Seeking Submissions at Circle Players

Circle Players is now accepting submissions for its upcoming 2016-2017 season.

Prospective directors should email a list of up to three submissions with a brief synopsis of each show to circleplayersnj@gmail.com. Include complete contact information, and availability for the season. Write your own synopsis, rather than using one found online. All submissions must be sent in by Nov. 30. Please do not submit titles that you are submitting to other theaters.

If Circle Players does not have access to a copy of any script under consideration, producers will request a photocopy or electronic copy by Dec. 31. Directors may be called in for a brief interview. Final decisions will be made no later than Feb. 28.

Comedies are welcome. For more information, write to circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

Casting Call: 'The Unexpected Guest'

If you'd like to get started in acting by playing a dead body, Somerset Valley Players has the perfect role for you.

The theater will hold auditions for that and other roles in Agatha Christie's "The Unexpected Guest," at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 at the theater. Sides will be provided.

The theater is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

Agatha Christie weaves a devious and devilish tale of suspense when a stranger unexpectedly arrives at a Welsh country house to discover a beautiful young woman pointing a gun at a dead man. The question of who killed him may not be as obvious as it seems, as the array of quirky household residents deepens the mystery with cryptic comments and allegations from the past.

Roles are:

Laura Warwick	Late 20s - early 30s Kind and caring. Richard Warwick's wife.
Michael.Starkwedder	30s - 40s Rugged outdoor look. Not polished but quick thinker.
Inspector Thomas	30s - 50s Good poker face with dry sarcastic attitude.
Julian Farrar	30s to mid-40s Politician with soldiery aspect.
Miss Bennett	40s-50s Organized, alert, and nosy. Runs the household.
Jan Warwick	Late teens - early 20s. Excitable young man with an innocent sweetness about him. Eyes dart and add sly look to him.
Henry Angell	30s-50s Manservant with proper manners but shifty untrusting personality.
Mrs. Warwick	50-plus. Commanding and alert with a strong personality. Richard Warwick's mother.
Sergeant Cadwaller	30s-50s Poetic and soft spoken. Somewhat unobserving.
Richard Warwick	30s-50s Dead. (no lines - great for someone looking to get started in acting)

The show is directed and produced by Michael A. Muller.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 15-31.

'In Love and Warcraft' at Circle Players

Madhuri Shekar's "In Love and Warcraft" opens next Friday at Circle Players.

The show, directed by Alicia Harabin, will perform at 8 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays from Sep. 18 to Oct. 3, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. Tickets are $18 for adults and $17 for seniors and students.

Evie Malone – gamer girl, college senior and confirmed virgin – has it all figured out. Not only does she command a top-ranked guild in Warcraft with her online boyfriend, she also makes a little cash on the side writing love letters for people who’ve screwed up their relationships. Love is like Warcraft, after all. It’s all about strategies, game plans, and not taking stupid risks. Well, that’s what she thinks… until she actually falls for a guy. In Real Life. And no amount of gaming expertise will help her out when she finds herself with a non-virtual, totally real, and incredibly cute boyfriend, who wants more from her than she’s willing to give.

The show stars Rebecca Shuster as Evie, Carmen Reategui as Kitty, Victor Martinez as Raul, Michael Stratton as Ryan, and Shawna Lagan and Scott Morris in the ensemble.

Somerset Valley Players to Honor Perry Nominees and Announce 2016 Season

Somerset Valley Players will open its doors this Saturday for some announcements.

On September 12, the theatre will open it's doors at 2 pm to announce it's 2016 season and celebrate the 2015 Perry Nominees from the theatre.

This years' nominees are director Todd Bennington, lighting designer Brent Kowalenko, sound designer Daniel Schulze, costume designers Laurie Wood, Matthre Muccigrossi, Danny Muccigrossi, Grace Gossier, Rachel Estabrook, and Dorian Estanislau, properties manager, producer, and set designer Crystal Coddington, properties manager Kayla Elyse, set designer Emily Russoniello, actors Lauren Hackett, Felicity Howard, Max Miller, Dillon Spear, and Kieran McKenna, and stage manager Tennant Trainor.

Light refreshments will be served. The event will take place at the theatre, located at 689 Amwell Road, in Hillsborough, NJ.

Season Subscriptions for Cranford Dramatic Club

Cranford Dramatic Club is now selling season subscriptions for their upcoming season. Shows covered by the subscription include "Born Yesterday," "Green Day's American Idiot," and "The Drowsy Chaperone." Not included are "Rapunzarella White" in December and Junior Theater's "Tarzan: The Musical" in June.

Born Yesterday is a deliciously witty screwball comedy about a corrupt businessman trying to get ahead in Washington. He hires a newspaperman to tutor his brassy girlfriend but gets more than he bargained for when he discovers a little bit of learning can be a dangerous thing. The show runs at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays October 16-24 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 18 and 24.

In the two-time Tony award-winning hit musical "American Idiot," based on Green Day's
Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, Johnny, Tunny and Will struggle to find meaning in a post-9/11 world. The rock opera features little dialogue and instead relies on the lyrics from Green Day's groundbreaking album to execute the story line. at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Feb. 12-27 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 21.

With the house lights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and "The Drowsy Chaperone" begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theater producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight. at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays May 6-21 and at 2 p.m. May 15.

To purchase a subscription, download the form here, fill it out and send it to PO box 511, Cranford, NJ, 07016. Those with season subscriptions will be able to reserve seats. Cranford Dramatic Club is located at 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford.

'The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940' at Villagers Theatre

"The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" opens at Villagers Theatre this month.

The show opens September 11 and closes September 27. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. Group rates are available.

Poking antic fun at the more ridiculous aspects of "show biz" and the corny thrillers of Hollywood's heyday, "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" is a non-stop barrage of laughter as those assembled (or at least those who aren't killed off) untangle the mystery of the "Stage Door Slasher."

There will be an opening night party on September 11 with complimentary refreshments after the performance, if you interested in staying.

The show is written by John Bishop, directed by Judi Parrish, produced by Emily Russoniello and Howard Gross, and stage managed by Beverly Kuo-Hamilton and Madison Whiting, featuring fight choreography by Katie Downey, costumes by Sue Darling, lighting by Suzanne Wengryn, sound design by Judi Parrish, sound operation by Marissa Madison, and sets by Guy Suabedissen, with Simon Hamilton on stage crew.

The cast features Cindy Chair as Helsa Wenzel, Robyn Mandalakis as Elsa Von Grossenknueten, Arthur Pugh as Sergeant Michael Kelly, Ariana Fort as Nikki Crandall, Bobby Marusiefski as Eddie McKuen, Richard Butler as Ken de la Maize, Mike Levine as Roger Hopewell, Laurie Hardy as Bernice Roth, Gordon Wiener as Patrick O'Reilly, amd Allison DiBiase as Marjorie Baverstock.

Casting Call: 'La Cage Aux Folles'

Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for Harvey Fierstein's 'La Cage Aux Folles.'

Auditions will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 25 and August 1. Please prepare a song in the style of the show and wear comfortable clothes for dancing in. Please bring heels, tap shoes, and jazz shoes if you have them. Callbacks will be held at 6 p.m. on August 9.


Georges is the owner of a popular drag nightclub. Albin, the love of Georges life appears as Zaza, the star of the club's nightly extravaganza. The couple has raised Georges' son, Jean-Michel, his mother having left some time ago. Life is lovely until Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a conservative politician intent on putting an end to the local gay night life. At a meet the parents dinner in their home adjoining the club, Georges and Albin attempt to create the facade of a "normal" family. However, this proves increasingly difficult and more hilarious as the evening wears on.

Roles are:

Albin	A performer of star quality, mature; great powerhouse of a Broadway voice; fine comic actor
Georges	A star, mature and attractive; good singer; energetic; loving and caring; must move well
Jean-Michel	Must appear to be 20 years old, handsome, brunette, masculine,well-mannered,educated,desperately in love with his fiancee, Annie, lyric baritone who acts, sings, and moves well.
Jacob	Black male butler/maid in his early 20's, brilliant comedian who sings and moves well
Anne	18-21 years old; Jean Michel's fiancee; lovely to look at; spunky, a superb dancer who acts well.
Dindon	Anne's father; right-wing radical politician; pompous; quirky; must sing, move well, and be a fine comedian
Marie Dindon	Anne's mother, 48-52 years old, shy, retiring, sexually repressed and sex -starved, good singer and actress who moves well; must look great in a leotard for the finale.
Jacqueline	Mature, female friend of Georges and Albin; owns a chic restaurant, attractive, charming; very theatrical; not necessarily a singer
Renaud	Mature, male friend of Georges and Albin, owns a small cafe
Francis	Male stage manager in Georges' club; strong actor/dancer
Cagelles	7 to 11 people needed. Chorus line of men in drag - will also cast at least one woman possibly two - tap skills a must)
Ensemble	4 to 6 singers and dancers

The show will be produced by Sherry Lilenfield and Lindo Giordano, directed by Brian Remo, musically directed by David Maglione, choreographed by Megan Lahiff Ferentinos, and stage managed by Bree Guell.

Rehearsals will be held frequently between September 13 and November 5, with performances from November 6 to 22.

Now Selling Subscriptions at Playhouse 22

Season subscriptions and tickets are now available at Playhouse 22.

There are three subscription types available: Deluxe Package, which covers three shows, is $63 per adult and $57 per senior or student; Select Package covers four shows and is $80 per adult and $72 per senior or student; and Elite Package covers five shows and is $95 per adult and $85 per senior or student. Shows eligible for season subscriptions are "The Producers", "A Few Good Men", "The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", "Lost in Yonkers", and "1776". Not applicable for the season subscriptions is "A Christmas Carol".

Tickets cost $22 per adult and $20 per senior or student.

To purchase a subscription or tickets, click here and here, respectively. For more information, contact  boxoffice@playhouse22.org or call (732)254-3939. Playhouse 22 is located on 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

'Young Frankenstein' at Plays-in-the-Park

Plays-in-the-Park presents Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein."

Performances will take place at 8:30 p.m. from June 17 to June 27. There will be no performance on June 21. Tickets are free for children 12 and under, $7 for adults, and $5 for seniors, and must be purchased the day of the show.

The show stars Michael Louis as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Ali Gleason as Elizabeth Benning, Billy Geltzeiler as Igor, Kelliann DeCarlo as Inga, Scott Daniels as Frankenstein's Monster, Kate Riley as Frau Blucher, Bob Nutter as Inspector Kemp, Jay Lowman as Hermit, and Kirk Geritano as Ziggy, with an ensemble featuring Ryan Lind, David Yurch, Christopher Ciarlariello, Mike Patierno, CJ Carter, Tyler Barnick, David De Sio, Jack Cibrian, Alyssa Kemper, Marie Ferguson, Kelly Plescia, Kaitlin Farrell, Meghan Bowes, Olivia Whitehouse, Neha Patel, and Stephanie Turci.

It is directed by Gary P. Cohen, musically directed by Nick DeGregorio, choreographed by Michelle Massa, and stage managed by Lindsey Raguette and Brenden Szefinski, with a set by Gary Cohen, costumes by Carolyn McCaffrey, lighting by Roman Klima, sound by Matt Boyle, and wigs and hair designs by Nance Coffaro.

Casting Call: 'The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940'

Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940."

Auditions are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 29 and 30. Callbacks, if needed, will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 1. Short monologues are provided below for each of the characters. Please memorize the monologue for the audition. You may also be asked to read from sides, which will be provided at the audition. Those auditioning for Nikki, Eddie, O'Reilly, or Roger should be prepared to sing from either "Oklahoma" or "Carousel." If you are auditioning for Helsa, please sing "The Boys in the Back Room."

The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious "Stage Door Slasher") assembles for a backer's audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy "angel." The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people- all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem that follows when the infamous "Slasher" makes his reappearance and strikes again-and again. As the composer, lyricist, actors and director prepare their performance, and a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases, and accusing fingers point in all directions.

Roles are:

Helsa Wenzel Late 20s	Helsa is the maid of the Grossenknueten estate. She is killed in the first scene of the play, only to be impersonated by her twin brother, Dieter. The actress who plays Helsa also appears at the end of the play as "Katrina, the cook from Koblenz." The actress playing Helsa must be able to do a convincing German accent. This is a challenging role, very much in the "Victor/Victoria" mode. The actress must be able to convince the audience that she is Dieter, who is a female impersonator, when she is "revealed." This character is also involved in two very physical "fight" scenes.	Monologue: (with a thick German accent) I am of triplets. Sisters. But they are in Germany. (after a pause) My mutter und vater worked in Berlin as laborers in the Government printing plant. In 1923 they died, when a carton which contained marks, the equivalent of five American dollars fell on them und they were crushed. (breath) My sisters und I were raised by relatives. We saw each other only on Weinachtsabend, when we met to decorate the Weinachtsbaum, und give out the Weinachtsgeschenke. (pause) My point is...I did not know my sisters!
Elsa Von Grossenknueten Mid 40s	Elsa is the owner of the mansion and is the financial backer of many musicals. Elsa summons the group together in an attempt to find out who murdered her "friend" Bebe McAllister. She is extremely eccentric, and thinks that the idea of chasing after a killer is great fun. Her grandfather was a spy, and she claims that espionage runs in her blood.	Monologue: (enthusiastically) My dear, these are actors, producer, director, composer, lyricist, coming to get MY money for their Broadway show. Nothing short of the end of the world will stop them, certainly not a little snow. And I must tell you, espionage is in my blood, Sergeant, I won't fail you! (picking up a make up kit) Poor dead Bebe's Deco make-up kit. Being au courant was so important to her. And now...she is anything but. And this notebook of hers may reveal a murderer. Oh Sergeant, this is going to be a grand adventure, isn't it? And I've planned a perfectly grand menu for the occasion. To begin...a tureen of December frit, followed by lobster on dill.... Oh sorry, we should get you to your room to rest for tomorrow's events!
Michael Kelly Mid 40s	Kelly is an undercover cop. Elsa appeals to him to help solve the mystery of the Stage Door Slasher. Kelly's tough, no-nonsense attitude puts him at odds with the zany Elsa and the dramatic types that visit. He is kidnapped by an unseen figure and disappears into a secret passage. Ideally, the actor playing Kelly will be of an ethnicity other than white, there is a joke within the script when Elsa comments that she thought all NYC policemen were Irish. To which he responds: "We are."	Monologue: I'm in charge of this investigation and I say you are staying here. This is a murder investigation and I'm a cop. This has gone too far for adventures, Miss Grossenknueten. I am Michael Kelly of the New York City Police Department here on the case of the stage door slasher. The killer is working too damn fast. He didn't go for you or the notebook. He went for someone who obviously could have exposed him. And not just once. We've had two murders, maybe three. Maybe four, if we count O'Reilly who is missing.
Patrick O'Reilly Mid 30s	O'Reilly claims to be an Irish tenor, but he is very suspicious, especially in regards to the mysterious Helsa. The two engage in a very physical brawl. Eventually, O'Reilly claims to be "Tony Garibaldi", an undercover cop with a Bronx accent-only to reveal himself as a Gestapo Agent named Klaus Stansdorff, sent to find German defectors. Nikki confronts him, but before he can reveal the truth, Helsa stabs him through a copy of Moby-Dick. The actor playing O'Reilly must be able to affect an Irish brogue, a Bronx accent, and a German accent. O'Reilly is involved in one the very physical fight scenes.	Monologue: (with an Irish accent to Nikki) Sure'n you're familiar with Ireland, colleen. Well, there's a spot in County Blarney which the sun, comin' over the McNamara mountains, hits first; wakin' the fine village of... McGillicuddy to another of God's days. It's there I'm from and it's there that I'll ever be. (with a Bronx NY accent) I'm not Irish, I'm Italian. Lt. Tony Garibaldi, N.Y.P.D. Working undercover on da case of da stage door slasher. The maid is the slasher and she's on her way up the river. Ok, Wenzel, the jig's up, come out with your hands up...Eins, Zwei, Drei. Vier, Funf, Acht, Neun, Zehn. (with a German accent) I am Klaus Stansdorff of the Geheime Staatspolizei. Temporarily assigned to the German Consulate in New York...as a cultural attache'. What I want is you, Sergeant Kelly, to take the lantern and lead the way into the tunnel. Bitte, Sergeant, I could easily have killed you before, but I didn't. Why not? Professional courtesy.
Ken De La Maize Early 40s	Ken is a "typical" director, speaking of theater as a "pure art." He also has an annoying habit of name-dropping, constantly citing the various celebrities he has worked with over the years. Everyone always claims to have seen the films he makes, only for him to reveal that they have not yet been released. The actor playing Ken should be able to sing, at least a little.	Monologue: Ahhh...to be back. Back in the theater. That event as ancient as man and as mysterious and inspiring as the nature man once sought to imitate or appease in his earliest rituals...rituals we now call - the theater. Not moving pictures, but life. Life distilled to a pure clear ring of truth. Never forget that! (pause) Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take my sherry upstairs and into the bathtub. Get rid of some of the Union Pacific Railroad I brought with me. See you later.
Nikki Crandall Late 20s - Early 30s	Nikki is considered a typical chorus girl- but she is eventually revealed to be Ensign Nicole Crandall, of United States Naval Intelligence. Her secret mission was to find the Germans who were to sabotage American war efforts. She is also interested in solving the mystery of the Stage Door Slasher, and helps to break the code in Bebe's notebook. Ken almost kills her, as does Helsa/Dieter. Eddie saves her twice, prompting the two to fall in love. The actress playing Nikki should be able to sing.	Monologue: Don't make a move, Daddio, or you'll be pushing up daisies. (flashes an ID) Ensign Nicole Crandall, United States Naval Intelligence. The Nazis landed this guy and five others on Long Island three weeks ago. We caught four of them in Sag Harbor posing as novelists. The saboteurs had false identities, a half million dollars and a mission to blow up installations all over this country to effectively retard this country's communication system. But this guy and a guy named Franz Becker decided the money was more important than the Fatherland and took off with the do-re-mi. The Katzenjammer Kid here bumped off Becker for the greenbacks. We knew this guy had a sister, Helsa Wenzel, and thought it might be long shot he'd come here. (taking a pause) They sent me in to catch him because I was the only agent who could sing harmony.
Eddie McCuen Late 20s - Early 30s	Directly based on Bob Hope, Eddie is the out of work comedian that ties the different story lines together. He is attracted to Nikki, but fumbles when he tries to talk to her. He was a replacement for an actor, and thus has no connection to Manhattan Holiday. He is the one who realizes the connection between the Slasher case and the party, and later helps to defeat the slasher and Dieter. These brave actions unite him with Nikki. He has an obvious attraction to Nikki the whole play, and ultimately ends up saving the day and getting the girl. The actor playing Eddie should be able to sing and dance a little.	Monologue: I only got the gig yesterday. Some other guy got sick. My agent asked me, can I sing. Sure, I say...always say "yes," one of my rules. No matter what they ask, yes. This morning a limo picks me up, parks me in front with the chauffeur. Then we pick up a dame and a mug in Yorkville. What a trip! Driving in a snowstorm. I can't see a thing so I don't know how the driver can. And on top of that he's deaf! He had to be. I did forty minutes of my best stuff ...he don't crack a smile!
Marjorie Baverstock 40s-60s	Marjorie is a Broadway producer. She constantly flatters everyone around her, and speaks in elevated language; her "new word" is "divoon." She is accidentally killed by Dieter at the end of the first act; strangely, no one seems to notice, despite the fact that there is an enormous sword through her back.	Monologue: I didn't get to tell you Mr. McCuen, that I think it's simply divoon of you to fill in at the last minute like this. But I'm sorry to hear you want to leave, because I for one, would be quite sorry to see you go. I've been hearing such good things about your work. And of course, Ken De La Maize, who is directing the audition knows every agent in Hollywood. Elsa, I can't wait for you to hear the show. It's divoon, simply divoon. And I have a budget all worked out. Even down to the opening night party. We'll hold it at Sardi's, naturally, and if we charge the actors just a teensy cover charge, we'll break even.
Roger Hopewell 30s-50s	Roger is the composer for "White House Merry-Go-Round", and Bernice's partner; the two have had a string of Broadway hits. Roger enjoys teasing Ken about his artistic ways, but flares up whenever someone insults his musical style. He also knows how to deal with Bernice's many quirks. Towards the end of the play, Roger reveals a surprising knowledge of ciphers, and helps Nikki and Bernice break the code in Bebe's notebook. Ideally, the actor playing Roger should be able to play the piano and sing a little.	Monologue: (flamboyantly) Quick, someone, a martini. I am in danger of frostbite. Marjorie, sweetheart, I love your new word...divoon! (to O'Reilly) Your eyes are very blue. I'm not being licentious. A triple libidinous, perhaps. A bit lascivious. But not licentious. (turning to Ken) Ken! I didn't see you..How wonderful to be working with you again. I was saying to Bernice on the way here, now our script will have distilled truth, and clean rings, and new sparkplugs, and all those wonderful things that Ken does.
Bernice Roth 30s-50s	The perpetually thirsty lyricist and Roger's writing partner, Bernice is very odd and emotional, frequently losing her composure and screaming. When Marjorie fails to respond to the closing number of "White House Merry-Go-Round", Bernice is hugely offended, despite the fact that Marjorie was dead at the time. She spends the entire second act attempting to "fix" the play, even when she is held hostage by Ken, O'Reilly, and Dieter. In the finale, she is struck with inspiration toward a new work that takes place in the heartland of American-a cowboy play called Nebraska.	Monologue: Hi gang! Sorry I'm late getting downstairs, but the storm froze the lock on my overnight case and I've been upstairs heating it with a candle. And the candle kept dripping wax on the rug so I moved into the closet and set something on fire. See, I don't know what I set on fire, cause whatever it was burnt up. Then the maid comes in while I'm kneeling on the floor in the closet under this raging fire and wants to know if I'm Haitian! (to Roger) His eyes are very blue.

Rehearsals will begin July 7 and will continue at two three rehearsals per week for a nine week period. Rehearsals will generally run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. All actors will be called to all rehearsals beginning two weeks before tech week. There will be an evening rehearsal on Labor Day since it is during tech week.

The show is directed by Judi Parrish and produced by Emily Russoniello and Howard Gross.

For additional information, you can email eustacem@aol.com.

Eat, Drink, and be Merry at Circle Players

Circle Players will hold a casual get together, "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry," later this April.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 25 at the theater. During the evening, you will be able to hear the theater's next season announces, meet and mingle with the Circle board and other theater lovers, and enjoy a casual dinner.

You can stick around afterwards to watch the theater's production of "Glengarry Glen Ross." Everyone is welcome.

Main Street Theatre is Seeking Play Submissions for 2016

The Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company is seeking play submissions for their 2016 season.

The season will consist of two large cast musicals, one junior musical, two plays, and a Christmas show. Please send your submissions to playselection@smstc.org.

In your email, please include your resume, contact information, and up to three submissions each with a complete synopsis, a brief statement of your vision for set, costumes, lights, and other sounds, estimated costs for the show. Please also include any scheduled future productions you are already taking part in.

'Kimberly Akimbo' at Circle Players

Circle Players will soon be performing David Lindsay Abaire's "Kimberly Akimbo".

The show will run from September 19 to October 5 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on October 5. Tickets are $16 for seniors and students and $17 for adults.

Set in the wilds of New Jersey, "Kimberly Akimbo" is a hilarious and heartrending play about a teenager with a rare condition which causes her body to age four times faster than it should. When she and her family flee Secaucus under dubious circumstances, Kimberly is forced to reevaluate her life while contending with a hypochondriac mother, a rarely sober father, a scam-artist aunt, her own mortality and, most terrifying of all, the possibility of first love.

The cast features Joanne Sternberg as Kimberly, Duane Noch as Buddy, Robyn Mandalakis as Pattie, Mark-Kate Bozinta as Debra, and Chris DeBono as Jeff.

The show is directed by Jon Heron.

Cranford Dramatic Club Seeking Show Submissions

Cranford Dramatic Club (CDC) is seeking show submissions for their 2015-16 season.

They intend to perform one play, two musicals, and one children's show. Those who are interested should send their suggestions, as well as their resumé, to Joanneges@comcast.net by Sept. 1. A director's stipend is available for all shows.

CDC is located at 78 Winans Ave, Cranford.

Season Subscriptions at Playhouse 22

Season subscriptions and individual tickets are now available at Playhouse 22.

The shows in this season will be the musicals "Putting it Together," "Mame," and "Urinetown;" "A Christmas Carol;" and plays "Doubt, A Parable," "Amadeus," "Ladies of the Camillas," and "Last Night of Ballyhoo." Following is a brief description of each show.

"Putting it Together" features many hit songs from some of Sondheim's biggest hits, including "Lovely" (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), "More" (Dick Tracy), "Pretty Women" (Sweeney Todd), "The Ladies Who Lunch" (Company). Performances will occur at 8 p.m. Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays Sept. 13-28, and at 8 p.m. Sept. 12 and 26.

"Mame" tells the story of the madcap life of eccentric Mame Dennis and how her bohemian, intellectual arty lifestyle is disrupted when her deceased brother's 10-year-old son Patrick is entrusted to her care. This show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays Nov. 7-23.
December will bring Playhouse 22's annual production, "A Christmas Carol," with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays Dec. 12-21.

With the new year will come "Doubt, A Parable," a play for mature audiences. Set in the fictional St. Nicholas Church School in the Bronx during the fall of 1964, the show opens with a sermon by Father Flynn, a beloved and progressive parish priest, addressing the importance of uncertainty. The school's principal, Sister Aloysius, a rigidly conservative nun vowed to the order of the Sisters of Charity, insists upon constant vigilance. The play will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays Jan. 9-18.

"Amadeus" is a highly fictionalized account of the lives of composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. At the opening of the tale, Salieri is an old man, having long outlived his fame. Speaking directly to the audience, he claims to have used poison to assassinate Mozart, and promises to explain himself. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays Feb. 20-March 8.

A hilarious farce about an imagined meeting in Paris, 1897, between the famous theater divas Sarah Bernhardt and Eleonora Duse, "Ladies of the Camillas" will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays March 13-22.

Next is "Last Night in Ballyhoo," a comedy that takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, in December of 1939. Gone with the Wind is having its world premiere, and Hitler is invading Poland, but Atlanta's elitist German Jews are much more concerned with who is going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. The show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays April 17-May 3.

The season concludes with the musical "Urinetown," which takes place in a Gotham-like city where a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom. This interesting show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays June 12-28.

To purchase tickets for any of the above shows, click here. To purchase a season subscription, click here. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

Director Submissions for Circle Players

Circle Players is looking for director submissions for their 2015-2016 season.

Potential directors may submit up to four titles of any variety. Submission letters should be sent by email via circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

The submission letter must include your full contact information, a list of titles of submissions with a brief synopsis of each show, and your availability throughout the season, from Sept. 2015 to Jul. 16. If you have not previously submitted to Circle Players, you must also include a theater resume and two theatrical references with contact information.

All submissions are due before the end of August.

'Sunset Boulevard' at Plays-in-the-Park

Plays-in-the-Park will be presenting "Sunset Boulevard".

The show will run from June 18 to 28 every night at 8:30 p.m. There will be no performance on June 22. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for children.

When the cameras stop rolling and the lights go out, that's when the real drama happens, as Plays-in-the-Park brings to its stage "Sunset Boulevard", the lush and sweeping tale of Hollywood's darker side. Based off Billy Wilder's 1950 film noir classic of the same name, the story follows the struggling screenwriter, Joe Gillis. Romance and tragedy ensue when he accidentally finds himself at the mansion of Norma Desmond, a once-great star of the silent film era. As both grapple for success, neither of them can manage to get everything they desire. "With One Look," this 7-time Tony Award winning musical is sure to blow you away.

The show is directed by Gary Cohen, musically directed by Nick DeGregorio, choreographed by Michelle Massa, and staged managed by Lindsay Raguette and Emma Schwartz.

The cast features Julie Steil as Norma, Billy Piscopo  as Joe, Scott Daniels as Max, Emma McGahan as Betty, Kirk Geritaino as Artie, Bob Nutter as Demille, Jeff O’Neill as Manfred, Abe Vorensky as Sheldrake, with an ensemble consisting of Peter LoRicco, Kyle Abel, Tyler Barnick, Matthew Maiolo, David DeSio, Jack Cibrian, Moriel Behar, Stephanie Turci, Heather Welsh, Joanna Karausz, Neha Patel,     Dana Simone, and Elizabeth Valenti.

Call for Submissions: Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co.

Sayreville Main Street Theatre Co. is looking for experienced and visionary directors with a dedication to community theatre, to propose productions for its 2015 season.

The season should consist a play for the winter, a musical for the spring, a junior musical for the summer, a musical for late summer or early fall, a play for the fall, and a holiday musical in December.

Send submissions to playselection@smstc.org. Include your resume, contact information, and up to three submissions with a full synopsis of the proposed play or musical, a brief statement of your production vision for set, costumes, lights and sound, and financial considerations for the show.

Also include your history of past local productions and/or future scheduled productions.

Main Street Theatre is located at 3018 Bordentown Avenue, Parlin.

Now Selling Subscriptions at Playhouse 22

Subscriptions for Playhouse 22's 2014-15 season are now on sale.

There are three deals available: Deluxe Package, which covers three shows, is $63 per adult and $57 per senior or student; Select Package covers four shows and is $80 per adult and $72 per senior or student; and Elite Package covers five shows and is $95 per adult and $85 per senior or student. These packages do not apply to "A Christmas Carol" or Playhouse 22's On the Edge series.

To purchase a subscription, click here or call (732)254-3939. Playhouse 22 is located at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.