'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.

Casting Call: 'Room Service'

Theater to Go of Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for "Room Service" this November.

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.

'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' at Holmdel Theatre

An adaptation of the classic story of the same name by Washington Irving, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" will open this Friday, at Holmdel Theatre Company.

The show runs at 8 p.m. Oct. 16, 17, 24, and 30; and at 2 p.m. Oct. 18, 24 and 25. Tickets cost $12 per student, $17 per senior and $22 per other adult. All online orders have a $3 processing fee fee, and all at-the-door purchases have a $1 fee.

To purchase tickets online, click here. The Holmdel Theatre Company is located at the Duncan Smith Theatre at 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.

The show is directed by Melanie Taylor, and features Sean Mako as Ichabod Crane. Other performers include Adeolu Adefarasin, Pamela Banz, Jeanette Burgoyne, Elena Marie Chalcraft, Tom Cox, Jim Cusick, Charles Deitz, Ed Estevez, Matthew Giove, Matt Hagberg, Dave Harris, Kaylin Iannone, Kelly Iannone,  Mason McCarthy, Jon Erik Nielsen, CJ Nolan, Tess Reeves and Alberta Thompson.

'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' Special Performance

At 8 p.m. October 16, Westfield Community Players will hold an additional performance of "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a program dedicated to assisting injured veterans.


Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up, but their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha returns unannounced with her twenty-something boy toy, Spike. A weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness begins.

The show features Garry Tamburro as Vanya, Sharon McGuire as Sonia, Debbie Badal as Masha, Ross Pohling as Spike, Melissa Mugica as Nina, and Vikki Massulli as Cassandra. It is directed by Linda Viel.

Tickets cost $20 per adult and $10 per student or active military personnel. 50% of the proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

In addition to this special performance, there are still four remaining regular performances; at 8 p.m. October 17, 23, and 24; and at 2 p.m. October 18.

To purchase tickets for the special performance online, here; for other performances, here. They may also be purchased by calling (908)232-1221. It is important to note that tickets not claimed and paid for 15 minutes before curtain may be sold. Westfield Community Players is located at 1000 North Avenue West, Westfield.

Casting Call: 'Fences'

Villagers Theatre is seeking seven actors for its upcoming production of "Fences," August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning play about black life in the 1950s.

This sensational drama follows Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball leagues who now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded as a black man from the major leagues during his prime, Troy's bitterness takes its toll on his relationships with his wife and his son, who now wants his own chance to play football.

The play won a Pulitzer for drama and the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play. The original production starred James Earl Jones as Troy Maxson, and closed after a year. A revival in 2010 starred Denzel Washington and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, ultimately winning for best revival, Best Actor in a Play, and Best Actress in a Play.

Auditions for the Villagers production will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27. Callbacks will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29.

Roles are:

Troy Maxson Male 45-60	African American. A former baseball star in the Negro Leagues, he now works for the sanitation department. Husband to Rose; father to Lyons, Cory and Raynell; and brother to Gabriel, and best friend to Jom Bono.
Rose Maxson Female 35-45	African American. Troy's wife and mother of his second child, Cory. She is a housewife who volunteers at her church regularly and loves her family. Rose's request that Troy and Cory build a fence in their small, dirt back yard comes to represent her desire to keep her loved ones close by. Unlike Troy, Rose is a realist, not a romantic longing for bygone days. She has high hopes for her son, Cory, and sides with him in his wish to play football. Rose's acceptance of Troy's illegitimate daughter, Raynell, as her own child, exemplifies her compassion.
Lyons Maxson Male 30-40.	African American. Troy's son from a previous relationship. Lyons is an ambitious and talented jazz musician. He grew up without Troy for much of his childhood because Troy was in prison. Lyons, like most musicians, has a hard time making a living.
Cory Maxson Male 14-18.	African American. Troy and Rose Maxson's son, a senior in high school. An ambitious young man who has the talent and determination to realize his dreams, Cory comes of age during the course of the play when he challenges and confronts Troy, and leaves home.
Gabriel Maxson Male 40-55	African American. Troy's younger brother. Gabriel was a soldier in World War II, during which he received a head injury. Gabriel wanders around the neighborhood, carrying a basket and singing. He often thinks he is not a person, but the angel Gabriel who opens the gates of heaven with his trumpet for Saint Peter on Judgment Day. Gabriel exudes a childlike exuberance and a need to please.
Jim Bono Male 45-60.	African American. Troy's best friend of more than years. Jim Bono is usually called "Bono" or "Mr. Bono" by others. Bono and Troy met in jail, where Troy learned to play baseball. He is married to a woman named Lucille, who is friends with Rose. Bono is a devoted husband and friend.
Raynell Maxson Female 7-10	African American. Troy's illegitimate child, mothered by Alberta, his lover, who died in childbirth. Raynell's need for care and support convinces Rose to take Troy back into the house.

Rehearsals will run from November through January. Performances will run from Jan. 15 to Jan. 24. The show is produced by Andy Gordanier, directed by Jerome John, and stage managed by Laura Zahorbenski.

For more information, email andy@villagerstheatre.com.

Magic Show at Villagers Theatre

Kevin C. Carr's "m3" (magic, mystery, and mentalism) will be coming to Villagers Theatre this October.

M3 is an hour long sojourn of sophisticated sorcery and mind-altering mentalism that has been professionally tried and tested in the clubs and theaters of NYC to astound and befuddle the most cynical and jaded of audiences.... astonishing parlor illusions of knuckle-busting sleight-of-hand with cards, coins, cash and your cerebral cortex are constantly at play with the deliriously deceptive likes of Kevin C. Carr.

The show is at 8 p.m. on Oct. 24, but beverages will be served at 7:30 p.m. You must be at least 18 years old to attend. Tickets are $20 dollars. All proceeds go to replacing the theater's 25 year old HVAC system.

Kevin C. Carr is a full-time professional magician, mentalist and illusionist who has been entertaining national and international audiences for over 25 years. Performance based inside and out of the NYC Metropolitan Area…Kevin C. Carr’s widely varied performance credits include Ringling, Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus, Madison Square Garden, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, street performer (Venice Beach & Universal Studios CityWalk), stuntman, juggler, unicyclist and actor of stage and film (The Polar Express, C.S.I., Friday Night Lights, Off-Broadway’s “The Blue Man Group” as a Tubetalker…just to name a few.)

Jazz Cabaret at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will host a jazz cabaret starring Carrie Jackson this Friday.

Carrie Jackson, vocalist extraordinaire who has appeared in several top NYC jazz venues, graces the stage for one nigh only in this Villagers Theatre fundraiser.

"Carrie Jackson is an impressive vocalist and her voice swings with life. Deep and Soulful, she's sensual at the same time she's playful...Carrie has many talents, will and is never afraid to use them."
-Jazz Improv

The show is at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16 only. Tickets are $20 and are available online. Desert will be provided with the admission price. All proceeds from the event go to replacing the theater's 25 year old HVAC system.

Volunteer Open House at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will hold a volunteer open house this Sunday.

With the open house, you can see how you can become involved with the theater, meet new people, and learn new skills. Participants will learn what it's like to sell tickets in the box office, run the concessions stands, usher patrons to their seats, build sets, paint scenery, work backstage as a stage hand, run lights or sound, audition for a show, and more!

The open house is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Casting Call: ''Twas the Night Before Christmas'

Kelsey Theater will hold auditions for its annual original Christmas show, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas", in about three weeks.

t's 1822, and Clement Moore is having trouble writing his annual Christmas poem. This is especially troubling because his youngest daughter Charity is ill, and he feels that if he writes an especially good poem, it would help her feel better. Some sugar plum fairies, a mouse named Diana, and good old St. Nick himself help him along in a story that will engage young children everywhere.

Auditionees should prepare a short monologue or Christmas poem no longer than one minute; a short song, preferably a Christmas carol, with sheet music; a resumé and headshot if they have them; and a list of conflicts between Nov. 3 and Dec. 7. Auditionees should also be prepared to dance. Auditionees must be seven years or older.

Parts include Clement Moore, Eliza Moore, Diana Mouse, the Moores' children, assorted townspeople of all ages, "Mr. Kringle", and dancers. However, Clement and Eliza Moore, Diana Mouse, and Mr. Kringle have all been precast.

Performances will occur at 7 p.m. Dec. 4; 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 5; and at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 6; with possible schoolday performances at 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 4 and 7.

For more information, or to make an audition appointment, contact KelseyTwas@gmail.com. Kelsey Theater is located on the Mercer County Community College campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Casting Call: 'Blood Brothers'

Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for the musical "Blood Brothers."

Auditions will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 and 21. Please prepare 32 bars of an up-tempo contemporary musical theater song. You may use a song from the show. Please bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Callbacks will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 22. If you recieve a callback, you should prepare the sides provided here and the musical cuts provided here.

"Blood Brothers" tells a provocative story filled with humor and heartbreak. Mrs. Johnstone is expecting twins, but knows she can't afford to raise them both. The affluent woman for whom she cleans house, devises a plan to raise one of the twins as her own. In despair, and hoping to give at least one child a better life, Mrs. Johnstone agrees. Despite attempts to keep them apart, the boys, Mickey and Edward, meet and become close friends. Their lives become increasingly intertwined as the drama unfolds toward the inevitable day that they discover the truth about their heritage with explosive results.

Roles are:

Mrs.Johnstone 30's Mezzo Soprano	Original Mother of Mickey and Edward. After her husband walks out on her, she is left to take care of her children. Constantly trying to do what is best. Gets a job as a maid to support her children. While she tries her best, she cannot escape the society she has been born into.
Narrator Male Rock Tenor	"Did y' hear the story of the Johnstone twins?" Takes the audience through the important sections of the story. Truthful, yet ominous at times. Also appears as other characters throught the show.
Mrs. Lyons 30's Mezzo Soprano	Mrs. Johnstone's employer. Kind with good intensions but puts herself first-no matter the cost. Adopts Edward out of desperation towards her own insecurities. A compulsive liar who gets in over her head.
Mr. Lyons 30-40 Non Singing	Proper Gentleman from the upper class. Is tricked into thinking his wife has had a child while he was on an extended business trip. Constantly busy, and leaves the home responsibilities up to his wife.
Mickey Plays 7-20's Bari Tenor	Blood Brother raised in the poor part of town by Mrs. Johnston. A trouble maker pressured by the rules of society.
Edward Plays 7-20's Tenor	Blood Brother raised in the upper class by Mrs. Lyons. Grows up with a privileged life due to his foster parents' upbringing.
Sammy Male Plays 7-20's	Mickey's Brother. A bully and bad influence on Mickey. Constantly a trouble maker.
Linda Plays 7-20's	A lovely girl from the neighborhood. Finds the attention of both Mickey and Edward.
Chorus	Catalogue Man, Finance Man, Children, Policemen, Neighbours, Wedding Guests, Doleites, Councillors, Nurses, Judge

Rehearsals will run from Nov. 9, 2015 to Feb. 3, 2016. Performances are from Feb. 5 to Feb. 21.

The show is directed by Marie Fiorello, musically directed by Rory Chalcraft, choreographed by Jillian Kimberlin, stage managed by Judi Silver-Thaw, and produced by Donna Kimberlin and Roz Wroblewski.

For additional information, please email donna@villagerstheatre.com or call (732) 873-2710.