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Arts & Entertainment

On Stage Scoop: Curtain to Fall on Some Productions

Time running out to see 'Newsies' and 'The Last Days of Mickey and Jean.'

It might feel like the fall theatrical season has just started, but time is running out for some shows that opened just a few weeks ago. This weekend, the curtain will close on productions from the Women’s Theatre Company, The Shakespeare Initiative, and time is running out for “Newsies” at Paper Mill and “The Last Days of Mickey and Jean” at the Bickford.

In the upcoming weeks, there are performances of “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and “Bug” by Chatham Community Players.

Music lovers can see tributes to the Grateful Dead and Johnny Cash at the Mayor Performing Arts Center or listen to some jazz at the Bickford.

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There are also plenty of audition opportunities, and a chance to bring home a piece of Playwrights Theatre as it holds a rummage sale.

Twice the Love: Women’s Theatre Company is presenting its first show of the 2011-12 season, “Romance, Romance,” through Oct. 9. With music by Keith Herrmann and lyrics by Barry Harman, the Tony-winning show (Best Musical of 1988) explores love through song. Performing in “Romance, Romance” are Actors Equity members Mark G. Dalio of Sparta and Marci Sofley of New York City. Also performing is Ashley Kowzun of Kenvil. The musical is directed by Lauren Moran Mills. Warren Helms of Pompton Lakes is musical director. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. at The Parsippany Arts Center, within the , 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. Tickets cost $20, or $28 for seniors. For reservations, call 973-316-3033.

Get Ready to Cry: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is presenting “Steel Magnolias” through Oct. 9. The comedy-drama is about six southern women who talk about love, family, friendship and life with performances on Oct. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets for Saturday performances cost $20. Friday and Sunday tickets cost $15. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For reservations, call 973-691-2100.

Oh, Henry: The Shakespeare Initiative is presenting “The Wars of the Roses” through Oct. 9. The production is Shakespeare Initiative’s adaption that combines the Bards’ “Henry VI Part I” with the first three acts of “Henry VI Part II.” The company promises engaging battles, political intrigue and drama as Henry fights to maintain his control over France by marrying Margaret of Anjou. Performances are Oct. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. For information, visitBrundageParkPlayhouse.org.

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Read All About “Newsies:”  in Millburn has opened its 2011-12 season with the premiere of “Newsies,” a new musical based on the 1992 Disney movie, running through Oct. 16. The show features a book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics by Jack Feldman and music by Alan Menken, and is based on a true story about a group of newsboys in 1899 who fought a vicious newspaper tycoon. For tickets and information, call 973-376-4343 or visit PaperMill.org.

Lighting Up the Stage: Centenary Stage Co. in Hacketstown is presenting Moss Hart’s comedy “Light Up the Sky” through Oct. 16 at the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Center. The play is about a group of New York theater people who attend the opening of their new play in Boston. There will be an opening caption for the Oct. 9 matinee performance. For tickets and information, visitCentenaryStageCo.org.

The Horrors!
 Song, dance and a man-eating plant are all part of the fun at ’ “Little Shop of Horrors,” on stage through Oct. 18. The off-Broadway hit was based on a 1960 B-movie about a flower shop employee named Seymour who loves a girl named Audrey and who raises a blood-thirsty plant named Audrey II. The musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman was then adapted into a 1986 movie musical featuring Rick Moranis, Steve Martin and Bill Murray. Tickets cost $20, $18 for seniors and students. For information, visit SVPTheatre.org or call 908-369-7469.

Mob Scenes:  is hosting the New Jersey premiere of Richard Dresser’s “The Last Days of Mickey and Jean” through Oct. 19. In the show (which is a co-production with  and Oldcastle Theatre Company in Bennington, Vt.), Mickey, a mobster from Boston, retires with his young girlfriend, Jean, which leads to a funny look at love. General admission tickets cost $40. For information, visit MorrisMuseum.org, read , or call 973-971-3706.

To Another World: Growing Stage children’s theater in Netcong is opening its 30th anniversary season with Pauline C. Conley’s “The Code Breaker,” through Oct. 23. The futuristic tale tells the story of four teenagers who discover a lost world, which leads to new responsibilities. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. The theater is located at 7 Ledgewood Ave. For tickets and information, call 973-347-4946 or go to GrowingStage.com.

Audition Alert, “It’s A Wonderful Life:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will hold auditions for “It’s A Wonderful Life” on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. for adults over 16. There will also be an audition for teen carolers on Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. The only thing you need to bring to the audition is a smile. Rehearsals will be evenings in October and November, with performances on weekends in December. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For information, call 973-691-2100 or visit PaxAmicus.com.

Rummage Sale at Playwrights Theatre: is leaving its space at 33 Green Village Road in Madison, and is selling props, furniture, dishware, knickknacks, costumes and office supplies including filing cabinets and desks. All items will be priced to move. Lighting and sound equipment will not be available and the theatre seats have already been claimed. The sale will be held on the first floor of 33 Green Village Road, Oct. 8 and 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Playwrights Theatre regrets it cannot accept phone calls or e-mail inquiries about sale items. All business to be conducted in person.

Come Hear “Uncle John’s Band” During a Grateful Dead Tribute:  will host a concert featuring note-for-note recreations of the Grateful Dead’s “Workingman’s Dead” and “American Beauty” albums on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. Director Marc Muller has assembled a cast of musicians who are able to reproduce virtually every note of every instrument, as well as all of the vocal arrangements, that are trademarks of these two American classics. Tickets cost $32 to $42. 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.

Dip Into a Little Salsa: “Kings of Salsa” are bringing a little bit of Cuba to  on Oct. 9 at 3 p.m. The group mixes mambo, rumba and cha cha cha with contemporary dance music. Tickets cost $27-$47. 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.

Live Jazz at the Bickford: ’s Jazz Showcase continues Oct. 10 with a performance by the Diva Trio. Pianist Tomoko Ohno and her trio promise a fun evening of mixed jazz. The trio also features drummer Sherrie Maricle and bassist Noriko Ueda. The concert will begin at 8 p.m., with tickets costing $18, or $15 in advance. For tickets, call 973-971-3706.

Audition Alert, “The Littlest Angel:” Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph will be holding auditions for “The Littlest Angel” on Oct. 10 and 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. Based on Charles Tazewell’s children’s book, the show tells the story of an angel who goes from being an off-key singing pest to a shining star. Please have a memorized music selection of 32 measures and music for the accompanist. A headshot and resume would be helpful and preferred. Please be prepared to dance a short movement combination, which will be held toward the end of the auditions. All auditions will be closed. Readings and sight singing material will be provided as part of the audition process. No ap follow the same audition procedures. Performances will be on Dec. 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. and on Dec. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. The show will be directed by Marielaine Mammon. The cast breakdown is: The Littlest Angel, The Understanding Angel, The Flying Mistress, The Angel of Peace, Narrators and Children’s Ensemble. For information, go to BrundageParkPlayhouse.org.

Dream a Little Metal Dream: Legendary progressive metal band Dream Theater will take stage at on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. The band, including new drummer Mike Mangini, will play songs from its new release “A Dramatic Turn of Events” and from its 20-year career. Tickets cost $49-$89. 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.

Audition Alert, “Avow:” Triangle Circle Players is holding auditions for Bill C. Davis’ “Avow” at Villagers Theatre on Oct. 11 and 13 at 7 p.m. with callbacks on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. if necessary. The play requires the following roles: 2 men (Tom & Brian) mid 20s to mid 30s, 1 male (Father Raymond) 30-40, 1 female (Irene) mid 20s to mid 30s, 1 female (Rose) 50s, 1 male (Father Nash) 50s-60s and 1 female (Julie) 50s-60s. For the director's character analysis, go toTriangleCirclePlayers.org/audition. Actors will be asked to read from the script. For a sample, e-mailcasting@trianglecircleplayers.org. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 Demott Lane in Somerset. Click here for a summary of the play. Cast members must be willing and available to commit to off-site rehearsals in November and December, rehearsals at Villagers, dress rehearsals/tech week at Villagers. (Jan 8 through 12) and the Show Dates (Jan. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22). Triangle Circle Players is also looking to round out the production staff. For more information, visitTriangleCirclePlayers.org/volunteer or call 732-595-7529.

An American Classic:  of New Jersey is presenting “To Kill a Mockingbird” with a run beginning Oct. 12 and continuing 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 will play 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.

Cutting to the Core: David Sedaris will share his observations on life at  on Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. The humor writer’s books include “Barrel Fever” and “Holidays and Ice.” The program will also feature a book signing and will contain mature themes and language. Tickets cost $37 to $67. 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.

He’ll Walk the Line: A musical legend will be honored with “A Tribute to Johnny Cash: The Man in Black” at  on Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. Shawn Barker aims for accuracy and authenticity in recreating the classic Johnny Cash sound. Tickets cost $32-$52. 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.

Getting Buggy in Chatham: will open its 90th season with Tracy Letts’ “Bug,” running Oct. 14 through Oct. 29. The play focuses on Agnes, a waitress abused by her ex-husband and haunted by her child’s kidnapping 10 years ago. 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.

Genuine Classics: The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s season is opening with a program titled “An American in Paris” on Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. at . Conducted by Jacques Lacombe, the program will feature music from the famous Gershwin music and Ravel’s “Bolero.” Tickets cost $40 to $85. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, go to NJSymphony.org.

That’s Some Bad Hat: ’s Bayer Children’s Theatre Series will host ArtsPower’s production of “Madeline and the Bad Hat” on Oct. 15 with performances at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. The story finds Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved character dealing with the troublemaking son of a Spanish ambassador who moves in next door. For kids ages 5 to 8. Tickets cost $12. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Which One’s the Toad? Centenary Stage Company’s Young Audience Series will host “A Year with Frog and Toad” on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. in the Little Theatre on Jeffersion Street in the main administration building of Centenary College. The musical for kids follows Arnold Lobel’s characters through a year of friendship. For tickets and information, go to CentenaryStageCo.org.

He Won’t Wear “Blue Velvet” But He’ll Sing It: Bobby Vinton will take stage at  for an Oct. 16 concert, beginning at 3 p.m. He’ll be performing ’60s-era hits like “Blue Velvet,” “Roses are Red” and “Mr. Lonely.” Tickets cost $47-$67. Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, go to NJSymphony.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.

Summit Playhouse 2011-2012 Season:  will open its season with “Meet Me in St. Louis,” adapted by the classic movie musical, running Nov. 4-19. The show, directed by Jay Mills, is an adaptation of the movie musical with songs by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, and book by Hugh Wheeler. Musical direction is by Rich Lovallo. Tickets cost $25, or $20 for students 18 and under. Next up is Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” about the Keller family and a long-held family secret, Feb. 24 through March 10. Sherie Ahlin directs. Tickets cost $20, or $15 for students. The season will conclude with “Over the River and Through the Woods,” a comedy by Joe DPietro about a single man from New Jersey and his family, and the dream job that could get him away from his family. Performances will April 27 through May 12. Directed by James Valletti. Tickets cost $20, or $15 for students 18 and under. For tickets, visit SummitPlayhouse.org/tickets, or call 908-273-2192.

Got news for On Stage? E-mail Louis@Patch.com.

About this column: 'On Stage: A Peek At The Performing Arts' is a weekly look at what's going on in the world of theater, music and other performing arts. It runs Tuesdays.

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