Casting Call: 'Miss Saigon'

PinnWorth Productions of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "Miss Saigon," an adaptation of Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly" by the writers of "Les Miserables," Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, on several dates spread through next month.

Reframing Puccini’s story by setting it during the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon is a powerful and poignant tale of love in a war-torn country. In the dangerous days before Saigon’s fall in 1975, Chris, an American GI, and Kim, a destitute Vietnamese orphan working her first night as a prostitute, fall in love. When the city falls, the lovers are forced apart, and each must find their own way, alone. When, years later, Chris is able to return to Vietnam, he brings with him an American wife. Kim, who has waited for Chris, has raised their son, Tam, who is “bui-doi”, a term for a child conceived during the horrors of war. With so much devastation behind them, Kim and Chris must decide how to move forward. Miss Saigon is a tragedy of massive proportions: passionate, profound, and heart-wrenchingly honest.

Auditionees should prepare 16-32 bars of music in the style of, but not from, the show that best shows their pop belt voice and range, being sure to have sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. They should also be prepared to dance, wearing appropriate dance attire. For women, wearing character heels will be a plus; men should wear jazz shoes or dance sneakers. Auditionees should bring a headshot and resumé, as well as the audition form, which can be downloaded here. Those with acrobatic skills should be prepared to show them. All ages and ethnicities are sought for the parts, although those auditioning for the lead or ensemble roles listed below must be at least 18 years old; auditions for Tam and a child ensemble will be held separately, at a date to be announced. Auditionees must sign up prior to auditions.

Christopher Scott (pop tenor, A2-B4, 20-30)	A young, tormented American GI. He is in love with Kim, but after they are torn apart, finds solace in his new love for Ellen back in the US. After three years of trying to get past his Vietnam experience and his shattered love, the news of his and Kim's son shakes his world apart.
The engineer, a.k.a. Tran Van Dinh (baritone, A2-Ab4, 30-50)	The half-French, half-Vietnamese owner of the Dreamland club in Saigon, a greasy wheeler-dealer who puts self-preservation over everything else. Sleazy yet likeable.
Kim (mezzo-soprano/ belter, E3-E5, 17-20)	A 17-year-old Vietnamese girl from the country. Moves to Saigon and falls in love with Chris, an American marine. She is young and naïve, yet strong-willed, and would do anything for the good of her son, Tam.
John Thomas (tenor baritone, G#2-Bb4, 25-40)	Chris’s close friend and a fellow American marine. In the Dreamland bar, he buys Kim for Chris "as a last souvenir." Three years later, John has become an activist, supporting aid for the Bui-Doi, Amerasian offspring of American soldiers and Vietnamese mothers abandoned at the end of the Vietnam War. In his work, he locates Chris' three-year-old son, Tam, living with Kim in Bangkok.
Ellen Scott (mezzo-soprano/ belter, F#3-G5, 20-30)	The sensible, stable, iconically 1970s American woman that Chris fell in love with and married 2 years after returning from Vietnam. The news that Kim is still alive and bore Chris' son threatens to change her life forever, but she is determined to do what is best for her husband, his son, and her marriage.
Thuy (tenor, C3-Bb4, 20-30)	Kim’s cousin, to whom she has been promised since she was 13. He is a stalwart and determined Vietnamese military leader who will stop at nothing to get Kim back for himself. Intensely patriotic and anti-American.
Gigi Van Tranh (mezzo-soprano/ belter, Ab3-Eb5, early-mid-20s)	A Vietnamese bar girl who wins the contest and the title of “Miss Saigon.” While on the surface, she is a hardened stripper, her true dream is to be taken away by an American marine to start a new life in America. Strong dance skills required.
Mimi, Yvette and Yvonne (mezzo-soprano, F above middle C to top D above top C, early-mid-20s)	Three hardened, disillusioned Saigon prostitutes. Each of these parts requires strong dance skills.
Adult ensemble (18+, all ranges)	Dancing and company singing as bar girls/prostitutes, marines/G.I.’s, Captain Schultz, Assistant Commisar, Vietnamese soldiers, hustlers, pimps, club owner, vendors, refugees, embassy workers, Japanese tourists, conference delegates, American officers, and Vietnamese and Thai civilians.

Adult auditions will occur on January 9, 10 and 23. Auditions for women will be held from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and auditions for men will be held from 2:30-6 p.m. January 9 and 23; co-ed auditions will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. January 10. Callbacks will be held January 24. The show is directed by LouJ Stalsworth and Koren Zander, the latter of whom is also the choreographer.

There will be a few rehearsals in April or May. Regular rehearsals are anticipated to begin in June, typically 7-10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. A few weekend rehearsals may be scheduled, although this will be quite rare. The show will run Fridays and Saturdays September 9-25.

For more information, contact pinnworth@gmail.com. Again, the audition form can be found here. Kelsey Theater is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Casting Call: 'Veronica's Room'

In a few weeks, Westfield Community Players will hold auditions for "Veronica's Room," a chilling mystery thriller by Ira Levin, author of "Rosemary's Baby" that explores the thin line between fantasy and reality, madness, and murder.

Students Susan and Larry find themselves as guests, enticed to the Brabissant mansion by its dissolute caretakers, the lonely Mackeys. Struck by Susan's strong resemblance to Veronica Brabissant, the long-dead daughter of the family for whom they work, the Mackeys persuade her to briefly impersonate Veronica to solace the only living Brabissant, her addled sister who believes Veronica alive. Once dressed in Veronica's clothes, Susan finds herself locked in the role and locked in Veronica's room. Or is she Veronica, in 1935, pretending to be an imaginary Susan?

There are four characters: "The woman," aged 35-60; "the man," aged 35-55; "the girl," aged 20-36; and "the young man," aged 22-29.

Auditions will occur from 6-9 p.m. January 17 and 7-10 p.m. January 19.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. May 7, 13, 14 and 21 and at 2 p.m. May 22.

Auditionees are asked to submit an audition form in advance. The online form may be found here.

For more information, contact info@westfieldcommunityplayers.org. Westfield Community Players is located at 1000 North Avenue West, Westfield.

'Hot l Baltimore' at Westfield Community Players

"Hot l Baltimore" will open at Westfield Community Players in less than two weeks, next year.

The show is set in the lobby of a dilapidated old hotel. Despite its run-down, sometimes repulsive nature, the hotel's inhabitants have a personal relationship to the Hotel Baltimore and to their neighbors living in it. The play is comprised of a series of conversations between the residents of the hotel, who are contemplating an uncertain future after the hotel is condemned and scheduled for demolition.

The show features Leslie Riccie as Mrs. Bellotti, Sabrina Iacobellis as the Girl, Mike Petritsch as Paul Granger III, Jeanette Ricci as April Green, Roxanne Guarino as Jackie, Matt Coakley as Jamie, Peter Twill as Mr. Katz, Peter Curley as Bill Lewis, Linda Correll as Millie, Kate Murray as Suzy, Scott Avery as Mr. Morse, Al Contursi as Mr. Oxenham and Suzy's John, Phil Sarpong as a cab driver, and Noah Sokolsky as a pizza delivery boy. It is directed by Beatriz Esteban-Messina, produced by Lucille Bills and stage managed by Barbara Ruban.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays January 9-23 and 2 p.m. Jan. 17. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $10 per student or active military personnel.

To purchase tickets, call (908)232-1221 or click here. Unpaid tickets will be held until 15 minutes before curtain, then resold. The Westfield Community Players are located at 1000 North Avenue West, Westfield.

Casting Call: 'Hamlet'

Shakespeare '70 of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in about three weeks.

Prince Hamlet of Denmark is not a happy camper. He has just been hurried back home from University to learn that his father the King (Hamlet Sr.) is dead, and that his mother has already jumped into “incestuous sheets” (I.i) by marrying his father’s brother, Claudius, thus making him the new King of Denmark. In short order, the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears to tell him that Claudius is responsible for his death and to urge him to take revenge. Shakespeare’s longest and most frequently performed play, "Hamlet" is one of the most influential works in the English literary canon.

Auditions will occur from 7-9:30 p.m. January 12 and 14 in the Communications Building next to Kelsey Theater. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. Auditionees will read from sides, which will be available at the auditions and may be obtained by contacting the stage manager, Lili Daniel. They should prepare a list of all possible conflicts between April 1 and June 12.

No particular ages are sought for the characters. However, Hamlet and his mother Gertrude, who have been precast, will be portrayed by actors in their late 20s and mid-50s, respectively.

Hamlet (already cast)	A conflicted young man who feels it his duty to get revenge for his father's death.
Claudius	The new King of Denmark, and the late King Hamlet’s brother. Killed his brother in order to marry his former sister-in-law and claim the Danish crown. Obsessed with his own power, Claudius is more than willing to do what it takes to maintain it, even if that means killing his nephew.
Gertrude (already cast)	Hamlet's mother, the queen of Denmark. Mourned Hamlet's father's death for about two months before marrying his brother Claudius.Painted as a woman with a bit of a weak moral character, Gertrude seems to fundamentally rely on the men in her life and may care more about her status and appearance than she does about anything else.
Polonius	The father of Ophelia and Laertes, and the Lord Chamberlain of Claudius’s court. Also manipulative, spreading rumors about his son in order to force him into delivering up information, using Ophelia as a pawn in a plot to improve his standing with Claudius. Ultimately meets his untimely end when Hamlet mistakes him for Claudius while he hides behind a curtain listening to Hamlet and Gertrude’s private conversation.
Ophelia	The former love interest of Hamlet, Ophelia, like Gertrude, has a life that seems to be entirely dictated by the men around her. Utterly obedient to her father, she agrees to play a role in his scheme to spy on Hamlet and is terrorized by the latter as a result. After Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, she snaps and goes mad, and dies not long after.
Horatio	Hamlet’s best friend from university, and most loyal companion throughout the play. He informs him of the visitation of his father’s ghost, and, at the end of the play, tells the dying Hamlet that he would rather follow him to the end and commit suicide than stay in the world without him.
Laertes	Polonius' son and Ophelia's brother. Spends much of the play at university in Paris, but returns as soon as he hears of his father's murder, with the aim of revenge upon Hamlet.
Hamlet's father's ghost	Appears on the battlements of Elsinore castle, first to the night-watchmen, Bernardo and Marcellus, then to Hamlet’s friend Horatio, and finally to Hamlet himself. He reveals to Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, and urges Hamlet to seek revenge.
Gravedigger	Providing some of the only comic relief in the play, the gravedigger speaks with Hamlet for a scene late in the play. Has a skull formerly belonging to someone named Yorick.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern	Two friends of Hamlet's from university.
Player King	Leader of the troupe that comes to perform for the court.
Ensemble	Various messengers, courtiers, soldiers, captains, lords, and ladies.

The readthrough will be in April, with normal rehearsals commencing immediately afterward. There will be rehearsals three nights each week and on Sunday afternoons, with more in the two weeks preceding opening night. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays June 3-12.

For more information, contact the stage manager, Lili Daniel, at lilisaidwhat@gmail.com. To schedule an audition appointment, click here. Both Kelsey Theater and the communications building are located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Villagers Theatre seeks 2016-17 season submissions

If you'd like to direct a show, Villagers Theatre wants to hear from you.

Located in Franklin Township, Villagers Theatre is seeking submissions from directors for its 2016-2017 season. Prospective directors should submit titles and playwrights of the they are interested in directing on Villagers Mainstage. Submit a current resume, including any references, with your submissions.

The play selection committee will ask for a copy of the script for each production for each show it opts to consider after the initial proposal. Directors at that point will be scheduled for interviews with the committee. During the interview, directors will be be asked to:

• Describe why they wish to direct that particular show.
• Discuss their vision for each production (i.e. production values, concept, casting, etc.)
• Discuss why they feel it would be a great addition to the Villagers season.

Directors are always welcomed to bring their own stage managers, choreographers, designers and other production staff to work on shows once they are approved. Villagers Theatre does have its own pool of production staff it can draw on if directors need them.

Villagers will consider only shows that have not been produced on its mainstage for the past 15 years. A list of past productions can be found at: www.villagerstheatre.com/pastshows/

The play selection committee will receive submissions from many directors, and it is likely that shows will be submitted by more than one director. Should that occur, it will be at the sole discretion of the committee to select the director for that production.

Please list submissions in order of preference and note which of time slots best suits your schedule. The season will generally run as follows, with Villagers production recommendations in parentheses:

Show #1 September (a comedy or drama)
Show #2 November (a musical)
Show #3 February (a small musical or comedy)
Show #4 April (a comedy or drama)
Show #5 June (a musical)

All submissions must be received (to the attention of Marie Fiorello) in the Villagers Main Office, at 415 Demott Lane, P.O. Box 6175, Somerset, NJ 08876, or emailed to marie@villagerstheatre.com no later than Dec. 31, 2015 in order to be considered.

Please note that your show may also be considered for the Villagers Black Box series if appropriate. In that event, you will be contacted by Andy Gordanier, executive producer of Villagers Black Box.

If you wish to submit titles for KidsVill, you may do so at this time. They will be forwarded to Ana Kalet, executive producer of KidsVill.

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

Welcome the New Year at Villagers Theatre

Looking for a fun way to welcome the new year? Villagers Theatre is offering patrons the chance to get out of the house and celebrate the end of 2015 with live entertainment, music and a catered buffet.

The New Years Eve party kicks off at 7 p.m. for those attending the show only, and at 9:30 for those wanting to stay out late and ring in the new year with a show and gala. Tickets cost $25 for the show and $60 for the show and gala, which includes a catered buffet, music, dancing, and party hats and favors.

Tickets are available online. For more information, visit the Villagers Theatre event page, or call (732) 873-2710.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

'Seussical the Musical' at Edison Valley Playhouse

Think invisible ink, or a gink with a stink, or Edison Valley Playhouse's production of "Seussical the Musical," which will open this weekend.

This fantastical family musical is based on the books of Dr. Seuss, including favorites like "Horton Hears a Who!", "Horton Hatches the Egg," and "Miss Gertrude McFuzz." Horton, a kindly elephant, hears a noise coming from a speck of dust on a clover and commits himself to protecting it and the Whos who live on it; Jojo, a misfit Who who "doesn't Think normal Thinks," struggles to find his place in the tiny Who society; Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love, the kind and compassionate Horton. Through mishaps and adventures, these unique characters finally find what they seek, their places in their world.

The show stars Michael Drake, Morgan Wambach, Kevin Albanese, Jessica Musolino, Sierra Hunter, Jesse Principale, Josh Cohen, Tiffany Wilson, Ben Simons, James Fasulo, Jesse Simpson, Mandy Crawford, and Sarah Perney. It is directed by Alicia Cordero, musically directed by Kara Wilson, and choreographed by Lindsey Jordon.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays December 4-19 and at 2 p.m. December 13. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $15 per student or senior citizen.

To reserve tickets for pickup and payment the night of the show, call (908)755-4654 and leave a message stating your name, the night of the show you wish to attend, and how many tickets you wish to purchase. There will only be a return call if there is a problem with the reservation. To reserve and pay for tickets online, click here. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

'A Christmas Carol' at Playhouse 22

Playhouse 22 will present their annual show, the story of a miserable miser who learns to keep Christmas in his heart with the help of several ghostly visitations, this December. That's right, it's the 20th anniversary of Playhouse 22's "A Christmas Carol," adapted from the classic Dickens novella by Tony Adase, who is also the show's director.


The show will feature Fred Dennehy as Ebenezer Scrooge, Erik Hall as Bob Cratchit, Lisa Black as Mrs. Cratchit, Kerri-lynn Shea as Martha Cratchit, Ryan Gordon as Peter Cratchit, Marissa Marciano as Mary Cratchit Phoebe Hall as Belinda Cratchit, Sam Moffett as Tiny Tim, Rupert Ravens as the Narrator, Peter Reimann as Marley’s Ghost, Jackie Master as thr Spirit of Christmas Past and Miss Flora, Chris Rowland as the Spirit of Christmas Present; Russ Ortiz as Fezziwig, a poor man, and a junk broker; Jamie Babington as Barbara and the poor man's wife; Rudy Palma as Nephew Fred, Rachel Green as Fan/Laundress, Kristen Umansky as Alice, Eric Hollenbeck as Young Ebenezer, Deby Brandt as Mrs. Bumley, James Moffett as Ignorance, Maddie Schiavo as Want and a turkey girl, Elena Marie Chalcraft as a charity worker, and Linda Newton as Mrs. Marchon.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays December 11-20. Tickets cost $15 each.

Those who attend the performance December 13 will have the opportunity to take their picture with him on stage after the show.

To purchase tickets, click here. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

Casting Call: 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

Ever wanted to enter a spelling bee? Well, now's your chance — sort of. Playhouse 22 will hold auditions for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in a couple of weeks.

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.

Auditionees should prepare no more than 32 bars of a Broadway show with sheet music. Songs from the show are acceptable. A capella is not permitted. Auditionees should also dress comfortably as dancing is expected.

Chip Tolentino (C4-B5)	An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Also plays Jesus.
Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre (A3-F5)	(Schwartzy) Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.
Leaf Coneybear (A3-A5)	The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance. Also plays Carl Dad.
William Barfee (E4-B5)	A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous "Magic Foot" method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.
Marcy Park (C4-E5)	A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year's nationals. She speaks six languages, is a member of all-American hockey, a championship rugby player, plays Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning. She is the poster child for the Over-Achieving Asian, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry. Gymnastics ability preferred.
Olive Ostrovsky (B3-F5)	A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the Bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms.
Rona Lisa Peretti (B3-F5)	The number one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. Also plays Olive's mom.
Douglas Panch (non-singing)	The vice principal. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections. Looking for good improv ability.
Mitch Mahoney (E4-A5)	The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better. Also plays Olive's father, Dan Dad.

Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. December 14 and 15, with callbacks at the same time December 17. Appointments may be made online; those who do not schedule appointments will be seen, when time permits, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays February 6-21.

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

Christmas at Kelsey Theatre

Kelsey Theatre presents "A Very Kelsey Christmas."

The show is a Christmas concert set in the style of a 1950's live variety television show. There will be skits, music of all types (including classic Christmas songs and hymns, pop hits, and Broadway classics), and more.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 13. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14 for students/children.

The show is directed by John Zimmerman and musically directed by Peter de Mets.




Also, the theatre will host multiple free Christmas concerts. There will be a choral concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, a jazz band concert at 8 p.m. on Dec. 8, and a concert by the Mercer County Symphonic Band at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.

'Lady Windermere's Fan' at Kelsey Theatre

The Mercer County Community College Theatre and Entertainment program presents Oscar Wilde's "Lady Windermere's Fan."

It is the day before her 21st birthday, and Lady Windermere is sure that her husband is having an affair. Although he denies it, he invites the other woman- Mrs. Erlynne- to the Lady's birthday ball. Angry, Lady Windermere leaves her husband for a new lover. However, things with Mrs. Erlynne may not be all they seem...

The show is at 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 6. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for seniors/students.

The Kelsey Theatre is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ.

'Seussical' at Edison Valley Playhouse

You can watch it with a fox,
And you can with it in a box.
You can watch it with a mouse,
But you can't watch it in your house.
You won't be left in the lurch
If you watch it in an old church.

Edison Valley Playhouse will present the madcap musical "Seussical" for three weekends, beginning Friday, Dec. 4, under the musical direction of Kara Wilson.

Based on the immortal children's books of Dr. Seuss, "Seussical" is a mashup of favorites like "Horton Hears a Who!", "Horton Hatches the Egg" and "Miss Gertrude McFuzz." Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust on a clover and commits himself to protecting it and the Whos who live on it; Jojo, a misfit Who who "doesn't Think normal Thinks," struggles to find his place in the tiny Who society; Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love - the kind and compassionate Horton. Through mishaps and adventures, these unique characters finally find what they seek - their places in their world.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 4-19, with a 2 p,m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 13. To reserve tickets for pickup and payment on the night of the show, call the box office at (908) 755-4654 and leave a message. You will receive a callback only if there is a problem with your reservation. Tickets also are available online.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.

Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

Casting call: 'Eye of God'

Circle Players will hold auditions for “Eye of God,” a haunting dramatic mystery by Tim Blake Nelson, at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 15.

The play is set in a small, dying Oklahoma town, where a young woman finally meets her beau: a just-released convict with whom she has corresponded for three years. Her story weaves in and out of the memories of a weary detective investigating a grisly case in a nearby lake, and a broken, mute boy who may hold the key to the mystery.

Director Christie Leigh Carver of Bound Brook seeks actors and actresses to fill the following roles:

Sam Rogers	40-plus male	Sheriff, lead investigator, weary from a long career trying to make sense of and bring order to the chaos humans inflict on each other; it is his memories that guide us through the play
Jack	30s male	Charming and warm, an ex-convict who has devoted his new life to the Bible and to Ainsley
Willard Sprague	40s male	Parole officer, congenial, straight-forward guy trying to do his job while dealing with troubles at home
Tom	Boy, 12-14 years old	troubled and haunted, trying to find his footing in a life filled with pain and turmoil
Les	Patrolman, 20s-30s male	Patrolman, second under Rogers, keen but inexperienced, hasn’t seen much more than a parking ticket before, nevertheless enjoys the authority of being senior officer
Del (also Voice 2 cop)	20s-30s male	Sees and hears everything from his vantage point of the convenience store in the center of town
Glen (also Voice 1 cop)	20s-30s male	Patrolman, green and eager
Lee	40-plus male	Ainsley’s boss, owns the luncheonette, curmudgeon
Ainsley	20s female	Not worldly, but not as uncomplicated as her naïveté and open manner would suggest
Dorothy	Late 30s-40s	Waitress, Tom’s aunt & guardian, strong and kind, somehow manages to maintain faith and keep her head up after all the pain and strife she has weathered
Janice	20s female	Waitress, Ainsley’s coworker, young but tough and more worldlywise than her friend

The director asks actors to bring a resume and be prepared to list any schedule conflicts for January-March.

Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Auditions will take place at Circle Players, 416 Victoria Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Feb. 19-March 5, with a Sunday matinee at  p.m. March 6.

Volunteer at Circle Players

Worked at the Circle Players box office before? Want to work at it in the future? Well it's time for some training!

There are training sessions on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can sign up here. The training is for all volunteers, whether fully, partially, or never before trained to work the Circle box office.

If you can't make the session and still want training, please contact Elyse Halloran at circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

Box office and concessions workers are needed for the theater's production of "Dinner With Friends." Although the box office does require training, no training is necessary for concessions. Anybody doing either gets free admission to that night's show. If interested in either of these positions, please sign up here.

Circle Players is also holding their second fall cleanup. There's still work to be done, so the theater is holding one last cleanup on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., though you do not have to be there the whole time. If interested, you can sign up here. Refreshments will be provided.

Casting Call: News Year's Eve Vaudeville Review

Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for their 2015 New Year's Eve vaudeville review.

The theatre needs men and women capable in singing, dancing, and comedy for the show. There will be two performances, both on Dec. 31. Rehearsals will begin shortly after Thanksgiving.

Auditions are on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Please prepare a song for the audition. You may do a capella or bring recorded with you, but no accompaniment will be provided. Showtunes are preferable, but all songs are welcome. Dancers should also bring recorded music. Magic and comedy routines are also welcome.

If you are unable to attend auditions but want to be in the show, please contact director Anamarie Kalet at anna@villagerstheatre.com.

'It's a Wonderful Life' at Kelsey Theatre

M & M Productions' "It's a Wonderful Life" opens at Kelsey Theatre this Friday.

When miserable George Bailey wishes he had never been born, an angel is sent to Earth to make his wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he had never been there. Based on the classic film, "It's a Wonderful Life" is a tale of life, love, and how our lives effect others.

Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays from Nov. 20 to Nov. 29. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for children/students.

The show is directed by Dan Spalluto, and stars Tim Moran as George Bailey, Angela Fasanella as Mary Bailey, Matthew Cassidy as Uncle Billy, Sean McGrath as Clarence, Walter Smyth as Potter, John Cox as Bert, Kevin Hallam as Ernie, David Sullivan as Joe the Senior Angel, Shan Williams III as Frankie the Senior Angel, William Walters as Pop Bailey, Sybil Cooper as Ma Bailey, Nicholas Kianka as Harry Bailey, Noelle Rappleya as Violet, Tristan Takacs as Sam Wainwright, Michaelyn Haley as Annie, Anthony Rita as Young George, Julia Patella as Young Mary, Jeannette Smith as Young Violet, Carolyn Anzuini as Cousin Tilly, David Christoffersen as Mr. Gower, Sawyer Berness as Tommy Bailey, Hudson Waller as Peter Bailey, Isabella Colon as Zuzu, Mia Soleil Spallina as Janie Bailey, Madison Kotnarowski as Cousin Eustace, and Pete Trabucco as Mr. Martini.

'A Tuna Christmas' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre presents "A Tuna Christmas."

In this hilarious sequel to "Greater Tuna", it's Christmas in the third smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including hot competition in the annual lawn display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey's production of "A Christmas Carol" is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from "Greater Tuna" and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Nov. 27 & 28 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 29. Tickets are $15 each. No group rates or discounts are available.

The show is directed by Linda Giordano and stars Bob Chiavaroli and Andy Gordanier. All proceeds from "A Tuna Christmas" go to replacing the theater's HVAC systsem.

Casting Call: 'Room Service'

"Theater to Go" of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "Room Service" early next week.

Nimble-witted producer Gordon Miller is holed up in a Times Square hotel with 19 hungry actors and a ballooning room service bill. Living on credit, he is desperately in need of a good script. He finds one, and, by great good luck, he also finds an angel with $15,000. He tries to forestall eviction by concocting a series of preposterous events.

The play shows how, during a hectic few days, Miller plays hide-and-seek with the angel, who wants to withdraw his financial support; manages to outwit creditors; and at the very last moment puts over his play despite the most ludicrous and unexpected obstacles. The show was a Broadway hit in 1937 and was made into a Marx Brothers movie.

Auditionees should prepare a comedic monologue, a headshot and a resumé, the latter two of which may either be brought to the audition or emailed in ahead of time. There may be cold readings from the script. All parts require physical agility and good comedic timing. Familiarity with the script is a plus. The script is available on request.

Gordon Miller (30)	A fast-talking, quick-witted producer with big ideas but a very small budget.
Joseph Gribble (30-plus)	Miller's brother-in-law, the anxious manager of the White Way Hotel where Miller is unable to pay the bills for his indigent troupe.
Sasha Smirnoff (30-plus)	A waiter at the White Way Hotel who was an actor in his native Russia and wants to revive his performing career in New York. Role requires a Russian accent
Harry Binion: (30-plus)	The director of Miller's production of "Godspeed."
Faker Englund (20s-40s)	Miller's general assistant. Has an earthy quality and boundless energy.
Christine Marlowe (20s-30s)	Miller's girlfriend, an actress in Miller's production hoping to become a Broadway star. She finds a backer for the show.
Leo Davis (mid-20s-30s)	An inexperienced young man from the small town of Oswego and the author of "Godspeed," Miller's intended production. Clean cut. Unsophisticated in the ways of the world.
Hilda Manney (20s-30s)	Joseph Gribble's secretary.
Gregory Wagner (50s-plus)	An overbearing, hot-tempered hotel executive who inadvertently becomes a backer of Miller's play.
Simon Jenkins (50s-plus)	Miller's "angel," a representative of a wealthy man who wants to invest in a play.
Hogarth (any)	A man from a collection agency responsible for repossessing Davis's typewriter.
Dr. Glass (50s-plus)	A harassed hotel doctor.
Senator Blake (50s-plus)	The top executive of the hotel chain which runs the White Way Hotel.

Auditions will occur from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 22 and from 7-10 p.m. November 23 in the Communications Building behind the theater. The first readthrough will be in early December, with one or two more rehearsals before the holidays; January and February will be heavy with rehearsals. The show will open February 12.

To schedule an audition appointment, click here, call (609)895-9661, or contact auditions@theatertogo.com. For more information, either call or email. Kelsey Theatre is located on the Middlesex County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Kelsey Theater Seeking Box Office Clerk

Kelsey Theatre seeks a weekend box office clerk to process phone and mail orders, answer phones, process online ticket orders and sell tickets at the window during box office hours, process box office reports, work with group sales and coordinate ticket sales with other staff.

Hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays,  12:30-8:30 p.m. Saturdays and 12-5 p.m. Sundays. The job requires  learning to and operating the computerized ticketing program, working independently under pressure; and being good at customer service, able to handle money accurately, and good at multitasking. Dependability and punctuality are necessary. The position also necessitates standing for long periods of time.

The salary is $8.50 per hour. Those interested should visit the Mercer County Community College website. Kelsey Theatre is located on the campus of said community college at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Casting Call: 'Eye of God'

Circle Players will hold auditions its upcoming production of “Eye of God," a haunting dramatic mystery by Tim Blake Nelson, on Dec. 13 and Dec. 15.

The play is set in a small, dying Oklahoma town, where a young woman finally meets her beau: a just-released convict with whom she’s corresponded for three years. Her story weaves in and out of the memories of a weary detective investigating a grisly case in a nearby lake, and a broken, mute boy who may hold the key to the mystery.

Director Christie Leigh Carver of Bound Brook seeks actors and actresses to fill the following roles:

Sam Rogers – 40-plus male	Sheriff, lead investigator, weary from a long career trying to make sense of and bring order to the chaos humans inflict on each other; it is his memories that guide us through the play.
Jack – 30s male	Charming and warm, an ex con who has devoted his new life to the bible and to Ainsley
Willard Sprague – 40s male	Parole officer, congenial, straight-forward guy trying to do his job while dealing with troubles at home
Tom – boy of 12-14	Troubled and haunted, trying to find his footing in a life filled with pain and turmoil
Les – patrolman, 20s to 30s male	Second under Rogers, keen but inexperienced, hasn’t seen much more than a parking ticket before, nevertheless enjoys the authority of being senior officer
Del (also Voice 2 cop)- 20s-30s male	Sees and hears everything from his vantage point of the convenience store in the center of town
Glen (also Voice 1 cop) – 20′s-30′s male	Patrolman, green and eager
Lee – 40+ male; Ainsley’s boss	Owns the luncheonette, curmudgeon
Ainsley – 20′s female	Not worldly but not as uncomplicated as her naïveté and open manner would suggest
Dorothy – late 30′s-40′s; waitress	Tom’s aunt and guardian, strong and kind, somehow manages to maintain faith and keep her head up after all the pain and strife she has weathered
Janice – 20′s female; waitress	Ainsley’s co-worker, young but tough and more world-wise than her friend

Actors should bring a resume and be prepared to list any schedule conflicts for January through March. Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Performances are at 8 p.m. Feb. 19-March 5, 2016, and at 3 p.m. March 6.

Casting Call: 'The Addams Family'

They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky: Kelsey Theatre will hold auditions for "The Addams Family," the musical based on the classic TV show.

The Addams family, led by the elegantly gaunt and seemingly undead Morticia and her ever-devoted husband Gomez, is in turmoil. Their daughter Wednesday, now 18, finds herself falling in love, a sensation unsettling both for her and her family of endearing misfits. When the teen invites her new boyfriend, Lucas Beineke, over with his “normal” family to get better acquainted with the Addams household, comic chaos, including everything from an amorous giant squid to mixed-up potions to a scorching tango, ensues.

Auditionees should prepare one complete song from musical theatre with sheet music in the correct key. an accompanist will be provided. Actors will be asked to learn and perform a brief dance combination at the auditions, which will occur from 7-10 p.m. November 30 and December 3. Callbacks will be held as necessary. Audition appointments, although not required, are strongly recommended.Auditions will be held in the communications building adjacent to the theater.

Gomez Addams (male baritone)	he family patriarch, an adult man of uncertain age with an untraceable, vaguely Spanish accent. He is passionate and emotional, given to impulsive behaviors and theatrical pronouncements. He is propelled forward by constant curiosity and - ironically - love of life.
Morticia Addams (alto/mezzo)	Far more reserved and less demonstrative than her husband Gomez, but no less passionate for that. She always gives the impression that she is waiting to strike, yet is a warm and loving wife and mother, in her own way. The actor cast in this role must have a strong low range and be an exceptional dancer. Morticia is almost definitely not a vampire.
Wednesday Addams (early 20s, belter)	Gomez and Morticia's daughter, now in her early twenties and as homicidal as ever. Her stone face and stern demeanor hide an endless supply of rage and loathing, but in other ways she's not at all a typical post-adolescent. The actor cast in this role a very strong high belt.
Pugsley Addams (8-12, unchanged voice)	Wednesday's brother, a cheerfully destructive boy of around 10. Adores his sister unconditionally. Wants to ensure he won't lose her to her new boyfriend, so he takes matters into his own hands.
Uncle Fester (tenor)	A very strange duck.
Grandma (alto)	From the perspective of "normal" society, Grandma is definitely the strangest member of the Addams Family. She's a fully functioning witch, with a bench of potions and a very dodgy history; but she is also the most tuned-in and self-aware.
Lurch (bass)	The Addams' loyal servant, his work ethic unaffected by the fact that he is probably dead. A mostly silent role, this part requires a skilled physical comedian able to get laughs without words or facial expressions.
Lucas Beineke (early 20s, tenor)	The nervous, twitchy, Midwestern "Normal" whom Wednesday has fallen hopelessly in love with. Neither a risk taker or a man of action, or at least not so far.
Mal Beineke (baritone)	Lucas' father, an uptight and stubborn Ohioan who has never spent longer than thirty seconds outside of his comfort zone. Considers himself a reasonable man.
Alice Beineke (female, mezzo soprano)	Lucas' mother, who writes greeting card poetry for a living. A model mother and wife; bubbly and sweet, with inexhaustible patience and a genuine belief that everything will work out for the best. Also concealing a borderline psychopathic supply of anger and frustration, but she'll probably never say anything about that. Right?
The Ancestors (all)	The spirits of Addams' past, a motley crew of the dead and mostly dead. Some solo singing. Extensive harmony singing and strong dancing required.

Two or three rehearsals are expected in December; rehearsals will begin in earnest after New Year's and run three to four times per week until the show's opening. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays February 26-March 6. The show, produced by Playful Theatre Productions, will be directed by Frank Ferrara and musically directed by Shannon Ferrara and Michael Gilch.

The recommended method of scheduling audition appointments is signing up online; alternately they can be made by calling (609)439-6596. Kelsey Theatre is located on the Mercer County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Stage Combat Workshop at Holmdel Theatre Company

Learn how to stage unarmed combat, from slaps and punches to kicks, grappling and falls, with the Holmdel Theatre Company later this month.

The workshop, dealing with basic unarmed combat stage techniques, will be taught by New York fight director Dan O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll has assisted on 50 or more shows on and off-Broadway with such New York companies as the Atlantic Theatre Company, Roundabout, Playwrights Horizons, Lincoln Center Theatre 3, Signature, Soho Rep, Women's Project, Barrow Street, the Public Theater, Vineyard, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, the Flea Theater, MCC Theater, Theatre for a New Audience and Manhattan Theatre Club. He is a certified teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors and teaches stage combat at Montclair State University, and is the resident fight director at Luna Stage in West Orange.

The workshop will run from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. November 21. Spaces cost $30 each. Spaces may either be reserved via email or purchased online, although it should be noted that there is a $4 processing fee for the latter option.

For more information, or to reserve spaces through email, contact info@holmdeltheatrecompany.org; to buy spaces online click here.

'Miracle on 34th Street' at Somerset Valley Players

Is Santa Claus really coming to town, or is it just a deluded old man?

Susan Walker doesn't believe in Santa Claus. In this timeless and touching holiday story, a Macy's Santa brings the spirit of Christmas not just to Susan but to all New York City. His gentle and noble spirit converts even the deepest cynics into true believers of miracles.

The production at Somerset Valley Players will run Dec. 4-Dec. 20, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Saturdays. There will be an additional matinee performance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

With a cast of 34, the show is directed by Emily Windus. Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors and students; and may be purchased online.
Somerset Valley Players is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

'La Cage aux Folles' at Villagers Theatre

If it's a drag, that's only to be expected; but it shouldn't be boring.

"La Cage Aux Folles" is on stage at Villagers Theatre, through Nov. 22. The show first appeared on Broadway in 1983, when it won six Tony Awards, including for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. It has been revived many times since, most recently in a 2010 production that came to Broadway from London's Menier Chocolate Factory,

"La Cage Aux Folles" -- the title is French for "The Cage of Mad Women" -- tells the story of Georges and Albin, two unmarried gay partners whose lives grow complicated when Georges' son announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a bigoted, right-wing politician. Further complicating the situation is the family business: Albin and Georges run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez, where Albin performs under the name Zaza. Georges reluctantly agrees to masquerade as "normal" when he meets the family of the bride-to-be, but Albin has other plans, with hilarious results.

Directed by  Brian Remo, the Villagers production features Jim Jarrell  as Georges; Jeffrey O'Neill as Albin; Joey Carmanno as Georges' son, Jean-Michel; and many others. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are available online; and cost $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors or students. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Casting Call: 'Lend Me a Tenor'

Have a spare tenor?

Edison Valley Playhouse will hold auditions for "Lend Me a Tenor" in a few days.

Set in the 1930s, Saunders, general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world famous Tito Morelli, 'Il Stupendo', the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as Otello. The star arrives late and, through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out. His pulse is so low that Saunders and his assistant Max believe he’s dead. In a frantic attempt to salvage the evening, Saunders persuades Max to get into Morelli's Otello costume and fool the audience into thinking he's 'Il Stupendo'. Max succeeds admirably, but Morelli comes to and gets into his other costume, ready to perform. Now two Otellos are running around in costume and two women are running around in lingerie, each thinking she is with Morelli.

Audition sides will be provided.

Max (20s-30s)	Assistant to Mr. Saunders, owner of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. In charge of “babysitting” the unpredictable Tito Merelli and making sure he gets to the concert. A bit of a nerd, an opera lover, and an aspiring singer, Max would like to have more courage and more confidence. He is in love with Maggie. The ability to sing is an asset.
Maggie (20s-30s)	Pretty and quirky, Maggie is Saunders' daughter and a music lover. She longs for an adventurous fling, one which will allow her to "hear bells," before settling down. She is, for now, refusing to marry Max.
Saunders (40s-50s)	Maggie's father and the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. An authoritarian, uptight man with a short fuse, most of which he takes out on Max; a man under pressure.
Tito Merelli (30s-40s)	A world-famous imposing, womanizing Italian tenor known to his fans as Il Stupendo. Loves his wife, Maria, but has an insatiable appetite for wine and women. The actor playing this character must sing in Italian and speak in an Italian accent.
Maria (30s)	Tito’s wife. Proud and excitable, a passionate and temperamental Italian woman who is growing weary of her husband’s wandering eye and philandering. The actor playing this character must speak in an Italian accent.
Bellhop (age open)	A hotel bellhop and highly energetic fan of Tito’s, who uses his occupation to get close to the international star. The actor cast in this role must sing a little.
Diana (late 20s–30s)	A soprano with the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. A beautiful and sexy member of the opera company, Diana has been "flinging her way through the whole cast." Playing Desdemona opposite Tito, she thinks that he might be her ticket out of Cleveland into the big time.
Julia (50s-60s)	Chairman of the Opera Guild. A society matron and ex-diva, the Cleveland Grand Opera Company is the center of her small, pretentious world. Desperate to hobnob with Tito.

Auditions will occur 7:30-9 p.m. November 10 and 11. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays January 29-February 13 and at 2 p.m. February 7. The show is directed by Marilyn Schilkie.

Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

Casting Call: 'Mary Poppins'

Yardley Players of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for the musical "Mary Poppins" at the beginning of December.

Auditionees should prepare a song from or in the style of the show, a completed audition form (more information below), a recent picture, and a resumé; and be prepared to dance and read from the script. Tap is required for many roles; tap dancers should come prepared to do so at the audition. Those cast as Mary Poppins, Bert, and Miss Andrew will be flown during the show and should be comfortable with heights. Audition appointments are required.

Mary Poppins (20-30, Gb3-C6)	Jane and Michael Banks' new nanny is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, she should be able to move well. She can have a more traditional soprano sound, but precision and diction is the key.
Bert (30-39, B2-F#4)	The narrator of the story and a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations, including hurdy-gurdy player, sidewalk artist and chimney sweep. Bert watches over the children as well as the goings on in Cherry Tree Lane. He has charm, speaks with a Cockney accent and is a song-and-dance man.
George Banks (40-45, Bb2-Eb4)	The father to Jane and Michael Banks is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and order" in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn't have much to do with his children and believes that he had the perfect upbringing by his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor, however, conceals a sensitive soul. A baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary.
Winifred Banks (30-40, A3-D5)	George's wife and Jane and Michael's mother is a former actress. She is a loving and distracted homemaker who is busy trying to live up to her husband's desire to only associate with "the best people" as well as be the model wife and mother. She suffers from the conflicting feelings that she's not up to the job of "being Mrs. Banks," yet, she is, and more. She has great warmth and simplicity to her tone.
Jane (11, A3-F#5)	The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mr. Banks. Bright and precocious, but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness.
Michael (9, A3-E5)	The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks is excitable and naughty. He adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents.
Katie Nanna (30-40 yrs old, none)	Jane and Michael's nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children.
Policeman (30-50, none)	A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and observant of households on his beat.
Miss Lark (30-40, none)	The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if he were her child.
Admiral Boom (50-60, none)	A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks family. A physically large man with a loud and booming voice, he speaks in Navy jargon and has a soft spot for his neighbor, Miss Lark. He can be any vocal range as needed. If Admiral Bloom doubles as the Banks Chairman, he can be a baritone.
Mrs. Brill (50-60, F#3-D#5)	The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harassed, she's always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Mrs. Brill doesn't have a high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins in particular. Does not have to be a strong singer.
Robertson Ay (20-30, F3-G#4)	The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes himself to be useless. He doesn't do a lot of singing, but his "Spoonful" solo can be a fun surprise.
Park Keeper (40-60, none)	Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he secretly hankers after his childhood.
Neleus (16-20)	The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon, and misses him very much. A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael.
Bank Chairman (50-60, Range: C3-D4)	Head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed. An Edwardian stuffed-shirt. He can speak/sing his lines if necessary.
Miss Smythe (40-50, none)	The bank chairman's humorless secretary.
Bird Woman (50-60, Gb3-C5)	Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, her pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds, which she tries to sell to passersby who ignore her as if she doesn't exist. Sings "Feed the Birds." There can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that reflects the hardness of her life.
Mrs. Corry (40-50, none)	Owns a magical gingerbread shop. She is a mysterious woman of great age who speaks with an exotic accent, such as Caribbean.
Miss Andrew (40-60, Gb3-F5)	George's overbearing and scary nanny. With her bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things: her way. A soprano with an alto belt, there can be some heaviness to her voice along with range.
Ensemble (all ages)	Plays chimney sweeps, bankers, kite flyers, and park strollers.

Auditions will occur from 6-9 p.m. December 2 and from 12-4 p.m. December 5 and 6. If needed, callbacks will be held September 9. A few rehearsals will be held 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 2-6 p.m. Sundays in December, to dole out scripts and work on some music and choreography. Performances will occur Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays April 16-May 1, including at 10 a.m. April 22.

To schedule an appointment, contact ypmarypoppins@gmail.com, being sure to include name, age, role desired, and preferred method of contact. The audition form is available in HTML, PDF, and Microsoft Word. Auditions, rehearsals and performances will be held at Kelsey Theatre on 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

'A Few Good Men' at Playhouse 22

Playhouse 22 is looking for a few good audience members for an upcoming military drama.

"A Few Good Men" tells the story of military lawyers charged with defending two Marines being court-martialed for allegedly murdering a fellow Marine. Written by Aaron Sorkin, the play was adapted in 1992 into a film featuring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and Jack Nicholson.

The play features Matt Guerra as Lt. Daniel A. Kaffee, Adriana Spizuoco as Lt. Commander Joanne Galloway, Michael Widmer as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessup, and others.

Directed by Gregory Newton, performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays Nov. 6-22. Tickets cost $22 per adult and $20 per senior or student.

To purchase tickets, click here. Parental guidance is suggested for this show. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

'Rumors' at Kelsey Theatre

It's utter mayhem at Yardley Players, with a new production of Neil Simon's "Rumors."

It's Charley and Myra Brock’s 10th anniversary, and Ken and his wife, Chris, are looking forward to a classy evening party. They arrive to discover that Charley “accidentally” shot himself, his wife is missing, and the kitchen staff has vanished. Mayhem ensues, as the couple tries to cover up what happened, afraid of what the response from the media — and the police — might be.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays Oct. 23-Nov. 1. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for children.

Kelsey Theatre is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, on the campus of Mercer County College.

Casting Call: 'The Diary of Anne Frank'

In early December, the Pennington Players of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "The Diary of Anne Frank."

In this transcendentally powerful adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history: a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit and determination. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, "The Diary of Anne Frank" captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence over two dark years; their fear, their hope, their laughter and their grief.

Auditionees should prepare a list of all actual or potential conflicts between Dec. 10 and March 20, as well as the monologue or monologues provided by Pennington Players for the roles they wish to audition for. Although not necessary, memorization is recommended, as is scheduling an appointment. Other readings from the play may be provided.

Auditions will take place from 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 1-4 p.m. Dec. 5, with callbacks by invitation only from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 6. All three will be held in the Communications Building adjacent to Kelsey Theatre. Accents are unnecessary.

Rehearsals will begin with a mid-December read-through, when scripts will be distributed and costume measurements made. They will continue in early January, with two weeknights and one weekend afternoon per week based on actor availability. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays March 11-20, plus at 10 a.m. March 14 and 18.

Monologues for the characters may be found here. Audition appointments are available here. For more information, or to state interest in doing the voiceovers, contact auditions@penningtonplayers.org. Those doing the latter should indicate their experience or education in speaking German. Both Kelsey Theatre and the communications building at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Anne Frank (13-17, looks 14)	The younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank, Anne is a lively, curious girl of 13 at the beginning of the play. She remains optimistic throughout the months they are in hiding and always makes the best of the situation she is in. As her diary reveals, she is very introspective and creative and has a vivid imagination.
Otto Frank (early 50s)	Anne's polite and practical father, Mr. Frank is the head of the "attic family." His calmness and patience are an asset in the cramped attic and a comfort to Anne, who is very close to him.
Edith Frank (early 40s)	Anne's reserved and nervous mother. Loves Anne, but wishes she were more proper and polite, like her sister Margot. Because of her reserved nature, Mrs. Frank and Anne are not close.
Margot Frank (15-18, looks 16)	Anne's older sister. Much more like her mother than Anne. She is quiet, modest, and reserved, Anne's opposite.
Putti Van Daan (early 40s)	An irritable former business partner of Mr. Frank; his family is invited to stay in the attic with the Franks. Selfish and openly critical of others, especially Anne.
Petronella Van Daan (early 40s)	Mr. Van Daan's vain and finicky wife. Prizes the material things of life, including a fur coat she brought to the attic with her. As a result, she is the center of many of the attic's conflicts.
Peter Van Daan (15-17, looks 16)	The son of Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan. Shy, quiet. He soon becomes a friend and confidant for Anne, and they share a first kiss.
Jan Dussell (early 50s)	Difficult to get along with, Mr. Dussell joins the Franks and the Van Daans after they have been in hiding about two months.
Miep Gies (mid 30s)	A very well-liked, generous secretary in Mr. Frank's office. Helps to protect the families in hiding. Along with Mr. Kraler, she brings the refugees food, supplies, and news from the outside world.
Mr. Kraler (40s)	A businessman who works with Miep protecting the refugees.

In addition to the above, two to three men who speak fluent German are wanted for voice-over segments. There should only be one or two recording sessions. There is no onstage commitment for this.

'The Uninvited' at Somerset Valley Players

Looking for a way to set the mood for the Halloween season? Somerset Valley Players has the answer.

The theater this weekend opens "The Uninvited," based on the horror novel "Uneasy Freehold," by Dorothy McArdle. In this show, a charming English seaside cottage may be haunted. The new owners are unaware of the cottage's dark past and terror arises from the discovery of a possible murder on the grounds. Locals tell dark tales of the former occupants and the evil spirits that may dwell within, while a local young woman unwittingly may be the key to solving the mystery.

Directed by Darren Nye, "The Uninvited" features an ensemble cast led by Thom Boyer and Debbie Campanali, "The Uninvited" runs from Oct. 23- Nov. 8, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

Somerset Valley Players is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough. Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors and students. For more information, call the theater at (908) 369-7469.

Casting Call: 'Hot L Baltimore'

Westfield Community Players will continue auditions for "The Hot L Baltimore" tomorrow night.

The show is set in the lobby of a dilapidated old hotel. Despite its run-down, sometimes repulsive nature, the hotel's inhabitants have a personal relationship to the Hotel Baltimore and to their neighbors living in it. The play is comprised of a series of conversations between the residents of the hotel, who are contemplating an uncertain future after the hotel is condemned and scheduled for demolition.

Auditionees should bring a resumé and be prepared to read from sides.

Mrs. Belotti (50s)	Mrs. Bellotti is the mother of a former tenant. Described as a whiner and complainer, she tells the audience that her husband just had a leg amputated because of diabetes. When Katz makes it clear that her son will not be allowed to return, she goes upstairs and begins to pack his belongings.
the Girl (18+)	A young prostitute, the Girl is caring and concerned about the other residents. She goes to great effort to help Morse. It is she who tells Jackie that she has bought worthless land.
April Green (30+)	A prostitute; described as large, pragmatic, quick to laugh, pretty, and foul-mouthed. Protective of Suzy.
Jackie (20+)	A hustler traveling with her brother, Jamie. She needs money and tries to get Katz to co-sign a loan so they can go Utah to grow health foods on a worthless piece of land she has bought. She steals jewelry from Morse's room, but is caught and ordered to leave. She tells Jamie that she is going to buy gas, but never returns to pick him up.
Jamie (20+)	Jackie's brother. A bit slow. In the last act, Jamie is abandoned by his sister, who simply drives off and leaves him to manage on his own.
Mr. Katz (35+)	The hotel manager. A balding, tired man. Gives the residents one month's notice because the hotel is to be torn down.
Bill Lewis (30+)	The night clerk at the hotel. He has a difficult time communicating and covers by talking too loudly. Bill is interested in the Girl and is more tolerant with her than the other hotel employees.
Millie (50+)	A retired waitress. Considered eccentric, she believes in ghosts and lives in a world more imagined than real.
Paul Granger (20+)	A college student who was arrested for selling drugs. He has recently been released from a work farm, and comes to the hotel to look for his grandfather.
Mrs. Oxenham (~45)	Day desk clerk. Quick speaking with no commerce.
Suzy (~30)	A prostitute. Hopelessly romantic, but hard as nails.
Mr. Morse (~70)	Craggy with a high cracking voice. He has much energy and outrage in spite of moving slowly.

In addition to those listed above, there are three minor characters: Suzy's John, a cab driver, and a delivery boy.

The first day of auditions was October 20; remaining auditions will occur from 6:30-9:00 p.m. October 22. Performances will run at 8 p.m. January 9, 16, 22 and 23; and at 2 p.m. January 17. If auditionees wish, they may submit an audition form in advance.

Westfield Community Players is located at 1000 North Avenue West, Westfield.

'Bat Boy: The Musical' at Edison Valley Playhouse

It's a musical based on a series of tabloid "news" stories: "Bat Boy: The Musical" will open in two days at Edison Valley Playhouse.

A group of spelunking West Virginian teenagers discover Bat Boy, a half-man, half-bat creature, near Hope Falls. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings him to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family, named "Edgar," and taught to act like a "normal" boy by the veterinary surgeon's wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley. Edgar is happy with his new life, but when he naively tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the machinations of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Edgar. He and Shelley, who have fallen in love, run away together from the ignorant townsfolk and have a blissful coupling in the woods. Their happiness is shattered, however, when Meredith arrives and reveals the dark story of his unholy origin.

The show features Hussain Aziz, Aaron Bogdanovsky, Justin DePaul, Katie Hilosky, Adam Korner, Teresa Mota, Mark Piltz Jr., Steven Switzer, Rachel Valovcin, and Samantha Vargas. It is directed by Christopher J. Guell.

The play will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays October 23-November 7 and at 2 p.m. November 1.
Tickets cost $20 per adult and $15 per student or senior.

To reserve and pay for tickets online, click here; to reserve tickets for pickup and purchase the night of the show, call (908)755-4654 and leave a message. The call will be returned only if there is a problem with the reservation. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

'A Few Good Men' at Playhouse 22

Playhouse 22 is looking for a few good audience members for an upcoming military drama.

"A Few Good Men" tells the story of military lawyers charged with defending two Marines being court-martialed for allegedly murdering a fellow Marine. Written by Aaron Sorkin, the play was adapted in 1992 into a film featuring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and Jack Nicholson.

The play features Matt Guerra as Lt. Daniel A. Kaffee, Adriana Spizuoco as Lt. Commander Joanne Galloway and Michael Widmer as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessup, among many others.

Directed by Gregory Newton, performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays Nov. 6-22. Tickets cost $22 per adult and $20 per senior or student.

To purchase tickets, click here. Parental guidance is suggested for this show. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

Casting Call: 'Arms and the Man'

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center is seeking auditionees to fill the remaining parts in "Arms and the Man," a romantic comedy set during the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian war.

Raina Petkoff is a young Bulgarian woman, engaged to a famous soldier. One night, a Swiss voluntary soldier to the Serbian army, Bluntschli, bursts into her bedroom, and begs her to hide him so that he will not be killed. Raina complies, though she thinks the man a coward, especially when he tells her that he carries chocolates instead of pistol cartridges. As the Petkoff family, their servants, and the soldier, himself, struggle to hold on to their secrets and preserve their ideals, they are forced to question their romantic notions about social class, identity, war, and love.

Auditionees should submit a resumé and headshot to drangonflyartsnj@gmail.com for an audition appointment. Most of the roles have already been cast.

Sergius Saranoff (20-40)	The extremely handsome young Bulgarian officer who lead an overwhelmingly successful attack against the Serbs.
Louka (18-30)	The Petkoffs' female servant. Young and physically attractive, she uses her appearance for ambitious preferment.
Walk-on Soldier (18+)	Has a brief scene in which he is looking for the hiding Bluntschli. Minimal rehearsals.
Captain Bluntschli	A professional soldier from Switzerland who is serving in the Serbian army. He is thirty-four years old, and he is totally realistic about the stupidity of war. This role has already been cast.
Raina Petkoff	The romantic idealist of twenty-three who views war in terms of noble and heroic deeds. This role has already been cast.
Major Petkoff	The inept, fifty-year-old father of Raina. Wealthy by Bulgarian standards, but also unread, uncouth, and incompetent. This role has already been cast.
Catherine Petkoff	Raina's mother; she looks and acts like a peasant, but wears fashionable dressing gowns and tea gowns all the time in an effort to appear to be a Viennese lady. This role has already been cast.
Nicola	A realistic and extremely practical middle-aged servant. This role has already been cast.

Rehearsals for this show will begin in early November; performances are tentatively planned for Valentine's Day weekend.

For more information, contact dragonflyartsnj@gmail.com.

'Matt & Ben' at Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center

What if Matt Damon and Ben Affleck didn’t really write "Good Will Hunting," but the script instead dropped fully-written into their laps from the sky? Suppose Matt and Ben were visited by and received advice from Gwyneth Paltrow and J.D. Salinger? What if they were portrayed by women? Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center of Metuchen will answer these questions when it presents the wacky comedy "Matt & Ben," in which two female actors play the stars before they were same.

Written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers, the show features Olivia Dalessandro as Matt Damon and Shauni Ramai as Ben Affleck.

The show will run Halloween weekend, October 30 and 31, at the Metuchen Reformed Church. There will be a costume contest and a post-show reception on Halloween. Two weeks later there will be performances November 13 and 14 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Performances will occur at 8 p.m. all four nights and at 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets for the former weekend cost $10 per student, $15 per adult, and $5 per costumed Metuchen High School student with ID; those for the latter cost $20 each.

To purchase tickets for Halloween weekend, click here; for the second weekend, here. The Metuchen Reformed Church is located at 150 Lake Avenue, Metuchen, while the Jersey Shore Arts Center's address is 66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove.

'Dinner With Friends' at Circle Players

When one couple's marriage fails, what does that mean for their married friends?

This is a question explored in Donald Margulies' Pulitzer-winning drama "Dinner With Friends," coming this November to Circle Players.

In their Connecticut home, Karen and Gabe, international food writers, are hosting a dinner for their married best friends, Beth and Tom. Beth arrives alone, and it soon emerges that Tom has left her for another woman.

Gabe and Karen are almost as crushed as Beth is, having expected "to grow old and fat together, the four of us." Sides are taken and defenses are made – but the real turmoil brewing is between Karen and Gabe, who suddenly find their faith in their own marriage shaken to the core.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 20-Dec. 5, and at 3 p.m. Dec. 6. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $17 for seniors/students.

Before the matinee Dec. 6, the theater will host a "Brunch with Friends" event, featuring pancakes, eggs and conversation. Tickets cost $10 for the brunch, which begins at noon. Tickets will be available online and at the door.

"Dinner with Friends" is directed by Tom Frascatore.

Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave, Piscataway. For more information. call the theater at (732) 968-7555 or visit www.circleplayers.org.

Seeking Submissions at Circle Players

Circle Players is now accepting submissions for its upcoming 2016-2017 season.

Prospective directors should email a list of up to three submissions with a brief synopsis of each show to circleplayersnj@gmail.com. Include complete contact information, and availability for the season. Write your own synopsis, rather than using one found online. All submissions must be sent in by Nov. 30. Please do not submit titles that you are submitting to other theaters.

If Circle Players does not have access to a copy of any script under consideration, producers will request a photocopy or electronic copy by Dec. 31. Directors may be called in for a brief interview. Final decisions will be made no later than Feb. 28.

Comedies are welcome. For more information, write to circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

Circle Players seeks cleanup crew

Circle Players is looking for help cleaning up its grounds, and keeping them that way.

The theater, located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway, will hold a cleanup from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 7. Volunteers are asked to bring any weed whackers, clippers, and other such tools. The theater is seeking up to 10 volunteers. Prospective attendees should sign up online. Refreshments will be provided.

For additional information, contact Jessica Sherman.

Circle also is looking for a volunteer facilities manager to join the organization.

The manager would:

1. Be responsible for the building structure and its maintenance;
2. Ensure that the organization operates efficiently by planning and directing building-related services;
3. Ensure the safety of the building from fire, flood and other hazards;
4. Ensure that all the equipment and other facilities function properly;
5. Assess current conditions of electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and other essential utilities and equipment;
6. Create and execute a schedule of systems maintenance;
7. Ensure that the building meets all applicable codes and that, whenever necessary, arranges for inspections to be completed and passed;
8. Facilitate all repairs and upgrades to the building, possibly handling minor jobs themselves; and
9. Coordinate with the director of finance to acquire the needed funds to maintain the building.

Contact circleplayersnj@gmail.com for more information.

Casting Call: 'The Unexpected Guest'

If you'd like to get started in acting by playing a dead body, Somerset Valley Players has the perfect role for you.

The theater will hold auditions for that and other roles in Agatha Christie's "The Unexpected Guest," at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 at the theater. Sides will be provided.

The theater is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

Agatha Christie weaves a devious and devilish tale of suspense when a stranger unexpectedly arrives at a Welsh country house to discover a beautiful young woman pointing a gun at a dead man. The question of who killed him may not be as obvious as it seems, as the array of quirky household residents deepens the mystery with cryptic comments and allegations from the past.

Roles are:

Laura Warwick	Late 20s - early 30s Kind and caring. Richard Warwick's wife.
Michael.Starkwedder	30s - 40s Rugged outdoor look. Not polished but quick thinker.
Inspector Thomas	30s - 50s Good poker face with dry sarcastic attitude.
Julian Farrar	30s to mid-40s Politician with soldiery aspect.
Miss Bennett	40s-50s Organized, alert, and nosy. Runs the household.
Jan Warwick	Late teens - early 20s. Excitable young man with an innocent sweetness about him. Eyes dart and add sly look to him.
Henry Angell	30s-50s Manservant with proper manners but shifty untrusting personality.
Mrs. Warwick	50-plus. Commanding and alert with a strong personality. Richard Warwick's mother.
Sergeant Cadwaller	30s-50s Poetic and soft spoken. Somewhat unobserving.
Richard Warwick	30s-50s Dead. (no lines - great for someone looking to get started in acting)

The show is directed and produced by Michael A. Muller.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 15-31.