Saturday, December 28, 2013

'The Last Five Years' at Villagers Theatre

He's a novelist. She's an actress. In a city where professional and personal passions collide, navigating the waters of love and matrimony can sometimes be too much.

Villagers Theatre will stage four performances of "The Last Five Years," with shows at 8 p.m. Jan. 9-11, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 12. Tickets cost $16 per seat.

Written by playwright Jason Robert Brown, "The Last Five Years" explores a five-year relationship between twentysomethings Jamie Wellerstein and Cathy Hyatt, by telling Jamie's story in chronological order and Cathy's story in reverse. The show is directed by Corey Rubel

Tickets are available online. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

'Not Your Mother's Black Box' at Villagers Theatre

This is not your mother's black box -- again.

Villagers Theatre will have a  night of standup comedy and music at 8 p.m. Jan. 18. Performers include Jerrold Benford, Dan Bocchino, Sarah Goldbloom, and Shahryar. Be advised: This is not the standard family-friendly black box fare. Tickets cost $15 each.

The theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset. Tickets are available online.

About the performers:

Jerrold Benford is establishing himself as a fixture on the eastern comedy circuit.  Born and raised in Virginia, Benford began his career in New Jersey, where he quickly made a name for himself and performed at in the state and New York City's finest clubs, including: Rascals, Broadway Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, Stand Up N.Y., Gotham Comedy Club, and Caroline’s on Broadway.

Within two years of his standup debut, Jerrold has featured and headlined clubs, colleges, and private functions all over the tri-state area. His distinctive perspective on dating and marriage topics combines with a high-energy, friendly delivery to create wickedly clever content and a wildly funny act.

Dan Bocchino has been performing stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy in various forms for over 10 years. What began as a five-minute open mike spot in the back room of a small bar in Bloomfield, has blossomed into 10-minute spots in clubs just outside Bloomfield.

Bocchino has performed at clubs across New Jersey, New York City and Boston. In addition to his solo stand-up work, Dan was a founding member of the Boston sketch comedy troupe Slow Children at Play and a former member of the Montclair improv group Lunatic Fringe.

He is also an avid playwright, having written and produced one-act shows at festivals in both New York City and New Jersey. Dan lives in New Jersey with his wife, son and middle-age Shih Tzu.

Sarah Goldbloom is a local singer and songwriter who has been playing music and singing since her early childhood. Goldbloom loves music that tells a story, and loves to connect with her audience is what she sets out to do at each of her shows. She believes there is nothing better than bringing a group of people together from all different backgrounds and experiences and uniting them with one song.

Shahryar is a stand-up comedian from Washington, D.C. His topics include his work as a federal employee, his life at home, and everyday things he’s observed. He has been featured in the Washington Post and Voice of America. A regular at the DC Improv and other comedy venues, Shahryar was invited to perform at the 2013 Great American Comedy Festival.

'The Musical of Musicals the Musical!' at Villagers Theatre

Looking for plans for New Year's Eve? Consider celebrating at Villagers Theatre.

Villagers Theatre will ring in the new year with "The Musical of Musicals: The Musical!" by Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Dec. 31, and 8 p.m. Jan. 3 and 4. Tickets cost $20.

"The Musical of Musicals: The Musical!" centers on an ingénue who can't pay her rent, her evil landlord and the handsome leading man who could save the damsel in distress. The evening leads audiences through five variations on the plot, as it could have been conceived for the stage by songwriters Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

There will be a New Year's Eve party after the Dec. 31 showing. Cost for the party is $55, including the ticket price.

Tickets are available online. The theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

'Princess Who?' at Main Street Theatre

It's a fun-filled, fairy-tale mystery adventure and everyone's favorite fairy-tale characters are involved!

Brian D. Taylor's "Princess Who?" will come to life at Main Street Theatre Co. in Sayreville this January. Showtimes are at noon and 3 p.m. Jan. 11 and 18, and at 3 p.m. Jan. 12. Tickets are $6 per person.

A girl wakes up in the forest, with no memory of her past. She can’t remember where’s she’s from or how she got there. She can’t even remember her own name. As she makes her way through the Misty Forest, she meets several fairy-tale characters, some helpful and some dangerous, yet all with information that helps her to recall her own story, eventually revealing her true identity as a princess.

Tickets cost $6 each, and are available online. The theater is located at 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Mentalist Anthony Rose at Playhouse 22

Is it paranormal, or just a really good show?

Anthony Rose will mesmerize audiences in January,  when he brings his act to Playhouse 22. Does he know what you are thinking? Can he read your mind? Is it body language? Is it psychology?

You can decide for yourself during his 75-minute show, starting at 8 p.m. Jan. 4. Tickets cost $15 each.

Tickets are available online at the Playhouse 22 website. The theater is located at 723 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

For more information, call (732)254-3939.

Casting Call: 'Moon Over Buffalo'

Playhouse 22 is seeking seven actors for its upcoming production of "Moon Over Buffalo."

Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2 and at 10 a.m. Jan. 4, with callbacks Jan. 5. Auditions will be held on a first-come, first-served basis. Sides will be available at auditions.

"Moon Over Buffalo" centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. At the moment, they’re playing "Private Lives" and "Cyrano De Bergerac" in rep in Buffalo, N.Y., with five other actors. There are a total three men's parts and four women's.

On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingenue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of "The Scarlet Pimpernel."

Unfortunately, for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter’s clueless fiance and uncertainty about which play they’re actually performing, caused by Charlotte’s deaf old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George's body.

For more information, call (732) 254-3939, or contact moonoverbuffalo@playhouse22.org. Playhouse 22 is located at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.


George Hay (late 40s-50s)A very dramatic, slapstick type, over-the-top actor. As leader of his own acting troupe, George has always had aspirations to be famous. He’s a bit of a ladies man, but really is devoted to his wife, Charlotte. The actor must be able to do strong physical comedy, which could include pratfalls, running, stage slaps and stage combat.
Charlotte Hay (late 40s-50s)Very much a drama queen. She helps to run the acting troupe and plays all the leads, even the ones she’s a bit old for. She is a consummate actress with dreams of being a star — at all costs! She loves George but is getting tired of his philandering. The actor playing Charlotte must be able to do an upperclass British accent. Some physical comedy required.
Ethel
(late 60s)
Charlotte’s mother — close to her daughter, but not happy with her choice of a husband. She is also an actress — very witty, and takes nonsense from no one. She is very hard of hearing, which leads to comic misunderstandings.
Rosalind Hay (mid-late 20s)George and Charlotte’s daughter. Used to be a member of the acting troupe, but she decided that she wanted a real career, so she left, determined never to act again or be like her parents. Rosalind is always repressing her dramatic side, but it’s a losing battle by the end. She has a fiance, Howard, but used to be in love with an actor in the troupe, Paul. The actor playing Rosalind must be able to do an upperclass British accent.
Howard (late 20s- early 30s)Rosalind’s fiancé, a weatherman, who considers himself to be in the “acting” business. Comes across as a wimp, a little annoying, nervous and very excitable. The actor must be able to do strong physical comedy.
Eileen
(early 20s)
An aspiring actress, eager to please. She has a crush on George and has been having a fling with him. Eileen wants to be a leading actress with the company. Comes across very flighty and naïve, but ultimately will do anything to get what she wants. She can be played as a bit manipulative.
Richard (50s)George and Charlotte’s attorney. In love with Charlotte, always trying to get her to leave George. He is wealthy and used to getting what he wants, and is both amused and perplexed by the Hays.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

'Gemini' at Main Street Theatre

It's 1973, and Harvard student Francis Geminiani is turning 21 in the company of friends, family and
others. What could possibly go wrong?

The answer will come clear as Main Street Theatre Co. presents "Gemini" by Albert Innaurato, from Jan. 17-24. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays. "Gemini" is produced and directed by Vince Tinebra.

Set in the back yard of a blue-collar South Philadelphia neighborhood early in the summer of 1973, this comedy-drama focuses on Geminiani's 21st birthday celebration. Guests include his divorced, blue-collar father, Fran, and Fran's widowed girlfriend, Lucille; next-door neighbor Bunny Weinberger and her overweight son Herschel; and Francis' classmates, the wealthy WASP Hastings siblings: Judith who seeks romance with Francis, and Randy, who is the object of Francis' unexpressed affection.

Tickets are available online. The theater is located at 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Casting Call: 'Shrek the Musical'

Come find your place in the swamp as Kelsey Theatre holds auditions for "Shrek: The Musical."

Set in a faraway kingdom turned upside down, an unseemly ogre shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a bad guy with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.

Luckily, there's one on hand, and his name is Shrek. Based on the Academy Award-winning movie, "Shrek the Musical" is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun.

Auditions for children 8-12 will be held from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 23, and auditions for those 13 and older will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 25 and from noon-6 p.m. Jan. 26.

Actors must register online to schedule an audition. Required information includes a resume, headshot and any other relevant information. Appointments are recommended. Audition packets also are available online.

Cast includes:

Shrek (25-45, A2-G#4)A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone in a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his swamp of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but eventually becomes the hero.
Donkey (20-35, C3-B4)A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad's guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimist with heart.
Lord Farquaad
(25-40, B2-D5)
The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princes to marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely and cruel. The actor playing this role will execute all blocking and choreography on his knees.
Pinocchio (20-40, E3-F#4)The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying. There is a very specific character voice associated with this role.
Fiona (20-30, F3-G6)The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, Fiona transforms into an ogress every night at sunset. She is rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess. This role requires strong singing and dancing, including tap.
Dragon (25-45, F3-Eb5)A dragon charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified babysitter. Since the role is sung offstage, the actor will need strong vocals and a very high belt. The singer most likely will double for other female roles in the show.
Gingy (Female, 15-40, B3-C#5)A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Gingy is a puppet that will be operated by the person playing the Sugar Plum Fairy. This role calls for a specific character voice and high soprano range.
Adult ensemble/ secondary roles (13+)The ensemble will play roles such as Mama and Papa Ogre, King Harold, Queen Lillian, teenage Fiona, Big Bad Wolf, three little pigs, White Rabbit, Fairy Godmother, Peter Pan, Wicked Witch, Mama and Papa bears, Mad Hatter, elf, three blind mice, angry mob, guards, knights, pied piper, Thelonius, bishop and others. All adult secondary roles have dialogue and solo singing. The ensemble players in this show will be onstage constantly and are an integral part of the cast.
Child ensemble/ secondary roles (8-12)Two boys and two girls will share the roles of Young Fiona, a featured soloist; Young Shrek, the ugly duckling, Baby Bear, dwarf and others.
Six featured dancers (13+)The dance corp will perform various styles including light chorus, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Some partnering will be involved. Featured dancers also may be members of the adult ensemble.

The show will run from May 30 to June 8, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, contact auditions@mponstage.com or call (609) 882-2292. Kelsey Theater is located at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

'Fame' at Villagers Theatre

At 8 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, and 14, the Villagers Teen Ensemble will be presenting "Fame" for $12 a seat.

Set during the last years of New York City's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984), "Fame" is bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. With candor, humor and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today: issues of prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance. With its topical subject manner, multi-ethnic cast of actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists and high-energy, contemporary pop score will entrance our audiences. Buy tickets now.

The cast consists of Kristen Seggio, Alex Mandalakis, Natalie Romeo, Lindsay Kazar, Izzy Weinberg, Christopher Williams, Dylan Weidenfeld, Peter Klein, Kevin Buckley, Darius Delk, Emma Howard, Angie Francese, David Pastore, and Brandon Motherway.

For additional information, please contact boxoffice@villagerstheatre.com.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

New Year's party at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will be throwing a party on New Year's eve. They will be performing "The Musical of Musicals the Musical!" at 7 p.m. for $20 a person.

 If you would like to stay for the party, it includes a hot buffet, drinks, desserts, and a midnight toast as well as dancing and entertainment. If you would like to stay for the additional party as well as the show, it is $55 total.

 For more information you can call the box office at (732)873-2710 or check out the Villagers website.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

'Crystal and the Christmas Snowman' at Villagers Theater

Villagers Theater's Kidsvill production of "Crystal and the Christmas Snowman" will open Dec. 14. Performances will be at 12 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and at 12 p.m. Sundays Dec. 14 to 22. 

Lauren is unhappy about having to spend Christmas with her father, stepmother and stepsiblings. But with a little help from Crystal, a snow angel, and Foster, a snowman who comes to life, she learns how important family really is. Santa Claus and a weatherman also offer some advice and add to the fun of this holiday. This delightful story is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Tickets cost $10 each. To purchase tickets online, visit http://www.villagerstheatre.com/tickets/buy/. Villagers Theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.
475 DeMott Lane, Somerset
475 DeMott Lane, Somerset
475 DeMott Lane, Somerset
475 DeMott Lane, Somerset
475 DeMott Lane, Somerset

Sunday, December 1, 2013

'A Song for Christmas' opens at Main Street Theater

The Main Street Theater Company will be presenting "A Song for Christmas" by Erik
Przytulski from Dec. 6-15 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

The show is directed by Kevin Gunther and Nichole Barrow White with choreography by Susan Zuckerman.

"A Song for Christmas" is a brand new heartwarming musical that tells the story of Anthony, a young man who develops a passion for the piano and decides to pursue his dream of becoming a successful songwriter at any cost. Through his struggles for fame and fortune, Anthony eventually discovers what is truly important to him with the help of the music of the Christmas season. Filled with original, soulful ballads and rocking upbeat tunes, "A Song for Christmas" is a great way to usher in the holiday season.

Buy tickets now.

Casting Call: 'Ravenscroft'

From 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 , Circle Players will be holding auditions for "Ravenscroft." Callbacks will be held on Dec. 19 at 7:30.

What begins as a typical Gothic thriller at a remote country estate with a murder, a detective, and falling snow quickly turns into a darkly comedic examination into the nature and value of truth. Inspector Ruffing is called out to Ravenscroft manor to investigate the death of the family’s only male servant, who took a headlong plunge down the main staircase. As he interrogates the five women of the manor, ranging from the widowed lady of the house to the lowly housemaid, he begins to uncover more, and less, truth than he bargained for. 

Auditionees will read sides from the script. A read-through is scheduled for Sunday Dec. 22. Regular rehearsals will begin after the holidays.

Inspector Ruffing (35-55)Relegated to a country post, inquiring on the gentry in the midst of a snowstorm, Ruffing is nonetheless insistent upon truth at all cost. A wearied and serious man, Ruffing finds himself trapped in a house full of eccentric and exhausting women.
Marcy (25-30)“A person with a clear sense of reality,” Marcy is governess to Gillian Ravenscroft. She is an outsider both upstairs and down, and, one suspects, in the world at large. But why?
Mrs. Ravenscroft (35-55)Seemingly a distractible eccentric, the widowed Mrs. Ravenscroft is head of her household. Quite the flirt, she is confident that she is not past her prime. Nothing gets her down, not even a little death or two.
Gillian Ravenscroft (17) “Delicate” Gillian speaks the truth, as she sees it, much to her mother’s chagrin. She is at once flighty and deeply insightful. She believes wholeheartedly in ghosts, but sees straight through Inspector Ruffing.
Dolly (18-25)As the kitchen maid, Dolly holds the lowest position in the household, and perhaps rightly so. She is treated with pity upstairs, but mightily abused by Mrs. French below. “I’m a poor orphan, I swear. You can ask my mother.”
Mrs. French (40+)A bulldog of a servant, but no less of a woman for it, Mrs. French rules the kitchen. She has a clear sense of her place and her duty and clear expectations of those around her as well.

Performances will be 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from March 7-22 and a Sunday matinee March 23.

For more information, contact circleplayersnj@gmail.com. Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave, Piscataway.