'Time After Time' at Mystic Vision Players

Mystic Vision Players will hold a one-night special event, "Time After Time," featuring talented community theatre artists, o raise money for two of their scholarship programs: The Rose Scholarship, given to students with vested interest in the arts graduating from Linden High School; and the Reach for the Stars Scholarship, which provides full or partial aid for children aged eight to fourteen interested in attending their Children's Summer Theatre Workshop.

This installment of their successful cabaret series will include selections from classic and contemporary musicals such as "West Side Story," "In the Heights," "Dreamgirls" and "Ragtime," preceded by dinner, at the Amici III Fine Italian Ristorante.

The event will feature Nikki Ashe, Brandon Arias, Ericaa Boyea, Alicia Cordero, Chrissy Danelson, Daisha Davis, Ali Gleason, David Maglione, Michael Miguel, Patsy Palma, Francois Suhr, Claudio Venancio, Madison Washer, Kyrus Keenan Westcott and Howard Whitmore.

The evening begins with appetizers at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 and the performance at 8 p.m. on April 8. There will be coffee and desserts at intermission and a cash/credit bar. Tickets for the event cost $35 a person and cover the price of admission, appetizers, dinner, dessert and soda.

To purchase tickets, click here. Amici III Fine Italian Ristorante is located at 1700 West Elizabeth Avenue, Linden.

'Dinner With Friends' at Circle Players

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Dinner with Friends" is directed by Tom Frascatore.

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

'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' Special Performance

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


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

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

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

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

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

Magic Show at Villagers Theatre

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

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

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

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

World of Warcraft Party and Capital Campaign Fundraiser at Circle Players

Circle Players invites you to an immersive themed party to complement its first offering of the 2015-16 season, “In Love and Warcraft.”

This comedy written by Madhuri Shekar filters the romantic ups and downs of college through the popular online role-playing game “World of Warcraft.” Not sure what ‘World of Warcraft’ is? Then come learn about it and celebrate with the theatre at a special preshow event.

There will be a talk on the history, races, and terminology associated with the game as a crash course to get you ready for the show. After the chat, there will be a group game called "Werewolf", with unique "World of Warcraft" prizes for the winners. Pizza, salad, and soda will be provided.

Also, if you really want to get into the Warcraft spirit, there will be a costume contest. All those who come in costume will get a chance to win a "World of Warcraft" prize. Costumes may be of any genre, but weaponry and overly large or distracting costumes will not be allowed in the theater and must be left in the lobby or returned to your car before the show. We also ask that if you remain in costume, you sit in the section of the house directly across from the entrance onto the stage.

This fundraiser is part of our “Raise the Roof” capital campaign, with all proceeds going toward the installation of a new roof for the theatre next summer.

The party is at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26. Tickets for the party are $10 and may only be purchased at the door via cash or check. Tickets for Saturday’s performance of "In Love and Warcraft" are available online at $17 via major credit cards, or at our box office window for $18 with cash or check only.

The Villagers Theatre Senior Performing Arts Festival

In order to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act, Villagers Theatre will hold a Senior Performing Arts Festival.

The festival features unforgettable performances ranging from singing and dancing to monologues and instrumentals. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students and are available here. All proceeds go to replacing Villagers Theatre's 25 year old HVAC system.

Performances begin at 3 p.m. on June 27 and 28 and 7:30 p.m. on June 27. The show runs

The festival is directed by Linda Giordano and Sherry Lilenfield, musically directed by Peter Sicko, and stage managed by Dot Steffan with lighting by Bob Seesselberg and Suzanne Wengryn, and sound by Andy Gordanier.

The Family and Community Services of Somerset County presents their 4th annual comedy night at Villagers Theatre.

The show is on April 25 only. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available here.

It is always great to smile and laugh...especially when supporting those in our community who can truly use our help. Enjoy a night of PG-16 comedy while supporting a local charity. There will also be over 30 chance raffle baskets to win. Receive two free basket raffle tickets with every admission ticket purchased.

The night features Keith Alberstadt, Karen Bergreen, Comedy Central, Doug Adler, and the Broadway Comedy Club.

Villagers Theatre is located on 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ.

Designer Bag Bingo Night at Somerset Valley Players

Somerset Valley Players will hold a designer bag bingo night.

The event will take place on March 28 at the Hillsborough Elks Club, located on 1500 Brooks Boulevard in Hillsborough. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the games begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35. All proceeds go to the theater. You can register here,

The event includes 15 games of Bingo, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and food and drinks. Additional Bingo cards may be purchased between rounds.

The designer bags will be coached by Michael Kors and Vera Bradley. If you would like to sponsor of co-sponsor a bag, you can sign up to do that here. You can sponsor as a company or as an individual.

For additional information, you can email svppursebingo@gmail.com or call (908) 868-6121.

Plays-in-the-Park's Third Annual Cabaret

Plays-in-the-Park will hold it's third annual cabaret and cocktail party.

The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 22 at the Forge Inn, located pn 1002 US 9, Woodbridge, New Jersey. tickets are $35 per person if ordered in advance, are $40 if purchased at the door. For reservations, call (732-636-5718) or email chogrebe@hotmail.com.

The party will include hors d'oeuvres, dessert, coffee, tea, soda, as well as performances by people who have previously performed at Plays-in-the-Park, including Russel Fischer (from Broadway's Jersey Boys), Susie Spiedel, Kristen Bussiere, and Amy Toporek.

Open Mic Night at Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co.

Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company will hold an open mic night.

The event will take place on March 13 at the theater. Doors open at 7 p.m., and performances start at 8 p.m. Admission is $6.

All types of performances are welcome; singers, musicians, comedy acts, improv, dance, or other forms of acting. If you need any type of music, please provide self accompaniment or a labeled CD. Also, all performances must be appropriate for audiences of all audiences. Please keep your acts to only three minutes or so, and no more than two acts are allowed per performer.

The theater will serve pizza, nachos, popcorn, cookies, soda, and water to all who attend.

For more information, please call (732) 553-1153.

'Pinocchio' at Main Street Theatre

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

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

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

'Almost, Maine' at Westfield Community Players

Westfield Community Players will perform John Cariani's "Almost, Maine."

The show performs at 8 p.m. on Jan. 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24. Tickets are $20, or $10 for students and active military personnel. One half of the ticket sales from the Jan. 16 performance will go to helping out the Wounded Warrior Project, which honors and empowers injured veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (908) 232-1221.

On a moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote town of Almost, Maine. The residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost -- in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

Westfield Community Players is located at 1000 North Avenue in Westfield, NJ.

New Year's Eve Party at Villagers Theatre

Ring in the new year with Villagers Theatre this year!

Villagers Theatre will hold a New Year's Eve party on Dec. 31. You can come at 7 p.m. and see "Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical" or you can come at 9:30 and both see the show and participate in "When the Clock Strikes Midnight," a gala that includes a catered buffet, music, dancing, party hats, and party favors. Admission is $20 for just the show and $60 for the show and the gala.

A look at the 'joys' of growing older, "Mid-Life!" strikes a chord with anyone, of any age. A series of scenes and sketches poke fun at the frustrations of mammograms, love handles, weekend warriors and proctology exams. The witty songs celebrate forgetfulness, reading glasses and menopause, along with the wisdom that comes with age. With its hilarious, yet honest reflections on the tribulations of aging, you're likely to experience multiple hot flashes of laughter.

"Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical" is written by Bob and Jim Walton. It is directed by Linda Giordano, produced by Joe Buz, musically directed by Joe Lesky, and stars Steve Murin, Joe Sedney, MimFrancis, Maury Herman, Emily Russoniello, Chris Russoniello, Jeff Dworkin, Ana Kalet, Michelle Russell, and Joan Wagner.

The gala is coordinated by Marie Fiorello.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre presents "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

The show performs at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. on Sundays from December 14 to 21. Tickets are $10 and are available online.

When Charlie Brown complains about the materialism surrounding Christmas, Lucy suggests that he direct the school Christmas pageant. He accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little Christmas tree fails, Linus steps in to restore the real meaning of Christmas.

During the run of the show, the theatre will be accepting donation on Second Chance for Animals. Please feel free to bring donations such as canned dog or cat food (no fish), pet toys, dish detergent, sponges and place them under the "Snoopy" Tree in our lobby. Handmade ornaments to color and place on the tree will also be available at a cost of $1.00 each. 100% of all donations will be given to Second Chance for Animals and will directly benefit the Franklin Township Animal Shelter. Further information about the organization is available here.

The show is written by Bill Melendez, Lee Mendelsen, and Eric Schaeffer. This production is made possible through special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. It is directed by Emily Russoniello, stage managed by David Learn, and produced by Marie Fiorello.

The cast features Joseph Kalet as Charlie Brown, Ruth Learn as Snoopy, Felicity Howard as Lucy, Andrew Russoniello as Linus, Dari Russoniello as Pigpen, Nicole Sheik as Violet, Madison Whiting as Patty, Hady Aoun as Schroeder, Michael Aoun as Shermy, Maggie Johnson as Sally, Sierra Martinez as Frieda, and Gracie Calig, Kelsey Luckenbaugh, Natalie Sheik, Corinna Caimi, Eowyn Learn, Anne Learn, Amanda Aoun, Angela Aoun, and Victoria Zorilla as the ensemble.

Comedy Night at Main Street Theatre

The Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. will be hosting a comedy night this November.

The event will take place on Nov. 7. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and pay for the show, appetizers, the 50/50, raffles, door prizes, and snacks. Proceeds will be used to benefit the Sayreville Riverdogs Blue 9u.

The night stars Robin Fox and Jimmy Faila, and is for ages 18 and up only. For tickets, please call (732) 668-6518.

The theater is located at 3018 Bordentown Ave, Parlin, NJ.

'The Jungle Book' at Main Street Theatre

The Main Street Theatre's Kidsworks presents "The Jungle Book."

The show performs on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2 at 12 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person. For an additional $6, if you attend the performance on Nov. 2, you can have lunch with the characters before the show.

The show is written by Tim Kelly and based on the book by Rudyard Kipling. This production will be directed by Kevin Heaney, choreographed by Colleen Gilgan, and produced by Heather Tumbleson.

For more information, email the producer at heather@smstc.org.

An Evening with 'The Fog' at Main Street Theatre

The Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. will be presenting a night of music with the group "The Fog."

The evening will take place at 7:30 on Nov. 1 only at the theatre. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance or $30 at the door, and can also be ordered by calling (732) 553-1153.

Attendants will have the opportunity to dance, and there will be a costume contest. Prizes are available for those with the best costumes. The theatre will also provide hors d'oeuvres, non-alcoholic beverages, desert, and coffee.

Attendants must be at least 21 years old.

The Main Street Theatre Co. is located on 3018 Bordentown Ave. Parlin, NJ at the Garden Friends Daycare.

150 Central Concert:'Hearts on Fire' at Villagers Theatre

This weekend only, Villagers Theatre will host the band 150 Central's concert "Hearts on Fire."

The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Running two hours long, the concert is billed as a multimedia experience with diverse selection of original compositions, plus selections by contemporary Christian musicians like Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns and Big Daddy Weave.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Proceeds will benefit the Villagers Theatre operating fund.

150 Central is a contemporary Christian band that began its roots in ministry at the Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset. Originally known as the "150 Praise Band," the name found its origin in Psalm 150, praising God with a variety of musical instruments.

Since its beginnings during the summer of 2009, the band has grown in a number of different directions.

Not Your Mother's Black Box: Dog Days of Summer at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will be hosting Not Your Mother's Black Box: Dog Days of Summer.

The event will be a night of stand up comedy, and is only on August 23 at 8 p.m. You can also come early for wine and cheese before the show. Tickets are $15 each.

Performers are:
Dan Boccino has been performing stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy in various forms for over 10 years. What began as a 5 minute open mic spot in the back room of a small bar in Bloomfield, NJ has blossomed into 10 minute spots in clubs just outside of Bloomfield, NJ. He has performed at clubs across NJ, NYC, and Boston. In addition to his solo stand-up work, Dan was a founding member of the Boston, MA sketch comedy troupe Slow Children at Play and a former member of the Montclair, NJ improv group Lunatic Fringe. He is also an avid playwright, having written and produced one-act shows at festivals in both New York City and New Jersey. Dan currently resides in New Jersey with his wife, son, and middle-aged Shih Tzu.

Jessica Sager is a reluctant New York City comedian and road warrior who enjoys pie, whiskey, action movies, Street Fighter and naps. She’s a featured contributor and humor writer for numerous outlets, including the New York Post, because she’s accustomed to being told to keep her day job.

Alex Csedrick has been a stand-up comic since 2011. He’s performed all over the tri-state area and was selected to participate in the 2013 Cape May Comedy Festival and 2014 Black Box Festival in Atlanta, GA. He hosts and produces WOW Comedy every third Wednesday of the month at The Shannon in Hoboken, NJ and every first Saturday of the month at The Brightside Tavern in Jersey City, NJ. Alex was awarded his MFA in Creative Writing Fiction from Fairleigh Dickinson University.


Grant Gordon is an NYC-based comedian and writer. He is a regular at the major clubs in NY and co-hosts the popular weekly alt show Sack Magic in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He performs at clubs and colleges across the nation, and for his cat at home.

The Mike and Brian Project is the latest collaboration between long-time friends and musical partners Mike Saulnier and Brian Clayton. The acoustic duo features a guitarist (Mike) and a lead vocalist/percussionist (Brian) performing popular cover tunes from the last five decades Having met in college in the early nineties, Mike and Brian have been performing together in a variety of formats for more than 20 years. In stage performances, vocal ensembles, full bands, and their current duo, they have entertained crowds throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania with their harmonious voices and                                                                                               skilled musicianship.

Broadway Cares Benefit at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will be hosting a performance presented by the Teensvill of past and present.

The show is August 4 only at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.Tickets are payable in cash or check only (please make checks payable to Broadway Cares).

Performances from cast members of many TeensVill productions from the past 16 years which could include productions of "Godspell", "Leader of the Pack", "Runaways", "Fame", "Footloose", "Bye Bye Birdie", "Les Misérables", "The Wiz", "Into the Woods", "Seussical", "Aida", "Rent", "13 the Musical", "The Wedding Singer", "Spring Awakening", and "Legally Blonde The Musical". The concert will be held on the Villagers Main Stage. There will be prizes from Broadway Cares.