Comedy, Music & Lots of Sondheim on Stage

The works of Stephen Sondheim are among the most challenging in theater, but the great composer obviously isn't intimidating area theater groups.

Dover Little Theater is currently staging "Company," Sondheim's groundbreaking 1970 classic about a single man in three relationships. The show is known as one of the first that deals with realistic adult themes, and features such songs as "Being Alive."

Meanwhile, The Barn Theatre will present "Assassins," with a run opening May 18. The 1990 musical is about the men and women who either assassinated, or tried to assassinate, presidents of the United States.

And even if you don't like Sondheim, there's bound to be something for everyone on a stage near you, from "Cabaret," to "Southern Comforts" and a semi-staged concert of "My Fair Lady."

Read The On Stage Scoop for the lowdown on live performances, audition news, season announcements and more. The Scoop runs every Tuesday

ON STAGE SCOOP:

Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2012-13 Season: announced that "A Chorus Line" will open its 2012-13 season, running Oct. 3 to Oct. 28. Next up with be "The Sound of Music" (Nov. 23 to Dec. 30), followed by Ken Ludwig's comedy "Lend Me a Tenor" Feb. 13 to March 10. The musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie" will be performed April 10 through May 5, and the season will finish with Disney's "The Little Mermaid," May 29 through June 30. Meanwhile the current season will conclude with "One on this Island," May 30 through June 24. For more information, go to PaperMill.org.

Laughter and Song:  is performing Joe DiPietro's "Over the River and Through the Woods" through May 12. The musical is about Nick, a single, Italian-American man from Jersey. With his parents retired to Florida, it's up to Nick to visit his grandparents every Sunday. But when he gets a job that could change his life, including a move to Seattle, Nick's grandparents come up with a scheme to keep him on the East Coast. Tickets cost $20, or $15 for students. The theater is located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit. For tickets or more information, call 908-273-2192 or go to SummitPlayhouse.org.

Sorry, Didn't Mean to Bug You: The Growing Stage Children's Theater is staging "Diary of A Worm, A Spider, And A Fly" through May 20. The musical was written by Joan Cushing based on the books by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Biss. The world premiere show is for all ages and gives audiences a look at the world from a bug's perspective. Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. There will be one Friday performance on April 27, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18, or $14 for seniors and children. For more information, go to GrowingStage.com.

What Good is Sitting Alone in Your Room When You Can Go See "Cabaret:" conclude their 90th season with "Cabaret," running through May 13. The classic musical is set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power and Sally Bowles, a performer at the Kit Kat Klub, starts a relationship with Cliff Bradshaw, a young American writer. The cast includes Katherine LeFevre as Sally and John Sechrist as the Emcee. Tickets cost $25, or $23 for seniors and youths (note: the show is recommended for mature audiences). Click here for tickets. Phone reservations will be accepted starting April 24 at 973-635-7363. The Chatham Playhouse is located at 23 N. Passaic Ave. in Chatham.

What a Beauty: is staging "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" through May 20 at the Black River Playhouse. The darkly comic story is set in the mountains of Connemara in Ireland, where Maureen Folan is in her 40s and has her first, and maybe last, chance at love. But her potential relationship is threatened by her manipulative mother. The show is directed by Stephen Catron and features Garaldine Baillod, Victoria Steele, Matt Meier, and Dale Monroe. Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. The playhouse is located at 54 Grove St. For more information, call 908-879-7304 or go to ChesterTheatreGroup.org.

Southern Hospitality: Women's Theatre Co. is presenting Kathleen Clark's "Southern Comforts" through May 20 at the Parsippany Playhouse. The play is about a widower and a widow who try to form a relationship later in life. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. on Sundays. The playhouse is located at 1130 Knoll Road. Tickets cost $20, $18 seniors. For more information, go to WomensTheater.org.

Conjuring Up Some Drama: Brundage Park Playhouse is performing Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" through May 20. Set during the Salem Witch Trials, the play was written in 1952 in response to the red scare and McCarthyism. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, and at 2 p.m. on May 6 and 20. For more information, call 973-989-7092 or go to BrundageParkPlayhouse.org.

We've Got "Company:" Dover Little Theatre is performing Stephen Sondheim's "Company" through May 20. The concept show follows a bachelor named Robert as he makes his way through a series of encounters with women. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22. For more information, go to DoverLittleTheatre.org.

Passionate Dance: Burn the Floor is bringing ballroom dancing marked by passion and drama to  on May 10 at 8 p.m. The show promises a historical journey through the waltz, drive, Paso Doble and more. Tickets cost $42 to $67. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Dance in Morristown: Nai Ni Chen Dance Company and The Ahn Trio will perform "Temptation of the Muses" on May 11 at 8 p.m. at the . The collaboration integrates poetry, new music by contemporary composers and original dance. Tickets cost $27 to $57. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Wouldn't it be Loverly to go see "My Fair Lady"? Ridge Light Opera of New Jersey will present a semi-staged concert version of "My Fair Lady," with an orchestra on May 11 and 12 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 140 South Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge. Tickets cost $20, $18 seniors, $10 students. For more information, go to RidgeLightOpera.org.

Laughter on the Fly: The improvisational humor of Off Book is returning to the Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake, with a PG-rated show on May 12 and an R-rated show on May 19. Shows are directed and hosted by Nick deVries. Audience members are invited to bring props they want to see used by the performers, and suggestions for improv skits. No one under 16 will be admitted to the R-rated show. Both shows start at 8 p.m. All tickets cost $15.

Getting Petty: Full Moon Fever, a Tom Petty tribute band, will perform a concert at the Darress Theatre in Boonton on May 12, 8 p.m. The concert will feature an appearance by Edge of Seventeen, a Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks tribute band. Tickets cost $20. For more information, go to DarressTheater.com.

Music to Light Up Your Life: will present "An Evening with Steve Tyrell and Debby Boone" on May 12 at 8 p.m. The two performers will offer standards. Boone sing will her hit "You Light Up My Life," as well as a tribute to her mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney. Tickets cost $42 to $77. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Santana Sounds: Stone Flower, featuring the music of Carlos Santana, will play a concert at the Brooks Arts Center on May 12, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12, $10 in advance. For more information, go to call 732-469-7700 or go to BrookArts.org.

Audition Alert, "Sleeping Beauty:" The Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will hold an open cast call for "Sleeping Beauty" on May 12 and 19 at noon. Auditions are open to young adults, ages 13 to 19. Performances are July 14 and 21, 11 a.m. and selected weekdays at 10 a.m., July 22-20. The producers are seeking actors to play a king, a queen, a silly troll, an enchanted prince and a dozen good fairies. A free acting workshop with Stan Barber, the director, is part of the rehearsal period. For more information, call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake.

Kiddie Favorite on Stage: "Max & Ruby: Bunny Party" will be performed at on May 13, with performances beginning at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The show for kids ages 4 to 10 shows the bunny siblings on a bus ride to buy a birthday gift. Tickets cost $12 to $15. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Chatham Community Players' Annual Meeting: Chatham Community Players will hold its annual meeting on May 16 at 8 p.m. Representatives will discuss the group's 2011-12 season and next season. The winners of the Dawley and Shipler awards will be recognized. All are welcome –casts, crews and audience members. Punch and desserts will be served after the meeting. Reservations are not necessary. The theater is located 23 N. Passaic Ave. For more information, go to ChathamPlayers.org.

Now We're Cooking: TV chef Lidia Bastianich is coming to on May 17 at 8 p.m. She will discuss her life, career and, of course, food. Tickets cost $42 to $77. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. There will be a book signing following the show. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

A Killer Time: will present "Assassins," the musical by Stephen Sondheim with a book by John Wediman, May 18 through June 3. The show is about nine people who assassinated, or tried to assassinate, presidents of the United States. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on May 18 and 26, and June 1, 2, 8 and 9. Performances on May 19, 20, 27 and June 3 begin at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville. For more information, go to www.BarnTheatre.org.

They Ain't Just Fiddling Around: Bowfire is coming to on May 18 for an 8 p.m. performance. The lineup features some of the finest fiddle and violin players, who will perform jazz, classic, bluegrass, Celtic music and rock. Tickets cost $37 to $62. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

More than Skin Deep at Villagers: "More than Skin Deep," a musical revue to raise awareness and support for The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc. will take place Villagers Theatre on May 19 at 8 p.m. The show will feature performances of Broadway songs that deal with differences and overcoming adversity. Tickets cost $20. For reservations and more information, call 732-873-2710 or email boxoffice@villagerstheatre.com.

Love and Dance: New Jersey Ballet will perform "Giselle" on May 19 at 8 p.m. at . Tickets cost $32 to $57. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org The company will also present two family-friendly performances of "Pinocchio" on May 20, beginning at 1:30 and 4 p.m. The show is for kids ages 4 and up. Tickets cost $12 to $15. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

New York Comedy in Newton: The Big Apple Comedy Club is coming to The Newton Theatre for a May 19 performance, beginning at 8 p.m. The bill will feature performances by Tom Cotter, Michele Balan, Moody McCarthy and Jessica Kirson. Tickets cost $20-$25. The theater is located at 234 Spring St. in Newton. For more information, go to TheNewtonTheatre.com.

Wise Men Say, Go See Jesse Garron: Jess Garron (AKA "The Closest Thing to the King") will bring the music and style of Elvis Presley to Newton Theatre on May 20, 3 p.m. Garron will recreate moments from Elvis 1968 comeback special and the "Aloha From Hawaii" special, as well as other hits from the '50s, '60s and '70s. The theater is located at 234 Spring St. in Newton. For more information, go to TheNewtonTheatre.com.

Audition Alert, Summit Kaleidoscope Productions: is accepting audition signups for its summer Kaleidoscope productions for young performers. Auditions will be held May 20 and May 21, with callbacks scheduled for May 22 through 24. The season will consist of three shows: Disney's "Winnie the Pooh," "Into the Woods Junior" and "The People Garden." There will be a $30 participation fee for each show if cast. Click here for more information, including show descriptions and performance dates.

Villagers Seeking Submissions: Villagers Theatre in Somerset is seeking submissions for its 2012-13 Villagers Independent Producers (VIP) series. In the VIP Series, writers, directors and performers are encouraged to take creative control of their productions to a far greater extent than a more traditional setting might allow. This format provides maximum freedom and flexibility in both content and scheduling. Consequently, the productions will not be billed as part of Villagers' regular season, but will be announced in complete detail as arrangements are finalized with the individual VIP participants. Also include any and all staff you have on board or would like to ask to be on board. Include a brief description of the production, including number of cast members, and a brief concept or vision of production. It is always helpful if you submit a copy of the script (and cast recording for musicals) in electronic format with your submission, however, it is not required with your initial submission. Should the committee consider one or more of your submissions, an interview will be arranged. Deadline for submissions for the 2012/2013 VIP Series is May 31.  If you have any questions, contact vip@villagerstheatre.com.

Summer Camp at Centenary Stage Company: The Centenary Stage Company is offering young artists the TYRO Acting Program and the Young Performers Workshop Summer Intensive Program during the months of July and August. The TYRO Theatre Programs provide an introduction to theater skills and performance in a two-week session from 9:30 a.m. to noon for kids ages 6 to 8 and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for children ages 9 to 11. The program runs July 9 through July 20. The cost of tuition is $200 per student. The TYRO Program is led by Maria Broadeur, the CSC education director. Brodeur is a professional actress and arts educator with experience in children’s theater who holds a BA in theater and education from Rutgers University. The YPW Summer Intensive offers training in acting, voice, and dance with specialized electives taught by theatre professionals. The program includes three full-length musical productions and The One Act play festival performed for the general public. Acceptance into the program is based on an interview with program director Michael Blevins scheduled for June 9 and June 10 at 11 a.m. For more information, call 908-979-0900 or visit CentenaryStageCo.org. 

Summer Camp at Brundage Park Playhouse: Registration is open for summer theater camps at Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph. The camps offer three different groups: “Budding Stars” for kids 5 to 7, “Summer Stages” for kids ages 8 to 14, “Budding Stars” for kids 5 to 7, and an “Advanced Performers Workshop” for students in grades 7 through 11. For more information, go to BrundageParkPlayhouse.org.

Summer Camp at Playwrights Theatre: Registration is open for the ’s Creative Arts Academy summer camp for kids and summer theatre program for teens beginning June 25 and running all summer long in two-week sessions. Summer programs include a Full-Day Theatre Academy. Also being offered are a Half-Day Summer Camp, and a Getting Ready To Audition class for high school students. For more information, call 973-514-1787 or visit ptnj.org.

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