Crew Needed for 'The Pale Pink Dragon' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre is seeking volunteers to help with costumes and props for the upcoming KidsVill show "The Pale Pink Dragon."

The show will perform from March 7 to 15, so if you interested please email the show's producer at paul@villagerstheatre.com before the end of February.

The show is directed by David Learn, produced by Paul Carver, and stage managed by Corinna Caimi.

New Playwright's Series at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will hold it's annual New Playwrights Series.

The theatre will present staged readings of new works by unknown playwrights. Admission is free, and all reading take place at 7:30 p.m. andare produced by Lluana Jones.

The series starts on February 9, with a reading of Ann Hirsch's play "But I'm Not Complaining."

On March 9, a reading will be held of M. Lennon Perricone's play "No Manfield Sloclum."

April 13 brings a reading of Luigi Jannuzzi's "You Make My Frame Shake!"

Last of the series, a staged reading of Marv Siegel's play "The Biography of Margaret Dawson" will be held on May 11.

Anyone interested in performing or directing any of the readings, please email NewPlaywrightSeries@gmail.com.

Casting Call: 'Fiddler on the Roof'

In the grand tradition of theater, Middlesex County College has announced auditions for an upcoming production of "Fiddler on the Roof."

Auditions will be held from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 11-12, at the Middlesex County College Theatre Department, 2600 Woodbridge Ave., Edison. Please prepare 16 bars of a song of your choice.

Auditions are open to the general public. More information about specific parts will be announced at a later date.

The show will be directed by Peter J. Lowey. Performance dates are April 16-19. For more information, write to mcctheatreinfo@gmail.com.
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Casting Call: 'The Last Night of Ballyhoo'

Playhouse 22 is looking for actors to create a simpler time, with its upcoming production of "The Last Night of Ballyhoo."

Written by Alfred Uhry,the comedy is set in the upperclass German-Jewish community of Atlanta in December 1939. It centers on Adolph Freitag, owner of the Dixie Bedding Co.; his sister Boo; and his nieces Lala and Sunny, Together they are a Jewish family so assimilated that they have a Christmas tree in the front parlor. The family is looking forward to Ballyhoo, a lavish cotillion ball sponsored by their restrictive country club.

Joe Farkas, one of the bedding company's employees, is an eligible bachelor and an Eastern European Jew, familiar with prejudice but unable to fathom its existence within his own religious community. His presence prompts Sunny to examine intraethnic bias, her own Jewish identity, and the beliefs she has been raised with.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 and Jan. 28. Callbacks, by invitation only, will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 31. Auditions will be held at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Sides will be provided.

Character Breakdown

Boo Levy (40-50) Lala's mother, Sunny's aunt and Adolph's sister. A widow, she wants her daughter to be socially successful. Boo is the main character to drive the play's intra-Jewish racism.

Reba Freitag (40-50) Sister-in-law to Adolph and Boo. Reba is somewhat simple, but shrewder than others give her credit for. Reba is oblivious to what it means to be Jewish.

Adolph Freitag (40-50) Boo's brother, Reba's brother-in-law, and Lala and Sunny's uncle. Adolph adores Sunny, but has little tolerance for Lala. He is a kind soul who understands the impact that Joe Farkas has on the family.

Lala Levy (20s) Boo's daughter, obsessed with "Gone with the Wind." Lala is somewhat childish and awkward. She fights with her mother over their Jewish identity and social status.

Sunny Frietag (20s)  A junior at Wellesley College, Sunny is interested in the works of Eugene V. Debs and Upton Sinclair. She struggles with her Jewish identity, but faces this through her relationship with Joe Farkas.

Joe Farkas (20s) Works for Adolph Freitag. He finds an intellectual match in Sunny. Joe challenges the family to reassess its notions of identity and family.

Sylvan "Peachy" Weil (20s) A "gentleman caller" from Lake Charles, La. Peachy is known for his red hair, obnoxious behavior and outspokenness.


The show will run April 17-May 3. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays. Director is Marie Fiorello.

For more information, write to ballyhoo@playhouse22.org, or call (732) 254-3939. For more information about Playhouse 22, please visit www.Playhouse22.org.

'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' at Kelsey Theatre

Pierrot Productions and TheaterToGo present "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" at Kelsey Theatre.

The show performs Feb. 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 8 and 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students.

Set in a plantation home in the Mississippi Delta, Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning classic examines the relationships among a Southern family in crisis. Passion, desperation, jealousy and cruelty are on display and, in its own way, love. With language that’s fuel-injected with emotional intensity and insightful wit plus the explosive conflicts of Big Daddy, Brick, and Maggie the Cat, this innovative and re-imagined production will leave you breathless.

The show is directed by Ruth Markoe, produced by Pete LaBriola, stage managed by Hannah Knight, with props by Amy Bessillieu, a set by Jim Petro, lights by Kitty Getlik, and costumes by Ruth Rittman.

The show features Rob Lanchester as Big Daddy, Lori Fabian as Big Mama, Jackie Wasnecki as Mae, Tim Andersen as Gooper, Mariel Rosati as Maggie, Ray Fallon as Brick, Kevin Hallam as Dr. Baugh, William Walters as Reverend Tooker, Ruth Learn as Sonny, William Alena as Buster, Maya Gunaseelan as Polly, Makenna Katz as Dixie, and Michaela Meyer as Trixie.

'Snow White' at Somerset Valley Players

You don't need a magic mirror to know the story of Snow White.

The classic fairy tale is coming to life at Somerset Valley Players. The Hillsborough community theater will dramatize the story for the the next three three weekends as the lovely princess, mischievous dwarfs, handsome prince, huntsman and evil queen come to life on stage.

Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Jan. 23 through Feb. 8. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.

Produced by Kayla Abbatiello and Dominick Abbatiello, and directed by Hilde Steinbergt, the show is considered safe for all ages.

For more information, visit www.svptheatre.org, or call (908) 369-7469.

Cast sought: Prospero needed in 'The Tempest'

Lord Stirling Theater Co. is casting the role of Alonso, king of Naples, in its upcoming production of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest."

When Prospero's brother Antonio usurped Prospero's dukedom, it was Alonso who supported Prospero's brother, sealing Prospero's fate of living in exile .All performances will be at Farmstead Arts Center in Basking Ridge, in early May 2015.

Contact William Ward, at wjpward@verizon.net, for more information.

Auditions for Papermill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory

Papermill Playhouse will be holding open auditons for their Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory.

Auditions are by appointment only and will take place on Jan. 24 and 31 at the Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts, located on 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway.

The youngest class is the junior company, for ages 10-12, which will meet Monday through Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. Tuition is $2000. There is also the junior plus company, for ages 12 to 14, which will meet Monday through Friday from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm at the Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage. Tuition is $2300. There is also the senior company, for ages 15 to 18, which will meet Monday through Friday from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm at the Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage. Tuition is $2500. Limited tuition assistance may be requested by eligible students proving need.

Prospective students should select a portion of a song from a musical that best demonstrates their vocal range, musicality, interpretive skills, and acting ability. Please bring sheet music in a binder or single sheets taped together that contain full piano accompaniment, not just chord symbols. An accompanist will be provided. Students may not perform a cappella or to an audio recording. Everyone will be asked to dance. Students will be taught a dance combination which will then be performed in small groups. Evaluation will be based on skill, potential, and the ability to learn the routine. Preferably jazz shoes, character shoes or low-soled sneakers should be worn. This audition is your only chance to impress our faculty. Make sure you are well-rehearsed and prepared. Students who are not prepared or who arrive without sheet music may not be allowed to audition.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time to allow for paperwork and photography. Auditionees will be asked to prove their age at their audition and must bring one copy of a document that shows their birth date. Parents will not be permitted into the audition room.

Digitally recorded auditions are accepted only for prospective students who live out of state. Submissions must contain a singing performance of a Broadway song with accompaniment and a dance combination (ballet, jazz, or tap) performed to music. Video submissions are due by Feb. 7. 

To make an appointment, please email summer@papermill.org. In the email, please include the auditionee's full name, age as of June 29, 2015, email, phone number, and prefered audition date. You will receive a confirmation of your appointment time.

Those accepted will begin a rigorous five-week program designed to enhance performance skills, while instilling the technique, discipline and professionalism needed to excel in the performing arts. The end of the month is devoted to rehearsals for the New Voices concert, performed annually on the Paper Mill Playhouse stage. Based on skill, experience and the quality of their audition, Conservatory students are grouped into three companies, allowing them to develop at their own pace, while working on age and skill-appropriate material. Accepted students will be placed into a Conservatory Company at the discretion of the Paper Mill Playhouse faculty and staff based on their audition performance skill level and approximate age. Placement determinations are not negotiable. 

For additional information, view the Paper Mill Playhouse website, or email summer@papermill.org.

Casting Call: 'Music Man'

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

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.

'Doubt: A Parable' at Playhouse 22

Pulitzer-winning "Doubt: A Parable" will open later this week at Playhouse 22. The show is for mature audiences.

The show features Joy Salemo as Sister Aloysius, Kerri-Lynn Shea as Sister James, Brian Craig as Father Flynn, and Diane L. Parker as Mrs. Muller. It is directed by Walter H. Placzek.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays Jan. 9-18. Tickets cost $15 each.

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

'Pinocchio' at Main Street Theatre

Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co.'s Kidsworks program presents the classic tale "Pinocchio."

The show will perform at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays from Feb. 14 to 21. If you go to the 3 p.m. show, you can also eat lunch with the characters at 1 p.m., before the play starts. Tickets are $6, or $12 if you are also going to the lunch.

The play is adapted by Michele L. Vacca from the novel by Carlo Collodi. This production is directed by Kathy Bobchin.

'The Outsiders' at Main Street Theatre

Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. will perform "The Outsiders."

The show performs at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays from Feb. 6 to 14. Tickets are $12 for children age eleven and under, $16 for seniors/students, and $20 for adults.

S.E. Hinton’s powerful compassionate book about young people is the source of this play, as it was for the film version which has become a modern classic. This stage adaptation deals with real people, seen through the eyes of Ponyboy, a young “Greaser” caught up in territorial battles between the have-it-made rich kids - the “Socs” - and his tough underprivileged “Greaser” family and friends. It is about young people who are not yet hopeless, about latent decency in the midst of struggle, and about not losing touch with the residual slivers of gold within us.

The play is adapted by Christopher Sergel from the book by S. E. Hinton.This production is produced by Dan Bistrimovich, and directed by Peter Bobchin and Dawn Fulbrook.

'Red' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre presents it's black box production of John Logan's "Red."

The show performs at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays from Jan. 16 to 25. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at (732) 873-2710.No group rates or discounts or available.

Master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko has landed the biggest commission in the January, 2015 history of modern art, a series of murals for New York's Four Seasons Restaurant. In the two fascinating years that follow, Rothko works feverishly with his young assistant, Ken. But when Ken begins to challenge his ideas, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could become his undoing. Raw and provocative, "Red" is a searing portrait of an artist's ambition and vulnerability-and the winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play.

The show is directed by Corey Rubel, produced by Joe Buz, and stage managed by CJ Carter, and stars Kris Longwell as Mark Rothko and Adam Magnacca as Ken.

Casting Call: 'Inherit the Wind'

Villagers Theatre will be holding auditions for "Inherit The Wind."

A gripping drama based on the Scopes "Monkey Trial", the clash of earnest fundamental beliefs with evolutionary science and freedom of thought, not just the
ideas but the flesh and blood people embroiled in the conflict . Liberal and conservative, red and blue, as old as creation, as new as just yesterday. The play is about intolerance and closed mindedness . It does not ridicule religion or rural America. As such the characters are fully rounded, believable, not cartoons or charicatures. Nor should they have any accent that might regionalize the town.

Auditions are at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21 and 22. Auditionees will read sides from the script.

Roles are:

Matthew Brady 65	Lawyer for the prosecution, imposing orator, 3 time presidential candidate
Henry Drummond 50's/60's	Lawyer for the defense, takes edgy cases, noted libertarian, biting humor
Bert Cates 25	School teacher, taught evolution afraid, but firm in his values
E.K. Hornbeck 30s	Editorialist from Baltimore Sun, intelligent, outspoken, cynical, skeptic
Rachel Brown 22	Bert's girlfriend, minister's daughter, torn between her two loyalties
Judge 50's/ 60's	Firm, strong, a good barrister even though his loyalties are with the prosecution
Tom Davenport 40s	A younger version of the judge
Jeremiah Brown 40s	Reverend, firm in his faith, a fiery preacher, sometimes extreme
Mayor 50s	Full of himself and the importance of this trial to his town
Meeker adult	The court bailiff, kind and easy-going
Reporter 30s	Ajournalist covering the trial
Mrs. Brady 50s	Loving wife and caretaker of Matthew Brady
Melinda Loomis 13	Girl in Hillsboro
Hillsboro citizens	Mrs. Blair, Mrs. McLain, Mr. Goodfellow, Mr. Sillers, Mr. Bollinger, Mr. Bannister
Howard Blair 14	A loyal student of Bert Cates.

The show is produced by Sherry Lilenfeld and Roz Wroblewski and directed by Guy Suabedissen, and stage managed by Halli Leiberman.

The show rehearses three days a week from Feb. 2 to opening weekend. The show performs on Mar. 27, 28, 29, and Apr. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19.

For more information contact producer Sherry Lilenfeld at slilenfeld@aol.com or (732) 887-5644.

Casting Call: 'The Pale Pink Dragon'

A dragon, an overeager knight and a missing princess can only add up to adventure.

Villagers Theatre will holding auditions for "The Pale Pink Dragon" from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 4 and 5. Callbacks will be on Jan. 12. At auditions there will be sides from the script for auditionees to read.

"The Pale Pink Dragon" is a lighthearted children's fairytale story with all the classic elements: romance, treachery and witchcraft. The kingdom of Caladar is in an uproar. Princess Pinkie has disappeared, a dragon lurks in the forest, and it is presumed that he has devoured the princess. Gallant Prince Hal sets out with his overeager squire to destroy the dragon. A host of other characters round out this delightful medieval romp: villagers, knights, an evil stepsister and stepmother, and of course a wicked witch. Plus a cat.

Roles are:

Poutchiekin Teens	The king's chamberlain. Poutchiekin is a little high on self-importance.
Edward Thrush Teens	Squire to Prince Hal. He's loyal to a fault, eager to please, and a little bumbling.
Prince Hal Teens	Prince Hal is one of those courtly knights-errant who believes in the power of true love. He rides off at once to slay the dragon believed to have eaten Pinkie.
Princess Pea Green Teens	Princess Pea Green is the stepdaughter of King Clement. She is deeply jealous of her stepsister's popularity.
Queen Contemptua Late 30s to 40s	Contemptua married into power and wants to see her daughter replace Princess Pinkie as the crown princess.
King Clement Mid-40s to 50s	Like everyone else, the king dotes on Princess Pinkie. Unfortunately he is blind to his queen's personality.
Valerie Preteen	One of Princess Pinkie's ladies-in-waiting.
Vanessa Preteen	Another of Princess Pinkie's ladies-in-waiting.
Veronica Preteen	Another of Princess Pinkie's ladies-in-waiting.
Princess Pinkie Teen	Princess Pinkie is Clement's daughter from his first marriage and the crown princess. She is favored by all her subjects over her stepsister.
Hannibal Any age	Princess Pinkie's guard cat.
Matt Lusk Teen or older	One of Clement's subjects, and a poacher.
Maude Lusk Teen or older	Matt Lusk's wife.
Mary Hedgepath Teen or older	One of Clement's subjects. William's wife.
William Hedgepath Teen or older	One of Clement's subjects. Mary's husband.
Martin Mosby Any age	One of Clement's subjects. Minnie's husband or brother.
Minnie Mosby Any age	One of Clement's subjects. Martin's wife or sister.
Witch Teen or older	A witch in the service of Queen Contemptua.
Dragon-Fly & Six Flowers Any age	These seven characters should have dance skills. They will also play various court servants and attendants.

Rehearsals will be held three days a week from Jan. 19 to the show's opening. Performances are at noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays and at noon Sundays Mar. 7-15.

The show will be produced by Paul Carver, directed by David Learn, and stage managed by Corinna Caimi.

For more information, contact the director at davidlearn+ppd@gmail.com.