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Arts & Entertainment

On Stage Scoop: Tributes to Zeppelin, Miles Davis

Concerts lead a week of music, drama and comedy.

Miles Davis is long gone and a Led Zeppelin reunion seems unlikely, but that doesn’t mean the music doesn’t live on.

is hosting tributes to the two musical greats from very different genres, when Miles Davis Experience and Get the Led Out take stage in Morristown.

And that’s just the start of what North Jersey’s stages are offering. New shows opening include “The Cocktail Hour,” “On Golden Pond,” “The Time Machine,” “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” You can even “see” some radio plays to get in the Halloween spirit.

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Read the weekly On Stage Scoop to get all the details about what there is to see and hear. The Scoop appears every Tuesday:

ON STAGE SCOOP:

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Larry King Performance Canceled: Larry King’s appearance at the , scheduled for Nov. 11, has been canceled. According to the Center’s website, ticket-holders will receive a letter with instructions regarding refunds. For more information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Getting Buggy in Chatham: has kicked off its 90th season with Tracy Letts’ “Bug,” running through Oct. 29. The play focuses on Agnes, a waitress who is abused by her ex-husband and haunted by her child’s kidnapping, which happened 10 years prior. She spends her time drinking and drugging in a motel room when a Gulf War veteran named Peter enters her life. The couple’s interest leads to obsession. And let’s just say bugs enter the picture. Tickets cost $20, $18 and under. For information, go to ChathamPlayers.org.

Silly Old Bear: “Winnie the Pooh” is on stage at  Pax Amicus Castle Theatre with a kid-friendly show on stage through Nov. 11. The play finds the famous bear sharing adventures with Christopher Robin, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit and Eeeyore. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Tickets cost $12. For reservations, call 973-691-2100.

An American Classic: of New Jersey is presenting “To Kill a Mockingbird” through Nov. 20. Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel tells the story of Atticus Finch and his pursuit of justice in a small town through the eyes of his daughter Scout. Brent Harris, who appeared in the Shakespeare Theatre’s production of “Timon of Athens” plays Atticus, and Emmanuelle Nadeau of Westfield plays Scout. The show is directed by Joseph Discher whose previous credits at the theater include “The Grapes of Wrath,” “The Tempest,” and “Amadeus.” For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.

He’s on the Road Again, and Coming to Morristown: Willie Nelson and Family are coming to the for an Oct. 27 concert, beginning at 8 p.m. Nelson will be performing hits like “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Cowboys,” “Always on My Mind” and many others. Tickets cost $72 to $100. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Rock On: Theater Rock will present “A Jump to the Left” at the Darress Theater in Boonton, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. Theater Rock performs songs from contemporary Broadway shows by musicians from different musical paths. Songs from shows such as “Hair,” “Rent,” “Chess,” “Rock of Ages” and more will be performed. The theater is located at 615 Main St. in Boonton. Tickets cost $20. For information, call 973-334-9292 or go to DarressTheater.com.

Radio Plays: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre im Budd Lake will stage live productions of radio drama adaptations of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” and “Sabotage,” and Orson Welles’ famous “War of the Worlds,” Oct. 28 to 30. Shows will feature sound effects, actors playing multiple roles and vintage commercials. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 29, and 2 p.m. on Oct. 30. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Tickets cost $15. For reservations, call 973-691-2100.

Feel the Dance: The Centenary Stage Company will host a performance by the New Jersey Ballet on Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. in the David and Carol Lackland Center’s Sitnik Theatre in Hackettstown. The company will perform “Ballet with a Latin Beat II,” celebrating the rhythms and culture of Brazil, Cuba and Mexico. Tickets cost $30 at the door, $25 in advance with discounts available for seniors, students and children. Tickets can be purchased by calling 908-979-0900 or at CentenaryStageCo.org.

He’s Got Rhythm: Pianist Hyperion Knight is performing a tribute to George Gershwin at Centenary Stage Company’s David and Carol Lackland Center in Hackettstown on Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $22.50, $17.50 in advance, and can be purchased by calling 908-979-0900 or at CentenaryStageCo.org.

Looking at Love: will present the New Jersey premiere of Geoffrey Nauffts’ “Next Fall” Oct. 28 through Nov. 13. The Tony-nominated play examines a five-year relationship between Adam and Luke, while exploring faith, commitment and unconditional love. Performances are at the Baird Center, located at 5 Mead St. in South Orange. For information, go to DreamCatcherRep.org.

Generation Gap: is presenting “On Golden Pond” at the Somerset Valley Playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road in Hillsborough, Oct. 28 through Nov. 13. Ernest Thompson’s play is about an older professor and his wife who return to their Maine vacation home for another summer, and see for themselves how the world’s values are changing. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $17, $15 seniors/students. For more information, call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPtheatre.org.

Comedy Star: “30 Rock” star Tracy Morgan is coming to for a night of politically incorrect standup on Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. For adults only. Tickets cost $49 to $79. Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Lovely Rita: Standup comic Rita Rudner will be bringing her observations about life and marriage to the on Nov. 3 for an 8 p.m. show. Rudner rose to fame after appearing on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show,” has starred in her own HBO specials and is the author of four books. Tickets cost $42 to $67. For more information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Gotta Go Back in Time: Centenary Stage Company will kick off its Black Box Festival with a stage adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine,” running Nov. 3 through Nov. 6. Performed by RadioTheatre, a New York-based company, the show will be staged at Centenary’s Black Box Theatre
in the David and Carol Lackland Center in Hackettstown. Tickets can be purchased by calling 908-979-0900 or at CentenaryStageCo.org.

Misty Mountain Hop Over to Morristown and Get the Led Out: If it’s been a long time since you rock and rolled, then head to the when Led Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out takes stage for a Nov. 4 concert, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $52. For more information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Go See a Superstar: Villagers Theatre in Somerset is performing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” with a run starting Nov. 4 and concluding Nov. 20. The musical is being directed by Khy Garner with choreography by Renee Liciaga. The rock opera was originally released as a 1971 album before becoming a Broadway show about Jesus’ teaching and final days. The cast includes David Seamon as Jesus, Ryan Aiello as Judas and Karen Pierson as Mary. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. For more information call 732-873-2710 or go to VillagersTheatre.com.

Clang Clang Clang Goes “Meet Me in St. Louis:” is presenting “Meet Me in St. Louis,” with performances Nov. 4 through 19. The show is an adaptation of the 1944 movie musical starring Judy Garland. It’s set in the 1900s as the Smith family lives in a simpler time that may not be as simple as it seems. Tickets cost $25, or $20 for students. For tickets call 908-273-2192 or go to SummitPlayhouse.org.

Let’s Talk it Out Over Drinks: Chester Theatre Group will present the comedy “The Cocktail Hour” Nov. 5 through 19 at the Black River Playhouse, located at Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester. A.R. Gurney’s comedy takes place in the 1970s in upstate New York. A writer returns home with a play about his family, hoping to get their permission to produce it. But they have reservations, which are discussed, along with some other things, over cocktails. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 13 and 20. Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. For reservations and information, call 908-879-7304 or go to ChesterTheatreGroup.org.

Listen to Music and Help Pay For a Roof: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is holding two concerts to raise money to fix the theater’s leaky roof. The concerts will be held Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. The concerts feature Carmen Artis, Richard Boyer, Daniel de Riancho, Jan
Findlay, Matthew Gandolfo, John Hammel, Lauren Muraski, George Stults and Darlene Yannetta. They will be joined by young artists, and will perform a concert of mostly Broadway and movie songs. Recommended donations are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students. Donations of all sizes are welcome, contact the theater to arrange. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For more information, or to make a donation, call 973-691-2100.

Feeling Kind of Blue? Then see the Miles Davis Experience: The Miles Davis Experience will pay tribute to the jazz great at the for a Nov. 5 concert, beginning at 5 p.m. The multimedia presentation features trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire performing Davis’ arrangements. Tickets cost $27 to $47. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Scout’s Coming to Madison: Academy Award-nominated actress Mary Badham, who played Scout in the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” will host a program titled “Looking Back with Scout: A Conversation with Mary Badham” on Nov. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. at 's F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. During the talk, the actress will recall her memories on the set of the movie and discuss the book’s themes of tolerance, justice, and compassion. She will also host a question-and-answer session. The program coincides with the theater’s run of Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation of the novel, running through Nov. 20. Tickets cost $40 to $50 and can be purchased by calling the Shakespeare Theatre box office at 973-408-5600 or visiting ShakespeareNJ.org. The theater is located at 36 Madison Ave. in Madison.

Audition Alert, “All My Sons:” is holding auditions for Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” on Nov. 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. with callbacks on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. The play follows the Keller family, whose patriarch Joe made his fortune through selling defective parts during World War II. Unlike his partner, Joe avoided jail, but his secrets could soon be revealed. Performances are Feb. 24 through March 10. Click here for more information, including a character breakdown. The theater’s Playhouse is located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit.

Audition Alert, “Leader of the Pack:” is holding auditions for “Leader of the Pack” on Oct. 19, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Players’ playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road. Find a breakdown of open parts here. Bring with you and be prepared to sing 32 bars of music in the style of the show. Accompanist will be provided. The Players are seeking a multi-ethnic cast who can sing and dance and represent the classic "girl groups" of the era. For more information, call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.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.

Audition Alert, “The Sound of Music:” Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph is holding auditions for “The Sound of Music” on Nov. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. for children and on Nov. 14 and 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. for adults. Show dates are Feb. 3 through 19. For more information, including a character breakdown, click here. Click here for directions. For more information, go to BrundageParkPlayhouse.org.

Giving Plays a Chance: Premiere Stages is seeking submissions to the
Eighth Annual Premiere Stages Play Festival. The competition for unproduced scripts offers developmental opportunities to four playwrights born or currently residing in the greater metropolitan area (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut). The winner of the festival will be awarded $2,000 and a full Equity production in Premiere’s 2012 season. The runner-up will receive $750 and an Equity workshop in June. Two other writers will receive staged readings in March and a cash prize of $500. Entries are evaluated by a panel of theater professionals in consultation with the artistic director and resident dramaturge.  Agents may submit full scripts; playwrights may submit a synopsis and script sample directly. Postmark deadline is Jan. 15, 2012. No entry fee. Complete submission guidelines available at Kean.edu/PremiereStages.

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