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Arts & Entertainment

Director's Coming Home to 'Our Town'

Pax Amicus Castle Theatre to stage Thornton Wilder's American classic.

Stan Barber didn’t know much about theater when he was a high school teacher in Morris County 45 years ago. But he had taken an acting class and that made him qualified to direct the school play.

“The play I chose to do was ‘Our Town’ and I fell in love with the whole process of what it meant to put on a show,” Barber said. So much in love did he fall that he made the stage his career, and the theater he founded—now known as Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake—celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010.

As the artistic director of the group, Barber said, he’s directed some 500 shows (including a few in New York). But he hasn’t directed Thornton Wilder’s masterpiece since that night in the 1960s when he heard audiences crying over high school kids performing it.

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“The ‘Our Town’ production had so much meaning for me because I do consider it one of the most beautifully written and most touching plays in English,” he said. “I left that as a beautiful memory and then I moved on.”

It’s a memory he is finally returning to when Pax Amicus in Budd Lake stages “Our Town” March 12 through 26.

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There’s a good chance you read the play in high school, but for anyone unfamiliar with “Our Town,” it’s about the residents of Grover’s Corners, N.H. It’s set in an empty theater where the Stage Manager takes us through the story at the turn of the 20th century. Much of it focuses on the lives of George Gibbs and Emily Webb—and if you don’t know what follows, there’s no reason to spoil it.

The play is very aware of the actor-audience relationship, and its power lies in viewers being touched by the characters despite that awareness. Actors “carry” invisible props and wash their hands without water or a sink. The Stage Manager interrupts scenes and leads character off the stage. He also bring characters out of their “reality” to address the audience to offer information about Grover’s Corners.

All of this makes “Our Town” easy to produce: empty out the stage and you’re ready to go, but it offers some tough challenge to actors.

“Without the assistance of costumes and sets, the actors …  have to do that much more work to draw the audience in,” Barber said. “But because the story is so rich and so beautifully told, the simplicity really starts to work because you’re not distracted.

“In some ways it’s an easier production in that you’re not having sets painted, you’re not flying sets in and [dealing with] props and costumes and furniture. In that way it’s easier but in the fact that it has to be staged almost through using mime because we don’t use any props—even Bessie the horse is mimed—the audience is drawn into it becoming more and more their own stories and there are no distractions. But it is a difficult play to stage, no question about it.”

“Our Town” made its world premiere in New Jersey, at McCarter Theatre in Princeton on Jan. 22, 1938. More than 70 years later, Barber said, the play is still relevant because its themes are basic American ones: life, love, death, marriage, how an individual fits into a town, how that town fits into a nation and how that nation fits into the world.

“The play itself, which was so beautifully written, and so imaginative, interesting and ahead of its time, still stands,” Barber said. “It’s still one of the most beautiful plays in this English language, and this is after I’ve done 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth' and 'Amadeus' and 'Equus,' and so many other shows. But the essence of 'Our Town' resonates, maybe even more today because it’s about what it means to be a human being on Earth in a family, in a community and how you talk to people and who you are [around] people.”

Wilder’s play has an added relevance for modern-day audiences, Barber said, as we do so much of our communicating through e-mail, texting and on cell phones while we’re on line in the supermarket.

“This is a reminder of what it’s like to look someone in the eye and say, ‘I love you’ or ‘I’m angry with you’ or ‘I’m grieving for you,’ we type all this now, we send cards and we’re living this Hallmark version of a life,” Barber said. “‘Our Town’ is the opposite of that. It’s about being a human being and what it means to communicate with someone face to face, because you can type until you’re blue in the face but until you have somebody in your eyes, you’re not really there.”

Pax Amicus Castle Theatre will present “Our Town,” March 12, 19 and 26 at 8 p.m. and March 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15-$20. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Driver, Budd Lake. For more information, call 973-691-2100 or see www.paxamicus.com

THE ON STAGE SCOOP

Schedule Change at the Shakespeare Theatre:  in Madison announced that Dario Fo’s political farce “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” will replace Noel Coward’s “Fallen Angels” on its 2011 schedule because of rights issues involving the Coward play. Fo’s zany comedy will run Aug. 3 through 28. As previously announced, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s season will begin with Moliere’s “The Misanthrope” June 1 through 26. The theater’s summer outdoor show is Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” June 22 through July 31. The Bard’s rarely produced “Timon of Athens” continues the Main Stage season July 6 through 24. In the fall, Shakespeare’s “Othello” will be performed Sept. 7 through Oct. 2. Next up is Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of “To Kill A Mockingbird” Oct. 12 through Nov. 12. The season will wrap up with “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 1-Jan. 1. Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now at 973-408-5600. Go to www.shakespearenj.org for more information.

You Gotta Go … To Urinetown: The Chester Theatre Group at the Black River Playhouse will present “Urinetown: The Musical,” through March 19. The Tony-winning musical satire features music and lyrics by Mark Hollman and a book and lyrics by Greg Kotis. The title may sound icky, but “Urinetown” is actually a funny musical about a city that, because of a water shortage, charges citizens to perform the most basic of functions. Bobby Strong (played by Brian Hill) takes on the powers that be so that everyone in the city can get some relief. The cast and crew of “Urinetown” have developed a special humanitarian project dubbed "Pennies for Potties." Named by cast member Roxanna Wagner, who is heading up the effort, P4P is collecting money to to the international non-profit organization, Foundation for Peace, based in Ironia. The Foundation for Peace has provided much needed emergency care to many materially impoverished countries. Coin drops will be placed at the public rest rooms in the theater through the run of the show. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $24, or $22 for seniors and students. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling the box office at 908-879-7304.

Let Your Hair Down with “Rapunzel:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will present Richard Boyer’s “Rapunzel: A Brush With Fate,” March 12 ant 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bring your kids to see the story (which also inspired the recent hit movie “Tangled”) of a confident girl trapped in a tower who’s determined to be free. Tickets cost $12. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to www.paxamicus.com.

Hey, Watch Your Language:  will perform David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Glengarry Glen Ross,” through March 19, directed by Chase Newhart. The play follows four unethical real estate agents who are desperate to sell undesirable properties to prospective buyers. It was adapted into a 1992 movie featuring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin and Kevin Spacey. Performances are March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m., and March 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for seniors and youth. (Because of its strong language, “Glengarry Glen Ross” is not appropriate for young children.) Reservations can be made by calling 973-635-7363. Tickets can also be purchased here.

Pay Attention to “Distracted:” Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre is staging Lisa Loomer’s “Distracted at  , through March 20. The play, which had a successful run off-Broadway starring Cynthia Nixon last year, looks into attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and how it affects a child and his parents. In the play, a 9-year-old boy named Jessie has problems with school and at home. Everything is a struggle for him—school, obviously, but even simple things like getting him to dress and eat become frustrating for his parents. Serious stuff, but the play’s cast and crew say the play offers its share of laughs as the parents deal with the thicket of information and options about ADHD—and deal with adults who all have something to say about Jessie’s condition. is located at 33 Green Village Road, Madison. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $30, or $25 for seniors and students. You can save $3 by buying tickets at www.dreamcatcherrep.org or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

Audition Alert, “Mauritius:” The Chester Theatre Group in Chester will be holding auditions for Theresa Rebeck’s “Mauritius” March 8 at 8 p.m. at the Black River Playhouse, located at the corners of Grove Street and Maple Avenue. Needed are two female and three male actors for the following roles: Jackie, female late 20s; Mary, female late 30s; Philip, male 35-plus; Dennis, male late 20s-plus; Sterling, male 40-plus. Readings will be from the script. Performances are May 6 through 21. If you have any questions, call Jay Mills, the director, at 973-626-6629. For information about the Chester Theatre Group, go to www.chestertheatregroup.org.

Getting “Dark” in Dover: Dover Little Theatre will present William Inge’s “The Dark at the Top of the Stairs,” through March 19. The theater’s website describes the comedy-drama as a series of short stories. Those stories include a fight between a husband and wife; the fear of a shy girl going to a dance, the problems of an introverted boy who feels the world is against him, and others. The play debuted on Broadway in 1957 and won the Tony Award for Best Play. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and information call 973-328-9202 or go to www.doverlittletheatre.org.

That’s Some Pig: TheatreworksUSA will perform an adaptation of the E.B. White beloved children’s novel “Charlotte’s Web” at the  March 8 at 4 p.m. Geared for kids ages 4 to 10, the show brings to life the story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. Tickets cost $12. For tickets and information, go towww.mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

It Takes More Than Two to Tango ... when Tango Buenos Aires performs at the  March 10, 8 p.m. The dance group promises to bring the passion, romance and spectacle of the world’s most sensual dance to the Mayo stage as Argentina’s most celebrated dancers and musicians perform the tango. Tickets cost $32-$57. For tickets and information, go to www.mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

It's Better Than Even Money: 's musical for this year will be "Guys and Dolls," March 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m.; a matinee will also be March 12 at 2 p.m. Shows are in the West Morris Central High School Auditorium. More information here.

Moon Over Bloomfield:  will present “Wicked Moon,” a new musical by Varick Bacon (music), Powers McElhone (lyrics) and Richard Aellen (additional book and lyrics), March 10 through 12 at 7:30 p.m. The show is about Arlene, who owns the Wicked Moon Cabaret club, and the complications in her life that arise from love, family and a landlord who wants to terminate her nightclub’s lease. Talkback sessions with the cast and crew will follow each performance. Tickets cost $15 and can be reserved by calling 973-748-9008 ext. 279. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.4thwalltheatre.org.

Music and Garbage: The  is presenting its children’s production, “The Garbage Cantina,” March 11 through 27. Featuring actors aged 9 to 99 and puppets made from found objects, the show sees a garbage dump come to “hip-hopping life.” The eco-friendly workshop Green Fest will be held following the March 12 performance. All tickets cost $7. For information, go to www.thestrollers.org

Step Into the St. Patrick’s Spirit: Celtic Fire will perform a fusion of Irish traditions, including step dancing and traditional Irish folk music, at the  in Morristown March 11 at 8 p.m. Featuring dancers, and musicians playing instruments like fiddles, pipes, accordion, whistles and guitar under the direction of Riverdance’s Michael Londra, the show promises to be a great way to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Tickets cost $32 to $52. For tickets and information, go to www.mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Love and Marriage:  will present Craig Lucas’ “Prelude to a Kiss,” March 11 through 26. The Tony-nominated optimistic look at loves involves Peter, who is wondering who he really married—even before the wedding is over. Tickets cost $18. For information, go towww.studioplayhouse.org

Strike up the Band:  at the Morris Museum in Morris Township will present “Gershwin for Kids” by the Dave Leonhardt Jazz Group and Shelly Oliver Tap Ensemble March 12, with performances at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. The family-friendly interactive show is designed to introduce kids, and their parents, to the music of George and Ira Gershwin. Tickets cost $8 (one child free for each paid adult). Call the box office at 973-971-3706 to place an order. www.morrismuseum.org

Eight Times the Dance:  at the Morris Museum in Morris Township will host one performance of “Octodance,” March 12 at 7:30 p.m. The show features the contemporary dance visions of eight choreographers from such companies as the American Repertory Ballet, Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, the Pennsylvania Ballet and more. The performance is part of the Bickford’s “Guest Attractions” programming. Tickets cost $15. For reservations, call Dance Innovations Performance Foundation at 973-635-7000 or the Bickford box office at 973-971-3706. For information, go to www.morrismuseum.org.

Auditions Alert, “The Boys Next Door:”  in Hillsborough is casting Tom Griffin’s “The Boys Next Door,” March 12 and 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. Director Christopher Rollings is seeking seven males and two females (ages 25-50) for what SVP’s website describes as a gentle comedy about four special young men living together in support and trust. All ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Reading the play prior to auditioning is recommended. Two- to three-minute monologues are also recommended for the audition. Performances are June 10 through 26. For information, call 908-369-7469.

Pure Imagination: Villagers Theatre will present “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” as part of its KidsVill series, March 12 through 20 at its theater, located at 475 DeMott Lane in Somerset. Based on the classic children’s novel by Roald Dahl, the show takes audiences on a tour of the chocolate factory owned by the mysterious Willy Wonka. Performances are Saturday at noon and 3 p.m. and Sundays at noon. Tickets cost $10.Reservations can be made here, by e-mail at boxoffice@villagerstheatre.comor by calling 732-873-2710.

Audition Alert, “Blithe Spirit:"  is holding auditions for Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” March 13, 7 p.m. and March 15, 7:30 p.m. at the theater, located at 14 Alvin Place. Performances are May 20 to June 11. Female roles range from 25 to late 40s or 50s and males ranging from 40ish to 50s. All characters except Edith (female, 25-plus) speak with an educated, English accent. Sides are available here. Call 973-744-9752 or e-mail studiopl@studioplayhouse.org for more information.

Audition Alert, “Round and Round the Garden:”  will be holding auditions for Alan Ayckbourn’s “Round and Round the Garden,” March 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., with callbacks on March 16, 7:30 p.m. Auditions are being held at, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood. Seeking three men and three women who play late-20s to mid-40s. The part of Norman has always been played by an actor with a full beard. It is not necessary to make an appointment to audition. Sides will be provided, and dialects are not required at this time. Performance dates are May 13-21. For more information, e-mail info@thestrollers.org

Monday Night Jazz: ’s Jazz Showcase will present the annual Big Bix Beiderbecke Birthday Bash, March 14, 8 p.m. The South Shore Syncopators will bring 16 musicians and singers for this special program in Morris Township. Tickets cost $18. For tickets and information: 973-971-3706 or www.morrismuseum.org.

Comedy Tonight (Well, Not Tonight; It's Starting March 16): in Millburn will present “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” March 16 through April 10. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Sheelove and Larry Gelbart, this slapstick farce has been making audiences laugh since it debuted on Broadway in 1962 starring Zero Mostel. Nathan Lane headlined a popular revival in 1996. Tickets cost $25 to $92. For information go to www.papermill.org or call 973-376-4343.

Love Under the Stars:  will present John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine” March 18 through April 2. Described by the Barn’s website as a “delightfully charming midwinter night’s dream,” the play follows the residents of Almost as they fall in and out of love as the northern lights illuminate the sky. Tickets cost $15 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 973-334-9320 or e-mailing boxoffice@barntheatre.org(reservations can only be accepted via e-mail up to 24 hours prior to showtime). The Barn Theatre is located at 32 Skyline Drive. For more information, go to www.barntheatre.org

Find Your Inner Funny: The Chester Theatre Group’s Comedy Workshop Spring Session begins March 19. The joint venture of Chester Theatre Group and Kate Lyn Reiter offers adult beginners and the “comically curious” a fun and non-judgmental atmosphere where actors can learn the secrets of improve and stand-up comedy. Classes will be held 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $195. For information and to register, call 908-892-5458 or e-mail KateLynReiter@comcast.net

Party Like It’s 1929: The music and dance of the 1920s is coming to in Morris Township March 20 in “Before the Crash: America in the 1920s.” Director Daniel P. Quinn and choreographer Heath Johdos take audiences on a tour of American history, including the Charleston craze, America’s optimism and finally the crash. The performance is at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $30, $28 senior citizens, $20 students. For tickets and information: 973-971-3706 or www.morrismuseum.org.

Animal Instincts: The world famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre, starring Russian circus and juggling star Gregory Popovich and his cast of performing pets, will bring its stunts and skits to the  in Morristown March 20 at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25. The family-friendly show blends Popovich’s juggling and animal cast of cats, dogs, geese, parrots and doves. For tickets and information, go to www.mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Audition Alert, “The Drowsy Chaperone:”  will be holding auditions for Scott Hart’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” March 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. and March 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. For more information, go to www.barntheatre.org.

Audition Alert, "Cinderella:" Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is holding an open cast call for “Cinderella,” March 26 1 p.m. Auditions are open to anyone over 16. Performances are May 14, 21, and 28, and June 4, July 16 and 23. Cast members must be available for all performances. Everyone from beginners to experienced actors is welcome to audition. Call 973-691-2100 for more information.

Audition Alert, “A Man of No Importance:”  will hold auditions for “A Man of No Importance” (book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens) March 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. at the Westminster Arts Center, at the corner of Franklin and Freemont streets on the . Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. Those auditioning must sign in by 8 p.m. Callbacks will be held March 30, 7 p.m. Actors should prepare a song that best shows off their range and ability to tell a story. An accompanist will be provided. Sides will be available at the auditions. Actors ages 18-60s are encouraged to audition and must be able to do Irish accents. All roles are open. Please bring a headshot and resume stapled together. A complete breakdown of cast can be found on this page. Rehearsals will begin the last week of April and the production opens June 3, and runs 3 weekends. Non-union, small stipend paid. For more information, go to www.4thwalltheatre.org or e-mailinfo@4thwalltheatre.org.

Registration for Summer Theater Camps: Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph has announced its 30th season of summer performing arts education with the return of three programs. Summer Stages is a workshop for young performers ages 8 through 14 who have completed second grade or higher during the 2010-11 school year; staff instructs students in acting, music and dance, and each two-week session will end with a production for audiences of parents, relatives and friends. The Advanced Performers Workshop is open to students who are already at least 12 and will be entering seventh through 11th grades in the 2011-2012 season. Admission is by audition and interview. Students will spend part of their time in rehearsal for whatever show they are working on, and part of their time in workshops on various aspects of theater arts. The Budding Stars program is designed for children ages 5 to 7. Students will also create simple props and costumes for skits, fairy tales and children’s stories they perform. For pricing, schedules and registration, go to www.randolphnj.org, click on “Parks and Recreation,” and click on “Online Registration.” You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in the Senior Community Center on Calais Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-989-7092.

Go See the Go-Go’s. Tickets for the Go-Go’s June 1 concert at the in Morristown are on sale now. The all-female ’80s pop sensations had hits with “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “We Got the Beat,” and “Vacation.” Tickets cost $57 to $96. More information can be found here. Box office number: 973-539-8008.

Hey Hey, Monkee Tickets Are on Sale! The Monkees are reuniting for a tour in celebration of their 45th anniversary and they’ll take the last train to Morrisville for a June 9 concert at the . Tickets are on sale now and cost $57 to $97. Click here for information or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Doobie Brothers Tickets on Sale: Tickets for The Doobie Brothers’ April 22 concert at the  in Morristown are on sale. The legendary band’s hits include “China Grove,” “Takin’ It To the Streets” and “Jesus is Just All Right With Me.” Tickets cost $69-$109. For information, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

With a Banjo on His Knee: There’ll be nothing wild and crazy going on when Steve Martin comes to the  in Morristown. Tickets for his concert of bluegrass and banjo music are on sale now. The concert is June 28. Martin’s 2009 album, “The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo,” won the 2009 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. For information on all shows at the Mayo Center, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Registration Open for Villagers Summer Theater Programs: The Villagers Theatre in Somerset has announced its summer programs for training in theater arts, preparing young performers for the stage. Actors ages 9 to 12 who have demonstrated desire and talent for the performing arts will discover many aspects of theater, including acting, dance, voice, and musical theater, and production arts through both instruction and experience. The program will begin June 28 with two 3-week sessions, Monday through Friday. Li’l Villagers half-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m.-noon for younger performers, 6-8 years old; Villagers Apprentice full-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Each session will culminate in a performance on the Villagers Main Stage on the final Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Overture care and encore care are available for an additional fee. Students will be grouped for instruction by age, ability or experience. Arts educators will be assisted by college interns and high school counselors. Students are required to provide their own transportation and brown bag lunches. Session 1 will take place July 5-23. Session II: July 23-Aug. 13. For more information, go to www.villagerstheatre.com.

Paper Mill's New Season:  in Millburn has announced its 2011-2012 season, which will include four musicals (including a world premiere) and one comedy. The season will kick off with the debut of “Newsies The Musical,” based on the 1992 Disney movie, and written by Harvey Fierstein (book), Jack Feldman (lyrics) and Alan Menken (music). Paper Mill’s holiday offering is “White Christmas,” based on the movie starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Next up is Marc Canoletti’s 1960 comedy “Boeing Boeing,” (which recently had a successful Broadway revival) in January. Just in time for the baseball season is the classic musical “Damn Yankees” March 7 through April 1, and the season will wrap up with “Once on this Island,” May 30 through June 24. Meanwhile, there are two more shows to go before the current season ends. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” March 16 through April 10 and “Curtains” April 27 through May 22. .

Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of , Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar through June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

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