'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' opens at Plays-in-the-Park

As it has for the past 19 years, Dec. brings the annual production of Plays-in-the-Park's "Joseph and

the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" to the State Theatre in New Brunswick. If you haven't seen it, now is the season to do so - and if you've seen it before, why not revisit the show, as there is a new Joseph.

There will be four performances; Dec. 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $7.00 and must be purchased through the State Theatre Box Office. 

The first full length musical by legendary theatrical team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, "Joseph" is a retelling of the biblical story of Joseph, his devoted father, his jealous brother, and his incredible series of adventures. Filled with youthful energy, "Joseph" combines a wide variety of musical styles- everything from country to calypso to rock n' roll- in a series of memorable musical numbers. Described as a high-voltage extravaganza, "Joseph" includes such classic songs as the contemplative "Any Dream Will Do," the Carribean infused 'Benjamin Calypso', the dazzling "Jacob and Sons/ Joseph's Coat," the rockabilly sensation, "Song of the King (Seven Fat Cows)" and the unforgettable "Go, Go, Go Joseph."

Please note that Michael Ferlita will join the cast of "Joseph" 2013, as the 5th actor to play the title character.

For more information call 732-246-7469, 732-548-2885, email pipoffice@playsinthepark.com, or go to the official Joseph webpage.

Also, don't forget to check out the Plays-in-the-Park website.

Casting Call: 'The Musical of Musicals'

Auditions for "The Musical of Musicals, the Musical" will be held at Villagers Theater from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 26.

June is an ingénue who can't pay the rent and is threatened by her evil landlord. Will the handsome leading man come to the rescue? In this hilarious satire of musical theater, one story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim.

Auditionees should prepare either 16 bars of a Rodgers & Hammerstein song and 16 bars of a Stephen Sondheim song, or 16 bars each of two songs from the show. An accompanist will be provided.

Rehearsals will begin shortly after auditions and will be minimal throughout Dec. They will be intensive with a maximum of 10. Therefore, actors who are self-starters and learn quickly will be needed.

The villain, Jitter (baritenor)	The landlord figure who demands the rent be paid or another form of recompense offered.
The hero, Billy (tenor)	The leading man and romantic interest who, in the end, valiantly offers to pay the rent, whether he can or not.
The ingénue, June (Soprano with strong belt)	The leading lady who cannot pay her rent.
The matron, Abby (Mezzo-soprano with extended range and a strong belt)	The older woman to whom June turns for advice, always with the words "Thank you Abby, that was so helpful."

In addition to the parts mentioned above, there may also be a small chorus to supplement the vocals. They may be positioned with the piano and read from the scores for performances. One of this group may be the show's narrator.

If you are interested in auditioning but unable to attend the scheduled audition date, or if you have any questions, contact joe@villagerstheatre.com. Villagers Theater is located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset.

Fundraiser: 'Joy 2 Dance'

Want to learn salsa and swing dance?

Villagers Theatre will offer an hour of salsa and an hour of ballroom swing instruction from 7-11 p.m. Jan. 10 as part of a four-hour event at Joy 2 Dance, 178 Route 206, Hillsborough.

The event, which will also include dinner and a dance performance, will cost $50 per person. Proceeds will benefit Villagers Theatre.

Reservations are limited to 80 people. Payment is due by Dec. 20. For more information, contact boxoffice@villagerstheatre.com or (732)873-2710.

Casting Call: 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Villagers Theater will be holding auditions for 'Little Shop of Horrors' from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19. Callbacks will be held from 7-11 p.m. Nov. 21.

A down-and-out Skid Row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, eventually revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination. Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, 'Little Shop of Horrors' never fails to entertain.

Auditionees should be prepared to read from the script and take part in a dance audition. They will also need to prepare a 32-bar song in the style of the show and bring sheet music. A cappella is not permitted.

Audrey (25-35, G#3-D5)	Bleached-blond, secret love of Seymour's life. She has poor self-worth and education, but incredibly good looks and a sweet and vulnerable demeanor. Innocent but street smart.
Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon (20-35, Ab3-F5)	African-American street urchins, acting as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality.
Mr. Mushnik (55-65, G2-F4)	The seasoned owner of the failing East Side flower shop and Seymour's nosy boss. He is profit-driven, greedy, and manipulative.
Orin Scrivello (30-40, G2-G4)	An egotistical dentist with a passion for leather and sadistic tendencies. Audrey's abusive boyfriend, who is targeted by Seymour. The actor will play multiple roles.
Seymour Krelborn (25-35, A2-G4	An insecure, put-upon florist's clerk and eventual hero. He is a well-meaning man who is taken for granted because of his clumsy ways and poor social skills.
Audrey II (puppet)	An anthropomorphic cross between a Venus flytrap and an avocado, the plant has an appetite for human flesh that is appeased by Seymour. Puppeteer doubles as other sizes of the plant.
Voice of Audrey II (G2-G4	An actor/vocalist located offstage. The voice is that of a conniving, street-smart 'villain.' A funky Rhythm and Blues voice is best.

There will be five rehearsals in Dec. Starting in Jan., there will be rehearsals three times a week, two weeknights and one Saturday or Sunday, for a five-week period.

If you have any questions, contact donna@villagerstheatre.com. Villagers Theater is located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset.

Casting Call: 'The Last Five Years'

Villagers Theater will hold auditions for "The Last Five Years" from 3-6 p.m. Nov. 16. Callbacks will be from 3-6 p.m. November 23.

'The Last Five Years' is a contemporary song-cycle musical that ingeniously chronicles the five-year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up, or from break-up to meeting, depending on how you look at it.

Catherine Hiatt (25-35)	Character arcs from an ambitious, fresh-faced girl in a new relationship to a woman stunned by a betrayal and a divorce that she is only beginning to understand. Those auditioning for Catherine must prepare 32-bar cuts from "Still Hurting" and "A Summer In Ohio."
JAMIE WLLERSTEIN (25 - 35 years old)	Character arcs from an ambitious guy on a promising first date with a dazzling career to someone who is blinded by success and ego. He is very lovable, yet makes unintentional choices that sabotages his own happiness. Those auditioning for Jamie must prepare 32-bar cuts from "Shiksa Goddess" and "Nobody Needs To Know."

10-12 rehearsals will take place during Dec. and early Jan. Tech week will be Jan 6-8. Auditionees must be at least 18 years old.

If you have any questions regarding auditions or the audition process, contact corey@villagerstheatre.com. To get sheet music, contact joe@villagerstheatre.com. Villagers Theater is located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset.

'Opus' at Circle Players

"Opus" will open Nov. 15 at Circle Players. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 15 to Dec. 1 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1.

After firing one of their founding members due to his erratic behavior, a world-class string quartet takes a chance on a gifted but relatively inexperienced young woman. With only a few days to rehearse a grueling Beethoven masterpiece, the four struggle to prepare their highest-profile performance ever—a televised ceremony at the White House. Their rehearsal room becomes a pressure-cooker as passions rise, personalities clash, and the players are forced to confront the ephemeral nature of their life’s work. The cast features Patrick Andrae, Brian Craig, Shawna Lagan, Jeff Maschi, and David Romankow.

Tickets cost $18 per adult and $17 per senior or student. Credit cards will not be accepted.

To make a reservation, or for more information, call (732)968-7555. Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway.

A Chorus Line at Villagers Theatre opens tomorrow!

Starting tomorrow, Villagers Theatre will be performing "A Chorus Line" on its main stage.

"A Chorus Line" shows run from Nov. 8 to Nov. 24, with shows at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. Group rates are available upon request. Tickets are selling out quickly. Order them online or reserve them today!

Written by James Kirkwood and Nicolas Dante, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, "A Chorus Line" garnered almost every award imaginable, including nine Tony Awards (including Best Musical) and the Pulitzer Prize. It was one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history (nearly 15 years). Set during an audition for a Broadway show, young performers share their deepest hopes, fears and dreams as they compete for the chance of a lifetime. "A Chorus Line", featuring one of the most brilliant scores ever written for the stage, is an enthralling and emotional metaphor for what drives each of us to pursue our dreams. 

 Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset. For more information, call (732) 873-2710 or visit the Villagers web site.

732-873-2710

732-873-2710

732-873-2710

Director: Patrick Starega
Choreographer: Patrick Starega
Producer: Marie Fiorello
Stage Manager: Judi Silver-Thaw

'A Chorus Line' at Villagers Theater

"A Chorus Line" opens at Villagers Theater this Friday.

Set during an audition for a Broadway show, young performers share their deepest hopes, fears and dreams as they compete for the chance of a lifetime. Featuring one of the most brilliant scores ever written for the stage, "A Chorus Line" is an enthralling and emotional metaphor for what drives each of us to pursue our dreams. The show garnered almost every award imaginable, including nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize. It was one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.

The show features Kevin Albanese as Don, Margot Bergeron as Tricia, Wesley Cappiello as Mark, Rory Connolly as Mike, Alicia Cordero as Diana, Mandy Crawford as Vicki, Darius Delk as Richie, Michal Efron as Lori, Carissa Gaughran as Maggie, Jaimie Geddes as Cassie, Christopher J. Guell as Frank, Tyron Howard as Butch, Lindsey Jordan as Connie, Chelsey Loeb as Lois, Kris Longwell as Zach, Ben Menahem as Al, Dwight Merritt as Roy, Rob Olen as Tom, Abby Oliver as Kristine, Liat Perelman as Bebe, Natalee Phemsint as Judy, Todd Roman as Bobby, Danielle Rothweiler as Sheila, Francois Suhr as Paul, Koren Zander as Greg, Jenna Zielinski as Val; and Wesley Loon, Dotti Friis, Leslie Hochman, Mandy Crawford, Margot Bergeron, Alissa Valiente, Thomas C. Buckley, Rob Olen, and Christopher J. Guell as pit singers.

The show will run 8-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays Nov. 8-24. Tickets cost $20 per adult, and $18 per senior or student.

To purchase tickets, go to https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=36046. To reserve them, visit http://www.villagerstheatre.com/tickets/request/. Villagers Theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Casting Call: 'Twelve Angry Men'

Playhouse 22 will be holding open auditions for "Twelve Angry Men" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19, with callbacks on Nov. 20.

Auditionees should prepare a short monologue. There will also be readings from the script. Auditions will be held on a first-come, first-served basis.

Juror #1	Non-confrontational, Juror #1 serves as the foreman of the jury. Is serious about his authoritative role, and wants to be as fair as possible.
Juror #2	The most timid of the group, Juror #2 is easily persuaded by the opinions of others, and cannot explain the roots of his opinions.
Juror #3	The antagonist to the constantly calm Juror #8. Juror #3 is immediately vocal about the supposed simplicity of the case, and the obvious guilt of the defendant. He is quick to lose his temper, and is often infuriated when Juror #8 and other members disagree with his opinions.
Juror #4	A logical, well-spoken stock-broker who urges the other jurors to avoid emotional arguments and engage in rational discussion.
Juror #5	A young man who grew up in the slums. Is nervous about expressing his opinion, especially in front of the elder members of the group
Juror #6	An "honest but dull-witted man" and a house-painter.
Juror #7	A slick and sometimes obnoxious salesman, Juror #7 admits that he would have done anything to miss jury duty. He represents the many real-life individuals who loath the idea of being on a jury.
Juror #8	Thoughtful and gentle, Juror #8 is usually portrayed as the most heroic member of the jury. He is devoted to justice, and is initially sympathetic toward the 19-year-old defendant.
Juror #9	A "mild, gentle old man, defeated by life and waiting to die."
Juror #10	The most abhorrent member of the group, Juror #10 is openly bitter and prejudiced.
Juror #11	A refugee from Europe who has witnessed great injustices. Often feels self-conscious about his foreign accent.
Juror #12	An arrogant and impatient advertising executive. Anxious for the trail to be over so that he can get back to his career and his social life.

Auditions will take place at the East Community Arts Center on 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Performances will be from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2. For more information, contact twelveangrymen@playhouse22.org or call (732)254-3939.

Casting Call: 'Les Misérables'

Auditions will be held at Kelsey Theater for "Les Misérables" 7-10 p.m. Nov. 11, 18, 19, and 20.

Auditionees will need to sing a complete song from a musical, and to bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. All roles require solo singing and vocal stamina.

Audition appointments are highly encouraged.

Jean Valjean (tenor, late 30s–mid-60s)	The protagonist of our story, a powerfully built but fundamentally gentle former convict. Needs a singer with extended range to a high C and a comfortable falsetto.
Police Inspector Javert (bass-baritone, late 30s–mid-60s)	Disciplined and driven police inspector defined by the prey he hunts, and by the Old Testament idea of justice that underlies that hunt. Though tightly controlled, Javert is not a robot, a martinet, nor lacking in cleverness or intelligence. Need a powerful singer with a rich, full sound, high range to a G.
Thenardier (baritone, early thirties–early fifties)	An innkeeper, con artist, thief, and petty grifter; he rises above some of his peers through a combination of surprising charisma and just enough cleverness to survive. Thenardier is amoral, certainly closer to actual evil than any of the other characters in the play, and if it were not for his basic lack of ambition, he'd be truly dangerous.
Marius Pontmercy (baritone, mid-20s)	A young and idealistic student, given to wild displays of emotion. More of a second-in-command than a leader. Music covers an extremely wide range and must be very well sung.
Enjolras (tenor, mid-20s)	A student, and Marius' friend. Enjolras is a natural leader, and must be powerfully charismatic. He is also optimistic and extremely intelligent, albeit reckless.
Fantine (mezzo-soprano, late 20s)	An ordinary factory girl, driven by bad fortune and worse circumstances to utter desperation. Needs mezzo-soprano range with a very strong medium-to-high belt.
Cosette (soprano, early 20s)	A young woman who has been raised under tight supervision and with great care; as a result she is confident, secure, well-mannered, and perhaps just the tiniest bit stir-crazy.
Eponine (belter, 18-25)	A street girl, Thenardier's daughter; she is experienced, clever, and competent, outwardly cynical but secretly hopeful. Must be an excellent singer with a high belt and comfortable low range.
Madame Thenardier (alto or mezzo-soprano, early 30s-early 50s)	Thenardier's wife, and his perfect match; she is more clever than her husband, though perhaps not quite so charming. Extremely forceful, memorable, and unsettling personality.
Gavroche (9-10)	A young boy, without apparent home or family, who more or less runs the streets of Paris in his own way. Resourceful, precocious, aggressive, and impulsive. Needs a strong, unchanged male voice.
Young Cosette (9-10)	A young girl, completely lost and vulnerable. Needs a light "little girl" voice with no belt.
Ensemble	Includes, among other characters, the Bishop of Digne, constables, student revolutionaries, soldiers, peasants, factory workers, convicts, laborers, prostitutes, aristocrats, and criminals. All roles require extensive solo singing, and actors of all ages and types are needed.

Performances will be performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays from March 28 to April 13. Callbacks for the show will be held Nov. 23 or 24.

To make an appointment, contact (609)378-5515 or ptpauditions@gmail.com. Auditions will be held in the Communications Building next to the theater, which is on the Mercer County College Campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.