'Little Shop of Horrors' at Villagers Theatre

It's almost time to feed the plants.

Villagers Theatre will present "Little Shop of Horrors" at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Feb. 7 to Feb. 23. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. Group rates are available. Tickets are available online.

Inspired by the 1960s cult film, this musical follows hapless Seymour, a nerdy assistant florist, hopelessly longing for Audrey, his "dream girl," and an escape from Skid Row. Then he stumbles upon an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for human blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into a huge, ill-tempered, R&B-singing carnivore, offering Seymour fame and fortune as long as he keeps her fed. With a script blooming with dark humor and music that will grow on you, "Little Shop of Horrors" is one of the longest-running off-Broadway shows ever.

The show is produced by Donna Kimberlin and Pam Luckenbaugh,with direction from Mark Kalet, musical direction by Rory Chalcraft, and choreography by Jaime Moritz.

The show features François Suhr as Seymour, Christine Paccillo as Audrey, Mike Patierno as Orin, Matt Lafargue as the voice of Audrey II, Jeff Seesselberg and Alexander Portera as the Audrey II puppeteers, Eric Walby as Mushnik, Jessica Bettie Zorn as Crystal, Raven Dunbar as Chiffon, and Patricia Alagna as Ronnette.

Casting Call: 'Triple Play'

One, two, three strikes you're dead.

Villagers Theatre and 624 Productions will be holding auditions for "Triple Play" by Tom Baldinger. Auditions will take place at 7 to 10 p.m. on Jan 31 and 1 to 4 on Feb 1 and 2. Callbacks are scheduled for Sunday, if needed.

Auditioners are asked to prepare a 1 minute monologue of either comedy or drama. Sides will be provided after initial monologues presented.

The play has it all: baseball, murder, mystery and all taking place around the hall of fame in Cooperstown.
The story is one of man's quest for answers and redemption while dealing with ghosts from the past and a fathers approval and respect.

Needed are male actors age 20-60, female actors age 20-40, and on African-American actor age 40-60.

If you have any questions please contact productions624@yahoo.com.

Casting Call: 'Hair'

The audition schedule for "Hair" has been changed. The new schedule is as follows.

Auditions for "Hair" will be held at Kelsey Theater from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 31, and from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 1. Callbacks will be held during auditions. All callbacks will be recorded. Dance auditions will be held in the middle of each audition time period. Auditionees must be at least 18 years old.

"Hair" tells the story of the tribe, a group of politically active, long-haired hippies of the 'Age of Aquarius' living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against conscription into the Vietnam War. Claude, his good friend Berger, their roommate Sheila and their friends struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution with their rebellion against the war and their conservative parents and society. Ultimately, Claude must decide whether to resist the draft as his friends have done, or to succumb to the pressures of his parents and conservative America to serve in Vietnam, compromising his pacifistic principles and risking his life.

Auditionees must prepare one song and one monologue, and wear clothes comfortable for dancing in. They can sign up for an audition time on the door of CM122 starting at noon Jan. 22. For the dance audition, choreography will be taught to be performed in a small group.

Rehearsals will be from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from February 3-April 25, with more rehearsals during tech week.  There may also be pickup dance rehearsals. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays from April 25 to May 4.

Auditions will be held in CM122. For more information, contact personj@mccc.edu.

Casting Call: 'Our Town'

Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. will hold auditions for Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 29-30. Callbacks are scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 2.

 The story follows the small town of Grover's Corners through three acts: "Daily Life," "Love and Marriage," and "Death and Eternity." We watch the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually — in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre—die.

Stage Manager	The host of the play and the dramatic equivalent of an omniscient narrator. The Stage Manager exercises control over the action of the play, cueing the other characters, interrupting their scenes with his own interjections, and informing the audience of events and objects that we cannot see. Although referred to only as Stage Manager and not by a name, he occasionally assumes other roles, such as an old woman, a druggist and a minister.
George Gibbs	Dr. and Mrs. Gibbs’s son. A decent, upstanding young man, George is a high school baseball star who plans to attend the State Agricultural School after high school. His courtship of Emily Webb and eventual marriage to her is central to the play’s limited narrative action.
Emily Webb	Mr. and Mrs. Webb’s daughter and Wally’s older sister. Emily is George’s schoolmate and next-door neighbor, then his fiancée, and later his wife. She is an excellent student and a conscientious daughter. After dying in childbirth, Emily joins the group of dead souls in the local cemetery and attempts to return to the world of the living.
Dr. Gibbs	George’s father and the town doctor. Dr. Gibbs is also a Civil War expert. He and his family are neighbors to the Webbs.
Mrs. Gibbs	George’s mother and Dr. Gibbs’ wife. Mrs. Gibbs’ desire to visit Paris — a wish that is never fulfilled — suggests the importance of seizing the opportunities life presents, rather than waiting for things to happen.
Mr. Webb	Emily’s father and the publisher and editor of the Grover’s Corners Sentinel.
Mrs. Webb	Emily’s mother and Mr. Webb’s wife. At first a no-nonsense woman who does not cry on the morning of her daughter’s marriage, Mrs. Webb later shows her innocent and caring nature, worrying during the wedding that she has not taught her daughter enough about marriage.
Mrs. Soames	A gossipy woman who sings in the choir along with Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Gibbs. Mrs. Soames appears in the group of dead souls in Act 3.
Simon Stimson	The choirmaster, whose alcoholism and undisclosed “troubles” have been the subject of gossip in Grover’s Corners for quite some time. He is perhaps most notable for his short speech in Act 3, when he says that human existence is nothing but “ignorance and blindness.”
Rebecca Gibbs	George’s younger sister. Rebecca’s role is minor, but she does have one very significant scene with her brother.
Wally Webb	Emily’s younger brother. Wally is a minor figure, but he turns up in Act 3 among the group of dead souls. Wally dies young, the result of a burst appendix on a Boy Scout trip.
Howie Newsome	The local milkman. Howie reappears during every morning scene — once each in acts one, two and three.
Joe Crowell Jr.	The paperboy. Joe’s routine of delivering papers to the same people each morning emphasizes the sameness of daily life in Grover’s Corners.
Si Crowell	Joe’s younger brother, also a paperboy.
Professor Willard	A professor at the State University who gives the audience a report on Grover’s Corners. Professor Willard appears once and then disappears. He interacts with the audience and to inform theatergoers of the specifics of life in Grover’s Corners.
Constable Warren	A local police officer who keeps a watchful eye over the community. His personal knowledge of and favor with the town’s citizens bespeaks the close-knit nature of the town.
Sam Craig	Emily Webb’s cousin, who has left Grover’s Corners to travel west, but returns for her funeral in Act 3. Though originally from the town, Sam has the air of an outsider.
Joe Stoddard	The town undertaker. Joe prepares Emily’s grave and remarks on how sad it is to bury young people.

The show is directed by Christopher Guell and will run from March 22-April 5 at 8 p.m. on Fri. and Sat. and 2 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. Please make sure you can be at all performances before auditioning.

Casting Call: 'Five Women Wearing the Same Dress'

Playhouse 22 will hold open auditions for "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress" at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 and 10.

The show is a comedy set during a couple's overdone wedding reception at the home of the bride in Knoxville, Tennessee. The five bridesmaids have found refuge in the room of the sister of the bride and come to realize, among other things, that, despite their differences, they have more in common with each other than any of them do with the bride, Tracy.

Meredith	The bride's nosy, pot-smoking sister who is very sarcastic and much annoyed with the whole fiasco.
Georgeanne	Tracy's "ugly sidekick" in middle school. Accepted the invite to be a bridesmaid even though her relationship with the bride is strained.
Trisha	One of Tracy's former friends with a supposed bad reputation. She is, however, a mainstream beauty.
Frances	The very naive and religious cousin of the bride.
Mindy McClure	The groom's clumsy, outspoken lesbian sister.
Tripp Davenport	An usher who falls for Trisha.

Performances will run from March 28 to April 6. Auditions will be held at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. For more information, contact fivewomen@playhouse22.org.

Seeking Crew for 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Villagers Theatre is currently seeking crew members for its upcoming production of "Little Shop of Horrors" which runs from Feb. 7-23. Needed are a sound operator and light operator for all performances and tech week. A small stipend is available for these positions. If interested and available, please contact Producer, Pam Luckenbaugh at\pam@villagerstheatre.com.

Casting Call: 'Wrong Window'

Villagers Theatre will be holding auditions for a production of Van Zandt and Milmore's "Wrong Window" on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 27 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. 

JEFF (30s)	Married to Marnie. He and Marnie have a Nick and Nora-style relationship. Always teasing and dropping quips. They had been separated, but Marnie has come back home. Jeff has been unfaithful while they were on a break. He loves Marnie, but now has some big secrets to hide. Also, he's psychotically afraid of birds.
MARNIE (30s)	Married to Jeff. A very successful novelist. She is the breadwinner in the family. She left Jeff last year to pursue her career, but came home because she realizes that she loves her husband. While she was away, she had an affair with her editor. Marnie is quick-witted and the most in-control person in the cast.
ROBBIE (30s)	Jeff's best friend. Married to Midge. The quintessential second banana, always ready with a pun or double entendre. His marriage has gone stale. He still loves Midge, but certainly has a roving eye. Midge knows and puts up with this boorish behavior.
MIDGE (30s)	Marnie's friend and confidant. Married to Robbie, knows the relationship is stale but she's comfortable. A bit eccentric. Midge moonlights as a cat burglar (jewelry, not cats). Actress must be comfortable being soaked (fully clothed) every night.
LOOMIS (30-50)	The building handyman. Not smart at all, but he puts forth an over-confident effort-frequently to comic effect. Rather creepy, he believes that the ladies all desire him. They don't, but he seems to be scoring with them anyway. Actor must be comfortable showing off his prominent ass crack.
THOR (25-40)	A large, hulk of a man, frequently overheard arguing with his wife, Lila. He is the prime suspect for the murders. Actor will be stabbed, shot and kicked before play is over. Repeatedly.
LILA (20s)	Sexy yoga teacher, married to Thor. Had an affair with Jeff. Eventually the murder victim. Actor must be able to play dead, be hung from a closet door. Jeff has a make out session with Lila's corpse and must be able to handle this and not break out into nervous laughter.
DETECTIVE THOMAS (45-60)	Police detective. He's getting too old for this.

The show runs from March 28 to April 13 on Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m.

For more information, you can go to the offical Villagers website.

Director wanted at Main Street Theatre

The Main Street Theatre Company is looking for an experienced Director to direct its upcoming production of "Our Town" opening March 21, 2014. 

"Our Town" tells the story of an average town's citizens in the early twentieth century through their everyday lives. Taking place between 1901 and 1913, "Our Town" has remained successful since it's opening performance in 1938.

If you are interested in directing the show, please email vince@smstc.org for consideration.

Casting Call: 'Shrek the Musical'

All audition slots for Kelsey Theater's "Shrek the Musical" are booked. Anyone 8-12 who wishes to audition is asked to put their name on a waiting list by sending an email to audition@mponstage.com. Would-be youth auditionees coming in without an appointment will not be permitted to audition.

Auditionees who are 13 and older may come in without an appointment, but are cautioned that it may be a long wait. To minimize the waiting period, auditionees should regularly check the audition website in case a time slot becomes open.

Auditions for those 8-12 will be held from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 23. Auditions for those 13 and older will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 25 and from noon-6 p.m. Jan. 26. All auditionees must register and create a profile in the MPO CastMe system.

Actors must register online to schedule an audition. Required information includes a resume, headshot and any other relevant information. Appointments are recommended. Audition packets are also available online.

Shrek (25-45, A2-G#4)	A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone in a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his swamp of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but eventually becomes the hero.
Donkey (20-35, C3-B4)	A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad's guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimist with heart.
Lord Farquaad (25-40, B2-D5)	The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princes to marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely and cruel. The actor playing this role will execute all blocking and choreography on his knees.
Pinocchio (20-40, E3-F#4)	The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying. There is a very specific character voice associated with this role.
Fiona (20-30, F3-G6)	The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, Fiona transforms into an ogress every night at sunset. She is rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess. This role requires strong singing and dancing, including tap.
Dragon (25-45, F3-Eb5)	A dragon charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified babysitter. Since the role is sung offstage, the actor will need strong vocals and a very high belt. The singer most likely will double for other female roles in the show.
Gingy (Female, 15-40, B3-C#5)	A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Gingy is a puppet that will be operated by the person playing the Sugar Plum Fairy. This role calls for a specific character voice and high soprano range.
Adult ensemble/ secondary roles (13+)	The ensemble will play roles such as Mama and Papa Ogre, King Harold, Queen Lillian, teenage Fiona, Big Bad Wolf, three little pigs, White Rabbit, Fairy Godmother, Peter Pan, Wicked Witch, Mama and Papa bears, Mad Hatter, elf, three blind mice, angry mob, guards, knights, pied piper, Thelonius, bishop and others. All adult secondary roles have dialogue and solo singing. The ensemble players in this show will be onstage constantly and are an integral part of the cast.
Child ensemble/ secondary roles (8-12)	Two boys and two girls will share the roles of Young Fiona, a featured soloist; Young Shrek, the ugly duckling, Baby Bear, dwarf and others.
Six featured dancers (13+)	The dance corp will perform various styles including light chorus, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Some partnering will be involved. Featured dancers also may be members of the adult ensemble.

The show will run from May 30 to June 8, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, contact auditions@mponstage.com or call (609) 882-2292. Kelsey Theater is located at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

Casting Call: 'Hair'

Auditions will be held at Kelsey Theater for "Hair" Jan. 3-5. They will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 23, from 1-6 p.m. Jan. 24, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. January 25. Callbacks will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Dance auditions will be held in the middle of each audition time period.

Hair tells the story of the "tribe", a group of politically active, long-haired hippies of the "Age of Aquarius" living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against conscription into the Vietnam War. Claude, his good friend Berger, their roommate Sheila and their friends struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution with their rebellion against the war and their conservative parents and society. Ultimately, Claude must decide whether to resist the draft as his friends have done, or to succumb to the pressures of his parents and conservative America to serve in Vietnam, compromising his pacifistic principles and risking his life.

Auditionees must prepare one song and one monologue, and wear clothes comfortable for dancing in. They can sign up for an audition time on the door of CM122 starting at noon Jan. 22. For the dance audition, choreography will be taught to be performed in a small group.

Rehearsals will be from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from February 3-April 25, with more rehearsals during tech week.  There may also be pickup dance rehearsals. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays from April 25 to May 4.

Auditions will be held in CM122. For more information, contact personj@mccc.edu.

Playhouse 22 extending deadline for show submissions

Playhouse 22 is extending its deadline for show submissions for the 2014-15 season to Jan. 31. Suggestions for family-friendly musicals would be particularly appreciated.

Playhouse 22 is looking for at least one family-friendly musical to reach both parents and children, two large musicals, at least one smaller musical, and plays that are not musicals. Both well-known and less well-known or original plays are acceptable, although the last two are less likely to be selected for the mainstage. Submissions are being accepted through Jan. 31.

To submit ideas, click here. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

'God of Carnage' at Main Street Theatre

It's a comedy of manners.... without the manners.

Main Street Theater will be presenting "God of Carnage" by Yasmina Reza on Feb. 7 thru 15 at  p.m. on Fri. and Sat. and 2 p.m. on Sun. The show is produced and directed by Peter Bobchin.

In this Tony award winning play, two pairs of parents, one of whose children has hurt the other at a public park, meet to discuss the matter in a civilized manner. However, as the evening goes on, the parents become increasingly childish, resulting in the evening devolving into chaos.

Tickets are available online.

Casting Call: '9 to 5'

Auditions for "9 to 5," Dolly Parton's high-spirited musical adaptation of the hit movie, will be held by Somerset Valley Players at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 and 27. Callbacks will be Jan. 29.

Auditionees should prepare 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Auditionees should also wear comfortable clothes, as there will be a dance portion of the audition.

Violet Newstead (40-50)	The company's Head Secretary and Mr. Hart's Administrative Assistant, she is a single mother and typically stands up for what she believes in. Attractive, strong, ambitious.
Doralee Rhodes (20-30)	A young, sexy spitfire who works at Mr. Hart's office. She is proof that there is more to a woman than just her looks.
Judy Bernly (30-40)	The "new" girl at the firm, she has been burned by her husband's affair and is searching for personal empowerment. Insecure, determined, hopeful.
Franklin Hart Jr. (30-50)	One of the firm's executives and a notorious chauvinist. He is capable of faking charm but usually shows his true colors as an arrogant, self-absorbed boss.
Roz Keith (30-60)	The attentive office gossip queen and snitch. She has an unrequited love for Mr. Hart and will do anything she can to win his approval.
(6) Female ensemble (25-60)	Various other secretaries, hospital workers, even some woodland creatures. Ensemble members will take on various roles and must move well.
(6) Male ensemble (25-60)	Various other businessmen, law enforcement, husbands or boyfriends. Ensemble members will take on various roles and must move well.

 Auditions will be held at Neshanic Reformed Church, 715 Amwell Road, Hillsborough. For more information, visit svptheatre.org.

'Twelve Angry Men' at Playhouse 22

"Twelve Angry Men" will open at Playhouse 22 at 8 p.m. Jan. 24. The show runs at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays Jan. 24-Feb. 2.

A 19-year-old man stands trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. “He doesn’t stand a chance,” mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut case—until one of the jurors begins opening the others’ eyes to the facts. “This is a remarkable thing about democracy,” says the foreign-born juror, “that we are notified by mail to come down to this place—and decide on the guilt or innocence of a person; of a man or woman we have not known before. We have nothing to gain or lose by our verdict. We should not make it a personal thing.” But personal it is, with each juror revealing his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their eyes. Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the jurors become twelve angry men.

The cast features Barry Leonard as the guard, Frank Kelly as the foreman, Rudy Palma as Juror #2, John Pinto as Juror #3, Fred Dennehy as Juror #4, Axel Carrion as Juror #5, Ray Kelton as Juror #6, Rupert Ravens as Juror #7, Russ Ortiz as Juror #8, Marty Honig as Juror #9, Peter Reimann as Juror #10; John Correll, Jr. as Juror #11; and Matt Guerra as Juror #12.

Tickets cost $15 each. To purchase tickets, click here. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

Casting Call: 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'

Hedgehog and Feather Theatre Co. is holding auditions in March for a most fantastic production of a play based on a Roald Dahl book.

Auditions for "Fantastic Mr. Fox" will be held March 3, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Parish Center, 315 First St., Westfield . Auditions for young actors will run from 3-4:30 p.m., followed by auditions for adults from 4-6 p.m. Entrance to Parish Center is on Westfield Avenue through the glass doors.

Wear casual dress, and be prepared for some pantomime movement. Sides will be available on the theater web site before the audition day.

Roles considered Animal Chorus appear only at the final scene, called "The Great Feast." Animal Chorus actors will have slightly fewer rehearsals than principal characters. Some mime or pantomime will be needed, and some basic choreography will be involved.

Show will have six performances, May 9-17.

The following parts are being cast:

Men's roles
Mr. Fox	The actor must be able to play dynamic, upbeat, cheery, determined, bold, courageous, brave, active, healthy, happy, full of confidence and positive self-esteem. Being skilled in acrobatics, modern dance and martial arts is a bonus. Brief singing.
Mr. Badger	Mr. Badger is just as cheery and upbeat as Mr. Fox, but more practical. Actor must have excellent comic and pantomime ability and provide a larger-than-life innocence and loving fatherly type to Little Badger. Brief singing.
Farmer Bean	Devilish, intelligent, conniving, evil and cruel, and always scheming, The actor playing Farmer Bean must be able to convey those characteristics. An actor with excellent comic timing and larger-than-life character ability is needed.
Farmer Boggis	Actor must be able to burp on cue as this character has the nasty habbit of burping and the kids in the audience have to react. An actor with comic timing and larger-than-life character ability is needed.
Farmer Bunce	Bunce is a duck and goose farmer, a pot-bellied dwarf so short his chin would be under water in the shallow end of any swimming pool. An actor with comic timing and larger-than-life character ability is needed.
Mr. Rabbit	Role is considered Animal Chorus, and appears at the final scene, called "The Great Feast." Some basic choreography will be involved. Animal Chorus actors will have slightly fewer rehearsals than principal characters. Some mime or pantomime will be needed. Looking for grades 8-12.
The Rat	The actor must be able to play French, brooding, moody, determined, bold, envious, and a bit dangerous. Actor should somewhat be skilled in acrobatics. Modern dance and martial arts would be bonuses but not required. The Rat does have a fight scene with Mr. Fox.
Women's roles
Mrs. Fox	Mrs. Fox is the heart and soul of the show and the touchstone for the parents. The actor playing her must be strong, upright, all-knowing, graceful, elegant, intelligent, and caring, especially towards her two young foxes. A great mom! Must compliment Mr. Fox most excellently. Some dance or mime will be a bonus as movement like an animal is required.
Mrs. Bean	Mrs. Bean is the matriarch of the Valley. She has a ruthless streak and is not nice to anyone. Think Jessica Lange as an old Southern belle.
Mabel	Slightly reminiscent of a Charles Dickens character. Goofy and offbeat but with a real strong tough side, like an ingnorantly cheerful Miss Trunchbull from Roald Dahl's "Matilda." Comic timing and outlandishly garish, over-the-top characterizations will come in handy.
Mrs. Rabbit	Role is considered Animal Chorus. Brief singing. Mrs. Rabbit is the mother of the rabbit herd.
Mrs. Badger	Role is considered Animal Chorus. Brief singing. Mrs. Badger typifies the wonderful motherly type of character.
Children's roles
Fox Junior	Fox Junior is just as brave, bold, and courageous as his father is already, but he's still a little unsure of his confidence level. Actor will need some dance or mime to act like an animal. Brief singing. Looking for a boy in seventh through ninth grade.
Little Fox	The smallest of the Fox family. Actor will need some dance or mime to act like an animal. Brief singing. Looking for a girl in fourth through sixth grade.
Little Badger	The smallest of the Badger family, Little Badger is kind of shy. Actor will need some dance or mime to act like an animal. Brief singing. Looking for a boy in fourth through sixth grades.
Child of the Valley (3)	The three children begin the show with singing a rhyme about the three nasty farmers and proceed to each describe a farmer. These three actors will double as one of the young animal characters and appear in the large group dance celebration scene at the end, so some dancing will be required. Brief singing.
Miss Mole	Role is considered Animal Chorus. Miss Mole gets along well with all the other young animals of the valley. Looking for a girl in sixth through ninth grade. Small stature is important.
Little Rabbit (3)	Role is considered Animal Chorus. Brief singing. Looking for children in fourth through eighth grades.

Casting Call: 'Wrong Window'

Never mind Alfred Hitchcock, Villagers Theater is looking for actors with strong physical comedy skills for an upcoming production of "Wrong Window."

A spoof of the classic suspense movie with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly, by Van Zandt and Milmore, "Wrong Window" will run March 28-April 13. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 and at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27. If needed, callbacks will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29.

The production will be directed by Eric Walby, with stage manager Jacky LePore. For more information, write to the director at zengolfguy@gmail.com. Sides will be provided.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Character Breakdown:

Jeff (30s)	Married to Marnie. He and Marnie have a Nick and Nora-style relationship. Always teasing and dropping quips. They had been separated, but Marnie has come back home. Jeff has been unfaithful while they were on a break. He loves Marnie, but now has some big secrets to hide. Also, he’s psychotically afraid of birds.
Marnie (30s)	Married to Jeff. A very successful novelist. She is the breadwinner in the family. She left Jeff last year to pursue her career, but came home because she realizes that she loves her husband. While she was away, she had an affair with her editor. Marnie is quick-witted and the most in-control person in the cast.
Robbie (30s)	Jeff’s best friend. Married to Midge. The quintessential second banana, always ready with a pun or double entendre. His marriage has gone stale. He still loves Midge, but certainly has a roving eye. Midge knows and puts up with his boorish behavior.
Midge (30s)	Marnie’s friend and confidant. Married to Robbie, knows the relationship is stale but she’s comfortable. A bit eccentric. Midge moonlights as a cat burglar (jewelry, not cats). Actress must be comfortable being soaked (fully clothed) every night.
Loomis (30-50)	The building handyman. Not smart at all, but he puts forth an overconfident effort — frequently to comic effect. Rather creepy, he believes that the ladies all desire him. They don’t, but he seems to be scoring with them anyway. Actor must be comfortable showing off his prominent buttcrack.
Thor (25-40)	A large, hulk of a man, frequently overheard arguing with his wife, Lila. He is the prime suspect for the murders. Actor will be stabbed, shot and kicked before play is over. Repeatedly.
Lila (20s)	Sexy yoga teacher, married to Thor. Had an affair with Jeff. Eventually the murder victim. Actor must be able to play dead, be hung from a closet door. Jeff has a make-out session with Lila’s corpse. Can you handle this and not break out into nervous laughter?
Detective Thomas	Police detective. He’s getting too old for this.

Casting Call: 'Emma and the Lost Unicorn'

As the Holiday season ends, many shows end. So want to be in another one?

Villagers Theatre will be holding auditions for "Emma and the Lost Unicorn" at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 and 14. If necessary, callbacks will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 16. The show is directed by Jerome John, stage managed by Laura Christine, and produced by Marie Fiorello.

Emma 8-12	A 10-year-old girl who wears a brace on her deformed leg. She is lonely and doesn't have many friends because of her crippled leg. She spends her time in the forest with the wild creatures.
Cleo 20+	Queen of the faeries; she reigns over the forest, and she and her band of faeries care for the unicorn.
Rainey 8+	A white and silver unicorn; the guardian angel of the true Prince. He has been banished to Emma's forest with his prince by the evil lord of the Underworld. Rainey has no lines but speaks eloquently with his head and body gestures.
Kodak 20+	Warlord of Hazard, lord of the Underworld. He is powerful, tall and strong. Hazard, having fallen in love with Rainey's mother centuries ago and being rejected, cast a spell Kodak. Only one thing can break his spell: pickles.
Stare 8-12	The rhetorical owl.
Cheets 8-12	The mischievious elf; always in trouble with Cleo. He is jealous of Cleo's attention to Rainey and Emma.
Donald 8-11	The good and kind faerie; Donald is devoted to Emma. He will do anything to help her and Rainey.
Scarlet/Yellow/Orange/Purple/Green/Blue 6-13	Young handmaidens to the Queen.
Henchmen 6-13	Soldiers of Kodak.
Dog creatures 6-13	Played by two actors/dancers
Various Faeries and Small creatures of the Forest 6-12	Rabbits, skunks, squirrels, cub bears

Masterclass: 'Improv 101'

Want to learn improv? Why not attend a class at Circle Players?

On Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Andrew Young will be teaching basic improv at Circle Players.

This introduction to Basic Improv will give students the opportunity to learn how to find basic games in scenes. Students will learn how to use "yes-and," playing at the top of your intelligence, active listening and support to create comedic improvised scenes.

Registration is $20 and is only available online.

Masterclass: 'Decoding Shakespeare'

Want to get better at acting in Shakespeare plays? Why not take a lesson at Circle Players.

On Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Circle Players will be holding a class taught by Jessica Sherman to become better at acting out Shakespeare. 

This three hour bootcamp will teach actors how to break down Shakespearean scenes and monologues, uncover meaning through language and imagery and maximize actors’ personal connection with classical text. Participants will explore Shakespeare’s words through improvisational games, voice/diction exercises and scenework. Time will also be spent on choosing the right classical monologues for your character type.

Registration is $20 and only available online. 

Support Villagers Theatre with your Amazon purchases

Villagers Theatre recently joined the Amazon Associates Program.

This program allows Villagers to earn about 5 percent of the purchase amounts that patrons make on www.amazon.com, provided buyers first go to the Villagers Theatre web site, and then click the Amazon Associates logo from the Villagers home page.

For more information, contact the Villagers webmaster online.

Casting Call: 'Murder is a Game'

Somerset Valley Players is holding auditions tonight, Tuesday, for "Murder is a Game," a murder-mystery comedy.

Director Mike Schuller is seeking three men in their 30s or older, and five women: four in their 30s or older, and one in her 20s.

Written by Fred Carmichael "Murder is a Game" follows a down-in-the-dumps husband-and-wife writing team as they spend a weekend on a creepy old movie set, to reignite their creative muse. There, hired actors play parts in a fictional murder mystery for their enjoyment, only to find that sometimes fiction can become reality.

Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. today, Jan. 7, at the Somerset Valley Playhouse, 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, March 7-23.

For more information, call (908) 369-7469

Cast:

Sloan Bigelow	Late 30s-40s	Wife half of husband-wife mystery writing team
Toby Bigelow	40s	Husband half of husband-wife mystery writing team
Lois	30s or older	The Bigelows' publisher
Stephen Leech	30s or older	Murder party guest - Cora's husband
Cora Leech	30s or older	Murder party guest - Stephen's wife
June Ripley	30s or older	Murder party guest - Stephen's secretary
Nick Ranelli	30s or older	Murder party guest
B.B.	30s or older	"Unexpected" murder guest -- exotic dancer

Casting Call: 'Romeo and Juliet'

Want to be in a well-loved play? Why not audition for "Romeo and Juliet!"

Circle Players will hold auditions for William Shakespeare's classic tale of star-crossed lovers, at 1 p.m. Jan. 26, and at 7 p.m. Jan. 27. This a modern-day update of the classic Shakespeare play; the major action will take place in and around a private parochial school.

All ages and types are welcome, as much of the casting will be determined by the ages of the actors cast in the various roles. Also gender is not an issue for certain roles, such as the Prince and Balthazar. Fighting and dance experience are a plus, but not mandatory.  

Fight rehearsals will be held Saturday mornings in February. Blocking begins in March. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, April 25- May 10, with a 3 p.m. show on March 11.

For more information, e-mail circleplayersnj@gmail.com

Sides will be provided at the audition. Auditions are at Circle Players on 416 Victoria Avenue, Piscataway.

Roles needed are:

Romeo	Male, late teens to early 20s
Juliet	Female, late teens to early 20s
Mercutio	Male, 20s to 30s
Benvolio	Male, late teens to early 20s
Nurse	Female, 40s
Friar Laurence	Mid 30s to 50s
Capulet	40s to 50s
Lady Capulet	30s to 40s
Montague	Male, 40s to 50s
Paris	Male, 20s to 30s
Tybalt	Male, 20s
Prince	Male or female, prince
Balthazar	Female, late teens to early 20s

Also needed are students and servants of various ages.

The show will be directed by Erik Hall and produced by Faith Dowgin.

'Musical of Musicals: The Musical' at Villagers Theatre

Has the snow got you down? Warm up to a lively musical comedy, when Villagers Theatre presents "Musical of Musicals: The Musical" tonight and Saturday evening.

A musical by Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell, "Musical of Musicals" centers on a simple plot about an ingénue who can't pay her rent, an evil landlord and the handsome leading man who could save the damsel in distress.

The show leads audiences through five variations on the plot, as it could have been conceived for the stage by songwriters Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Would Rodgers and Hammerstein have envisioned the story in Kansas during August, with a Dream Ballet? Perhaps Stephen Sondheim would present the landlord as a tortured, artistic genius who slashes the throats of his tenants in revenge because they don't appreciate art. Jerry Herman's version may be a splashy star vehicle, Andrew Lloyd Webber's is a rock musical, and Kander and Ebb's is set in a seedy cabaret in Chicago. It's hard to imagine a musical tribute as complete -- or as funny as -- "The Musical of Musicals: The Musical."

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Jan. 3 and 4. Tickets cost $20, and are available online. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Casting Call: 'Moon Over Buffalo' UPDATE

Due to the severe weather warning in effect, tonight’s auditions for Moon Over Buffalo at Playhouse 22 have been postponed.

The theater is seeking seven actors for its upcoming production of "Moon Over Buffalo." Auditions will be held at Playhouse 22, at 10 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Auditions will be held on a first-come, first-served basis. Sides will be available at auditions.

"Moon Over Buffalo" centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. At the moment, they’re playing "Private Lives" and "Cyrano De Bergerac" in rep in Buffalo, N.Y., with five other actors. There are a total three men's parts and four women's.

On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingenue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of "The Scarlet Pimpernel."

Unfortunately, for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter’s clueless fiance and uncertainty about which play they’re actually performing, caused by Charlotte’s deaf old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George's body.

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

George Hay (late 40s-50s)	A very dramatic, slapstick type, over-the-top actor. As leader of his own acting troupe, George has always had aspirations to be famous. He’s a bit of a ladies man, but really is devoted to his wife, Charlotte. The actor must be able to do strong physical comedy, which could include pratfalls, running, stage slaps and stage combat.
Charlotte Hay (late 40s-50s)	Very much a drama queen. She helps to run the acting troupe and plays all the leads, even the ones she’s a bit old for. She is a consummate actress with dreams of being a star — at all costs! She loves George but is getting tired of his philandering. The actor playing Charlotte must be able to do an upperclass British accent. Some physical comedy required.
Ethel (late 60s)	Charlotte’s mother — close to her daughter, but not happy with her choice of a husband. She is also an actress — very witty, and takes nonsense from no one. She is very hard of hearing, which leads to comic misunderstandings.
Rosalind Hay (mid-late 20s)	George and Charlotte’s daughter. Used to be a member of the acting troupe, but she decided that she wanted a real career, so she left, determined never to act again or be like her parents. Rosalind is always repressing her dramatic side, but it’s a losing battle by the end. She has a fiance, Howard, but used to be in love with an actor in the troupe, Paul. The actor playing Rosalind must be able to do an upperclass British accent.
Howard (late 20s- early 30s)	Rosalind’s fiance, a weatherman who considers himself to be in the “acting” business. Comes across as a wimp, a little annoying, nervous and very excitable. The actor must be able to do strong physical comedy.
Eileen (early 20s)	An aspiring actress, eager to please. She has a crush on George and has been having a fling with him. Eileen wants to be a leading actress with the company. Comes across very flighty and naïve, but ultimately will do anything to get what she wants. She can be played as a bit manipulative.
Richard (50s)	George and Charlotte’s attorney. In love with Charlotte, always trying to get her to leave George. He is wealthy and used to getting what he wants, and is both amused and perplexed by the Hays.

'How I Learned to Drive' at Circle Players

Take a drive down one woman's memory lane, with "How I Learned To Drive" at Circle Players.

Paula Vogel's Pulitzer-winning "How I Learned To Drive" is a darkly funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man.

The 1950s pop music accompanying Li’l Bit’s excursion down memory lane cannot drown out the ghosts of her past. Sweet recollections of driving with her beloved uncle intermingle with lessons about the darker sides of life. Balmy evenings are fraught with danger; seductions happen anywhere. Li’l Bit navigates a narrow path between the demands of family and her own sense of right and wrong.


Performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 24-Feb. 8, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Feb. 9.

Tickets cost $18 for adults and $17 for seniors and students, and can be reserved by calling (732) 969-7555. No credit cards will be accepted.

The show is directed by John Dowgin and stars Faith Dowgin as Li'l Bit; Todd Jones as Uncle Peck; and Mike Sundberg, Heidi Hart and Kristen Bennet as the Greek chorus.

There will be a wine-and-cheese party after the opening night performance.