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Arts & Entertainment

Go see "T.V. Classics," Just to Have a Laugh

"The Carol Burnett Show" and "All in the Family" come to life at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre

If you’re missing the 1970s and long for the days when “The Carol Burnett Show” and “All in the Family” kept America laughing, then Pax Amicus Castle Theatre has just what you need.

The theater in Budd Lake is offering a production called “T.V. Classics” for a run of Saturday-night performances from June 25 to July 16. The show features staged versions of sketches from Burnett’s variety show and two episodes of “All in the Family.” Director Stan Barber said it’s a mix guaranteed to have audiences laughing.

“When you take the best of Carol Burnett and the best of ‘All of the Family’ and you put it together in one show, I promise you it’s going to be funny, because they are the masters,” he said.

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The first act will recreate nine sketches from the Burnett show, which was a television sensation during its 1967-1978 run. In addition to Burnett, the show starred Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence and others. Among the sketches being presented by Pax Amicus is “Went with the Wind,” the famous parody of “Gone with the Wind.”

“I don’t know anyone, at least in the older generation, who doesn’t remember it,” Barber said. “It was great fun to revisit the madness of that.” Other sketches relive involved Burnett’s Fireside Girl, who blackmails people into donating money for organization, and Burnet and Lawrence playing friends who reunite after not seeing each other for years.

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"'The Carol Burnett Show' featured some of the best comic performers of their era, so the actors at Pax Amicus have some big shows to fill," Barber said.

“I said to the cast, ‘Look, we are not able to replicate the genius of these comics,’” Barber said. So he suggested that they watch the sketches and “get a flavor for how they did it,” rather than trying to do exactly what Burnett and her friends did.

Another challenge came with the quick scene changes that come with performing these skits live in a theater. A host will fill in the gaps by introducing the sketches and television commercials from the 1960s and ’70s will be heard between sketches, offering time for a transition and capturing the mood of watching these shows when they were first on.

“All in the Family” has proven easier to present on a stage, Barber said. The sitcom featuring the Bunker family of 704 Hauser St. in Queens, starred Carroll O’Connor as Archie, Jean Stapleton as Edith, Rob Reiner as Mike and Sally Struthers as Gloria, all of whom won Emmys for their work on the show.

“We have four actors, if you close their eyes, you’d be amazed how much they sound like Edith and Archie and Gloria and Meathead,” Barber said.

Most episodes of the groundbreaking sitcom took place in the living room of the Bunker family, and the episodes have the feel of live theater.

“These people were doing a 25-minute play every week for 11 years. It’s pretty astounding,” Barber says.

Two episodes of “All in the Family” will make up the second act of “T.V. Classics.” The first involves which Mike (or, as Archie calls him, “Meathead”) is getting his appendix removed by a female surgeon.

That’s no big deal in 2011 but in the 1970s, it was something that a character like Archie Bunker couldn’t accept.

“Archie takes the archconservative point of view that that’s not right, you must not have a woman operating on a man,” Barber said. “Of course everything in it deals with some interesting issues. It was quite a controversial show when it first came up.”

Much of “All in the Family’s” humor focused on Archie’s bigotry and ignorance. But people connected with that character, partly because he truly loved his family and had a soft side.

“Archie makes no sense about certain things and the character you think is the most simple-minded sometimes has the greater, most important thing to say, which is Edith,” Barber said. “She comes from a very loving, understanding point of view. And the irony I have found is that Archie, under all of that racism and sexism and using inappropriate words, actually is a very lovable character. … Underneath all this gruffness, and we all know someone like this, mostly of my parents’ generation, there’s always somebody saying inappropriate things and isn’t socially correct, but underneath has a good heart.”

A big reason why Barber thinks Archie became one of the most beloved characters in sitcom history despite his bigotry is that his remarks weren’t mean-spirited.

“It really was about wanting the world to be the way it was when you were young,” Barber said. “And it changes, words change, social attitudes change.”

The other episode Pax Amicus is presenting involves Gloria posing in the nude for an artist who’s a friend of hers and Michael’s. Mike thinks there’s nothing wrong with this, but his father-in-law disagrees and manages to plant some doubt into Mike’s mind.

"Mike’s whole point of view is if you can’t trust your wife, who am I going to trust in this world, and then you see Mike’s trust being eroded by Archie’s provocations," Barber said. "It’s very funny."

Barber says he chose these particular episodes to stage because they were funny but not over the top and also reflected the social message of the show, in the exploration of men and women’s roles in societies and in the differences between the World War II generation (represented by Archie) and the post-hippie Mike.

“That’s a whole different generation, and for Archie that’s the idea,” Barber said. “He’s the breadwinner and as he says in the script, ‘You’re the ones that the bread is won for.’”

T.V. Classics is on stage at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre, 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake Saturdays from June 25 to July 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15. For information and reservations, call the box office at 973-691-2100.

ON STAGE SCOOP

Nutley’s the Place to “Bee:” Nutley Little Theatre is presenting “The 15th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee” through June 25. In the Tony-winning hit, six over-achieving students compete in the ultimate spelling bee while dealing with their parents, who behave more childishly than the kids. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 47 Erie Place in Nutley. Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. For information, call 973-667-0374 or go to NutleyLittleTheatre.com.

Come and Meet Those Dancing Feet: The musical classic “42nd Street” will, through June 26. The song-and-dance extravaganza tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a young actress who has her heart set on Broadway, but misses her chance to audition, but then catches the eye of the director. The show’s songs include “You’re Getting To Be a Habit with Me,” “Were’ In the Money,” and “Lullaby of Broadway.” Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. Call 732-873-2710 or go to VillagersTheatre.com. The theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane in Somerset.

Keeping it Real with “The Misanthrope:” is presenting Moliere’s “The Misanthrope” through June 26. John Patrick Hayden stars as Alceste, whose disdain for hypocrisy doesn’t keep him from falling in love with Celimente (Elizabeth Ann Davis), who exhibits the very behavior Alceste despises. Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte directs. Tickets start at $32. For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or go to ShaksepeareNJ.org.

Audition Alert, “Bug:” will hold open auditions for Tracy Letts’ “Bug” on June 22 at 7 p.m. at The Chatham Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave. in Chatham. All roles are open, none are precast and everyone is encouraged to audition. For information, contact Kristin Furlong at 732-208-4184 or kristinbarber33@yahoo.com. According to the theater’s website, “Bug” is a “mind-bending tale of love, paranoia and government conspiracy—a  psycho-thriller that mixes terror and laughter at fever pitch … a high speed roller coaster ride into a crawling, buzzing, stinging nightmare.” For directions and information about the play, go to ChathamPlayers.org. The theater notes that the roles of Peter and Agnes are extensive and physically and emotionally demanding. Early mastery of the text will be essential.

Merry Wanderers of the Night: will present its annual outdoor show, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” July 22 through 31. Performances are at the Greek amphitheater at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morris Township. The theater promotes the 90-minute production as being perfect for children and families of all ages. For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or go to ShakespeareNJ.org.

All That Jazz: will close out it Jazz Summerfest series with Dan Levinson’s ode to Chicago jazz on June 27. The theater is located at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morris Township. For tickets and information, call 973-971-3706 or go here.

Get Dancing: , the Arts Council of the Morris Area and the United Methodist Church present their second annual Music Without Borders free summer outdoor lunchtime concert series on the Morristown Green. The series begins June 22 and runs every other Wednesday through August 3. Concerts run from noon to 1:30 p.m. First up this summer is Chia’s Dance Party on June 22. The New York City-based band delivers a unique musical experience where infectious danceable grooves mix harmoniously with extensive compositional and improvisational work. Next up is Chalgiya on July 6. The trio plays music form the Balnkans on classic instrumentation of clarinet or sax, accordion and traditional drums, sharing the spirit of village dances and the flavor of urban café music of Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria and Albania. Go to MayoArts.org for more information.

Audition Alert, “Little Shop of Horrors:” is holding auditions for “Little Shop of Horrors” on June 26 and 27, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Callbacks, if needed, will be on June 28. Needed are four females, ages 16-30 and four males, ages 18 to 30. Also needed is a puppeteer in the plant (male or female) and a voiceover for the Puppet (male) offstage. Come prepared to sing a song of your choice or from the production and be dressed for light choreography. Roles being cast are Audrey (Low A to High D), Mr. Mushnik (Low G to High E Flat) and Seymour (Low A to High G). Also being cast are Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon, plus One and Orin. Performance dates are Sept. 16 through Oct. 8. Auditions will be held at the Players’ Playhouse, 689 Amwell Road/Route 514 in Hillsborough. For information, call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.org.

Motown Comes to Bridgewater: The Somerset County Park Commission will kick off its Sunday summer concerts at  with Dr. K’s Motown Revue, June 26. Dr. K's Motown Revue sings all the greatest R&B hits, where audiences sing along with every familiar song they play. Healthy Living Activities will take place 5 to 7 p.m., and the concert will start at 7 p.m. For more information, call 908-722-1200.

Strumming the Banjo: Steve Martin will perform a bluegrass concert at the on June 28, 8 p.m. Martin is famous as a comedian, actor and writer, but he’s also an acclaimed musician with his newest album “Rare Bird Alert” featuring appearances by Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks. Martin will perform with The Steep Canyon Rangers, with whom he wrote and recorded his newest album. Tickets cost $57 to $100. Keep in mind that this is not a comedy performance. 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.

Relatively Speaking: The Chester Theatre Group will present the musical “Grey Gardens” at the Black River Playhouse from July 1 through July 24. The show is partly based on a documentary by Albert and David Maysels about an aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who became recluses, living in a mansion with stray animals. The theater is located at the corner of Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For information, go to ChesterTheatreGroup.org or call 908-879-7304.

Know Your Creatures: Reptile time is coming to  in Morris Township when “Snakes, Scales & Turtle Tales” takes stage on July 7. Featuring lizards such as the bearded dragon and leopard gecko, a box turtle and a Burmese python among other animals, kids will learn about what these creatures eat, how they live and if they make good pets. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Recommended for kids ages 3 to 10. Tickets cost $12. Go to MorrisMuseum.org for tickets and information.

Audition Alert, “Kids’ Cabaret:” Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for its “Kids’ Cabaret 2011 — Love is All You Need” on July 5 and 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. Callbacks are scheduled for July 8 at 7 p.m. Directors Nicole Cupo and Kristen Tynan seek a cast of performers from 10 to 19 years of age. Please prepare a 32-bar cut of a song that showcases your voice, preferably of the musical theater genre. A group dance audition will also be required. Resumes and head shots are always helpful but not mandatory. No appointments are necessary. Auditions will be held at the Brundage Park Playhouse on Carrell Road in Randolph. For information, call 973-989-7092 or go to BrundageParkPlayouse.org.

Ramblin’ All the Way to Morristown: Dickey Betts and Great Southern will play a concert at on July, 8 p.m. A founding member of the Allman Brothers Band and a legendary guitar player, Betts co-wrote and sang the group’s biggest hit “Ramblin’ Man” and helped define Southern Rock. Tickets cost $37-$57. 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.

Spanish Praise: Samuel Hernández will take stage at for a July 9 concert starting at 8 p.m. The Christian Spanish singer will perform songs such as "Por Si No Hay Manaña,” that have earned him Latin Grammy and Latin Billboard nominations for Best Christian Album. Tickets cost $15 to $30. 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.

Arabian Nights (and some matinees): Brundage Park Playhouse is staging “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” at its playhouse on Carrell Road in Randolph, starting July 8 and continuing through July 23. The show is based on the classic Disney film and is the Playhouse’s By Kids For Kids production for this summer. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is an additional 8 p.m. performance on Thursday, July 14. For tickets and information, call 973-989-7092 or go to BrundageParkPlayouse.org.

Comedy Showcase Postponed: Dover Little Theatre’s Comedy Showcase has been postponed until July 15 and 16. Tickets cost $15 for this fundraiser for the Dover Little Theatre Building Fund. Call the box office at 973-328-9202 for tickets.

Get Your Tickets Early: Tickets for three September concerts at are going on sale June 24. Kenny Wayne Shepherd will perform on Sept. 9, Yo La Tengo will take stage on Sept. 24 and Lindsey Buckingham will play a Sept. 29 concert. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. To purchase tickets, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Changes to Women’s Theatre Co. Schedule: The Women’s Theatre Co. in Parsippany has changed its previously announced season schedule and audition dates. The musicals “Romance, Romance” and “The Last Five Years” have replaced “They’re Playing Our Song” and “Baby.” Auditions for these two shows will be held in July, with dates to be announced soon. The season also includes the comedies “Crimes of the Heart” and “Southern Comforts,” and a bonus production, “A Person of Interest.” Go to WomensTheater.org for more information.

Here’s a Headline, Jay Leno’s Coming to the Mayo Center: Tickets for Jay Leno’s Aug. 26 concert at the go on sale June 17. Tickets cost $110 to $150. 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.

Summer Camp at Growing Stage: Registration is open for Growing Stage Theatre in Netcong’s Summer Arts Day Camp, beginning July 11 and continuing for five weeks through Aug. 12. Weekly sessions run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and end with a Camp Show at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Tuition begins at $250 per week. Complete information can be found here.

Next Season at Villagers: Villagers Theatre in Somerset has announced its 2011-12 season, which will begin with the romantic comedy “Cactus Flower,” Sept. 16 through Oct. 2. Next up is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera  “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Nov. 4 through 20. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is scheduled for Feb. 3 through 19 followed by the French comedy “A Flea in Her Ear” March 16 through April 1. The classic musical “The Music Man” will wrap things up June 8 through 24. For information, call 732-873-2710 or go to VillagersTheatre.com.

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 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.

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