tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48015148918261337322024-03-16T00:08:07.613-07:00Front Row CenterGeorge Street Playhouse NewsGeorge Street Playhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595733219620736949noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-12748768913186183122017-04-07T12:29:00.000-07:002017-04-07T12:34:20.592-07:00GSP's Star-Studded Annual Gala Sets Fundraising Records<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Annual Gala Benefit Raises Record-Setting Amount for George Street Playhouse’s Mainstage and Educational Programming</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill, DEVCO President Chris Paladino Highlight $190 Million Performing Arts Center to Serve as GSP’s Future Home</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Artistic Director David Saint, Marlene & Tony Volpe Honored at Event</span></b></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(L to R) Stephen Bienskie, Sarah Litzsinger, George Street Playhouse Artistic Director David Saint, and Colin Hanlon at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. Saint received the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New Brunswick, NJ (April 7, 2017) – George Street Playhouse announced today that its recent Annual Gala Benefit was the most successful in the event’s history, raising a record amount of funds in support of its mainstage and educational programming. The Gala took place at The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick on Sunday, April 2, 2017, and featured many stars of the stage and screen as presenters and performers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />“Under the guidance of our Gala Chairperson Ken Fisher, an extraordinary Gala committee, our stalwart Board of Trustees, and our dedicated leadership and staff, the 2017 Gala exceeded all expectations,” said Kelly Ryman, Managing Director of the Playhouse. “As we celebrate our theatre’s bright future, the unprecedented success of the 2017 Gala is a testament to the unbending support of our patrons and community.<br /> <br />“We are thrilled to have them on the journey with us for the next two seasons and for the grand opening of our new home in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in 2019,” added Ryman.<br /> <br />The money was raised through Gala sponsorships, ticket and table sales and the event’s ever-popular silent auction. In addition, a live donation appeal raised money specifically for the Playhouse’s educational programs, including its popular Educational Touring Theatre, Summer Theatre Academy, acting classes and residencies. The live appeal, on its own, also raised an all-time record amount to support these important programs. <br /><br />Among the highlights of the evening’s Cabaret were presenters Tim Daly (TV’s Wings, Madam Secretary), Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro, and stage and screen stars Betsy Aidem (Broadway’s All the Way) and Dan Lauria (TV’s The Wonder Years).</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actor Tim Daly (TV's "Wings", "Madam Secretary") speaks at George Street Playhouse's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Joe DiPietro, Tony Award-winning playwright for "Memphis" and a longtime friend of George Street Playhouse, speaks at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Broadway stars and George Street Playhouse favorites (L to R) Betsy Aidem and Nancy Opel at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Dalia)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Actor Dan Lauria (TV's "The Wonder Years", Broadway's "Lombardi") speaks at George Street Playhouse's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Performers included Tony Award nominee Nancy Opel (Broadway’s Honeymoon in Vegas, Urinetown), who will be starring in GSP’s season-closing musical Curvy Widow, and stage and screen great Mary Beth Peil (Tony Award-nominated for Broadway’s The King and I; TV’s Dawson’s Creek and The Good Wife). Stars from George Street’s 2016-17 season including Suzzanne Douglas (American Son), and Ben Michael and Elise Vannerson from Daddy Long Legs also performed. A reunion of GSP’s 2004 production of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick...Boom! – Colin Hanlon, Sarah Litzsinger and Stephen Bienskie – performed “Louder Than Words” from that show.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broadway's Nancy Opel, who will star in George Street Playhouse's season-closing musical "Curvy Widow," performs at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Stage and screen veteran and George Street Playhouse favorite Suzzanne Douglas performs during GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Stage and screen legend Mary Beth Peil (Tony Award-nominated for Broadway’s "The King and I"; TV’s "Dawson’s Creek", "The Good Wife") performs at George Street Playhouse's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">(L to R) Stephen Bienskie, Colin Hanlon and Sarah Litzsinger from George Street Playhouse’s 2004 production of Jonathan Larson’s "Tick, Tick...Boom!" reunited to perform “Louder Than Words” from that show during GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">George Street Playhouse Artistic Director David Saint received the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement in celebration of his 20th season as the Playhouse’s Artistic Director. It was presented by legendary screenwriter, film director and actress Elaine May.<br /><br />The Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award was bestowed upon Marlene and Tony Volpe, longtime supporters of George Street Playhouse, by the namesake of the award, Governor Kean. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">David Saint, celebrating his 20th season as George Street Playhouse Artistic Director, accepts the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">(L to R) Tony and Marlene Volpe receive the Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award from its namesake, former New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean during the Annual GSP Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. (Photo by David Kelly Crow)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">(L to R) Stephen Bienskie, Sarah Litzsinger, George Street Playhouse Artistic Director David Saint, and Colin Hanlon at GSP's Annual Gala Benefit at The Heldrich Hotel, April 2, 2017. Saint received the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement. (Photo by David Kelly Crow) </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another highlight came when New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill and New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO) President Christopher Paladino spoke about the plans for the new $190 million downtown performing arts center that will serve as George Street Playhouse’s new home starting with the 2019-20 season.<br /><br />The black-tie evening drew corporate, civic and social leaders from throughout the region. Each year, the Gala raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to support George Street Playhouse’s world-class mainstage productions and nationally recognized educational programs. The silent auction is one of the highlights of the Playhouse’s Annual Gala, and offers luxury vacation trips, home furnishings, tickets to hard-to-get Broadway shows, fine dining experiences, top sports venues and much more. <br /><br />Kenneth M. Fisher, Jr. of Hillsborough served as Benefit Chair. GSP Board Chair James Heston of Metuchen, and GSP Board President Penelope Lattimer of New Brunswick, served as Sponsorship Co-Chairpersons. Janice Haggerty of Bedminster, and Gabrielle Vajtay of Somerset served as Silent Auction Co-Chairpersons. W. Burton “Tripp” Salisbury of North Brunswick, and Janice Stolar of East Brunswick were Tickets & Tables Co-Chairpersons. Lora Tremayne of Somerset served as Journal Chairperson. <br /> <br />Rounding out the Annual Gala Benefit Committee were Joseph P. Benincasa, president & CEO of The Actors Fund and the 2016 Kean Award recipient; Joan Campbell of North Brunswick; Carol Hila of Woodbridge; Sharon Karmazin, president of The Karma Foundation; Jocelyn Schwartzman of East Brunswick; and Frances C. Stromsland, Ed.D., of Watchung.<br /> <br />Sponsors for the evening included The Family of Robert Wood Johnson, Jr., Marlene and Tony Volpe, Joan and Robert Campbell, James N. Heston, Sharon Karmazin, WithumSmith+Brown, PSE&G, TD Bank, Nassau Communications.</span><br />
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<script src="https://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-75330105234259490092017-04-07T12:21:00.001-07:002017-04-07T12:38:53.312-07:00GSP's Summer Theatre Academy Moves to Lord Stirling Community School for 2017<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Classes Offer Engaging Environment for Exploration, Development and Collaboration for students ages 5 to 18, July 3 -July 28, 2017</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">School within a half-mile of George Street Playhouse's current home</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Limited Number of Spots Available for a Fun, All-Day Theatre Camp for Youth and Teens</span></b></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Street Playhouse’s popular Summer Theatre Academy for students age 5-18, will take place July 3-28, 2017, at Lord Stirling Community School in New Brunswick, N.J. (Photo by Brad Reznick) </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New Brunswick, NJ – With George Street Playhouse temporarily relocating during the construction of its new home in downtown New Brunswick, its popular Summer Theatre Academy will take place July 3-28 at nearby Lord Stirling Community School. The Academy celebrates creative expression and provides a fun, engaging environment for youth and teens to explore theatre, develop self-confidence and collaborate with others. These affordable two- and four-week classes are for budding thespians of any experience level ages 5-18. <br /><br />Class hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and extended-care packages offering the convenience of early drop-off and late pick-up for busy parents are available. A 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, modern facilities and the quality of its programs have made GSP’s Summer Theatre Academy a popular summertime destination. Plus, each class culminates with a performance for family and friends.<br /><br />“We’re so fortunate to be at Lord Stirling Community School this summer,” said <b>Jim Jack</b>, GSP’s Director of Education and Outreach. “Lord Stirling has excellent facilities with modern amenities, easy drop-off, and is located only a half-mile away from George Street Playhouse’s current home. We are thrilled to provide the same high-level quality of programming that our students and parents expect from us this summer.”<br /><br />For information on the full slate of classes offered by GSP’s Summer Theatre Academy, or to register, visit<a href="http://www.gsponline.org/"> www.GSPonline.org</a> or call 732-846-2895, x117. George Street Playhouse will soon be announcing the location of a temporary home for its administrative offices and performance space while a new performing arts center, scheduled to open for the 2019-2020 season, is built at its former location in downtown New Brunswick. Lord Stirling Community School is located at 101 Redmond Street in New Brunswick.<br /><br /><u>Two-week programs for students ages 5-8:</u><br /><br /><b>Song as Stories</b> explores how songs tell stories. Students will play exciting games, create wonderful characters and learn the basics of musical theatre. On the final day of the program, students will perform their songs and stories for family and friends. Songs as Stories runs from July 3 through July 14.<br /><br /><b>Junior Company</b> cultivates students’ imagination and spirit of fun. Inspired by a classic children’s story, students will learn the foundations of theatre by creating an original play, developing characters and participating in the design process. The class will culminate with a performance for family and friends. Junior Company runs July 17 through July 28.<br /><br /><u>Two- and four-week programs* for students ages 9-12: </u><br /><br /><b>Rising M Company: Musical Theatre </b>explores the joy of musical theatre through the rehearsal and performance of a popular musical. Our team of theatre professionals will inspire confidence each step of the way as students develop singing, dancing and acting techniques that will culminate in a performance for family and friends. Rising M Company: Musical Theatre runs July 3 through July 28.<br /><br /><b>Rising Company: Play Production</b> ventures into a fun, mythic world of imagination to develop, rehearse and perform an original, action-packed play. Students learn the foundations of acting through improvisation, character development and collaborative activities as they create a performance to share with family and friends. Rising Company: Play Production runs July 17 through July 28.<br /><br />(* As these programs run concurrently, a student may only register for one of the two courses offered for that age group.)<br /><br /><u>Four-week program for students ages 13-18:</u><br /><br /><b>Young M Company</b> students create, rehearse and perform an original play with music. Starting with exciting source material, Young M Company works with professional playwrights, composers and choreographers to develop characters, write songs and stage the action. Young M company provides students with a fun, imaginative opportunity to develop acting, singing and collaborative skills. On their last day, students perform their original play for family and friends. Young M Company runs July 3 through July 28.<br /><br /><b>About GSP’s Educational Programming</b><br />The centerpiece of George Street Playhouse’s educational programming is its touring theatre, which commissions and produces first-class productions with relevant themes for young audiences, such as respect, conflict resolution, health and wellness, and climate change. Each play is followed by a post-play discussion providing excellent starting points for engaging classroom conversations that can be used to fulfill New Jersey Common Core State Standards. GSP’s Educational Touring Theatre features three issue-oriented productions seen by more than 40,000 students annually during the academic year. GSP’s Theatre Academy, which offers classes throughout the year, focuses on the process of creative self-expression – enhancing students’ artistry and creative problem-solving skills, while building self-esteem and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. For further information on any of GSP’s educational opportunities, visit<a href="http://www.gsponline.org/"> </a><a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">www.GSPonline.org</a>, email education@georgestplayhouse.org, or call 732-846-2895, extension 117.</span><br />
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<script src="https://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-89759594682147560032016-02-03T12:59:00.002-08:002016-02-03T12:59:58.207-08:00GSP to honor The Actors Fund and its President & CEO Joseph P. Benincasa<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Actors Fund and its President & CEO Joseph P. Benincasa </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to Receive Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">at George Street Playhouse Annual Gala Benefit on May 22</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Black-Tie Fundraiser to Feature Performances from Stars of Stage and Screen</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph P. Benincasa<br />(Courtesy The Actors Fund)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Brunswick, NJ--New Brunswick’s <a href="http://georgestreetplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">George Street Playhouse</a> celebrates the end of another successful season on Sunday, May 22, with its <a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/specialevent/annualgalabenefit" target="_blank">Annual Gala Benefit</a>. As part of the celebration, the Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award will be conferred upon The Actors Fund and its President and Chief Executive Officer, <b>Joseph P. Benincasa</b>, by the former Governor himself. The inaugural award was given to Governor Kean in 1990 and was named in his honor to pay tribute to an individual, corporation or foundation whose dedication to the arts enhances the cultural life of the citizens of New Jersey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“This year, we are elated to honor <a href="http://www.actorsfund.org/" target="_blank">The Actors Fund</a> and its President and CEO, Joseph Benincasa, with the Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award,” said George Street Playhouse Artistic Director <b>David Saint</b>. “He is a long-time friend and supporter of the Playhouse with strong ties to New Brunswick, and The Actors Fund has been invaluable to so many of those who work in the performing arts and entertainment industry.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone — performers and those behind the scenes — who works in performing arts and entertainment. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund’s programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. The Actors Fund has been — for 134 years — a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Benincasa, who joined The Actors Fund in 1989, oversees innovative programs, including comprehensive social services, health care services, employment and training, and affordable, supportive and senior housing. He is also President of the Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation which builds affordable, supportive and senior care residences for artists in major urban centers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He serves on the boards of directors of several organizations, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Learning Ally, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, among others. He has been recognized with several honors, including The Actors Fund Medal of Honor, Tony Honors Award, New Jersey Legislature Excellence in Arts Award and inaugural Made in New York Award. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kenneth M. Fisher, Jr.</b> of Hillsborough serves as Benefit Chair. Commemorative Journal Chairpersons are <b>Jocelyn Schwartzman</b> of East Brunswick and <b>Lora Tremayne</b> of Somerset. <b>James Heston</b> of Metuchen and <b>Penelope Lattimer</b> of New Brunswick serve as co-chairs of the Sponsorship Committee, and <b>Janice Stolar</b> of East Brunswick is Tables Chair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Janice Haggerty </b>of Bedminster and <b>Gabrielle Vajtay</b> of Somerset serve as Auction Co-Chairpersons. The silent auction is one of the highlights of the Playhouse’s Annual Gala, and offers luxury vacation trips, home furnishings, tickets to hard-to-get Broadway shows, fine dining experiences, top sports venues and much more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patrons attending GSP’s Gala have come to expect stellar performances during the evening’s Cabaret and this year should prove no exception. Past performers have included Constantine Maroulis, David Hyde Pierce, Rita Moreno, Bernadette Peters, Tyne Daly, Sandy Duncan, Kelly Bishop, Brian d’Arcy James, Alison Fraser, Penny Fuller, Anne Jackson, Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, Lauren Bacall and Chita Rivera, among others. This year’s performers will be announced at a later date.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Black Tie affair at The Heldrich (located on Livingston Avenue directly across the street from George Street Playhouse) begins at 5 pm with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Dinner follows at 6:30 pm with the Cabaret performance commencing at 7:30. Sponsorship opportunities, tables of 10, and individual tickets are available. <b>For further information contact Jacqueline Brendel at (732) 846-2895, ext. 141.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>About George Street Playhouse</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the 42 years since its founding, George Street Playhouse has become a nationally recognized theatre, presenting an acclaimed mainstage season while providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. Its leadership consists of Artistic Director David Saint, Resident Artistic Director Michael Mastro and Managing Director Kelly Ryman. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway – recent productions include the Outer Critics’ Circle Best Musical Award-winner <i>The Toxic Avenger</i>; the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League nominated production of <i>The Spitfire Grill</i>; and the recent Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play <i>Proof </i>by David Auburn, which was developed at GSP during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays. In 2015, George Street Playhouse has been represented by two productions in New York: the recent Broadway production of <i>It Shoulda Been You</i>, and Joe DiPietro’s <i>Clever Little Lies</i>, which opened off-Broadway in October. Both shows received their premieres at the Playhouse. In addition to its mainstage season, GSP’s Touring Educational Theatre features three issue-oriented productions that are seen by more than 40,000 students annually. George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.</span><br />
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<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-55271620606673470702016-01-08T07:51:00.000-08:002016-01-08T08:23:47.679-08:00George Street Playhouse Announces Casting for "Nureyev's Eyes"<b><span style="font-size: large;">George Street Playhouse Brings Ballet & Hollywood Star Rudolf Nureyev and Famed Artist Jamie Wyeth to the Stage in David Rush’s <i>NUREYEV’S EYES</i></span></b><br />
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<b>February 2-21, 2016 </b><br />
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<i>William Connell to play artist Jamie Wyeth; Bill Dawes to play ballet & Hollywood star Rudolf Nureyev </i><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56rfvcOvrfM/Vo_KJoYm92I/AAAAAAAABEg/YXk8_UhsBkQ/s1600/GSP_Nureyev_300x250.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56rfvcOvrfM/Vo_KJoYm92I/AAAAAAAABEg/YXk8_UhsBkQ/s200/GSP_Nureyev_300x250.jpg" /></a>New Brunswick, NJ -- George Street Playhouse today announced the cast of David Rush’s <i>Nureyev’s Eyes</i>, which runs February 2 through February 21 at the New Brunswick theatre. <b>Bill Dawes</b> will portray Russian defector and star of ballet and screen, Rudolf Nureyev; <b>William Connell</b> will play painter Jamie Wyeth, the son of famed artist Andrew Wyeth and grandson of illustrator N.C. Wyeth. The production will be helmed by George Street Playhouse Resident Artistic Director <b>Michael Mastro</b>.<br />
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“I am thrilled to welcome William and Bill to George Street Playhouse,” said Mastro. “Audiences can expect to see these two talented, versatile actors perform with the energy and passion necessary to truly bring these two perfection-seeking artists to life on stage.”<br />
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<i>Nureyev’s Eyes</i> – the top prize winner at both Dayton Playhouse’s FutureFest and Firehouse Theatre’s Festival of New American Plays in 2012 -- is a riveting fictional account of the very real interaction between two great artists. Beginning in 1977 and lasting over a period of several years, Wyeth produced hundreds of paintings and drawings of Nureyev. Fighting personal demons and demanding perfection, the two developed a friendship that transcended their differences and lasted until the end of Nureyev’s storied career and too-short life in 1993. Struggling to capture the icon on paper and canvas, Wyeth is not satisfied until an unexpected breakthrough provides new inspiration – opening his eyes to what is right in front of him. <br />
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Nureyev was a frequent guest of Wyeth and his wife at their family farm in Chadds Ford, Pa., where the Brandywine River Museum of Art features galleries showcasing works by the Wyeth family. Jamie Wyeth is still very active and appeared at the museum a year ago, in conjunction with a special exhibition of his work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQPnMsponzQ/Vo_Kkneu3MI/AAAAAAAABEs/IU8yeq4IfoE/s1600/Connell_William.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQPnMsponzQ/Vo_Kkneu3MI/AAAAAAAABEs/IU8yeq4IfoE/s200/Connell_William.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connell</td></tr>
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Individual tickets, starting at $25, are now on sale, as are 3-play-subscription packages. Contact the George Street Playhouse Box Office at 732-246-7717 or visit <a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">www</a><a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">.</a><a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">GSPonline</a><a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">.</a><a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">org</a> for tickets and information. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in heart of New Brunswick’s vibrant downtown dining and entertainment district, steps away from plentiful parking and dining options for every palate and pocketbook.<br />
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Opening night, set for Friday, February 5, 2016, is sponsored by by The Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation.<br />
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<b>William Connell</b>’s New York City credits include <i>A View from the Bridge</i> (2010 Broadway revival); <i>The Coast of Utopia</i> (Lincoln Center); <i>Alphabetical Order</i> (Keen Company). Regionally, he has appeared in <i>One Man, Two Guvnors</i> (Berkeley Rep, South Coast Rep, Pioneer Theatre); <i>Hamlet</i> (Aspen Music Festival); <i>The Hour of Feeling</i> (Humana Festival); <i>The Winslow Boy</i> and <i>The Mousetrap</i> (Rep Theatre of St. Louis), <i>The 39 Steps</i> (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival); <i>Bell, Book and Candle</i> (San Francisco Playhouse); and <i>The Importance of Being Earnest</i> (Gulfshore Playhouse), among others. His film and television appearances include <i>Manhattan Love Story, MA, Smash, Not Fade Away, Gossip Girl, Law & Order</i>, and <i>Guiding Light</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-oFEjYGgfI/Vo_K14noOzI/AAAAAAAABE4/BXa_7Daoosk/s1600/Dawes_Bill.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-oFEjYGgfI/Vo_K14noOzI/AAAAAAAABE4/BXa_7Daoosk/s200/Dawes_Bill.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawes</td></tr>
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<b>Bill Dawes</b> is a three-time Broadway veteran, most recently appearing as Mickey Mantle in <i>Bronx Bombers</i>. He has appeared in a dozen off-Broadway productions, and many more at esteemed regional theatres like Williamstown, Ford's Theatre and Dallas Theatre Center. His television credits include <i>Law & Order, Criminal Minds, Damages, The Following, Royal Pains, Sex and the City</i>, and many more. His fifth lead role in a feature film will be in the award-winning <i>Before the Sun Explodes</i>. As a comic, Bill has performed all over the world, including tours of Iraq and Afghanistan with the USO, and has his own channel of comedy videos at <a href="http://www.laughfactory.com/BillDawes">http://www.laughfactory.com/BillDawes</a> and on YouTube.<br />
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<b>David Rush</b> has written plays produced at such theaters as American Stage, Stage Left, Mark Taper Forum, GeVa Theater, and Manhattan Theater Club, among others. His work has won or placed in national contests and has earned a variety of awards, including several Chicago Jeffs, a Los Angeles Drama Logue and two Midwest Emmies. He has received Illinois Arts Council grants and was a writer in residence at the Inge Center in 2010. His books, <i>A Student Guide to Play Analysis</i> and <i>Building Your Play</i>, are used by many colleges and universities.<br />
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<b>Michael Mastro</b> will be directing his third mainstage production at George Street, after previously helming <i>The Fabulous Lipitones</i> in 2014 and <i>The Subject Was Roses</i> with Stephanie Zimbalist in 2011. He also directed a celebrity play reading of Matt Hoverman’s <i>Thrillsville </i>with a cast featuring Edie Falco, Richard Kind and Grant Shaud at GSP in late 2015. He has also appeared on stage at George Street in such productions as <i>The Sunshine Boys, The Pillowman, The Fox on the Fairway</i> and <i>Inspecting Carol</i>. Last season, he directed Ingmar Bergman’s <i>Nora </i>at Delaware Theatre Company and he appeared in Ayckbourn’s <i>The Things We Do For Love</i> at the Westport Country Playhouse. In recent years, he has helmed several NYC celebrity play readings to benefit various nonprofits, working with actors like Zachary Quinto, Bernadette Peters, Jean Smart, Beau Bridges, Michael McKean, Stockard Channing, Melissa Leo, Laura Benanti, Cynthia Nixon, John Slattery and Cecily Strong. He served as associate director of the recent first national tour of <i>West Side Story</i>, helmed by GSP Artistic Director David Saint, and has directed many new American one-acts for several NYC theatre companies. As an actor, he works regularly on and off Broadway, regionally, and in film and TV, where he is currently recurring on <i>Law and Order: SVU</i>. Member: Actors Equity, SAG-AFTRA, SDC, Naked Angels, The Actors Center.<br />
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The set has been designed by <b>Alexis Distler</b>, who was an assistant on Broadway’s <i>Act One</i>, which earned a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design. The creative team also includes costume designer <b>Esther Arroyo</b>, lighting designer <b>Christopher Bailey</b>, and sound designer/original music composer <b>Scott Killian</b> – all of whom were part of the 2013 world premiere production of Joe DiPietro’s <i>Clever Little Lies</i> with Marlo Thomas at George Street Playhouse as well as the current off-Broadway production of that show at New York City’s Westside Theatre.<br />
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<b>About George Street Playhouse</b><br />
In the 42 years since its founding, George Street Playhouse has become a nationally recognized theatre, presenting an acclaimed mainstage season while providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. Its leadership consists of Artistic Director David Saint, Resident Artistic Director Michael Mastro and Managing Director Kelly Ryman. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway – recent productions include the Outer Critics’ Circle Best Musical Award-winner <i>The Toxic Avenger</i>; the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League nominated production of <i>The Spitfire Grill</i>; and the recent Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play <i>Proof </i>by David Auburn, which was developed at GSP during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays. In 2015, George Street Playhouse has been represented by two productions in New York: the recent Broadway production of <i>It Shoulda Been You</i>, and Joe DiPietro’s <i>Clever Little Lies</i>, which opened off-Broadway in October. Both shows received their premieres at the Playhouse. In addition to its mainstage season, GSP’s Touring Educational Theatre features three issue-oriented productions that are seen by more than 40,000 students annually. George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.<br />
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<i>Nureyev’s Eyes</i><br />
by David Rush<br />
directed by Michael Mastro<br />
with William Connell and Bill Dawes<br />
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February 2 – 21, 2016<br />
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Opening night, sponsored by The Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation:<br />
Friday, February 5, 2016<br />
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George Street Playhouse<br />
9 Livingston Avenue • New Brunswick<br />
Box Office 732-246-7717 • <a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">www.GSPonline.org</a><script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-1426306865158849702015-11-23T12:59:00.002-08:002015-12-29T13:25:48.959-08:00Vote for GSP in the BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards!<div>
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<a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/" target="_blank"><b>George Street Playhouse</b></a> has received 18 nominations in <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/Voting-Opens-for-the-2015-BroadwayWorld-New-Jersey-Awards-20151120" target="_blank">this year's BroadwayWorld New Jersey Regional Awards</a>, honoring productions during our 2014-15 Mainstage season. Nominations were reader-submitted and confirmed for eligibility by BWW New Jersey staff.<br />
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Listed below are the nominees representing George Street Playhouse, including GSP's Artistic Director <b>David Saint</b>, Resident Artistic Director <b>Michael Mastro</b> and Production Manager <b>Chris Bailey</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3677&region=New%20Jersey"><b>Best Actor in a Drama (Professional)</b></a><br />
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<li>John Bolger (<i>Outside Mullingar</i>) </li>
<li>John Tartaglia (<i>Buyer and Cellar</i>) </li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3676&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Actor in a Musical Theater Production (Professional)</b></a><br />
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<li>Wade McCollum (<i>Ernest Shackleton Loves Me</i>) </li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3678&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Actress in a Drama (Professional)</b></a><br />
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<li>Ellen McLaughlin (<i>Outside Mullingar</i>) </li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3679&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Actress in a Musical Theater Production (Professional)</b></a><br />
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<li>Valerie Vigoda (<i>Ernest Shackleton Loves Me</i>) </li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3684&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Director of a Drama (Professional)</b></a><br />
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<li>Michael Mastro (<i>The Fabulous Lipitones</i>) </li>
<li>David Saint (<i>Buyer and Cellar)</i></li>
<li>David Saint (<i>Outside Mullingar</i>) </li>
<li>Seret Scott (<i>The Whipping Man</i>) </li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3692&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Director of a Musical Theater Production (Professional)</b></a><br />
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<li>Lisa Peterson (<i>Ernest Shackleton Loves Me</i>) </li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3685&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Drama (Professional)</b></a><br />
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<li>John Markus & Mark St. Germain (<i>The Fabulous Lipitones</i>) </li>
<li>John Patrick Shanley (<i>Outside Mullingar</i>) </li>
<li>Jonathan Tolins (<i>Buyer and Cellar</i>) </li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3687&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Lighting Design</b></a><br />
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<li>Chris Bailey (<i>Buyer and Cellar</i>) </li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3688&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Musical Theater Production (Professional)</b></a><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Ernest Shackleton Loves Me </i></li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3691&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Set Design</b></a><br />
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<li>R. Michael Miller (<i>Outside Mullingar</i>)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=3690&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Sound Design</b></a></div>
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<li>Scott Killian (<i>Outside Mullingar)</i></li>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=4262&region=New%20Jersey" target="_blank"><b>Best Theater Company (Ensemble)</b></a></div>
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<li><i>Ernest Shackleton Loves Me </i></li>
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<b>Voting runs through December 31. Winners will be announced in early January!</b><br />
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Don't miss out! Click on the link to vote today!<br />
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/vote2015region.cfm" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">CLICK HERE TO VOTE!</span></b></a><br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-5895151848202751942015-10-21T08:52:00.000-07:002015-10-21T09:35:29.640-07:00George Street Playhouse Announces Cast for THE SECOND MRS. WILSON<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TONY AWARD WINNER JOHN GLOVER (TV’s Smallville) and LAILA ROBINS (TV’s Homeland) to play Woodrow Wilson and Edith Galt in story of the REAL first female president</span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>George Street Playhouse to produce THE SECOND MRS. WILSON by Two-Time Tony Award Winner JOE DiPIETRO November 10-29 to be Directed by GORDON EDELSTEIN </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Three Tony Award Winners grace cast of New Jersey Premier </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Performances begin just after Election Day this November </b></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Brunswick, NJ -- <a href="http://georgestreetplayhouse.org/">George Street Playhouse</a> is excited to announce the Award-Winning cast of <b>Joe DiPietro’s</b> <a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/mainstage/thesecondmrswilson"><i>The Second Mrs. Wilson</i></a>, to run at the New Brunswick theatre November 10-29. <b>John Glover</b>, a Tony Award winner for Love! Valour! Compassion! also known to TV audiences for portraying Lionel Luthor on the long-running television series, Smallville, and <b>Laila Robins</b>, well known for a role in the hit drama Homeland and for frequent performances at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, headline a cast featuring a number of veteran actors of stage and screen in this fascinating look at the real-life events in which a woman became the de facto President of the United States. <b>Gordon Edelstein</b>, Artistic Director of Long Wharf Theatre, helms the production. Tony Award winners <b>Michael McGrath</b> and <b>Stephen Spinella</b> join <b>Sherman Howard, Richmond Hoxie</b> and <b>Stephen Barker Turner</b> in rounding out the stellar cast.<br /><br />“These actors are among the finest working today,” said George Street Playhouse Artistic Director <b>David Saint</b>. “I am thrilled to welcome them and the very talented Gordon Edelstein to George Street, and into the world of this remarkable play by our good friend Joe DiPietro.“<br /><br />Creating the world of the play are scenic designer <b>Alexander Dodge</b> (Tony Award nominations for <i>A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder</i> and <i>Present Laughter</i>); costume designer <b>Linda Cho</b> (Tony Award winner for <i>A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder</i>); lighting designer <b>Ben Stanton</b> (Tony Award nomination for <i>Fun Home</i>) and sound designer <b>John Gromada</b> (Tony Award nominee for <i>The Trip to Bountiful</i>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/mainstage/thesecondmrswilson" target="_blank">Click for tickets and more information about the show</a></b><br /><br />Individual tickets, starting at $28 are now on sale, as are subscription and flexible admission packages. Contact the George Street Playhouse Box Office at 732-246-7717 or visit <a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">www.GSPonline.org</a> for tickets and information. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in heart of New Brunswick’s vibrant downtown dining and entertainment district, steps away from plentiful parking and dining options for every palate and pocketbook. Consult <a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">www.GSPonline.org</a> when planning your trip for helpful parking tips and restaurant recommendations.<br /><br /><b>ABOUT THE CAST </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShYbLNTbfX8/ViezKmV4cnI/AAAAAAAAA0E/bp3fvSX1WL0/s1600/2nd-mrs-wilson-cast.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShYbLNTbfX8/ViezKmV4cnI/AAAAAAAAA0E/bp3fvSX1WL0/s320/2nd-mrs-wilson-cast.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>John Glover</b> (President Woodrow Wilson) created the role of Woodrow Wilson in the play’s world premiere at Long Wharf Theatre. Shakespeare in the Park: <i>Much Ado About Nothing</i>. Broadway: <i>Macbeth, Death of a Salesman, The Royal Family, Waiting for Godot</i> (Tony nomination), <i>The Drowsy Chaperone, Love! Valour! Compassion! </i>(Tony and Obie Awards), <i>The Great God Brown</i> (Drama Desk Award). Off-Broadway: <i>Nikolai and The Others, The Atmosphere of Memory, Secrets of the Trade, The Marriage of Bette and Boo, The Paris Letter</i> (Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Drama League Nominations), <i>Sorrows and Rejoicings, Give Me Your Answer, Do!</i> Long Wharf Theatre: <i>The Skin of Our Teeth, Yegor Bulychev, The Doctors Dilemma, Juno and the Paycock</i>, TV: 5 Emmy Nominations. Film: <i>Love! Valour! Compassion!, Scrooged, Batman and Robin, Gremlins II, Julia</i>, and <i>Annie Hall</i>. <br /><br /><br /><b>Sherman Howard</b> (Senator Henry Cabot Lodge) Broadway: <i>All My Sons</i> and <i>Inherit The Wind</i>. Off-Broadway: <i>Another Part of the Forest</i> (Peccadillo Theatre), <i>Tell Out My Soul </i>(Public Theatre), <i>Geography of a Horse Dreamer, The Lady Or the Tiger, The Crate</i> (EST), <i>I'm Not Rappaport </i>(Roundabout). National Tour: <i>Sweet Bird of Youth</i> (with Lauren Bacall). Regional: <i>The Price</i> (Pittsburgh Public), <i>Sheridan </i>(La Jolla), <i>Nine Armenians </i>(Intiman ), <i>The Front Page, Andronicus: A Space Musical, Getting Out</i> (Actors Theatre of Louisville), <i>The Contractor, The Collection, The Merchant of Venice</i> (ACT). Television: <i>Seinfeld, ER, Cold Case, Star Trek, Superboy, The Stand, Op Center, Good and Evil, Law and Order</i>, et al.<br /><br /><br /><b>Richmond Hoxie</b> (Vice President Thomas Marshall) performed on Broadway and the national tour of <i>I’m Not Rappaport</i>. His other national tour credit is <i>Butley</i>. He appeared Off Broadway in <i>The Film Society, Lenin’s Embalmers, The Dining Room, Vienna: Lusthaus (revisited)</i>, <i>Landscape with Waitress, Justice, Louis Slotin Sonata, Waiting for Godot</i>, and <i>Angel Street</i>. His regional performances include <i>Light Up the Sky</i> (La Jolla Playhouse), <i>The Crucible</i> (Hartford Stage), <i>Amadeus, Twelve Angry Men</i>, and <i>Secret Order</i> (The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), <i>Travels with My Aunt</i> (Seattle Repertory Theatre), <i>Inspecting Carol</i> (Bay Street Theater), and <i>Loot</i> and <i>Council of Thirty</i> (George Street Playhouse). His film work includes <i>JFK, Still of the Night, For Love or Money</i>, and <i>My Own Love Song</i>. His television credits include <i>Boardwalk Empire, China Beach, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Christine Cromwell, LA Law, Cosby</i> and others.<br /><br /><b>Michael McGrath</b> (Secretary Joe Tumulty) won a Tony Award for his performance in <i>Nice Work If You Can Get It</i> on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include B<i>orn Yesterday, Memphis, Is He Dead?, Spamalot</i> (Tony Award nomination), <i>Wonderful Town, Little Me, Swinging On A Star</i> (Theatre World Award), <i>The Goodbye Girl</i> and <i>My Favorite Year</i>. Michael also appeared in the <i>City Center Encores!</i> productions of <i>Follies</i>, <i>The Boys from Syracuse</i>, and <i>DuBarry Was A Lady</i>. His off-Broadway credits include: <i>The Cocoanuts, The Butter And Egg Man, Game Show, Louisiana Purchase</i> and <i>Forbidden Broadway</i>. Michael has appeared on television in <i>The Martin Short Show</i>. His film credits include: <i>The Interpreter, Changing Lanes</i> and <i>Ira and Abby</i>.<br /><br /><b>Laila Robins</b> (Edith Bolling Galt) Broadway: <i>Heartbreak House, Frozen</i> (Lucille Lortell nomination for Best Supporting Actress), <i>The Herbal Bed</i> and <i>The Real Thing</i>. Off-Broadway and national tour: <i>Mrs. Klein</i>, opposite Uta Hagen (Joseph Jefferson Award; Helen Hayes Award nomination); New York credits: <i>Anthony and Cleopatra, Sore Throats</i> (Lucille Lortell Award nomination for Best Actress), <i>The Film Society,Tiny Alice, The Merchant of Venice</i> (Calloway Award), <i>The Extra Man</i> and <i>Bloody Poetry</i>. Eleven Seasons at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ including <i>A Streetcar Named Desire, The Cherry Orchard, Macbeth, King John, Three Sisters, The Homecoming, Electra, The Comedy of Errors, Arms and the Man, The Seagull and Twelfth Night</i>. Regional credits: <i>Hedda Gabler, Summer and Smoke, Antony and Cleopatra</i> and the world premiere of Arthur Miller’s <i>Resurrection Blues </i>(Guthrie Theater); <i>Skylight</i> (Mark Taper Forum; Drama-Logue Award); <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i> (Steppenwolf Theatre; Jefferson Award); and <i>Fiction </i>and <i>Fool for Love</i> (McCarter Theatre). Film and television credits include: <i>Homeland; Murder in the First; Person of Interest; Damages; Blue Bloods; The Good Wife; The Good Shepherd</i> (directed by Robert De Niro); <i>True Crime; Planes, Trains and Automobiles; Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael; Bored to Death; In Treatment; God in America; 30 Rock; Gabriel’s Fire; Book of Daniel; Sex and the City</i>; all three <i>Law & Orders</i>; and <i>The Sopranos</i>. She received her M.F.A. from Yale School of Drama, and coaches privately in NYC.<br /><br /><b>Stephen Spinella </b>(Colonel Edward House) is a two-time Tony Award winner who has performed in <i>Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Angels in America: Perestroika, A View from the Bridge </i>and <i>Spring Awakening</i>. His TV work includes <i>Royal Pains, Desperate Housewives</i> and <i>24</i>, and his film credits include <i>Cradle Will Rock</i> and <i>Love! Valour! Compassion!</i> (with John Glover).<br /><br /><b>Stephen Barker Turner </b>(Dr. Cary Grayson) Off-Broadway: Michael Frayn’s <i>Benefactors</i>, The Keen Company; <i>Race</i>, Classic Stage Company; <i>All My Sons</i>, Roundabout Theatre Company; <i>Richard III, All’s Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure</i>, New York Shakespeare Festival; <i>A Letter from Ethel Kennedy</i>, MCC Theater; <i>Lips</i>, Primary Stages. Regional: Premieres of <i>Dead Accounts, The Scene</i> and <i>The Novelist,</i> all by Theresa Rebeck; premieres of <i>The Evildoers</i> by David Adjmi and <i>Compulsion</i> by Rinne Groff, both at Yale Repertory Theatre; premiere of Gina Gionfriddo’s <i>After Ashley</i>, Humana Festival; among others. Television & Film: <i>Seducing Charlie Barker</i> (based on Rebeck’s <i>The Scene</i>), <i>Cosmopolitan, We Pedal Uphill, Blair Witch 2, Warrior Class, Body of Proof</i> (ABC); <i>Blue Bloods</i> (CBS); all three <i>Law and Order</i> franchises (NBC); <i>Sex and the City</i> (HBO); <i>Hack</i> (CBS); <i>Swift Justice</i> (UPN); <i>One Life to Live</i> and <i>All My Children</i> (ABC), among others.<br /><br /><b>ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT</b><br /><br />Joe DiPietro is thrilled to be returning to George Street for his fifth show. Previously at George Street: <i>The Toxic Avenger, Creating Claire, Clever Little Lies</i> and <i>Ernest Shackleton Loves Me</i>. He is a two-time Tony Award winner for <i>Memphis</i>, which also received the 2010 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical. He received a Tony nomination & Drama Desk Award for <i>Nice Work If You Can Get It</i>. His <i>Clever Little Lies</i>, which stars Marlo Thomas and premiered at GSP in 2013, recently opened off-Broadway under the direction of GSP Artistic Director David Saint. Another recent work, <i>Living on Love</i>, a comedy starring Renée Fleming, debuted on Broadway earlier this year. He also wrote the long-running off-Broadway hits, <i>I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change</i> and <i>Over the River and Through the Woods</i>.<br /><br /><b>ABOUT THE DIRECTOR</b><br /><br />Gordon Edelstein is in his 13th season as Long Wharf Theatre’s Artistic Director. In addition to his recent work on the world premiere of Athol Fugard’s <i>Have You Seen Us?</i> and his own adaptation of <i>A Doll’s House</i>, Mr. Edelstein directed <i>Coming Home</i> at Berkeley Rep and Long Wharf Theatre’s production of <i>The Glass Menagerie</i>, starring Judith Ivey, at the Roundabout Theatre. As a director, he has garnered three Connecticut Critics Circle Awards and during his tenure at Long Wharf, the theatre has produced world premieres by Athol Fugard, Paula Vogel, Craig Lucas, Julia Cho, Noah Haidle, Dael Orlandersmith, and Anna Deavere Smith. Over the course of his career, he has also directed and/or produced premieres by Philip Glass, Arthur Miller, Paula Vogel, Donald Margulies, James Lapine, Charles Mee, Mac Wellman, and Martin McDonagh, among many others, and has directed an extremely diverse body of work from Sophocles to Pinter, and from Shakespeare to Beckett.<br /><br /><b>ABOUT GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE</b><br /><br />In the 42 years since its founding, George Street Playhouse has become a nationally recognized theatre, presenting an acclaimed mainstage season while providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. Its leadership consists of Artistic Director David Saint, Resident Artistic Director Michael Mastro and Managing Director Kelly Ryman. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway – recent productions include the Outer Critics’ Circle Best Musical Award-winner The <i>Toxic Avenger</i>; the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League nominated production of <i>The Spitfire Grill</i>; and the recent Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play <i>Proof </i>by David Auburn, which was developed at GSP during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays. In 2015, George Street Playhouse has been represented by two productions in New York: the recent Broadway production of <i>It Shoulda Been You</i>, and Joe DiPietro’s <i>Clever Little Lies</i>, which opened off-Broadway in October. Both shows received their premieres at the Playhouse. In addition to its mainstage season, GSP’s Touring Educational Theatre features three issue-oriented productions that are seen by more than 40,000 students annually. George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. <br /><br /># # # #<br /><br /><i>The Second Mrs. Wilson</i><br />By Joe DiPietro<br />Directed by Gordon Edelstein<br /><br />With John Glover, Sherman Howard, Richmond Hoxie, Michael McGrath, Laila Robins, Stephen Spinella and Stephen Barker Turner<br /><br />The Second Mrs. Wilson is sponsored by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.<br /><br />November 10-29, 2015<br /><br />George Street Playhouse • 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick<br /><br />Box Office 732-246-7717 • <a href="http://www.gsponline.org/">www.GSPonline.org</a></span><script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-79172434985559942092015-09-02T12:10:00.001-07:002015-09-02T12:16:20.423-07:00George Street Playhouse celebrates healthy kids in the arts Sept. 19<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">George Street Playhouse presents "Be Unstoppable: A Celebration of Healthy Kids in the Arts" on Sept. 19</span></b><br /><br /><i>FREE interactive activities, nutritious food and performances by GSP’s Educational Touring Theatre and American Repertory Ballet highlight special Hub City Sounds event<br /></i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The 2014-15 George Street Playhouse Educational Touring Theatre cast in "Austin the Unstoppable." (Photo by David Kelly Crowne)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Brunswick, NJ -- <a href="http://gsponline.org/">George Street Playhouse</a> is proud to host “Be Unstoppable: A Celebration of Healthy Kids in the Arts” as part of the New Brunswick Cultural Center’s <a href="http://newbrunswickarts.org/wordpress/hub-city-sounds/" target="_blank">Hub City Sounds Festival</a> on Saturday, September 19, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event, which also serves as the official “kick-off” of a collaboration between <a href="http://community.horizonblue.com/">The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey</a> and George Street Playhouse for <a href="http://goo.gl/IilVMV"><i>Austin the Unstoppable</i></a>, will feature a performance by GSP’s Educational Touring Theatre of <i>Austin </i>on the Playhouse’s Mainstage at 10:30 a.m. The day also includes interactive activities, a healthy lunch and an afternoon performance by <a href="http://www.americanrepertoryballet.org/" target="_blank">American Repertory Ballet</a> dancers.<br /><br />An original GSP musical promoting health and wellness, <i>Austin the Unstoppable</i> is the tale of an 11-year-old gamer and junk-food junkie who – along with his family – must face the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle when his mother is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The production explores the challenges the family must face when having to make healthy choices together.<br /><br />The musical, with book and lyrics by <b>Barry Wyner</b> and music by <b>Daniel Israel</b>, was commissioned by George Street Playhouse through the Victoria J. Mastrobuono New Work Development Program, Bristol-Myers Squibb and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. Research for the development of <i>Austin the Unstoppable</i> was provided by Shaping NJ. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is the presenting sponsor of the production, providing $550,000 in grants to make it possible for <i>Austin </i>to tour in schools statewide.<br /><br />The show is stage managed by <b>Erica Leigh</b>, and features the talents of <b>Alexa Adderley</b>, <b>Kirk Geritano</b>, <b>Alexa Johnson</b> and <b>James Ross</b>. (A PDF with detailed show information, including cast and crew bios, can be <a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/file.php?id=536">downloaded here</a>.)<br /><br />Immediately following the performance, a discussion with the audience about topics and issues explored during the performance will take place in the Mainstage theatre. A free healthy lunch and dessert bar catered by Elijah’s Promise follows in the Playhouse’s Cabaret, with activity and information tables available to guests. <br /><br />The event is capped off at 12:30 p.m. by American Repertory Ballet dancers who will present <i>Grumpy Bird</i>, a children's ballet based on the children’s book by Jeremy Tankard that is choreographed by Matthew Keefe and set to music by Mozart, and Mary Barton’s <i>Once Upon a Summer’s Day</i>. <br /><br />The performance will mark the fourth consecutive year that GSP’s Educational Touring Theatre has participated in the Hub City Sounds Festival. For further information on this and other GSP Touring Theatre performances, contact GSP’s Education Department at (732) 846-2895, ext. 117, or <a href="mailto:education@georgestplayhouse.org">education@georgestplayhouse.org</a>.</span><br />
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<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA40.4935266 -74.44444959999998414.971492100000003 -115.75304359999998 66.0155611 -33.135855599999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-44366437342414462892015-08-03T05:00:00.000-07:002015-08-04T11:40:24.838-07:00GSP Adds 'The Second Mrs. Wilson' To Revised 2015-16 Schedule; Single Tickets On Sale Aug. 10<ul><span id="docs-internal-guid-3f758516-d688-3c5b-28c3-9bfa766ca271"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li>Joe DiPietro’s Fascinating History Play, <i>The Second Mrs. Wilson</i>, Completes George Street Playhouse’s 2015-16 Season</li>
<li>DiPietro Play to Take Second Slot in Season, directed by GORDON EDELSTEIN</li>
<li><i>My Name is Asher Lev</i> will close season</li>
<li>Individual Tickets for Entire Season Go On Sale MONDAY, AUGUST 10</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Oz2pvDBOA/Vbf4R0x0d6I/AAAAAAAAAto/O_7CeuXeCjg/s1600/GSP%2BBW%2Bred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Oz2pvDBOA/Vbf4R0x0d6I/AAAAAAAAAto/O_7CeuXeCjg/s200/GSP%2BBW%2Bred.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3f758516-d688-3c5b-28c3-9bfa766ca271"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">New Brunswick, NJ – <a href="http://gsponline.org/" target="_blank">George Street Playhouse</a> </span></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">has announced that Joe DiPietro’s </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Second Mrs. Wilson </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">will occupy the previously to-be-announced slot in the New Brunswick theatre’s 2015-16 season. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gordon Edelstein, Artistic Director of New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre, will helm the production, which will play New Brunswick in advance of an anticipated New York run in 2016. Casting will be announced at a later date. It will run November 10-29, taking the slot previously occupied by </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Name is Asher Lev. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aaron Posner’s adaptation of the Chaim Potok novel instead will end George Street’s 2015-16 season, running April 12 – May 1, 2016. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">“We are so excited to welcome Joe DiPietro in his fifth production at George Street, “ said Artistic Director </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">David Saint</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">. “I am equally as thrilled to welcome Gordon here to direct – I have wanted to get him to come to New Brunswick for some time. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.2;">And with the possibility of a female president in the
future, the show is timely as well."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Full season and flexible admission packages for George Street Playhouse’s season are currently on sale. Individual tickets for each of the theatre’s five productions will go on sale Monday, August 10. For tickets and information contact the George Street Playhouse Box Office, 732-246-7717, or visit </span><a href="http://www.gsponline.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; text-decoration: none;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.GSPonline.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue, in the center of New Brunswick’s lively downtown, steps away from plentiful parking and dining options for every palate and pocketbook. Visit GSPonline.org to help plan your visit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Second Mrs. Wilson </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is the story of the woman who many believe served as the first female President. It is April 1915. President Woodrow Wilson (former New Jersey Governor and Princeton University President), reeling from the loss of his wife, meets, falls in love with and marries Edith Galt. She very quickly becomes important – and influential – to her husband, and inconvenient to his circle of advisors. With the first World War looming, the President falls ill, and it is left to Edith to outsmart the men of Washington who would derail her beloved husband’s dream of world peace and the League of Nations. But will her unstinting devotion to her husband’s ideals be their downfall? A fascinating look at the real-life events in which a woman became the de facto President of the United States, from the author of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clever Little Lies, Memphis </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Toxic Avenger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joe DiPietro</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is thrilled to be returning to George Street for his fifth show. Previously at George Street: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Toxic Avenger, Creating Claire</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clever Little Lies </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ernest Shackleton Loves Me</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. He is a two-time Tony Award winner for </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Memphis</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which also received the 2010 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical. He received a Tony nomination & Drama Desk Award for </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nice Work If You Can Get It</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. His newest comedy, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Living on Love</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, recently debuted on Broadway, starring Renée Fleming. He also wrote the long-running off-Broadway hits, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the River and Through the Woods</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gordon Edelstein</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is in his 13th season as Long Wharf Theatre’s Artistic Director. In addition to his recent work on the world premiere of Athol Fugard’s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Have You Seen Us? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and his own adaptation of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Doll’s House</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Mr. Edelstein directed </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Coming Home</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at Berkeley Rep and Long Wharf Theatre’s production of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Glass Menagerie</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> starring Judith Ivey at the Roundabout Theatre</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As a director, he has garnered three Connecticut Critics Circle Awards and during his tenure at Long Wharf Theatre, the theatre has produced world premieres by Athol Fugard, Paula Vogel, Craig Lucas, Julia Cho, Noah Haidle, Dael Orlandersmith, and Anna Deavere Smith. Over the course of his career, he has also directed and/or produced premieres by Philip Glass, Arthur Miller, Paula Vogel, Donald Margulies, James Lapine, Charles Mee, Mac Wellman, and Martin McDonagh, among many others, and has directed an extremely diverse body of work from Sophocles to Pinter, and from Shakespeare to Beckett.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Under his artistic leadership, Long Wharf Theatre has received 14 additional Connecticut Critics Circle Awards, including six best actor or actress awards in plays that he directed. He was also given the organization’s Tom Killen Award, given annually to an individual who has made an indelible impact on the Connecticut theatrical landscape. Mr. Edelstein has directed countless plays and workshops for Long Wharf Theatre including the world premieres of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BFE</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (transfer to Playwrights Horizons), </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Day the Bronx Died </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(transfer to NY and London), </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Dance Lesson</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Times, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">as well as </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A New War, A Moon for the Misbegotten</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anna Christie</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Front Page, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mourning Becomes Electra,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> starring Jane Alexander. Prior to assuming artistic leadership of Long Wharf Theatre, Mr. Edelstein helmed Seattle’s ACT Theatre for five years. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in History and Religious Studies from Grinnell College in 1976 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Grinnell College in 2003.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the 42 years since its founding, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">George Street Playhouse</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has become a nationally recognized theatre, presenting an acclaimed mainstage season while providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. Its leadership consists of Artistic Director David Saint, Resident Artistic Director Michael Mastro and Managing Director Kelly Ryman. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway – recent productions include the Outer Critics’ Circle Best Musical Award-winner </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Toxic Avenger</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League nominated production of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Spitfire Grill;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the recent Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Proof</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by David Auburn, which was developed at GSP during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays. In 2015, George Street Playhouse is represented by two productions in New York: the current Broadway production of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It Shoulda Been You</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and Joe DiPietro’s </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clever Little Lies, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">opening off-Broadway this fall. Both shows received their premieres at the Playhouse. In addition to its mainstage season, GSP’s Touring Educational Theatre features three issue-oriented productions that are seen by more than 40,000 students annually. George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/media/pr/GSP2015-16onesheet.pdf" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="GSP 2015-16 Season Flyer" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRcM5V6_pNg/VbkBMsUrVKI/AAAAAAAAAuE/hrzI9D34Nds/s400/15-16SeasonFlyer.jpg" title="" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
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</span><script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comNew Brunswick, NJ, USA40.493420891203648 -74.444314241409340.492666391203649 -74.4455747414093 40.494175391203648 -74.4430537414093tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-19874000933308832462015-07-27T08:12:00.000-07:002015-07-27T08:16:25.581-07:00George Street Playhouse Appoints Actor/Director Michael Mastro Resident Artistic Director<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Mastro to Work Alongside Artistic Director David Saint to Lead New Brunswick Theatre</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Board of Trustees of <a href="http://georgestreetplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">George Street Playhouse</a> has announced the appointment of Michael Mastro as Resident Artistic Director. Mr. Mastro will work alongside Artistic Director David Saint and Managing Director Kelly Ryman to lead the New Brunswick theatre.</span><br />
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<br />“David’s responsibilities as Literary Executor of Arthur Laurents’ estate, as well as his leadership of the Laurents/Hatcher Foundation have grown very substantially in the years since Arthur’s passing,” said James N. Heston, Chairman of the George Street Playhouse Board of Trustees. “David came to us with the idea of collaborating with Michael in the artistic leadership of the theatre, and as we are well aware of Michael’s work on our stage both as an actor and director, are thrilled to welcome him to an expanded role here in New Brunswick.”<br /><br />Mr. Saint said, “I heartily welcome Michael at George Street in this partnership, sharing the artistic responsibilities of guiding the Playhouse on a day-to-day basis. This partnership is by no means new -- Michael was my Associate Director on the recent national tour of <i>West Side Story</i>, and I am excited to have him at my side to help at George Street. “<br /><br />Michael Mastro directed last season’s <i>The Fabulous Lipitones</i> at George Street Playhouse, as well as <i>The Subject Was Roses</i> with Stephanie Zimbalist several seasons ago. He has also appeared onstage here in such productions as <i>The Sunshine Boys, The Pillowman, Fox on the Fairway</i> and <i>Inspecting Carol</i>. He is currently the Associate Artistic Director of The Delaware Theatre Company in Wilmington, DE, where he appeared in <i>Any Given Monday</i> two seasons ago, and where he directed a production of Ingmar Bergman’s <i>Nora</i> (an adaptation of Ibsen’s <i>A Doll House</i>) this past January. In recent years, he has helmed several NYC celebrity play readings to benefit non-profits, working with actors like Zachary Quinto, Bernadette Peters, Jean Smart, Beau Bridges, Michael McKean, Stockard Channing, Melissa Leo, Laura Benanti, Cynthia Nixon, John Slattery and Cecily Strong in such plays as <i>Love Letters, Collected Stories, Hate Mail, Side Man</i>, and <i>The Glint</i>. Past directorial assignments include his work as Associate Director to GSP's David Saint in the mounting of the first national tour of <i>West Side Story</i>, as well as directing many new American one-acts for several NYC theatre companies, including Naked Angels, of which he is a member. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an actor, he appeared last season in Alan Ayckbourn’s <i>Things We Do For Love</i> at the Westport Country Playhouse. Broadway acting credits include: <i>West Side Story,</i> <i>Twelve Angry Men</i>, <i>Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</i> (Ashley Judd/Jason Patric), <i>Mamma Mia!m,</i> <i>Judgment at Nuremberg,</i>; <i>Side Man</i>, <i>Barrymore </i>(with Christopher Plummer), and <i>Love! Valour! Compassion!</i> Off-Broadway: <i>Any Given Monda</i>y (59E59), <i>Volpone </i>(Red Bull), <i>The Water Children</i> (Playwrights Horizons), <i>Escape from Happiness</i> (Naked Angels). Regional Theaters: Delaware Theatre Company, Dallas Theater Center, North Shore, Old Globe, Paper Mill, Alabama Shakespeare, Barrington Stage, Coconut Grove, Williamstown and Penguin Rep. TV: <i>Nurse Jackie</i>, <i>Magic City</i>, <i>Alias</i>, <i>Hack</i>, <i>Deadline</i>, <i>Cosby</i>, and lots of <i>Law & Order</i> (he currently has a recurring role on <i>Law & Order: SVU</i>). Film: <i>Kissing Jessica Stein</i>, <i>The Night We Never Met</i>, <i>Jungle 2 Jungle</i>, <i>Borough of Kings</i>, and several upcoming indie shorts. He is a member of the Naked Angels and The Actors Center in NYC.<br /><br />Under the leadership of Artistic Director David Saint, George Street Playhouse has become a nationally recognized theatre, presenting an acclaimed mainstage season while providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. Kelly Ryman was appointed Managing Director in 2013. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway – recent productions include the Outer Critics’ Circle Best Musical Award-winner <i>The Toxic Avenger</i>; the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League nominated production of <i>The Spitfire Grill</i>; and the Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play <i>Proof</i> by David Auburn, which was developed at GSP during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays. In 2015, George Street Playhouse is represented by two productions in New York: the current Broadway production of <i>It Shoulda Been You</i>, and Joe DiPietro’s <i>Clever Little Lies,</i> starring Marlo Thomas, opening off-Broadway later this year. Both shows received their premieres at the Playhouse. In addition to its mainstage season, GSP’s Touring Educational Theatre features four issue-oriented productions that are seen by more than 40,000 students annually. George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.</span><br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-46176762906793667802015-06-09T14:01:00.000-07:002015-06-12T04:25:10.683-07:00George Street Playhouse announces 2015-16 Mainstage Season<h3>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Musical Murder Mystery, Art and Family, Nureyev and Wyeth, And <i>Sex With Strangers</i> Comprise George Street Playhouse’s 2015-2016 Season </span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Musical Comedy Mystery <i>Murder for Two</i> To Open Season, Followed by <i>My Name is Asher Lev</i>, <i>Nureyev’s Eyes</i>, <i>Sex With Strangers</i> And One Additional Title to be Announced </span></h2>
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<b>New Brunswick, NJ – </b><a href="http://georgestreetplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">George Street Playhouse</a> Artistic Director David Saint has announced the slate of plays scheduled for the New Brunswick theatre’s 2015-2016 season. George Street’s 42nd Season consists of a slate of four plays ranging from Mysterious Musical Comedy Mayhem to <i>Sex With Strangers</i>. The season begins with the musical comedy whodunit <i>Murder for Two</i>, followed by the story of an artist’s struggle with faith and family, <i>My Name is Asher Lev</i>. 2016 brings the tale of two great artists’ – one a dancer, the other a painter -- verbal sparring and ultimate friendship with <i>Nureyev’s Eyes</i>, as well as the recent off-Broadway hit comedy <i>Sex With Strangers</i>. One additional production is yet to be selected, and will be announced at a later date. </div>
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“This season’s selections span the gamut from uproarious musical farce to the touching interaction between two great artists in <i>Nureyev’s Eyes</i>, to a real commentary on today’s technology and the times we live in with <i>Sex With Strangers</i>,” said Mr. Saint. “I always strive to select plays that are both thought provoking and full of heart, and think this season achieves that.” <br />
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Five-play, three-play and flexible admission packages are currently on sale, as are tickets for groups of 10 or more. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue, in the heart of New Brunswick’s dining and entertainment district. For tickets and information, patrons may contact the Box Office directly at 732-246-7717 or may purchase online at GSPonline.org. George Street Playhouse sponsors bus and theatre packages from many active adult communities in the Monroe Township area. For information on bus and theatre packages, as well as pricing and reservation information for groups of ten or more, please contact the Group Sales office at 732-846-2895, ext. 134. <br />
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<u>The Plays: </u><br />
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<b><i>Murder for Two </i></b><br />
Book and Music by <b>Joe Kinosian </b><br />
Book and Lyrics by <b>Kellen Blair </b><br />
Directed by <b>Scott Schwartz </b><br />
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<b>October 6 – 25, 2015</b><br />
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Not exactly the happiest of birthdays! Novelist Arthur Whitney is murdered at his own birthday party, and his killer could very possibly be one of the guests. But this is not your ordinary whodunit. The entire world of this hilarious musical is brought to life by two incredible performers: one plays the detective, the other plays all 10 suspects – and they both play the piano! <br />
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<b><i>My Name Is Asher Lev </i></b><br />
By <b>Aaron Posner</b> <br />
Adapted from the novel by <b>Chaim Potok</b> <br />
Directed by <b>Jim Jack</b><br />
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<b>November 10 – 29, 2015</b><br />
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Faith – Tradition – Art. Which wins out? <br />
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Asher Lev is a young Hasid growing up in post-war Brooklyn. He is a young painter of prodigious talent – he can’t imagine himself doing anything else. He must create art at any cost, regardless of the will of his family, his community and tradition. The Outer Critics Circle award-winning play by Aaron Posner based on the best-selling novel by Chaim Potok. <br />
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<b><i>Nureyev’s Eyes </i></b><br />
By <b>David Rush </b><br />
Directed by <b>Michael Mastro </b><br />
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<b>February 2 – 21, 2016</b><br />
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“It’s in the eyes,” says Jamie, “they’re the hardest to get.” So says Jamie Wyeth, the son of Andrew. The visual artist’s relentless pursuit of dancer Rudolf Nureyev to sit for him as subject of a portrait has resulted in a number of sessions in which two artists trade poses, barbs, jokes, and unrevealed truths. A riveting fictional account of the very real interaction between two great artists. <br />
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<b><i>Sex With Strangers </i></b><br />
By <b>Laura Eason </b><br />
Directed by <b>David Saint </b><br />
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<b>March 8 – 27, 2016</b><br />
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In an increasingly digital world where images – and your persona – can be tweaked or even totally fabricated online, it can get tricky to figure out just who is lying in bed beside you. Ethan is a hot young writer whose online accounts of his sexual escapades have garnered him likes and followers by the score – as well as a movie deal. Olivia is an attractive teacher and erstwhile writer whose career never took off. Trapped by a snowstorm in a Bed and Breakfast, opposites instantly attract, undeniable chemistry ignites and sex is imminent. Sex turns to dating, which turns into something a bit more complicated. Sex with Strangers explores what happens when our online and offline identities intersect. <br />
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<i>Recommended for mature audiences due to adult themes and nudity. </i><br />
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<b>One additional selection, to be announced at a later date, will run April 12 – May 1, 2016, with opening night set for Friday, April 15. </b><br />
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Under the leadership of Artistic Director David Saint, George Street Playhouse has become a nationally recognized theatre, presenting an acclaimed mainstage season while providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. Kelly Ryman was appointed Managing Director in 2013. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway – recent productions include the Outer Critics’ Circle Best Musical Award-winner <i>The Toxic Avenger</i>; the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League nominated production of <i>The Spitfire Grill</i>; and the recent Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play <i>Proof </i>by David Auburn, which was developed at GSP during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays. In 2015, George Street Playhouse will be represented by two productions in New York: the current Broadway production of <i>It Shoulda Been You</i>, and Joe DiPietro’s <i>Clever Little Lies</i>, opening off-Broadway later this year. Both shows received their premieres at the Playhouse. In addition to its mainstage season, GSP’s Educational Touring Theatre features four issue-oriented productions that are seen by more than 40,000 students annually. George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. <br />
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<b>George Street Playhouse/ 2015-2016 Season: </b><br />
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<b><i>Murder for Two</i>/ October 6-25, 2015 <br /><i>My Name is Asher Lev</i>/ November 10 – 29, 2015 <br /><i>Nureyev’s Eyes</i>/ February 2-21, 2016 <br /><i>Sex With Strangers</i>/ March 8-27, 2016 <br />Title to be announced/ April 12 – May 1, 2016 </b><br />
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<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-7044817015193254882015-04-24T06:36:00.000-07:002015-04-24T09:18:38.491-07:00Getaways, Broadwayshows highlight GSP Gala auction items<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/specialevent/annualgalabenefit" target="_blank">George Street Playhouse’s Annual Gala – “A Starry Night”</a> – is only a week away (Sunday, May 3), and activity in the building is at a fever pitch. Members of the staff and Gala Committee ventured to The Heldrich to taste and decide on the menu and items are flooding in for our silent auction. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoh0Nincu4-DHpL-OcMATA0Uq1O2roHTUV5kSGg1j2uvhx_fMdogdJqurHRknRa08ff9z0vVuucgeciqSHPyTflu43YubNUFI-WHY78lIC7obF5yR0YFsPqiMN-Cql8K8yiPpKaByPg/s1600/GSPstarryNightverticalLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoh0Nincu4-DHpL-OcMATA0Uq1O2roHTUV5kSGg1j2uvhx_fMdogdJqurHRknRa08ff9z0vVuucgeciqSHPyTflu43YubNUFI-WHY78lIC7obF5yR0YFsPqiMN-Cql8K8yiPpKaByPg/s1600/GSPstarryNightverticalLogo.jpg" height="320" width="144" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evening honors two outstanding individuals: <b>Stephen K. Jones</b>, President and CEO of the Robert Wood University Hospital and Health System, and actress, author, producer and philanthropist <b>Marlo Thomas</b>. Mr. Jones will be honored with the <b>Thomas H. Kean</b> Arts Advocacy Award (presented by its namesake, Former Governor Thomas Kean), and Ms. Thomas will receive the first-ever <b>Arthur Laurents</b> Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The silent auction is one of the highlights of the event, offering vacations, jewelry, tickets to hard-to-come-by Broadway shows and more. Some of this year’s highlights include tickets to <i>It’s Only a Play</i>, the hot comedy starring Nathan Lane; <i>The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime</i>, the new play that has generated much Tony buzz; and <i>Fun Home</i>, the musical that recently transferred from the Public Theatre.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the play isn’t the only thing – a private VIP tour for up to six people of the Bronx Zoo, valued at $2,500 is offered, as are vacation homes on Long Beach Island and a Manhattan getaway in a Lincoln Center-area apartment. There is literally something for everyone – from wine aficionados (a Napa Valley trip and tasting) to <i>Walking Dead</i> fans (a boxed DVD set). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But you don’t have to wait until the event to bid on these fabulous items, the online bidding actually starts Friday, April 24. All items currently available may be viewed by visiting <a href="http://www.bidpal.net/GSP15">www.BidPal.net/GSP15</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So mark your calendars for Sunday May 3. It is sure to be a “Starry Night” in New Brunswick, and some lucky people will leave with some extraordinary loot – all the while helping ensure another 40 years for George Street Playhouse. For information and tickets, call Steve Barry in the Development Office, at 732-846-2895, ext. 144<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script></span><br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-82358976715336687152015-04-22T10:16:00.000-07:002015-04-24T08:42:15.545-07:00The Enduring Legacy of Ernest Shackleton<span id="docs-internal-guid-425e5e44-e21c-1194-3eee-034fa417427b"></span><br />
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<i>Lessons in perseverance and leadership learned from explorer’s expedition</i></h3>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cq22jiH1kKPlhbQjq8Fy5xEPo9oMHf0__f7FUIJJPJ_3MKShtOy5IbWAEgG1TD0p9kM-wq9rZf2LsmnRXumpP7iOIohcNPwwkev643zaUr-IwN3fBslsIj7wzr0djWrU1PHCSyw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cq22jiH1kKPlhbQjq8Fy5xEPo9oMHf0__f7FUIJJPJ_3MKShtOy5IbWAEgG1TD0p9kM-wq9rZf2LsmnRXumpP7iOIohcNPwwkev643zaUr-IwN3fBslsIj7wzr0djWrU1PHCSyw" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="190px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who exactly is the man behind the name in the title <a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/media/shackleton/"><i>Ernest Shackleton Loves Me</i></a>? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was born on February 15, 1874, in Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland, and raised in London, England, where he attended Dulwich College before joining the Merchant Navy at 16 years old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Certified as a Master Mariner in 1898, Shackleton was accepted to join the Robert Scott-led Discovery expedition to Antarctica in 1901. He was selected to accompany Scott on his most southern march towards the South Pole for research purposes, but took ill and was sent home. Meanwhile, Scott’s march-- as planned--ended short of reaching the South Pole.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With explorers continuing the quest to be the first to reach the South Pole, Shackleton led the Nimrod expedition to Antarctica in 1908 and became the closest to ever reach the pole at that time. However, facing starvation, the expedition turned back and made it back to the ship just in time to return to England. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shackleton was greeted as a hero and knighted by King Edward VII, and honored by the Royal Geographic Society. After Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole in 1912, Shackleton planned one last Antarctic expedition to cross the continent. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After receiving funding from mostly private sources, the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition set sail from Plymouth on August 8, 1914. The expedition included two boats carrying 28 men each: Shackleton’s boat, the Endurance, captained by Frank Worsley; and the Aurora, captained by Aeneas Mackintosh and later by Joseph Stenhouse when Mackintosh left the ship to lead the ill-fated Ross Sea Party component of the expedition. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Endurance became fast-frozen in an ice floe on January 19, 1915, and was stuck adrift. Shackleton hoped the ship could break free in the spring, but instead, the shifting and breaking ice began to crush the Endurance, which began taking on water. Shackleton eventually gave the order to abandon ship and the Endurance sank a few weeks later on November 21, 1915. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The crew of the Endurance set up camps on various ice floes in the months that followed, with Shackleton hoping they would eventually drift toward Paulet Island, where he knew relief stores were cached. But when the ice floe they were on split in two in April 1916, Shackleton ordered the men into the lifeboats and to head to the nearest land. After five harrowing days, the crew landed at Elephant Island -- an inhospitable place far from any shipping routes and approximately 346 miles from where the Endurance sank. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point, Shackleton decided to risk a 720-nautical-mile, open-boat journey to seek help at the whaling stations on South Georgia Island. He selected five men to join him on the dangerous journey, including Worsley and Endurance’s carpenter, Harry McNish, who retrofitted one of the lifeboats to make it more seaworthy. The lifeboat--christened the James Caird after the expedition’s primary sponsor--was launched on April 24, 1916, and reached the unoccupied side of South Georgia Island on May 9. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few days of rest and recuperation, Shackleton, Worsley and second officer Tom Crean began an approximately 30-mile trek over uncharted, mountainous terrain en route to the whaling stations on the island’s northern coast. Thirty-six hours later, the three men reached the whaling station at Stromness on May 20, 1916. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shackleton immediately sent a boat to pick up the other three crew members of the lifeboat James Caird on the other side of South Georgia Island while he planned the rescue of the remainder of Endurance’s crew at Elephant Island. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few attempts to reach Elephant Island were again thwarted by sea ice, Shackleton persuaded the Chilean government to offer the use of a small, seagoing tug boat called the Yelcho in the operation. The Yelcho and a British whaling boat, the SS Southern Sky, reached Elephant Island on August 30, 1916, and all 22 crew members of the Endurance were finally evacuated--after nearly 4 ½ months in isolation on Elephant Island. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shackleton later traveled to New Zealand to join the Aurora, which had returned there after many months adrift attached to an ice floe, to set about rescuing members of the Ross Sea Party. That group was charged with laying out supply depots for Shackleton’s planned cross-continent march that never happened. Despite the many hardships and the loss of three crew members--including commander Mackintosh--the Ross Sea Party successfully completed its mission. The seven survivors of the group were finally picked up by the Aurora on January 10, 1917. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon his return to civilization, Shackleton embarked on the lecture circuit and published South, his personal account of the Endurance expedition. But he was in poor health and failed business ventures left him greatly in debt. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In September 1921, Shackleton partnered with former schoolmate John Quiller Rowett on one last expedition to the Antarctic region, the Shackleton-Rowett expedition, which was funded entirely by Rowett. On September 16, 1921--just days before the expedition left, Shackleton recorded a farewell address via an “optical sound track” via a system developed by Harry Grindell Matthews, who claimed it was the world’s first “talking picture.” </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the expedition in South Georgia, Shackleton suffered a heart attack and died January 5, 1922. He was buried at Grytviken cemetery in South Georgia.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Legacy lost...and rediscovered</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite his achievements, Shackleton was largely overshadowed by other explorers, most notably Robert Scott, into the middle part of the 20th century. It wasn’t until 1959, when Alfred Lansing published Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage that Shackleton began gaining popularity among the masses. Other books on Shackleton appeared and, at the same time, accounts about Scott’s exploits began to show him in a more negative light. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2001, Margaret Morrell and Stephanie Capparell used Shackleton as a model for corporate leadership in their book Shackleton’s Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer. Other similar books followed and, soon, business and leadership courses and schools incorporating Shackleton’s name were popping up in his native United Kingdom as well as in the United States. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, an Irish Times article posted March 30 discusses how <a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/business/response-to-failure-the-key-to-success-1.2155888">a Harvard business professor uses Shackleton to teach her MBA students about success</a>. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shackleton’s surge in popularity among the masses was confirmed in a 2002 poll conducted by the BBC to determine the “100 Greatest Britons.” Shackleton was ranked 11th, while Scott dropped all the way down to No. 54.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A banjo...and a violin! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kat, the heroine of Ernest Shackleton Loves Me is a composer who plays an electric violin. When Ernest Shackleton arrives in her apartment, he brings a banjo along with him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it so happens, both instruments were important to the crew of the Endurance. Leonard Hussey, Shackleton’s meteorologist, brought his banjo with him on the journey. While not an expert on the instrument, he claimed he played just “well enough to annoy the neighbors.” </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://collections.rmg.co.uk/mediaLib/325/media-325960/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://collections.rmg.co.uk/mediaLib/325/media-325960/large.jpg" height="117" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Leonard Hussey's Banjo</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Windsor, A.O. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>before 1913 </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>© National Maritime Museum Collections</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the expedition, Hussey’s playing of a banjo -- as well as a one-string violin he made out of vanasta wood from packing cases -- and his jovial nature proved important to raising the morale of the Endurance’s crew. In fact, even though Shackleton allowed his crew to take only two pounds worth of personal belongings with them when they abandoned the endurance, he made a last-minute decision to retrieve Hussey’s banjo from the Endurance just before it sank. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hussey’s account of this moment is captured in 1957 book Shackleton by Margery and James Fisher, in which he is quoted as saying, “Sir Ernest saved the banjo just before the ship sank saying that, ‘we must have that banjo if we lose all our food, it’s vital mental medicine.’” </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After most of the crew were left stranded on Elephant Island, Hussey would play songs to celebrate the capture of food and perform Saturday evening concerts. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a century later, the music of Ernest Shackleton Loves Me serves as a celebration of the spirit of perseverance and romance of Shackleton’s era of exploration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sources:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biography.com/people/ernest-shackleton-9480091" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Biography.com: Ernest Shackleton</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.enduranceobituaries.co.uk/hussey.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Endurance Obituaries: Leonard Hussey</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/business/response-to-failure-the-key-to-success-1.2155888" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Irish Times: Response to failure the key to success </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nmmc.co.uk/index.php?/collections/featured_objects/leonard_husseys_banjo" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">National Maritime Museum-Cornwall: Leonard Hussey’s banjo</span></a></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.shackleton100.com/ernest-shackleton/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shackleton 100</span></a></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.harrygrindellmatthews.com/earlywireless.asp" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Secret Life of Harry Grindell Matthews - Wireless Experiments</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Shackleton" style="text-decoration: none;">Wikipedia::Ernest Shackleton</a></span></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/media/shackleton/" target="_blank">Ernest Shackleton Loves Me</a></i> runs April 22-May 17 at George Street Playhouse. Call 732-246-7717 or <a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/media/shackleton/" target="_blank">click here</a> for tickets and information.<br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-66654514902486605652015-04-16T13:02:00.000-07:002015-04-24T06:47:28.533-07:00Climate change, Gabi Goes Green! take center stage at GSP<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNcZz3ono7E/VTAOEsXvt6I/AAAAAAAAAaw/JZZeng5S0hQ/s1600/IMG_1625edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNcZz3ono7E/VTAOEsXvt6I/AAAAAAAAAaw/JZZeng5S0hQ/s1600/IMG_1625edit.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-size: small;">L to R: Lee Ballin, Head of Sustainable Business Programs, Bloomberg Global Sustainability Group; Jim Jack, Director of Education and Outreach, George Street Playhouse; Barry Wyner, Writer, Gabi Goes Green!; Sarah Cassell, GSP Education Touring Theatre Company; Kelly Kirkley, GSP Education Touring Theatre Company; Brittany Sambogna, GSP Education Touring Theatre Company; Adam McDowell, GSP Education Touring Theatre Company; Monica Hilliard, Bloomberg; Frederick Egenolf, Director of Community Affairs, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Andrew Miller, Bloomberg; Nanette Smith, Manager of Global Philanthropy and Engagement, Bloomberg; and Helen Ritchie, Bloomberg. (Photo by Brian Kelley/GSP)</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153230332631468.1073741877.12629041467&type=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Click for additional photos from this event</span></a></span></span></td></tr>
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<i><br />By Brian Kelley</i><br />
<i>GSP Marketing & PR Associate</i><br />
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New Jersey is a “hotspot” when it comes to climate change, <b><a href="http://www.envsci.rutgers.edu/~broccoli/" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Broccoli</a></b>, professor and chair of the department of environmental sciences at Rutgers University, told a crowd of educators and colleagues during his keynote at a <a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/specialevent/spotlightonenvironmentaleducation" target="_blank">Spotlight on Environmental Education</a> conference held at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, N.J., on Wednesday, April 1.<br />
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The event also featured the world premiere of the GSP Educational Touring Theatre's latest musical, <i><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/touringproductions/gabigoesgreen" target="_blank">Gabi Goes Green!</a></i> -- a show that explores how individual choices impact the environment and global climate, and what we can do to ensure a more sustainable future. Approximately 90 area fourth- and fifth-graders joined the crowd for the performance and had an opportunity to participate in a post-play discussion with the cast.<br />
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Broccoli shared with the crowd images produced by computer models showing projected future climate change that indicated a “dramatically warmer climate” by the year 2100.<br />
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“Climate change...is especially important to us in New Jersey,” said Broccoli. “Sea level along the New Jersey coast has increased 16 inches over the last 100 years, and it’s rising more rapidly here than the global average because the land is sinking.”<br />
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Broccoli added that research conducted by Rutgers and Tufts University shows sea level increasing 7 to 16 inches by 2030. By the end of the 21st century, models show a 30-71 inch rise in sea level, with a best estimate of 42 inches.<br />
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In addition to flooding anticipated in a warmer world due to rising seas and more-intense storms, many locations--especially those in the sub tropics and middle latitudes--will experience prolonged dry spells, according to Broccoli.<br />
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While the news isn’t exactly promising, there is hope...and that’s where <i>Gabi Goes Green!</i> comes in.<br />
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The titular heroine of <i>Gabi Goes Green!</i> knows first-hand the effects of climate change. Gabi is a 14-year old who must get used to a new home and school after her former home--in her family for three generations--is destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. A wish to return home transforms Gabi into the Green Hero. Armed with clean energy and sustainable choices, the Green Hero takes on Captain Carbon in a battle for the planet’s survival.<br />
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With book and lyrics by Barry Wyner and music by <b>Daniel Israel</b>, the same creative duo behind the touring company’s <i>Austin the Unstoppable</i>, the upbeat musical comedy is sure to entertain student audiences, while also stressing the seriousness of climate change and the positive choices each of us can make to ensure a sustainable future. The play was commissioned by George Street Playhouse through the Victoria J. Mastrobuono New Work Development Program and a grant from Bloomberg. Funding was also provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb, Betty Wold Johnson and the Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation. Additional support was provided by The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.<br />
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“We want <i>Gabi Goes Green!</i> to inspire students to make positive environmental choices in regard to energy efficiency and sustainability,” said <b>Jim Jack</b>, director of the production and GSP’s Director of Education and Outreach. “And Barry and Daniel have once again created something for us that is entertaining as well as engaging.<br />
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“We also wanted to stress the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and generate interest in these areas of study among student audiences,” added Jack.<br />
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In order to produce content that is scientifically accurate, GSP worked with a number of environmental organizations and educational institutions, including <a href="http://climatechange.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank">Rutgers Climate Institute</a>, <a href="http://www.sustainablejerseyschools.com/" target="_blank">Sustainable Jersey for Schools</a>, <a href="http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/" target="_blank">Clean Ocean Action</a>, <a href="http://www.cfnj.org/new-jersey-recovery/" target="_blank">NJ Recovery Fund</a> and <a href="http://www.njfuture.org/" target="_blank">New Jersey Future</a>, to provide valuable research for the project and to align statewide environmental education objectives with the story content, post-play discussion protocols and study guide materials.<br />
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<i>Gabi Goes Green!</i> is aimed at elementary and middle-school students in grades 3 through 8, reaching approximately 10,000 students annually. Anticipating a lifetime run of five to seven years, the production is expected to be staged in front of a total 60,000-70,000 young people.<br />
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The schoolchildren watching the Spotlight performance of <i>Gabi Goes Green!</i> responded with overwhelming applause and asked a number of great questions during the post-show discussion.<br />
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“Congratulations on what was a banner day for George Street Playhouse in every way,” said <b>Jim Heston</b>, President of GSP’s Board of Trustees. “<i>Gabi Goes Green!</i> is an impactful and entertaining production on a very important global issue.<br />
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“Having Anthony Broccoli set the stage with a wonderful presentation on climate change and its implications and impacts was terrific,” added Heston. “But the true ‘treasure moment’ of the day was the children’s responses and their strong interest in asking questions. They are the audience for Gabi and they not only enjoyed it, but they were engaged as well. It made them think.”<br />
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<b>Robert Carr</b>, the <a href="https://njtheatrealliance.org/" target="_blank">New Jersey Theatre Alliance</a>’s director of programs and services/ADA coordinator, echoed Heston’s sentiments. “The day was quite a triumph for you all,” Carr said. “It also proved the point that theater is a great conduit for learning and understanding. The show is a delight as well -- entertaining, thoughtful and poignant. Great work!”<br />
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<b>Gail Winar</b>, professor of theatre and teaching artist, also offered praise for the show. “Bravo to the director, creative team, designers and cast of <i>Gabi Goes Green!</i> It was a delightful, entertaining and sneakily educational green valentine of musical theater.”<br />
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The Spotlight event also included workshops conducted by representatives of New Jersey Future, Rutgers Climate Institute and Sustainable Jersey for Schools. <br />
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New Jersey Future is working with a number of municipalities along the state’s coastline to help them better understand and communicate local risks and vulnerabilities -- with educators, parents and students being essential to their efforts.<br />
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The Rutgers Climate Institute presentation was geared toward educating students on the differences between climate and weather, while Sustainable Jersey for Schools discussed its free and voluntary certification program for the state’s PreK-12 public and charter schools as well as the training, grants and resources available to participating schools.<br />
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Attendees were treated to an amazing, vegetarian lunch catered by <a href="http://www.elijahspromise.org/" target="_blank">Elijah’s Promise</a>, the New Brunswick-based community soup kitchen/culinary school/catering service, which provided biodegradable napkins and plates.<br />
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<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-81505963676389482972015-02-09T20:19:00.002-08:002015-02-10T10:17:51.407-08:00Save the Date for A Starry Night<span id="docs-internal-guid-7ba3bf9a-71b3-5c67-eabc-77b91d481255"></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7ba3bf9a-71b3-5c67-eabc-77b91d481255"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Members of the Development staff are busy stuffing, sealing, addressing and stamping envelopes. Colorful cards are in stacks, committees are forming and meeting -- it’s Gala time once again at George Street Playhouse!
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Each season, the Playhouse offers what many in the area believe is </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">social event of the season – our <b><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/specialevent/annualgalabenefit" target="_blank">Annual Gala Benefit</a></b>. This year’s fête will be held on<b> Sunday, May 3,</b> in the main ballroom of The Heldrich, the beautiful hotel directly across the street from the Playhouse. The event begins at 5 pm with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner for 300 of our closest friends and supporters, and ending with a special cabaret performance featuring many of the stars you have seen on the GSP stage.</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7ba3bf9a-71b3-5c67-eabc-77b91d481255"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKuHAHPvocNYhji13f_IAbtJRiEmt8jJc_z3L5lNzjAFRxEozbIpU4iQpq-uFxAgKWdEatMJwsLUFT6qgkd4UPsqdlO8ol5-vG02GKhOO1zqlgHtP_c2T15v2LNkbA-l6HEcd0Rjrjw/s1600/Marlo+_silver_top_1+(508x363).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKuHAHPvocNYhji13f_IAbtJRiEmt8jJc_z3L5lNzjAFRxEozbIpU4iQpq-uFxAgKWdEatMJwsLUFT6qgkd4UPsqdlO8ol5-vG02GKhOO1zqlgHtP_c2T15v2LNkbA-l6HEcd0Rjrjw/s1600/Marlo+_silver_top_1+(508x363).jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-7ba3bf9a-71b3-5c67-eabc-77b91d481255"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each year at the Gala, a community leader who has demonstrated a commitment to the arts in New Jersey is awarded the Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award, named after its first recipient. This year, the Award goes to <b>Stephen K. Jones</b>, the CEO of Robert Wood University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson Health System. In addition, this year the Board of Trustees of the Playhouse has established The Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement, to be given to the theatre artist who embodies the level of talent and excellence that our good friend and mentor demonstrated in his lifetime. The inaugural award will go to actress, producer and philanthropist <b>Marlo Thomas</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7ba3bf9a-71b3-5c67-eabc-77b91d481255"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many of our trustees and friends give of their time and energy to make this event a success, starting with this year’s Chairman, Ken Fisher. Soliciting ads for the commemorative journal will be long-time trustees Lora Tremayne and Jocelyn Schwartzman, sponsorships are headed up by trustee Dr. Penelope Lattimer, tickets and tables chair is trustee Janice Stolar and this year’s auction chairs are Janice Haggerty and Gabriella Vajtay. Our silent auction is one of the evening’s highlights, featuring exclusive vacations, hard-to-get Broadway tickets, fine jewelry and many other wonderful and beautiful items. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the saying goes, it takes a village to put on a Gala, and we are thrilled and grateful for the extraordinary efforts of the dedicated people listed above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So – save the date!!! Sunday, May 3, at 5 pm! Be there for this very special event – and bid early and often!!</span></div>
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George Street Playhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595733219620736949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-48820095381551468862015-02-09T20:14:00.001-08:002015-02-10T10:28:22.595-08:00Staff Spotlight: Danielle Kline, Director of Development<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RP7BWIrgmqvLzyKIEvTA4kyxc6Bqr2Nx9H8oQStcn85Bnj08ZyhjwaCSc7DvXklWchFxS0pjQvWIlLq88aP98qD8fpcCNdUsJb29pI4MOG6rahZ3cFVSSoUadiBmZQ1pHIsZr4CVug/s1600/IMAG1168.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RP7BWIrgmqvLzyKIEvTA4kyxc6Bqr2Nx9H8oQStcn85Bnj08ZyhjwaCSc7DvXklWchFxS0pjQvWIlLq88aP98qD8fpcCNdUsJb29pI4MOG6rahZ3cFVSSoUadiBmZQ1pHIsZr4CVug/s1600/IMAG1168.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The administration of George Street Playhouse, beyond our Artistic Director David Saint, and Managing Director Kelly Ryman, is divided into five main departments: Artistic, which is charged with selecting, casting and staffing each season’s shows; Production, which not only facilitates our mainstage productions, but also provides support for our education department and the facilities needs of our public spaces and offices; Marketing, which as the name implies, is responsible for getting the word about the Playhouse out to the public, and also responsible for producing most of the Playhouse's publications; Education, which is comprised of our Educational Touring Theatre, our Academy (which offers classes to children and adults) and in-school residencies; and Development, which is charged with raising an enormous part of our operating budget each season (ticket sales only raise about 45% of our total budget).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Jersey native <b>Danielle Kline was recently named Director of Development </b>at George Street Playhouse. She comes to us with a wealth of experience, most recently as Associate Director of Development of the Big Apple Circus. Prior to joining the Circus (in a manner of speaking), she spent a considerable amount of time in Washington, DC, working with former Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on arts and economic development issues, and later moving to an advisory role in Mrs. Clinton’s 2008 Presidential Campaign.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Internationally, Danielle has directed projects in Afghanistan and Liberia and most recently with the U.S. Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan, where she provided fundraising, strategic planning, and communications expertise to woman-owned businesses in the local Kyrgyz and Russian languages. While living in Central Asia, she also worked with a Kyrgyz theatre company dedicated to raising awareness of pressing social issues like civic engagement, domestic violence, bride kidnapping, and teen suicide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Danielle is a member of the American Democracy Institute and formerly a member of the Arts Industries Policy Forum, developed by the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University. Danielle graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Performance from Northeastern University, where she was a Matthews Distinguished Honors Scholar for critical undergraduate research and a recipient of the President’s Award for Diversity. Danielle received her M.A. degree in Arts Politics from Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Danielle took a few moments out of her busy schedule to chat with us:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was your first exposure to the arts?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without a doubt, I had a rich childhood filled with visits to museums, dance performances, and plays and musicals, among many other arts and cultural experiences. At the time, those moments seemed special to me, as I'm certain they are to many children. Now, as an adult, I know how fortunate I was to have parents who valued the arts and ensured that cultural experiences were a defining piece of my childhood. Perhaps my first fondest exposure to the arts was in fourth grade when I starred in <i>Ming Lee and the Magic Tree</i>, a play that I would love to see performed again.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your background is extremely impressive -- what made you decide to enter the Peace Corps?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The through line of my entire professional career has been social justice and the more I learned about myself, the more I realized that I had more to learn with regard to selflessness and humility. I joined the Peace Corps to give of myself; however, I came home grateful for the privilege of living abroad in a second-world country, the privilege to learn Kyrgyz and Russian, and the privilege to live and learn from the generous people of Kyrgyzstan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Someone with your background and experience could certainly work anywhere - what drew you to George Street Playhouse?</b>First, I wanted to work in a theatre that values smart, engaging, sophisticated work. Secondly, I am a New Jersey native and this opportunity presented itself as the first I've ever had to work professionally in my home state. I couldn't turn that down. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have a long weekend with no commitments -- what would you do?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With 6- and 7-year-old boys at home, I haven't seen a long weekend with no commitments in a very long time. However, a perfect long weekend would involve the opportunity to stay in bed for hours with a cafe au lait and the chance to read my beloved <i>New York Times</i> cover to cover. And yet, good conversation with little boys about planets and turtles while making endless batches of pancakes is equally as perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are thrilled that Danielle has joined the George Street Playhouse family – please join us in offering her a warm welcome!!!</span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-f47c9403-71a3-f946-e72f-17a1c46cc80f"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the world of theatre is still a boys club, primarily when it comes to directing, someone forgot to tell <b>Seret Scott</b>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-f47c9403-71a3-f946-e72f-17a1c46cc80f"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.newschool.edu/uploadedImages/NSPE/Profiles/seret-scott-williams.jpg?n=9625" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.newschool.edu/uploadedImages/NSPE/Profiles/seret-scott-williams.jpg?n=9625" height="225" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">She is an accomplished, Drama Desk Award-winning actress and Helen Hayes Award-nominated director, as well as a vocal supporter of African American advancement in the arts. Now, she’s at the helm of the latest George Street production, tackling the tough issues of both race and religion in the searing all-male drama, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Whipping Man</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Q: What initially attracted you to directing this show and why is it important to you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A: I'm a history buff. I love reading about historical events and individuals. The story of black Jews and slavery has not been explored in theatre. It's rich.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Q: How has your acting experience affected the way you direct?</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A: I'm often told I direct from an actor's head (whatever that means). I still have an actor's perspective and I love character work; rehearsal is my favorite time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Q: How has being a female director of an all-male cast affected the rehearsal process?</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A: For some reason, most of the shows I've directed over the years have heavily male characters. I'm very comfortable working with strong men actors -- they inspire me. If news reports are any indication, male actors don't have as much trouble with women directors, it seems, as men in the outside world have with women supervisors.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Q: What is an average rehearsal day like for you and the actors/creative team?</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A: Rehearsal days are concentrated and intense. Often, personal information is revealed in the course of developing characters. It's understood that all statements are confidential.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Q: What has been your biggest challenge with this piece thus far?</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A: The play has several very physical movement areas; we've had to spend a fair amount of time on those sections.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Q: What other creative works (literature, theater, film, etc.) inspire you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A: I enjoy watching documentaries on just about any subject. People have so many interests and concerns that you may never have thought about. I learn so much.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Q: What overall feeling or message do you hope to impart to the audience?</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/im_files/main_stage/The%20Whipping%20Man%20GSP%201-18-15%20117%20FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/im_files/main_stage/The%20Whipping%20Man%20GSP%201-18-15%20117%20FB.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Luke Forbes, Ron Canada, and Adam Gerber, photo by T. Charles Erickson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A: I hope the audience will want more information about all aspects of the Civil War and perhaps recognize how much all wars have in common.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Q: In an interview, Lopez, who is neither black nor Jewish, commented, “I don’t know if you have to be in a certain group to tell a story…” However, GSP Artistic Director David Saint felt it was essential to have an African American direct this piece. Do you feel as though being African American has influenced your direction or given you a deeper understanding to this play?</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A: There have been few stories about the Civil War told from an African-American perspective, and even fewer Civil War stories told from an African-American woman's perspective. David's decision to use an African-American woman, I think, gives the work another dimension.</span></span></div>
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<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>George Street Playhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595733219620736949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-68033605801530317942015-01-07T09:29:00.000-08:002015-01-07T09:34:08.560-08:00Vote for George Street Playhouse!<i>GSP nominated for Favorite Theater to See a Play in JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.jerseyarts.com/peopleschoice" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="JerseyArts.com People's Choice Awards" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LrfkbZvTQQ/VKxmygzPzFI/AAAAAAAAANM/R38PCNGZHOs/s1600/15vote250_2.jpg" height="200" title="JerseyArts.com People's Choice Awards" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://gsponline.org/">George Street Playhouse</a> is one of nine venues up for Favorite Theater to See a Play in the 2015 <a href="http://jerseyarts.com/">JerseyArts.com</a> People’s Choice Awards. Public voting begins Wednesday, January 7, and runs through February 19, 2015. To place your votes and to see a full list of nominees and categories, please visit <a href="http://www.jerseyarts.com/peopleschoice">www.JerseyArts.com/peopleschoice</a>.<br />
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In all, GSP is among 10 arts districts and 96 organizations nominated for the yearly awards program ran by Discover Jersey Arts to honor the work of New Jersey’s vital, vibrant and diverse arts organizations. Discover Jersey Arts is a co-sponsored project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State dedicated to increasing the awareness of and participation in the arts in N.J.<br />
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In addition to supporting George Street Playhouse, please vote for New Brunswick in the Arts District category and support our neighboring Hub City nominees: <br />
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<li>The State Theatre (Large Performing Arts Center) </li>
<li>Zimmerli Art Museum (Art Museum) </li>
<li>American Repertory Ballet (Dance Company) </li>
<li>New Jersey Film Festival (Film Festival)</li>
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Nominees for the People’s Choice Awards were nominated by their peers through the Jersey Arts Marketers network, which is made up of hundreds of nonprofit arts groups across the state.<br />
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“The nominees should be very proud of the work they’re doing to establish New Jersey. as a destination for arts and culture,” said Jim Atkinson, ArtPride New Jersey Foundation’s Director of Programs and Services.</div>
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Ballots are prepped for arts lovers across the state to vote for their favorite arts organizations in 16 categories. From favorite performing arts center to favorite dance company, favorite art gallery to favorite arts district, it’s the public’s turn to decide who’s who among the Garden State’s cultural community.<br />
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Winners will be announced in early March and will be honored at the New Jersey Conference on Tourism, held each year at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City.<br />
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<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-30091171452449516242014-11-14T14:58:00.000-08:002014-11-17T12:54:00.292-08:00Board Spotlight: Sharon Karmazin<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In John Patrick Shanley’s <i>Outside Mullingar, </i>the
character of Anthony Reilly says<i>, </i>“There’s
the green fields, and the animals living off them. And over that there’s us, living off the
animals. And over that there’s that
which tends to us.” At George Street
Playhouse, that entity which watches over and guides us is our incredibly
dedicated and generous Board of Trustees.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoAgBkqmGhXq4VflhsTJI_PO-y6YzxWXb243HIU2Zb22HyG3Ed-hW6hQhMfPBH40iyyXI2ra1PDsTXjqfKeHIA8D3b0WNDUmj3DG5ZpfmDW7ladlcnYUiAQzQfPdNQ8W2B6wr0QYTuw/s1600/SK+and+DS+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoAgBkqmGhXq4VflhsTJI_PO-y6YzxWXb243HIU2Zb22HyG3Ed-hW6hQhMfPBH40iyyXI2ra1PDsTXjqfKeHIA8D3b0WNDUmj3DG5ZpfmDW7ladlcnYUiAQzQfPdNQ8W2B6wr0QYTuw/s1600/SK+and+DS+small.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One such Boar</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">d member is Sharon Karmazin, who was first
elected to our Board in 1994, and currently serves as Secretary. She is an award-winning Broadway producer and
former Director of the East Brunswick Public Library. In 1996 she established the Karma
Foundation, which supports the arts and culture, autism, education, literacy,
health and human services, and the development and enrichment of Jewish life. Besides George Street Playhouse, she serves
on a number of boards that include the Rutgers University Board of Overseers as
well as the Rutgers President’s Council Executive Committee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ms. Karmazin took a few moments to chat with GSP’s
Director of Marketing about her life as a Board member and Broadway producer –
as well as mother and grandmother.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides your
involvement with George Street, you are a notable Broadway producer as
well. What role has theatre played in
your life? Has it always been a part of
it? When were you first bit by the
theatre bug?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I've been hooked on
theater since I saw the original<i> King and I</i> with Yul Bryner for my
seventh birthday. My parents were modest people but they loved going to
Broadway and often brought me. My dad loved music from shows so there were
always 78s and later LPs of shows like <i>South
Pacific</i> and <i>Brigadoon</i> playing in
my childhood home. Seeing shows like <i>The Diary of</i> <i>Anne Frank, The
Music Man, Damn Yankees, Kismet, My Fair Lady </i>and others was part of my
growing up years. Looking back at my high school yearbook, my two aspirations
were to be a U.S. senator or a theater critic. To this day, I always find some
aspect to appreciate in a show, even if on the whole, the show isn't very good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did you first become involved with George
Street Playhouse?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Adelaide Zagoren (a longtime friend of the Playhouse and Board member) was
a friend, a role model and a mentor. She was the person who recruited me to the
Board over 20 years ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have so many facets – you were a
respected librarian in East Brunswick, an innovative philanthropist, member of
a number of boards, including the Rutgers Board of Overseers, and
most recently, The Actor's Fund as well as award-winning Broadway
producer. Is there one aspect that takes precedence over the
others?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“What is so wonderful about my life day to day has been the opportunity
to participate in all of these activities and more. It keeps me very busy with
a group of diverse, yet overlapping interests. My most favorite time is the
time I spend with my children, Dina and Craig, and my grandchildren, Hunter and
Harper, and the time I spend with my partner Dave. We travel a lot and theater
and art are often a part of what we do, both home and away. Then through my
connections with theater, collecting studio glass, producing in New York and my
volunteer and board activities, I have met wonderful like-minded people,
learned so much and made many new friends.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>George Street Playhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595733219620736949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-37869957916288807862014-11-14T14:57:00.000-08:002014-11-17T12:41:50.750-08:00Scene Shop Branches Beyond The Stage<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjar7YOMj2cNI8LzdfQUE15yaYIUb7Z5XaN7n9BgH3DNMW4ovs4p5dAb4C1B4k6qiax-_DVnzKx6KjXNafJdfuOuQ550bk-VbBp6H4avETIZV1D3yfDxQD3g0asLiU9hjBkochd0E8wLQ/s1600/LTTA_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjar7YOMj2cNI8LzdfQUE15yaYIUb7Z5XaN7n9BgH3DNMW4ovs4p5dAb4C1B4k6qiax-_DVnzKx6KjXNafJdfuOuQ550bk-VbBp6H4avETIZV1D3yfDxQD3g0asLiU9hjBkochd0E8wLQ/s1600/LTTA_03.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deirdre O'Connell and John Bolger in Lips Together, Teeth Apart<br />
photo by T. Charles Erickson, design by R. Michael Miller</td></tr>
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Providing the perfect settings for our actors to do their
best work is a hallmark of a George Street Playhouse production. Actors and audiences alike are struck by the
wonderful craftsmanship and the sheer beauty of our sets.<br />
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I have been on staff at the Playhouse for
over 14 years now, and two of the most memorable sets during my time here are the
set for <i>Talley’s Folly</i>, the beautiful
Victorian boathouse designed by Ted Simpson, and <i>Lips Together, Teeth Apart</i>, designed by R. Michael Miller, a
long-time Rutgers faculty member and a frequent contributor to the beauty that
sits on our stage. <br />
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Michael’s set for <i>Lips Together… </i>was a Fire Island beach
house, complete with running outdoor shower, beautiful bedrooms – and an
in-ground pool! We staff members were
drawing lots to be able to spend the night, it was so beautiful. Michael also designed the sets for the first
two shows of our current season, taking us to the Midlands of Ireland in <i>Outside Mullingar, </i>to the
middle-American basement of <i>The Fabulous
Lipitones.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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What you may not know, is George Street Playhouse has a
Theatrical Scene Shop where these wonders are created and built. Dozens of
skilled artisans handcraft every detail of every set. And their talents are not just confined to
the George Street stage. Our Shop has
built sets for Paper Mill Playhouse and Hunter College, as well as the recent
production of Joe DiPietro’s <i>Clever Little
Lies </i>at the John Drew Theatre at Guild Hall. Jim Youmans, who designed numerous Broadway
sets and is a frequent designer at GSP, said, “they know how to deliver
exceptional quality.” </div>
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Our unique roster of creative designers, skilled artisans and project managers ensure that every detail of every build meets or exceeds expectations, developing solutions to fit any budget while delivering maximum impact. </div>
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<a href="http://content.yudu.com/Library/A2kxis/GeorgeStreetSceneSho/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffree.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F1504876%2FGeorge-Street-Scene-Shop-Services" target="_blank">Looking for a set piece for your next event, be it a show, recital or even a party? </a><br />
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<a href="mailto:mailto:cbailey@georgestplayhouse.org" target="_blank">Contact Chris Bailey, our Production Manager to discuss your needs.</a><br />
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contributed by Christopher Howatt, Director of Marketing and PR</div>
<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>George Street Playhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595733219620736949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-90566144718178154182014-11-14T10:53:00.001-08:002014-11-17T12:41:26.549-08:00Creating Perfect Harmony<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">A conversation with Steve Delehanty, music director/arranger for the George Street Playhouse production of ‘The Fabulous Lipitones’</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">In the musical comedy, <i><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/mainstage/thefabulouslipitones" target="_blank">TheFabulous Lipitones</a></i>, the story revolves around a barbershop quartet that after 30 years of existence </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">finally gets a shot at Nationals. However, they lose a key member of the group to a victorious</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">albeit lethal</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">”B flat” in the regional competition and wind up finding an unlikely replacement to carry on.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Lichtefeld, Michael Mastro, Steve Delehanty <br />
and John Markus during the first rehearsal of <i>The Fabulous Lipitones</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">In reality, George Street Playhouse’s production of </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The Fabulous Lipitones</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">, which runs from November 18 through December 14, stars Broadway veterans Donald Corren, Wally Dunn and Jim Walton, plus YouTube sensation Rohan Kymal. Immensely talented performers and singers, they only had a few weeks of rehearsals to sound like a barbershop quartet that’s been harmonizing for three decades.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">That’s where Steve Delehanty comes in. Mr. Delehanty is music director/arranger for GSP’s production of <i>The Fabulous Liptiones</i>—a show he’s been involved with previously. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">One of Mr. Delehanty’s main objectives was to get the four actors to sound like a seasoned barbershop quartet. “They all have beautiful voices and can sing Broadway style, but barbershop focuses on blending the voices of the quartet.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Two of the leads in the George Street Playhouse production</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Mr. Dunn and Mr. Kymal—have done <i>Lipitones</i> together before, so they are familiar with the material, each other and the style of singing required for the show.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Another key responsibility is working out the barbershop-style arrangements for the show, which features primarily songs in the public domain as well as a few original pieces written specifically for <i>The Fabulous Lipitones</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">While the public domain songs are rather straightforward, one challenging aspect as an arranger is giving the songs new life. “You still want to make the arrangements interesting,” said Mr. Delehanty. “You don’t want them sounding like they were just down singing at the bar.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“Another thing is that some of the public domain songs feature three-part arrangements,” he added. “That’s not barbershop. Barbershop is four parts, of course.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Mr. Delehanty has been around music for most of his life. He took piano lessons in his youth and accompanied his college’s glee club. “I did piano bar for 32 years and started ‘barbershopping’ in 1964--so I’ve been doing that for over 50 years now,” he said.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/mainstage/thefabulouslipitones" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Fabulous Lipitones - click for tickets and info" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilts4UHhiMeRvoBuM4MlskMGTfS1tcrpYGSGZRoh7V4332MO7Y9sva72u027FT7yql4adttr2VeV9JMDgvazHWjaXXlRWcMRZWS_281riKy_hwXxkwB9-JoZq-WTWobeIeINRo4eWbAg/s1600/FB-Lipitones.jpg" height="167" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As a member of the <a href="http://www.barbershop.org/" target="_blank">Barbershop Harmony Society</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">, Mr. Delehanty has honed his skills as an arranger over the years and is listed on the organization’s web site as a resource for barbershop groups looking for new arrangements of songs. In fact, when John Markus—who, along with Mark St. Germain, wrote <i>The Fabulous Lipitones</i>—was seeking an arranger for the show’s musical content, he called the Society and was referred to Mr. Delehanty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“John called me and asked if I was interested,” said Mr. Delehanty. “He had talked to someone at the Society who told him, ‘Get Steve.’”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Mr. Delehanty said George Street Playhouse audiences should expect to hear typical “zippy” barbershop-style songs.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“It should be exciting,” he says. “If</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">and I know that it will happen</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">the quartet is really, really good, that itself will be pleasing to the audience because a good barbershop quartet is really entertaining.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>George Street Playhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595733219620736949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-27345314553767751712014-10-31T07:03:00.001-07:002014-10-31T07:03:32.404-07:00GSP's Educational Touring Theatre, Brittany Sambogna in the Spotlight<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41RxpySFUVQ/VFKlsAKE3gI/AAAAAAAAAG8/bg_kkY8uNvE/s1600/B_Sambogna_asDeeDeeIRL.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41RxpySFUVQ/VFKlsAKE3gI/AAAAAAAAAG8/bg_kkY8uNvE/s1600/B_Sambogna_asDeeDeeIRL.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Brittany Sambogna as Dee Dee in </i>IRL</span></span></td></tr>
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Brittany Sambogna, a member of George Street Playhouse's Educational Touring Theatre company, is <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/theater/for-westwood-actress-social-issues-are-her-stage-1.1122151" target="_blank">profiled in this week’s issue of the Pascack Valley Community Life newspaper</a>.<br />
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Sambogna, of Westwood, N.J., is a 2008 graduate of Westwood High School. She is one of four actors in the company who, along with a stage manager, travel to many schools throughout New Jersey to perform four issue-oriented productions that are seen by more than 40,000 students during the academic year.<br />
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A recent graduate of Montclair State University with a BFA in acting and a minor in musical theater, Sambogna’s previous credits include Stella in <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i> and <i>Insula</i> – both of which earned her American College Theater Festival nominations. Other roles include Winnifred in <i>Once Upon a Mattress</i>, Kate in <i>Kiss Me Kate</i>, and Sonia in <i>Godspell</i>.<br />
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<b>Pascack Valley Community Life/NorthJersey.com:</b> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/theater/for-westwood-actress-social-issues-are-her-stage-1.1122151" target="_blank">For Westwood actress, social issues are her stage</a><br />
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The <a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/touringproductions.php">Educational Touring Theatre</a> is the centerpiece of George Street Playhouse's <a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/education.php">educational programming</a>. The program commissions and produces first-class productions with relevant themes for young audiences, such as respect, cyber-bullying, conflict resolution, health and wellness, climate change and empathy. These plays are performed at schools with a four-person cast and stage manager, and are followed by a post-play discussion providing excellent starting points for engaging classroom conversations that can be used to fulfill New Jersey Common Core State Standards.<br />
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Under the leadership of Artistic Director David Saint, <a href="http://gsponline.org/">George Street Playhouse</a> has become a nationally recognized theatre, providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. Kelly Ryman was appointed Managing Director in 2013. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway – including the Outer Critics’ Circle Best Musical Award-winning <i>The Toxic Avenger</i>; the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League-nominated <i>The Spitfire Grill</i>; David Auburn’s Tony® and Pulitzer Prize-winning <i>Proof</i>, which was developed at GSP during a two-week workshop in 1999; and <i>It Shoulda Been You</i>, directed by David Hyde Pierce and starring Tyne Daly, which opens on Broadway in spring 2015 after a 2011 debut at GSP.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="It Shoulda Been You" height="283" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/PWW5GjnEDj6GM3BysuK4vAIrat7MME4HxkrG2FppCJWm7_wWZOnGiAZbnsbnmDudSRNFXW-nBwEgGmu7nNmCdbc5_T5ngXW0-Ys5nnjIT-MUc3gkOEow8Kuh_TfOR4oRrQ" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); border: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: rotate(0rad);" title="" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Left to right: Richard Kline, Tyne Daly, Harriet Harris and Howard McGillin star in George Street Playhouse’s 2011 production of It Shoulda Been You. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/" style="line-height: 1.15;">George Street Playhouse</a><span style="line-height: 1.15;"> is thrilled to share the official news that our 2011 production of <i>It Shoulda Been You</i> <a href="http://playbill.com/news/article/tyne-daly-harriet-harris-sierra-boggess-david-burtka-to-star-in-it-shoulda-been-you-on-broadway-334277" target="_blank">will open on Broadway in the spring of 2015</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 1.15;">Previews for the musical comedy, which drew sold-out crowds in New Brunswick and is the highest grossing show in George Street Playhouse history, will begin at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on March 17, 2015. The play will officially open April 14.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 1.15;">Tony Award winners Tyne Daly and Harriet Harris, along with Lisa Howard and Edward Hibbert will reprise their roles. David Hyde Pierce will once again direct, and the production will also include the same design team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 1.15;">With book and lyrics by Brian Hargrove, <i>It Shoulda Been You </i>features music by Barbara Anselmi, who came up with the concept for the show, and additional lyrics by Jill Abramovitz, Carla Rose Fisher, Michael Cooper, Ernie Lijoi and Will Randall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 1.15;"><b>Playbill: </b></span><a href="http://playbill.com/news/article/tyne-daly-harriet-harris-sierra-boggess-david-burtka-to-star-in-it-shoulda-been-you-on-broadway-334277" target="_blank">Tyne Daly, Harriet Harris, Sierra Boggess, David Burtka to Star in It Shoulda Been You on Broadway</a></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-516e6967-62bc-7d10-a820-6f2daec9edd3"> </span> <script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0New Brunswick, NJ, USA40.4862157 -74.45181880000001240.4862157 -74.451818800000012 40.4862157 -74.451818800000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-41899818955817769052014-08-19T14:02:00.000-07:002014-08-19T14:02:43.450-07:00Forty Years of George Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjtnwGsswUZ8H_MAl5Rjn25_O_G8WfnlgoKE77rX9IWpH7THTeamIPgVT0DSmwVrcRf6gO-e8CxvhjN5jFZGddhxOkKOXTDd8fgpgx_rB6s7o2NytQcvPrqUcKzUEM4UinmAyGM0cFg/s1600/40years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjtnwGsswUZ8H_MAl5Rjn25_O_G8WfnlgoKE77rX9IWpH7THTeamIPgVT0DSmwVrcRf6gO-e8CxvhjN5jFZGddhxOkKOXTDd8fgpgx_rB6s7o2NytQcvPrqUcKzUEM4UinmAyGM0cFg/s1600/40years.jpg" height="840" width="609" /></a></div>
<script src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=aeb87384-0b1f-4d05-a621-43b521832210&type=website&post_services=facebook%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Cybuzz%2Ctwitter%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Ctechnorati%2Cmixx%2Cblogger%2Ctypepad%2Cwordpress%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cmyspace%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin" type="text/javascript"></script>George Street Playhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595733219620736949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801514891826133732.post-79227985896288965212014-08-19T13:28:00.001-07:002014-08-19T13:31:17.702-07:00A Completely Original Musical in Four Weeks<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePRt4V1FbyvwjKDfhR6Fbdk-uur79EZBlkrhQSi_lVP9v3KgVn7r_j8vlN_1FghU1Q6LTWv0KKvHLijGWYSBm2OVS0R-l7JfDDu6ekX0u5R7_ePrGvNjU-honrLuJ-wf-esj0hQzdGg/s320/DSC_1646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePRt4V1FbyvwjKDfhR6Fbdk-uur79EZBlkrhQSi_lVP9v3KgVn7r_j8vlN_1FghU1Q6LTWv0KKvHLijGWYSBm2OVS0R-l7JfDDu6ekX0u5R7_ePrGvNjU-honrLuJ-wf-esj0hQzdGg/s320/DSC_1646.jpg" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The day begins at 9 a.m. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Twenty-five students begin warming up their bodies, voices, and imaginations by playing theatre games like Tree Chop. One student raises his arms up, making himself tall like a tree, while letting out a guttural “hah.” Two students on either side of him echo the sound while making a chopping motion. This action is repeated as it is passed across and around the circle. It’s simple, fast-paced and a lot of fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">After these high-energy warm-ups, students dive headfirst into their work: creating, rehearsing, designing, and performing an original musical in only four weeks. This is the inherently ambitious and seemingly impossible task of Young M Company, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/theaterclasses.php" target="_blank">George Street Playhouse Summer Theatre Academy</a>’s four-week class for teens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">E</span>very year, this creation and development process begins with introducing studentsto source material, which serves as the springboard for their script. This year, they <br /><br />are using poems from Shel Silverstein’s book of poetry, Where the Sidewalk Ends.Giant sheets of white paper line a wall of the rehearsal space. One sheet is titled“The Editing Room Floor” and it is covered in different colored sticky notes, each one an idea for an element of the play. Another sheet is focused on the process of musical theater creation, and it has three questions written on it: “How can music <br /><br />help us tell this story?” “What are all the various ways we can use music?” and“What can music help us achieve that we couldn’t achieve otherwise?” The students have worked on their own, in small groups, and as an ensemble to turn the ideas they’ve generated into a foundational outline for their story. <br /><br /><br /> Today, Milo, Eowyn, Diane, and Richard are on their feet, embodying characters and improvising actions and dialogue. This small group is expanding what was written earlier in the week into a cohesive scene. They stop only for a moment to write it all down and review what they have produced so far. Rachel and Kayla, two longtime Academy students, sit in the corner together poring over their work. Rachel is diligently writing and rewriting lyrics as Kayla plays her guitar, plucking her way to the perfect melody. Every few minutes you can hear them singing quietly together, trying out the new lyrics and finding harmonies. Everyone is devoting all of their energy to the telling of their original story: the tale of one girl, her notebook, and the <br /><br />Just before they break for lunch, each small group presents what they have been working on to the ensemble. New characters and scenes are shared, and Rachel and Kayla introduce their song. The song is met with thunderous applause. There is an instant and collective understanding that it will be a highlight of the play. While the students know there will be much more to do after lunch, the room is buzzing with excitement. The play is finally taking shape. <br /><br /><br /> Over the next few weeks, the new scenes will be staged, the songs will be fine tuned, and everything will be rehearsed. Students will also meet with the design team to discuss lighting, sets, costumes, and props. In one of the writing groups, students have been working on a scene involving a mythical creature. Eowyn is sure that this creature must to be a puppet, but what it looks like and how it operates is still under great debate. The design meetings will be the time to solve this problem. The entire process - creation, rehearsal, design, and performance - is founded in collaboration, compromise, and communication. These young artists not only learn to work and create together, but to support and respect one another, and build their greater <br />collective imagination.<br /><br /><br /> On the last day of Summer Theatre Academy, family and friends stream into the theater to watch the culmination of the students’ hard work and dedication. The lights dim and a hush falls over the crowd as the ensemble anxiously waits backstage for their cue. The moment everyone has been working toward is here... <br />lights up on <i>Girl With Epic Notebook.</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /><br />posted by Christa Cillaroto, Manager of School Based Programs</i></span>
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The first show of our season here at George Street Playhouse is a play about love. But this particular theatrical romance isn’t your typical love story. <br />
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John Patrick Shanley, who received a Tony Award nomination this past season for <i>Outside Mullingar</i>, is writer of the Oscar-winning screenplay for the romantic comedy <i>Moonstruck</i>, as well as the multi award-winning (including the Pulitzer Prize) <i>Doubt</i>, presented on the George Street stage seven years ago. <br />
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Reminiscent of <i>Moonstruck</i>, Shanley has provided us with a love story with punches of laughter and a healthy dose of Irish farm life, grit and mysticism instead of hearts and flowers. Artistic Director David Saint, explains why he chose to start the season with this not- so-sentimental story. “I like to begin the season with something very ‘up,’ whether it’s a big comedy or a musical or a love story.” <br />
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In addition to his trademark comedic techniques utilizing the humor of everyday life, Shanley goes back to his personal ethnic roots and employs mystical elements of folklore to further the unique quality of this modern day romance. <br />
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Saint elaborates - “He delves into the land of the mystical like many Irish poets or Irish writers… It is the element of the supernatural that has been a part of Irish culture for centuries. I was just knocked out by the combination of the wit and the lyricism and the fairytale quality to it and the notion that there is always hope for love in someone’s life.” <br />
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The pervasive feeling of Celtic mysticism and humble whimsy touches audiences on a fundamental level where our childlike wonder still resides, even if buried deeply. <br />
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“Any great story, like a great fairytale, is universal to all cultures,” Saint asserts. The story is not limited to a particular culture or location or even time period, “…it takes place anywhere where the imagination is ripe enough for a writer to concoct a tale.” <br />
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When you really think about it, isn’t every love story actually a fairly tale? The fact that two compatible people out of the estimated seven billion in this great wide world could find each other and fall in love is really quite magical. <i>Outside Mullingar</i> teaches all of us that there is hope that love can, and, most assuredly, will happen. “Keep your heart open to love at any age.” This is what Saint feels is the fundamental theme of the play. It’s never too late to fall in love. It’s a beautiful lesson of hope and perseverance for the sake of joy. <br />
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Continues Saint, “I think this play [makes] people leave the theatre feeling great about life and that is a great way to start the season” <br />
<br />George Street Playhousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02595733219620736949noreply@blogger.com0