Monday, December 29, 2014

Casting Call: 'Picasso at the Lapin Angle'

Audition for "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" at Kelsey Theater next month.

"Picasso at the Lapin Agile" imagines what might have happened if Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso met in a Parisienne bar in 1904, both are on the verge of their greatest achievements as they discuss the nature of talent and genius. A host of quirky characters add to the whimsical hilarity that ensues as they all anticipate the future and the possibilities it might bring. The show is written by Steve Martin and will be directed by Peter Bisgaier.

Auditionees should prepare the monologue or monologues provided for the character(s) for which they will audition (monologues are available on the Pennington Players website).
Pablo Picasso (mid-20s)Suave, confident, tortured, passionate. A little arrogant.
Albert Einstein: (mid-20s)Ambitious, confident, engaged, and authoritative. A little arrogant.
Freddy (30s-50s)Owner and bartender of the Lapin Agile. Good-natured and welcoming. Always quick with a witty and sarcastic comment.
Germaine (20s-30s)Freddy's girlfriend and waitress at the Lapin Agile who has had a fling with Picasso. Quick-witted and warm, she tells it like it is.
Gaston (50s-70s)A regular at the bar. Boisterous and cantankerous. Has a prostate problem.
Suzanne, countess & female admirer
(early 20s)
This actor will play three roles. The first, Suzanne, is sexy, street-smart, and smitten by Picasso. The countess is the woman Einstein is planning to meet. She is brainy and aloof. The youthfully exuberant female admirer visits the bar to find Picasso.
Charles Dabernow Shmendiman (adult)Eccentric inventor. Convinced of his own genius, but lacking the ideas to back it up.
Sagot (40s-50s)An authoritative and commanding art dealer. He loves art, but loves to make money off it more.
Visitor (20s-30s)Charming and handsome, with a voice to woo the ladies. Elvis Presley impersonation a plus.
Auditions will take place from 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 29 and from 1-3:30 p.m. Jan. 1. Callbacks will take place from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 5 as needed. Both will be held in the Communications Building next to Kelsey Theater. Although not required, audition appointments are strongly encouraged.

To make an appointment, click here. For more information, contact auditions@penningtonplayers.org. Kelsey Theater is located on the Mercer County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

'Rehearsal for Murder' at Edison Valley Playhouse

"Rehearsal for Murder" opens next year at Edison Valley Playhouse.

When a famous playwright mourns the traumatic murder of his fiancée, he decides that the only way to move forward is to write a new play. He invites a director, a producer and a team of actors to assist him with a table reading--- only they don't realize they are all on his suspect list, and that the play's climax will reveal the identity of the true murderer. The show is adapted from the teleplay by Richard Levinson and William Link.

The show features Axel Carrion, Charlene Correll, Kimberly Correll, Matthew Gochman Gary Koseyan, Barry Leonard, Mike Levine, Elizabeth Mahon, Kathryn Risi, Harvey Rothman, and Ashley Widmer. It is directed by John Correll, Jr.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Jan. 23-Feb. 7 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 1. Tickets cost $15 per adult and $12 per student or senior.

To reserve tickets for pickup and payment the night of the show, call (908)755-4654 and leave a message with your name, the amount of tickets you want, the date of the performance you wish to see, and your phone number. You will only be called back if there is a problem with your reservation. To reserve and pay for tickets online, click here. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Casting Call: 'The Addams Family'

Somerset Valley Players will hold auditions for the musical "The Addams Family."

Auditions are on Jan. 4 and 8 at 7 p.m. and will  take place at the theater, located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough, NJ. Please prepare a 32 bar cut in the style of the show and bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided. You may sing from the show. No acapella auditions. Please also be prepared to dance. For an audition appointment slot please email addamsfamilysvp@gmail.com. Appointments are strongly recommended. Walk-ins will be seen as time permits.

Rehearsals will begin lightly in February and
commence regularly in March.

They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky-and they also sing! This entertaining musical, from the television classic, lights up the stage as Morticia, Gomez, Uncle Fester, and Lurch put on their macabre best when daughter Wednesday brings home a young suitor from the outside world.

 Roles are:
Gomez
Addams
35 - 55 B2-G4
Spanish descent, who adores his wife, takes great pride in his children, and is immensely proud to be an Addams; caught between his daughter and his wife he feels completely trapped and unable to make either happy, which is his greatest joy; must have comedic timing, move well, and strong tenor vocals.
Morticia Addams
 35 - 50 G3-B5
Beautiful, leggy, the real head of the family and the critical and moving force behind it; easy comedic actress with a sexy, dry wit; feels her husband is hiding something from her and will use any tactic to lure the secret out; a strong dancer with alto/mezzo soprano vocals.
Uncle Fester
 30 - 50 C3-C5
Serves as the musicals narrator; child-like, hugely enthusiastic and totally incorrigible; a vaudevillian, needs strong comedy and tenor vocals.
Wednesday Addams
 18
 A3-E5
Gothic in a sexy way, witty with a terrifically dry sense of humor; just wants her family to be "normal" for one night to meet the parents of the boy she's fallen in love with; strong pop belt vocals. Seeking actress preferably 5'4" & under for this role.
Pugsley Addams
 12
 G4-F5
A charming, funny, husky boy who loves being tortured by his sister; he wants to ensure he won't lose his sister to her new boyfriend so he takes matters into his own hands; strong, high vocals. Voice not yet changed. 5' max height requirement. Grandma 35+ to play a feisty 102 year old Fun and quirky, but don't mess with Grandma; comedic actress with strong character vocals.
Lurch
 25 - 50 E2-E4
Seeking an actor at least 6'1 - the taller the better; a man of very, very few words, often spoken at half speed; most of what he utters is long, plaintive groans, some tinged with irony or exasperation; must have true low bass vocals.
Mal Beinecke 40 - 55 C3-A4 Stuffy father to Lucas and exasperated husband to his wife, Alice; thinks the Addams' are beyond strange and does not want to spend time having dinner with them, much less be related; musical theater bari-tenor.
Alice Beinecke 40 - 50 A3-G5 Devoted to her family so she puts aside her own desires; while at the Addams Family dinner party, she drinks a potion that causes her to let her hair down and speak her truth; very strong comedic actress with soprano / high belt vocals.
Lucas Beinecke 19 C3-C5 Attractive, in shape young man; fell in love with Wednesday Addams and plans to marry her; experiences the youthful pain and drama of young love and struggles with the differences between his family and the Addams family; contemporary pop tenor vocals.
Ancestors 20+ Three women and two men. Strong contemporary dancers who sing and have a fun, quirky sensibility. Knowledge of tango and flamenco dancing a plus. Should be able to hold tight harmonies.
The musical will be directed by Matthew Muccigrossi and produced by Emily Windus.

The show will perform from April 17 to May 9 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

'Body Awareness' at Circle Players

Circle Players will perform Annie Bakers's play "Body Awareness."

The show performs at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from January 16-31 as well as at 3 p.m. on February 1. Tickets are $17 for seniors/students and $18 for adults and are available online.

It’s “Body Awareness” week at Shirley State College in Vermont and Phyllis, a psychology professor and event organizer, and her partner, Joyce, are hosting one of the guest artists in their home, Frank Bonitatibus, a photographer famous for his female nude portraits. Both his presence in the home and his chosen subject instigate tension from the start. Phyllis is furious at his depictions, but Joyce is actually rather intrigued by the whole thing, even going so far as to contemplate posing for him. As Joyce and Phyllis bicker, Joyce’s son, Jared, on the brink of adulthood and who may or may not have Asperger’s Disorder, struggles to express himself physically with heartbreaking results.

The show is directed by Ed Faver and stars Chris DeBono as Jared, Charles Deitz Senior as Frank, Heidi Carter Hart as Phyllis, and Kate Soriano as Joyce.

Casting Call: 'Glengarry Glen Ross'

Glenngarry Glen RossCircle Players will be holding auditions for David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross."

Auditions are at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19 and 20. Callbacks are at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21. Sides will be provided at the theater.

Winner of the 1984 Pulitzer Prize, David Mamet's scalding comedy is about small-time, cutthroat real estate salesmen trying to grind out a living by pushing plots of land on reluctant buyers in a never-ending scramble for their fair share of the American dream. Here is Mamet at his very best, writing with brutal power about the tough life of tough characters who cajole, connive, wheedle, and wheel and deal for a piece of the action -- where closing a sale can mean a brand new Cadillac but losing one can mean losing it all.

Roles are:

Ricky Roma Age 30-50
Shelly Levene 50 years or older
James Lingk Age 20-60
John Williamson Age 20-30
George Aaronow 40 years or older
Dave Moss Age 30-50
Detective Baylen 30 years or older

Show dates are April 17 - May 3. There is only one Sunday matinee, on May 3.

The show is directed by John Dowgin.

 Please contact circleplayersnj@gmail.com with any questions.

'Almost, Maine' at Westfield Community Players

Almost MaineWestfield Community Players will perform John Cariani's "Almost, Maine."

The show performs at 8 p.m. on Jan. 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24. Tickets are $20, or $10 for students and active military personnel. One half of the ticket sales from the Jan. 16 performance will go to helping out the Wounded Warrior Project, which honors and empowers injured veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (908) 232-1221.

On a moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote town of Almost, Maine. The residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost -- in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

Westfield Community Players is located at 1000 North Avenue in Westfield, NJ.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Casting Call: 'Music Man'

Yardley Players of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "Music Man" next year.

Auditionees for "Music Man" should prepare an audition form, bring a headshot and resumé, and prepare a song according to specifications listed in the cast breakdown. They should also wear comfortable shoes for the dance audition.

Auditions will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 1 and 8 on the Mercer County Community College campus. If auditions have to be canceled due to snow, they will instead be held Feb. 14 and 15. Audition appointments are required.
 














Harold Hill
(25-45, baritone)
A charismatic con artist with a strong, persuasive, likeable personality. Those auditioning for Harold Hill may sing "Ya Got Trouble" or "Marian the Librarian".
Marian
(25-35, soprano)
A stiff uptight librarian who changes as she falls for Harold Hill.Those auditioning for Marian may sing "Goodnight, My Someone" or "My White Knight".
Marcellus Washburn (25-45, tenor)Harold's chummy friend.Those auditioning for Marcellus may sing "Shipoopi".
Winthrop (8-12, alto)Marian's shy brother who develops an outspoken personality. Has a lisp. Those auditioning for Winthrop may sing "Gary, Indiana" or "Wells Fargo Wagon".
Quartet (25-60, tenor I, tenor II, baritone, bass)Members of the town council who form a quartet. Those auditioning for the quartet may sing any song from the show, although "Lida Rose" is recommended.
Mrs. Paroo
(Mezzo, 45-65)
Marian's mother, who stands up for what she believes. Has an Irish accent. Those auditioning for this part may sing any song from the show.
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn (40-55, alto)The mayor's peacock wife. Great comedic timing. Those auditioning for this part may sing any song from the show.
Pick-a Little Ladies (30-60)Eulalie's gossipy friends. Those auditioning for the Pick-a-Little Ladies may sing any song from the show.
Amaryllis (8-11, alto)Marian's opinionated piano student. This role has already been cast.
Gracie Shinn (12-14)Mayor Shinn's daughter. Those auditioning for this part may sing any song from the show.
Zaneeta Shinn (14-18)Mayor Shinn's daughter. Likes Tommy Djilas. Those auditioning for this part may sing any song from the show.
Charlie Cowell (any, 35-60)An anvil salesman who attempts to expose Harold's con. Those auditioning for this part may sing any song from the show.
Mayor Shinn (40-60, non-singing role)A blustery politician with good comedic timing.
Tommy Djilas (15-19)Zaneeta's boyfriend, the town's bad boy. Those auditioning for this part may sing any song from the show.
Ensemble (8+)Ensemble parts include salesmen (25-60), the conductor (25+), the constable (30+), townspeople, and members of the band.Those auditioning for the ensemble may sing any song from the show.

Rehearsals will be from 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 2-6 p.m. Sundays. Those who are cast must be able to attend rehearsals Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for the two weeks prior to the show's opening night. All those cast must also be able tend all performances. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays May 8-17.

To make an audition appointment, call (215)968-1904. Kelsey Theater is located on the Mercer County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Casting Call: 'Dogfight'

It's almost time for "Dogfight" auditions.

Edison Valley Playhouse
"Dogfight," winner of the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, is a powerful and haunting musical about the end of the age of innocence in the 1960s. It follows three young, fresh and cocky Marines, Birdlace, Boland and Bernstein, the night before their first deployment to the Vietnam War. Looking forward to one last night of debauchery, partying and perhaps some trouble, the boys set out to find the ugliest girl to bring to the dogfight, a cruel game where the men put up money for a party and a cash prize and whoever brings the ugliest girl wins the pot.

Auditions will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 14, and at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and Dec. 16. Callbacks are by invitation only, and will be held Dec. 21. Auditions will be held at Edison Valley Playhouse, 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

A story of compassion, heartbreak and redemption "Dogfight," adapted from the 1991 River Phoenix/Lilli Taylor movie by composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of the Tony-nominated "A Christmas Story," musically moves from the pre-war sounds of early-1960s San Francisco through the gritty tough reality of Vietnam and back to the counterculture revolution of the mid- to late 1960s.

The show is casting 10-15 actors. Age ranges are how old actors must appear, not their actual ages. Men must be willing to cut their hair in a buzzcut, the style of the Marines of the 1960s. All roles are available.

Prepare 32 bars of your most comfortable and polished vocal selection. You may prepare any style you wish but keep the following in mind:

  • "Dogfight" has a number of pop, rock, folk and overall contemporary overtones. It will be an advantage if your selection shows you off in this direction.
  • The vocal ranges listed also apply to supporting cast, so choose selections accordingly to show off your strongest register.
  • Auditionees may not use a selection from "Dogfight" as audition material.
  • Sheet music must be in the correct key, clearly marked and easy to read. No transpositions.
  • Acapella auditions will not be allowed.
  • Choose something you will enjoy performing so you will be seen at your best.

Character breakdown is as follows:

Eddie BirdlaceA Marine private first class. He is well respected and a natural leader among his comrades. Initially a hothead; a cocky smooth talker. He eventually sheds his brash exterior when he falls for Rose.Male, 18-25 years oldRange: A2-A4
Rose FeenyA diner waitress who dreams of life as a musician. She is naturally shy girl, naïve of the world around her. Becomes smitten with Birdlace and discovers a lot about her self respect and confidence along the way. Some knowledge of how to play basic guitar a plus but not required.Female, 18-21 years oldRange: G3 - E5
BernsteinA Marine private first class and Birdlace's good friend. A bit nerdy and very inexperienced with the opposite sex.Male, 18-25 years oldRange: B2-B4
BolandA Marine private first class and Birdlace's closest friend, he is the most vocal supporter of the dogfight and fairly crude in his behavior and language.Male, 18-25 years oldRange: B2-B4
MarcyBoland's date for the dogfight. She is a nearly toothless and homely prostitute. Crass and brash, but sneaky and cunning.Female, 25-35 years oldRange: F#3-Eb5
Lounge SingerOily crooner and judge of the dogfight. May also double in the ensemble.Male – 25-35 years oldRange: B2–B4

The supporting cast will fill out the remaining characters of "Dogfight," some with lines and featured vocals, including additional Marines, hippies and bus passengers. Cast members also will provide supporting vocals from offstage.

Provide an updated theatrical resume if it is available. Be prepared to list all rehearsal conflicts for all dates between Jan. 5 and March 13. Everyone who auditions will be photographed at check-in, and auditions will be videotaped.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays March 13-28. Tech week will run from March 6 through March 12.

"Dogfight" is directed by Barbara Gurskey, with musical direction by Rory Chalcraft. Vocal director is Stephen D. Belfatti, with choreography by Jen Hanselman.

For more information, contact DogfightEVP@gmail.com.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Casting Call: 'Brighton Beach Memoirs'

Somerset Valley Players will hold auditions for Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs."

Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 18 at the theater, located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough, NJ.

Neil Simon's comic semi-autobiographical tale of growing up in a 1937 Brooklyn Jewish household. We find a wise-cracking adolescent boy dreaming of baseball and girls and trying to make sense of his slightly off-the-wall but well-meaning family and the world around them.

Roles are:

Kate Jerome
Early to Mid 40s
Practical woman and the caretaker of the family. She holds the family together.
Eugene Jerome Mid teens Protagonist and narrator of the story. Depression in a working class Jewish family gives him stresses and wisdom beyond those of a typical teenager.
Stanley Jerome
Late teens to early 20s
Older brother of Eugene. He looks out for Eugene but feels misguided, inadequate, and under-privileged.
Jack Jerome
Late 40s to early 50s
Patriarch of the entire family and everyone turns to him for the answers to all their problems.
Blanche Morton Early to Mid 40s Widow whose husband left her with nothing. She has difficulties making decisions.
Nora Morton Mid to late teens Typical teenager. Lives by the philosophy that she will do what she wants regardless of what her elders want her to do.
Laurie Morton Early teens Bookish.

The show will be directed by Todd Bennington and produced by Crystal Coddingotn.

Performances will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from March 6 to March 22 .

Casting Call: 'Beachton Bright Memoirs'

Somerset Valley Players is looking for men and women to complete the cast of "Brighton Beach Memoirs."

Written by Neil Simon, whose comic works are a staple of community theater, "Brighton Beach Memoirs" is a semi-autobiographical tale of growing up in a 1937 Brooklyn Jewish household. The story focuses on a wise-cracking adolescent boy dreaming of baseball and girls, while he tries to make sense of his slightly off-the-wall but well-meaning family and the world around them.

Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 18, at Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Road. Parts include a man from 40-50 years old, a woman in her 40s, and two girls and two boys, all in their mid- to late teens.

CharacterAgeDescription
Kate JeromeEarly to Mid-40sPractical woman and the caretaker of the family. She holds the family together.
Eugene JeromeMid-teensProtagonist and narrator of the story. Depression in a working class Jewish family gives him stresses and wisdom beyond those of a typical teenager.
Stanley JeromeLate teens-early 20sOlder brother of Eugene. He looks out for Eugene but feels misguided, inadequate and underprivileged.
Jack JeromeLate 40s-early 50sPatriarch of the entire family and everyone turns to him for the answers to all their problems.
Blanche MortonEarly to mid-40sWidow whose husband left her with nothing. She has difficulties making decisions.
Nora MortonMid to late teensStereotypical teenager. Lives by the philosophy that she will do what she wants regardless of what her elders want her to do.
Laurie MortonEarly teens.Bookish.




"Brighton Beach Memoirs" will be directed by Todd Bennington, and produced by: Crystal Coddington. Planned performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays March 6-22.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

New Year's Eve Party at Villagers Theatre

Ring in the new year with Villagers Theatre this year!

Villagers Theatre will hold a New Year's Eve party on Dec. 31. You can come at 7 p.m. and see "Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical" or you can come at 9:30 and both see the show and participate in "When the Clock Strikes Midnight," a gala that includes a catered buffet, music, dancing, party hats, and party favors. Admission is $20 for just the show and $60 for the show and the gala.

A look at the 'joys' of growing older, "Mid-Life!" strikes a chord with anyone, of any age. A series of scenes and sketches poke fun at the frustrations of mammograms, love handles, weekend warriors and proctology exams. The witty songs celebrate forgetfulness, reading glasses and menopause, along with the wisdom that comes with age. With its hilarious, yet honest reflections on the tribulations of aging, you're likely to experience multiple hot flashes of laughter.

"Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical" is written by Bob and Jim Walton. It is directed by Linda Giordano, produced by Joe Buz, musically directed by Joe Lesky, and stars Steve Murin, Joe Sedney, MimFrancis, Maury Herman, Emily Russoniello, Chris Russoniello, Jeff Dworkin, Ana Kalet, Michelle Russell, and Joan Wagner.

The gala is coordinated by Marie Fiorello.

Friday, December 5, 2014

'Humbug' at Somerset Valley Players

Somerset Valley Players presents "Humbug."

The show performs at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays from Dec. 5 to 21. Tickets are $20 for seniors/students and $22 for adults and are available online, at the door, or by calling (908) 369-7469.

The show is produced by Dominick Abbatiello and directed by Tina Lee.

The loving spirit of Christmas and the ennobling warmth of "A Christmas Carol" transcend time and encompass all humanity, as this modern and relevant adaptation of the Dickens classic finds a mean-spirited female Wall Street executive on Christmas Eve greedily pursuing business deals only to be shown the true and uplifting meaning of charity, kindness, and love.

The cast features Kayla Abbatiello, Kieran McKenna, Robert Ford, Max Miller, Megan Halvorsen, Melissa Pinto, Carolyn Levine, Hilde Steinberg, Nicole Levine, Roberta Steve, Walter Maze, Elaine Wallace, and John McDonough.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Villagers Theatre presents 'Godspell'

PrintVillagers Theatre's teen ensemble will perform "Godspell."

The show performs at 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 13. Tickets are $10 each.

"Godspell" features a parade of beloved songs including “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All For The Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.” A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville is employed as the story of Jesus’s life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’s messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life. Boasting a score with chart topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright and a feature film, "Godspell" is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.

'Hairspray' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre's Miniature Musical Makers will perform "Hairspray."

The show performs at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7. Tickets are $10.

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire — to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do!

The show is directed by Corey Rubel, musically directed by Francois Suhr, choreographed by Jillian Kimberlin, produced by Donna Kimberlin, stage managed by Jaime Moritz and Jack Tomy, assistant musically directed by Angelina Francese, assistant produced by Jaime moritz, assistant directed by Jack Tomy, assistant choreographed by Alexandra Mandalakis, and with production assistance from Jessica Kimblerlin and Connor McKenna,

The show features Shannon Leff as Tracey Turnblad, Matthew Cox as Corny Collins, Evan Centofani as Edna Turnblad, Sabrina Schubert as Motormouth Maybell, Julia Parks as Penny Pingleton, Catherine Circonciso as Velma Von Tussle, Arielle Handler as Amber Von Tussle, Ricky Francese as Link Larkin, Seamus Harding as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Sarah Roser as Little Inez, Justin Hosszu as Wilbur Turnblad, Rachel Aguiles as Prudy Pingleton, Matthew Conlon as Mr. Pinky, Abby McCarty as the Gym Teacher, Drew Lotter as Mr. Spritzer, Bethany Barber as the Matron, Alyssa Aguiles as the Principal, Brandon Luckenbaugh as the Guard, Brandon Luckenbaugh as Gilbert, Jenna Mechler as Tammy, Michael Koutros as Brad, Shaan Desai as Fender, Julia Taylor as Brenda, Michael Guarnieri as Sketch, Angie DeVoe as Shelly, Akshay Gokul as IQ, Celia Schmeidler as Lou Ann, Megan Cox, Jaclyn Berman, and Gina Maille as the Dynamites, Arielle Heimberg, Jordan Ludwig Kelsey Luckenbaugh, Kylee Ludwig, and Sahana Desai as the technicolor ensemble, Emma Deatz, Krista Caasi, Taylor Repollet, and Vanessa Witheridge as the black and white ensemble.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

'A Charlie Brown Christmas' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre presents "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

The show performs at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. on Sundays from December 14 to 21. Tickets are $10 and are available online.

When Charlie Brown complains about the materialism surrounding Christmas, Lucy suggests that he direct the school Christmas pageant. He accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little Christmas tree fails, Linus steps in to restore the real meaning of Christmas.

During the run of the show, the theatre will be accepting donation on Second Chance for Animals. Please feel free to bring donations such as canned dog or cat food (no fish), pet toys, dish detergent, sponges and place them under the "Snoopy" Tree in our lobby. Handmade ornaments to color and place on the tree will also be available at a cost of $1.00 each. 100% of all donations will be given to Second Chance for Animals and will directly benefit the Franklin Township Animal Shelter. Further information about the organization is available here.

The show is written by Bill Melendez, Lee Mendelsen, and Eric Schaeffer. This production is made possible through special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. It is directed by Emily Russoniello, stage managed by David Learn, and produced by Marie Fiorello.

The cast features Joseph Kalet as Charlie Brown, Ruth Learn as Snoopy, Felicity Howard as Lucy, Andrew Russoniello as Linus, Dari Russoniello as Pigpen, Nicole Sheik as Violet, Madison Whiting as Patty, Hady Aoun as Schroeder, Michael Aoun as Shermy, Maggie Johnson as Sally, Sierra Martinez as Frieda, and Gracie Calig, Kelsey Luckenbaugh, Natalie Sheik, Corinna Caimi, Eowyn Learn, Anne Learn, Amanda Aoun, Angela Aoun, and Victoria Zorilla as the ensemble.