'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.

'The Biography of Margaret Dawson' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre presents a staged reading of Marv Siegel "The Biography of Margaret Dawson."

The reading will take place at 7:30 p.m. on May 11 at the theater. Admission is free.

Aging movie star Margaret Dawson has agreed to allow her biography to be filmed. She has requested a private meeting with the young starlet Jennifer who has been cast to play her as a teenager. When they meet, sparks fly, secrets are revealed and the two are profoundly changed by the experience.

The show is directed by Nina Marti and stars Donne Petito and Rainni Moran.

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.

'You Make My Frame Shake!' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will hold a staged reading of Luigi Jannuzzi's new play "You Make My Frame Shake!"

The reading will take place at 7:30 p.m. on April 13. Admission is free.

Watch the paintings, artists, and statues of the Metropolitan Museum of Art come to life in this wild collection of romantic comedy vignettes.

The reading is the third of four readings in the theater's New Playwrights Series, the last of which will be Marv Siegel's "The Biography of Margaret Dawson," which will be done this May.


It is directed by Stephen Hirsekorn and stars Mary Lawrence, Lydia Durham, Robert Cleary, Christpher W. Hall, Harvey Rothman, and Judy Wilson.

'A Touch of Sinatra' at Somerset Valley Players

Somerset Valley Players presents the musical "A Touch of Sinatra."

The show will take place at 8 p.m. on April 4 only. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased online. You can get tickets for only $10 if you are an SVP member.

The show follows the life of Frank Sinatra, the songs that made him one of the most renowned singers of the 20th century, and tells funny stories and jokes that together can provide one of the most entertaining experiences you will ever have.

The show is narrated by Joe Gilligan and performed by Donnie Farraro.

For additional information, call (908) 369-7469.

'No Mansfield Slocum' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will hold a staged reading of Lennon Perricone's "No Mansfield Slocum."

The reading will take place in the theater's black box at 7:30 p.m. on March 9 only. Admission is free.

 When a bitter personal conflict between the mayor of a small and wealthy eastern city and the CEO of a fortune 500 company leads to a careless acussation, five empowered and accomplised women are drawn into tragic events that change the course of their lives forever.

The show stars Liz Mahon, Eileen Hladky, Lluana Jones, Laurie Hardy, Terianne Shetler, Meghan Coates, and Shiori Ichikawa.

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.

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.

9th Annual Labor Day Weekend Concert at Plays-in-the-Park

Plays-in-the-Park will be holding their 9th annual Labor Day weekend concert.

The concert will be on August 31 at 4 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. Admission is free.

The contest features the cast of "Beatlemania" and "Tusk". Come to Roosevelt Park to celebrate an evening of unforgettable, high energy entertainment. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair!

For information call (732) 745-3936

The concert is sponsored by The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and The Middlesex County Office of Parks & Recreation.

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.

'Theatre Rock Live' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will be presenting "Theater Rock Live!" this month.

The event will take place on July 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at (732) 873-2710. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Ln., Somerset.

a performance of songs from Broadway rock musicals including "Hair", "Rent", "Movin' Out", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Rocky Horror", "Hedwig", "Rock of Ages", "Next to Normal", "Fame", "Bare", "Aida", and "Tarzan.

The band performing features Joe Andolino at the keyboard, Kasaku Nakamura with the guitar, Jason Gianni with the drums, and Andrew Rosciszewski with the bass. Vocalists are Danny Gershaw, Lindsay Lavin, Daniel Peter Vissers, and Shanna Levine Phelps.

Open Mic Nite at Main Street Theatre

The Sayreville Main Street Theatre will be holding an "open mic nite".

The event will take place on July 11. Doors open at 7 p.m., and performances start at 8 p.m. There is a $6 admission/performance fee.

 Anybody ages 14 and up is allowed to perform. Any type of performance is accepted. Please bring any required self accompaniment or CD. All selections must be appropriate for audiences of all ages.

The Main Street Cafe will be serving snacks.

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

'Her Dream, My Nightmare' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre's New Playwrights Series will be presenting "Her Dream, My Nightmare" by Tiffany L. Wilson.

The show will take place on May 19 at 8 p.m. Admission is free.

This controversial and enlightening production deals with issues such as, religious values, judging others, same-sex relationships, the search for success, the right time for marriage, and self-awareness. When newly Born Again Valarie gives her live in boyfriend Bo an ultimatum - marry her or no more sex - Bo decides to move out. He moves in with his friend and business partner Shelby, a successful club owner. She is a Lesbian and her girlfriend Tricia is unhappy about the new arrangement. As the plot thickens, friendship and loyalties are tested and a massive web of secrets and lies intertwine. What will be the outcome?

"Her Dream, My Nightmare" is directed by Nichole Lippey, with a cast featuring Ithamar O. Francois, Fredo Rengifo, Jenne Carey, Tiff Salmon, Brionna Castillo, Kelika Anderson, Sharon Lucus, Robert Lewis, and Al-Meisha Lee.

'The Scapegoat' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre's will be holding a staged reading of Leroy Elliston Barry's "The Scapegoat".

The reading is at 7 p.m. on April 21 only. Admission is free.

“The Scapegoat” is based upon the true story of Captain Charles Butler McVay after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis on July 30, 1945. McVay, with an unblemished and highly decorated 26 year career with the navy, finds himself being blamed for the sinking and is brought to trial with false accusations.

The reading is directed by Danielle Barry with a cast of John Pizzigoni, Larky Barnes, Greg Chornomaz, Jeff Maschi, Carl Leone, Eric Radell, Bill Fricke, Mike Schuller, Fred Halperin, Clinton Ambs, Shane Chandler, Jeff Bassman, and Kopan Pusztai.

Actor Needed for 'Scapegoat' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers theatre is looking for an adult Asian actor for a staged reading of "Scapegoat."

Scapegoat is a play written by Leroy Barry about the court martial of Captain Charles Butler McVay after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis on July 30, 1945.  McVay with an unblemished and highly decorated 26 year career with the Navy finds himself being blamed for the sinking and is brought to trial with false accusations. This piece is based on a true story.

The role needed is Commander Hashimoto, a strict and curious commander. If you are interested in this role, please send an email to NewPlaywrightsSeries@yahoo.com.

There is a rehearsal on April 10 and a performance on April 21. The show is directed by Danielle Barry.

Seeking Actors for 'Her Dream, My Nightmare'

Villagers Theatre is seeking actors for a staged reading of "Her Dream, My Nightmare" by Tiffany L. Wilson.

The production is a light commitment. There is only one performance and minimal rehearsal. The performance is on May 19.

The play takes a look at the lives of two couples and how their situations overlap. Bo and Val live together and get along well.  Val's mother passed and Val promised her mother that she would go back to church. When Val gives Bo an ultimatum, marry her or no sex, Bo decides to move out of their apartment. Bo moves in with his friend and business partner Shelby a successful business owner. She is a Lesbian and her girlfriend Tricia is unhappy about the new arrangement. As the plot thickens, religious values, friendship, loyalties and a massive web of secrets and lies intertwine.

Roles are:

Taylor Goodmen	Devout church member. African-American. She was married to a pastor for 8 years.  She lived in New York with her husband. She is a "super Christian" that is actually extremely tormented by guilt.
Valerie Fiona Bell	African-American. Just got "Saved", just joined the church, and has befriended Taylor. Valerie is a Junior High Math teacher. With no kids, she is full of energy, the good girl. She is a good woman to Bo, but has trouble speaking up for herself.
"Bo" Bowen Jonathan Jones	Valerie's boyfriend: Accountant. African-American. Has 3 kids from a marriage  College Graduate.  He has just getting accounting career off the ground.
Clyde Brewing	Professional comedian. African-American. Bo's best friend from elementary school. Has been a comedian all his life. Started writing jokes to make the bullies laugh when he was younger. Graduated as a biology major top of his class. Was over weight all his live but has recently lost a lot of weight.
Shelby Wallace	Lesbian, African-American. Clyde's best friend from college Owns a gym that she is in the process of franchising the Workout Lounge.  Shelby is intelligent and beautiful.
Patricia "Tricia" Walker	An artist, Shelby's Lesbian girlfriend. African-American. A con artist manipulator that has been abused and misused so much that she uses her beauty to take advantage of others. Actress must be able to be sweet, sexy, and hateful.
Pastor George Fathers	Taylor's husband. African-American. He is loving, compassionate, and smart.
Rose	Comic relief, African-American. Val's next door neighbor. She is married and a friend to Val. Rose brings truth from a different perspective into the story.

If you are interested please send you resume and head shot to newplaywrightseries@yahoo.com.

'Buds' at Villagers Theatre

Continuing the New Playwrights Series, Villagers Theatre will be presenting the new play "Buds", by Mitchell Brodsky.

"Buds" is a dark comedy of two unlikely strangers, an accomplished professional, and a taxi-cab driver entering into an agreement that is intriguing and dangerous.

The show is March 17 at 8 p.m. only. Admission is free and no tickets are necessary.

The show is directed by Brian Remo and starts David Sussman, Morgan Vasquez, Laura Casey and Brian Remo.

'Not Your Mother's Black Box' at Villagers Theatre

This is not your mother's black box -- again.

Villagers Theatre will have a  night of standup comedy and music at 8 p.m. Jan. 18. Performers include Jerrold Benford, Dan Bocchino, Sarah Goldbloom, and Shahryar. Be advised: This is not the standard family-friendly black box fare. Tickets cost $15 each.

The theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset. Tickets are available online.

About the performers:

Jerrold Benford is establishing himself as a fixture on the eastern comedy circuit.  Born and raised in Virginia, Benford began his career in New Jersey, where he quickly made a name for himself and performed at in the state and New York City's finest clubs, including: Rascals, Broadway Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, Stand Up N.Y., Gotham Comedy Club, and Caroline’s on Broadway.

Within two years of his standup debut, Jerrold has featured and headlined clubs, colleges, and private functions all over the tri-state area. His distinctive perspective on dating and marriage topics combines with a high-energy, friendly delivery to create wickedly clever content and a wildly funny act.

Dan Bocchino has been performing stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy in various forms for over 10 years. What began as a five-minute open mike spot in the back room of a small bar in Bloomfield, has blossomed into 10-minute spots in clubs just outside Bloomfield.

Bocchino has performed at clubs across New Jersey, New York City and Boston. In addition to his solo stand-up work, Dan was a founding member of the Boston sketch comedy troupe Slow Children at Play and a former member of the Montclair 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 lives in New Jersey with his wife, son and middle-age Shih Tzu.

Sarah Goldbloom is a local singer and songwriter who has been playing music and singing since her early childhood. Goldbloom loves music that tells a story, and loves to connect with her audience is what she sets out to do at each of her shows. She believes there is nothing better than bringing a group of people together from all different backgrounds and experiences and uniting them with one song.

Shahryar is a stand-up comedian from Washington, D.C. His topics include his work as a federal employee, his life at home, and everyday things he’s observed. He has been featured in the Washington Post and Voice of America. A regular at the DC Improv and other comedy venues, Shahryar was invited to perform at the 2013 Great American Comedy Festival.

Mentalist Anthony Rose at Playhouse 22

Is it paranormal, or just a really good show?

Anthony Rose will mesmerize audiences in January,  when he brings his act to Playhouse 22. Does he know what you are thinking? Can he read your mind? Is it body language? Is it psychology?

You can decide for yourself during his 75-minute show, starting at 8 p.m. Jan. 4. Tickets cost $15 each.

Tickets are available online at the Playhouse 22 website. The theater is located at 723 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

For more information, call (732)254-3939.