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Arts & Entertainment

In the Money? You Might Want to Spend $18 on '42nd Street'

Villagers Theatre aims to tap its way into the hearts of musical lovers with a classic.

Howard Whitmore wasn’t much of a theater lover when he found himself auditioning for a high school production of “42nd Street” 22 years ago. He had seen one Broadway musical and played in the orchestra pit for a school show, but didn’t have any kind of theater bug.

“A bunch of my friends were auditioning and I was literally at the meeting after school waiting for them,” Whitmore said. “And the director said, ‘Well, if you’re here, you have to audition.’ I sort of stumbled into and I’ve been in theater steadily since then for 22 years.”

And now he’s returning to the show that started it all for him, directing “42nd Street” at Villagers Theatre in Somerset through June 26.

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The show, based on the 1933 movie (which was adapted from a novel), made its Broadway debut in 1980. It won the Tony for Best Musical and ran for nearly nine years. A revival opened in 2001 and ran until 2005. 

The show is an old-fashioned, backstage showbiz tale about Peggy Sawyer, who dreams of being a star and gets her break after catching the eye of Julian Marsh, a famous director who’s working on a new show. Julian casts Peggy in a show but a mishap leads to her being fired, her dreams seemingly dashed.

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"It’s an old-time feel-good musical,” Whitmore said. “It’s not trying to be pretentious or deep and send you a message other than, 'If you work really hard you can achieve.'”

It’s also something of a dance extravaganza, filled with big, tap numbers. Handling the choreography is Jillian Kimberlin (who’s also one of the producers). The 22-year-old Kimberlin has been choreographing since she was 13 and worked on a school production of “Crazy for You.” That was nine years ago, and she’s since done several shows at Villagers as well as work with the Livingston Theatre Company at Rutgers and various schools.

Even with all of those opportunities, Kimberlin said, she hasn’t choreographed a show as dance heavy as “42nd Street” since that production of “Crazy for You.”

 “This has been one of the biggest,” she said. “I recently did ‘Pippin’ here and that wasn’t as big, but it was as difficult because it’s so Fosse-oriented. But I have done smaller shows. My first main stage show here was ‘Little Woman’ and that literally had a dance number.”

By contrast, “42nd Street” is filled with dance numbers like “Lullaby of Broadway” and “We’re in the Money.” And a lot of that dancing is tap.

 “It’s an amazing tap number,” Whitmore said of “We’re in the Money.” “The vocals aren’t so huge in the show because when it was written, I think they kept the vocals fairly simple to accommodate the dancing.” Night after night, he said, he watched rehearsals and “every single night, they hit the first step and my eyes light up and it’s my first time again.”

 The show has a large cast of 29, and though you’d think it would be tough for a community group to find that many performers who can sing, act and dance. Whitmore said it was fairly easy.

 “A lot of community theaters have been wary of doing tap shows, just because there aren’t that many, so they’re concerned about finding the tap dancers to do a tap show,” Whitmore said. “But they’re out there. They’re at all the dance schools, and all of the people who have been studying for years, and even dance teachers. They’ve been waiting for a tap show, so we had no problem.”

Another appeal to the show for the director is that it’s a big piece of entertainment filled with energy and spirit.

“It’s such a good-hearted show and it’s old-time spectacle,” he said. “If you see theater now, the spectacle is created hydraulics and it’s created with gadgets and lights. But in these old musicals, it was created by people on stage doing a fierce show.”

 “42nd Street” is at Villagers Theatre through June 26. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. Reservations can be made by e-mailing boxoffice@villagerstheatre.com or calling 732-873-2710.

 ON STAGE SCOOP

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.

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.

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.

Get Everything in Order, Then Go See Out of Order: The improv group Out of Order will perform a benefit comedy show for on June 18 at 7:30 p.m. In the words of the Playhouse’s website, “proceeds will go to support our upcoming season ... and pay for our new chairs ... and fix the plumbing ... and ...” Tickets cost $15. For information go to SummitPlayhouse.org. The Playhouse is located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit.

New Play Reading: Tri-State Actors Theater will present a reading of Owen Dunne’s “The Girl From Tennessee” on June 18 at the Olde Village Bookseller in Lafayette. The staged concert reading will be performed by professional actors and will be followed by a talk-back session. Admission is by donation. For information, call 973-875-2950 or go to TriStateActorsTheater.org.

Audition Alert, “Bug:” will hold open auditions for Tracy Letts’ “Bug” on June 20 and 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 master of the text will be essential.

Merry Wanderers of the Night: will present its annual outdoor shore, “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.

Doo the Doo Wop:  in Morris Township will present a lecture about doo wop music by Charlie Horner on June 15, coinciding with the exhibit, “Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock & Roll in the State.” Horner has been described as “one of the foremost authorities on early rhythm & blues and vocal group music” by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland. He’ll present a history of doo wop and R&B vocal group music. These multi-media programs include rare photographs of singers, record labels, sheet music and memorabilia. Part 2 is on June 15 at 6:30 p.m. Admission for one lecture costs $20, or $15 for museum. Arrive between 5 and 5:30 p.m. to meet members of well-known New Jersey doo wop groups who will be greeting attendees and signing autographs. Tickets to this event includes admission to the “Jersey Rocks” exhibition prior to the presentations. On view through Sept. 5, “Jersey Rocks” explores rock & roll’s history in the Garden State, where performers, technology and talent created sounds that dominated radio airwaves. The exhibit includes displays devoted to Les Paul, The Young Rascals, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Bill Haley and His Comets (who debuted “Rock Around the Clock” in Wildwood) and others. Call 973-538-0154 or go to MorrisMuseum.org for more information.

All That Jazz: Jazz Summerfest continues with a concert by Bob Seeley on June 20. Closing out the series is Dan Levinson’s ode to Chicago jazz on June 27. The theater is located at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown. 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. The band performs original material inspired by the Colombian rhythmic and melodic traditions, yet explores different genres and compositional approaches. The band features Ben Stapp on tuba, Alex Terrier on soprano saxophone and Justin Wood on alto sax. Go to MayoArts.org for more information.

Don’t Stifle Your Laughter During “T.V. Classics” Meathead:  Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is performing “T.V. Classics Live on Stage” June 25 through 16. Relive the great comedy sketches of “The Carol Burnett Show” and hilarious scenes from “All in the Family” live on stage. Performances are Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Call the box office at 973-691-2100 for reservations and information. The theater’s website is PaxAmicus.com.

Audition Alert, “Little Shop of Horrors:” is holding auditions for “Little Shop of Horrors” on June 26 and 27, 7-9:30 p.m. Callbacks, if needed, will be on June 28. Needed are four females, ages 16-30 and four males, ages 18-30. 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. Their perfect blend of the era costumes and outstanding group of singers makes it a magical evening. 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.

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.

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.

Playwrights Theatre Summer Programs: Registration is open for summer programs at the . Acting Lab for grades 4 through 6 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.

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