This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

On Stage: Death, Love, Music ... And a Bear

Don't worry, he's the cuddly, honey-loving kind.

Feeling theatrical? Well, if you've got the theater bug, there's plenty of chances to get involved in local shows—you can direct children's theater, learn to write a play, or audition for one of the most moving popular dramas to hit the stage in recent years.

But this week's On Stage Scoop isn't only for the performers—theater-goers will find plenty to like (particularly if they like music). Read on to see what's happening On Stage.

ON STAGE SCOOP

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

Director Needed for “Winnie the Pooh:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is seeking a director for its upcoming production of “Winnie the Pooh,” auditioning Sept. 7 and 10, and playing Oct. 22 through Nov. 12. As the show is part of the theater’s “Generation Next” program, in which all participants are teens, a director-coach-teacher experienced working with young adults is being sought. For additional information, call 973-691-2100, e-mail jean@castletheatre.com or go to PaxAmicus.com.

Registration for Fall Semester at Playwrights Theatre: Registration is open for the 26th annual Madison Young Playwrights Program, with classes starting in September and October and continuing through December at the . The program is offered to students in Grades 4 through 8. Information about classes and enrollment can be found here.

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

Love and Music: Villagers Theatre in Somerset is presenting “The Wedding Singer” as part of its TeensVill series through Aug. 14. Based on the Adam Sandler comedy, the musical is about Robbie Hart, a wedding singer longing for the rock star life whose fiancée leaves him at the alter. Robbie makes himself, and everyone else, miserable until he meets Julia, who he’s attracted to but who is about to get married. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $16. For reservations, call 732-873-2710 or go to VillagersTheatre.com.

Prepare Ye the Way to “Godspell:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is performing “Godspell” for a run continuing through Aug. 20. The show adapts the Gospel According to St. Matthew into a rock musical where Jesus and his disciples sing and act in various theatrical styles. Its songs by Stephen Schwartz include the hit “Day By Day” and “All for the Best.” Remaining performances are Aug. 13, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Tickets cost $25. Call 973-691-2100 to purchase tickets. For more information, go to PaxAmicus.com.

Death and Laughter: ’s “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” continues through Aug. 28 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison. The 1970 play was written by Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo and is described by the theater a “hysterically sly and caustic slapstick farce inspired by a real-life event involving a man accused of a crime who ‘fell’ from the window of a police station.” For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or go to ShakespeareNJ.org.   

Audition Alert, “Steel Magnolias:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will hold auditions for “Steel Magnolias” on Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. Seeking six women over 18 for this touching and funny comedy-drama. Everyone, including beginners, is welcome to try out, have some fun and meet new people. Performances are Sept. 24 through Oct. 9. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Call 973-691-2100 for more information.

Hey Man, Hippiefest is Coming: It’s going to be a groovy time when Hippiefest takes stage at the  The concert will feature Dave Mason, Mark Farner of Grand Funk, Rick Derringer, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals and Gary Wright. Tickets cost $47 to $87. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Talking About Jersey and Rock: The announced two August programs in conjunction with its “Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock and Roll in the Garden State” exhibit. On Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m., author Kathy West will host a presentation and book signing for her book, “The Quest of the Myddle Class.” The Myddle Class was a 1960s garage band from suburban New Jersey. West will present memorabilia, pictures, video and music from the band. She will also sign copies of her book. On Aug. 18, Sirius XM satellite radio host Pete Fornatale will host “Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock.” During the program, Fornatale will share his memories of Woodstock and play rare audio clips and video footage of the legendary music festival. After his talk, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., Fornatale will sign copies of his book, “Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock.” The “Jersey Rocks” exhibit, on view through Sept. 5, examines the history of rock ’n’ roll in New Jersey through the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and beyond. The lecture will start at 6:30 p.m. The museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Jazzy Sounds: ’s Jazz Summer Fest wraps up on Aug. 15 with some swing as Allan Vache performs a tribute to Benny Goodman. Clarinetist Vache will be joined by Mark Shane on piano, Matt Hoffman on vibes, Joel Forbes on bass and Kevin Dorn on drums. Tickets cost $18, $15 at the door. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Welcome to His Nightmare: Alice Cooper will bring his “No More Mr. Nice Guy Tour” to on Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. Fans can expect to hear classics like “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “School’s Out” and “I’m Eighteen.” Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Children Should Be Seen and Heard: Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph will present its Kids Cabaret 2011: “Love Is All You Need,” Aug. 17 through Aug. 21. The young performers, ranging in age from 10 to 18, will share their singing, dancing and acting talents in a family-friendly production. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets cost $15, or $12 for seniors and for children under 12. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 973-989-7092.

Working For Those Laughs: Blue Collar Comedy staple Bill Engvall is coming to the  on Aug. 17 for an 8 p.m. performance. The star of his own TBS sitcom and current host of the game show “Lingo,” Engvall presents comedy based on the absurdities of everyday life. Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

From The Smithereens to the Morris Museum: Drummer Dennis Diken of The Smithereens will share a concert and discussion at the Morris Museum on Aug. 20. Diken and his band, Bell Sound, will perform music from the acclaimed album “Late Music.” Tickets cost $25. The museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

She’s a Little Bit Country: Marie Osmond will take stage at for a concert featuring country and pop music on Aug. 24. Osmond has been performing since she was 3 as a member of the legendary Osmond family. In the 1970s, she starred in a variety show with brother Donny and recently competed on “Dancing with the Stars.” Tickets cost $57-$97. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Audition Alert, “The Cocktail Hour:” The Chester Theatre Group is holding auditions for A.R. Gurney’s “The Cocktail Hour” on Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. and Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Auditions will be held at the Black River Playhouse at the corner of Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester. Needed are two male actors and two female actors. Readings will be from the script. Performances are Nov. 4 through Nov. 20. For information, including a character breakdown, go to ChesterTheatreGroup.org.

Musical Legends at the Mayo Center: Tickets for Jackson Browne’s Oct. 17 concert at the  are on sale now. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will perform an acoustic solo set, with tickets priced at $65 to $100. Tickets for Loretta Lynn’s March 30 concert will go on sale Aug. 12, with tickets priced at $47 to $97. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information about the entire season, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Next Season at Growing Stage: Season ticket plans for the 30th anniversary season at The Growing Stage Theatre in Netcong are on sale, with individual performance sales beginning Sept. 1. The season begins with “The Code Breaker” by Pauline C. Conley, Oct 1 through 23, recommended for ages 8 and up. “Babes in Toyland” will run Nov. 25 through Dec. 18. Recommended for all ages, the original adaptation by The Growing Stage is loosely based on the operetta by Victor Herbert and the Laurel and Hardy film. Next up is “Mother Hicks,” for ages 7 and up, running Jan. 13 through Feb. 5, followed by the all-ages appropriate “Seussical” March 9 through April 1. The season will wrap up with “Diary of a Worm, A Spider, A Fly,” April 27 through May 20. Go to GrowingStage.com for more information.

Submissions for Villagers’ VIP Series: The Villagers Theatre in Somerset is seeking submissions for its 2011-12 Villagers Independent Producers (VIP) Series. Writers, directors and performers are encouraged to take creative control of their productions to a far greater extent than a more traditional setting might allow. The theater’s goal is to select a season of three shows to be performed in October 2011, January 2012 and May 2012. Please submit the titles and authors of the productions you would like to mount. Also include any and all staff you have on board or would like to ask to be on board. Include a brief description of the production, including number of cast members, and a brief concept or vision of production. It is always helpful if you submit a copy of the script (and cast recording for musicals) in electronic format with your submission, however, it is not required with your initial submission. All submissions for consideration must be received in the Villagers Main Office at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 no later than Aug. 10 or e-mailed toVIP@villagerstheatre.com.

New Season at the Barn Theatre:  in Montville has announced its 2011-12 season, which will open with Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” Sept. 9 through Oct. 1. Musical favorite “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will take stage Nov. 11 through Dec. 3. Next up is Scott McPherson’s “Marvin’s Room” from Jan. 13 through Feb. 4. Ken Ludwig’s comedy “Lend Me a Tenor” is after that, March 16 through April 7. Stephen Sondheim’s musical, “Assassins” will wrap up the season from May 18 through June 9. For information, go to BarnTheatre.org.

Dover Little Theatre’s Season Announcement: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” will open Dover Little Theatre’s new season, starting Sept. 10 and continuing through Sept. 24. Next will be the world premiere of “An Act of Will” by Grace Wessbecher, Nov. 11 through 20. Ken Ludwing’s “Moon Over Buffalo” will take stage from March 4 through 11. Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” will close out the season, May 5 through 20. For information, go to DoverLittleTheatre.org.

Chatham Community Players Announce 2011-12 Season: Tracey Letts’ “Bug” will kick off  new season with a run starting Oct. 14 and continuing through Oct. 29. The play from the writer of “August: Osage County” follows a middle-aged waitress with a terrible past and a Gulf War veteran who enters her life. Next up is Frank Galati’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,” March 2 through 17. The season will conclude with a run of the classic musical “Cabaret” May 4 through 19. For more information, go to ChathamPlayers.org.

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

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?