Open Adult Auditions for 'A Christmas Carol' at McCarter Theatre

McCarter Theatre will be holding open adult auditions for their annual production of "A Christmas Carol."

The auditions will be held on Oct. 27. Signups begin at 9 a.m. Auditionees should be warmed up and ready to dance at 10 a.m. Morning dance appointments will be given at signups. Callbacks will take place that afternoon. Those called back will be asked to sing. Please prepare a song and bring sheet music with you. Accompanist will be provided. Auditions will take place at Pearl Studios, 12th Floor, Studio 1215 500 W. 8th Avenue New York, NY. As well as sheet music, please bring your resume, head shot, and appropriate dance wear.

Needed are:

Dancers/Singers	Male and female performers of all ethnicties, should be in their 20s. Must be strong dancers who sing well.
Charlotte Fezziwig	Female performer in her 20s, all ethnicities. Slightly awkward daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig. Goofy, flirtatious and funny. Dancer who sings. The role of Charlotte Fezziwig will be cast from the ensemble and will receive an additional stipend.

Please direct any questions to Karin Nilo at casting@mccarter.org.

Rehearsal begins Nov. 14. Performances are from Dec. 5 to 28.

The show will have artistic direction by Emily Mann, is directed by Michael Unger, choreographed by Rob Ashford, has choreography supervision from Jennifer Paulson Lee, and non-equity casting by Chelsea Adams and Karin Nilo. The show is written by David Thompson.

Casting Call: 'Mary Poppins' and '13'

If you are a boy who likes to act, there are parts available for upcoming productions of "Mary Poppins" and "13."

Needed are a boy from 11 to 18 years old, to play Robertson in "Mary Poppins"; and a boy from 11 to 14 years old, to play Eddie in "13." The actors need to be able to sing, dance and act.

The shows will take place in Scotch Plains this November, and will be directed by Krystle Tomlinson.

For more information, e-mail the director at applausetheatrenj@aol.com.

'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' at the Main Street Theatre Co.

The Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company presents "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

The show will perform at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sunday from Oct. 17 to 25. Tickets are $15 for everyone ages 13 and over, and $12 for children ages 12 and under.

Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a hilarious tale of overachievers' angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The show's Tony Award winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes, a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

The show has music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin, and was conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with additional material by Jay Reiss.

The show is directed by Kevin Gunther, musically directed by Teddy Kernizan, and choreographed by Dawn Fulbrook and Sarah Anne Rosner.

Casting Call: 'It's a Wonderful Life'

The Main Street Theatre Co. in Parlin, NJ will be holding auditions for "It's a Wonderful Life."

Auditions are from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 5 and callbacks will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 7. Come prepared with sheet music to perform 16 bars of a musical theater song that best reflects the character you hope to be cast as and that best reflects your voice quality and range. No Happy Birthday or accapella singing will be allowed. An accompanist and an iPod dock will be available. Be sure your sheet music has the piano accompaniment, usually the bottom 2 staves below the vocal line. Mark your sheet music where you wish to start and finish.

The show will perform at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 5 to 14 at the Main Street Theatre Company, located on 3018 Bordentown Avenue, Parlin, N.J.

Roles are:

 

George Bailey	28 – 40, the Everyman of Bedford Falls
Clarence Oddbody	50+, A-S-2 (Angel Second Class)
Mr. Gower	50+, proprietor of the corner drug store
Young George / Pete Bailey	10 – 12
Harry Bailey	18 – 25, George’s younger brother
Mother Bailey	50+, a kind and understanding mother
Uncle Billy	50+, George’s uncle and business partner
Aunt Tilly	50+, Uncle Billy’s wife
Violet Peterson	25 – 40, proprietor of a beauty salon
Bert	30+, a patrolman
Ernie	30+, a mail carrier
Mary Hatch	28 – 40, George’s loving wife
Henry F. Potter	50+, owns practically the entire town of Bedford Falls
Mr. Potter’s Goon	18+, ever-present with Mr. Potter
Mr. Potter’s Secretary	18+, ever-faithful to Mr. Potter
Mrs. Hatch	50+, Mary’s mother
Sam Wainwright / Mr. Welch	28 – 40, a financially successful young man/the schoolteacher’s husband
Miss. Andrews	20+, a townsperson
Mrs. Thompson	20+, a townsperson
Mr. Martini	35+, proprietor of a local bar
Mrs. Martini	35+, his wife
Miss Carter	20+, a bank examiner
Newspaper Boy/ Tommy Bailey	Age 8 – 10
Zuzu Bailey	Age 5 – 7
Janie Bailey	Age 8 – 10

"It's a Wonderful Life" follows George Bailey, the everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been squashed by family obligations and civic duty. On Christmas Eve, his guardian angel descends to save him from despair, and to remind him - by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born - that he has had a wonderful life.

The show is based on the film by Frank Capra and has a book and lyrics by James W. Rodgers, music by John Higgins.

The show will be produced by Miriam Henry, directed by Kevin Gunther, musically directed by Nicole Barrow White, and choreographed by Susan Zuckerman.

Casting Call: Salieri in 'Amadeus'

Playhouse 22 is seeking an actor to play the role of Salieri in 'Amadeus.' The actor who plays this character should be in his late 30s to 40s.

Auditions will take place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 13-14. If needed, callbacks will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 19. Auditions must be by appointment only. Auditions for other characters in the show will take place in November.

"Amadeus" is a highly fictionalized account of the lives of composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. At the opening of the tale, Salieri is an old man, having long outlived his fame. Speaking directly to the audience, he claims to have used poison to assassinate Mozart, and promises to explain himself.

Auditionees should prepare a dramatic monologue, which may be from "Amadeus." They may also be asked to read a side from Salieri's monologues, and it is strongly recommended that they be familiar with the show.

Salieri is onstage for the entire show, and plays himself both at his 'real' age and as an old man. This role requires an actor with strong vocal ability. Again, the actor who plays this character should be in his late 30s to 40s.

To schedule an audition, contact amadeus@playhouse22.org. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

'Teen A Capella Ensemble' program

Cranford Dramatic Club will hold auditions for its first "Teen A Capella Ensemble," a "Glee"-style vocal chorus for teenagers, at the end of this month.

With custom-made vocal arrangements of popular songs, the program has 18 slots for adolescents in grades 9-12. Some of the songs will have piano accompaniment, and others will be a capella. Auditions will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 27 and at 4 p.m. Sept. 30. Auditionees that have been accepted will need to pay a $225 participation fee.

The ensemble will meet on Tuesday afternoons from October to January. There will be a concert Jan. 16.

The chorus will be directed by Jack Bender, and choreographed by Megan Ferentinos. Cranford Dramatic Club is located at 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford.

Casting Call: 'Lucky Stiff'

Edison Valley Playhouse will hold open auditions for the musical farce "Lucky Stiff."

Harry, a mild-mannered English shoe clerk, finds himself propelled into a lunatic mix of a murdered Atlantic City croupier, his near-sighted jilted mistress, her henpecked brother and several hundred dogs. Harry will inherit six million dollars if he can successfully go on holiday with his uncle, the late departed croupier, in Monte Carlo for a week. If he doesn't pull it off, the money goes to the Universal Dogs Home of Brooklyn, and if there is one thing in life that Harry hates, it's dogs.

Auditionees should prepare either an upbeat song or ballad with character from a musical comedy.

Harry Witherspoon (32-40, low B flat-high F sharp)	A shy, sweet-natured, insecure Englishman working as an underpaid shoe salesman. Lonely, beset by dogs and prying neighbors. Actor playing Harry should have a good English accent.
Annabel Glick (30-35, low F– high E)	A young woman with a natural bent for causes, who takes life seriously and denies herself all small pleasures. She is the type to wear protest buttons, and carries a bag of useful things like gauges and granola bars.
Rita La Porta (42-50, low G sharp– high F sharp, belter)	An attractive, hard-edged woman with an extremely volatile nature and severe nearsightedness. Rita is passionate, impulsive, jealous, and manipulative. Strong physical comedy skills a plus.
Vincent 'Vinnie' Di Ruzzio (40-48, low A–high F sharp)	Rita’s brother, an optometrist. A nervous, conservative man. Would never take risks or do anything out of the ordinary.
Luigi Gaudi (50-60, low B–high F sharp)	A boisterous and gregarious Italian.
Ensemble (various ages and vocal ranges)	Consists of two men and two women. Ensemble members should be good with French and British dialects.
Dead Anthony Hendon (40s-60s)	Spends a lot of time on stage in a wheel chair as a dead body, but dances in the second act. This can be a non-singing role.

Rehearsals will begin October 7, and performances will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 5-20. Auditions will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 and at 6 p.m. Oct. 5.

For more information, contact contact zitageoffroy@gmail.com. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

'Macbeth' at Circle Players

Circle Players will present a reading of Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

The reading will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26. Admission is $5.

The cast features John Dowgin as Macbeth, Faith Dowgin as Lady Macbeth, Ed Faver as Duncan, Thom Boyer as Banquo, Erik Hall as Macduff, Stacie Williamson as Lady Macduff, Laura Lindson as Witch #1, Diane Boyer as Witch #2, Heidi Carter Hart as Witch #3, Christie Leigh Carver as Hecate, Anthony Younes as Malcolm, Andrew Young as Donalbain, Michael Stratton as Ross, and Lewis Decker as other roles.

The reading is directed by Jessica Sherman.

Villagers Theatre is accepting submissions for the New Playwrights Series

The Villagers Theatre in Franklin Township is accepting submissions for the 2015 New Playwrights Series.

Selected plays will be presented as staged readings in the theater's black box at some point from Feb. to May 2015. The selected playwrights are required to attend the readings and to participate in discussions with the audience.

Submissions must be turned in by October 15. Scripts can have no more 20,000 words. All submissions must include the character breakdown and a detailed synopsis or they will not be considered. Please all include the genre of the play, a brief bio, and contact information. Scripts must be original, unpublished works. One act plays will be considered as well as full length ones. The theater is not accepting musicals. No hard copy paper manuscripts will be accepted. Plays with smaller casts and simple sets are preferable, but other plays will be considered as well.

To submit, please send a digital copy of your script to NewPlaywrightSeries@gmail.com.

The goal of the Villagers New Playwrights Series is to provide playwrights with an opportunity to glimpse the performance potential of their works in progress. Additional goals are to provide alternative performance opportunities for our local actors and directors and to expose our local

audiences to new works. All submissions will be considered for their potential to fulfill these goals.

Due to the fact that Villagers programs are supported, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/ Department of State (a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program), preference will be given to New Jersey resident playwrights.

'Coffee House' Variety Show at Edison Valley Playhouse

This Saturday, Edison Valley Playhouse will present the latest installment of their "Coffee House" variety show.

The show will feature the original sketch comedy "The Pavlovian Dog Show" with Mike Patierno, Claudio Venancio, and Ryan Correll, and Zachary McCullough; standup comedian Carolina Hidalgo; musical performances from the rock band Waking Rust, and Dawn Gaylardo, Ben Simons, Claudio Venancio, and Kara Wilson, accompanied on piano by Joe Sherbin; and special performances by one-man sideshow Thom Tracey.

The show will run from 8 to around 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. It is requested that tickets are purchased with cash. All proceeds will go to Edison Valley Playhouse.

To reserve tickets, call (908)755-4654. If there is a problem with your reservation, you will be notified. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

'To Kill a Mockingbird' at Fearless Productions

Fearless Productions will be presenting Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird."

The show will perform at the Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton St., Rahway. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 19-Oct. 5.

Tickets cost $25 and are available online, They also can be purchased by calling (732) 499-8226.

The show is directed by Steve Lemenille and produced by Jessica Forest.

Casting Call: 'A Man For All Seasons'

Pinnworth Productions of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "A Man for All Seasons" later this month.

King Henry VIII wishes to divorce his aging wife so that he can marry his mistress and produce a male heir to the throne, a proposition supported by everyone except the highly devout Sir Thomas More. When Cardinal Wolsey, chancellor of England, names More as his successor, it becomes crucial for Henry to get More's support, but More will not be swayed. Henry demands the clergy to renounce the Pope and to name him head of the Church of England. Based on a true story.

Parts in this show include Thomas More, aged 40-60; Alice More, aged 38-55; the common man, aged 30-60; Richard Rich, aged 35-60; the Duke of Norfolk, aged 40-60; Thomas Cromwell, aged 40-65;Cardinal Wolsey, aged 40-70; Chapuys, aged 35-60; King Henry VIII, aged 28-40; William Roper, aged 20-30; and Margaret Roper, aged 17-36.

Auditionees should prepare a monologue. Auditions will take place Sept. 22 and 23. If needed, callbacks will take place Sept. 24. The show will be directed by Lou Stalsworth.

To make an appointment, or for more information, contact stalsworth@usa.net or call (609)259-2683. Kelsey Theater is on the Mercer County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Casting Call: 'Speed-the-Plow'

Cranford Dramatic Club will hold auditions for "Speed-the-Plow," a satirical dissection of the Hollywood movie business.

The show focuses on two high-powered Hollywood executives, Bobby Gould and Charlie Fox, who have come up from the mail-room together. Charlie brings Bobby a surefire hit with a major star attached. Bobby has been reading an apocalyptic-ally spiritual novel that has deep “meaning,” but Charlie points out that this book would never make a great movie. Bobby seems certain to give the green light to Fox's project. Enter Karen, Gould's temporary office assistant. While Karen is out of the office, Charlie bets Bobby that he cannot get her to sleep with him. When she returns, Bobby asks her to read the novel and give him her thoughts later. That night, at Bobby’s home, she makes an impassioned case for filming the novel, saying that it’s Bobby’s chance to “do good.” They sleep together. The next day, Bobby tells Charlie he is green-lighting the novel instead of the movie Charlie suggested.

Auditions will take place at 7 p.m. November 2 and 4, with callbacks taking place November 5. Auditionees should arrive within the first hour of auditions.

Bobby Gould	A Hollywood movie producer. Jaded, devoid of idealism, ambitious, self-centered. He has earned his position by honoring the principle that a film is good only if it makes money. He has just been given the power to green-light any movie so long as its budget is under ten million dollars.
Karen	A young temporary secretary with a ravenous, but unspoken, desire to succeed by making a difference. A true idealist, full of youthful zeal and earnestness. She wants to transform Gould from just another sleazy film guy into a sleazy film guy with a purpose.

Performances will occur at at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Feb. 6-21 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 15.

Audition sides can be found here, here, and here. Cranford Dramatic Club is located at 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford.

Casting Call: Teen A Capella Ensemble

Cranford Dramatic Club will hold auditions for its first "Teen A Capella Ensemble," a "Glee"-style vocal chorus for teenagers, at the end of this month.

With custom-made vocal arrangements of popular songs, the ensemble is open to up to 18 adolescents in grades 9-12. Some of the songs will have piano accompaniment, and others will be a capella. Auditions will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 27 and at 4 p.m. Sept. 30. Once auditionees have been accepted, there will be a $225 participation fee.

The ensemble will meet on Tuesday afternoons from October to January. There will be a concert Jan. 16.

The chorus will be directed by Jack Bender, and choreographed by Megan Ferentinos. Cranford Dramatic Club is located at 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford.

"Sweeney Todd" at Cranford Dramatic Club

Have a bloody good time watching Steven Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" next month.

A rare instance of a musical thriller, this chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barberism and culinary crime tells the infamous tale of the unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. His thirst for blood soon expands to include his unfortunate customers, and the resourceful proprietress of the pie shop downstairs soon has the people of London lining up in droves with her mysterious new meat pie recipe.

The cast features Alex Oleksij as Sweeney Todd, Melissa Timpson as Mrs. Lovett, Frank Guerriero as Anthony, Walter Zimmerman as Judge Turpin, Zach Mazouat as Tobias, Jay Winston as Beadle, Laura DiSantis, Jeff Fiorello as Pirelli, Kate Pfuhler as Johanna; and Will Carey, Patrick Field, Edgar Rivera, Keith Slusser, Christopher Abbott, Judi Laganga, Lauren Hunter, Andrea Thibodeau, Megan McGrath and Raven Dunbar as members of the ensemble.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 17-Nov. 1 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 26. Tickets cost $23 for minors and senior citizens and $25 for those not included in those categories.

To purchase tickets, visit brownpapertickets.com. Cranford Dramatic Club is located at 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford.

Casting Call: 'Aladdin (Prince Street Players Version)

Cranford Dramatic Club will hold auditions for "Aladdin (Prince Street Players Version)" in two weeks.

Using the art of Ancient Chinese staging, an all-knowing and all-seeing stage manager and his two assistants tell the story of Aladdin, an "idle rag-a-muffin" and kite-flying enthusiast. After happening upon and falling hopelessly in love with the emperor's daughter, Princess Mei Ling, Aladdin is determined to become the richest man in China and marry her. Fate, however, is a fickle mistress, and Aladdin's is about to take a few treacherous and hilarious turns before he can have his Happily Ever After.

Auditions for the child/teen ensemble will take place at 12 p.m. Sept. 13 and should sign in within the first fifteen minutes. These auditionees will be taught a short piece of music and a dance combination. Open auditions will take place at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13 and at 7 p.m. Sept. 15. These auditionees are asked to arrive by 2:30 Sept. 13 and by 8 p.m. Sept. 15. Auditionees should prepare 16-32 bars of an up-tempo song from musical theater, with sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. If needed, callbacks will occur Sept. 20.

Stage manager (baritone/tenor, 25+)	Is the narrator. Also plays Aladdin's father, a neighbor, the prime minister, and an executioner, and moves set pieces and props with his two assistants.
The two assistants (15+)	Non-speaking roles. They are assistants to the Narrator. Also play attendants to the Princess and Emperor, as well as court members, cave people, cloud people, and street urchins with the ensemble. Additionally, they will move set pieces and props.
Aladdin (lyric baritone, 15-30)	A carefree street urchin who becomes more serious after meeting the princess. Mime skills a plus.
Emperor of China (baritone, 30+)	Princess Mei Ling’s father. Wishes his daughter to marry a wealthy man.
Fatima, the dancing doll (15-20)	A mechanical doll, brought to life by the Genie. Pointe experience a plus.
Lamp/Ring Genie (tenor/lyric baritone, 25+)	Lamp Genie: Arabian. Must be played with great zest. Actor must be able to relate well with the audience. The ring genie is his twin brother. Actor playing these parts should preferably be at least six feet tall.
Magician (baritone, 25+)	The villain of the piece; a magician and whirling dervish. He assumes a friendly character to Aladdin and his mother, then later becomes a formidable enemy. Mime skills a plus.
Mrs. So-and-so (mezzo soprano, 30+)	A poor widow; stern with Aladdin.
Princess Mei Ling (lyric soprano, 15-25)	Daughter of the Emperor of China. Is delicate and demure.
Ensemble (10–18)	A chorus of 8-10 singers/dancers. Parts include street urchins, cave and cloud people, and court members.

Performances will occur at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 and at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The show will be directed by Gira Derise-Weaver.

Cranford Dramatic Club is located at 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford.

In addition, CDC is seeking people to help paint the set during November, starting the ninth. Those who are interested should contact either coriannchandler@me.com or gira.d.weaver@gmail.com.

Fall Theater Classes at Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center will hold theater classes for children and adults 11 years and older. The classes will run from Sept. 18-Nov. 14. There are four programs: "Marionette Theater," "Incredible Improv," "Public Speaking and Theater Games," and "Multicultural Monologues and Scenes."

The first class, "Marionette Theater," will run from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Students will design and build their own marionettes. They will cooperatively write a script and perform a play for friends and family during the last session. The class is for children aged 11-15.

"Incredible Improv" is a program for all students interested in improvisation, especially those who have special needs. Students will play theater games and create improvised scenes. Acting exercises will develop confidence and performance skills. The program is for people 16 and older and will run 7-8 p.m. Fridays.

Students enrolled in "Public Speaking and Theater Games" will develop their public speaking abilities through improvisational activities and theater games. Some of the topics that will be covered include improving voice and diction, crafting speeches, and eliminating stage fright. The skills that are learned will help with job and college interviews, presentations and sales pitches. This program is for people 14 and older and will run 7-8 p.m. Thursdays.

"Multicultural Monologues and Scenes" is aimed at those 16 and older. Beginner and intermediate actors who have had difficulty finding roles because of race, disability, economic status or other reasons are invited to write monologues based on their stories as well as perform scenes from plays with partners. Some of the topics that will be covered include voice, movement, motivation, given circumstances, and audition techniques. This class will run 8-9 p.m. Fridays.


"Marionette Theater" costs $200 per person. "Incredible Improv" costs $75 per person. "Public Speaking and Theater Games" costs $100 per person, as does "Multicultural Monologues and Scenes." To register, visit the Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center website.

All classes will be taught by experienced educators and theater professionals, and overseen by a NJ certified theater instructor.

'Kimberly Akimbo' at Circle Players

Circle Players will present “Kimberly Akimbo” a play by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire.

Set in the wilds of New Jersey, Kimberly Akimbo is a hilarious and heartrending play about a teenager with a rare condition which causes her body to age four times faster than it should. When she and her family flee Secaucus under dubious circumstances, Kimberly is forced to reevaluate her life while contending with a hypochondriac mother, a rarely sober father, a scam-artist aunt, her own mortality and, most terrifying of all, the possibility of first love.

Jon Heron of Monroe is the director and Alicia Harabin of Somerville is the producer.

Appearing in the cast are Joanne Sternberg, Somerset; Duane Noch, Port Monmouth; Robin Mandalakis, Somerset; Mary-Kate Bozinta, Franklin Park; and Chris DeBono, Madison.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 19-Oct. 4, with a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee on Oct. 5.

The audience is invited to a wine and cheese reception in the lobby following the opening night performance.

The theater is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway. Because of the unique layout of the theater, latecomers cannot be seated once the performance has started. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain.

For reservations, call (732) 968-7555, or buy tickets online at  www.circleplayers.com. Tickets are $18 for adults and $17 for students and seniors. Sorry, no credit cards may be used at the box office, but will be accepted online.

Open House at Main Street

Enjoy a bagel and coffee this Saturday with Main Street Theatre Co. at an open house to launch its new season.

Main Street Theatre Co. is located in Parlin, and mounts six shows each season. Shows during the past years included such favorites as "Hairspray," "Our Town" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

The open house with complimentary breakfast begins at 10 a.m., and will include a preview of the 2015 season. There also will be a presentation on the theater's new membership and subscription plans.
The theater is located at 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin. For more information, visit the theater web site, at www.smstc.org, or write to info@smstc.org.

Casting Call: Into the Woods

The Pennington Players in seeking performers for an upcoming production of "Into the Woods" at Kelsey Theatre.

Auditions for Stephen Sondheim's fairy tale about what happens after "happily ever after" will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 16, and from noon-5 p.m. Oct. 18. Callbacks will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 20. Auditions are by appointment only; slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prepare 16-32 bars of contemporary musical theatre. An accompanist will be provided and sheet music must be in the correct key. Acapella auditions will not be accepted. Bring an updated resume and a headshot/recent photo of yourself to the audition.

Character descriptions are available online; all roles are open. Auditionees must be at least 16 to audition.

Rehearsals will take place two to three days a week on the West Windsor campus of Mercer County Community College, beginning in mid-November and up through January. Tech week will run Jan. 19-22, and is mandatory for all performers.

The show is directed and choreographed by Kyrus Keenan Westcott; music director is Mike Gilch. Producers are Wayne Irons and Alan Naidoff of The Pennington Players

For more information, contact auditions@penningtonplayers.org.

Actor needed: 'Blythe Spirit'

A production company is seeking an actor for its cast of "Blythe Spirit" this fall.

The show needs a non-Equity actor 30 or older of any ethnicity to play an urbane English novelist in "Blythe Spirit." The producers will consider a younger actor to play above his age.

The company is looking to cast via Skype auditions as well as reels. The show will perform Halloween weekend in Metuchen.

Send headshots, resumes, reels/links to annaepaone@gmail.com.

Casting Call: Miracle on 34th Street

Kelsey Theatre is seeking actors for a musical version of one of the best-loved Christmas movies of all time.

M&M Stage Productions will hold auditions for "Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical" from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 13-14. Auditionees should prepare 32 bars of a standard musical theater song, wear comfortable clothes for light dancing, and bring an updated picture and resume. There will be readings from script.

Single mother Doris Walker doesn't want her 6-year-old daughter Susan's head filled with romantic notions. Their neighbor Fred Gailey tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy's, Doris is not impressed, but Macy's Santa may in fact be the real Kris Kringle, and a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts.

To schedule an audition, write to auditions@mandmstage.com. All roles are open. The show is directed by Mike Steele.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 21-30.

Character List

Kris Kringle	Baritone, in his 50-70s	Kind old man who believes he is Santa Claus.
Doris Walker	Mezzo, 25-40 years old	Special events coordinator at Macy's. Single mother.
Susan Walker	Soprano, 6-9 years old	Daughter of Doris, wise beyond her years with a natural curiosity.
Fred Gaily	Baritone, 25-40 years old	Neighbor and friend of Doris and Susan. Attorney.
Mr. Shellhammer	Baritone, 25-70 years old	Manager of Macy's Toy Department. Assistant of Doris.
Mr. Sawyer	Baritone, 40-75 years old	Macy's psychologist
Mr. Gimbel	Baritone, 40-75 years old	Owner of Gimbel's Department Store
Newsboy	Alto, 7-16 years old	Sells paper about the trial
Mr. Macy	40-70 years old	Tycoon who is very concerned with public opinion and publicity
Judge Henry Harper	30-60 years old	Knows his civic duty
Thomas Mara	30-60 years old	Prosecuting Attorney
Charlie Halloran	30-60 years old	Judge Harper's political adviser
Drunken Santa	18-75 years old	Former Santa for Macy's
Mabel	18-60 years old	Employed by Macy's to be Santa's elf
Becca	7-12 years old	Child who meets Kris Kringle at Macy's
Mother 1	30-40 years old	Becca's mother
Mother 2	20-30 years old	A pleased customer
Violet	7-10 years old	A deaf girl whom Kris signs to
Mother 3	20-60 years old	Violet's mother
Mother 4	20-60 years old	A pleased customer
Dr. Pierce	30-60 years old	Kris's former physician
Thomas Mara Jr	7-12 years old	Thomas Mara's son

There also will be many ensemble parts of all ages, including customers, choir, parents and pedestrians. Parts may be speaking or nonspeaking.

Casting Call: 'Rent'

The story of struggling artists is as old as art itself, and as true in 19th-century Paris as in modern New York.

Mystic Vision Players will hold auditions this week for an upcoming production of the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning stage musical "Rent." Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 and at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Union County Performing Arts Center mainstage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Callbacks will be held Sept. 9, as needed.

Based loosely on Puccini's "La Bohème," "Rent" follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom, and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves, and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this musical.

Auditionees should prepare 16 bars or a verse, and the chorus of a pop/rock song or song from a rock musical. An accompanist will be provided, but auditionees should bring sheet music or scores. Come prepared to learn a dance combination as well. Audition forms are available at mysticvisionplayers.com. A photo and resume are accepted but not required. Callbacks will involve singing from the score.

Rehearsals will run from Sept.–Nov. 6, with performances Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 7-15. Howard Whitmore will direct, with choreography by Melanie Jefferson and music direction by David Maglione.

All roles are currently available, Auditionees must be 18 or older.

Character breakdown:

Mark Cohen	(C#3-G4)	Male, baritenor. An aspiring filmmaker who narrates the show as he films the lives of his friends. Spirited, artistic, quirky, and isolated by the guilt of his good health while many of his friends have AIDS.
Roger Davis	(B2-A4)	Male, rock tenor. A former junkie and rockstar. Struggling with the guilt of his ex-girlfriend's suicide, the seeming loss of his creative edge, and his impending death due to the AIDS virus. Haunted, worn, powerful, and edgy. Ability to play the guitar strongly preferred.
Mimi Marquez	(F#3-E5)	Female, mezzo. A free-spirited 19-year-old girl who has remained optimistic in the face of a difficult life, a heroin addiction, and her contraction of AIDS as a result of it. Sexy, playful, and smart with an undercurrent of suppressed pain, secrets, and a genuine longing for affection.
Benny Coffin III	(Eb3-F4)	Male, tenor. Mark and Roger's former roommate before his marriage to the wealthy Alison Grey. Benny is now their landlord and is considered by Mark and Roger to be a "yuppy" corporate sellout. Smooth, charming, and confident.
Maureen Johnson	(C4-F5)	Female, mezzo. A free-thinking bisexual performing artist. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, take on the establishment, and go to any lengths to fight for what she believes in. Sassy, funny, strong-willed, and flirtatious with a great passion for her art and the rights of all artists.
Joanne Jefferson	(Bb3-E5)	Female, mezzo. A lesbian Ivy League-educated lawyer and activist. Although raised in an affluent, political family, she is committed to helping the underserved. Empowered, caring, professional, and strong-willed.
Tom Collins	(F#2-A4)	Male, baritone. A gay computer genius, teacher, and anarchist who was recently fired by MIT for his free thinking. Passionate, intelligent, loyal. Despite a life of AIDs and poverty, he carries himself with a great deal of optimism, due in no small part to his boundless love for Angel.
Angel Schunard	(C3 - A4)	Male, tenor. A young drag queen and street drummer with AIDS. Collins' lover. Generous, selfless, and personable with a captivating energy and a passionate will to embrace life and live it to the fullest. Percussionist skills are desired but not required.

Minor characters (many double in other scenes)
Stage ages: late teens to 50s
Vocal Ranges: all vocal ranges sought
• Carolers: Homeless street men and women who appear throughout the show.
• Mrs. Cohen: Mark's stereotypical Jewish mother.
• Alexi Darling: The producer of "Buzzline," who tries to hire Mark after his riot footage makes primetime.
• Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson: The wealthy parents of Joanne Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson is also one of the acappella singers in "Voicemail #5." Mrs. Jefferson may be the female solo in Seasons of Love.
• Mrs. Davis: Roger's confused mother who calls in "Voicemail #5."
• Mrs. Marquez: Mimi's Spanish‐speaking mother who sings in "Voicemail #5."
• Mr. Grey: Benny's father‐in‐law who wants to buy out the lot.
• The Man: The local drug dealer whom Mimi buys from and Roger used to buy from.4
• Life Support Group: Paul (The man in charge of the Life Support group), Gordon, Steve, Ali, Pam, Sue as notated in the script by Larson.
• Squeegee Man: A homeless person who chants "Honest living!" over and over.
• Homeless Woman: She gets harassed by police and Mark films it.
• Waiter: Waits on the cast and has solo lines in "La Vie Boehme."

There are also many other non‐named roles such as the preacher, "Seasons of Love" soloists, cops, bohemians, vendors and homeless people. The theater is looking for a diverse cast of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

Casting Call: 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

"It's a Wonderful Life." "A Christmas Carol." Some things are an inextricable part of Christmas.

Children from 5 to 16 years old will have a chance to be a part of one of them as Villagers Theatre holds auditions for “A Charlie Brown Christmas." The show is a licensed production of the classic TV special based on Charles Schulz' perennially popular "Peanuts" comic strip.

Produced by Marie Fiorello, the show is under the direction of  Emily Russoniello. All roles are open.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 and Sept. 25. Shows will be held at noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays and noon Sundays, from Dec. 13-21.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas" first was shown as an animated television special in 1965, when its child voice actors and upbeat jazz score by Vince Guaraldi made it a surprise hit with audiences, and turned into a regular feature of the Christmas holiday ever since. This stage adaptation was completed in 2013.

Roles available include:

Charlie Brown

Snoopy

Lucy

Linus

Pig Pen

Frieda

Schroeder

Violet

Sally

Patty

Shermy

Ensemble

Open House at Somerset Valley Players

It's time to celebrate a year of hard work and recognition at Somerset Valley Players.

Somerset Valley Players will host an open house in appreciation of all those nominated for 2014 NJ Act Perry Awards for their roles in SVP productions. The open house will take place from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 20, before that evening's production of "I Hate Hamlet."

The theater will offer tours of the facility, offer the opportunity for volunteers to register their interest, and more. Hillsborough Mayor David Tomson, along with local media, will be present to recognize SVP's hard work. Light refreshments will be served, and discounted tickets for that evening's performance of "I Hate Hamlet" will be available. 

Somerset Valley Players is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

SVP nominees include:

Production	Award	Nominee
A Piece of My Heart	Featured Actor in a Play	Chris Russoneiello
A Piece of My Heart	Lead Actress in a Play	Diane L. Parker
A Piece of My Heart	Lighting Design of a Play	Michael Rapelye
A Piece of My Heart	Sound Design of a Play	Paul Kaytes
Lost in Yonkers	Production of a Play	Crystal Coddington
Lost in Yonkers	Direction of a Play	Todd Bennington
Lost in Yonkers	Supporting Actor in a Play	James Houston
Lost in Yonkers	Supporting Actor in a Play	John Lucash
Lost in Yonkers	Lead Actress in a Play	Tracey Fama
Lost in Yonkers	Featured Actress in a Play	Allison DiBiase
Lost in Yonkers	Supporting Actress in a Play	Marie Fiorello
Lost in Yonkers	Youth Actor in a Play	Alex Carr
Lost in Yonkers	Youth Actor in a Play	Dillon Spear
Lost in Yonkers	Scenic Design of a Play	Crystal Coddington
Lost in Yonkers	Stage Manager of a Play	Kate Murray
Wedding Secrets	Production of an Original Play	Karen Abbatiello, Producer
Wedding Secrets	Production of an Original Play	Marie Fiorello, Director
Wedding Secrets	Production of an Original Play	Joe Starzyk, Playwright
Wedding Secrets	Direction of a Play	Marie Fiorello
Wedding Secrets	Supporting Actor in a Play	Mark Kalet
Wedding Secrets	Featured Actress in a Play	Ana Kalet
Wedding Secrets	Youth Actress in a Play	Felicity Howard

'I Hate Hamlet' at Somerset Valley Players

Do you hate Shakespeare? Of course not! But if you love madcap comedy set around the Bard, Somerset Valley Players has the show for you.

Somerset Valley Players will perform Paul Rudnick's "I Hate Hamlet" from Sept. 12-28, with shows starting at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students.

This modern madcap comedy of Shakespeare and spirits shines the spotlight on up-and-coming television performer Andrew Rally as he assumes the stage role of Hamlet, at the prompting of the ghost of the late actor John Barrymore. Rally is forced to choose between the theatrical dignity of Shakespeare, and a potentially lucrative part in a new TV series as partner to a puppet chipmunk and hackneyed superhero.

The show will be directed by Kate Murray, stage managed by Shawna Lagan, and produced by Daniel Schulze.

Somerset Valley Players is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

'The Little Mermaid Junior' at Plays-in-the-Park

Take your child on a journey under the sea as Plays-in-the-Park presents "The Little Mermaid Junior," its 21st annual indoor children's show.

Adapted from the 2008 Broadway production based on the 1989 animated film, "The Little Mermaid Junior" is set in a magical underwater kingdom where Ariel longs to leave the ocean and live in the world above. Junior productions are modified to make them easier for younger performers.

Tickets cost $2 for children and $3 for adults, and will become available at the PIP theater production office from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays, beginning Sept. 15. Performances will begin at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19 and 25.

Child-friendly snacks and drinks, coffee and tea will be sold prior to the show and during intermission. No outside food is permitted inside the theater.

The cast features Emma McGahan as Ariel, Katie Riley as Ursula, Ben Menahem as Eric, Scott Daniels as Triton, Bob Nutter as Grimsby, Emma Schwartz as Flounder, Izzy Figueroa as Sebastian, Evan Krug as Scuttle, Tyler Barnick as Pilot and Chris Guell as Chef Louie. Also appearing are Dana Simone, Shannen Doyle, Stephanie Turci, Ashley Little, Natalie Romeo and Moriel Behar.

The show is directed by Gary Cohen, choreographed by Michelle Massa, musically directed by Nick DeGregorio, and stage managed by Gabrielle Komleski, with costumes by Carolyn McCaffrey, special effects by Mike Patierno, scenic design by Mike D'Arcy, lighting design by Roman Klima, sound design by Matt Boyle, and wig designs by Michael Miguel.

Casting Call: 'A Man for All Seasons'

Pinnworth Productions of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "A Man for All Seasons" later this month.

King Henry VIII wishes to divorce his aging wife so that he can marry his mistress and produce a male heir to the throne, a proposition supported by everyone except the highly devout Sir Thomas More. When Cardinal Wolsey, chancellor of England, names More as his successor, it becomes crucial for Henry to get More's support, but More will not be swayed. Henry demands the clergy to renounce the Pope and to name him head of the Church of England. Based on a true story.

Parts in this show include Thomas More, aged 40-60; Alice More, aged 38-55; the common man, aged 30-60; Richard Rich, aged 35-60; the Duke of Norfolk, aged 40-60; Thomas Cromwell, aged 40-65;Cardinal Wolsey, aged 40-70; Chapuys, aged 35-60; King Henry VIII, aged 28-40; William Roper, aged 20-30; and Margaret Roper, aged 17-36.

Auditionees should prepare a monologue. Auditions will take place Sept. 22 and 23. If needed, callbacks will take place Sept. 24. The show will be directed by Lou Stalsworth.

To make an appointment, or for more information, contact stalsworth@usa.net or call (609)259-2683. Kelsey Theater is on the Mercer County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Casting Call: 'Hair'

Villagers Theatre will be holding auditions for "Hair".

Auditons are Sept. 14 - 15 at 7:00 p.m. Please come prepared with sheet music and dress comfortably, as you may be asked to dance to light choreography.

Needed are 25 free-spirited singers/actors ages 18 - 30. Performers with special and unique talents; ex. circus skills, impersonators, comic improv; are especially encouraged to audition. All singing styles and voice types, R & B, Country & Rock are needed.

Performances are Nov. 7 - 23 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

The show will be directed by Michael Boyd.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset, NJ.

For further info contact michaelboyd1118@aol.com