Casting call: 'The Fox on the Fairway'

Somerset Valley Players will hold auditions for "The Fox on the Fairway" at 7:30 p.m. April 22 and April 24. Auditionees will need to read from the script.

A crazy golf clubhouse tees up frenetic farce in this fast-paced comedy. A raucous rivalry between two screwball country clubs drives the members into love on the links, sauciness in the sand traps, and frolic on the fairway while scheming and conniving to win top prize.

Henry Bingham (40's)	Director of the Quail Valley Country Club. He is witty and cynical at times. Henry gets into a high-stakes bet on a golf tournament and is determined to do what it takes to win. He is also unhappy in his marriage and becomes involved with Pamela.
Pamela Peabody (40's)	A member of the Quail Valley Country Club. She is very attractive and sophisticated, but a bit loose and a bit of a drinker. Throughout the play she aids Henry in his plans to make sure their club wins.
Justin Hicks (20's)	Bingham's new eager-to-please assistant who volunteers his services as a golfer to help Quail Valley win the golf tournament. He is romantically involved with Louise and proposes to her early on, but becomes emotionally distraught when things become difficult between them.
Louise Heindbedder (20's)	A waitress at the Quail Valley Country Club. She is very attractive, and a bit flighty, but studious. A mishap results in her becoming very upset over her and Justin's future together, making her bawl at a moment's notice.
Dickie Bell (40's)	The director of the rival Crouching Squirrel Country Club, with whom Bingham gets into a high-stakes bet. He is a bit obnoxious, including in his fashion sense, but tries to come off as good-natured. He is Pamela's ex-husband and likes Bingham's wife Muriel.
Muriel Bingham (40's)	Henry's wife, who runs an antique shop, which becomes part of the bet between Henry and Dickie. Generally overbearing and stern, she somehow has a soft spot for Dickie.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays from June 7 to June 23.

For more information, email webmaster@svptheatre.org or call (908)369-7469. Somerset Valley Players is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

Casting Call: '8' at Villagers Theater

Support marriage equality? Lend it your voice, by being part of a live dramatic reading at Villagers Theatre.

Villagers Theater will hold auditions for "8" by Dustin Black from 7 to 9 p.m. April 18, to be performed as a staged reading with script in hands. Many of the roles will be precast.

Uncover the truth about marriage for gay and lesbian Americans. “8,″ a new play about marriage equality, chronicles the landmark trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger. The show re-enacts the California federal trial that started to make the case for legalizing same-sex marriage. This case recently made it to the U.S. Supreme Court on March 26.

"8" provides the historical context of marriage from expert testimony, showing the human cost of discrimination and uncovering the arguments used to justify bans on marriage for same-sex couples. Using the actual court transcripts from the landmark federal trial of California’s Proposition 8 and first-hand interviews, “8″ shows both sides of the debate in a moving 90-minute play.

Rehearsals will be held between May 6 and May 16. Potential cast members should be available during this time. Performances will be at 8 p.m. May 17 and May 18 and at 2 p.m. May 19. Talkback with cast, director and special guests will be held after each performance.

Available roles are listed at the Villagers Theater website, updated daily. Those who audition will be asked to read a portion of the script. Please bring your resumé and a picture. Any conflicts must be noted on the application.

All tickets cost $15. No group rates or discounts are available. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

 If you cannot make the audition, but want to be involved, contact the director at casting@trianglecircleplayers.org. Tickets are available online.

'Great American Trailer Park Musical' at Somerset Valley Players

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" is coming to Somerset Valley Players this weekend.

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" is about Armadillo Acres, "North Florida's most exclusive manufactured housing community." Agoraphobic housewife Jeanne and her toll-collecting husband, Norbert, find their lives turned upside down when stripper Pippi moves next door and her ex-boyfriend Duke tries to hunt her down.

Narrated by a trio of girls from the trailer park, the show takes audiences on a journey from the trailer park, to a strip club, to a mall in Oklahoma City. Directed by Christian Carrara, the cast features Patrick Andrae, Nicole Carrara, Kristin Contrino, Natasha Kurilew, Jessica Musolino, Karen Pierson and Brad Sarboukh.

The show, which opened Friday evening, runs through May 5, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays. The show is not considered appropriate for children.

Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors and students.

Tickets are available online at www.svptheatre.org, or by calling (908) 369-7469. Somerset Valley Players is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

'Sunday in the Park with George' at Playhouse 22

Playhouse 22 has begun selling tickets for its production of "Sunday in the Park with George," opening next weekend.

The show, written by composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with book by James Lapine, will open April 19 at Playhouse 22. The free community performance will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center.

Inspired by the painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat, and loosely based upon elements of the artist's life, "Sunday in the Park with George" won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, two Tony Awards for design, and received multiple other awards, including the the 2007 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production.

The show focuses primarily upon Seurat's composition of the painting, and often employs a lyrical and musical style integrated with the pointillist style Seurat pioneered in his work.

The show will run at Playhouse 22, from April 19 through May 5. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $20 for seniors and students, and can be purchased online.

Directed by Jonathan Wierzbicki, with musical direction by Rory Chalcraft, "Sunday in the Park with George" features the talents of Jeff Price, Cristy Miller, Lindsay Adkins, Stephen D. Belfatti, Eric Branda, Thom Boyer, Jenne Carey, Michele Greenspan, Debbie Linge, Stephanie Long, Marissa Marciano, Gregory Newton, Bethany Talley and Mike Yoson.

Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. For more information, call (732) 254-3939.

Reading: 'WMAD' at Villagers Theater

Villagers Theater will present WMAD, a new play by Ed Shakespeare, in a dramatic reading on Monday evening.

As the play opens, radio host Dave Dunlap is set to begin his first day as the host of Madhouse, a call-in talk show on a tiny FM station. This is Dunlap's last chance in radio; his career peaked years ago and has been declining because of alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder, the result of military service in Vietnam.

On his first night at work, it becomes apparent that one of the show’s regular callers is planning to kill herself. Deciding that involving the police will push her to suicide, Dave attempts to save her life by organizing his very colorful call-in listeners over the radio.

Part of Villagers Theater's New Playwright Series, the reading is directed by Donna Stiles. It is free and open to the public. The reading begins at 7 p.m. April 15.

Villagers Theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset. For more information, visit Villagers Theater's website.

Casting Call: 'The House at Pooh Corner'

Interested actors can visit the Hundred Acre Wood late this month, when Circle  Players in Piscataway will hold auditions for "The House at Pooh Corner."

Adapted for the stage by Bettye Knapp from the classic children's book by A.A. Milne, "The House at Pooh Corner" tells the story of Christopher Robin and his friends Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and the rest as they face the threat that he's to be sent away to Education.

Nobody knows exactly what or where that is, and if he's sent to such a distant place, what can his friends possibly do without him? So it's generally agreed that they'll run away. As the situation becomes clearer, Christopher Robin isn't quite so sure that running away is the answer.

Director is Hilde Steinberg of Somerset. Barbara Gianotto of East Brunswick, and Bernice Woldman of Somerset are producers.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. April 29, and at 7 p.m. April 30. Dress comfortably and be prepared to dance. Readings from the script will be provided, as well as acting games for non-readers. Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway.

Show dates are noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays, July 13 and 20.

Christopher Robin	Boy, 10-plus)	Young and innocent, full of imagination.
Winnie-the-Pooh	Boy, 12-plus	A big teddy bear, Pooh is wide eyed, caring and lovable.
Piglet	Boy or girl, 8-plus	This little pig is eager to make everyone happy.
Owl	Woman, 25-plus	Fussy, critical and impatient.
Eeyore	Boy,16-plus	Gloomy donkey in a constant state of depressed pessimism.
Tigger	Boy, 12-plus	A hyper tiger, adventurous and good-natured.
Kanga	Woman, 25-plus	A devoted mother kangaroo obsessed with cleanliness.
Roo	Boy/girl, 8-plus	This baby kangaroo is full of adventure and is clever.
Rabbit	Woman, 25-plus	Critical and overburdened.
Early	Boy/girl, 5-plus	Rabbit's wide-eyed rabbit relation.
Late	Boy/girl, 5-plus	Another wide-eyed rabbit relation.
Voice	Man/woman, 25-plus	Christopher Robin's parent.
Forest Dwelling Dancers	Boy/girl, 12-plus	Dancing ensemble.
Rabbits Relations	Boy/girl 5-plus	Non-speaking forest dwellers.

For more information, contact the director at circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

Circle Players announces 2013-14 schedule

"Romeo and Juliet" and "Prelude to a Kiss" are only two of the shows slated for production at Circle Players during its upcoming season.

Located in a former grange hall on Victoria Avenue in Piscataway since 1971, Circle Players has carved out a niche for itself by performing plays infrequently staged elsewhere, such as its recent production of Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart." The theater, which boasts an intimate performance space, also produces children's shows as well as its more adult fare, including an upcoming adaptation of "The House at Pooh Corner."

The fall season begins in September with "Prelude to a Kiss," as directed by Jessica Sherman. Many people who know the story will be familiar with the 1992 film starring Meg Ryan and Alec Baldwin, but "Prelude to a Kiss" debuted in California early in 1988 before moving to off-Broadway in 1990.

Contemporary audiences often view the story, which involves a newly married husband trying to find his true love after he discovers that her soul has been moved into the body of an old man, as a commentary on the meaning of commitment and love. At the time, critics saw "Prelude to a Kiss" as an indirect treatment of the AIDS epidemic, which Lucas had written about more directly in "The Singing Forest" and "The Dying Gaul."

November brings "Opus," written by Michael Hollinger and directed by Eric Walby. "Opus" chronicles the drama of a violin quartet as three of the members agree to fire the fourth, a musical genius; and to replace him with a talented but younger violinist still unsure of her career path.

Personalities clash and conflict builds as the quartet strives to perfect their skills, and the dismissed member hopes to return to the group, for a special performance at the White House that marks the culmination of the play.


In January John Dowgin will direct "How I Learned to Drive," by Paula Vogel. Vogel received the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for this play, which premiered off-Broadway in 1997.

The show follows the main character, L'il Bit, from the time she is 11 and is first molested by her Uncle Peck, through puberty and ultimately to her time at college. The play uses driving as a metaphor of freedom and control; addresses issues such as pedophilia, incest and misogyny; and explores ideas such as control and manipulation.

Alicia Harabin will direct "Ravenscroft," a murder mystery by Don Nigro, in March. Nigro's play brings Inspector Ruffling of Scotland Yard to the Ravenscroft estate after a handyman is killed by a fall down the stairs of the main house, in the same manner that Mr. Ravenscroft died, only months earlier.

Ruffling's investigations are hampered by the conflicting reports of the five suspects from the estate, all of whom are on the dotty side of things — and by the weather, which leaves him trapped with them.

April  brings William Shakespeare's timeless tale of star-crossed lovers. Erik Hall will direct "Romeo and Juliet."

Rounding out the season in June is Jane Anderson's "Defying Gravity," as directed by Tina Lee. This play is tied to the 1986 disaster in which the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after take-off. Characters in the play include a teacher based upon Christa McAuliffe, who was selected from a national pool of entrants to participate in the mission; her daughter Elizabeth; a waitress who works at a bar frequented by NASA staff, and the Impressionist painter Claude Monet.

Preview 'Sunday in the Park with George' in E. Brunswick

Theatergoers can get a sneak preview of "Sunday in the Park with George" this weekend at East Brunswick's Annual Community Day.

The show, written by composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with book by James Lapine, is opening April 19 at Playhouse 22. The free community performance will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center.

Inspired by the painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat, and loosely based upon elements of the artist's life, "Sunday in the Park with George" won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, two Tony Awards for design, and received multiple other awards, including the the 2007 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production.

The show focuses primarily upon Seurat's composition of the painting, and often employs a lyrical and musical style integrated with the pointillist style Seurat pioneered in his work.

The show will run at Playhouse 22, from April 19 through May 5. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $20 for seniors and students, and can be purchased online.

Directed by Jonathan Wierzbicki, with musical direction by Rory Chalcraft, "Sunday in the Park with George" features the talents of Jeff Price, Cristy Miller, Lindsay Adkins, Stephen D. Belfatti, Eric Branda, Thom Boyer, Jenne Carey, Michele Greenspan, Debbie Linge, Stephanie Long, Marissa Marciano, Gregory Newton, Bethany Talley and Mike Yoson.

Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. For more information, call (732) 254-3939.

'A Behanding in Spokane' at Circle Players

“A Behanding in Spokane” is coming to Circle Players this month for three weeks.

Written in 2010 by award-winning playwright Martin McDonagh, "A Behanding in Spokane" tells the story of Carmichael, who has been searching for his missing left hand for 27 years. Enter two bickering lovebirds with a hand to sell, and a hotel clerk with an aversion to gunfire, and what follows is a rollercoaster of love, hate, desperation and hope.

Directed by Gordon Wiener of Martinsville and produced by Joyce Porter of Piscataway, "A Behanding in Spokane" features the talents of Kristina Hernandez as Marilyn, Todd Jones as Mervyn,
Jeff Maschi as Carmichael, and Frederick Philp Jr. as Toby.

The show will run from April 19 to May 5, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and a  3 p.m. matinee on May 5. A wine and cheese reception will follow the opening night performance.

For reservations, call (732) 968-7555, or buy tickets online at circleplayers.com. There is $1 discount per ticket bought online. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $17 for students and seniors. Tickets bought at the theater box office cannot be paid for with a credit card.

Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway.

'The Lion in Winter' at Villagers Theater

"The Lion in Winter" features Derek Mazewkawitz as Philip,
Roger Dornbierer as King Henry II, Rupert Hinton as Richard,
Mark Kalet as Geoffrey, P.J. Campacci as John, Marina
Vrahnos as Eleanor, and Becca Dognall as Alais.

 

"The Lion in Winter" will roar onto the mainstage at Villagers Theatre this weekend with an opening performance Friday.

Set during Christmas in 1183 in medieval France, King Henry II's sons battle, not only for the position of "successor to the throne," but also for parental affection. The king's estranged wife favors their eldest son, while Henry himself champions his youngest as his heir.

With intelligence and humor, this fictional play presents a historically accurate picture that still resonates with relevance today. These characters from 800 years ago still quarrel with spouses, compete with annoying siblings, indulge in adultery and sexual experimentation, and struggle to balance work and family. This quintessential drama of domestic turmoil and competing ambitions is as ageless as civilization.

Directed by Ana Kalet and produced by Marie Fiorello, "The Lion in Winter" will run for three weekends, from April 5 through April 21. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets cost $20; discounts are available for students, seniors and groups. Tickets may be purchased online.

"The Lion in Winter" features the talents of Roger Dornbierer as King Henry, Marina Vrahnos as Eleanor, Becca Dognall as Alais, Rupert Hinton as Richard, Mark Kalet as Geoffrey, Derek Mazukiewicz as Phillip, and P.J. Campacci as John.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset.

'100 Saints You Should Know' at Edison Valley Playhouse

Edison Valley Playhouse will continue its run of "100 Saints You Should Know" this weekend.

"100 Saints You Should Know" centers on Father McNally, a conflicted priest who leaves his congregation to do some soul-searching at home while staying with his "uncomprehending" mother, Colleen.

This award-winning drama intriguingly extends to the strife between a cleaning lady, Theresa, and her 16-year-old daughter, Abby, as well as to Colleen's grocery delivery boy, Garrett, who is grappling with his own sexuality.

Each character in the play is seeking both spiritual and earthly bonds, or as Theresa says at one point in the show, "A surge of the heart, a cry of recognition and love."

The cast includes Paul Zeller as Father McNally, and features the mother/daughter team of Beth and Hannah Painter playing Theresa and her daughter Abby. Dreamcatcher Repertory veteran Noreen Farley plays Colleen. Rounding out the cast is Aaron Black as Garrett.

"100 Saints You Should Know" will run through April 11 at Edison Valley Playhouse, 2196 Oak Tree Road in Edison. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, at 2 p.m. Sunday and at 8 p.m. April 11.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $17 for seniors and students. For reservations, call (908) 755-4654.

Casting Call: 'On Golden Pond'

Kelsey Theater will be holding auditions for "On Golden Pond" from 7 to 10 p.m. April 17 and 18. If needed, callbacks will be on April 20. Auditionees will need to prepare a two-to-three-minute monologue, and will be given readings assigned by the director. 


Norman Thayer, Jr. (79)
Ethel Thayer (69)
Chelsea Thayer Wayne (mid- to late 30s)
Billy Ray (13 [must be 12 or older to audition])
Charlie Martin (mid- to late 30s)
Bill Ray (mid- to late 30s)
PERFORMANCE INFO:
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. June 14, 15, 21, and 22, and at 2 p.m. June 16 and 23.


To make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact kelseyongoldenpond@gmail.com.