Livingston Teen Among Finalists In Paper Mill Dance Contest

The entries into Paper Mill Playhouse's Hairspray's Dance Invention online video contest have been narrowed down to eight finalists, including Livingston teen Allison Edelstein.

The eight videos were selected by a panel of Paper Mill Playhouse judges and through a public vote. Contestants were challenged to come up with a new, original dance move to the music track "You Can't Stop the Beat" from "Hairspray."

The eight finalists in alphabetical order are:

• Chris Beard of Pennington, 18. Dance invention entitled, "The Coif and Party."
• Isabella Bucci of Morris Plains, 14. Dance invention entitled, "The Hairspray Bottle."
• Ryan Campbell of Stirling, 16. Dance invention entitled, "The Neck Breaker."
• Allison Edelstein of Livingston, 15. Dance invention entitled, "Tracy Time."
• Rorey Furey-King of Montclair, 14. Dance invention entitled, "The Frame."
• Elena Knitel of Fair Lawn, 13. Dance invention entitled, "The Sewing Machine."
• Phil Sloves of Fair Lawn, 18. Dance invention entitled, "Galloping Bat."
• Mike Yosen of Whitehouse Station, 20. Dance invention entitled, "The Prom Shuffle."

The winning entry will be included in the Paper Mill Playhouse's production of "Hairspray." The main character, Tracy Turnblad, invents a dance move as part of the story. The eight finalists will receive a four-pack of tickets to opening night, and the winner will receive four admissions to the cast party following the performance.

The public can vote again to select the winner. The winner will be announced at opening night on Sept. 26. You can access the contest through Paper Mill Playhouse's Facebook page or by visiting the Paper Mill website.

The playhouse recently extended the performance schedule for "Hairspray." Originally slated to run through Oct. 17, it will now run Sept. 22 through Oct. 24.

Performances will be held Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 and 7 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 and 7 p.m.

Single tickets cost $25 to $92.  Family week is September 22 through September 26, during which children's tickets are half off. Student rush tickets are $25 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office or online at www.papermill.org.