ, ORGAN
Anthony Ware - Alto Sax
Charlie Sigler - Guitar
Andrew Atkinson-Drums

Radam Schwartz, Hammond B3 Organist and Jazz pianist, has built his reputation over the last 30 years playing with such great musicians as Arthur and Red Prysock, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Hibler, David Fathead Newman and Jimmy Ford. He continues to make music history today playing with renowned artists Cecil Brooks III, Russell Malone, and the Spirit of Life Ensemble and many others. Schwartz has an impressive discography, appearing on over 35 albums of primarily instrumental music as both a sideman and leader.

Radam Schwartz

KATE BAKER &  VIC JURIS

WHEN: Friday, June 2, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
WHERE:
Due Mari, 78 Albany St.,New Brunswick

Kate Baker's distinct and authentic sound has excited audiences worldwide. She has performed at The Blue Note, Birdland, The Pergine Spettacolo Jazz Festival and The JVC Jazz Festival and many others. Kate has worked with dozens of talented artists including Claudio Roditi, Houston Person, Richie Cole, Daduka Fonseka and many others. Kate Baker

A native of Jersey City, NJ, renowned guitarist Victor Juris took up guitar at age 10. By the mid-1960s, he was playing with rock and R&B bands in his area. Vic discovered jazz in his late teens and studied with Philly jazz guitar legend Pat Martino. Juris has been a member of the David Liebman group since 1991 and has, traveled throughout the world. He performs in the US and Europe and teaches at Rutgers University and Lehigh University. Vic Juris

SAVE THE DATE!

5TH ANNUAL CENTRAL JERSEY JAZZ FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 15, 16, 17

FREE!!

AUDITIONS TO BE HELD @ DOVER LITTLE THEATRE FOR ORIGINAL MONTAGE OF MOVIE SCENES

AUDITION NOTICE:

WHEN: Sunday, June 4 7pm, Monday, June 5 7pm; Callbacks, by Invitation Only: Wednesday, June 7 7pm
WHERE: Dover Little Theatre, 69 Elliott Street, Dover

Movie Masterworks is a slew of classic scenes from classic films reenacted live on stage! Come see moments from some of your favorite films (and some unfamiliar treasures) performed on the Dover Little Theatre stage. We will be recreating scenes from Sullivan’s Travels, All About Eve, Double Indemnity, Crossfire, National Velvet, Rebel Without a Cause, Imitation of Life, Dr. Strangelove, The Hospital, The Breakfast Club, City Slickers, The Magnificent Seven, The Shootist, The Cheyenne Social Club, Bite the Bullet, Will Penny, King Kong, Ninotchka, Requiem for a Dream, Sixteen Candles, Chasing Amy, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Adam’s Rib, Dead Man Walking, Millions, The Americanization of Emily, and When Harry Met Sally. This show is a treat for film buffs and theatre fans alike. Join us for a unique and original presentation by Dover Little Theatre's own Alex Oleksij!

Breakdown: ​The scenes from each movie are relatively short, only a few more than five pages, and the hope is to have a large cast and not use any actor in more than three scenes. Therefore, the commitment of time will not be great and actors will not have to sacrifice their entire summer.

All ages, genders and races are welcome. Needed are many of the classic character types: the femme fatale, the wise guy, the understanding parent, the tough cop, the dashing leading man, etc.

However, there are a few specific roles that need to filled:

  • A black woman of mature years.
  • Three young women and three young men between the ages of 16 and 18 (or who can pass as such).
  • A nine-year old boy.

APARTMENT FOR RENT @ DOVER LITTLE THEATRE ON “AVENUE Q”; AVAILALE STARTING THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!

Apartment for rent. No wifi; we got tired of blocking too many sites. Low prices, eclectic neighborhood and great company. Many distinguished people have expressed interest in this fine address, so it would be best to make a reservation. If interested, please contact Gary Coleman, yes, that Gary Coleman.

Avenue Q

WHEN: June 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th at 8 pm and June 4th, 10th, and 11th at 2 pm.
WHERE: Dover Little Theatre, 69 Elliott Street, Dover
TICKETS:
$22 each. If you have a group of 10 people or more, tickets are $18.
To reserve tickets, call the box office at 973-328-9202 or email the box office at doverlittletheatreboxoffice@gmail.com. If you would like to purchase tickets, you can get them from SmartTix!

REVIEW: “MARY POPPINS” A JOLLY HOLIDAY @ PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE

By Ruth Ross

Mary Poppins_Paper Mill_Photo 5.jpgAt age nine, while perusing the school library, I happened upon the Mary Poppins books and was hooked. I recall reading each volume of the series, often more than once, entranced by the tale of a governess who appears from time to time to help dysfunctional families find their way to happiness. I reveled in her crisp, no-nonsense demeanor, her demand that everything be done “spit spot” and her willingness to take on even the most formidable person—even a man! What a role model!

Well, I didn’t become a nanny, but many of her pronouncements came back to me when I became a mother. My daughters didn’t read the books (too old-fashioned for their tastes, I guess), but they did enjoy the 1964 Disney film, and my granddaughters loved the Broadway musical, which I never got to see.

That deficiency has been remedied, I am pleased to report, with the Paper Mill Playhouse’s final production of the season, a magical, highly entertaining, effervescent rendition of P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins. Starring the deliciously beguiling Elena Shadow (above left) as Mary and an irrepressible, agile Mark Evans as Bert, this production is truly a “jolly holiday with Mary” for people of all ages, from seven to 77!

Mary Poppins_Paper Mill_Photo 1.jpgThe Banks family is in trouble. The bratty kids, Jane and Michael, have sabotaged the sixth nanny in the last four months; their father George is a workaholic banker with little time or inclination to spend time with his family; and mother Winifred, a former actress, is finding being Mrs. Banks rather intimidating. Enter Mary Poppins, flying in with her umbrella aloft, her feet turned out and her carpet bag full of unimaginable goodies (above). Within a running time of two and a half hours, she disciplines the kids (with a spoonful of sugar to make it all go down), humanizes George and makes Winifred feel important, all while romancing Bert, the chimney sweep whose hand brings luck to all who shake it. Oh, there are some glitches in the narrative: George almost loses his job because of a decision he’s impulsively made, and his former nanny, the horrid Miss Andrew has to be dealt with, but in the end it all turns out “spit spot,” and all is right with the world.

Modern audiences take film’s special effects—most of them computer generated—for granted, but those engineered onstage at the Paper Mill Playhouse (designed by Jim Steinmeyer and Robert Ramirez) elicited delighted gasps from the opening night audience, as did the lighting design by Charlie Morrison, the scenic design by Timothy R. MacKabee and the costumes designed by Leon Dobrowski. Mark S. Hoebee’s inspired direction re-imagines the show for the playhouse stage; several people who had seen the Broadway version were “blown away” by this one. And Denis Jones is to be commended for his energetic, whimsical and totally original choreography; the Irish step-dancing elements executed by the chimney sweeps in “Step in Time” are a special treat.

Mary Poppins_Paper Mill_Photo 3.jpgA luminous Elena Shaddow (below) is “practically perfect” as Mary Poppins, arriving sans references, dictating the terms of her employment with aplomb and charming the bratty kids into prompt obedience. She’s got a lovely voice and executes the dance steps in a ladylike manner. Although tiny, she confronts the battleship Miss Andrews (played with terrifyingly evil enthusiasm by a terrific Liz McCartney) and brings her to an untimely (and unexpected) end. She’s well matched by Mark Evans as Bert; whenever he’s onstage, it’s hard to take an eye off him! His superb dancing ability is on full view in the intricately choreographed “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” number and the forementioned “Step in Time” (above). And did I mention that he can sing, too?

Mary Poppins_Paper Mill_Photo 9.jpgAbbie Grace Levi (Jane in the Sunday performance) and John Michael Pitera (Michael; right, with Shaddow) are appropriately bratty little monsters, but are butter in Mary Poppins’ hands. They manage to speak in a consistent British accent, although I had trouble understanding Pitera’s speech. Perhaps if he slowed down and the sound were adjusted, he might be more easily understood. Adam Monley’s cold, officious George Banks is easy to dislike at first and all the more easy to warm to once we understand more about his upbringing by Miss Anderson. His rendition of “A Man Has Dreams” goes a long way to humanizing the character. As Winifred, Jill Paice nicely expresses her dilemma in “Being Mrs. Banks” as she attempts to assume the role George expects from her.

As the servants Miss Brill and Robertson Ay, Dierdre Eriel and Blakely Slaybaugh have some funny bits; he’s especially adept at physical humor, but I had some trouble understanding her dialogue from time to time. And Danielle K. Thomas lends a flamboyant Jamaican flair to Mrs. Corry, seller of words and conversation. The rest of the ensemble performs with an obvious gaiety that infuses the entire theater auditorium.

It may cost more than tuppence to buy a ticket for Mary Poppins, but I guarantee that the production is worth every cent. With the weather outside rather gray and dreary, this musical with a book by Julian Fellowes (of Downton Abbey fame) and music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman will lift your spirits and make your heart sing. Grab the kids and grandma, and get on over to Brookside Drive in Millburn before the final performance on June 25. It’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, for sure!

Mary Poppins will be performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, through June 25. For information, performance times and tickets, call the box office at 973.376.7676 or visit www.papermill.org online.

BRITISH PIANO GREAT & NJ BROTHERS TEAM UP FOR CONCERT @ THE BICKFORD THEATRE

-British Piano Great Neville Dickie And New Jersey’s Own Midiri Brothers

WHEN: Monday, June 5, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Bickford Theatre, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown
TICKETS:  $17 in advance and $20 at the door.
Tickets may be purchased online at morrismuseum.org, by phone at (973) 971-3706, or in person at the Bickford Theatre Box Office. The Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road inMorristown, NJ, and offers free parking and full accessibility. Box office hours for phone sales are Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Walk-up hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Neville Dickie, one of the greatest boogie-woogie and stride pianists to ever come out of Britain, will be reunited with New Jersey’s own Midiri Brothers at the Bickford Theatre.

Since his “Back to Boogie” album became a hit in the 1970s, Neville Dickie has been performing all over the world and makes time for a tour of the United States every year. For the past couple of years, he has appeared with Paul and Joe Midiri including a stop at the Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre. He and his wife Pat ran one of England’s most successful jazz club, The Sutton Jazz Club, for 27 years until finally retiring from the business in 2016. He now devotes his time to recording, performing, and enjoying life with their two poodles.

Joe and Paul Midiri (above, right) grew up in Runnemede, New Jersey, where their musical training began. With Joe playing the clarinet and Paul sitting behind the drums, the two brothers (twins actually) honed their skills playing in a swing band. Paul eventually turned to the vibes as his primary instrument and the two have become acclaimed jazz musicians across the country. Joe Midiri cites several legendary musicians as his instrumental heroes including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Ben Webster, and Paul Desmond. Not surprisingly, Paul’s inspirations including Lionel Hampton and Red Norvo. Billed as The Midiri Brothers, the two New Jerseyans headline at hot jazz festivals around the country.

The Midiri Brothers have teamed up with British piano star Neville Dickie for the past several years and always look forward to the opportunity. “With Neville,” said Paul Midiri, “we seem to push the boundaries of all types of classic jazz including trad, boogie-woogie, and swing. He is a tremendous musician and we look forward to this annual opportunity to perform with him. We relish these dates because we’re never sure if he will agree to leave his lovely wife Pat, their two poodles, and their comfortable home in England to come every year to play in the States. But here he is and we couldn’t be happier.”

Monday, May 29, 2017

CIVIC YOUTH BALLET TO PRESENT PROGRAM @ CHILDREN’S MATINEE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 4, AT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Peter and WolfPETER AND THE WOLF
THE MAGIC TOY SHOPPE

WHEN: June 4th at 4:00 PM
WHERE:
Sitnik Theater, Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown
TICKETS: Tickets for this wonderful Children’s Matinee can be purchased by calling 908-850-0709.

As the theatre darkens the beloved tale of Peter and Wolf come to life onstage, with a surprise ending this ballet will delight children ages 4 – 104.

Sponsored in part by a grant from the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission, the company presents a new original ballet, The Magic Toy Shoppe.

This a tale of an eccentric French toy maker and his automated collection of dolls. The exquisitely carved dolls range from a talking baby doll, to a collection of high-kicking Cossack dolls from Russia.  This clever shopkeeper desperately tries to sell the dolls but to no avail. Saving his favorite dolls for last, he finally presents his latest creation; a two Can-Can dolls. Each family purchases the dolls separately and plan to return the following day to pick-up their possessions. The secret life of dolls is revealed during the night as they come to life. It is obvious that the Can-Can dolls are lovers and sad to be separated. An escape is planned, and the couple flees the shop. Morning returns, and we find angry customers accusing the toyshop keeper of stealing their money. All the dolls come to life and frighten the angry customers away.

International guest artists include Vitaly Verterich as the shopkeeper, and Narek Martirosyan as the male Can-Can doll. Verterich has performed with The Russian National Folk Dance Company, and has been a guest artist at the Bolshoi Ballet and the Kirov Ballet. He was a principal dancer in Michael Flatley’s  “Riverdance the Show.” After touring for two years throughout Europe, Australia, Canada and America, the show opened on Broadway in the Gershwin Theater and was renamed “Riverdance on Broadway.”

Narek Martirosyan has performed as a principal dancer for the Armenian National Ballet Theatre and was awarded the Moves Khorenatsi Medal by the Prsident of Armenian for his significant contributions to the development of culture and outstanding staging of the ballet Spartacus. Other principal positions included the Israel Ballet and currently, the New Jersey Ballet.

Kayla Walsh from Mt. Olive, NJ will dance the female Can-Can doll. Kayla received her training at the North Jersey School of Dance Arts, under the direction of world renowned Luba Gulyaeva from the Kirov Ballet. She has performed multiple rolls with the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet, including Dew Drop in their annual Nutcracker performance at the Sitnik Theatre.

INSANE WEDDING COMEDY OPENS @ 4TH WALL THEATRE IN BLOOMFIELD ON FRIDAY

IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU

Book and Lyrics by BRIAN HARGROVE
Music by BARBARA ANSELMI 
Kate Swan - Director
Markus Grae-Hauck - Music Director
Shannon White - Set | Nik Marmo - Lights
On Cue Costumes - Costumes
Nicholas Von Hagel – Sound

WHEN: June 2, 3, 9, 10 at 8:00 pm, June 4, 11 at 3:00 pm
WHERE:
Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin St., Bloomfield
TICKETS: $19 – $26
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
When you purchase your tickets online, you will be sent a link to a flyer that you can use at local Bloomfield restaurants on the day of the show. Enjoy Dinner and a Show, thanks to the Bloomfield Center Alliance!
For more information, check out www.4thwalltheatre.org

In the history of totally insane wedding days, this one takes the cake. It's the Steinberg wedding. The bride is Jewish. The groom is Catholic. Her mother is a force of nature, his mother is a tempest in a cocktail shaker. And when the bride's ex-boyfriend crashes the party, the perfect wedding starts to unravel faster than you can whistle "Here Comes the Bride!" Plots are hatched, pacts are made, secrets are exposed—and the sister of the bride is left to turn a tangled mess into happily ever after in this musical comedy for anyone with parents.

THE CAST
Jenny Steinberg - Julie Galorenzo
Rebecca Steinberg - Kelsey McCollaum
Judy Steinberg - Jodi Freeman-Maloy
Murray Steinberg - Bob Russell
​Marty Kaufman - Scott Baird
Brian Howard - Chris Zika
Georgette Howard - Christine Orzepowski
George Howard - Billy Brisley
Annie Sheps - Asami Tsuzuki
Greg Madison - Shane Long
Albert - Jason Tamashausky
Aunt Sheila/Mimsy - Ginny Crooks
Uncle Morty/Walt - Karl Loveland

Photos by Tom Schopper Photography

FREE CONCERT NEXT SUNDAY IN MAPLEWOOD

flyer draft v1 copy

Beethoven & Friends

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 4 pm
WHERE: Maplewood Middle School Auditorium, 7 Burnett Street, Maplewood.
ADMISSION: free
For more information, email orchestrasoma@gmail.com, or visit our Facebook page.

Stephen Culbertson of West Orange will conduct the Society of Musical Arts Orchestra in music of Beethoven, Bruch, Hanson, and contemporary composer, Michael Abels. Michael Emery, will be the featured soloist in Bruch's Concerto No. 1 in g minor for Violin and Orchestra. Also notable on the program is Abels' "Dance for Martin's Dream," reflecting the struggles and triumphs of Martin Luther King, Jr's civil rights efforts. Also on the program are Hanson's "Merry Mount Suite," and Beethoven's Egmont Overture.

The Society of Musical Arts was established more than 30 years ago to foster the love of musical performance in an inclusive setting, inviting amateur and professional players from Maplewood/South Orange and nearby communities to share their passion for music with diverse programming; culminating in three free community concerts each season.

Society of Musical Arts Orchestra 2017

Sunday, May 28, 2017

THEATER PROJECT EXPANDS YOUNG PEOPLE’S SUMMER PROGRAM TO CRANFORD & UNION TOWNSHIP: REGISTER NOW

For more information, call director Mary Iannelli 732-261-0096

Sign-up deadline for both the Union and Cranford programs is Friday, June 9.

Details and registration are available on our website.

Visit our web site: TheTheaterProject.org

A CELEBRATION OF LGBT THEATRE IN OCEAN GROVE NEXT WEEK

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La Strada Rainbow Festival
LGBTQ themed works from artists who have a lot to say

clip_image002Program Orange
WHEN: Thurs. June 1 @7pm, Fri. June 2 @8pm, Sat. June 3 @4pm and Sat. June 10 @8pm.
WHERE:
Jersey Shore Arts Center, Herbst Theatre 3rd floor, 66 S. Main St., Ocean Grove
TICKETS: $18/$12 for students & senior citizens and can be purchased online.

Out of the Mouth of Babes by company member and local NJ Asbury Park resident Gary C. Walter is a heartwarming play about enlightenment and taking charge of ones life, as our young protagonist is forced to drag his father out of the closet, kicking and screaming. (World Premiere)

Bernie by internationally renowned playwright Edward Gallardo is a brilliant and powerful look at a youth’s attempt to be accepted and heard:  The year is 1970 and Bernie is going a little mad in the mental hospital.  Even after several attempts to end his pain, he still insists he is happy!   (NJ Premiere)

A Life Worth Digging by local NJ Somerset resident and founding member Jennifer L. DiOrio is a lyrical and magical play:  During her midlife crisis, an archeologist discovers a life worth digging. (World Premiere)

Ripples of Water by artistic director and local NJ Toms River resident A.J. Ciccotelli: A man celebrating his 50th birthday finds a one night stand with a much younger man who has just walked out of his marriage.  Will they find solace in each other or never see each other again after a weekend of romance? (Above: Phil Korz and Gian Carlo Durland in A.J. Ciccotelli's Ripples of Water)

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Program Violet
WHEN:  Sat. Jun 3 @8pm, Sun. June 4 @2pm, Fri. June 9 @8pm and Sat. June 10 @4pm.
TICKETS: $18/$12 for students & senior citizens and can be purchased online. 

Rainbow Wreath by local NJ Toms River resident and founding member Dennis Gribben: A sister must choose between her gay brother’s happiness and her homophobic boyfriend’s love.  (World Premiere)

Between Them by local Neptune resident and founding member Doug Bollinger:  A college freshman decides to come out to her best friend...and introduce her to her new girlfriend...and convince her everything's OK...and not jump off the gorgeous cliff where they are all standing admiring the view. (World Premiere)

Hugh’s First Tape by artistic director and local NJ Toms River resident A.J. Ciccotelli: The year is 1984 and all Hugh wants for Christmas is a tape recorder to tell his last thoughts before Death takes him, until the spirits of the future reveal a life that is indeed worth living.  (World Premiere)

Small Town by local Little Egg Harbor playwright Ashley Friedman:  Two girls with a complex history reunite one last time to find clarity in their relationship and in themselves. A passionate play that will make you question, can one truly overcome their love? (World Premiere)

Heterosexuals or The War Over Jane Fonda A.K.A You’re Family by legendary Café Cino Playwright Robert Patrick (Haunted Host & Kennedy’s Children): It is 1990 and when Desert Shield and Desert Storm occur, a gay pacifist and candle maker is forced by financial circumstances to move in with his sister and redneck brother in law.  An engaging comedy that explores a family from two vastly different set of beliefs and about what brings them together and tears them apart.  (Revival) (W. Allen Wrede, Donna Knowlton and Evan Black in Legendary Playwright Robert Patrick Heterosexuals)

clip_image002[8]Program Green

WHEN: Sun. June 11 @2pm.
TICKETS:
a suggested donation of $8/can be purchased on line or given at the door.

The Oath by artistic director and local NJ Toms River resident A.J. Ciccotelli: A staged reading about two sisters. one a lesbian and one not, in this memory  play about camaraderie, loyalty and loss.  Staged reading stars founding member Donna Knowlton and Janet Rothstein (left). 

The Festival Stars Kylee Bell, Evan Black, Joey Cashman, Nadia David, Dennis DaPrile, Gian Carlo Durland, Dennis Gribben, Griffin Holland, Donna Knowlton, Phil Korz, Erica Beverly Kostyz, Margaret Leone, Nathan Magno, Benjamin McGowan, Marisa Pangaro, Candy Predham, Clarissa Shirley, Hannah Stphan, Alexa Spinowitz and W. Allen Wrede.

Photo Credit:  A.J. Ciccotelli

BID MATISSE FAREWELL @ MAM’S WINE BAR JUNE 16

MUSICAL ABOUT AMERICAN WEST OPENS IN RED BANK NEXT WEEK

THE BALLAD OF LITTLE JO

Music by Mike Reid
Lyrics by Sarah Schlesinger
Book by Sarah Schlesinger, Mike Reid and John Dias
Based on the film The Ballad of Little Jo by Maggie Greenwald
Music Direction/Dance and Incidental Arrangements by John O'Neill
Choreography by Marc Kimelman
Directed by John Dias

WHEN: June 3 – 25, 2017
WHERE:
Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank
TICKETS: $40 – 70 (prices subject to change)
Groups of 10+ Save up to 30%
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

This soaring musical about the American West is inspired by the real-life-story of Josephine Monaghan—a young woman from Boston who, in the late 19th century, made a new life in an Idaho mining town disguised as a man called “Jo.” Writing in The New Yorker, John Lahr called The Ballad of Little Jo, "the real thing—the best piece of musical theater storytelling I've seen in a decade."

Saturday, May 27, 2017

REGISTER FOR DREAMCATCHER’S SUMMER IMPROV CLASSES STARTING JUNE 7

IMPROV COMEDY for Adults & Teens

WHEN:

  • Level 1 - Wednesdays, June 7 - July 12, 2017; 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (six weeks)
    TUITION:
    $210 for six classes 

  • Level 2 - Thursdays, June 8 - July 27, 2017; 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (eight weeks)
    TUITION:
    $280 for eight classes 

WHERE: Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ, second floor

Limited space available. Don't wait.

Register now!

http://www.dreamcatcherrep.org/#!classes-workshops/c1tuh

Lulu French has been improvising for the past sixteen years. She started improv taking classes at Gotham City Improv and has appeared in numerous improv shows at Gotham including the long-running Off the Top of Our Heads. Lulu taught all levels of improvisation at Gotham for ten years and has directed several of Gotham's performance ensembles. Lulu also has taught improv to youths for Broadway Classrooms and CentreStage, and NYU drama students at Stonestreet Studios. In addition to her study at GCI she has also studied with the Upright Citizens Brigade including Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) and Matt Walsh (Players), and various other Chicago improv alumni including Todd Stashwick (Heroes).

bergenPAC HOLDS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALE FOR TICKETS TO SELECT SHOWS

                                       Click Here for More Information

*Offer valid from now to 5/30/17 at 11:59pm on select seats. Additional fees and charges apply. Discount applies to select seating sections only. Offer good while supplies last. Restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. Offer is not retroactive to previously purchased tickets. Offer may be modified and can be revoked at any time . Click here for box office hours.

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                      EVENTS & TICKETS   |  LOCATION  |  CONTACT US

BROADWAY MUSICAL, STARS RETURN TO AXELROD PAC IN JUNE

Axelrod Performing Arts Center

WHEN: June 2, 3, 8, 10, 15 at 8 PM, June 4, 11, 18 at 3 PM
WHERE:
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park
TICKETS: $36, $24
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center proudly presents La Cage Aux Folles with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman,  starring Broadway's Nat Chandler as Georges and Joe Necci as Zaza. The show is being directed by Kathryn Markey and choreographed by Todd Labron Underwood.

Nat Chandler (left) is delighted to reprise his role of Georges in La Cage aux Folles at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center.New York Times theatre critic D.J.R. Bruckner wrote, "Nat Chandler is a find...he displays rich comic gifts and he can use his fine operatic voice to express any emotion he wants to." Well known to theatre and concert audiences around the country, on Broadway, Nat was seen in the title role of Sir Percival Blakeney in the Tony-nominated musical, The Scarlet Pimpernel

Joe Necci (above, right) returns to the role as Albin and the great Zaza after his appearance four years ago in Asbury Park for Axelrod PAC and Cabaret for Life. Joe first tackled the role in 1994 for Red Oak Music Theater at the Strand Theater. In addition to his recent appearances at the Paramount Theater as Sweeney Todd and Scrooge, Joe has played lead roles in Evita, 42nd Street, Oklahoma!, Phantom, Chicago, Man of La Mancha andPirates of Penzance. His television appearances include The Tonight Show, Food Nation with Bobby Flay, According to Jim with Jim Belushi and Truffle Action with Robin Leach.

HONOR ELLA FITZGERALD’S CENTENNIAL ON SUNDAY IN DEAL PARK

WHEN: Sunday, May 28, 3 PM
WHERE:
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park
TICKETS: Premium Adult $42; Premium Senior $39; Regular Adult $38; Regular Senior $35
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

MAC and Bistro Awards winner (2015) Gabrielle Stravelli pays tribute to jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald in honor of her centennial, accompanied by a 14-piece jazz band playing the famous Nelson Riddle arrangements, conducted by Carl Topilow of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Gabrielle will recreate some of Ella's immortal performances of standards by the Gershwins, Ellington, Mercer, Kern, Porter and more. Concert made possible with the cooperation of the Nelson Riddle Foundation

STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT @ CHESTER THEATRE GROUP

COMEDY TONIGHT!

By Chester Theatre Group
Directed by Kate Lyn Reiter

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, doors open 7:15 PM
WHERE: Chester Theatre Group, 54 Grove Street, at the corner of Maple Ave., in Chester, NJ
TICKETS: $15.00
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
908-879-7304
www.chestertheatregroup.org

Kate Lyn Reiter and members of her comedy workshop bring the laughs in this one-night-only special event to benefit Chester Theatre Group. Wine and soda will be served.

MEMORIAL DAY SUMMER CAMP SALE! 10% DISCOUNT


TUITION: 10% OFF Summer Camp—$266 per week if you SIGN UP NOW!
Offer valid for the first 20 people to sign up.

Weekly Dance, Music, Theater, and Art Camps

Every day we have a great schedule of classes for your child to enjoy!  Each child will participate in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, music, arts and crafts, and musical theater. Boys will be given a ballet alternative but all are encouraged to join in the fun!

We have multiple groups each day and students will be grouped by age and level. On Fridays we will provide a pizza party and showcase for your children to demonstrate what they have learned for their camp friends and teachers. Each week the theme changes making every week at camp unique!

Drop-off is between 8:30-9:00am and pick up is between 3:00-3:30pm.

WHEN: Weekly Camp Themes

  • Week 1: 6/26-6/30   Wicked
  • Week 3: 7/10-7/14  Singing in the Rain
  • Week 4: 7/17-7/21  The Little Mermaid
  • Week 6: 7/31-8/4    Mary Poppins   
  • Week 7: 8/7-8/11    Snow White      
  • Week 8: 8/14-8/18  Cinderella     
  • Week 9: 8/21-8/25  Hamilton
  • Week 10: 8/28/-9/1 Pop Stars


WHERE: Garden Street School of the Performing Arts, 1018 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Hoboken, NJ 07030
dance@gardenstreetmusic.com
201-683-9100

WINE, CHEESE, CHOCOLATE, COMEDY @ HAMILTON STAGE IN RAHWAY FRIDAY, JUNE 2

WHERE: Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton St. Rahway
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Wine & Cheese Comedy Package

Purchase tickets to both the Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Party and the "He Said, She Said" comedy show afterwards and save $10.

UCPAC's Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Party of the Year is back! Sample wine and cheese from around the world, delicious chocolates, and more culinary surprises! Rain or shine at Hamilton Stage. Think June... think warm... think UCPAC's Wine...

YASKO KOKO TRIO TO APPEAR IN PLAINFIELD ON JUNE 17

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Yasko Koko & Her Trio

WHEN: Saturday, June 17th, at 7:00pm to 11:00pm
WHERE: Sherban's Diner, 222 Front St., South Plainfield, NJ
ADMISSION: No music charge.
(908)755-7427.

  • Steve  Niles / organ
  • Michele Fiorindo/ guitar
  • Steve Lupin/ drums 

Musicians & singers are welcome to the stage.

Great music & great food!!

Thursday, May 25, 2017

POIGNANT COMEDY ABOUT DATING, EMPOWERMENT & LOVE GETS NJ PREMIERE IN JERSEY CITY

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SHE GON’ LEARN
By Lisa Strum

WHEN: June1, 7:30 pm; June 2, 8:00pm; June 3, 8:00pm
WHERE:
Jersey City Theater Center, Merseles Studios, 339 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
TICKETS: $25 General Admission ($18 Students & Senior Citizens, with valid ID)
To purchase tickets, visit jctcenter.org or call (201) 795-5386

She Gon' Learn—the Award Winning ‘Dating While Black’ solo play that was a surprise hit on the theatre festival circuit—makes its New Jersey debut at Merseles Studios, presented by Jersey City Theatre Center (JCTC) as part of its Disruption series.

Written and performed by Lisa Strum—and directed by Christopher Burris—this autobiographical ‘dramedy’ is at turns hilarious and painful as audiences accompany Strum as she comes of age and looks for love. She Gon’ Learn shifts back and forth through different periods of her life and includes eight different characters—a distant father, a wise and supportive grandmother, and several would be suitors—all portrayed by Strum, an accomplished actress and writer.

“Lisa’s play is both incredibly honest and incredibly funny,” said Olga Levina, Artistic Director, JCTC. “She shows us a segment of society often overlooked—African American women who are well-educated and striving to succeed in life, but finding the search for love to be surprisingly complicated and difficult. Her story is one many women can relate to, especially how she ultimately finds empowerment as a woman.”

She Gon’ Learn premiered two years ago at the Emerging Artist Theatre Festival at TADA!, followed by sold out shows at the United Solo Festival at Theatre Row, where the play received one of the festival’s Best Solo Show Awards. In 2016, She Gon’ Learn performances included: The Obie Award Winning Fire This Time Festival; The National Black Theatre; The New Black Fest at The Lark Play Development Center; and The Roselle Center for the Arts, University of Delaware,

JCTC presents series of theatre, performances, readings and visual arts on a topic global in scope yet relevant to the community. The Merseles Studios run will be the first time the play has been performed in New Jersey, proving there may be nothing more disruptive than a provocative mix of comedy and honesty. “She Gon’ Learn fits perfectly into JCTC’s Disruption series because in spite of all the social and political strides women have made over the years, it’s still considered a radical act – especially for women of color – to stand in their authenticity and speak the naked truth,” said Strum. “Audiences will watch me navigate my childhood, parental relationships, the excitement of new love, the insanity of dating, and a heart breaking, yet triumphant journey, to self discovery and self love.”

She Gon’ Learn is filled with insightful observations about love, self-worth and race. “This play is a journey of self-discovery, and the particulars of undergoing that journey as a Black woman in America,” said Christopher Burris, director of the play. “Lisa learns to stand up for herself, fight for what she believes in, and the importance of respecting the name her mother gave her.”

Lisa Strum (top), born and raised in Philadelphia and currently living in Jersey City, is an actress, playwright, producer, director, singer and educator. She received an MFA in Acting from the University of Washington in Seattle and in addition to her solo show, She Gon’ Learn, Strum has performed in regional theatres all across the country. Strum also had a recurring role on Law & Order: SVU and co-stared in the television pilot Citizen Baines with James Cromwell (BABE; LA Confidential; Star Trek: First Contact). She has also performed at Lincoln Center Theatre (where she worked with Tony Award-winning director Thomas Kail) as well as Summer Stage, Signature Theatre, New Federal Theatre, Intiman Theatre, and The Fifth Avenue Theatre. As an educational consultant, she has worked in numerous public schools throughout New York and has conducted theatre workshops for Teachers College at Columbia University and worked as Theatre Specialist for the Abrons Arts Center, Barbara L. Tate Arts Camp. Strum was a Finalist for the Doric Wilson Independent Playwright Award and recently received the Playwrights Initiative Fellowship at the Djerassi Resident Artists Program for the fall of 2017.

Christopher Burris—director, actor and educato—is currently an adjunct professor at Pace University, a trainer with Ovation Communications, an Associate Producer with The New Black Fest, and a member of Home in the Time of Brooklyn (651 Arts). He directed The Brothers Size at Luna Stage which has received five 2016 Broadway World Award nominations including Best Play and Best Director. Other directing credits include the world premiere of Geese (Samuel D. Hunter) at The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, and When We Wake Up Dead (Dennis A. Allen II) at Brooklyn College. Burris directed Potato Salad (Keith Josef Adkins) for the inaugural year of the Obie-winning 48Hours in…Harlem, as well as the first four years of Obie-winning Fire This Time Festival, culminating in their premiere full-length production, Lords Resistance (Camille Darby). Acting credits include:  television—The Guiding Light, Damage Control, As the World Turns; Stage: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, La Jolla Playhouse; commercials—Dr. Scholl’s, ESPN360, NY Post; and voice-overs—Grand Theft Auto V, McDonald’s, AT&T.

A PROBLEM POSTING TO THE BLOG

Dear readers and event press agents,

You may have noticed that the NJ Arts Maven blog has been silent for a few days.

It seems that the program I use to post notices to the blog underwent an update. It was so successful that I am unable to open (and use) the program, which means I have been silent for awhile.

I am working hard to find a remedy to this situation. What was so easy has now become impossible.

Please check back from time to time to see if the blog is up and running. If you are getting daily updates, they will resume as soon as I can once again post.

Thank you for your patience and loyalty. You have made this blog so successful.

I'll be back...

Ruth Ross
www.njartsmaven.com

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

FREE SCREENING OF FILM ABOUT LOVE, RACISM & FORGIVENESS

Before The Trees Was Strange

WHEN: TUE, MAY 30, at 7PM
WHERE:
Columbia High School Auditorium, 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood
ADMISSION: free

The film will be introduced by Dr. John Ramos, Superintendent of Schools
Following this FREE screening please join us for a conversation with:

  • Filmmaker Derek Burrows
  • Historian Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad

Moderated by Budd Mishkin

Presented by The South Orange Maplewood School District | The Parenting Center | MAC Scholars | The Community Coalition on Race | SOPAC

**Please note this event is appropriate for middle & high school students and adults.

Monday, May 22, 2017

2017 PRINCETON FESTIVAL PROGRAM OF MUSICAL COMEDY, OPERA, JAZZ, FILM, DANCE & LECTURES ADDS 2 VENUES & A DISNEY POPS CONCERT

 

2017 Princeton Festival’s 13th Season of Musical Comedy, Opera, Jazz, Film, Dance, and Lectures

WHEN: June 3 and June 25, 2017
WHERE:
venues throughout the Princeton area
For more information and a link to ticket sales (handled by McCarter Theatre), visit www.princetonfestival.org. To purchase tickets by phone, call McCarter Theatre at 609-258-2787.

For its 13th season The Princeton Festival  is offering 22 performances of 11 different programs. The Festival has scheduled its first-ever Baroque chamber music recital in Princeton Abbey, a new venue, and created its first Pops concert for Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University, another new venue.

“We’re excited to be adding a Pops concert and two beautiful new performance spaces this year,” said Richard Tang Yuk, the Festival’s General and Artistic Director. “It’s part of our commitment to stage the broadest range of performing arts for audiences in Central Jersey and beyond, enhanced by the most varied series of lectures we have ever presented.”

This year’s mainstage event is Beethoven’s opera Fidelio, a tale of uplift and the triumph of love in the face of tyranny, in two performances. There will also be 11 performances of the musical Man of La Mancha, source of the song “The Impossible Dream,” an anthem of human hope and aspiration.

The Festival’s first Pops event is “Disney in Concert: Around the World,” a concert sure to appeal to all lovers of Disney, featuring a live orchestra playing while clips from favorite Disney films are shown on a big screen.

Other attractions include a jazz concert by the Peter Martin Trio. Martin is not only a piano phenomenon in his own right, but often accompanies some of the biggest names in jazz. The Princeton Festival Baroque Orchestra returns for its third annual concert, and its principal players also perform in the chamber program at Princeton Abbey.

Other headline performances include the inventive contemporary ballet troupe BalletX; the film “Quartet,” with Festival singers giving a live mini-concert after the screening; the exciting finals of the Festival’s annual youth piano competition; and a typically inventive and enjoyable performance by the Concordia Chamber Players.

Sixteen free lectures by well-known experts on topics such as the Don Quixote legend, heroism in Fidelio, Leonore as a new kind of heroine, Baroque music, and ballet begin May 4. There are also previews and workshops on opera. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Full descriptions of all offerings are available on the Festival website, with instructions for ordering tickets by phone, email, or online.

Performance Overview

Twenty-two performances by outstanding artists and ensembles begin on June 3.

  • Concordia Chamber Players perform music by Aaron Jay Kernis, Beethoven, and Richard Strauss, Saturday, June 3, Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary.
  • Quartet2: a screening of the popular film, followed by a live performance of popular quartets and more by Festival singers. Sunday, June 4, Princeton Garden Theatre.
  • Pops Orchestra: Disney in Concert around the World. Live performance of music from Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Frozen, and more, with scenes from the movies on a big screen. Friday, June 9, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University.
  • Musical Comedy: Man of La Mancha, June 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, Matthews Acting Studio, Lewis Center for the Arts, Princeton University, 185 Nassau Street.
  • Piano Competition for Young Artists, Finals: Sunday, June 11, Clark Music Center, The Lawrenceville School.
  • Baroque Music: Princeton Festival Baroque Orchestra. Chamber concert Saturday, June 17, Princeton Abbey; Orchestra concert Wednesday, June 21, Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary
  • Jazz: Peter Martin Trio, Saturday, June 17, Berlind Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton.
  • Opera: Beethoven’s Fidelio. Sunday, June 18 and Sunday, June 25, Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton.
  • Dance: BalletX. Contemporary ballet troupe performs Saturday, June 24, Berlind Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton.
  • Choral Concert: Music by Handel, Vivaldi, Monteverdi, and Zelenka with conducting masterclass participants leading the Princeton Festival Baroque Orchestra and Chorus, Saturday, June 24, Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary.