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Arts & Entertainment

On Stage: The Bride (& a Bitter Wedding Singer)

Weddings set the stage for laughter and music at two shows that are coming to area stages.

If you love weddings, then you’re bound to love two shows that are coming soon to North Jersey’s theaters. The Barn Theatre is presenting “The Wedding Singer,” a musical based on the hit Adam Sandler movie about a down-and-out Jersey-based wedding singer who rediscovers love. It’s opening Nov. 11.

Over at Dover Little Theatre, it will be ladies night with “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” also opening on Nov. 11, and its story about a quintet of bridesmaids who would all rather be some place else—anyplace else—than the wedding they’re attending.

But even if weddings aren’t your thing, there are plenty of shows to go see over the next few weeks: Kid are sure to love “Winnie the Pooh” at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre or “Snow White” at the Bickford, while adults and families can choose among comedy (“The Cocktail Hour”), drama (“On Golden Pond”) or musicals (“Meet Me in St. Louis”).

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Read on for more news about what there is to see, along with audition notices and other performing arts news. On Stage Scoop runs every Tuesday.

ON STAGE SCOOP:

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Next Year at Somerset Valley Players: has announced its 2012 season, which will begin with “Lead of the Pack: The Elli Greenwich Musical” Jan. 20 through Feb. 5. Next up is Larry Gelbart comedy “Sly Fox” from March 2 to March 18. “Clue the Musical” will take stage April 20 through May 6. Thornton Wilder’s classic “Our Town” will be presented June 8 through June 24. William Glennon’s adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” will be presented July 20 through Aug. 5. The classic musical “Oliver!” will be presented Sept. 7 through Sept. 23. The Frederick Knott thriller classic “Dial M for Murder will be presented Oct. 19 through Nov. 4 before the theater wraps up the year with “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16. For more information, call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPtheatre.org.

Larry King Performance Canceled: Larry King’s appearance at the , scheduled for Nov. 11, has been canceled. According to the Center’s website, ticket-holders will receive a letter with instructions regarding refunds. For more information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Silly Old Bear: “Winnie the Pooh” is on stage at  Pax Amicus Castle Theatre with a kid-friendly show on stage through Nov. 11. The play finds the famous bear sharing adventures with Christopher Robin, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit and Eeeyore. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Tickets cost $12. For reservations, call 973-691-2100.

An American Classic: of New Jersey is presenting “To Kill a Mockingbird” through Nov. 20. Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel tells the story of Atticus Finch and his pursuit of justice in a small town through the eyes of his daughter Scout. Brent Harris, who appeared in the Shakespeare Theatre’s production of “Timon of Athens,” plays Atticus, and Emmanuelle Nadeau of Westfield plays Scout. The show is directed by Joseph Discher, whose previous credits at the theater include “The Grapes of Wrath,” “The Tempest,” and “Amadeus.” For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.

Looking at Love: will present the New Jersey premiere of Geoffrey Nauffts’ “Next Fall” through Nov. 13. The Tony-nominated play examines a five-year relationship between Adam and Luke, while exploring faith, commitment and unconditional love. Performances are at the Baird Center, located at 5 Mead St. in South Orange. For information, go to DreamCatcherRep.org.

Generation Gap: is presenting “On Golden Pond” at the Somerset Valley Playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road in Hillsborough through Nov. 13. Ernest Thompson’s play is about an older professor and his wife who return to their Maine vacation home for another summer, and see for themselves how the world’s values are changing. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $17, $15 seniors/students. For more information, call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPtheatre.org.

Lovely Rita: Standup comic Rita Rudner will be bringing her observations about life and marriage to the on Nov. 3 for an 8 p.m. show. Rudner rose to fame after appearing on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show,” has starred in her own HBO specials and is the author of four books. Tickets cost $42 to $67. For more information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Gotta Go Back in Time: Centenary Stage Company will kick off its Black Box Festival with a stage adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine,” running Nov. 3 through Nov. 6. Performed by RadioTheatre, a New York-based company, the show will be staged at Centenary’s Black Box Theatre in the David and Carol Lackland Center in Hackettstown. Tickets can be purchased by calling 908-979-0900 or at CentenaryStageCo.org.

Misty Mountain Hop Over to Morristown and Get the Led Out: If it’s been a long time since you rocked and rolled, then head to the , when Led Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out takes stage for a Nov. 4 concert, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $52. For more information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Go See a Superstar: Villagers Theatre in Somerset is performing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” with a run starting Nov. 4 and concluding Nov. 20. The musical is being directed by Khy Garner with choreography by Renee Liciaga. The rock opera was originally released as a 1971 album before becoming a Broadway show about Jesus’ teaching and final days. The cast includes David Seamon as Jesus, Ryan Aiello as Judas and Karen Pierson as Mary. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. For more information call 732-873-2710 or go to VillagersTheatre.com.

Clang Clang Clang Goes “Meet Me in St. Louis:” is presenting “Meet Me in St. Louis,” with performances Nov. 4 through 19. The show is an adaptation of the 1944 movie musical starring Judy Garland. It’s set in the 1900s, as the Smith family lives in a simpler time that may not be as simple as it seems. Tickets cost $25, or $20 for students. For tickets call 908-273-2192 or go to SummitPlayhouse.org.

Let’s Talk it Out Over Drinks: Chester Theatre Group will present the comedy “The Cocktail Hour” Nov. 5 through 19 at the Black River Playhouse, located at Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester. A.R. Gurney’s comedy takes place in the 1970s in upstate New York. A writer returns home with a play about his family, hoping to get family members' permission to produce it. But they have reservations, which are discussed, along with some other things, over cocktails. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 13 and 20. Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. For reservations and information, call 908-879-7304 or go to ChesterTheatreGroup.org.

Listen to Music and Help Pay For a Roof: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is holding two concerts to raise money to fix the theater’s leaky roof. The concerts will be held Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. and will feature Carmen Artis, Richard Boyer, Daniel de Riancho, Jan Findlay, Matthew Gandolfo, John Hammel, Lauren Muraski, George Stults and Darlene Yannetta. They will be joined by young artists, and will perform a concert of mostly Broadway and movie songs. Recommended donations are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students. Donations of all sizes are welcome, contact the theater to arrange. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For more information, or to make a donation, call 973-691-2100.

Feeling Kind of Blue? Then see the Miles Davis Experience: The Miles Davis Experience will pay tribute to the jazz great at the for a Nov. 5 concert, beginning at 5 p.m. The multimedia presentation features trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire performing Davis’ arrangements. Tickets cost $27 to $47. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Scout’s Coming to Madison: Academy Award-nominated actress Mary Badham, who played Scout in the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” will host a program titled “Looking Back with Scout: A Conversation with Mary Badham” on Nov. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. at 's F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. During the talk, the actress will recall her memories on the set of the movie and discuss the book’s themes of tolerance, justice, and compassion. She will also host a question-and-answer session. The program coincides with the theater’s run of Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation of the novel, running through Nov. 20. Tickets cost $40 to $50 and can be purchased by calling the Shakespeare Theatre box office at 973-408-5600 or visiting ShakespeareNJ.org. The theater is located at 36 Madison Ave. in Madison.

Audition Alert, “All My Sons:” is holding auditions for Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” on Nov. 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. with callbacks on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. The play follows the Keller family, whose patriarch Joe made his fortune through selling defective parts during World War II. Unlike his partner, Joe avoided jail, but his secrets could soon be revealed. Performances are Feb. 24 through March 10. Click here for more information, including a character breakdown. The theater’s Playhouse is located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit.

Audition Alert, “Leader of the Pack:”  is holding auditions for “Leader of the Pack” on Nov. 7 and 9 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Players’ playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road. Find a breakdown of open parts here. Bring with you and be prepared to sing 32 bars of music in the style of the show.  Accompanist will be provided. The Players are seeking a multi-ethnic cast who can sing and dance and represent the classic "girl groups" of the era. Callbacks will be held on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. For more information, call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.org.

Don’t Eat That Apple: will host an adaptation of “Snow White” performed by Theatre IV on Nov. 10 with shows beginning at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The show is recommended for kids ages 5 to 10. Tickets cost $12. The Bickford is located at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Date Change for Tom Chapin Concert at Growing Stage Theatre: The Tom Chapin Concert originally scheduled to open the Growing Stage Theatre’s 30th Anniversary Season has been rescheduled for Nov. 11. The concert was to be part of the company’s ribbon-cutting for the unveiling of a restored front façade at the Palace Theatre, but Hurricane Irene delayed that work. For tickets and information, call 973-347-4946 or go to GrowingStage.com.

Always the Bridesmaids: Dover Little Theatre will present Alan Ball’s “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” Nov 11 through 20. The scene is a wedding reception in Tennessee where five bridesmaids hide in a bedroom in an attempt to avoid the celebration. Over the course of the afternoon, these women discover a common bond in this comedy. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays Nov. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $17. The theater is located at 69 Elliott St. For more information, call 973-328-9202 or visit DoverLittleTheatre.org.

Here Comes “The Wedding Singer:” will present “The Wedding Singer” with performances starting Nov. 11 and continuing through Dec. 3. The musical pays homage to the 1980s as Robbie Hart, a New Jersey wedding singer, is heartbroken after being abandoned at the altar. Robbie’s heartbreak leads to him ruining every wedding he works, until Julia enters his life. The problem is, Julia is already engaged. Tickets cost $20. The theater is located at 32 Skyline Drive. For tickets or more information, call 973-334-9320 or go to BarnTheatre.org.

Make It Up as You Go: Improv is returning to Pax Amicus Castle Theatre with “Off Book,” to be presented Nov. 12, 18 and 19. The evenings will feature short-form improvisational humor with ideas provided by the audience. Audience members can bring props they want to see used and ideas they want to see acted out. Shows on Nov. 12 and 18 will be family friendly while the Nov. 19 show is R-rated (no one under 16 allowed). The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Tickets cost $10. For reservations, call 973-691-2100.

Audition Alert, “The Sound of Music:” Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph is holding auditions for “The Sound of Music” on Nov. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. for children and on Nov. 14 and 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. for adults. Show dates are Feb. 3 through 19. For more information, including a character breakdown, click here. Click here for directions. For more information, go to BrundageParkPlayhouse.org.

Audition Alert, “Marvin’s Room:” is holding auditions for Scott McPherson’s “Marvin’s Room” on Nov. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. The theater is located at 32 Skyline Drive. For more information, call 973-334-9320 or go to BarnTheatre.org.

Classical Sounds: Conductor and pianist Jeffrey Kahane will lead New Jersey Symphony Orchestra through a program of Beethoven, Brahms and American composer Pierre Jalbert at on Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. A "Classical Conversation" will be held one hour before the performance. Tickets cost $20 to $80. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Dreaming of a White Christmas? Then Head to Paper Mill: Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” is coming to the , for a run beginning Nov. 16 and continuing through Dec. 24. The holiday favorite is based on the 1954 movie starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye about two men who open a show in a Vermont inn and fall in love with two singing sisters. The theater is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn. For more information, call 973-376-4343 or go to PaperMill.org.

Giving Plays a Chance: Premiere Stages is seeking submissions to the Eighth Annual Premiere Stages Play Festival. The competition for unproduced scripts offers developmental opportunities to four playwrights born or currently residing in the greater metropolitan area (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut). The winner of the festival will be awarded $2,000 and a full Equity production in Premiere’s 2012 season. The runner-up will receive $750 and an Equity workshop in June. Two other writers will receive staged readings in March and a cash prize of $500. Entries are evaluated by a panel of theater professionals in consultation with the artistic director and resident dramaturge.  Agents may submit full scripts; playwrights may submit a synopsis and script sample directly. Postmark deadline is Jan. 15, 2012. No entry fee. Complete submission guidelines available at Kean.edu/PremiereStages.

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

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