This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

On Stage Scoop: Be a Scrooge This Week

See a show, audition for a part or learn how to write a play with this week's On Stage Scoop.

It’s not even October yet, but it’s time to get in the Christmas spirit—especially if you've let the theater bug bite you. Audition, and you just might end up playing a Christmas spirit (or one of the Cratchits or maybe even Scrooge himself) in one of two versions of “A Christmas Carols;” try-outs for both productions are this week.

You could also audition to play a dancing teen in “Footloose” or a (presumably less footloose and fancy-free) zombie in “Night of the Living Dead.”

For those who prefer to enjoy theater from the audience, opening this week are “Romance Romance” by the Women’s Theatre Company and “Steel Magnolias” at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre. Concert offerings include live jazz by the Midiri Brothers at the , and Diana Ross at the .

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Read about those shows and a lot more from throughout the region below. The On Stage Scoop appears every Tuesday.

ON STAGE SCOOP

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Who Wants Some Moor? The  will present Shakespeare’s “Othello” through Oct 2. This marks the theater’s first production of the classic tragedy since 2003. The cast includes Lindsay Smiling as the title character, the Moorish general who is deceived into a jealous rage by the villainous Iago, played by Robert Cuccioli. Bonnie J. Monte—artistic director at the Shakespeare Theatre—directs.

Mob Scenes:  will host the New Jersey premiere of Richard Dresser’s “The Last Days of Mickey and Jean,” Sept. 22 through Oct. 19. In the show (which is a co-production with  and Oldcastle Theatre Company in Bennington, Vt.), Mickey, a mobster from Boston retires with his young girlfriend, Jean, which leads to a funny look at love. General admission tickets cost $40. For information, go to MorrisMuseum.org or call 973-971-3706.

Fall Semester at Playwrights Theatre: Playwrights Theatre’s Creative Arts Academy fall classes for kids, teens and adults will begin in October. The Kids and Teen classes will be held at Madison High School, 170 Ridgedale Ave Madison. The Adult class will be held at Playwrights Theatre Administrative Offices, 28 Walnut Street, Madison. Playwrights Theatre Creative Arts Academy classes are an opportunity for students at all levels of experience to bring their imaginations to life, while practicing basic performance and writing skills. Students work collaboratively with their peers creating characters and telling stories while building the confidence needed to enjoy creative freedom. Most classes conclude with a “sharing” of class work for family and friends. Classes are taught by professional instructors who are working actors, directors, writers and artistic directors. The intimate class sizes allow individuals to explore in a safe, non-judgmental environment and insures of individual attention is given to each participant. Classes beginning Oct. 1 include Playmakers for Grades 1-3 and Musical Performance for Grades 4-8. Adult Playwriting Workshop begins Oct. 10 and Get Ready to Audition for High School students begins Oct. 8. Prorated options are available for this class only. For more information and to register, visit www.ptnj.org or call the Education Department for more details 973-514-1787 X21.

Romping Through the Bard: Dover Little Theatre is presenting "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" through Sept. 24. This comedy favorite sees performers make their way through all of Shakespeare’s 37 plays, creating a lightning-fast night of laughter. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The theater is located at Elliott Street in Dover. For information, call 973-328-9202 or go to DoverLittleTheatre.org.

It’s Not You, It’s Them: Nutley Little Theatre has raised the curtain on its new season with Michael Weller’s “Split,” continuing through Sept. 24. The 1978 comedy is about the breakup of a seemingly perfect couple. The theater’s website describes the play as an "offbeat mix of melancholy and hilarity." This play contains adult language and themes, and is not suitable for children. Tickets cost $15. For tickets, call 877-238-5596 or visit SmartTix.com. For information go to NutleyLittleTheatre.com.

Telling Tales: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is presenting "Once Upon a Time," featuring three musical adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen stories, through Sept. 24. The kid-friendly show will share the stories of “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Tickets cost $12. Call 973-691-2100 for reservations. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake.

American Drama at the Barn:  has opened its 2011-12 season with Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” through Oct. 1. “All My Sons” was Miller’s first successful play and is about a son who discovers the crimes of his father that have remained hidden. The Barn Theatre is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville. Tickets cost $15. For information, go to BarnTheatre.org.

Unexpected Love: Romance and wit are promised as the Villagers Theatre in Somerset presents “Cactus Flower” through Oct. 2. The comedy revolves around Julian Winston, a middle-aged dentist and dedicated bachelor, who tells his young girlfriend, Toni, that he’s married to avoid a commitment. After Julian falls in love with Toni, he comes up with a solution—just tell her he’s getting divorced. But things get complicated when Toni insists on meeting his wife. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $16, or $14 for seniors and students. For reservations, go to VillagersTheatre.com, call 732-873-2710 or e-mail boxoffice@villagerstheatre.com.

Read All About “Newsies:”  in Millburn has opened its 2011-12 season with the premiere of “Newsies,” a new musical based on the 1992 Disney movie, running through Oct. 16. The show features a book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics by Jack Feldman and music by Alan Menken, and is based on a true story about a group of newsboys in 1899 who fought a vicious newspaper tycoon. For tickets and information, call 973-376-4343 or go to PaperMill.org.

The Horrors! Song, dance and a man-eating plant are all part of the fun at ’ “Little Shop of Horrors,” on stage through Oct. 18. The off-Broadway hit was based on a 1960 B-movie about a flower shop employee named Seymour who loves a girl named Audrey and who raises a blood-thirsty plant named Audrey II. The musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman was then adapted into a 1986 movie musical featuring Rick Moranis, Steve Martin and Bill Murray. Tickets cost $20, $18 for seniors and students. For information, go to SVPTheatre.org or call 908-369-7469.

Audition Alert, “A Christmas Carol:” Centenary Stage Company in Hackettstown is seeking local, non-equity auditions for Alan Menken's and Lynn Ahren’s “A Christmas Carol: The Musical.” Auditions will be held Sept. 20, 1 to 7 p.m. in the Sitnik Theatre. The production will be choreographed and directed by Broadway veteran Michael Blevins. CSC is seeking dancers who sing and singers who dance for this upbeat lively version of the classic tale. Performers should prepare 16 to 32 bars of a song from the traditional musical theater genre and be prepared to dance. Currently all roles are open and CSC is seeking a diverse company; ethnic performers strongly encouraged to attend.
The play will be performed in the Sitnik Theatre, opening Nov 25 and running through Dec 11, with performance Wednesdays thru Sundays. For more information, call 908-979-0900, ext 8. or go to CentenaryStageCo.org.

Audition Alert, “Footloose:” Sourland Hills Acting Guild will host auditions for “Footloose” on Sept. 21 and 22, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Otto Kaufman Community Center, 356 Skillman Road in Skillman. Auditions are open for people ages 11 to 88 (and even older). Prepare 16 bars from a Broadway musical (bring sheet music) and come ready to dance. Bring information about dates that might cause conflict with rehearsals. Performances are Nov. 18 through 20 at the Montgomery High School Performing Arts Center. For information, e-mail info@sourlandhills.org.

Movie Lecture in Chester: Film and music historian Rick Busciglio of Chester will host “Great Movie Musicals” at the Chester Library on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Busciglio will guide the audience through a tour of Hollywood musicals from the 1930s to the 1960s. He was share clips and recordings and talk about performers including Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bing Crosby. He will also talk about composers, including George Gershwin, Cole Porter Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers, Larry Hart and Oscar Hammerstein. The Chester Library is located on Route 24, west of Route 206. To register, call 879-7612 or go online at ChesterLib.org

Satisfy your “Constant Craving” to see k.d.lang:  will host a concert by k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang on Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. Grammy winner Lang is known for her powerful voice and singing songs in various styles, from country to jazz and standards. Tickets cost $67 to $107. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Song and Dance: Ridge Light Opera of New Jersey will present its 17th annual Operetta and Musical Theater show, Sept. 22 through 24, at , 140 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge. This year’s show will be fully staged and costumed and feature songs from “The Merry Widow” and “Kismet,” along with cabaret songs. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25, or $20 for seniors and students. For information, go to RidgeLightOpera.org.

Audition Alert, “A Christmas Carol:” will hold auditions for “A Christmas Carol” on Sept. 22 and 26 at the group's playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road/Route 514 in Hillsborough. Director Jak Prince is seeking an adult ensemble cast, 25 and above, non-traditional casting possible. All roles will be cast from this ensemble, including Scrooge, Ghosts, and the Cratchits. Several roles for high school/college students are available for the ensemble, out of which Tiny Tim will be cast. Actors with musical ability should be prepared to play as well (piano, violin, guitar). In addition, the company is looking for a run crew, especially props, and load in/out help. Performances are Dec. 2 through 18, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information, call 908-369-7469.

Audition Alert, “Night of the Living Dead:” Looking for some creepy fun this fall? The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theater of New Jersey, will hold auditions on Thursday, Sept. 22 beginning at 7 p.m. for its Studio Presentation series show, "Night of the Living Dead." It will be performed in a radio-style format with three roles for women, four for men, one for a young girl—and a lot of roles for zombies. All auditioning will be reading from the script and zombies should be prepared to do some improvisational movement. The theater is also seeking teenagers interested in working behind the scenes, designing digital sound effects and visual projections for the performance. Auditions are open for anyone 14 and older. Shows will be on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. All roles will be filled by community artists. As with each Growing Stage production, all roles are open and the theater adheres to a non-traditional casting policy. Performers of color, seniors, the undead, and performers with disabilities are encouraged to attend. The Growing Stage is located in the Historic Palace Theater on Route 183 in Netcong. For additional information call 973-347-4946 or email exdir@growingstage.com.

Twice the Love: Women’s Theatre Company will present its first show of the 2011-12 season, “Romance, Romance,” Sept. 23 through Oct. 9. With music by Keith Herrmann and lyrics by Barry Harman, the Tony-winning show (Best Musical of 1988) explores love through song. Performing in “Romance, Romance” are Actors Equity members Mark G. Dalio of Sparta and Marci Sofley of New York City. Also performing is Ashley Kowzun of Kenvil. The musical is directed by Lauren Moran Mills. Warren Helms of Pompton Lakes is musical director. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. at The Parsippany Arts Center, within the , 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. Tickets cost $20, or $28 for seniors. For reservations, call 973-316-3033.

Get Ready to Cry: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre will present “Steel Magnolias” with a run starting Sept. 24 and continuing through Oct. 9. The comedy-drama is about six southern women who talk about love, family, friendship and life. Performances are Sept. 24 and Oct. 1. 2, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets for Saturday performances cost $20. Friday and Sunday tickets cost $15. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For reservations, call 973-691-2100.

Coming Home to Jersey: Hoboken-based critical darling Yo La Tengo is performing a concert at  on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $27-$55. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Pass the Syrup, And a Whole Lot More: “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” will kick off Centenary Stage’s Young Audience Series on Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. Based on the picture book by Laura Numeroff Joffee, the adaptation for kids in Pre-K through fifth grade, tells the story of a girl who tries to make a pancake-eating pig happy. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for children. For tickets call 908-979-0900 or go to CentenaryStageCo.org.

All Jazzed Up: The Helen Sung Trio will perform a jazz concert at the Centenary Stage Company’s Edith Bolte Kutz Theater of the Lackland Cener on Sept. 25 at 4 p.m. The concert is part of the Centenary’s Jazz in the Box Series. Sung is a winner of the Kennedy Center Mary Lou Williams Jazz Competition and has performed with Clark Terry, Wyntno Marsalis, Jimmy Heath and others. Tickets cost $20 at the door, $15 in advance. The theater is located on the campus of Centenary College in Hackettstown. For tickets, call the box office at 908-979-0900 or go to CentenaryStageCo.org.

Live Music at the Bickford: Jazz Showcase continues Sept. 26 with a concert by the Midiri Brothers Trio, featuring Jeff Barnhart on piano, Joe Midiri on reeds and Paul Midiri on drums, vibes and, perhaps, a little trombone. The concert will begin at 8 p.m., with tickets costing $18, $15 in advance. For tickets, call 973-971-3706.

Watch Him Do His Stuff: Lindsey Buckingham will perform a concert at on Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. He’ll perform songs from his newest album, “Seeds We Sow,” as well as classics from his Fleetwood Mac Days. Tickets cost $47 to $77. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

It’s Jim Time at the Mayo Center: Get ready for a night of laughter, and a lot of jokes about food, when Jim Gaffigan comes to on Oct. 1, with performances at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Gaffigan’s DVD concerts include “Beyond the Pale.” Tickets cost $47 to $87. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Oh, Henry: The Shakespeare Initiative is presenting “The Wars of the Roses” Sept. 30 through Oct. 9. The production is Shakespeare Initiative’s adaption that combines the Bards’ “Henry VI Part I” with the first three acts of “Henry VI Part II.” The company promises engaging battles, political intrigue and drama as Henry fights to maintain his control over France by marrying Margaret of Anjou. Performances are Sept, 30, Oct. 1, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. For information, go to BrundageParkPlayhouse.org.

Lighting Up the Stage: Centenary Stage Company in Hacketstown will present Moss Hart’s comedy “Light Up the Sky.” Sept. 30 through Oct. 16 at the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Center. The play is about a group of New York theater people who attend the opening of their new play in Boston. There will be an opening caption for the Oct. 9 matinee performance. For tickets and information, go to CentenaryStageCo.org.

You Won’t Hear a Symphony, but You Will Hear Some Great Music: The Legendary Diana Ross will perform at The Mayo Center for The Arts on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Ross is one of the most successful and honored performers of all time. Her hits with the Supremes include “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Her solo hits include “Touch Me in the Morning” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Tickets cost $75-$175. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Date Change for Tom Chapin Concert at Growing Stage Theatre: The Tom Chapin Concert originally scheduled to open the Growing Stage Theatre’s 30th Anniversary Season has been rescheduled for Nov. 11. The concert was to be part of the company’s ribbon-cutting for the unveiling of a restored front façade at the Palace Theatre but Hurricane Irene delayed that work. For tickets and information, call 973-347-4946 or go to GrowingStage.com.

Summit Playhouse 2011-2012 Season:  will open its season with “Meet Me in St. Louis,” adapted by the classic movie musical, running Nov. 4-19. The show, directed by Jay Mills, is an adaptation of the movie musical with songs by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, and book by Hugh Wheeler. Musical direction is by Rich Lovallo. Tickets cost $25, $20 students (18 and under). Next up is Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” about the Keller family and a long-held family secret, Feb. 24 through March 10. Sherie Ahlin directs. Tickets cost $20, $15 students. The season will conclude with “Over the River and Through the Woods,” a comedy by Joe DPietro about a single man from New Jersey and his family, and the dream job that could get him away from his family. Performances will April 27 through May 12. Directed by James Valletti. Tickets cost $20, $15 for students 18 and under. For tickets, visit SummitPlayhouse.org/tickets, or call 908-273-2192.

Brundage Park Playhouse Seeks Directors for 2012 Season: Directors wishing to be considered for the 2012 season plays at Brundage Park Playhouse, “The Miracle Worker” or “Pygmalion,” are requested to submit a written proposal to the selection committee. The proposal can be found here.

Fall Theater Classes at Brundage Park Playhouse: Registration is open for fall classes at the Brundage Park Playhouse. Offered classes are Advanced Acting, for ages 11 through 15, starting Sept. 26; Intro to Dance for ages 7 through 12 beginning Sept. 26; Ballet/Tap/Jazz starting Sept. 24 for ages 3 through 6; Theater Mash-Up for ages 3 through 6 starting Sept. 24 and Hip Hop/Jazz for ages 5 and older, beginning Sept. 24. Click here for information and on-line registration.

Express Your Artistic Side: Registration is open for fall classes at  in Hillsborough. The school offers drama classes, such as puppetry, acting, musical theater and “No Fear Shakespeare” for kids from kindergarten to middle school. Music lessons (instruments and voice) are available for all ages. New classes include a “Glee”-inpsired class and Kids Voice, in which students will learn how to sing popular songs. The school offers art classes in drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media for preschool to high school students. The school is located at 4 Jill Court, Building 22, Unit 3 in Hillsborough. For information, call 908-431-4439 or go to KreativeKidsNJ.com.

Growing Theater Skills at Growing Stage: Registration is open for the Growing Stage Theatre’s Fall Creative Arts Program, running Sept. 24 through Dec. 17. Classes for kids in grades kindergarten through nine are offered Saturdays in the following areas: Creative Dramatics, Performing Arts Workshop, The Actor Speaks, and Musical Performance Lab. Click here for information. 

Get Schooled in the Performing Arts: ’s Brightest Star School of Performing Arts is offering fall classes in singing, public speaking, dancing, cabaret and production. Private lessons available for voice, piano and guitar. All ages. For information, call 973-971-3726 or clickhere

Submissions for Villagers’ VIP Series: The Villagers Theatre in Somerset is seeking submissions for its 2011-12 Villagers Independent Producers (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. The theater’s goal is to select a season of three shows to be performed in October 2011, January 2012 and May 2012. Please submit the titles and authors of the productions you would like to mount. 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. All submissions for consideration must be received in the Villagers Main Office at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 no later than Aug. 10 or e-mailed toVIP@villagerstheatre.com.

Got news for On Stage? E-mail Louis@Patch.com.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?