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Arts & Entertainment

1980s Tale: Timeless Love, Dated Phones

Chatham Players finds laughter in romance and psychiatry with Christopher Durang's "Beyond Therapy."

are taking audiences back to the 1980s, and they’re not using a souped-up DeLorean or a hot tub time machine to get there.

Instead, the group is closing out its 2010-11 season with Christopher Durang’s Reagan-era comedy “Beyond Therapy” at the through May 21. And while the play’s tale of two people trying to find love is timeless, other elements are steeped in the decade that gave us Huey Lewis, leg warmers and the Rubik’s Cube.

Scott Tyler and Tara Cioletti star as Bruce and Prudence, two New York singles who are both in therapy, hoping that it will help them find the right someone. They meet after Bruce’s shrink suggests he place a personal ad in the newspaper.

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That’s right, an ad in an actual newspaper. Not Match.com or eHarmony, but a newspaper. That’s just one ’80s touch that stands out today, along with dial phones that connect to walls and less developed attitudes toward psychiatry.

“It takes place in the 1980s, so it’s a very different mentality, I think, that we had as a society 30 years ago,” said Lauren Moran Mills, the show’s director. “It’s when psychiatry was first really in the mainstream and it’s kind of poking fun (at psychiatry), in a lot of ways. In this piece, psychiatrists are almost more wacky than the people seeking help.”

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Mills said those relics from 30 years ago add a comedic element for modern audiences. But they also underscore how different things are, and how much harder it was to meet someone all those years ago.

“Beyond Therapy” was first staged in 1981, and some of its elements, like homosexual characters, aren’t quite as groundbreaking as they were back then.

None of that should prevent audiences from connecting to these characters, according to Mills. Scott, for example, is looking for marriage, and though that’s a bit complicated (without giving too much away), it’s something most of us can relate to.

"He wants to find that person that will get his quirks … he wants all the things that most people want, to be married and have kids and have a home," Mills said. "But he still wants to be himself and find someone who will accept and embrace his quirks, someone who will accept him and will also give him the stability he needs."

Prudence is less sure about the marriage thing. She has a good job writing for a magazine and loves her cats, but something is definitely missing.

“They’re almost like two lost souls finding each other,” Mills said. “There’s someone for everyone, I actually believe that, and they just have to find each other.”

Mills has some experience with Durang’s work. Her first directing adventure was Durang’s “The Actor’s Nightmare” when she was in college. She grew up in a theater family (her parents met while working together on a show) and she’s helmed shows at such area venues as the Women’s Theatre Company and The Barn Theatre.

The key to Durang’s comedy, she said, is to find the characters’ truth beneath the crazy situations they find themselves in.

"It’s smart, it’s witty, it moves at a really, really nice pace," she said. "And it’s funny in a real human way. I think people will see things in themselves when they watch the play, even though it is absurd in a lot of ways."

All that craziness about love and psychiatry doesn’t get in the way of the play’s heart and charm.

“That’s what I like about it, inside there are a lot of layers and there’s absurd behavior, (but) the characters are genuine and true,” Mills said. “The audience wants them to be together.”

The Chatham Community Players are performing “Beyond Therapy” at the Chatham Playhouse, located at 23 N. Passaic Ave. in Chatham. Show times are May 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and May 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for seniorsand youths. The play contains adult situations and language. For information and tickets, call 973-635-7363 or go to ChathamPlayers.org.

THE ON STAGE SCOOP

Play Time For Adults: ’s Adult Playwriting Workshop Summer Session 1 will be held Mondays starting June 6 through Aug. 15, 7 to 10 p.m. This will be a basic workshop class where students share work in a supportive environment. Enrollment is open to students of all levels of experience. Classes will provide exercises to beginners working on their first plays as well as experienced writers who are further down the road. John Pietrowski is the instructor. The registration deadline is May 30. Classes will be canceled if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines. The cost is $275, or $250 for returning students (prorated options are available). Click here for more information.

Learn About Laughter: Snicker into summer with the next eight-week comedy workshop from Chester Theatre Group and Humor in the Midst. The workshops are on Saturday mornings, 9:30 a.m. to noon, beginning May 14 at the Black River Playhouse. They are taught by Kate Lyn Reiter, a MFA Yale School of Drama graduate with 12 years experience as a comedienne in NYC. Reiter promises a fun and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can learn the secrets of improvisation and stand-up comedy. The cost is $195 (mention Chester Theatre Group and get a 10 percent discount). For information and registration call 908-892-5458, go to HumorInTheMidst.com or e-mail to KateLynReiter@comcast.net.

Producing a better “Mousetrap:” Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” the longest-running show in history, is coming to the Brundage Park Playhouse, through May 15. In typical Christie fashion, a group of strangers are trapped together during a snowstorm, and one of them is a murderer. The show opened in London’s West End in 1952, and has been running continuously ever since. Performances are May 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and May 15 at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 2 Bungalow Lane in Randolph. For tickets and information, call 973-989-7092 or e-mail bbp@brundageparkplayhouse.org.

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 to $30. The theater is located at 555 Valley Road in West Orange. For more information, go to LunaStage.org.

It’s “Curtains” at Paper Mill Playhouse: The Broadway hit “Curtains” is closing ’s 2010-11 season 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 to $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” through 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 to MorrisMuseum.org.

Oy Vey, it’s “Jewtopia:” Things will get politically incorrect when in Hillsborough presents “Jewtopia,” Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfon’s off-Broadway hit about two single friends named Chris and Adam. Chris is a gentile and wants to marry a Jewish woman, while Adam, who’s Jewish, wants to marry out of his faith because he wants to forget his upbringing. The show is for mature audiences only. The show runs through May 22 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $17, or $15 for seniors and students. Somerset Valley Players’ Playhouse is located at 689 Amwell Road/Route 514, Hillsborough. Call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.org for more information.

Mystery, Meat: Omicron Theatre Productions will present its 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.

Real-Life Drama: Bonnie Culver and Greg Louis are presenting Culver’s play “Sniper” at the Villagers Theatre in Somerset May 13 through 29. The play is based on the true story of 18-year-old Anthony Vaccaro, trying to explain what prompted a breakdown that led to him murdering eight people and wounding many others. The play was a finalist in the Mill Mountain National Playwriting Contest, the Drama League of New York National Play Contest and the Sundance Film Development Program. It was also produced in New York in 2005. Culver is the author and is co-producing the run. Louis is directing and co-producing. The production is part of the Villagers VIP Series. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 Demott Lane in Somerset. For more information, go to www.villagerstheatre.com.

About Kids and Bullying: The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey will perform Linda Daugherty’s “The Secret Life of Girls” May 14 and 20. The dramatization explores the impact of cyber-bullying and mean behavior through modern technology. The show is recommended for grades 5 and up. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12. Click here to purchase ticketsGo to GrowingStage.Goes.com for more information.

Seeing “The Scarlet Letter” Might Help You Get an A:  An adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” will be performed at  on May 11 at 10 a.m. The performance has a curriculum tie-in in language, arts, reading, ethics and history for grades nine through 12. Tickets cost $10. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Meet the Artist and Watch a Play:  in South Orange is hosting two free readings of new plays as part of its Meet the Artist Series. David Lee White’s “Random Horrible Thoughts About Love” will be read on May 11 at 7:30 p.m. White is the associate artistic director at Passage Theatre Company in Trenton and his play is a collection of five short comedies. Suzanne Bradbeer’s “Shakespeare in Vegas” will be presented May 25 at 7:30 p.m. The comedy is about a frustrated New York actress who takes a job with a classical theater company in Vegas. Dreamcatcher has previously produced Bradbeer’s “Full Bloom” and “You Miss Them When They’re Not Around.” After each new play reading, the floor is opened to discussion between the playwright, director, actors and audience. Readings will take place at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Ave., Summit. For information, call 973-378-7754, ext. 2228 or go to DreamcatcherRep.org.

Knock Three Times if you Want to See Tony Orlando: 1970s hit-maker Tony Orlando will perform at on May 13 at 8 p.m. He’ll be singing favorites like “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ’Round The Ole Oak Tree,” “Knock Three Times,” and “Candida.” Tickets cost $42 to $77. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Beastly Behavior: The Grownig Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is hosting four performances of “Lord of the Flies” May 13 through 28. Nigel Williams wrote this adaptation of William Golding’s legendary tale of a group of school boys on a deserted island who descend to savage behavior. Show times are May 13, 21 and 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Go to GrowingStage.Goes.com for more information.

New Improv Group: Off Book, a new improv group, will present its premier performances at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre on May 13 and 21. The group will perform in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” meaning everything it does will prompted by the audience, making each show different. Nick deVries hosts and directs. Group members are Stina Braun, Giffy Giffoniello, Brian Graziano, Dawn James, Michel Jay, Britni Morley, Jason Nicholas, Jen Russ and Mark Smith. The show is family-friendly. Bring props you want to see used and suggestions for skits. Tickets cost $10. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

One Wild Weekend: Things should get pretty fun as presents Alan Ayckbourn’s “Round and Round The Garden” May 13 through 21. The play is the third part of Ayckbourn’s “The Norman Conquest” trilogy, about six characters, with all plays taking part on the same weekend. Performances will take place at The , 10 Durand Road in Maplewood. Tickets cost $16, $13 for seniors and students. Go to TheStrollers.org for more information.

Audition Alert, “Tom Sawyer:” in Hillsborough is holding auditions for a musical adaptation of Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” on May 14, 2 to 5 p.m. and May 15, 6 to 8 p.m. Needed are seven males and nine females ages 18 and over, along with seven to 10 boys and three to 10 girls. Please bring 16 bars of music that show off your vocal range. Those auditioning may be taught part of a song. Readings will be from the script. Please bring with you the dates you will not be available for rehearsals from Memorial Day through the show dates. Performances are July 22 through Aug. 7. Auditions are being held at the Somerset Valley Players’ playhouse at 689 Amwell Road/Route 514. Call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.org for more information.

If the Slipper Fits: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is presenting “Cinderella,” May 14 through July 23. Performances for the family show are Saturdays, May 14 through June 4, at 11 a.m. Performances are also scheduled for the following dates: July 12 and 14 at 10 a.m., July 20 through 22 at 10 a.m., and July 23 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $12. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

Audition Alert, “The Wedding Singer:” Villagers Theatre in Somerset is holding auditions for “The Wedding Singer on May 16 and 18, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Callbacks are on May 19, 6:30 to 11 p.m. and, if necessary, May 22, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Rehearsals will begin on May 23. Prepare 16 to 32 bars of a contemporary, upbeat musical theater song in the style of the show—“Footloose,” “Hairspray,” “Seussical,” “Legally Blonde,” “Fame,” etc. Those auditioning should wear comfortable clothing for a dance audition to be held at the open call. Performance dates are July 29 through Aug. 14, Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m.  Addition information, including a character breakdown, can be found at VillagersTheatre.com.

Villagers is also holding an options audition workshop, designed to help teens become comfortable with the audition process, learn musical theater techniques and engage with other who share a passion for musical theater. There will be a brief Q&A session with the authors of "The Wedding Singer" where teens will be able to listen and learn about what it takes to design and write a musical.  The fee for attending the workshop is $25; registration must be made in advance due to space limitations. Attending the workshop will have no influence on casting. Contact donna@villagerstheatre.com for additional information about auditions and the workshop. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 Demott Lane in Somerset.

Singing in Harmony: David Crosby and Graham Nash are bringing a bit of folk history to  on May 16 at 8 p.m. The duo have recorded together and as part of Crosby, Stills & Nash and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Tickets cost $60 to $100. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. Check with the box office for ticket availability at 973-539-8008.

Audition Alert, “Aladdin Jr:” Brundage Park Playhouse is holding auditions for "Aladdin Jr.," a for kids by kid production, May 17 and 19, 7 to 9 p.m. A character breakdown can be found here. Performance dates at July 8 through 23. Brundage Park Playhouse is located at 2 Bungalow Lane in Randolph. For information, call 973-989-7092 or e-mail bbp@brundageparkplayhouse.org.

Greetings from the Asbury Jukes: Jersey shore legends Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes will play a concert at on May 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets for their evening of Jersey blues an soul cost $47 to $75. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Latin Dance: New Jersey Ballet will celebrate Hispanic culture with “Ballet with a Latin Beat,” featuring a premiere of a new dance and a selections of revivals that promise to be sensual, sophisticated, earthy and elegant at on May 21. Tickets cost $32-$42. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Time to Get Up, for Ballet: New Jersey Ballet will dance “Sleeping Beauty” at on May 22 with a kid-friendly performances at 1:30 and 4 p.m. The classic tale features music by Tchaikovsky and storyteller narration. Tickets cost $12. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Young Winners on Stage:in Madison will present the 28th Annual New Jersey Young Playwrights Contest Festival at the University Center’s Little Theatre at Kean University on May 23 and 24. The festival will consist of readings of 10 plays written by elementary, junior high and high school students. Elementary and junior high plays will be staged May 23. High school winners will be performed May 24. Admission is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling Jim DeVivo at 973-514-1787 X14 or via email njypf@ptnj.org.

Have a Beary Good Time: will present the Berenstain Bears in “Family Matters: The Musical on May 23 at 4 p.m. The family show is based on three of Stan and Jan Berenstain's popular books: “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Stranges,” “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food” and “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble at School.” For kids ages 3 to 10 (and their parents). Tickets cost $12. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Audition Alert, “The Wizard of Oz:” Auditions for Kaleidoscop Theatre for Youth’s production of “The Wizard of Oz" will be held at on May 23 and 24, 4 to 8 p.m., with callbacks on May 31. Auditions are by by appointment only, and will be held at the playhouse, 10 New England Ave. in Summit. The theater is seeking kids and teens ages 6 to 20 who love to sing, dance and act. For more information and to sign up for an audition, please visit PixieDustPlayers.com.

Summer Concert Schedule in Bridgewater: Somerset County Park Commission has announced its schedule for summer concerts Sundays at  on Old York Road, and the July 4 Family Festival at  on Milltown Road, both in Bridgewater. The season kicks off with Dr. K’s Motown Revue on June 26. Verdict and Total Soul will headline the July 4 Festival. Other shows include Tommy Mara & The Crests (with special guest Carisma) on July 10; Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes on July 17; Michael Amante July 24; Zydeco-A-Go-Go on July 31; Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King on Aug. 7; The Infernos on Aug. 14; Neil and the Diamonds Aug 21 and New Riders of the Purple Sage on Aug. 28. For information, call 908-722-1200.

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. 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  in Morristown are on sale now. Engvall stars in his own sitcom on TBS and hosts Country Fried Home Videos on CMT. 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 MayoArts.org.

Bickford Theatre announces its 2011-2012 season: Eric Hafen, artistic director at the  in Morris Township, announced his 10th anniversary season with four plays by writers whose works have previously been performed at the theater. The season will open with the New Jersey premiere of Richard Dresser’s comedy “The Last Days of Mickey & Jean,” directed by John Pietrowski, Sept. 22 through Oct. 9. Next up is “Over the River and Through the Woods,” directed by Hafen, Nov. 17 through Dec. 4. The comedy by Joe DiPietro (“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) is a “heartwarming and hilarious funny comedy… filled with love, laughter and lasagna,” according to the Bickford. Things will get scary in 2012 with Ira Levin’s “Veronica’s Room,” directed by Daniel LaPenta, Jan 26 through Feb. 12. The season will wind up with “I Do! I Do!” the Tony-winning hit by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. Four-play subscriptions include tickets to one of the Bickford’s “A La Carte Series” of concerts. Those are pianist Vladimir Zaitsev on March 4, a performance of Avi Hoffman in “Still Jewish After All Those Years” on March 11, and an evening of opera and popular song, “Italian Giants and American Icons” on March 18. Season subscriptions are on sale now and cost $115-$150. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 1. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to BickfordTheatre.org.

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 the 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.

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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