A Season of Musicals at Paper Mill

MILLBURN—The Paper Mill Playhouse plans to stage a season of all musicals in 2010-11, something it hasn't done in 15 years.

There won't be any plays in the lineup for next season. Instead, the playhouse will open the season with "Hairspray" Sept. 22 to Oct. 17. "Les Miserables" will follow Nov. 19 to Dec. 19, then "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" Jan. 19 to Feb. 13 and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" will stage March 16 to April 10. "Curtains" will close the season April 27 to May 22. The dates are subject to change.

Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill artistic director, said playhouse officials have built in the possibility of extending popular productions.

Of "Hairspray," Hoebee said the production teaches lessons of acceptance and tolerance. It also shows that what people go through as teenagers forms what they become as adults.

Citing that "Les Miserables" is one of the most popular musicals of all-time, he recommended the performance as one for all ages as it as great historic and educational value. Also many high schools perform "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," so it could be popular with teens, he said.

"Curtains," which will close the season, is a special personal project for Hoebee because not only will he be directing but it celebrate the terrific musical theater composing teams he has worked with.

Hoebee would not give any indication on who may be starring any of the productions, but said they are pursuing talent, including celebrities, for all of the performances.

While the focus of the day was on the 2010-11 season lineup, playhouse officials also reviewed the state of the theater and handed out the annual Sylvia Baron Volunteer of the Year Award to Millie Heckmann.

Heckmann is a lifelong Millburn resident and has been visiting the theater since she was a child and has been a volunteer for more than 30 years. She would throw pennies in the Paper Mill wishing fountain hoping to one day appear on the stage, which she was able to do twice as an extra.

In 1967, she became a matinee usher. After a 10-year hiatus she began working in the subscriptions department. She became the VIP of Ticket Services manager.

In talking about the state of the theater, Mark Jones, Paper Mill executive director, said playhouse officials have been able to reduce their financial short falls and are closing in on balancing the budget. There are still hurdles ahead, but the playhouse is meeting and exceeding its ticket sale goals. They also are dedicated to producing quality theater for audiences.

"The Paper Mill's tradition is for quality and it will remain that way," Jones said.

Investors Savings Bank, based in Short Hills, again will sponsor the Paper Mill's season. Kevin Cummings, Investors Savings Bank president, said township officials pushed the bank to grant a loan to the Paper Mill when it was in financial trouble. It was a turning point not only for Paper Mill but the bank because it meant they were involved in the community. Things are now on the upswing for the theater, he said, and great opportunities are ahead.

Mayor Tom McDermott, who handed out the volunteer award, said the township's purchase of the Paper Mill property was not a political issue. It was about teh town.

"The Paper Mill is good for the town," he said. "It is the town."