Center Players Presents Prelude to a Kiss LIVE!

Center Players Dessert Theater will present a return to live theater with a production of 

Prelude to a Kiss 

WHEN: July 16–24, Friday and Saturday, July 16, 17, 23^rd and 24^th at 7:30pm and Sunday, July 18th at 6:30pm.  Sunday, July 25^th is set aside as a possible rain date.
WHERE: Kirk Tibbett stage at Lake Topanemus Park on Pond Road in Freehold, NJ
TICKETS: specially priced at $10 and are available online at www.centerplayers.org or by calling 732-462-9093.

Written by Craig Lucas, this 1988 romantic comedy will be directed by Anthony Marinelli, and tells the story of Rita and Peter, who marry after a whirlwind courtship. Following their storybook wedding, an elderly man congratulates Rita with a kiss and miraculously switches souls with her. The play examines if Peter and Rita's marriage can endure the greatest test of all.

“We were approached by Freehold Township about the possibility of presenting a live, outdoor theatrical event, and we are thrilled that this production will represent our return to live theater,” noted Center Players Artistic Director Bernice Garfield-Szita. “We encourage local residents to join us in a safe, beautiful outdoor setting to enjoy this heartwarming play.”

• Please be advised this play contains adult content and is not recommended for children under 15 years of age. 
• Patrons must bring their own chairs (no lounge or low beach types) and chair placement is first come, first serve. 
• Patrons will be able to sign in one half-hour prior to curtain. 
• Porta potties will be available and refreshments will be sold for a nominal fee during intermission.

Center Players expects to celebrate its 20th season at Center Playhouse at 35 South Street with a full season, beginning in the fall. A respected, award-winning organization, the group presents high quality, engaging productions featuring local talent in downtown Freehold. In addition to their signature plays, the group also sponsors free play readings and other special events and offers dinner and theater packages with several local restaurants. 

CENTER PLAYERS “OFF STAGE” PRESENTS MEET THE OAKLEYS —A HISTORICAL DRAMATIZATION

Center Players “Off Stage” proudly presents a virtual broadcast of 

Meet the Oakleys 

WHEN: Saturday, April 10th, at 2pm
WHERE: streaming
ADMISSION: While the event is free, registration is required via the website or on Facebook.  Donations can also be made on those sites, as well as on the Heritage Society site.

The historical dramatization is produced in partnership with the Heritage Arts Program of the Freehold Township Heritage Society.

An original play, Meet the Oakleys is based on the 13 families from Monmouth County who lived at the historic Oakley Farm located at 189 Wemrock Road in Freehold from the early 1800s to the 1960s. The farm has seen victory and defeat, birth and deaths, feast and famine, joy and sorrow. Many are aware of the conflicts and tragedy of the Battle of Monmouth, but the farm saw its own share of important history as well. Period costumes, family photos, music performed by the Oakley Briar Pickers folk musicians and vintage films of the people who lived in the house and worked the land, add authenticity to the production.

“Who would think an old house and farm nestled in Freehold for hundreds of years could have so many inspiring stories and perhaps ghosts from days long ago?” noted Center Players Artistic Director Bernice Garfield-Szita. “When Richard Smith and Denise Warren approached me with the concept of writing and producing a play about Oakley Farm and its residents beginning hundreds of years ago, some of whom were Richard's relatives, it really intrigued me. It seemed like an ideal project for Center Players’ Off Stage virtual productions that would be both entertaining and educational.”

Garfield-Szita directed this piece of living history, coordinating a team of over 15 actors, and “behind the scenes” technical, costume and prop people all working together via Zoom. The interior and exterior settings in the house and the barns that are seen in the broadcast were photos taken by Mark Lamhut.

The production will culminate with a talk-back with the playwrights, director, actors and historian, Cheryl Polverino, whose historic writings helped make Meet The Oakleys come to life.

Celebrating its 20^th season at Center Playhouse, Center Players is a respected, award-winning organization, presenting high quality, engaging productions featuring local talent in downtown Freehold. In addition to their signature plays, the group also sponsors free play readings and other special events and offers dinner and theater packages with several local restaurants. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has formed “Center Players Off Stage” to provide virtual programming until it is once again safe to open the Playhouse doors.

CENTER PLAYERS “OFF STAGE” PRESENTS THE OAKLEY BRIARPICKERS OLD TIME FOLK CONCERT 

Center Players Dessert Theater continues its online programming with a broadcast of a free Old Time Folk concert featuring the Oakley Briarpickers & Friends, streaming Friday, October 16th, at 8pm.

The performance will be hosted by local musicians Richard Smith and Denise Warren. The Oakley Briarpickers is an Old Time Music band based in Freehold which performs fiddle tunes, reels, waltzes, Civil War-era songs, square and contra dance tunes and old mountain songs. Old Time was the root of bluegrass and country music, dating back to the 1600s. 

Registration via email is required to access this event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KRHlWba4TDaGK1LnMM91-A 

While the event is free, donations are greatly appreciated and accepted at: www.centerplayers.org.

Celebrating its 20^th season at Center Playhouse, Center Players is a respected, award-winning organization, presenting high quality, engaging productions featuring local talent in downtown Freehold. In addition to their signature plays, the group also sponsors free play readings and other special events and offers dinner and theater packages with several local restaurants.

CENTER PLAYERS “OFF STAGE” PRESENTS THE OAKLEY BRIARPICKERS OLD TIME FOLK CONCERT

WHEN: Friday, September 25th, at 8pm

WHERE: streaming
ADMISSION: free, but donations are greatly appreciated
Registration via email is required to access this event; go to www.centerplayers.org to access the link. 

The performance will be hosted once again by local musicians Richard Smith and Denise Warren. The Oakley Briarpickers is an Old Time Music band based in Freehold which performs fiddle tunes, reels, waltzes, Civil War-era songs, square and contra dance tunes and old mountain songs. Old Time was the root of bluegrass and country music, dating back to the 1600s.

Celebrating its 19^th season at Center Playhouse, Center Players is a respected, award-winning organization, presenting high quality, engaging productions featuring local talent in downtown Freehold. In addition to their signature plays, the group also sponsors free play readings and other special events and offers dinner and theater packages with several local restaurants.

CENTER PLAYERS “OFFSTAGE” HOSTS VIRTUAL VOICEOVER CLASS 

VIRTUAL VOICEOVER CLASS 

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 7-8:30pm.
WHERE: streaming live
FEE: $35 before Sept. 4th and $40 after.  
Space is limited and early registration is encouraged at https://centerplayers.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=395

Center Players “Off Stage” will expand its current online programming of dramatic and musical events with an informational voiceover session for teens and adults. 

The program will be hosted by Bryant Falk, a corporate producer, director and professional voiceover commercial coach, from Abacus Entertainment, NYC. Falk has held similar, well-received workshops at Center Playhouse over the past several years.  He will provide an overview of the industry, and explain the current opportunities for voiceover work from home or in a remote setting.  Participants will learn about voiceover equipment, and will explore the possibilities of pursuing full and part-time paid work for TV, commercials, training videos, cartoons and video games. 

Falk and the Abacus professionals have taught voiceover programs at Stella Adler Acting School, Hofstra University, Brooklyn College and Actors’ Connection and developed school programs for several New York high schools and other educational centers.  Abacus’ media clients include Footlocker, Bloomberg, Walmart, Genetech, AMC, MTV, and the NBA.  

Soon to be celebrating its 20^th season at Center Playhouse, Center Players is a respected, award-winning dessert theater group, located in historic downtown Freehold, presenting high quality, engaging productions featuring local talent. In addition to their signature plays, the group also sponsors free play reading events and offers dinner and theater packages with several local restaurants.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has formed “Center Players Off Stage” to provide virtual programming until it is once again safe to open the Playhouse doors.