Sometimes the parts just belong to a particular race

A few years ago my daughter was at a summer theater camp where they staged a production of “Once on this Island Jr.”

The show is set on an unnamed island (Haiti) in the Caribbean (seriously, it’s Haiti). The show is about the class divisions (in Haiti) and depicts a contest among the gods (all named after and patterned on the loa) that plays out as a love story between a peasant girl and the son of a boujwa family.

Seriously, the show couldn’t be more obviously about Haiti if it tried. The social structure is Haitian,the names are all Haitian, and the snippets of language sprinkled through the show are Kreyol. The original Broadway cast even used Haitian accents. These are parts that are all black, except for the boujwa young man, who probably is mulatto, what we in America would call biracial.

Almost everyone at the camp was white. A few kids were Hispanic. One or two were biracial.

White kids playing Haitians. White kids playing the loa.

I didn’t say anything at the time, or at least not too much, but this really bothered me. Being black is essential to the nature of these parts and the country where it’s set. This felt like an act of erasure, of whitewashing. Not intentional, just thoughtless, insensitive, careless and dumb. No excuse.

I love to shake up the casting in shows with an eye toward racial inclusivity, but I feel like if you’re going to do “Once on this Island,” you’d better have either a solidly black cast, or a backup show planned.

Anything else is just rude.


Copyright © 2018 by David Learn. Used with permission.


Copyright © 2018 by David Learn. Used with permission.


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Review: 'School House Rock' sure to please at Villagers Theatre

If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend or next, you don't need to search farther than Villagers Theatre and its production of “School House Rock Live Jr.”

School House Rock had its launch in 1973, when it aired on Saturday mornings on ABC as a series of educational cartoons originated by Madison Avenue ad man David McCall, who soon was joined by songwriters Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Lynn Ahrens and others. Before its ultimate cancellation in 1985, School House Rock covered a wide range of topics that included math, science, history and civics, and grammar, among others.

The franchise made the move to live stage with the debut of “School House Rock Live” in 1990. The show is a collection of the most popular installments of the series, loosely strung together around a barebones narrative of a nervous new teacher named Tom as he prepares for his first day on the job.

The junior production at Villagers Theatre contains 11 of the 21 songs contained in the full-scale production, and benefits greatly from Joey Kalet's turn at Tom, the teacher. Kalet, a teen performer, has appeared on stage at Villagers and at other theaters in the area, and his confidence shows as he fully embraces his goofy character without a sign of self-consciousness.

With numbers like “A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing,” “Elbow Room” and “Just a Bill,” the show will please nostalgia-hungry Gen X parents who remember tuning in to watch Bugs Bunny on Saturday morning and catching animated school lessons pushed through on the sly.

On the other hand, the lively tunes and the spirited performances of cast members mean that younger audiences who may not be as familiar with the show, still are going to find plenty to enjoy.

Kalet is supported by five characters who represent Tom's thoughts in their efforts to prepare him for his first day on the job: George (James Kan), Dori (Chloe Garcia), Shulie (Justine Torres), Joe (Kevin Luck) and Dina (Naomi Taylor).

Other soloists include Jocelyn Kalet, Sam Moffett, John Shea and Bhavna Bangalore (“The Preamble”); Lexi Thomas (“Do the Circulation”), Rishika Chakravorty (“Interplanet Janet”); and Sarah Stefaniak and Rebecca McCabe (“Great American Melting Pot”).

The show is directed and choreographed by Devin Massih, with assistance provided by stage manager Jess Kimberlin.

Remaining performances are scheduled for noon March 12 and March 19, and at noon and 3 p.m. March 18. Tickets cost $10 for general admission.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset. For more information, call the theater's box office at (732) 873-2710.

'Filling in the Blanks' at Villagers Theatre

Sometimes the only way to understand people and events is filling in the blanks.

That's the premise of a new play by Khy Garner, debuting Friday at Villagers Theatre in Somerset. The play, which Villagers is presenting as part of its Yellow Brick Road fund-raising drive, will run this weekend only. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

"In 2005 I started journaling about experiences that had shaped me or changed my perspective on certain social issues," Garner explained in a statement about the origins of the show. "There were things that had happened either to me, someone I knew, or someone I loved."

Sometimes they were events Garner had experienced or witnessed firsthand; other times, he had to rely on what other people had told him to understand. Imagining how those moments unfolded can lead to greater understanding and empathy. It's a practice we all engage in, whether consciously or not.

"For example, you have a friend who is quite obnoxious. We all have a friend like this: pushy, loud and overbearing, but you remain friends," Garner stated. "Ever wonder why they act this way? What happened in this friend’s life to cause these imperfections? What’s the story? Sometimes you are forced to fill in the blanks."

"Filling in the Blanks" will be directed by the playwright. Producing is Linda Giordano, with stage manager Jessica Musolino and technical director Paul Carver.

Tickets for "Filling in the Blanks" cost $15 and are available at the door, or on the Villagers web site. The theater is located in the Franklin Township Municipal Complex, at 450 Demott Lane, Somerset.

For more information, call (732) 873-2710.

Circle Players 'Richard III' offers fresh look at villain

PISCATAWAY — King Richard III is one of the most diabolical, deplorable and ruthless villains created by William Shakespeare – or is he?

Audiences can decide for themselves, as Circle Players stages a new production of Shakespeare's historical drama “Richard III,” beginning this weekend. Directed by Jessica Darrow Sherman of Summit, the show promises to give audiences a Richard they can understand and perhaps even feel sorry for, even if in the end they do not like him.

The show has been performed many times, including cinematic adaptations by august actors such as Laurence Olivier in 1955, and Ian McKellan in 1995. But while other productions may focus on Richard's machinations and royal ambitions, Sherman sees the heart of his story primarily in the lives of the women Richard seduces, wrongs and betrays along the way.

“I wanted to streamline that and get down to the man and the relationship he has with the four women,” said Sherman.

Still, given the age of the play – scholars believe Shakespeare wrote “Richard III” in 1591 – connection may seem like a tall order. Much of the play is written in blank verse, and the dialogue contains words that at times may sound unfamiliar to the modern ear.

“The language is the main hurdle,” said Sherman. “It's a hurdle for the audience, and it's a hurdle for the actors. It's a little like walking around in another language.”

But because Shakespeare's language is at least as much of a draw as the stories themselves, don't look for that to change. There are ways to connect with audiences without compromising the writing. This “Richard III” has a contemporary setting, complete with contemporary clothing and accessories. The custom of speech may sound odd to the ear, but the people on stage wouldn't stand out if you met them on the street or in the office.

“I always want to bring my productions that I do of Shakespeare's plays to the present day,” said Sherman. “When you see people walking around and texting one another with their cell phones, you think, 'Yeah, I do that.' I want to take all the walls down so the audience can connect with these characters.”

Academics debate the exact order his plays were written, but generally agree that Shakespeare began with a tetralogy of plays that dramatize the Wars of the Roses, the civil war over the throne of England that ran from 1455-1485. And as she read through the plays about King Henry VI, Sherman — a self-described "Shakespeare nerd" — saw one figure emerging clearly as a key player.

“They all point to Richard III as a play and as a man,” said Sherman. “You're greeted with a very broken politician with a lot of anger.”

This personal interest soon found new fuel that ultimately led to the upcoming production. Tradition long had held that after he died at Bosworth Field, Richard was buried at Greyfriars Friary in Leicester. In September 2012, archaeologists exhumed a skeleton from beneath a parking lot on that site, that seemed like a match for the legendary king. By February, it was official: Archaeologists had found Richard's mortal remains.

“All the sudden, this man who was ruling, fighting and dying in the 1400s was suddenly very real,” said Sherman, who soon began imagining how to stage Shakespeare's play.

The works of William Shakespeare are a regular feature at Circle Players. The past two years have featured a performance of “Romeo and Juliet” in 2014 and a staged reading of “Macbeth” in 2015. Sherman herself has directed productions there of “As You Like It” in 2011 and “Hamlet” in 2012.

Performances of “Richard III” will take place at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 23-Oct. 9. Performances are Sept. 23 and 24, and Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.  Audience members are invited to join the cast in a wine-and-cheese reception in the theater lobby following the opening night performance. Additionally there will be a special talkback with the cast following the Oct. 2 performance.

Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway. Due to the unique layout of this theater-in-the-round, latecomers cannot be seated after the performance has started. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show opens.

For reservations, call (732) 968-7555, or buy tickets online at www.circleplayers.org. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $17 for students and seniors. Credit cards may not be used at the box office, but will be accepted online.

“Richard III” is produced by Ed Faver of Roselle. The stage manager is Jennifer Robinson of Branchburg.

Appearing in the cast are:

Nils Swanson of North Brunswick as Richard III,
Tess Ammerman of Montclair as Anne,
J.D. Robinson of Branchburg as Clarence, Ratcliff and Brakenbury,
Alicia Harabin of Somerville as Elizabeth,
Steven Mennella of Dunellen as Rivers and the Lord Mayor,
Heidi Carter Hart of Maplewood as Margaret,
David Learn of New Brunswick as Catesby,
Erik Hall of Piscataway as Edward and Richmond,
Donne Petito of Hopewell as Cecily,
Ed Faver of Roselle as Hastings, Ely and Tyrell,
John P. Dowgin of Spotswood as Buckingham,
Ruth Learn of New Brunswick as Young Richard, and
Jacob Hall of Piscataway as Young Edward.

Villagers Theatre explores the conflict in Neil Simon comedy

If you've ever got into a yelling match with your partner, Villagers Theatre is bringing a show to its mainstage this weekend that you should be able to relate to.

“Barefoot in the Park,” a comedy written by audience favorite Neil Simon, will play weekends through Oct. 2. The show joins a pair of polar-opposite newlyweds directly after their honeymoon as they decide to play matchmaker for the bride's mother, and discover things about themselves and their own relationship that they hadn't known before. And therein lies the show's broad appeal.

“Simon is popular because his stuff is relatable and funny,” said director Matt Lafargue. “To me, 'Barefoot in the Park' is a lot more relevant and a lot more poignant than it may appear.”

The key is that both drama and comedy have their roots in conflict; and as is true of Simon's other works, the story of “Barefoot in the Park” is one rife with potential for conflict. Paul Bratter, the male lead, is a straitlaced lawyer who plays by the book. His wife, Corie, is a free spirit who pays far less attention to the rulebook than she does to what she enjoys. The combination makes a perfect storm for comedy or for bickering and relationship counseling, as any married couple will attest.

In the Villagers Theatre production that Lafargue is directing, expect both laughter and raw emotion.

“This is not going to be just a cute comedy. The scenes that are intense are going to be intense,” said Lafargue, a resident of Dunellen. “We really are trying to get the heart of the show. We're not tracking it as a light evening of comedy. We're working at making these real, 3-D people.”

The characters in “Barefoot in the Park” engage in Neil Simon's trademark repartee, but the relationship conflict that connects with audiences also gets to the heart of larger themes that Lafargue expects will resonate far beyond a night at the theater. Conflict ends not just when we discover our common humanity, but when we discover how one another's differences enrich us all.

“The central message of 'Barefoot in the Park' is taking the time to get to know people who are different from you,” said Lafargue. “Not only can you connect on what you have in common, but you can connect on what's different.”

First performed on Broadway in 1963, "Barefoot in the Park" closed nearly four years later, in 1967, making it Simon's longest-running show. It was adapted into a movie in 1967 starring Paul Newman and Jane Fonda.

The first show in the Villagers Theatre 2016-17 season, “Barefoot in the Park” runs Sept. 16-Oct. 2, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are available online, at VillagersTheatre.com.

A nonprofit community theatre located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset, Villagers Theatre has been providing area theatre-goers with a Broadway experience for the cost of a movie ticket since 1960. Upcoming shows this season include the musical “Titanic”; the Civil Rights drama “Mountaintop,” about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; the comedy musical “Altar Boyz”; and children's shows “A Christmas Cinderella” and “Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.”

Programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program.

For more information, call Villagers Theatre at (732) 873-2710.





“Barefoot in the Park” features the following actors:


CORIE BRATTER: Kristin Sarboukh of South Bound Brook
PAUL BRATTER: Bryan Siegel of East Brunswick
MRS. BANKS: Debbie Badal of Morristown
VICTOR VELASCO: Richard Butler of Piscataway
HARRY PEPPER: Rupert Ravens of North Brunswick
DELIVERY MAN: Casey Okamoto of Somerset

Circle Players announces cast of 'Spike Heels'

Circle Players has determined who will be in "Spike Heels" this November.

The show -- the second in the theater's this season, after "Richard III" -- opens Nov. 4. Set in Boston, the play is a contemporary comedy of manners that explores sexual harassment, misplaced affections, and the possibility of a four-sided love triangle. The combatants are a sexy, volatile young woman and three Back Bay types: a writer, a lawyer and a fiancee in sensible shoes.

Written by award-winning playwright Theresa Rebeck, "Spike Heels" is directed by Tom Frascatore and features the talents of Ariana Fort, Danny Siegel, David Bronovicki and Tess Ammerman.

Circle Playhouse is located at 416 Victoria Ave, Piscataway. The show is directed by Tom Frascatore. For more information, write to circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

Casting call: 'Spike Heels' at Circle Players

Circle Players is looking for a few actors to put in  Theresa Rebeck's “Spike Heels.”

Pygmalion goes awry in this contemporary comedy of manners which explores sexual harassment, misplaced amour, and the possibility of a four sided love triangle. The combatants are a sexy, volatile young woman and three Back Bay types: a writer, a lawyer and a fiancée in sensible shoes. The setting is Boston, the ending is happy, and laughter abounds.

Auditions are from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9 and 5-7 p.m. Sept. 10, with callbacks from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 11. Auditions will be held at Circle Playhouse, 416 Victoria Ave, Piscataway. The show is directed by Tom Frascatore.

All characters are around 30 years old.

ANDREW is a professor of political philosophy at a small college in Boston. He lives alone in an apartment and has befriended his neighbor Georgie, appointing himself her “teacher.” He is engaged to be married to Lydia. As the play opens, Andrew is fastidious, cautious, and averse to risk. However, during the course of the play he becomes less restrained because of Georgie’s influence on him.

EDWARD is an old friend of Andrew’s. Edward is aggressive, extroverted, demanding, and at times a little sleazy. He is a criminal defense lawyer and, as a favor to Andrew, has hired Georgie to be his secretary even though she has not attended college. He dated Andrew’s fiancee, Lydia, before Andrew began dating her.

GEORGIE is Andrew’s neighbor and Edward’s secretary. She comes from a working-class background and has not attended college. She is lusty, earthy, sarcastic and fatalistic, especially in her relationships with men. Six months before the play begins, Andrew has decided to become her friend and to try to diminish her self-destructive tendencies. In befriending her, Andrew has also tried to “improve” her by giving her books to read and encouraging her to speak more properly. She has responded to Andrew’s friendship by falling in love with him.

LYDIA is Andrew’s fiancée and Edward’s ex-girlfriend. She is from an old, upperclass Boston family. In many ways, she is the opposite of Georgie, and the characters talk about her a great deal before she ever actually appears. Edward describes her as cold and unemotional, and Andrew wants to keep her pure. When she does appear, she is quite fiery, convinced that Georgie is trying to steal Andrew from her. Georgie comes to like her when she sees that Lydia is not the “vampire” Edward has portrayed her to be.

Performances will be held Nov. 4, 5, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, write to circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

'Richard III' at Circle Players

King Richard III is the most memorable villain created by William Shakespeare. Or is he?

In a bold new adaptation of "Richard III" opening this month at Circle Players, the story unfolds of an unlikely king, battling his conscience while he schemes, murders, and seduces his way to the throne.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 23-Oct. 9. Performances are Sept. 23 and 24, and Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.  A special talkback will be held following the Oct. 2 performance.

The play is directed by Jessica Damrow Sherman of Summit , and produced by Ed Faver of Roselle.  The stage manager for this production is Jennifer Robinson of Branchburg.

Appearing in the cast are
Nils Swanson of North Brunswick as Richard III,
Tess Ammerman of Montclair as Anne,
J.D. Robinson of Branchburg as Clarence, Ratcliff and Brakenbury,
Alicia Harabin of Somerville as Elizabeth,
Steven Mennella of Dunellen as Rivers and the Lord Mayor,
Heidi Carter Hart of Maplewood as Margaret,
David Learn of New Brunswick as Catesby,
Erik Hall of Piscataway as Edward and Richmond,
Donne Petito of Hopewell as Cecily,
Ed Faver of Roselle as Hastings, Ely and Tyrell,
John P. Dowgin of Spotswood as Buckingham,
Ruth Learn of New Brunswick as Young Richard, and
Jacob Hall of Piscataway as Young Edward.

Audience members are invited to join the cast in a wine-and-cheese reception in the theater lobby following the opening night performance.

Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway. Due to the unique layout of this theater-in-the-round, latecomers cannot be seated after the performance has started. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show opens.

For reservations, call (732) 968-7555, or buy tickets online at  www.circleplayers.org. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $17 for students and seniors. Credit cards may not be used at the box office, but will be accepted online.

'Barefoot in the Park' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre invites audiences to kick up their heels, relax and go "Barefoot in the Park" this September.

The theatre will launch its new season this September, with Neil Simon's comedy about newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter. He's a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer, She's a free spirit always looking for the latest kick. After a-six day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie's mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic Velasco; and inadvertently learn a thing or two about their own relationship in the process.

"Barefoot in the Park" will run Sept. 16-Oct. 2, with the following talents:

DIRECTOR: Matt Lafargue of Dunellen
CORIE BRATTER:  Kristin Sarboukh of South Bound Brook
PAUL BRATTER:  Bryan Siegel of East Brunswick
MRS. BANKS:  Debbie Badal of Morristown
VICTOR VELASCO:  Richard Butler of Piscataway
HARRY PEPPER:  Rupert Ravens of North Brunswick
DELIVERY MAN:  Casey Okamoto of Somerset

Performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are available online. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

For more information, call the theater at (732) 873-2710. .

Casting Call: 'Titanic'

The sinking of the "Titanic" in the early hours of April 15, 1912, remains the quintessential disaster of the 20th century. A total 1,517 men, women and children lost their lives. That the supposedly unsinkable ship was lost during its maiden voyage is so incredible that, had it not actually happened, no author would dare to contrive it.

The musical "Titanic" examines the causes, the conditions and the characters involved in this ever-fascinating drama. This is the factual story of that ship - of her officers, crew and passengers, to be sure - but she will not, as has happened so many times before, serve as merely the background against which fictional, melodramatic narratives are recounted. The central character of our "Titanic" is the Titanic herself.

PLAYWRIGHT:
Peter Stone

COMPOSER AND LYRICIST:
Maury Yeston

PUBLISHER INFO:
This production of "Titanic" is limited to a cast of 20 people.

PRODUCERS' NAMES:
Darren Nye and David Learn

DIRECTOR'S NAME:
Matthew Muccigrossi

MUSICAL DIRECTOR'S NAME:
Mike Gilch

STAGE MANAGER'S NAME:
Holly Lessing

CHOREOGRAPHER'S NAME:
Genevieve Estanislau

AUDITION DATES:
7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18
Noon-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20

CALLBACK DATES (IF APPLICABLE):
2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21

REHEARSAL DATE RANGE:
Rehearsals will run Sunday, Sept. 11, through Thursday, Oct. 20. Pre-tech will run Sunday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 28. Tech will run Sunday, Oct. 30, through senior night, Thursday, Nov. 3.

PRODUCTION DATES:
Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 4-20

MONOLOGUE/READING REQUIREMENTS:
Bring a headshot or recent photo, and a resume. There will not be a dance call. All actors must be at least 18 by the time of auditions, no exceptions.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
Prepare 32 bars of a contemporary musical theatre song in the style of the show, showing range. Please do not sing a selection from the show. Bring sheet music. A piano accompanist will be provided. No a cappella auditions.

CHARACTERS/ROLES/REQUIREMENTS:
***MEN'S PARTS***

THOMAS ANDREWS:
38 - 43. Designer of the Titanic. A very level-headed but passionate man. Leading role, strong vocal and incredible actor needed. Dramatic Bari/Tenor, sings up to G. Accent - Northern Irish/English RP.

FREDERICK BARRETT:
28 - 35. The stoker. Very masculine, handsome, and physically fit. Lyric Bari/Tenor, sings up to G. Accent - English Midlands. Also plays a 1st Class Passenger and 3rd Class Passenger.

HAROLD BRIDE:
18 - 25. The radioman. Slim. A sweet man. Melodic Tenor, sings up to G. Accent - English RP. Also plays a 1st Class Passenger and 3rd Class Passenger.

FREDERICK FLEET:
25 - 35. The lookout. Tall, physically fit actor. Floating Lyric Tenor (hypnotic), sings up to G, but possible High C man. Accent - English RP. Also plays a 1st Class Passenger, 3rd Class Passenger, and Stoker.

CAPTAIN EDWARD SMITH:
55 - 65. Captain of the Titanic. A white-haired man with strong morals, near to retirement. Has a wealth of experience. Character Baritone, commanding voice, sings up to F. Accent - English RP.

BRUCE ISMAY:
47 - 52. The chairman and managing director of the White Star Line. Upper-class ruthless man who stops at nothing to get his own way. Baritone, sings up to G. Accent - English RP.

CHARLES CLARKE:
35 - 40. A man content with his middle-class life and thinks he knows his place, looking forward to his new life in America. Strong actor. Heroic Tenor, sings up to G, but also possible High C man. Accent - English RP. Also plays a 1st Class Passenger.

EDGAR BEANE:
30 - 40. A man content with his middle-class life and thinks he knows his place, looking forward to his new life in America. Strong actor. Character Bass, sings up to D. Accent - General American (Indianapolis). Also plays Joseph Boxhall and a 3rd Class Passenger.

ISIDOR STRAUS:
60 - 65.1st Class Passenger, the highest of social elite. Warm Legit Character Baritone, sings up to F. Accent - General American (New York, Jewish Origin). Also plays Robert Hichens and a 3rd Class Passenger.

JIM FARRELL:
20 - 30. Handsome, romantic lead; a 3rd Class Passenger. Bari/Tenor, sings up to F#. Accent - Northern Irish. Also plays Andrew Latimer, 1st Class Passenger, and Joseph Bell (Chief Engineer).

HENRY ETCHES:
30 - 40. Head Butler on the ship. Strong stage presence. Jaunty Tenor, sings up to G. Accent - English RP. Also plays Herbert Pitman.

WILLIAM MURDOCH:
30 - 40. The first officer on the bridge of the Titanic. Strong actor. Baritone, sings up to F#. Accent - Scottish/English RP.

CHARLES LIGHTOLLER:
30 - 40. Second Officer on board the Titanic. Strong actor. Range up to D, but preferably with Tenor timbre, chorally up to G. Accent - English RP. Also plays a 3rd Class Passenger.

BELLBOY:
18 - early 20s. The youngest worker on board the ship (13 - 16 years old). Must have a very young look and childlike quality. Tenor, solo up to G, but also possible High C man. Accent - English RP. Also plays Wallace Hartley, 3rd Class Passenger and Stoker.

***WOMEN'S ROLES***

ALICE BEANE:
28 - 38. An aspirational young woman who dreams of becoming a 1st Class Passenger. Alto, belts up to E. Accent - General American (Indianapolis). Also plays a 3rd Class Passenger.

CAROLINE NEVILLE:
30 - 40. A woman who dreams of becoming part of the social elite. Strong actor. First Soprano, lyric, chorally up to High C. Accent - English RP. Also plays a 1st Class Passenger and Stewardess.

KATE MCGOWAN:
18 - 25. A feisty and strong girl, 3rd Class Passenger. Celtic Mezzo, solo singing up to F#, chorally up to G. Accent - Northern Irish/English RP. Also plays a 1st Class Passenger.

KATE MURPHEY:
18 - 30. 3rd Class Passenger. Strong actor. Alto/Mezzo, sings up to F#, but also possible High C. Accent - Northern Irish/English RP. Also plays a 1st Class Passenger and Stewardess.

KATE MULLINS:
18 - 30. 3rd Class Passenger. Strong actor. Alto/Mezzo, sings up to F#, but also possible High C. Accent - Northern Irish/English RP. Also plays a 1st Class Passenger and Stewardess.

IDA STRAUS:
60 - 65. Calm and content member of the Upper Class but very down-to-earth and accepts her fate. Contralto, sings up to D (an octave above Middle C). Accent - General American (New York, Jewish Origin). Also plays a 3rd Class Passenger.

LIABILITY/PHOTO RELEASE FORM:
All those auditioning must agree to and sign the Villagers Liability/Photo Release Form found at:
www.villagerstheatre.com/liability-photo-release-form.pdf

FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS - CONTACT:
Darren Nye
darren@villagerstheatre.com
(732) 429-8258

Dragonfly summer camp

Looking for something for your children to do this August? Have you considered theater camp?

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center will offer a two-week summer theatre camp from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays Aug. 8-19, for children in third through eighth grades. Dragonfly Camp will give participants the opportunity to play theater games, act in improvisational scenes, write plays, film movies, design costumes and sets, and to act in a full production.

Camp costs $500 for two weeks, with extended care available for $50 per week. The camp will be located at Metuchen Reformed Church, 150 Lake Ave., Metuchen.

The program will be planned, taught and supervised by Dragonfly Artistic Director, Catherine LaMoreaux, a certified experienced educator in theatre, English and elementary education.

For more information, visit DragonflyArtsNJ.com, or call (908) 930-3210.

To register, click the Buy Now button below or download the registration form and mail.

'Sleeping Beauty' at Somerset Valley Players

It's time to wake up from the sleepy days of midsummer, and get to the theater.

Somerset Valley Players will stage its production of "Sleeping Beauty" this weekend. Directed by Holly Kowalenko from a script by Blanche Marvin, this show gives the familiar fairy tale an unexpected treatment. A shy and absent-minded prince is browbeaten into marrying Sleeping Beauty, who is 100 years his senior. The children in the audience lend him a hand, while good and bad fairies deal with the politics of the day and the gossips of the court vie with each other telling scandal.

The show runs from July 15 through July 31, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays, and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for everyone else.

Somerset Valley Playhouse is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough. For more information, call the theater at (908) 369-7469.

Final weekend: 'Incorruptible' at Circle Players

It won't take a miracle to save on "Incorruptible"  this weekend at Circle Players.

As the show enters its final weekend, the theater is offering $2 off the cost of regular adult admission for Friday night only. Patrons who use the code BONES can get a ticket for $16. The discount is available at both the box office and online, but patrons must enter the code. The discount is not available for Satutrday or Sunday performances.

Written by Michael Hollinger, “Incorruptible” is a farce set in Priseaux, France, circa 1250 C.E. Saint Foy, patron of the local monastery, hasn’t worked a miracle in thirteen years. All eyes turn to the pope, whose promised visit surely will draw other pilgrims — until a rival church claims to possess the relics of Saint Foy — and those bones are working miracles. All seems lost until the destitute monks take a lesson from a larcenous one-eyed minstrel, who teaches them an outrageous new way to pay old debts.

Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 3 p.m. Sunday. The play is directed by Eric Walby of Hopewell, and produced by Elyse Halloran of Somerset.  The stage manager is Laura Zahorbenski of Somerset.

The theater is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway. Due to the layout of this theater-in-the-round, latecomers cannot be seated once the performance has started. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain.

For reservations, call (732) 968-7555, or buy tickets online at www.circleplayers.org. Credit cards may not be used at the box office, but will be accepted online.

Casting Call: 'And Then There Were None'

The only mystery right now is who will be cast for the show.

Westfield Community Players will hold auditions next month for an upcoming production of "And Then There Were None." Directed by Steve Lemenlle, the show is based on the Agatha Christie novel about 10 strangers who are invited to an island where someone begins killing them one at a time. As the victims pile up, the list of suspects dwindles until the story reaches its surprise conclusion.

Auditions will run from 7-9:30 p.m. July 11, 12 and 14. Characters should be able to speak with an English accent. Sides will be provided. Audition forms are available on the theater's web site.

The theater is located at 1000 North Ave. W., Westfield. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 15, 22, 23, 28 and 29.

The cast of characters:

SIR LAWRENCE WARGRAVE - (male) [stage age: 50's-60's] A recently retired judge. Wargrave is a highly intelligent older man with a commanding personality. As the characters begin to realize that a murderer is hunting them, Wargrave's experience and air of authority make him a natural leader for the group.

VERA CLAYTHORNE - (female) [stage age: 20's-30's] A former governess who comes to the island purportedly to serve as a secretary to their absent hostess, Mrs. Owen. Vera is one of the most intelligent and capable characters in the play, but she also suffers from attacks of hysteria, feels guilty about her supposed crime, and reacts nervously to the uncanny events on the island.

PHILIP LOMBARD - (male) [stage age: 30's-40's] A mysterious, confident, and resourceful man who seems to have been a mercenary soldier in Africa. Lombard is far bolder and more cunning than most of the other characters, traits that allow him to survive. He also has an interest in Vera.

WILLIAM BLORE - (male) [stage age: 30's-40's] A former police inspector. Blore is a man whose experience often inspires others to look to him for advice. He acts boldly and frequently takes initiative, but he also makes frequent blunders.

DR. ARMSTRONG - (male) [stage age: 40's-60's] A gullible, fussy and slightly timid doctor. Armstrong often draws the suspicion of the other guests because of his medical knowledge.

EMILY BRENT - (female) [stage age: 50's-60's] An older, ruthlessly religious spinster who is disagreeable and suspicious.

GENERAL MACKENSIE - (male) [stage age: 60s] The oldest guest. An upright soldierly old man with a gentle and tired face, often gets lost in his thoughts.

TOM ROGERS - (male) [stage age: 40's-50's] A competent manservant who is quick and deft but just a bit shifty.

MRS. ROGERS - (female) [stage age: 40's-50's] Tom Rogers's wife. At first, Ethel is opinionated and seems fine, but underneath Ethel is a frail woman.

ANTHONY MARSTON - (male) [stage age: 20's] A rich, athletic, handsome youth. Tony Marston likes to drive recklessly and seems to lack a conscience.

FRED NARRAGOTT - (male) [stage age: 30's-40's] A delivery person that also provides ferry service to and from the island.

Casting Call: 'Bingo'

Somerset Valley Players is seeking seven actors for an upcoming production of "Bingo."

Set in the middle of a boisterous bouncy bingo hall, "Bingo" follows three flamboyant women as they grab their numbered cards with gusto in a singing celebration of their love for the game. A sudden blackout rouses them to recall the glory of longlost friends as they embrace the joys of life and high hopes for a cheerful future.

Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. June 26 and June 27, with callbacks June 29 by invitation only.

There will be a vocal audition. Prepare 16-32 bars of a song selection, in a style similar to the show. A piano accompanist will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing as there will also be a simple dance/movement element of the audition. For more information, contact director Christian Carrara via Facebook messenger or email at zolton64@gmail.com.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Vern, 40s	Leader of the group. Really loves Bingo. Is in it to win it and nothing else. Witty. Sarcastic. Stubborn. Think Dorothy from the Golden Girls. Powerful Broadway belt from low A to a solid C.
Patsy, 40s	Craziest of the group. Enjoys Bingo, but only when she has all of her troll dolls, and rabbits' feet, and many other luck charms. Spacey. Paranoid. Loving. Very much like Rose from the Golden Girls. Pop belt to F.
Honey, 40s	Most promiscuous of the group. Doesn't really care for Bingo as long as she is with her friends and has a chance to flirt with the guys. Flirty. Fun. A little ditzy. Similar to Blanche from the Golden Girls. Belt/mix to E.
Minnie, 40s-60s	Bingo Hall Manager. Wants to make sure everyone is safe and has a good time. Needs to be comfortable interacting with the audience. Spry. Quick on her feet. Sophia-esque (from the Golden Girls). Belt to C.
Bernice, 40s	Nicest of the group. No longer plays Bingo with the girls, but misses them dearly. Genuine. Kind. Maybe a little passive aggressive. Belt to C.
Alison, 20s	Bernice's daughter. An actress trying to reunite her mother with her friends. Passionate. Optimistic. Quirky. Belt to F#.
Sam, 40s	Bingo Caller. He loves his job and takes it very seriously. However, he can be distracted by Honey. Rugged. Handsome. Serious. Baritone to F.

Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m.  Sundays Sept. 9-25.

Auditions will be held at Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

Circle Players announces cast of 'Richard III'

Circle Players has announced the cast of the first production of its 2016-2017 65th anniversary season.

Jessica Damrow Sherman will direct Shakespeare's "Richard III," with Nils Swanson in the title character. Swanson, resident of North Brunswick, is also in the theater's current production of "Incorruptible."

Also appearing in the show are Tess Ammerman as Anne, J.D. Robinson as Clarence/Ratcliff, Alicia Harabin as Elizabeth, Steven Mennella as Rivers/Lord Mayor, Heidi Carter Hart as Margaret, David Learn as Catesby, Erik Hall as Edward/Richmond, Donne Petito as Cecily, Ed Faver as Hastings/Ely/Tyrell, Ruth Learn as Young Richard, and Jacob Hall as Young Edward.

The roles of Buckingham, Gray, and Brakenbury will be announced soon.

The historical Richard III was king of England from 1483 until his death in 1485, at the age of 32, in the Battle of Bosworth Field, when he was succeeded by King Henry Tudor. Richard III was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. Written around 1591, "Richard III" is believed to be one of Shakespeare's earlier plays, preceded only by the three parts of Henry VI and perhaps some of his comedies.

Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway. For more information, visit the web site at www.circleplayers.org.

"Richard III" opens Sept. 23.

Casting Call: 'Barefoot in the Park'

Time to put your timing to the test! Villagers Theatre is casting its upcoming production of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" this mid-July.

Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds in every sense of the word. He's a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she's a free spirit always looking for the latest kick. Their new apartment is her most recent find, too expensive with bad plumbing and in need of a paint job. After a-six day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie's mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic Velasco; and inadvertently learn a thing or two about their own relationship in the process. The show will be directed by Matt Lafargue.

Auditions are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. July 12 and July 13, with callbacks at 7:30 p.m. July 14. Rehearsals would begin the following Monday, with performances Sept. 16-Oct. 2.

All auditionees must agree to and sign the Villagers Liability/Photo Release Form, found at:
www.villagerstheatre.com/liability-photo-release-form.pdf.

For more information writer to producer Emily Russoniello, at emily@villagerstheatre.com.

Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

LIST OF CHARACTERS:

Corie Bratter (20-25)	A newlywed, married only six days at the beginning of the play. She is young and full of enthusiasm. Impulsive, quirky and fun-loving, she would much rather do something crazy and have a great story to tell than stay home and do nothing. Her non-stop energy and thirst for adventure can be tiring to her husband and her mother, but is also the main reason they ever have any fun. She is more domestic than she lets on, and despite her independent spirit, deep down she loves it when somebody takes care of her.
Paul Bratter (26)	Corie's husband, a newlywed just starting his career as a lawyer. Paul is 26 but breathes and dresses like he's 56. His manner and his outlook are both very conservative. Levelheaded and practical, but always ready with some wit and sarcasm when the occasion calls for it. He may come off stuffy and joyless, but Corie knows he's really a hopeless romantic, and that's both how and why she drives him wild.
Mrs. Banks (45-50)	Corie's mother. Warm, pleasant and very dignified. She's not a grandmother yet, but it's clear that she'll be great at it someday. Like Paul, she comes across as very proper and does not see herself as the adventurous type. Her most endearing and impressive quality, however, is her willingness to accept just about anyone and go along with just about anything. It would never be her idea to go out for a wild night on the town, but she'll go along if Corie drags her. And she'll never complain (at least not while Corie is in earshot).
Victor Velasco (58)	The Bratters' charming and flirtatious upstairs neighbor, he describes himself as "56 years old and a thoroughly nice fellow," but he's really 58. He fancies himself a worldly playboy, but he doesn't have the funds to pull it off in the style he would prefer. He professes a great deal of knowledge of other cultures from around the world, but nobody can tell whether he's just making it all up. (He's probably making up about half of it.) He might appear ageless or even lecherous at times, but his most closely guarded secret is that he's really a perfect gentleman who is completely aware of exactly how old he is.
Harry Pepper (35-45)	The telephone repairman. A salt-of-the-earth working man who knows a lot because he's seen a lot. He is humble and unassuming, but he carries with him the wisdom that comes from having spent his entire career in other people's homes.

Note: The nonspeaking role of DELIVERY MAN will be played by our stage manager.

Casting Call: 'Cabaret'

Playhouse 22 seeks a diverse and uninhibited cast of actors, singers and dancers, 18 and older, for an upcoming non-equity community theater production of "Cabaret." Special consideration will be given to performers who also play a musical instrument. All roles are available.

Prepare two contrasting musical theatre selections of 16 bars each, in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Bring sheet music in the correct key (no transpositions on-demand). Also, no acapella and no recorded accompaniment. You will also be asked to learn a short dance combination at the audition, so bring appropriate clothing and dance shoes.

Auditions are at 7 p.m. June 20 and June 21, with callbacks by invitation only at noon June 25. Auditions will be held at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

This production is specifically looking for performers ages 18 and older who are comfortable with and confident about their bodies and who can overcome inhibitions related to intimate body contact on stage. Open minds and mutual respect for one another is a must.

Show dates are Fridays, Saturdays and from Sept. 16-Oct. 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday performances are at 3 p.m. There will be no afternoon performance Sep. 25, but there will be a Sunday evening performance at 8 p.m.

The show will be directed by Jim Jarrell, with choreography by Phillip Solomon. Music director is Candice Kraus.

For more information, or to ask additional questions, contact Jarrell at jarrellje@gmail.com.

CAST BREAKDOWN

Emcee - Middle C to High C-sharp - the highly sexually-charged host at the Kit Kat Klub who is equally comfortable with women and men; must have strong comedic timing and a commanding stage presence; strong ability to move/dance.

Sally Bowles - Low A to E, with a strong belt - a performer at the Kit Kat Klub; walks around with blinders on; speaks with a British accent; very strong movement/dance.

Clifford Bradshaw - Low A to High E - an American novelist and English teacher; somewhat sexually ambiguous; comfortable with movement/dance.

Fraulein Schneider - Low D to A-flat above Middle C - typically presented as an older German woman with rooms to rent; good comedic timing; must have German accent; comfortable with light movement; may double as a Kit Kat Klub girl.

Herr Schultz - Low G to High F - owns a fruit shop and is a boarder in Fr. Schneider's house; typically presented as an older German Jewish man; good comedic timing, sentimental and romantic nature; must have German accent; comfortable with light movement; may double as a Kit Kat Klub boy.

Fraulein Kost - Low A-flat to High F with strong belt - a woman of ill-repute and a boarder in Fr. Schneider's house; strong comedic timing; speaks with a German accent; very strong dancer; doubles as one of the Kit Kat Klub girls (note: in other revivals, this role has played the accordion in the show)

Ernst Ludwig - flexible vocal range - friendly and likable German; questionable sexual preference; good comedic timing; speaks with a German accent; comfortable with light movement; may double as a Kit Kat Klub boy.

Kit Kat Klub Girls - Rosie, LuLu, Frenchie, Texas, Fritzi, and Helga - an assortment of rowdy "cabaret girls" who sing and dance throughout the show in the Kit Kat Klub numbers; must be strong, confident singers and dancers; some will double as character roles.

Kit Kat Klub Boys - Bobby, Victor, Herman, Hans, and Max - an assortment of rowdy "cabaret boys" (some with questionable sexual preference) who sing and dance throughout the show; must be strong, confident singers and dancers; some will double as character roles.

Playhouse 22 is a non-profit, community theater troupe. No paid stipends will be available. More information about Playhouse 22 can be found at Playhouse22.org.

'Incorruptible' at Circle Players

It's the Dark Ages all over again, as Circle Players presents "Incorruptible," the final show of its season, this weekend.

Written by Michael Hollinger, “Incorruptible” is a farce set in Priseaux, France, circa 1250 C.E. Saint Foy, patron of the local monastery, hasn’t worked a miracle in thirteen years. All eyes turn to the pope, whose promised visit surely will draw other pilgrims — until a rival church claims to possess the relics of Saint Foy — and those bones are working miracles. All seems lost until the destitute monks take a lesson from a larcenous one-eyed minstrel, who teaches them an outrageous new way to pay old debts.

Performances will begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 10-24, and at 3 p.m. June 26. The play is directed by Eric Walby of Hopewell, and produced by Elyse Halloran of Somerset.  The stage manager is Laura Zahorbenski of Somerset.

Audiences are invited to join in a special wine and cheese reception in the theater lobby following the opening night performance.

Appearing in the cast are: Jim Clancy of Basking Ridge as Charles; Mike Wurzel of Little Silver as Martin; David Learn of New Brunswick as Olf; Aaron Ratzan of East Brunswick as Felix; Elizabeth Mahon of Aberdeen as Peasant Woman; Nils Swanson of North Brunswick as Jack; Casey Chartier of Highland Park as Marie ; and Jean Habrukowich of Somerset as Agatha.

The theater is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway. Due to the layout of this theater-in-the-round, latecomers cannot be seated once the performance has started. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain.

For reservations, call (732) 968-7555, or buy tickets online at www.circleplayers.org. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $17 for students and seniors. Credit cards may not be used at the box office, but will be accepted online.

Casting Call: 'Twelfth Night'

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center is looking for actors to be a part of its summer 2015 production of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night, or What You Will."

"Twelfth Night" is one of Shakespeare's classic romances, in which Orsino, duke of Illyria, attempts to woo the Countess Olivia. The shipwrecked Viola disguises herself as a man, takes on the name Cesario, and enters the duke's service, whereupon she is called to court Olivia on his behalf. Cesario falls in love with the Duke and Olivia falls in love with Cesario. And that's just part of it.

The show will be staged at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove, with performances at 7 p.m. Friday at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, July 15-23, and at 3 p.m. July 29-30 at a park in Metuchen.

Auditions will be held from noon to 2 p.m. June 11 and from 2-4 p.m. June 12 from the Forum Theatre Blue Room, 314 Main St., Metuchen. Prepare a monologue from the show and be ready to cold-read from sides.  Callbacks will be June 14.

Appointments are not necessary, but for questions or more information, email dragonflyartsnj@gmail.com.  Appointments are available for actors who cannot come during regular audition times.

For more information, visit the Dragonfly web site.

THE CAST

Viola	A young woman, 18-30 years old, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario
Olivia	A noblewoman, 24-25 years old.
Maria	Olivia's serving woman, 25-plus years old.
Fool	Male or female, any age
Fabian	A servant in Olivia's household, male or female, any age.
Sebastian	Viola's twin brother, 18-30 years old.
Orsino	A nobleman, 25-40 years old.
Malvolio	Olivia's straitlaced head servant. Male, 20-44 years old.
Sir Toby Belch	Olivia's uncle. Forty-plus years old.
Sir Andrew	A friend of Sir Toby's. Male, 35-plus years old.
Antonio	A man who helps Sebastian and becomes his friend, 18-40 years old.
Valentine	Servant to Orsino. Male or female, any age.
Curio	Servant to Orsino. Male or female, any age.
Sea Captain