Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
SHOW BASED ON PBS CHILDREN’S SERIES @ MAYO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
WHEN: Sunday, January 26, at 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM
WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. Morristown
TICKETS: $15-30
Tickets at 973.539.8008 or www.mayoarts.org
Come join Buddy, Tiny, Don and all of their friends and family in Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train Live!, a fun-filled, interactive and immersive live trip back in time to an age when dinosaurs roamed the earth....and rode in trains!
JIM HENSON'S DINOSAUR TRAIN LIVE: BUDDY'S BIG ADVENTURE embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. The show encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology.
TEANECK’S BLACK BOX STUDIO’S ENSEMBLE CASTING FOR SUPPORTING ROLES IN REMAINDER OF SEASON
AUDITION NOTICE:
The Teaneck-based Black Box Studios' Ensemble (Into The Woods, Summer Brave, Tommy, Next To Normal) is currently casting for select supporting roles for the remainder of its 2013-14 season.
WHEN: Auditions by appointment only between now and 1/26.
WHERE: Shows currently scheduled to rehearse in Teaneck and/or at the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC in Englewood.
Please submit directly to Matt Okin, Artistic Director, at matt@blacboxnynj.com and use the subject line: BBS Ensemble Casting. No calls please. Non-union/no pay. www.blackboxnynj.com.
John Guare's House of Blue Leaves
Comedic "character" roles in House are
- Corrina Stroller: female/age-range 22–35
- Billy Einhorn: male/age-range 40–55
Rehearsals start 1/29 (occasional Sun./Mon./Wed. evenings)
Performances: last weekend in March and first in April.
William Finn/James Lapine's Falsettos Falsettos roles are
- male swing: age-range 25–35,
- baritones/tenors
- Cordelia: female/age-range 20-35, soprano
Rehearsals begin end of February
Performances over a 10-day period in mid-to-late May.
Opened by Matt Okin in 2007, Black Box Studios operates at, and in partnership with, BergenPAC’s Performance Arts School in Englewood, NJ and in its home-base space within Congregation Beth Sholom in Teaneck. See more at: http://www.blackboxnynj.com/#sthash.RUghxdsB.dpuf
REVIEW: NJ SYMPHONY MAYO CONCERT UNITES TAN DUN, MAHLER
What makes a sound music? What makes an object a musical instrument? And can a European composer inspired by an Asian culture inspire an Asian composer to create something that marries both traditions?
These were among the many questions brought to mind by the exceptional program presented last weekend by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Jacques Lacombe.
The Mayo Center in Morristown was the site of the Sunday performance, which had been presented Friday and Saturday at two other venues.
The two pieces on the program were more than a century and several continents apart, their differences vivid and unmistakable. Yet they were intimately related. Tan Dun’s Earth Concerto, the first half of the program, is like an offspring of Mahler’s Das Lied Von Der Erde (The Song of the Earth), performed after intermission.
Earth Concerto, having its US premiere in the NJSO’s three weekend performances, is the fourth work in Tan Dun’s series devoted to man and nature. The first, the Water Concerto, was presented by NJSO four years ago during its Winter Festival, and the Earth Concerto concludes the cycle.
“I have always believed that earth, like other natural elements, holds a deep spirit, speaking with a language all its own, singing and vibrating alongside all beings…,” the composer has said. This concerto is for instruments not normally thought of as musical instruments.
At the forefront, and placed where the first violins would normally be, was an array of ceramic and clay pots (purchased at the Metropolitan Plant and Flower Exchange in Bergen County—yes, they are flower pots!). Played by striking with an assortment of mallets and so forth by three master percussionists, David Cossin, James Musto and James Neglia, they redefine what a musical instrument is.
Also performing as a soloist was Zhang Meng, a virtuoso on a variety of traditional Chinese ceramic wind instruments. Meanwhile, the first violin section played standing at the back of the stage, behind the other musicians.
Were the sounds strange? Yes, at times. There were thumps and shouts, as well as exquisite bell-like melodies from the percussions. (I learned that glazed pots have a completely different sound from unglazed terra cotta.) Percussionist David Cossin said, “Tan Dun is interested in finding music in almost anything around us.”
Tan Dun, born in 1957 in Hunan Province, is perhaps China’s best-known composer in the west. Trained in both traditional Chinese music and western music, he is a prolific composer. In 2000, his score for the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, won an Academy Award©, a Grammy and a BAFTA award. He literally quotes from Mahler’s song cycle in the Earth Concerto, which he created to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Das Lied Von Der Erde. The pairing of the two works on one program could hardly have been more appropriate.
Though the Mahler piece is a set of six songs, performed by a large orchestra and two singers, Mahler himself subtitled it A Symphony for Tenor and Alto (or Baritone) Voices and Orchestra. Divided into six movements, each a song, it runs nearly an hour. Each song is a setting of a Chinese poem, translated into German. The Sturm und Drang of German Romanticism, the obsession with love and death, dominate, though the piece was composed in 1907-08, well past the heyday of the Romantic period.
The mood is set by the first song, Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde, or The Drinking Song of the Earth’s Misery, a melodic paean to sorrow sung by the tenor soloist Russell Thomas. The words to each song paint a picture. A little imagination may bring to mind a pavilion in a garden, rendered in blue on white porcelain. Do the lovers come together joyfully? Is death just around the corner?
Joining Thomas, a powerful and sensitive interpreter of the songs, was the exquisitely gifted mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop, whose voice resonated like a bell through the auditorium, as she sang the final phrase of the sixth song, Der Abschied (The Farewell): “Ewig, ewig…” (“Forever, forever…”). Our time is short but the earth endures. Gorgeous concert!
Monday, January 20, 2014
CIRCLE PLAYERS TO PRESENT “HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE”
a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Paula Vogel
Directed by John Dowgin of Spotswood
Produced by Loren Manheimer of Aberdeen
WHEN: Jan. 24-Feb. 8, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 PM; Sunday matinee on Feb. 9, 3 PM; A wine and cheese reception will follow the opening night performance.
WHERE: 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway
TICKETS: $18 for adults and $17 for students and seniors.
Sorry, no credit cards may be used at the box office, but will be accepted online.
For reservations, call 732.968.7555, or buy tickets online at http://www.circleplayers.com/ ($1 per ticket discount online.)
Due to mature themes, this production is not suitable for audience members under 16.
How I Learned to Drive is a darkly funny and devastating tale of survival; a view into a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. The 1960s pop music accompanying Li’l Bit’s excursion down memory lane cannot drown out the ghosts of her past.
Appearing in the cast are Faith Dowgin, Spotswood; Todd Jones, Colonia; Kristen Bennett, Montville; Heidi Hart, Maplewood; and Michael Sundburg, Warren.
Because of the unique layout of the theater, latecomers cannot be seated once the performance has started. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain.
STUDIO PLAYERS HOLDS AUDITIONS FOR ROCK MUSICAL
AUDITION NOTICE
A Rock Musical based on the play by Frank Wedekind
Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Director: Claudia Budris
Assistant Director & Choreographer: Lynsey Leigh Price
Music Director: Jim Millar
Stage Manager: Leyda Torres
WHEN: Mon. Feb. 3rd at 7:30 PM; Wed. Feb. 5th at 7:30 PM; Callbacks Thur. Feb. 6th at 7:30 PM
WHERE: STUDIO PLAYERS, 14 Alvin Place, Upper Montclair ~ 973.744.9752
www.studioplayhouse.org ~ www.facebook.com/studioplayhouse.org
Performance Dates: May 30 - June 14
(There will be rehearsals on the Sunday & Monday evenings of Memorial Day weekend)
- Sides & Scores can be viewed at www.studioplayhouse.org
- Prepare 32 bars of a song from this show. An accompanist will be provided.
- Be prepared to note all conflict dates and if you have any special physical skills and/or talents.
Casting talented vocalists with strong acting abilities.
Strong language and strong sexual situations
CAST OF CHARACTERS
ADULT MAN (Male, 35+): Needs to be able to play multiple characters with distinction; ensemble singing only; plays all adult male roles: HERR STIEFL (Mortiz's father), HERR GABOR (Melchior's Father), HERR SONNENSTICH (boys teacher), HERR KNOCHENBRUCH (boys headmaster), HERR RILOW (Hanschen’s father), HERR NEUMANN (Ilse’s Father), FATHER KAULBACH (Priest), DOCTOR VON BRAUSEPULVER (Doctor) and SCHMIDT (matron)
ADULT WOMAN (female, 35+): Needs to be able to play multiple characters with distinction; ensemble singing only; plays all adult female roles: FRAU GABOR (Melchior's mother), FRAU BERGMAN (Wendla's mother), FRAULEIN KNUPPELDICK (associate to headmaster Herr Knochenbruch), FRAULEIN GROSSEBUSTENHALTER (Georg’s Piano teacher) and FRAU BESSELL (Martha’s Mother)
ANNA (female, 18-late 20s): German schoolgirl and Martha's best friend; has a difficult time understanding Martha's trials.
ERNST (male, 18-late 20s): Schoolmate of Melchior's; naïve; easily manipulated; unsure; must be comfortable kissing another male; baritenor
GEORG (male, 18-late 20s): Schoolmate of Melchoir's who is overcome with his feelings for his piano teacher; tenor and needs to be able to sing up to a D5 in falsetto
HANSCHEN (male, 18-late 20s): Schoolmate of Melchior's who is comfortable with his own sexuality and uses his looks and intelligence to manipulate Ernst; must be comfortable kissing another male;baritenor
ILSE (female, 18-late 20s): Martha's sister who shares her dark secret; run away from home to live in an artists' colony; free-spirit; Moritz's last hope
MARTHA (female, 18-late 20s): Ilse’s sister; a schoolgirl with a dark secret; terrified of disobeying her father
MELCHIOR (male, 18-late 20s): Smart, headstrong boy who refuses to bow down to society's rules; an atheist; struggles with his intense feelings for Wendla; Moritz’s best friend and confidant; strong acting abilities a must
MORITZ (male, 18-late 20s): Troubled student who desperately tries to please his father, but always seems to disappoint him; has haunting dreams; curious about sex; Melchior's best friend; strong acting abilities a must; tenor
OTTO (male, 18-late 20s): Classmate of Melchior's who struggles with feelings he considers inappropriate; baritenor
THEA (female, 18-late 20s): Wendla's best friend; a schoolgirl who tries to stay innocent and pure.
WENDLA (female, 18-late 20s): Innocent, but with every passing day, she grows more curious about the world around her; both vulnerable and a willing participant in her evolution; strong acting abilities a must
STRANGEDOG’S “ENCHANTED ARMS” ONLY 2 MORE WEEKENDS @ LUNA STAGE
StrangeDog's Enchanted Arms
Five new short plays placing age old fairy-tales in a single dilapidated modern apartment building. These classic stories have been turned on their heads, the rules of their world have changed, and Prince Charming has developed a drinking problem. Directed by Artem Yatsunov
Written by Nikkole Salter, Stacie Lents, John Wooten, Joseph Palestina and Ben Clawson
WHEN: Thursday January 16th at 8:00 PM
Friday January 17th at 8:00 PM
Saturday January 18th at 8:00 PM
Sunday January 19th at 3:00 PM
Thursday January 23rd at 8:00 PM
Friday January 24th at 8:00 PM
Saturday January 25th at 8:00 PM
WHERE: Luna Stage Studio Theatre, 555 Valley Road, West Orange
TICKETS: $25. Student Tickets $10
CLICK HERE for more information and tickets
Above: Actor, Seth Michael Photo Credit: Rachael Tucker
JUNGLE GYM JAM LAUNCHES ALBUM @ PARTY IN MONTCLAIR
|
SVP SEEKS ACTORS/SINGERS FOR DOLLY PARTON MUSICAL
AUDITION NOTICE:
9 to 5 the Musical
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Directed by Christian Carrara
WHEN: Sunday, January 26th and Monday, January 27th at 7:00 PM. Callbacks will be Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 PM also at the church
WHERE: Neshanic Reformed Church, 715 Amwell Road, Hillsborough. (at the 3 way stop just down the street from the theater.) For directions to the theater click here
The show runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM
April 25th through May 11th 2014.
For further information call 908.369.7469
Dolly Parton's high-spirited musical adaptation of the hit movie 9 TO 5 shows the gleeful revenge of the office workers, as three hardworking and very clever secretaries create corporate chaos while gladly turning the tables upside-down on their sexist and loudmouth boss.
CHARACTERS NEEDED:
- Violet Newstead
Female 40-50
The company's Head Secretary and Mr. Hart's Administrative Assistant, she is a single mother and typically stands up for what she believes in. Attractive, strong, ambitious. - Doralee Rhodes
Female 20-30
A young, sexy spitfire who works at Mr. Hart's office. She is proof that there is more to a woman than just her looks. - Judy Bernly
Female 30-40
The "new" girl at the firm, she has been burned by her husband's affair and is searching for personal empowerment. Insecure, determined, hopeful. - Franklin Hart Jr.
Male 30-50
One of the firm's executives and a notorious chauvinist. He is capable of faking charm but usually shows his true colors as an arrogant, self-absorbed boss. - Roz Keith
Female 30-60
The attentive office gossip queen and snitch. She has an unrequited love for Mr. Hart and will do anything she can to win his approval. - (6) Female Ensemble
Female 25-60
Various other secretaries, hospital workers, and even some woodland creatures. Ensemble members will take on various roles and must at least move well. - (6) Male Ensemble
Male 25-60
Various other businessmen, law enforcement, as well as husbands or boyfriends. Ensemble members will take on various roles and must at least move well.
NEIL SIMON’S BITTERSWEET “LOST IN YONKERS” NOW PLAYING @ SOMERSET VALLEY PLAYERS
LOST IN YONKERS
By Neil Simon
Directed by Todd Bennington
WHEN: January 17 - February 2; Friday & Saturday, 8 PM; Sunday, 2 PM
WHERE: 689 Amwell Road (Rte 514), Hillsborough
TICKETS: Adults $18; Seniors/Students $16
A $2 per ticket processing fee will be added to all ticket sales.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize winning bittersweet coming-of-age tale
contrasts the tender highs and the unforeseen lows of family ties during
World War Two, as two young brothers are left by their traveling
salesman father to live with their stern Old World grandmother, a childlike
yet loving aunt in search of life-changing romance, and a small-time mobster uncle.
WEDNESDAYS GET ARTSY @ FARMSTEAD ARTS IN BASKING RIDGE
Studio Art Classes Wednesday Afternoons
with Anita McKenna-Murphy
WHEN: February 5, 12, 19 and 26
WHERE: Farmstead Arts, Martin Room, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge
TUITION: $125, supplies included
- Homeschoolers (K – 8) 2 PM to 3 PM
- After-schoolers (K – 8) 4 PM to 5 PM
- Grown-Up Like-Minded Creative Types, 6 PM to 7 PM
Farmstead Arts at the KMS Farmstead is resuming classes with local artist and teacher Anita McKenna-Murphy for homeschooled children, after-schoolers and creative adults.
Murphy is known for her tiny devotional paintings which represent the natural world in pastel. Farmstead’s pristine setting provides wonderful inspiration to explore the arts both for children and adults.
Sessions will be held monthly. Students need only to show up ready to have some fun in a supportive and gentle setting.
Register by phone at 973.590.8970 or e-mail at clubpob91@aol.com.
SMOOTH ROOT ROCK REGGAE @ UCPAC THIS WEEKEND
JAH JAH YUTE
An evening of smooth Root Rock Reggae
WHEN: Friday • January 24 • 8:00 PM; Saturday • January 25 • 8:00 PM
WHERE: Union Country Performing Arts Center Loft, 1601 Irving Street in the heart of the colorful Rahway Arts District, a diverse hub of arts performance/arts education activity
TICKETS: $35 and are available online at www.ucpac.org, by calling 732.499.8226, or visiting the UCPAC box office at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway.
A prolific recording artist in the Smooth Roots Reggae genre, Jah Jah Yute has released 11 albums since 2007 including Words Power on Sound, Jah Say So, Excellence Is Thy Name, Born Fi Jah and Iration.
He was raised in rural Rock Springs, Jamaica, and was initially influenced by Jamaican performers such as Black Star Sound System, Jahlovemuzik, Bunny Wailer, Yellow Man and, of course, Bob Marley.
Developing his own unique sound and lyrical style over the years, Jah Jah Yute’s music projects a positive message to contemporary problems and sparks a strong sense of hope.
“My music is hitting the people,” he says. “The people are moving in a positive way. When people hear good music in person and most of all with the artist present, they stop and take notice.”
“Words Power on Sound by Jah Jah Yute is a beautifully prepared piece of musical artistry loaded with full-fleshed urban Reggae sounds. A few seconds into a listen of this CD, and you'll realize that Jah Jah is an impressive, authentic reggae artist. Jah Jah is a talented lyricist, with lyrics that are positively inspiring, informative and thoughtful. If you enjoy real urban reggae with rich sonorous energy and inspiring lyrics like that of Gregory Isaac and Bob Marley, you will enjoy this CD. “ — RadioIndy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)