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OnStage News & Notes - April 2015
 In April we look back on the success of Ken Ludwig's Lend Me a Tenor; Look foward to what next season holds;, Say goodboy to a Friend and Board member; Find out what Clementine the Dragon has been up to; and see what some MPO alumni are up to.
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Ken Ludwig's Comedy Farce Lend me A Tenor Leaves them laughing!
Maurer Productions OnStage began its 10th season by sending shivers into the night but ended it with heartfelt laughter as Ken Ludwig's comedy Farce "Lend Me A Tenor" thrilled Kelsey audiences. The show's ensemble cast sparkled as their well honed timing hit every mark and tickled the audience to get every laugh possible from the Ken Ludwig's hilarious script.
"These actors have perfect timing saying funny lines, are wonderful with physical comedy and capture the comedic essence of each of their classic farce characters. They’re so good, you’d think it was easy to make a theater roar with laughter.”
"John M. Maurer’s direction is exquisite, every moment is pitch-perfect." |
| Anthony Stoeckert - CentralJersey.com |
Set in the 1930's, Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome the world famous Tito Merelli, Il Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as Otello. The star arrives late and, through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out. His pulse is so low that Saunders and his assistant Max believe he’s dead. In a frantic attempt to salvage the evening, Saunders persuades Max to get into Merelli's Otello costume and fool the audience into thinking he's Il Stupendo. Max succeeds admirably, but Merelli comes to and gets into his other costume ready to perform. Now two Otellos are running
around in costume and two women are running around in lingerie, each thinking she is with Il Stupendo. A sensation on Broadway and in London's West End, this madcap, screwball comedy was guaranteed to leave you teary-eyed with laughter.
Dispite poor weather, audiences trudged through the snow to see the final performances. Said one patron, "I heard how good the show was and I didn't want to miss it. I wasn't about to let a snowstorm stop me."
"I couldn't have been happier with the way the show turned out." said MPO’s Artistic director, John Maurer. "The cast really took to their characters. They worked hard to make every moment special, even if they weren't the center of the scene. For example, when Stephanie Zimmerman who plays Maria Merilli, accidentally drops a magazine with the pope on the cover, she picks it up and blesses herself. Even through she is off to the side and isn't the main focus of the scene you can still hear chuckles from audiance members who catch it."
The show’s cast featured Andrew Timmes of Lawrenceville, NJ as Max; Alysia Toscano of Mercerville as Maggie; Peter Bisgaier of Princeton Jct as Saunders;
Roman Sohor of Manalapan as Tito;
Stephanie Zimmerman of Hamilton as Maria;
Matthew Cassidy of Morrisville, PA as The Bellhop; Maria Aromando of Bridgewater as Diana and Laurie Hardy of Hamilton as Julia.
This hilarious salute to the 1930's comedies ran at Kelsey Theatre in West Windsor, NJ February 20 - March 1, 2015. More information about shows at the Kelsey Theatre Visit www.kelseytheatre.net.
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Next Season MPOnStage travels the world and takes on Hollywood
Maurer Productions OnStage is proud to announce our 11th season. First we will take you on an adventure, then we'll make you laugh and sing.
 Around the World in 80 Days
October 2015
Award-winning production team of MPOnStage brings you a Comedy/Adventure for the whole family. Stampeding elephants! Raging typhoons! Runaway trains! Unabashedly slapstick! Hold onto your seats for the original amazing race! Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they race to beat the clock! Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and his life at risk. With his resourceful servant Passepartout, Fogg sets out to circle the globe in an unheard of 80 days. But his every step is dogged by a detective who thinks he's a robber on the run. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show as five actors portraying 40 characters traverse seven continents in Mark Brown's new adaptation of one of the great adventures of all time.
More Info> |
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City of Angels
May 2016
CITY OF ANGELS is the rarest of musical comedies; one that is not only loaded with music and written in the contemporary jazz idiom, but also filled with sidesplitting comedy. Set in the glamorous, seductive Hollywood of the 40's, the world of film studios and flimsy negligees, the show chronicles the misadventures of Stine, a young novelist, attempting a screenplay for movie producer/director, Buddy Fidler. While Fidler professes to be a fan of Stine’s work: “I’ve read a synopsis of every book you’ve ever written,” he assures the author, his gargantuan ego forces Stine to make endless compromises in the script he’s writing. The script is an adaptation of one of Stine’s novels which features his Raymond Chandleresque hero, a private investigator named Stone. Every movie scene that Stine writes is acted out onstage in the black and white film noir world. With music scored remenisint of a 1940's private eye film, it is a tale of decadence and homicide with a liberal sprinkling of femmes fatale.
More Info> |
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MPO Board Honors Retireeing Members
It's sad when you can't hang out with your friend like you used to. But sometimes real life gets in the way and things change. So it is with a heavy heart that we bid a found farewell to two of Maurer Productions Board members.
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Dan Maurer - Vice President
During our 10th Anniversary in the 2014-15 season at the Kelsey, we bid a sad farewell to a brother, brother-in-law and friend as Dan Maurer has decided to retire from MPO and focus on his writing. (Have you read Snow Day? It's pretty good!)
Dan joined Maurer Productions in 2005 as we prepared to produce our first show, The Foriegner, at the Kelsey Theatre. He has been a Producer, Director, & Marketing Master. He's gotten our shows in more newspapers over the years and was a major force in every production the company produced. His efforts helped move the company forward and was part of the reason for all the awards and nominations that company has gotten over the years. It will be hard to fill his shoes. Thank you Dan for your tireless work over the past 10 years. We couldn't have done it without you! |
Laurie Gougher
Senior Board Member & Musical Director
A classically trained singer, an experienced director and music director, Laurie was a friend and worked with MPO as an actress and Musical Director before joining the board in June 2011. During her time working with MPO she Music directed Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Drowsy Chaperone, Avenue Q and Monty Python's Spamalot as well as directed Shrek the Musical. If this dosen't sound busy enough she also worked with other community theatre groups on 13 the Musical, Pirates of Penzance, Sunday in the park with George and Cats. Laurie is a friend, teacher and mother who would just as easly pick up a hammer or paint brush as a baton when in the heat of tech week. She has been wonderful to work with and we want to thank her for all the help and support she has given the MPO over the years. |
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Tomato Patch 2015 Gearing up for Summer Fun
2015
The longest running, most successful summer arts program in central New Jersey, now in its 42nd year!
Tomato Patch Visual and Performing Arts Workshops, held annually on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College, is one of the longest-running and most successful multi-disciplinary summer arts programs in central New Jersey. Since 1973, over 6,700 junior and senior high school students have spent several weeks of their summer exploring the visual arts, dance, theater, and vocal music under the guidance of a highly qualified staff of teaching professional artists.
A few weeks can last a lifetime - as graduates of Tomato Patch over the years have proven. Many Tomato Patchers are now professional artists and have appeared on Broadway, or have decided to teach the arts as they were taught in Tomato Patch. Many have gone on to fulfill different life ambitions yet maintain lasting friendships formed in Tomato Patch.
Students select a major concentration in either the theater, dance, vocal music, visual arts, and spend two morning classes in these areas. After lunch, they are free to choose electives in other areas. Afternoon course offerings for 2015 may include children's theatre, "Who's line is it anyhow?", painting, drawing, jazz dance, musical theatre, children's theater, a cappella singing, hip hop, vocal ensemble, comedy, music video and web video.
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Where in the World is Clementine Now!
 Once again Clementine, the 24 foot long dragon created for the Maurer Productions OnStage presentation of Shrek the Musical last May, went above and beyond during her visit to Collingswood High School. Being a full figured dragon may turn a knights head but can sometimes cause problems. Collingswood high has a beautiful old theatre but not many large entranceways. With no backstage space to hold her an no way to get her through the main doors drastic action had to be taken. It was desided that she would need to go on a crash diet. But with only her head and neck visible on stage she still gave a great performance. especially during a special sensory friendly performance for a group 380 guest with developmental disorders and disabilities. In addition to lower light and softer sounds, Collingswood guests would get to meet cast members before the show to allay anxiety. Audience members would be allowed - encouraged - to sing, dance, clap, stand, and make noise during the performance. There would be two sensory break rooms. Collingswood special-needs student "ambassadors" would welcome guests as they arrived.
 Clementine also made sure that everyone on stage looked their best by bringing costumes created by Kathy Slothower and her team for MPO's production last May. The high school students had a wonderful opportunity to use professional costumes to help them visually transform into their characters!
And there is no rest for the fire breather yet! She is off to Monmouth Regional High School this month for their production of Shrek the Musical. If you would like Clementine to be part of your production or event please contact Info@MPOnStage.com
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NJACT Reviewer Training in April
The NJACT Perry Awards are given for outstanding achievements in New Jersey Community Theater. At the beginning of each season, NJACT Member Theaters submit their shows for award consideration. Two NJACT Reviewers attend each production, evaluate all on-stage aspects of the performance, and provide separate numerical scores for over 50 different criteria across 10 different review categories. More than 200 shows produced by theater companies around the state are submitted each year, which require over 400 reviews by trained NJACT volunteers.
NJACT bestows Perry Awards in 33 performance and technical categories based on NJACT reviewer scores. Candidates with the top seven scores in each category are considered nominees. The nominee with the highest score in each category receives the Perry Award. There are also four Special Perry Awards available each year: Community Theater of the Year Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the David P. McMenemie Award, and the Perry Award for Outstanding Stage Management. Candidates for these awards are nominated by members of the community, and the recipient is determined by NJACT Board vote of those nominated.
You can take part in this process by becoming a reviewer for NJACT. NJ Perry Awards (NJACT) will be conducting reviewer training on Saturday, April 25, 2015 with the Sketch Club Players in Woodbury, NJ from 12 noon to 3:00 pm. If you are awaiting training, or if you are already a reviewer and wish to attend as a refresher, feel free to attend. There is no admission. Theatre reps, this is a good time to check on the activity of your present reviewers. Remember, you are required to provide two qualified reviewers who attend two shows per season!
The address for Sketch Club Players is 433 Glover Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.
For directions, please visit their website at http://www.sketchclubplayers.org/ or visit their Facebook page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/sketchclubplays
New reviewers need to submit an application and resume to admin@njact.org.
The Reviewer Application may be found here: http://njact.org/documents.
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Alumni Happenings for April and May
The Adams Family at Somerset Valley Playhouse
 Jaimie McMillin (Shrek) and Simon Hamilton (Shrek) are performing in the cast of The Addams Family at SVP.
Synopsis: The Addams Family features an original story, and it's every father's nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family - a man her parents have never met. And if that weren't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's 'normal' boyfriend and his parents.
Dates and Times:
Fridays, April 17 and 24, and May 1 and 8 at 8 pm
Saturdays, April 18 & 25 and May 2 & 9 at 8 pm
Sundays, April 19 & 26 and May 3 & 10 at 2 pm
Tickets:
Adults, $22; Seniors/Students $20
For tickets, visit www.svptheatre.org or call 908-369-7469.
Theater Info:
Somerset Valley Playhouse (SVP)
689 Amwell Road
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
For directions to the theater, visit http://www.svptheatre.org/directions.htm.
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Romeo and Juliet, MCCC Student Production, Kelsey Theatre
 Kate Pinner (scenic design and costumes) is responsible for the beautiful costumes and scenery in the student production of Romeo and Juliet at Kelsey Theatre.
Synopsis: Shakespeare’s classic story about the star-crossed lovers is portrayed in an original way in this production. Come enjoy a wonderful blend of Prokofiev's ballet and Shakespeare's moving tragedy in Romeo and Juliet, performed and designed by MCCC's Theater, Dance and Entertainment Technology Programs.
Dates and Times:
Friday, April 17 at 8 pm
Saturday, April 18 at 8 pm
Sunday, April 19 at 2 pm
Tickets:
Adults, $18; Seniors, $16; Students/children, $14
For tickets: Visit http://www.kelseytheatre.net/ticket_series.shtml or call the box office at 609-57-3333.
Theater Info:
Kelsey Theatre
Mercer County Community College
1200 Old Trenton Road
West Windsor, NJ 08550
For directions to the theater, visit http://www.mccc.edu/welcome_directions_wwcampus.shtml.
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Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris by Forte Dramatic Productions
 Alysia Toscano (Lend Me a Tenor), James Petro (Singin’ in the Rain, Man of La Mancha), John Zimmerman (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), and Stephanie Zimmerman (Lend Me a Tenor,
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown) make up the cast of this musical revue.
Synopsis: The poignant, passionate and profound songs of Belgian songwriter Jacques Brel are brought to vivid theatrical life in this intense musical experience. Brel's legendary romance, humor and moral conviction are evoked simply and directly, with four actors, four musicians and four stools. The result is a powerful, intimate, bold and emotional evening of theatre. Brimming with flair, attitude and European sophistication, these rich compositions bring to mind the groundbreaking work of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, creating a universe all their own that consistently startles with its daring, candor and insight. The sheer musical poetry of each song supports many layers of interpretation, giving the show a new and unexpected meaning with every new cast and production team that takes it on.
Dates and Times:
Friday, April 17 at 8 pm
Saturday, April 18 at 8 pm
Tickets:
General Admission, $20
To purchase tickets, visit http://fortedrama.org or purchase at the door.
Theater Info:
West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
For directions to the theater, visit http://www.westwindsorartscenter.org/west-windsor-arts-center.html.
To visit Forte Dramatic Productions website, visit http://fortedrama.org.
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PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE by the Pennington Players
Peter Bisgaier (A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody, Spamalot, Lend Me a Tenor) Directs and Matthew Cassidy (Lend Me A Tenor), Nicole Farina-Machin (Singing in the Rain), Sean Downing (Spamalot), Justing Derry (Spamalot, Shrek the Musical) and Kevin Palardy (Spamalot) perform in the Pennington Players Production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile at the Kelsey Theatre
Synopsis:
So, Einstein and Picasso walk into a bar, and… The punch line to this joke is in The Pennington Players’ production of this imaginative comedy, written by comedian Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin.) While the play is not exactly a classic, you can’t get more museum quality than these two classic visionary figures, one who is on the verge of publishing his Theory of General Relativity and one who is close to painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon—his ground-breaking foray into modern art. And you can’t get funnier than this imaginary meeting between the two in a bar at the turn of the 20th Century. Join us, faster than the speed of light, for a Post-show Talkback on Friday, May 1st.
Performance Dates:
Fridays, Apr. 24 & May 1, 2015 at 8pm
Saturdays, Apr. 25 & May 2 at 8pm
Sundays, Apr. 26 & May 3 at 2pm
Theater Info:
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College
1200 Old Trenton Road
West Windsor, NJ 08550
Telephone: (609) 570-3333
Directions to Theatre: http://www.mccc.edu/welcome_directions_wwcampus.shtml
Tickets:
$18 Adult, $16 Seniors, $14 Students and Children
(plus ticketing fee)
To buy tickets:
For information and online ordering: http://www.kelseyatmccc.org/ticket_info.shtml Or call (609) 570-3333.
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The Music Man at Kelsey Theatre
Elizabeth Rzasa (Man of La Mancha) and Laurie Hardy (Lend Me A Tenor, Count Dracula) are performing in the cast of The Music Man at Kelsey Theatre
Synopsis: The Yardley Players take you back to River City, Iowa, circa 1912, in their horseless carriage. The gregarious, fast talking con man Harold Hill arrives in town to pull a big swindle, but ends up falling in love with Marion, the librarian. With classic tunes that include Ya Got Trouble, Goonight My Someone and the show stopper, Seventy-Six Trombones, this gem is perfect for the whole family.
Dates and Times:
Fridays, May 8 and 15 at 8 pm
Saturdays, May 9 and 16 at 2 pm and 8pm
Sundays, May 10 and 17 at 2 pm
Tickets:
Adults, $20; Seniors, $18; Students/children, $16
For tickets: Visit http://www.kelseytheatre.net/ticket_series.shtml
or call the box office at 609-57-3333.
Theater Info:
Kelsey Theatre
Mercer County Community College
1200 Old Trenton Road
West Windsor, NJ 08550
For directions to the theater, visithttp://www.mccc.edu/welcome_directions_wwcampus.shtml.
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