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Arts & Entertainment

It's April, Time for An Enchanted Evening

Journey to Italy with the Women's Theatre Co. for beauty, love and "Enchanted April."

For Barbara Krajkowski, the artistic director for the Women’s Theatre Company in Parsippany,  this has been a theatrical season about relationships.

Whether it’s through song or comedy (or both), the company’s shows have examined how individuals connect to one another and all the joys and frustrations that come with relationships.

Now it’s time for something sweet and luscious while continuing that theme. “Enchanted April,” a play by Matthew Barber based on Elizabeth Von Arnim’s novel, is closing out the season with a run that continues through April 23, and Krajkowski said the show makes for a lovely and romantic evening of theater.

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“I thought this would be a kind of magical ending for the season because this ends very happily,” said Krajkowski, who’s directing the show. “It starts with relationship problems but [all ends] well. I thought it was a nice way to end a season, it’s happily ever after.”

The novel was written in 1922, and the story follows four English women who spend the month of April in a castle they’ve rented to think about (or is that get away from?) their lives. Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins are proper, married women who are in unhappy marriages. Mrs. Fisher is an older widow and Lady Carolin Dester is young and single. The group makes for a mix of ages, ranging from the Victorian Mrs. Fisher to Carolin, who’s a ’20s-era flapper type.

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“It’s nice that you have four different generations up there, which is kind of fun,” Krajkowski said.

The novel was adapted into two movies, one released in 1935 and a better-known 1992 adaptation starring Mirando Richardson and Joan Plowright. The play debuted no Broadway in 2003 and received a Tony nomination for best play. A musical version made its New York debut last year. The Women’s Theatre cast includes Karen Case Cook, Michele Danna, Patricia Durante and Ashley Kowzun playing the four women.

Of course, the women all fall in love with Italy. Krajkowski said audiences will know why when they see the set designed by Jonathan Wentz.

“He just turns out magic every time he gets up there, and he built a villa, it’s lovely with scenery and lighting and cracked walls and wisteria,” Krajkowski said. “When the curtain opens, the audience is going to be quite surprised, it’s like, 'Wow, how did he do that?' The furniture, the plants, it’s just a lovely setting. He’s so good at that. We’re not a big theater, we’re a small theater space with a relatively small stage space, and yet he creates the whole thing right across one side of the room."

The director said “Enchanted April” is a romantic comedy, and it’s one with many love stories. The young woman meets a love interest, the two married women re-connect with their husbands (though one is very surprised to find her husband in Italy), and the older woman has a romance of her own and gains a new family in the process.

“That’s the sweetness of it, and there’s one older woman and she gains all these people as a family, she was an old widow with no children and these people become her extended family,” Krajkowski said.

She adds that she expects to announce Women Theatre Co.’s 2011-12 season soon, possibly before the end of this run, and if not by early may.

“I’ve got a long list,” she said. “As a matter of fact, I’m meeting with people this week, set designers, costumers, and give them the list and ask what’s this going to cost me? What’s that going to cast me? We hope to have, by the end of this play, which is the end of April to have an announcement of what our season is going to be.”

This season, which has also featured musical revues focusing Stephen Sondheim and John Kander and Fred Ebb and Neil Simon’s “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” has been a good one, according to Krajkowski.

"The audience has really discovered us now and they’re coming in, and coming back, which is the important part," she said.

The Women’s Theatre Co. is performing “Enchanted April” at the Parsippany Playhouse, located at 1130 Knoll Road in Lake Hiawatha (if using a GPS, enter Boonton). For information, call 973-316-3033 or click here

The On Stage Scoop

Biblical Rock:  in Hillsborough is presenting “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” through April 16 at its playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road (Route 514). The show was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and is based on the story from the book of Genesis. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for seniors and students. For tickets, call 908-369-7469 or go to www.svptheatre.org.

Peachy Keen: Growing Stage children’s theater in Netcong is the place to see “James and the Giant Peach” through April 17. The play was written by Richard R. George from the Roald Dahl book about the title boy, who embarks on a strange journey aboard a giant peach with his newfound insect friends. Growing Stage promises young theater-goers an adventure with lots of laughs, a wise grasshopper, a pessimistic worm and James’ mean aunts. The theater is located at 7 Ledgwood Ave., Netcong. Tickets cost $18, or for $14 seniors and children. Call 973-347-4946 or go to growingstage.goes.com for more information.

Mystery, Meat: Omicron Theatre Productions will present a Murder Mystery Dinner featuring audience participation through May 28, at  on Amwell Road in Hillsborough. Admission costs $49 and includes dinner, the show, tax and gratuity. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required: Call 609-443-5598.

Play Ball! Nutley Little Theatre is presenting Richard Greenberg’s “Take Me Out,” through April 23. The play follows Darren Lemming, star outfielder for the New York Empires. Darren is rich, famous, handsome and convinced that coming out of the closet will be well-accepted. Turns out he’s wrong. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15. The April 8 is a benefit performance for Buddies of New Jersey, an organization that supports and educates people who have, or whose lives are affected by, HIV and AIDS. Tickets for the April 9 Meet and Greet cost $22. Tickets are available by calling 1-877-238-5596 or by clicking here. The theater is located at 7 Erie Place. For information, go to www.nutleylittletheatre.com.

Learning and Laughing: The Big Green Eco-Magic Show starring Steve Trash is coming to  in Morristown April 12 for performances at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. With a curriculum tie-in to science, environment and Eath Day, Steve Trash uses large-scale illusions and rock music to share ecological lessons with humor, fun and magic. Tickets cost $8. The show is intended for grades three through eight. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Audition Alert, “Picnic:” Auditions for “Picnic” at the Darress Theatre in Boonton will be held April 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., with callbacks on April 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. The performance, to be directed by Mary Ryzuk, will be held in July. For information, call 973-334-9292, e-mail info@darresstheatre.com or go to www.darresstheater.com.

Picture Shows at the Dress Theatre: Play With Fire Films, a North Jersey production company, will present a screening of “The Intruder” at the DarressBoonton Theatre in on April 20, 8 p.m. The short film follows a young couple’s relationships and its deadly turn after secrecy and paranoia intrude. Suggested donation is $5. On April 21, “Pluto,” a StrangeDog Production by Ariel Frenkel will be shown April 21 at 8 p.m. In that film, Paul “Pluto” Strauss escapes his unhappy life by harassing people until Olivia, a woman from his past, returns to his life. The theater is located at 615 Main St. For more information, go to www.playwithfirefilms.com.

Time for Tea: Young theatergoers are invited to “A Fairy Tale Princess Tea Party” at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Luke, April 22 and 23. The play, written by Pax Amicus’ Stanley Barber and Richard Boyer, stars Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel and other favorites. Performances are at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The theater’s website predicts this show will sell out, so order your tickets early. Tickets cost $12. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Drive in Budd Lake. For more information, call 609-691-2100 or go to www.paxamicus.com.

She’ll Stand Up, You Sit Down and Laugh: Wanda Sykes will perform at  in Morristown on April 23 at 8 p.m. The comic was named one of the 25 Funniest People in America by “Entertainment Weekly,” and is known for her roles on “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She’s also hosted her own late-night talk show on FOX and has had her own HBO special. Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Audition Alert, “Two Sides of Love:”  is holding auditions for a staged reading of “Two Sides of Love” on April 20 and 21, 6:30-10 p.m. Needed are two males and two females (all ages 20-plus). Auditions will be held at Somerset Valley Players’ theater, located at 689 Amwell Road in Hillsborough. The performance date is June 4. Please e0mail your headshot and resume to productions624@yahoo.com prior to April 20. For more information, go to www.svptheatre.org or call 908-369-7469.

Towering Work:  in West Orange will present the world premiere of Matt Schatz’s “The Tallest Building in the World,” through May 15. The play is about the birth of the World Trade Center towers and what is gained and lost when human beings try to reach the skies. Tickets cost $20-$30. The theater is located at 555 Valley Road in West Orange. For more information, go to www.lunastage.org.

A Bad Movie Can Make For a Good Time: The masterminds behind “Mystery Science Theatre 3000” are bringing "Cinematic Titanic" to  in Morristown April 15 at 8 p.m. The show is a live version of the cable hit show as Joel Hodgson and the show’s cast members riff on a horrible and cheesy movie. Tickets cost $27-$37. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Audition Alert, Comedy Showcase: Auditions are being held for a comedy showcase at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre. The theater is seeking new and experienced comics to try out their material on a live audience at the theater in Budd Lake April 16 at 1 p.m. and April 18 at 7 p.m. Prepare five minutes of your best material. Performances are June 4 and 11 at 8 p.m. On-stage experience is not necessary. Adult material is acceptable. Call 973-691-2100 for more information.

Adults-Only Comedy: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will present “Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight,” April 16 through May 6. The theater describes the show as a “boisterously naughty romp about three couples searching for love (and lust)." The show’s characters include a mafia hit man with intimacy problems, a young, gay psychiatrist with a much older boyfriend, and Ben, whose relationship with Nancy is thrown a curveball when she screams racial epithets at a rather strange moment. The off-Broadway hit opens April 16 with an 8 p.m. performance. Other performances are Saturdays April 23, 30 and May 7 at 8 p.m. Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for Saturday performances, $15 Friday and Sunday performances. (Note: This show is R-rated). Call the box office at 973-691-2100 for reservations.

If The Slipper Fits, It Must Be “Cinderella:” New Jersey Ballet will Dance “Cinderella” at  in Morristown April 17 at 3 p.m. The company bills the production as a lush take on the classic fairytale designed to entertain all ages, and narrated so that the littlest audience members can follow the story. Tickets cost $12-$15. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go towww.mayoarts.org.

Audition Alert, “Grey Gardens:” The Chester Theatre Group will hold open auditions for the musical “Grey Gardens” on April 17 at 2 p.m. and April 18 at 7 p.m. Auditions will be held at The Black River Playhouse at the corner of Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester. Arrive within the first 30 minutes of the audition, and bring music in appropriate key (an accompanist will be provided). Those auditioning will sing, and may be asked to stay and read from the script. Callbacks will be held by appointment. The show is based (in part) on the Albert & David Maysels documentary concerning the relationship between Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ eccentric aunt and cousin. For more information, including character descriptions, go to www.chestertheatregroup.org.

Shakespeare Theatre Doth Seek Volunteers:  is seeking volunteers to assist with ushering, concessions, and the gift shop during the 2011 season, which begins in June. The Shakespeare Theatre will hold a volunteer open house on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, in Madison. Community members interested in volunteering are invited to attend this open house to find out more about The Shakespeare Theatre and volunteer opportunities, meet the professional management staff, mingle with veteran volunteers, and learn about the 2011 season from artistic director Bonnie J. Monte. Each volunteer receives a ticket voucher good for one admission throughout the season for each performance he or she works. Performances are held Tuesday through Sunday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees beginning June 1 at the theater’s main stage, the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison. Volunteers are also needed for the theater’s production on its outdoor stage, the Greek Theatre on the campus of the  in Convent Station, running June 22 through July 31. For a full schedule, more information, or to sign up to volunteer, contact Heather Arney at 973-408-3694 orharney@shakespearenj.org.   Information about The Shakespeare Theatre can be found online at ShakespeareNJ.org.

Audition Alert, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee:" Nutley Little Theatre is holding auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the NLT Barn, located at 47 Erie Place, on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Auditioners will be asked to sing and should bring their own sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. They will also be asked to read sides from the show, which will be provided. The production requires five men and four women: Chip Tolentino, tenor (also doubles as Jesus); Leaf Coneybar, baritone (also doubles as Logainne’s father); Will Barfee, tenor; Logainne Schwartzand Grubenniere, soprano (also doubles as Leaf’s mom); March Park, soprano/mezzo-soprano, and Olive Ostrovsky, soprano (also doubles as Leaf’s siblings); Rona Lisa Perretti, soprano (also doubles as Olive’s mother); Mitch Mahoney, tenor (doubles as Olive’s father and Logainne’s father); and Douglas Panch, a non-singing role. Performance dates are June 10-12, 17-19 and 23-25. Go to www.nutleylittletheatre.com for more information.

Let’s Just Sing About Life:  is showcasing the “bookless book” musical “Closer Than Ever,” April 22 through May 7. The show features self-contained songs by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire about midlife crisis, second marriages, working couples and unrequited love, with many of the songs based on the lives of the writers’ lives. The original revue won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical and Maltby and Shire both garnered Drama Desk Award nominations for their respective contributions. Tickets cost $25, $20 students (18 and under). Performances asre Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with additional performances on Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 1 at 2 p.m. (The May 1 performance is a signed performance and an audio description is available if requested two weeks prior to the performance.) Go to summitplayhouse.org for more information.

Celebrating Children: Brady Rymer & the Little Band that Could return to the Growing Stage Theatre for a concert on April 23 at 4 p.m. The concert will celebrate the launch of the band’s newest CD, "Love Me for Who I Am.” The theater is located at 7 Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong. Tickets cost $14 (10 percent of proceeds to be donated to the Celebrate the Children’s School in Wharton). For more information, go to growingstage.goes.com.

Getting Elite: Elite Syncopation will be performing as part of  Jazz Showcase on April 25 at 8 p.m. The quintet from New England is making a return visit to the Bickford in Morris Township after several years and will be performing early jazz, ragtime and pop favorites using chamber music instrumentation. Tickets cost $18, $15 in advance. For information, call 973-971-3735 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Audition Alert, “Archie Bunker On-Stage:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is holding auditions for its summer production, “Archie Bunker On-Stage,” on April 27 at 7 p.m. and April 30 at 1 p.m. The show is based on episodes of “All in the Family” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Actors are sought to imitate and portray Archie, Edith, Gloria and Meathead, as well as Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vick Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner. Looking like the famous personalities is not nearly as important as catching the essence of their characters. Auditions are being held at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre, Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Those auditioning will read from scripts of the two classic shows. For more information, call 609-691-2100 or go to www.paxamicus.com.

It’s “Curtains” For Paper Mill Playhouse: The Broadway hit “Curtains” is closing ’s 2010-11 season April 27 through May 22. The show is about Frank Cioffi, a detective who dreams of becoming a Broadway star who is charged with investigating a series of murders at a Broadway-bound show. Written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the musical stars Robert Newman and Kim Zimmer, known for their roles on “The Guiding Light.” Tickets cost $56-$92. For information and tickets, call 973-376-4343 or go to Papermill.org. The playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn.

That It Should Come to This:  in Morris Township is presenting Paul Rudnick’s “I Hate Hamlet,” April 28 to May 22. The comedy hit focuses on Andrew Rally, an actor with a role on a hit TV show, a beautiful girlfriend and the chance to take on that most coveted of roles—Hamlet. The problem is, Andrew hates Hamlet, his show is being canceled and his girlfriend is holding onto her virginity. Tickets cost $40, $36 for seniors, and $20 for students 18 or under or with a valid college ID. For tickets and information, go toMorrisMuseum.org.

Country Rock and Honky Tonk: Travis Tritt will be take stage at The  in Morris township July 21; tickets go on sale to the general public April 8. Tritt’s hits include “Help Me Hold On,” “Foolish Pride,” and “Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares).” Tickets cost $42 to $87. More information can be found here.

School Will Be Out For Summer, So Why Not See Alice Cooper?: Tickets for Alice Cooper's Aug. 15 concert at  in Morristown are on sale now. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will be playing hits like “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Tickets cost $57-$97. Click here for more information.

Camp Shakespeare:  has started enrollment for its summer educational programs, which offer training in classical theater by professional theater artists for middle- and high school-aged students. Applications for the Junior and Senior Corps are now being accepted. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Junior Corps is a two-week summer acting program for ages 11 through 14. The program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring young actors as well as youngsters making their first foray into theater. Each two-week Junior Corps session offers daily classes including training in voice and speech for the stage, movement for the actor, Shakespeare’s text, improvisation, stage combat and scene study. The focus of the Junior Corps program is ensemble work. The sessions culminate in a short original production, adapted from Shakespeare or another piece of classic literature, which is performed before an audience of family members, friends, local residents and Shakespeare Theatre company members. While developing basic acting skills, the Junior Corps curriculum also emphasizes self-confidence, collaboration, creativity and teamwork. The Junior Corps offers two sessions, July 11 through 23, and July 18 through July 30. No audition is required for admission into the Junior Corps, but space is limited. Tuition for each two-week Junior Corps session is $650. A $100 discount is applied to returning students or those whose parents are subscribers to The Shakespeare Theatre. The Senior Corps is a three-week program designed for students ages 14 to 17 who demonstrate an aptitude for performance or a strong interest in theater. The Senior Corps builds upon the foundation of the Junior Corps curriculum with an enhanced focus on Shakespeare, the rehearsal process, performance techniques and the nuts and bolts of the profession. Students take daily classes in voice and speech, movement for the actor, improvisation, Shakespearean scene study, stage combat, and audition technique. The sessions culminate with a performance piece—either a collection of Shakespeare scenes, or a condensed version of a Shakespeare play—which is presented to family, friends, local community residents and Shakespeare Theatre company members. Admission to the Senior Corps is by audition, and space is limited. Students will meet with professional resident artists in master classes and discussions. Each student will also come away from the program with a rehearsed and critiqued Shakespeare monologue of his or her choice—a great asset for auditioning for colleges or other theater programs. All members serve as ushers at the Theatre’s performances providing an opportunity for students to work with the public while experiencing the Theatre’s professional productions. Two sessions are offered—June 20 through July 9 and Aug, 1 through 20. The three-week Senior Corps sessions are $750 each.  Returning students or children of 2011 season subscribers receive a $100 discount. To sign up for an audition slot, or for more information, call 973-408-3980 or email Classes@shakespearenj.org.

Working For Those Laughs: Tickets for Bill Engvall’s Aug. 17 comedy concert at the  are on sale now. Engvall stars in his own sitcom on TBS and hosts Country Fried Home Videos on CMT. Tickets cost $57-$97. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

She’s a Little Bit Country: Tickets for Marie Osmand’s Aug. 24 concert at The  in Morristown are on sale now. Tickets cost $57 to $97. For more information, see here or call 973-539-8008.

Playwrights Theatre Summer Programs: Registration is open for summer programs at the . Acting Lab for grades four through six allows kids to act, play and be creative in a supportive, process-oriented class with an emphasis on play-building skills through improvisation, theater exercises and group collaboration. Five sessions will take place over the summer, with the first session starting June 20. Playwrights will also hold a Full Day Theatre Camp for grades seven through nine offering daily classes in acting technique, play production, musical performance and playwriting. Sessions will start July 5 and July 18. The theater’s website notes that if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines, classes will be canceled. Click here for more information about the full-day camp and here for more information about the acting lab.

Write That Play!  is offering adult playwriting workshops. Workshops are scheduled through the summer, and pro-rated rates are available for the current workshop continuing through May 23. Click here for more information.

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.

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. to noon for younger performers, 6 to 8 years old; Villagers Apprentice full-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to 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 to 23. Session II: July to 23-Aug. 13. For more information, go to Villagerstheatre.com.

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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