Local Actresses Inaugurate Luna Stage Theater

Theatre buffs have a new theater to love. This week, the nationally recognized Luna Stage Theater Company begins previews of its first, main stage production in its new, state-of-the-art theater in West Orange. The  preview curtain goes up on the acclaimed play, "The Old Settler," Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The official gala opening is set for Friday, Oct. 22.

There will be an extra buzz at the performances; the cast includes Maplewood-based Suzzanne Douglas—best known for starring roles in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" and WB's "The Parent 'Hood"—and South Orange's Ami Brabson. Brabson is seen often on television, including roles in "Homicide: Life on the Streets," "The Jury," "Law & Order" and "Wonderland."

Keeping it close to home,  Jamahl Marsh, another principal actor, is from Newark. Rounding out the cast is Nikkole Salter, of Jersey City.

Written by John Henry Redwood and directed by Susan Kerner, "The Old Settler" is set in Harlem during the 1940s. The play's drama and humor begin when two middle-aged church ladies, sisters Elizabeth and Quilly, rent a room in their apartment to a handsome young man from the Deep South. First produced in 1997, the play went on to win the American Theater Critics Award and to be produced for PBS television.

"I chose 'The Old Settler' to open our inaugural season in the Valley Arts District because I believe the audience will all relate to this story — will all recognize themselves in these characters — will all feel for what it means to be a human being," said Luna Stage's Artistic Director Jane Mandel.

Mandel, also an actress, director and theater writer, founded the company in 1992. It became an equity theater in 1995. From its inception, the company has fulfilled its mission to enrich the lives of both the theatrical and the larger community. Formerly in Montclair, the theater relocated to West Orange at the invitation of HANDS, Inc., the not-for-profit redevelopment organization and of the township government and other arts groups in West Orange.

The Luna Stage Theater, once a tool and die factory, was architecturally adapted to the drama company's modern specifications. In addition to the 99-seat main stage, it houses the 50-seat Studio Luna, where script-in-hand readings of new plays and other events have taken place earlier this summer and fall. Both theaters are black box spaces; the layout of their seating can change to meet the needs of different performances and events.

The theater complex, which also houses public spaces, a small art gallery and rooms for scenery construction and offices, is a cornerstone of the 10-block Valley Arts District in the old industrial heart of the Orange and West Orange valley. The district is home to both not-for and for-profit music venues, art galleries, restaurants and artist studios.

There will be four main-stage productions this year with Thursday through Saturday evening performances and a Sunday matinee. "The Old Settler" runs through to Nov. 14. On Oct. 22, there will be a champagne Opening Night Reception at 6:45 p.m., with an 8 p.m. curtain.