'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.

'Uncertain Steps' at Villagers Theatre

For one night only, Villagers Theatre will present a series of ballets by the Lustig Dance Theatre.

The show, lasting 90 minutes with an intermission, will include Uncertain Steps, a ballet that features baroque dancing brought to life by three elegant dancing couples; Luminaire, a futuristic and quite original whirlwind creation of fast-flying dancers, set to electronic music; and lastly, an original piece created by accomplished choreographer Bat Abbit.

Uncertain Steps refers to the occasionally improvised moments in baroque dancing that are brought to life in an elegant dance by three couples. Accompanied by live cello, this ballet unfolds in patterns, both formal and decorative, inspired by and set to Bach’s Cello Suite No. 6.

This special event will begin at 7 p.m. February 27. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $10 per student or senior. It is choreographed and musically directed by Graham Lustig and Bat Abbit.

To purchase tickets, click here. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset.

Volunteer at Circle Players

Worked at the Circle Players box office before? Want to work at it in the future? Well it's time for some training!

There are training sessions on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can sign up here. The training is for all volunteers, whether fully, partially, or never before trained to work the Circle box office.

If you can't make the session and still want training, please contact Elyse Halloran at circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

Box office and concessions workers are needed for the theater's production of "Dinner With Friends." Although the box office does require training, no training is necessary for concessions. Anybody doing either gets free admission to that night's show. If interested in either of these positions, please sign up here.

Circle Players is also holding their second fall cleanup. There's still work to be done, so the theater is holding one last cleanup on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., though you do not have to be there the whole time. If interested, you can sign up here. Refreshments will be provided.

Casting Call: News Year's Eve Vaudeville Review

Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for their 2015 New Year's Eve vaudeville review.

The theatre needs men and women capable in singing, dancing, and comedy for the show. There will be two performances, both on Dec. 31. Rehearsals will begin shortly after Thanksgiving.

Auditions are on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Please prepare a song for the audition. You may do a capella or bring recorded with you, but no accompaniment will be provided. Showtunes are preferable, but all songs are welcome. Dancers should also bring recorded music. Magic and comedy routines are also welcome.

If you are unable to attend auditions but want to be in the show, please contact director Anamarie Kalet at anna@villagerstheatre.com.

'A Tuna Christmas' at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre presents "A Tuna Christmas."

In this hilarious sequel to "Greater Tuna", it's Christmas in the third smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including hot competition in the annual lawn display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey's production of "A Christmas Carol" is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from "Greater Tuna" and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Nov. 27 & 28 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 29. Tickets are $15 each. No group rates or discounts are available.

The show is directed by Linda Giordano and stars Bob Chiavaroli and Andy Gordanier. All proceeds from "A Tuna Christmas" go to replacing the theater's HVAC systsem.

'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.

Volunteer Open House at Villagers Theatre

Villagers Theatre will hold a volunteer open house this Sunday.

With the open house, you can see how you can become involved with the theater, meet new people, and learn new skills. Participants will learn what it's like to sell tickets in the box office, run the concessions stands, usher patrons to their seats, build sets, paint scenery, work backstage as a stage hand, run lights or sound, audition for a show, and more!

The open house is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Auditions for the Senior Performing Arts Festival

Villagers Theatre will hold auditions for their Senior Performing Arts Festival.'

The festival celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Older American Acts. All talents in the performing arts are welcomed, not just singers, actors, and dancers. You must be at least 55 to audition. Auditions will take place on April 7 and 9 from both 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. each day. Come prepared with sheet music; whether you are singing it or it is for the background; and be ready to do your routine. Accompaniment will be provided. Callbacks will take place on May 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

There will be performances at 3 p.m. on June 27 and 28 and 7:30 p.m. on June 27.

The festival will be directed and produced by Linda Giordano and Sherry Lilenfield, and stage managed by Dot Steffen.

If you have any questions, please email linda@villagerstheatre.com or call (908) 359-3881.

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.

'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.

'Creature Double Feature' at the Hedgehog & Feather Theatre Co.

The Hedgehog & Feather Theatre Co. presents their third annual "Creature Double Feature."

The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 25 and at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 25. Tickets are $18 each. Those seated in rows A, C, E, and G will have the opportunity to participate in the second show, "The Blob."

The night will feature the short plays "The Creature," which is about a monster that lurks beneath the dark waters, and "The Blob," which follows a mysterious meteorite that starts a scary chain of screams. Actors in grades 5 through 9 will provide live orchestration.

The performance will take place at Westminster Hall, which is located at 140 Mountain Avenue, Westfield.

The shows star Lauren Singer, Elizabeth Cotter, Nate Redmount, Andrew Kapadia, Cristian Vozza, Sarah Kudron, Joshua Saxon, Libby Herz, Eve Harrison, Taylor Dobson, Charlotte Fountain-Jardim, Amanda Andujar, Julia Singer, Maya Levitt, Greta McLaughin, CJ Stueck, Katie Ceraso, Sean Marner, Anna Cioffi, Kacey Brennan, Olivia Bergman, Lauren Singer, Emily Ensslin, Juliana Schuttavaer, Nina Martini, Lily Ceraso, and Nathaniel Fountain-Jardim.

Open House at Main Street

Enjoy a bagel and coffee this Saturday with Main Street Theatre Co. at an open house to launch its new season.

Main Street Theatre Co. is located in Parlin, and mounts six shows each season. Shows during the past years included such favorites as "Hairspray," "Our Town" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

The open house with complimentary breakfast begins at 10 a.m., and will include a preview of the 2015 season. There also will be a presentation on the theater's new membership and subscription plans.
The theater is located at 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin. For more information, visit the theater web site, at www.smstc.org, or write to info@smstc.org.

Open House at Somerset Valley Players

It's time to celebrate a year of hard work and recognition at Somerset Valley Players.

Somerset Valley Players will host an open house in appreciation of all those nominated for 2014 NJ Act Perry Awards for their roles in SVP productions. The open house will take place from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 20, before that evening's production of "I Hate Hamlet."

The theater will offer tours of the facility, offer the opportunity for volunteers to register their interest, and more. Hillsborough Mayor David Tomson, along with local media, will be present to recognize SVP's hard work. Light refreshments will be served, and discounted tickets for that evening's performance of "I Hate Hamlet" will be available. 

Somerset Valley Players is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough.

SVP nominees include:

Production	Award	Nominee
A Piece of My Heart	Featured Actor in a Play	Chris Russoneiello
A Piece of My Heart	Lead Actress in a Play	Diane L. Parker
A Piece of My Heart	Lighting Design of a Play	Michael Rapelye
A Piece of My Heart	Sound Design of a Play	Paul Kaytes
Lost in Yonkers	Production of a Play	Crystal Coddington
Lost in Yonkers	Direction of a Play	Todd Bennington
Lost in Yonkers	Supporting Actor in a Play	James Houston
Lost in Yonkers	Supporting Actor in a Play	John Lucash
Lost in Yonkers	Lead Actress in a Play	Tracey Fama
Lost in Yonkers	Featured Actress in a Play	Allison DiBiase
Lost in Yonkers	Supporting Actress in a Play	Marie Fiorello
Lost in Yonkers	Youth Actor in a Play	Alex Carr
Lost in Yonkers	Youth Actor in a Play	Dillon Spear
Lost in Yonkers	Scenic Design of a Play	Crystal Coddington
Lost in Yonkers	Stage Manager of a Play	Kate Murray
Wedding Secrets	Production of an Original Play	Karen Abbatiello, Producer
Wedding Secrets	Production of an Original Play	Marie Fiorello, Director
Wedding Secrets	Production of an Original Play	Joe Starzyk, Playwright
Wedding Secrets	Direction of a Play	Marie Fiorello
Wedding Secrets	Supporting Actor in a Play	Mark Kalet
Wedding Secrets	Featured Actress in a Play	Ana Kalet
Wedding Secrets	Youth Actress in a Play	Felicity Howard

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.