Friday, May 31, 2013

'The Light in the Piazza' at Villagers Theater

"The Light in the Piazza" will run June 7-23 at Villagers Theater.
 
In this elegant story of courtship and of conflict of conscience, set in Tuscany in 1953, Clara, a young, childlike American woman, falls in love with a handsome Florentine, Fabrizio. Clara travels with her mother, middle-aged, middle-class Mrs. Johnson, who opposes the affair for reasons gradually revealed as the story unfolds. Torn between protecting her vulnerable daughter and allowing her the chance for happiness, Mrs. Johnson lovingly navigates her internal conflict. Adam Guettel, grandson of Richard Rodgers, gives us convincingly ordinary characters who find extraordinary self-expression in song. Infusing the tired old woes and wonders of midlife disenchantment and autumnal romance with fresh shadow and light, The Light in the Piazza celebrates young love with sumptuous melodies and richly intelligent lyrics.

The cast features Erin Kishpaugh as Margaret Johnson, Melissa McKamie as Clara, Joe Rodriguez as Signor Naccarelli, Elena Chalcraft as Signora Naccarelli, Faisal Sheikh as Fabrizio Naccarelli, Jason Barrameda as Giuseppe, Christine Paccillo as Franca, Christopher "CJ" Carter as Priest and ensemble; and Jillian Wagner, Jenne Carey, Michaela Jenkins, Jessica Zorn, Kelly Maizenaski and Dylan Coker as ensemble.   

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays June 7-23. Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors and students. To purchase tickets, go to https://app.ticketturtle.com/index.php?actions=4&p=1.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Casting Call: 'Spamalot'

Kelsey Theater will be holding auditions for Monty Python's "Spamalot" from July 13 to 14.

"Spamalot" tells the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. However, diverting a bit from the usual story, this hilarious musical features such oddities as a line of beautiful dancing girls, the Knights who say Ni and killer rabbits. Outside there is plague with a 50% chance of pestilence and famine. Throughout the show Arthur, traveling with his servant Patsy, recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad.

Auditions will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 13 and from 12-5 p.m. July 14. If needed, callbacks will be from 7-10 p.m. July 15.

Most of the actors in Spamalot will play multiple roles. These roles may not necessarily correspond with the gender or age of the actor. English, Scottish, and/or French accents are a plus.

The show will require a dance corps that does not necessarily need to sing. Auditionees for the dance corps should sign up for an audition time in the first hour of each audition day. They will be taught a more difficult dance combination then the actors and will be given the option of performing a song or monologue or simply vocalizing with the music director.

All actors must be at least 18 years old.

King Arthur (30-55) BaritoneKing of the Britons. Has trouble counting to three.
Lady of the Lake (25-45)
Alto
A Diva. Strong, beautiful, possesses mystical powers.
Sir Robin (25-35)
Baritone
Called 'Sir Robin the Brave,' but couldn't be more cowardly. Joins the Knights for the singing and dancing.
Sir Lancelot (25-35)
Baritone
He is fearless to a bloody fault but through a twist of fate, does discover his 'softer side.
Patsy (25-45)
Baritone
King Arthur's servant and horse. Underappreciated but always longing for King Arthur's approval.
Sir Bedevere (30-45)
Baritone
The Strangely Flatulent. An inept scholar.
Sir Galahad (25 – 35)
Tenor
Begins as Dennis, a lower class 'mud gatherer' who transforms into the dashing Sir Galahad.
Prince Herbert (20-35)
Tenor
The hopeful and frilly prince who loves to sing and pines for his love atop a tower.
Female Ensemble (20-30) Laker Girls, Ladies in Waiting, etc.
Male Ensemble (20-30)Knights of the round table, Frenchmen, etc.

Additional roles, which will be doubled with other parts, include the Historian, Mayor of Mooseville, Not Dead Fred, Brother Maynard, Sir Bors, French Taunters, Knights of Ni, Tim the Enchanter, The Black Knight, Assorted French people, Prince Herbert’s Father and the confused guards.

For more information, or to schedule an audition, go to mponstage.com/registration. Kelsey Theater is located in Mercer County Community College's West Windsor Campus.

If you have problems scheduling an audition, contact audition@mponstage.com or call (609)882-2292.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Casting Call: 'Legally Blonde:The Musical'

Tonight is the last night Villagers Theater will have auditions for its Teensvill production "Legally Blonde: The Musical."

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside-down, however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get in as well. At school, she struggles with peers, professors, and Warner Huntington. With the help of Paulette and Emmett, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

Auditionees should prepare a song from an upbeat contemporary musical. They should also bring dance attire. Auditions will run from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Callbacks will be from 3-7 p.m. June 1. Rehearsals will begin June 3.

All auditionees must be between 13 and 19 years old.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays from July 26 to August 11. All tickets will cost $16, and must be reserved.

For more information, contact donna@villagerstheatre.com.

Friday, May 24, 2013

'The Grapes of Wrath' at Playhouse 22

"The Grapes of Wrath," a play closely following the novel by John Steinbeck, will be opening on June 7 at Playhouse 22.


Set during the Great Depression, the play focuses on the Joads, a poor family of tenant farmers driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in financial and agricultural industries. Due to their nearly hopeless situation brought on by the Dust Bowl, the Joads set out for California. Along with thousands of other "Okies," they sought jobs, land, dignity, and a future.

The show's cast includes Casey Woods as Tom Joad, John Pinto as Pa Joad,
Jean Habrukowich as Ma Joad, Josh Rowand as Al Joad, Kerri Lynn Sirkin as Rose Of Sharon,  George Mantas as Connie Rivers , David Learn as Noah Joad, Ryan Gordon as Winfield Joad, Marissa Marciano as Ruthie Joad, Jack Bathke as Casy, David Clarke as Muley, Sherry Lilenfeld as Grandma Joad and Mrs. Wainwright, Russ Ortiz as Floyd Knowles, Emily Kinney as Aggie Wainwright, Edward Kosberg as Grandpa Joad, Michael Mangarella as Uncle John; and Jenna Carey, Allan Gersmensa, Ray Kelton, Ruth Learn, Éowyn Learn, Sarah MacMillan, Donna Malcolm, Maggie Murtha, Diana Puertas, and Pete Trabucco as the ensemble.

The show runs at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays from June 7 to 23. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.playhouse22.org/?page_id=32.

Portions of the opening weekend ticket sales will go to the American Red Cross to help those affected by the Oklahoma tornado. To make a donation to the American Red Cross, visit RedCross.org.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Auditons for Kelsey Theater Dance Squad

Kelsey Theater will be holding auditions for the Kelsey Theatre Dance Squad, headed by Rachel Tovar.

The Kelsey Theater Dance Squad will be performing at the 2013 Kelsey Theatre Awards at 7 p.m. August 10. The Kelsey Theater Awards, which honors community theater professionals for distinguished Kelsey Theatre productions, has been a community theater event since 2009.


Last year, the Dance Squad performed Dance at the Gym and America from "West Side Story," He Had It Coming from "Chicago," And I Am Telling You from "Dreamgirls," Too Darn Hot from "Kiss Me, Kate," and You Can't Stop the Beat from "Hairspray."

Auditions for this year's squad will be from 12 to 2 p.m. June 9 at Mercer County Community College. The audition will dance place in the campus' dance studio in PE225. You must be at least 13 to audition for the Dance Squad. Both male and female dancers should audition.

Please arrive for your audition already stretched and warmed up, as there will be no warm up session during the audition. The auditions will feature intense dancing and moving, so dress appropriately. Auditionees should bring a recent photo of themselves to the audition, as well as a resumé. To sign up for the audition, fill out the audition form at kelseyawards.weebly.com. If auditionees do not sign up in advance, they will not be able to audition. Those with multiple summer conflicts will not be considered.

Rehearsals will begin in June, with about two per week. The days of the rehearsals will depend on the members' availability. There will be a mandatory rehearsal from 11 to 5 p.m. August 10. The show will be at 7 p.m. August 10.

If you have any questions, contact KelseyAwards@gmail.com. Mercer County Community College is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. PE225 is is on the second floor of the Physical Education Building, across the street from Kelsey Theater.

Casting Call: 'A Flea in her Ear'

Yardley Players will hold auditions for "A Flea in Her Ear" late next month.

Set in 1920s Paris, this riotous, broad comedy by Georges Feydeau is complete with marital mixups, secret rendezvous, physical humor, sight gags and split-second timing. Take suspicious spouses, a perfumed love letter, a jealous husband with a pistol, mistaken identities, a well-meaning nephew with a speech impediment, a dimwitted, drunken bellboy, the naughty and notorious Frisky Puss Hotel, slamming doors and a revolving bed; and you have the perfect setting for hijinks, slapstick and confusion

Auditions will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. June 29 and June 30, at Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. No roles are pre-cast and no monologue is required.  Readings will be from the script. Please bring an updated picture and resume.  Audition sheets are available at the Yardley Players web site.

The show is adapted by David Ives, and directed by Mike DiIorio.

The show will run from Sept. 20-29, with shows at 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

Call (215) 968-1904 to schedule an audition.

Cast
Victor Chandebise30-50 years oldUpperclass with little sense of humor. Stiff. Has business savvy. Suspected by wife of having an affair. Actor also plays Poche, a dimwitted, uneducated drunken bellboy at Frisky Puss Hotel.
Raymonde Chadebise25-45 years oldVictor's wife. Elegant, charming and insecure. Flirtatious to Tournel. Doubts her husband's fidelity, and decides to take matters into her own hands, with her friend's help.
Camille Chandebise20-30 years oldVictor's nephew. Has a cleft palate, which prevents him from pronouncing consonants. Good-hearted. Sexually active. Having affair with Antoinette, the maid. A regular at the Frisky Puss Hotel.
Dr. Finache45-55 years oldMedical officer of Victor's company and confidant. Rogue. Lecherous. Frisky Puss regular.
Romain Tournel35-45 years oldA trusted friend of Victor. Bachelor. Gigolo. No morals. Infatuated with Raymonde.
Lucienne Hominides de Histangua25-45 years oldRaymonde's dearest friend. Conniving. Witty. Married to the fiery and jealous Carlos De Histuagua. (Spanish a plus, but not necessary.)
Carlos Hominides de Histangua40-55 years oldHusband of Lucienne and potential client of Victor. A fiery, jealous, macho Spaniard. Carries a pistol, just in case it's needed. Thick Spanish accent. (Spanish a plus, but not necessary.)
Antoinette22-30 years oldChandibise's maid. Married to Etienne but is having an affair with Camille. Sly, pert, flirtatious.
Etienne30-40 years oldChandebise's valet. Arrogant. Self-important. Married to Antoinette.
Ferrallion45-60 years oldProprietor of the Frisky Puss. Former military, he runs his hotel with precision and discipline. Tall. Not very tolerant toward people. ("Basil Fawlty" type)
Olympia40-50 years oldWife of Feraillon and co-owner of Frisky Puss. Former courtesan. Flirty with customers. (Old habits die hard.)
Eugenie20-35 years oldHotel chambermaid. Independent. Not happy with job or her boss (Ferraillon).
Baptiste60-70 years oldFeraillon's uncle. He serves hotel "decoy" to ensure privacy of the hotel patrons.
Rugbyany ageAn English guest at French hotel. Stood up on numerous occasions. Doesn't understand French. Easily angered.

Casting Call: 'A Flea in her Ear'

Yardley Players will be holding auditions for "A Flea in her Ear" from 1-5 p.m. June 29 and 30. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays from September 20 to 29.

Set in 1920's Paris, this riotous, broad comedy is complete with marital mix-ups, secret rendezvous, physical humor, sight gags and split second timing. Suspicious spouses, a perfumed love letter, a jealous husband with a pistol, mistaken identities, a well-meaning nephew with a speech impediment, a dim-witted, drunken bellboy, the naughty and notorious Frisky Puss Hotel, slamming doors and a revolving bed, and you have the perfect setting for hijinks, slapstick and confusion.

Victor Chandebise (30-50) Upper class with little sense of humor. Stiff. Has business savvy. Suspected by his wife of having an affair. Actor also plays Poche, a dim-witted, uneducated drunken bellboy at Frisky Puss Hotel.
Raymonde Chandebise (25-45) Victor's wife. Elegant, charming, and insecure. Flirtatious to Romain Tournel. Doubts her husband's fidelity, and decides to take matters into her own hands, with her friend's help.
Camille Chandebise (20-30) Victor's nephew. Has a cleft pallet preventing him from pronouncing consonants. Good-hearted. Sexually active. Having affair with Antoinette, the maid. A regular at the Frisky Puss Hotel.
Dr. Finache (45-55) Medical officer of Victor's company and confidant. Rogue. Lecherous. Frisky Puss regular.
Romain Tournel (35-45) A trusted friend of Victor. Bachelor. No morals. Is infatuated with Raymonde.
Lucienne Hominides De Histangua (25-45) Raymonde's dearest friend. Conniving. Witty. Married to the fiery and jealous Carlos De Histuagua. Speaking Spanish is a plus.
Carlos Hominides De Histangua (40-55) Husband of Lucienne and potential client of Victor. A fiery, jealous, macho Spaniard. Carries a pistol, just in case it's needed. Thick Spanish accent. Speaking Spanish is a plus.)
Antoinette (22-30) Chandibise's maid. Married to Etienne but is having an affair with Camille. Sly, pert, flirtatious.
Etienne (30-40) Chandebise's valet. Arrogant. Self-important. Married to Antoinette.
Ferrallion (45-60) Proprietor of the Frisky Puss. Former military, he runs his hotel with precision and discipline. Tall. Not very tolerant towards people.
Olympia (40-50) Wife of Feraillon and co-owner of Frisky Puss. Former courtesan. Flirty with customers. (Old habits die hard.)
Eugenie (20-35) Hotel chambermaid. Independent. Not happy with job or her boss (Ferraillon).
Baptiste (60-70) Feraillon's uncle. He serves hotel "decoy" to ensure privacy of the hotel patrons.
Rugby (any age) An English guest at French hotel. Stood up on numerous occasions. Doesn't understand French. Easily angered.

Auditionees should bring a picture and a resumé. Audition sheets are available at www.yardleyplayers.com.

Call (215)968-1904 to schedule an audition. Auditions are at Mercer County Community College at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Reading: 'The Women' at Holmdel Theater Co.

Holmdel Theatre Co. will host a reading of Clare Booth Luce's "The Women" next month.

Directed by Rudy Palma, "The Women" is an acidic commentary on the pampered lives and power struggles of various wealthy Manhattan socialites and up-and-comers and the gossip that propels and damages their relationships. The play is set in the 1930s.

While men frequently are the subject of their lively discussions and play an important role in the action on-stage, they are strictly characters mentioned but never seen. The author carries audiences through a number of varied scenes, showing not only a somewhat unflattering picture of womanhood, but also a human understanding of and sympathy with some of its outstanding figures.

The plot involves the efforts of a group of women to play their respective roles in an artificial society that consists of vain show, comedy, tragedy, hope and disappointment.


The reading will begin at 7 p.m. June 3. Holmdel Theatre Co. is located at 36 Crawford Corner Road, Holmdel. Admission to the reading is free, but due to its adult themes, it may not be suitable for young children.

Refreshments will be served during intermission.

The reading will feature the talents of Laura Casey as Mary (Mrs. Stephen Haines); Tara Cioletti as Crystal Allen; Debbie O'Brien as Sylvia (Mrs. Howard Fowler); Stephanie Long as Flora (The Countess de Lave); Eve Cannon as Peggy (Mrs. John Day); Leslie Hochman as Mrs. Morehead; Isabel Kinney as little Mary; Faith Dowgin as Edith (Mrs. Phelps Potter); Laurie Devino as Nancy Blake; Samantha Ambler as Miriam Aarons; Jill Mesonas as Jane; Jennifer Lubach as Lucy, Sadie and Miss Watts; Gina Shuster as Olga, Princess Tamara, Helene and "Cigarettes"; Zita Geoffroy-Heinz as Pat, instructress, nurse and ashtray; Shannen Doyle as hairdresser, model, Miss Trimmerback and smart girl; Gina Delio as voice, Lulu, saleswoman two and girl in distress; Carla Zackson-Heller as saleswoman one, Maggie and Dolly Dupuyster; and Grace Modla as the narrator.

Holmdel Theatre Co. has a mission to bring together professional actors, set designers and directors with non-professional community actors and high school students, to create an innovative environment that allows for hands-on education and mentoring. Veterans and new actors work side by side, learning and growing from each other’s talents and experiences.

For more information, call (732) 946-0427, visit the theater's web site, or write to info@holmdeltheatrecompany.org.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Casting Call: 'Big River'

The Pennington Players at Kelsey Theater will be holding auditions for the musical "Big River," an adaptation of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The production will be based on the 2003 Broadway staging by the Roundabout Theater Company and the American Deaf West Theater, and will blend American Sign Language with traditional choreography and staging, offering a unique opportunity for deaf and hearing actors to work in collaboration and providing accessibility to a wide range of audiences.
Auditions for non-deaf actors will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. June 25 and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. June 29. Auditions for deaf actors will be held from 7 to 10 p.m June 27 and from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 29. Callbacks will be held on June 30.

Non-deaf auditionees should prepare one complete song; songs in the style of the show are encouraged. All non-deaf actors will be required to perform some amount of sign interpretation during the show. Deaf auditionees need to prepare a two or three-minute story and to present it in sign language. Please come prepared to dance. Audition appointments are required. 

Parts listed below are for non-deaf actors.


Mark Twain
(male, around 30, tenor)
As the narrator, Mark Twain will provide the speaking and singing voice for the principal role of Huck Finn, as well as for multiple other roles throughout the show. Need an excellent actor with a good sense of humor, a strong singing voice (and plenty of endurance), who can transition quickly and effectively among a number of very different characters. No dancing required for this role, but the ability to play guitar would be a plus.
Jim (male, 30+,  baritone)An escaped slave who becomes Huck's best friend, Jim has spent his life restraining and hiding powerful emotions. Need an actor with good vocal range who is comfortable learning a large amount of ASL choreography as well. No dancing required for this role.
The Duke
(male, 35+, baritone)
A traveling actor and grifter, he is petty, mean, and not particularly bright - but possesses a native cleverness and extraordinary gift for showmanship that keeps him mostly afloat. This actor will also provide the singing and speaking voice for Pap, Huck's dangerously unhinged and alcoholic father.
Tom Sawyer
(male, 15-20, tenor)
Huck's boyhood friend, he is impulsive and believes himself to be a great rebel, though in reality he is a good deal more conventional than Huck. Need an energetic actor who moves well.
Mary Jane Wilkes
(female, 18-24, mezzo-soprano with strong medium belt)
A young and innocent heiress, wide-eyed and good-hearted; in Huck's eyes she represents everything that is good and worth protecting.
The Widow Douglas
(female, 40+, mezzo-soprano)
Huck's adopted caretaker, she is regular and decent in all her ways; she is kind enough but may possibly be going a bit mad as she ages.
Alice's Daughter (female, 20+, belter)A maid, mostly quiet and devoted to her mother. Sings two gospel-style solos.
Ensemble
(male & female,  15+)
In addition to the roles described above, we are seeking approximately four additional actors to play a number of smaller roles throughout the show, including members of Tom Sawyer's gang, townsfolk, Sheriff Bell, Judge Thatcher, and others.

Parts listed below are for deaf actors.


Huck Finn
(male, reads 15-20)
The hero of our story, Huck is earnest, eager, emotional, and stubborn. He is uneducated but not ignorant or disinterested; in fact, learning about the world around him is his greatest passion. Need an extremely expressive actor capable of covering a very wide range of emotion.
The King
(male, 35+)
A traveling con artist and grafter, he is a thoroughly disgusting specimen - unkempt, undignified, and none too bright. He is fairly adaptable, though, and can have moments of brilliance from time to time.
Pap
(male, 50+)
Huck's father, Pap is a certified madman: ignorant, paranoid, and prone to fits of violence exacerbated by a nearly constant state of drunkenness.
Miss Watson (female, 40+)Along with the Widow Douglas, Miss Watson helps care for Huck Finn in his adopted hometown of St. Petersburg. She is tall, reedy, and severe; she misplaced her sense of humor decades ago and has little interest in locating it now.
Ensemble
(male & female, 15+)
In addition to the roles described above, we are seeking approximately four additional actors to play a number of smaller roles throughout the show, including members of Tom Sawyer's gang, townsfolk, and others.

Performances will be held at Kelsey Theater at Mercer County College. Performances will be held at 8 p.m. Fridays and at 2 p.m. Sundays from October 4 to 13.

If auditionees cannot attend the scheduled audition dates, or to make an audition appointment, contact auditions@penningtonplayers.org.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Casting Call: 'Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead'

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" it's not.

NJ Productions will hold auditions later this month for "Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead," by Bert V. Royal. An unauthorized parody, this daring and at times shocking play takes characters from the popular Peanuts comic strip and turns them into teenagers dealing with drug abuse, bullying, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, sex and sexual identity.

When C.B.’s dog contracts rabies and must be euthanized after ripping Woodstock to shreds and nearly biting C.B., he begins to question the existence of an afterlife. A chance meeting with Beethoven, an artistic kid and a bullied kid offer C.B. peace of mind, and set in motion a friendship that pushes teen angst to the very limits.

Auditions will be held at Circle Players in Piscataway, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. May 20 and from 7:45-9:30 p.m. May 21. Sides will be provided. No monologue will be necessary. Directed by Ian Mooreand produced by Nick Kaminski, the show will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from July 26 through Aug. 4 at Circle Players.

Potential cast members should be from 16 years old to their mid-20s.

Cast
C.B.
(Charlie Brown)
C.B. is attractive, popular, and chill. He's just lost his dog, and due to this, he begins pondering what happens when one dies.
C.B.'s sister
(Sally)
C.B.'s Sister is struggling to find her own identity and she tends to gravitate towards certain "stereotypes." She has lost a lot of respect for her brother in recent years, but towards the end of the play, she realizes he's the same old Charlie.
Beethoven
(Shroeder)
Beethoven is shy, quiet and extremely talented. Once close friends with the rest of the group, he is now an outcast.
Matt (Pigpen)Matt is loud, popular, and a guy's guy. He is rather obnoxious, but very attractive. He and C.B. are close friends. Matt used to be quite the dirtball as a kid, but now is obsessed with cleanliness. He is also extremely homophobic.
Van (Linus)The philosopher of the group since childhood, Van is a stoner. He has lots of views of the world, and is C.B.'s best friend.
Tricia York (Peppermint Patty)She is bossy and a crazy party girl. She's very popular and extremely mean.
Marcy (Marcy)Tricia's best friend and a follower. She's a mean party girl, mostly because Tricia is.
Van's Sister (Lucy)She's C.B.'s put-on-hold girlfriend, put on hold after being institutionalized for setting Little Red-Haired Girl's hair on fire. She's bossy, independent, and a true friend to C.B.

'Tick, Tick ... Boom' at Edison Valley Playhouse

"Tick, Tick ... Boom" continues its run tonight at Edison Valley Playhouse.

Written by composer Jonathan Larson, who won a Pulitzer and two Tony awards for his musical "Rent," "Tick,Tick ... Boom!" is Larson's autobiographical tale of a young composer on the brink of turning 30 and falling into oblivion.

The shows takes audiences on the playwright-composer's journey that led to the Broadway blockbuster "Rent." His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue, and yet Jon is still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical. Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery is a rock musical filled with appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical styles.

"Tick, Tick ... Boom" is directed by David Christopher, and features musical direction by Greg Scalera and choreography by Michele Mossay.

Starring Tony Mowatt, Krissy Daniels and Jonathan G. Galvez, "Tick, Tick ... Boom" will run through May 25, with shows at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. May 19. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

Reservations are available online, or by calling (908) 755-4654.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Casting Call: The Frog Prince

Somerset Valley Players will hold auditions for "The Frog Prince" this evening.

Auditions will be held at the theater, located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough, beginning at 7 p.m. May 7. The show is adapted by Max Bush from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, and tells the tale of a beautiful princess and her golden ball, a magical panther in need of assistance, and an engaging enchantress determined to teach a self-absorbed prince a powerful lesson in humility.

Auditioners should dress comfortably, and come prepared to demonstrate special talents such as juggling, tumbling or dancing.

The show will be directed by Emily M. Windus and Kathryn Murray. The show will run from July 19 through Aug. 4, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, write to webmaster@svptheatre.org, or call (908) 369-7469.

Roles:

Luana (younger)10-14 years oldPrincess of the golden ball
Luana (older)13-17 years oldThe same princess, 3 years older
Erik16-20 years oldThe frog prince
Heinrich16-20 years oldErik's servant
Hag30-plus years oldMother witch
Pantera13-17 years oldThe witch's daughter, and a panther
Gerda12-plus years oldA maid
Marta12-plus years oldA maid
King Keisel40-plus years oldLuana's father, the king
Darcy10-15 years oldLuana's younger brother
Dagmar16-25 years oldLuana's older sister
Hans16-25 years oldDagmar's husband
Court entertainers10-plus years oldJugglers, tumblers, dancers, etc.

Monday, May 6, 2013

'Candide' at Main Street Theatre Co.

"Candide" is coming to Parlin late this month.

Based on the original writings of the French philosopher Voltaire, this sophisticated yet wacky operetta is a comedy with shades of Monty Python. This funny, irreverent satire is a musical expression of Voltaire's tongue-in-cheek send-up of optimistic philosophies set to a score by Leonard Bernstein, with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Produced and directed by Vince Tinebra, "Candide" will run at Main Street Theatre Co. from May 31 to June 15, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Musical direction is by Bruce De La Cruz.

A fast-paced two-act musical, "Candide" follows its titular hero as he is expelled from home, drafted into the Bulgarian army, brought before the Spanish Inquisition, swindled out of a fortune, shipwrecked on a desert isle, and separated time and again from his true love, Cunegonde, who bears with remarkable dignity a variety of carnal encounters by almost everybody everyone she meets. Through it all, Candide remembers the lesson of his dear master Dr. Pangloss: everything is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.

Tickets are available by calling (732) 553-1153 or online, at www.smstc.org.

Casting Call: 'Peter Pan & Wendy'

Aspiring child actors will get a chance to aim for the second star from the right this Tuesday, with auditions for "Peter Pan & Wendy."

Main Street Theatre Co., located at 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin, will hold its second night of auditions, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7. This will be a junior production, for actors from 5 to 12 years old. Call backs will be done by appointment.

Adapted from the James M. Barrie book, with new music by Eric Stedman and additional melodies by Beatrice Alderman, Dorian Welch, Marie Louka, and Claude Debussy, "Peter Pan & Wendy" will feature four matinee performances, at 2 p.m. July 27 and July 28, and Aug. 3 and Aug. 4.

Auditioners should prepare at least 16 measures of a song. Auditions will be a cappella, but actors may be asked to sing a scale. Readings and dance will be at call backs.

The show will be produced by Patrick Schladebeck, and directed by Jessica Mennella and Rosellen Schussler.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

'Two Sides of Love' at Circle Players

"Two Sides of Love" will open at Circle Players next weekend.

Presented by 624 Productions, "Two Sides of Love" is a romantic comedy set in present-day New York. Written in the style of a classic sitcom but with the flair and pace of today’s world, the cast includes young lovers who are naïve but cosmopolitan, a wisecracking know-it-all, a skeptic who learns love isn’t always easy or black-and-white, and a person from the past with secrets and misunderstandings. In the end, each must discover her own level of tolerance in order to find what truly makes them happy.

The show opens at 8 p.m. May 10, with additional performances at 8 p.m. May 11, May 17 and May 18. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $17 for seniors and students. Due to strong language, no one younger than 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.

Directed and produced by Tom Baldinger and presented by 624 Productions, the show features the talents of Patrick Albanesius, Emily West, Kevin C. Carr, Debbie Glick and Maddie Patrick. Set and light design are by Mike Rapalye.

'Thoroughly Modern Millie' at Villagers Theater

Villagers Theater's Miniature Musical Makers will be performing "Thoroughly Modern Millie," opening May 3.

Based on a 1967 film of the same name, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" tells the story of a small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love – a thoroughly modern aim in 1922, when women were just entering the workforce. Millie soon begins to take delight in the flapper lifestyle, but problems arise when she checks into a hotel owned by the leader of a white slavery ring in China.

Performances will be held at 8 p.m. May 3 and 4, and at 2 p.m. May 5. Tickets are $10 each, and must be reserved ahead of time.

The show is directed by Cory Rubel, with musically direction by Francois Suhr, and features Jessica Kimberlin, Danny Scerbo, Julia Parks, Sam Leibowitz-Lord, Lindsay Kazar, Ricky Francese, Akshay Gokul, Emily Conlon, Sarah Taylor, Angela Romeo, Rachel Aguiles, Julia Mandalakis, Emma DeMayo, Alyssa Aguiles, Emma Deatz, Julia Taylor, Brendan Watts, Addie Hanzich, Sabrina Schubert, Brandon Luckenbaugh, Michael Koutros, Luci Ryan, Patrick Blood, Michael Guarmeri, Celia Schmeidler, Josephine Estes, Kathryn Tamayo and Krista Caasi.

To purchase tickets, go to http://www.villagerstheatre.com/tickets/buy/. For more information, contact villtheatrearts@villagerstheatre.com. Villagers Theater is located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Casting call: 'Prelude to a Kiss'

It's the prelude to a new season.

Circle Players will hold auditions for "Prelude to a Kiss" at 7 p.m. June 9 and June 10. Callbacks will be held at 7 p.m. June 17. Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Directed by Jessica Sherman, the show will be the season opener for the theater's 2013-14 season.

Rehearsals will begin in mid-July, with performances beginning at 8 p.m. Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28, and at 3 p.m. Sept. 29.

Familiar to many because of the film starring Meg Ryan and Alec Baldwin, "Prelude to a Kiss" tells the story of 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 who kissed her immediately following their wedding.

The show debuted in California early in 1988 before moving to off-Broadway in 1990. It was adapted for the silver screen in 1992. Critics at the time saw "Prelude to a Kiss" as an indirect treatment of the AIDS epidemic, which playwright Craig Lucas had written about in "The Singing Forest" and "The Dying Gaul."

Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway. For more information, write to circleplayersnj@gmail.com, or visit the theater's web site.

Roles to fill

PeterLate 20s to mid-30sSmart, open, honest, falls desperately and hopelessly in love with Rita. Almost never leaves the stage. He also gives speeches directly to the audience. Charismatic, not smarmy.
Ritamid-20s to early 30sBeautiful, but unaware of how beautiful she is. Lost – she’s looking for purpose and passion, and finds much of that in Peter. Puts on a brave front, but underneath is very afraid of life and the future.
Old Manlate 50s and upGrizzled, weary with a faded, biting humor underneath. This gentleman is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s and has only a few months left to live. He is fascinated by Rita – her beauty, youth and openness.
Dr. Boylemid-50s to mid-60sAlso plays Party Guest. Devoted to his family, was once very close with Rita, but knows he’s now a bit disconnected from her. He is fiercely protective of her.
Mrs. Boylemid-50s to mid-60sAlso plays Party Guest. Gets a huge kick out of her husband, but is envious of the bond between Rita and her father.
Leahmid-30s to early 40sAlso plays Party Guest, Aunt Dorothy. The Old Man’s daughter. Exhausted, long-suffering.
Taylorlate 20s to early 30sPeter’s best friend. Wisecracks a lot, fancies himself a ladies’ man. The constant self-deprecation belies a great deal of insecurity.
Tomlate 30s to late 40sAlso plays Uncle Fred and Partyguest. Bartender at Rita’s job. Protective of Rita.
Ministermid-30s to mid-40sAlso plays Leah’s husband, Party Guest and Waiter. Straitlaced but jovial.