PUSHCART PLAYERS CELEBRATE NEW JERSEY

CELEBRATING NEW JERSEY
A timely folk musical that coincides with New Jersey’s 350th Anniversary
Hosted by Young People’s Theatre

WHEN: Saturday, February 8, at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Park Middle School, 580 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains
TICKETS: $6 and may be purchased at the door.
For further information on this or any of Pushcart’s programs and services, contact Pushcart Players at 973.857.1115 or visit the website at www.pushcartplayers.org

“Celebrating New Jersey” reaches across more than three centuries, linking young viewers to the past while breathing new life into a most creative period in the Garden State’s history. From the arrival of the first settlers to the American Revolution, from the writing of the Constitution to the significant participation in the Civil War, from Thomas Edison’s life-changing work in West Orange to New Jersey’s pivotal role in industry, Celebrating New Jersey is a spirited and stylish exploration of the innovation and diversity that continue to define New Jersey.

“The production is brimming with humor, conflict and discovery,” said Ruth Fost, Pushcart’s co-founder and executive artistic director. Fost is the playwright and lyricist for the production as well. “I think people will be surprised by the many ‘firsts’ from NJ, which include the steam locomotive, America’s first copper mine, the first World Series radio broadcast and movies. There’s a lot of pride!”

Phebe Taylor and Harry Patrick Christian (L-R above) perform Celebrating New Jersey. Taylor is a Pushcart Player since 2004. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, Phebe is a company member of the Heartland Actors’ Repertory Theatre and a frequent performer at the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis. Christian performed in the one-man show, Santaland Diaries in Quincy, IL and at Luna Stage, NJ. Appearing in improvisational shows, cabarets and regional theatre, he most recently was seen in The Language Archive and The Other Place, for Dreamcatcher Repertory Theater in Summit. Through Pushcart Players, Christian brings theatre arts to teenagers who are first-time violent crime offenders with the Passaic Police Department's Youth Services Division.

The production is directed by Paul Whelihan, who is also an actor, stage manager, producer and playwright. Whelihan has directed the majority of Pushcart’s productions throughout its history, and has directed for Luna Stage (West Orange), Forum Theatre (Metuchen), Growing Stage (Netcong) and for the New York Fringe Festival. Paul is a teaching artist in the tri-state area in elementary, middle and high schools.

The music of Celebrating New Jersey combines traditional folk songs with original works. Incidental music and orchestrations are by Larry Hochman, who has collaborated with Pushcart co-founder Carole Wechter, since the company’s inception. Hochman won the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his co-orchestration of The Book of Mormon. He also orchestrated Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Addams Family and Jane Eyre, among others.

Pushcart Players is in its 40^th anniversary season of presenting productions filled with fun, facts, magic and wonder. The company has traveled over 2 million miles to serve more than 8 million children and their families nationally and abroad. All performances come with innovative scenery, complete lighting and state of the art sound systems, making it adaptable to any location.

Photo by Harvey Glick.

NJ INTERGENERATIONAL ORCHESTRA PRESENTS MUSIC OF THE DANCE

RITUALS AND DANCES

WHEN: Sunday, February 9, at 3 PM
WHERE: Dolan Performance Hall in the Annunciation Center at The College of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morristown. It is a short walk from the NJ Transit Train Station at Convent Station.
ADMISSION: Free

Warren Cohen, Artistic Director and Conductor, will lead the NJIO Symphony Orchestra, and Conductor Gavin Davies will lead the Intermezzo Orchestra in a musical program exploring “Rituals and Dances.” Highlighting the program will be Albert Cao, the 2013 second place winner of the NJIO Young Artist Concerto Competition.

From Waltzes to a Ritual Fire Dance, the musical program presents a variety of dance music from around the world. An Italian inspired waltz, Where the Lemons Blossom, by Austrian composer Johann Strauss II contrasts with music from the heart of Russia with Russian Soldiers Dance by Riehhold Glière and Dances from Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. American composer Paul Creston’s expressive Five Little Dances and Spanish composer’s Manuel de Falla’s primitive Ritual Fire Dance round out the program of dances.

Competition winner Albert Cao, 17, a talented Juilliard Pre-College student from Freehold, will perform Camille Saint-Saëns’ virtuosic violin work, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.  Haydn’s Symphony No. 100, often dubbed the “Military” symphony, concludes this exciting afternoon program.

The New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, whose members range in age from 8 to 88, celebrating its 20^th anniversary season this year, has been recognized as a national leader in intergenerational excellence through its unique approach to teaching musical performance and as a model for intergenerational orchestras across the country.  Not only do the intergenerational members play together, but they also mentor each other. In addition to providing free concerts and outreach to the community, the NJIO recently performed at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington.  NJIO welcomes new members each concert period - no auditions needed!  Please contact us if interested in participating in our 20^th Anniversary Gala Concert.

NJIO is committed to ensuring that all programs and concerts are accessible to everyone. For more information regarding the concert or to inquire about patron services, please contact Mary Beth Sweet at 908.603.7691 or info@njio.org.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.  Funding is also provided by Merck Foundation, The Eisner Foundation, The Lillian Pitkin Schenck Fund, Henkel of America, Inc., The Provident Bank Foundation, The John Bickford Foundation, The Standish Foundation, The Shilling Family Foundation and Summit Medical Group.  The Young Artist Concerto Competition is sponsored by Robert Ames, Fine Violins and Bows, Main Violin and K & S Music.

8TH ANNUAL STATE THEATRE FAMILY DAY ON PRESIDENTS DAY

WHEN: Monday, February 17, at 10:30 AM, 1 PM and 3:30 PM
WHERE: State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
TICKETS: For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday 11 AM to 7 PM; Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates, unless otherwise specified. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 517. Some additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.

State Theatre presents the 8^th annual Family Day , part of the State Theatre’s Hub City Carnivale, a winter festival featuring four weeks of performances, participatory activities, social events, and special attractions for all ages.

The world-class Big Apple Circus soars to new heights in their newest show Hub City Spectacular produced especially for the State Theatre stage. The Big Apple’s cast of characters will include balancing acts, clown sketches, performing pups, and more

Families can spend the school-day holiday enjoying dozens of performances, workshops, and hands-on activities—many of them free—plus costumed characters, Turtle Back Zoo: “Amazing Animal Adaptations,” face painting, balloon animals, a photo booth, fire trucks from the New Brunswick Fire Department, the Colgate “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” mobile dental van, a live DJ, food, and more. The festival, which runs from 10am to 4pm, features multiple venues: the State Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Crossroads Theatre, United Methodist Church, and the popular Hub City Big Top, an enormous tent set up in front of the State Theatre. In addition, the State Theatre will be holding a food drive to benefit the Elijah’s Promise food pantry in New Brunswick. Those attending Family Day can help by bringing in non-perishable food items such as pasta, dried spices, rice, and beans.

Additionally, there will be free performances in Crossroads Theatre including

• Gustafer Yellowgold, a multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations, and storytelling (12 PM, 3 PM)
• an interactive “Meet the Percussion” program by Princeton Symphony Orchestra (11 AM and 1 PM)
• performances by the New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble (10 AM and 2 PM).

A variety of hands-on workshops take place throughout the day, including

• “Hand-in-Hand” (10:30 AM)
• “Hip-Hop Dance” (12 PM)
• “Intro to Ballet” (1:30 PM), led by American Repertory Ballet
• Make and Take: Clown Hat” (10 AM)
• “Make and Take: Paper Plate Banjo” (12:30 PM)
• “Make and Take: Paper Bag Puppet” (2 PM)
• “Making Character Masks” (10:30 AM)
• “Theatre Games” (12 PM)
• “Intro to Improv” (1:30 PM) led by George Street Playhouse.

Registration for all workshops is $6 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 732-246-SHOW (7469), ext. 545.

Big Apple Circus

Conceived and founded by Paul Binder to be a leading presenter of live family entertainment and a not-for-profit performing arts institution, the Big Apple Circus’ nation-wide performances and community programs have made their 34-year history far-reaching and full. It all began in Kent, England, in 1974, when American entertainers Paul Binder and Big Apple Circus co-founder Michael Christensen became juggling partners and took to the street corners of Europe. Their comedic juggling act was a hit, and they soon found themselves on the stage of the prestigious Nouveau Cirque de Paris. They returned home to America in 1976 with a vision: to entertain and improve the lives of millions. One year later, they found a site for the first tent-raising in Battery Park, New York, and went on to create the award-winning, not-for-profit Big Apple Circus.

State Theatre, a premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. The theater exists to enrich people’s lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. The State Theatre’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Heldrich is the official hotel of the State Theatre. Magic 98.3 is the official radio station of the State Theatre. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of the State Theatre. United is the official airline of the State Theatre.

BERGEN COUNTY PLAYERS ANNOUNCES OPEN AUDITIONS FOR “RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL”

OPEN AUDITION NOTICE:

Ruthless! The Musical
Music by Marvin Laird
Book and lyrics by Joan Paley
Directed by Steve Bell

WHEN: Open Auditions (in order of arrival): Saturday, February 15, at 10:00 AM; Monday, February 17, at 7:30 PM; Tuesday, February 18, at 7:30 PM; Callbacks (by invitation only): Monday, February 24, at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ

Performance Dates: May 3 to June 1. No performances over Memorial Day Weekend.

Ruthless! The Musical is a hilarious musical comedy  that spoofs Broadway musicals, like Gypsy and Mame, and movies such as The Bad Seed and All About Eve. This aggressively outrageous musical hit garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical of 1993.

Breakdown

This is a very funny, fast-paced, and wickedly twisted musical comedy with eight distinct female roles each playing an honest yet comical character. There is no ensemble. With the exception of the non-singing role of Miss Block, all the characters have solo songs.

• Tina: An 8-year old "triple threat", loaded with talent and manipulative to the core, she is sickeningly sweet but underneath, is a remorseless psychopath. She will be required to tap quite proficiently, and should have a strong belt. 7-12 years old. Must be under 5'—the smaller the better. Vocal range: F# below middle C to E one octave above middle C.
• Judy/Ginger: Tina's mother, approximately 28-40, a simple June Cleaver-type housewife, who is transformed into Ginger, a Norma Desmond-type Broadway diva. Must be able to honestly portray both. Vocal range: F below middle C to B Flat one octave above middle C.
• Sylvia St. Croix: (For this role, we are looking to cast a man in drag.) The stereotypical "in-your-face" talent manager, who is obsessed with making Tina a star. A combination of Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame and Rosalind Russell in Gypsy. Vocal range: A one octave below middle C to E above middle C.
• Miss Thorn: A wannabe actress who had to settle for teaching 3rd grade, she is the director of the school play. Her integrity in casting is questionable. This part doubles with Miss Block. Vocal range: E below middle C to B above middle C.
• Louise Lerman: The student who beats out Tina for the lead in the school play, she has limited talent. The character is 7-13 years old— played by an adult. This part doubles with Eve. Vocal range: Middle C to B Flat above middle C.
• Lita Encore: Judy's adoptive mother, a theater critic with a poison pen. She hates musicals. An Ethel Merman-type with a strong belt. Vocal range: E below middle C to D one octave above middle C.
• Eve: Efficient personal assistant to Broadway star, Ginger. She wants Ginger's life, and copies her every mannerism. This part doubles with Louise Lerman. Vocal range: F# below middle C to C above middle C.
• Miss Block: A lesbian reporter who wants to do a story about Ginger's past. This is a non-singing role, and doubles with Miss Thorn.

WHAT TO PREPARE:

Those auditioning should bring one up-tempo standard musical theater piece (in the style of Gypsy, Mame, Hello Dolly, Annie, etc.) in the correct key. A song from the show can be used. An accompanist will be provided. Please refrain from bringing recorded accompaniment for the singing portion of the audition. No a cappella auditions allowed.

All those auditioning should be prepared to do some cold reading from the script.

There is no dancing required for the initial audition, except for the role of Tina. Children auditioning for Tina should prepare a short tap combination, and bring taped accompaniment on a cassette or CD. A boom box will be made available.

All candidates should be familiar with the films, The Bad Seed, All About Eve, The Women, Mommie Dearest, Gypsy, and Auntie Mame.

For further information, please contact Steve Bell (BCPSteve@aol.com).

CENTENARY STAGE PARTNERS WITH PRESTIGIOUS FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY TO CONNECT WITH AREA SCHOOLS

SHAKESPERIENCE
a program sponsored by The Folger Shakespeare Library

WHEN: Tuesday, April 29th
WHERE: the campus of Centenary College, Hackettstown, NJ

Shake It Up Shakespeare: Magic, Mystery, and Mayhem
Part of CSC’s outreach program is their Young Audience Series
An adaptation by Stephen Davis, incorporating scenes from three of Shakespeare’s most popular works: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet

WHEN: Saturday, April 18th at 11 AM
WHERE: The Little Theatre, Centenary College, Hackettstown
TICKETS: $12.50 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
Contact the CSC Box Office at 908.979.0900 for more information on school group sales.
Open to the public, recommended for middle school and high school aged youth

Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Centenary College, Stephen Davis, has long been a teacher and advocate of the works of master playwright and poet William Shakespeare. For over five years, Davis has married his love of the bard and his love for education to help foster an appreciation for Shakespeare in the youth of New Jersey. (Left to Right: Brandon Casey, Stephen Davis, and Natasha Cowling)

The Folger Shakespeare Library—or Folger for short—is located in Washington, D.C. and is a world-renowned research center on Shakespeare. Its well-known public programs include plays, concerts, literary readings, family activities, and exhibitions, as well as numerous K-12 and college programs for students and professional development opportunities for teachers.

In an effort to create a statewide Shakespeare Festival for students in grades 5 to 12, The Folger has worked with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and Rider University for the past 6 years, “introducing the students to performance-based instructional methods, activities, and exercises to get them up and on their feet speaking Shakespeare’s language, and having fun while doing so,” says Director of Education at The Folger, Bob Young. Young worked together with Davis and CSC General Manager Catherine Rust to begin recruiting schools in western New Jersey as a way to continue expanding the program while promoting CSC’s own education outreach program. Davis stated that educators jumped on the opportunity to be included because “there’s nothing like this in Warren County currently.” (Above, Left to Right: Devin Johnstone, Sean Pergola, Stephen Davis, and Ashley Tirone)

Over the course of the spring semester, Davis will visit with four high school groups to help workshop scenes from some popular Shakespearean plays, as well as his popular sonnets, that will be presented at the Shakesperience event at Centenary in April. The groups that will be participating this April include North Warren Regional High School, Warren County Technical School, Hackettstown High School and a Home-School group based out of New Brunswick.

Davis, along with Centenary College Theatre and Education Department alum Briana Klingaman, has also been working extensively with Blairstown Elementary School in a residency for four 6th grade classes, covering the life of William Shakespeare and learning how to read his text, culminating in the performance of four scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The Folger opened in 1932 as a gift to the American nation from Henry Clay Folger and his wife Emily Jordan Folger. It is administered by a Board of Governors under the auspices of Amherst College, Henry Folger's alma mater. (Left to Right: Justin Gerkhardt, Alexandria Kirchgessner, Logan Humphrey, and Paige Gladd)

The 2013-14 season of performing arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the NJ State Council on the Arts, and CSC sponsors, including Premier Sponsor Heath Village Retirement Community, Silver Sponsors Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, The Holiday Inn in Budd Lake, and Fulton Bank, Bronze Sponsors The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and Wells Fargo Bank, and Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.

Photos by Rob Hom.

TIX FOR McCARTER SPRING EVENTS ARE NOW ONSALE!

These 2 productions sound very interesting, especially since they were the sources for very popular operas:

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE

NATIONAL TOUR OF “MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®” COMES TO RAHWAY

WHEN: Sunday, February 16, at 2 PM & 6 PM
WHERE: UCPAC, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
TICKETS: $65, $55, $45, & $35
BUY TICKETS

The international hit show Menopause The Musical® has recognized Rahway as a “hot” national market.  It doesn’t necessarily mean women in Rahway are more prone to symptoms of “The Change.”  It does mean they will find joy in sharing their experiences.

COME JOIN OUR SISTERHOOD!

Four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for over 10 years!

THIS WEEK @ UCPAC: JAZZ, COMEDY, FOLK SONGS & THEATRE THERAPY

A scintillating mix of jazz, comedy, folksongs and theatre therapy take the stage this week at Union County Performing Arts Center and Hamilton Stage in Rahway. 

Comedian Jim Breuer
WHEN:  Fri. Feb 7, 8 PM
WHERE: UCPAC Mainstage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway NJ.
TICKETS: $51.50, $36.50, $26.50, $21.
www.ucpac.org

Back by popular demand, Saturday Night Live alum Jim Breuer takes a break from his film, radio and TV work to deliver an evening of off-the-wall comedy and stage antics.

Steve Turré Tribute to Trombone Master J.J. Johnson
presented by RSI Bank Masters-on-Masters Jazz Series
WHEN: Fri. Feb. 7, 8 PM
WHERE: Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway NJ.
TICKETS: $25.
www.ucpac.org

Steve Turré has played in the Saturday Night Live band for 30 years and has performed on over 250 recording sessions with musicians such as diverse as Ray Charles, Carlos Santana, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Woody Shaw, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente and Etta Jones. His Hamilton Stage show will feature the music of jazz legend J.J. Johnson with backing by jazz standouts Rufus Reid, Victor Lewis, Javon Jackson and Wallace Roney and guest numbers by Rahway High School and Academy Jazz Bands.

Beyond Therapy: A Comedy by Christopher Durang
presented by Mystic Vision Players
WHEN: Feb. 7-8 and 13-15 at 8 PM, Feb. 9 at 3 PM
WHERE: UCPAC Loft, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway NJ.
TICKETS: $15.
www.ucpac.org

Beyond Therapy presents two contemporary Manhattanites — Prudence and Bruce — seeking stable romantic relationships with the help of their psychiatrists, each of whom suggests their patient place a personal ad and meet for a dinner date. It’s a prescription for comic insanity with outrageous side effects. 

An Evening of Rockin’ Folk Music with Catie Curtis and Natalia Zukerman
presented by Split Level Productions
WHEN:  Sat. Feb. 8, 8 PM
WHERE: Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway NJ.
TICKETS: $25. www.ucpac.org

Catie Curtis has recorded 10 critically acclaimed solo albums with songs featured in numerous TV shows including Dawson’s Creek, Felicity, Grey’s Anatomy and Alias, as well as in films such as 500 Miles to Graceland and A Slipping Down Life. Daughter of classical music icons Pinchas and Eugenia Zukerman, Natalia Zukerman has charted her own bold musical course “with a voice that could send an orchid into bloom and virtuoso guitar picking that can open a beer bottle with its teeth.”

REVIEW: VISUALLY STUNNING “AS YOU LIKE IT” AT TWO RIVER THEATER COMPANY

By Ruth Ross

Visually stunning, impressively musical, swirling with color and texture, and crisply acted. With production values like these, why does the Two River Theater Company's production of As You Like It fail to satisfy. This long, convoluted tale of two sets of warring brothers, good folk being exiled to a forest, a couple that struggles to find true love contains some of Shakespeare's most poetical and insightful writing and one of the best roles for a woman. So why didn't I love it?

It wasn't the complicated plot, although I did overhear several audience members complain that it was hard to follow and too long. The convoluted plot of As You Like It follows the lovely Rosalind who flees her uncle's persecution, accompanied by her cousin Celia and the court jester Touchstone, to the Forest of Arden. Similarly, a young gentleman of the kingdom, Orlando, escapes his evil brother Oliver's persecution, accompanied by Adam, his faithful elderly servant, to hide in the same forest. To complicate matters, before fleeing, Rosalind and Orlando fall in love at a wrestling match in the ducal court; things really get crazy when the two meet again at the camp where the usurped Duke (Rosalind's father) lives with a band of loyal lords. There, Rosalind, disguised as a male youth named Ganymede, instructs Orlando, now madly writing goofy love poems and posting them on trees, how to woo his lady—in this case, herself! Similar wooings among dimwitted shepherds (and Touchstone) are tempered by the melancholic musings of the dour courtier, Jaques. In the end, all gets sorted out, and multiple simultaneous weddings bring the mayhem to a happy close.

So what's not to like? The conceit of a woman disguised as a man is common to several of Shakespeare's plays, but the woman is usually a tiny bit visible under the male clothing. That makes clueless Orlando's wooing of Ganymede all the more delicious, for we are in on the joke. In this production, director Michael Sexton and costume designer Tilly Grimes have dressed the characters in fanciful, colorful, modern attire, except for Miriam A. Hyman (Above, left, with Jacob Fichel as Orlando as Sara Topham looks on), who plays Rosalind. When we first meet her at the ducal palace, she wears a sinuous, sexy evening gown, with her hair coiffed in an up-do with a long curl over one shoulder. In the forest, however, she wears jeans, work boots, a flannel shirt and a knitted watch cap pulled down over her ears, hiding any hint of a girlish figure or femininity. Too, her speech fits her appearance; even as she recites Shakespeare's lovely lines, I kept waiting for her to break into Rap. Sometimes, she sounded like a kid from the 'hood, instead of a well-brought-up, lovely lady trying to connect with her beloved. I have no problem with colorblind casting (Hyman is black, as are several other actors), but the roles should be played colorblind, as well.

The rest of the cast have no such problems. In fact, several of them double in roles both masculine and feminine. Ben Diskant is a malevolent, nasty Duke Oliver who tortures his younger brother Orlando by withholding from him any learning or activity that would bring him pleasure; he's also William, a country youth. Philip Goodwin plays two dukes: the cruel Duke Frederick and his kindly brother Duke Senior, whom he has banished to the Forest of Arden. Myra Lucretia Taylor (Right, as Phebe with Brendan Titley as Touchstone) plays a man and a woman: the loyal servant Adam and Audrey the goatherd for whom the fool Touchstone pines. And J.D. Webster wins the prize for the most roles played: He's Charles the wrestler; Amiens, a lord; Corin, a shepherd; and Hymen, the God of Marriage. He seamlessly morphs from one role to another by donning and shedding a cloak or a shirt. Leighton Bryan plays a male youth Le Beau (although she foregoes the usual foppish French accent and manners) and Phebe, a shepherdess with poise.

The actors who play only one part are equally as fine: Jacob Fischel, so wonderful in last year's Henry V, is marvelous as the almost too-good-to-be-true Orlando; he is especially funny when reciting the doggerel he has written to extol his Rosalind's beauty. Brendan Titley's Touchstone, the wise fool, is dressed in motley and sports a red clown's nose; he makes his jokes seem like grand philosophical statements. Geoffrey Owens as the dour melancholic Jaques is not shy about voicing his distaste for the rustic life and a nagging cynicism; his recitation of the famous and familiar "All the World's a Stage (Seven Ages of Man)" speech is masterful, and he is a great foil to the almost cloying idyllic forest life.

The aformentioned Miriam A. Hyman has the makings of a fine actress, although I believe that Director Sexton has done her portrayal of Rosalind no favors with his choices. Under that cap, it is hard to see the womanly ardor she should attempt to control in the company of Orlando. She's terrific in the opening scenes, regal and cool, however. As her confidante-cousin Celia, Sara Topham performs very well in a role that takes a back seat to Rosalind; she gets to look bored as her cuz extols Orlando's qualities ad nauseum, so that when she falls in love with a now-reformed Oliver, we are glad for her happiness.

Brett J. Banakis has created a fantastical Forest of Arden, filled with birch trees, lights and a fire pit, all of it atmospherically lit by Seth Reiser. Ben Toth has provided original music for the two songs by Shakespeare, and several new songs have been added, all of them beautifully sung by J. D. Webster.

As You Like It was written in 1599 and then disappeared from the Elizabethan stage. Only in the 17th century, when women began to act onstage, was the play re-discovered and enjoyed a renaissance. Yes, the plot is complicated, and yes, we have to suspend our disbelief, but the play contains some of Shakespeare's loveliest poetry and sharp insights into human nature. There is a great deal to like about this production. I just wish I hadn't felt "hungry" after the stage lights went down.

As You Like It will be performed at the Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, through February 16. For information and tickets, call the box office at 732.345.1400 or visit online at www.tworivertheater.org.

JAZZ ARTIST & AUTHOR TO APPEAR @ RUTHERFURD HALL IN ALLAMUCHY

Please note: tickets for this concert are expected to go fast so you will need to get your tickets before they are all gone. Tony will be featuring songs from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin. This will be an outstanding show, one not to be missed. 

Tickets can be purchased online at http://rutherfurdhall.tix.com

Tickets can be purchased with cash or checks at these fine retailers…

• Panther Valley Pharmacy: Route 517, Village Sq Mall, Allamucy, NJ 908.852.8818
• Mamas & Cafe Baci: 260 Mountain Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 908.852.2820
• Hackettstown Trading Post: 159 Main St, Hackettstown, NJ 908.852.0777

WHERE: Concerts are held at Rutherfurd Hall, 1686 Route 517, Allamuchy
908-852-1894 www.rutherfurdhall.org

VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT CELEBRATES LOVE IN 2 PLACES!

WHEN: Friday, February 14, 8 PM WHERE: Chatham United Methodist Church, Main Street, Chatham Click Here for directions WHEN: Saturday, February 15 @ 8 PM WHERE: Trinity Church, Princeton, NJ Click Here for directions TICKETS:  $20 General Admission; $10 Student Admission

REVIEW: A LOVING TRIBUTE TO A COMEDIC DUO IN “SAY GOODNIGHT, GRACIE” @ THE BICKFORD THEATRE

By Ruth Ross

Laurel and Hardy. Amos and Andy. Abbott and Costello. Martin and Lewis. These four famous comedy duos entertained 20th century audiences on the vaudeville stage, the silver screen, radio and, eventually, television—one as straight man, the other as his comedic foil. Much of their humor came from physical comedy: frenetic chases, pratfalls, silly voices and walks.

But the most charming of the duos was George Burns and Gracie Allen, a husband and wife team who succeeded in all the entertainment media with comedy based on nothing more than simple conversation. He was the sophisticated man-about-town; she, the ditz. All George had to do was to ask Gracie about her brother, and a 20-minute monologue as illogical as it was funny would ensue.

Playwright Rupert Holmes has traced their fascinating lives in Say Goodnight, Gracie, now onstage at the Bickford Theatre in the Morris Museum where it runs through February 16. For an engrossing 90 minutes, Joel Rooks as George Burns recounts his humble beginnings on New York's Lower East Side, his show biz career that floundered until he met and married Gracie, and their long-term personal and professional relationship. He is aided by a series of photographs and videos projected on a screen behind him and the voice of Didi Cohn as Gracie in several "conversations" he has with his late wife.

This one-man show uses a series of props assembled by Ric McAllister to signify various venues and time periods in Burns' long life (he died at the age of 100); Roman Klima's lighting and Kevin Lacy's sound design enhance the effect. We meet his friends, his partners, his best friend Jack Benny as he traces the rich (and quirky) growth of vaudeville, radio and television as entertainment media. John Tillinger directs the play so that Rook appears to be conversing with the audience in a natural and convincing fashion, while maintaining the patter rhythm that marked Burns' delivery. And Rook employs hand gestures and a walk recognizable as Burns'.

Without giving away too much of the plot, several vignettes stand out. Burns' description of life with 11 siblings is as hilarious as is his account of the lengths he went to support his large family at the age of seven when his father died suddenly. He gained his trademark cigar at the age of 14, and set on a singing and dancing career, teamed up with a variety of interchangeable and undistinguishable partners, until at the age of 30 he met the "dizziest girl in the world," 17-year-old Irish girl, Grace Ethel Cecile Rosalie Allen, in 1922. Realizing that he wasn't really the funny one, Burns used Gracie's innocent, high-pitched voice and "illogical logic" to craft a comedic duo that performed together for 36 years, until Gracie had had enough and retired.

But George Burns (called "Nattie") did not retire and went on to a television and film career, appearing on the Jack Benny show and in such movies as "The Sunshine Boys" for which he won an Oscar at the age of 80 and three "Oh, God!" films with John Denver.

Audiences of a certain age would remember listening to George Burns and Gracie Allen on the radio and later on television. Younger theatergoers might recall the films he made late in life. But it really doesn't matter whether you are familiar with the duo or not. Rupert Holmes and Joel Rook have painted a dramatic picture of a long and loving relationship filled with mutual respect and professionalism. Gracie might not have know she was funny, but George certainly did, and he worked mighty hard to convey her zany scatterbrained demeanor in a loving way. She was so beloved that when ran for the Presidency on the Surprise Ticket in 1940, she actually garnered 42,000 votes! The duo were commemorated on a postage stamp in 2009.

Say Goodnight, Gracie (their signature sign-off phrase) may be a one-man show, but thanks to Rupert Holmes and Joel Rook, Gracie Allen is present through George's reminiscences, through the magic of technology, and conveys the love she engendered across all social levels. The play is a real tribute to a great woman—and her straight man.

Say Goodnight, Gracie will be performed at the Bickford Theatre in the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, through February 16. For information and tickets, call the box office at 973.971.3706 or visit www.morrismuseum.org.