Get Out

EVENTS: Ride a Horse, Valentine Activities, Meet 'Lincoln'

Activities abound as we enjoy a mild winter that lets us get out and about.

Here we are, already well through winter, and (although you may wish otherwise if you're a skier) the weather is giving us the freedom to get out and enjoy many activities without worrying about driving home in the snow. This week, there are a variety of Valentine celebrations, no matter who your sweetie is. There's a cooking and wine tasting class for couples in Bridgewater, a Valentine's party for senior citizens and a chance to hear romantic (or rockin') music. Children's activities are included from around the area. To combine a Valentine's celebration and kids' night out, check out "Parents Night Out" for a place to let your kids bake Valentine's cookies while the grownups get some time to themselves! Parents Night Out When/Where: …

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Ridge Grad Oscar Nominee in Interview with Huffington Post

JC Chandor, Ridge graduate, discusses his nomination for Best Original Screenplay for "Margin Call."

Isn't It Romantic at the Theater?

Celebrate Valentines Day with a concert or a show.

Valentines Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a night at the theater? You get into the spirit of love with upcoming concerts at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, the Barn Theatre and Pax Amicus Castle Theatre. If it’s a show you’re looking for, you can see “The Sound of Music” at Brundage Park Playhouse, “The 25 Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Villagers and “Boeing Boeing” at Paper Mill. Performers can audition for “Cabaret” or “The Crucible,” and if you’ve always wanted to get involved in theater and have no experience, now’s your chance as the Chatham Community Players see volunteers for its upcoming production of “Grapes of Wrath.” ON STAGE SCOOP: Gladys Knight Tickets on Sale Feb. 10: Tickets…

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Bernards Children's Library Invites All to 'Circus Tales'

Professional storyteller will bring stories to life at Bernards Library.

Experience the Big Top— folktale style — this Saturday in a free presentation at the Bernards Township Library at 32 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge. Professional storyteller Julie Pasqual of Jersey City will share 'Circus Tales' in the children's library section at 11 a.m. this Saturday. Pasqual is a self proclaimed “creativity junky” and renaissance woman. Her storytelling work encompasses all her skills as a performing artist, and she brings every aspect of a story to life, a library announcement said. More about the storyteller is on her website. The program will be 45 minutes long and no registration is required. For further information, call the children’s library for at 908-204-3031, ext. 3 or access the library website.

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Get Out

MORE EVENTS: Sunday Art Reception, Camp Fair, Save the World

Winter heats up in the next few days with a wide variety of things to do, whether pure fun or something for a cause.

Winter may not officially be over, but it's time to get out and about again and shake off that post-holiday lethargy. You can sample some music that will make you appreciate the talent we have in our own back yard, dance, adopt a kitty, bike or laugh. You can also stop by Bishop Janes United Methodist Church in downtown Basking Ridge to meet Bernardsville native Katie Meyler and hear her talk about how her "More Than Me" foundation has grown to provide 100 scholarships to get children off the streets in Liberia. An opening reception for the Community Arts Show, to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, will welcome all artists and announce the 2012 Mayor’s Arts Awards. Other charitable/…

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Great Escape

Escape to a Toe-Tapping Cole Porter Musical Revue

Lovin' Cole, a musical revue, to be presented this Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Basking Ridge.

Each week, Patch will tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot more enjoyable. The catchy tunes of Cole Porter are enjoyable to hear even now, and recall an era, and style of music, that provide an escape into the golden age of entertainment. This Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Ridge Light Opera of New Jersey will present its own production of Lovin' Cole, an original Cole Porter revue of the American composer's music, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in downtown Basking Ridge. Ridge Light Opera, led by Basking Ridge residents Lauran Fulton Corson, as artistic director, and William Corson as executive producer, bring back their wildly successful cabaret series …

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See a Classic, Or Something New—It’s Up to You

There's something for everyone on stage in North Jersey, so go out and see a show

One of the all-time classics is coming to the area when Brundage Park Playhouse presents “The Sound of Music,” with a run beginning Feb. 4. The Rodgers and Hammerstein favorite about the von Trapp family features some of the most well-known songs in Broadway history, such as “My Favorite Things” and “Do-Re-Mi.” Fans of musicals looking for something a little more modern might want to check out "Leader of the Pack” at Somerset Valley Players or “The 25 Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Villagers Theatre. There’s also plenty of comedy to choose from, including ““Boeing-Boeing” at Paper Mill and “The Ladies Man” at the Centenary Stage Company. Actors also have a shot at joining Brudage Park Playhouse’s next production, when it holds …

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VIDEO: Spirited A Cappella Chorus

Hickory Tree Chorus rehearses every week to produce hours of fun-filled popular music at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Basking Ridge.

Every Wednesday, The Hickory Tree Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, meets in St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Basking Ridge for a rehearsal of fun-filled popular music in four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style. Anyone is welcome to drop by to either join in with the chorus, which also dances, or just to watch, said Dana Dunlevy of Florham Park, the chorus' marketing chairwoman. "We love to perform for an audience," she said. The chorus was founded in 1968 in the Hickory Tree section of Chatham Township, and relocated to Basking Ridge in the fall, coming from New Providence, Dunlevy said.  The rehearsals begin at 7:30 p.m., starting with physical and vocal warm-ups. The music usually lasts until around 10 p.m., and …

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