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Arts & Entertainment

Ready to Shed $12 and a Few Tears? See 'The Velveteen Rabbit'

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If Hilde Steinberg has her way, emotions and tears alike will be flowing during the ’ production of "The Velveteen Rabbit."

"We are going to take the audience on an emotional roller coaster,” Steinberg said. “They’re going to be happy one moment, surprised another moment. It’s going to be a magical ride.”

Steinberg is directing Anita Larsen’s adaptation of Margery Williams’ 1922 children’s classic at the theater in Hillsborough from Feb. 18 to March 6. For those who are unfamiliar with the tale (and the emotions it can stir), the original story is about a boy who receives a toy rabbit as a Christmas gift and, just like in the Toy Story movies, the toys come to life when people aren’t around.

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The rabbit becomes a constant companion to the boy, but their relationship is threatened when the child catches scarlet fever. To say more would spoil the play if you’re not familiar with it, but by addressing themes like a child’s relationship to toys, and the nature of true love, it’s a truly emotional story.

Steinberg said her version has some key differences from the book. First, the main character is a girl, named Andrea. Larsen’s script allows a director to go with either a boy and a girl as the lead character. Steinberg wasn’t sure in which direction she’d go, but was convinced by Allison Tucker’s audition.

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“She had such a brightness and she was so captivating, that’s the option I chose,” Steinberg said.

Another difference is that the story takes place around Andrea’s birthday, rather than Christmas, which makes the play something that can be done outside of the holiday season.

“The Velveteen Rabbit” is part of Somerset Valley Players’ mainstage season, but it is definitely geared toward children and families. Steinberg acts in musicals and serious plays aimed at adults, but focuses her directing on shows for young audiences.

“When it comes to directing I think my true passion lies with working with young people and letting them experience theater,” she said.

Having previously acted in a staging of “Velveteen Rabbit,” Steinberg said, she jumped at the chance to direct it at SVP.

“I loved the script,” she said. “I loved what could be done with it, and I kind of longed for the opportunity to direct it, and the opportunity came and now we are where we are.”

Convincing people to buy into a story with toys coming to life and dealing with real, human emotions would seem a challenge, but Steinberg said audiences, especially children, are very willing to buy into those fantastical elements when they enter a theater.

“When you participate in the theatrical experience, you walk in suspending your wall of disbelief,” she said. “Even the harshest cynics in all of us get caught up in the magic of theater, and we have that ability to suspend our wall of disbelief.”

While the story is emotional, Steinberg said it has some funny moments, including the interaction between a nanny and gardener during an extremely sad scene.

“It’s the comic relief that we really need in the show,” she said.

In addition to the story itself, Steinberg said, the theatrical experience will elicit emotions from audiences young and old who come to see the show. 

“[They’ll react to] the magic of the dance and the special effects to the ultimate happiness of everyone,” she said. “There are a few moments in this play that are absolutely devastating and we’re going to take the audience from utter despair to ultimate joy. That’s the ride we’re going to be on.”

And she ought to know, because directing “The Velveteen Rabbit” has brought out her emotions. During rehearsals of a powerful moment, Steinberg watched her actors and got the kind of reaction she wants her audiences to experience.

“They were so brilliant last night, that I sat in the back of the house and cried,” she said. “And everybody said, ‘OK, we’re good, Hilde’s crying.’”

The Velveteen Rabbit is being performed by Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Road (Route 514), Hillsborough, Feb. 18 to March 6. All tickets cost $12. For more information, call 908-369-7469 or visit www.svptheatre.org

THE ON STAGE SCOOP

  • Audition Alert, “Beyond Therapy:” The  will hold open auditions for Christopher Durang’s “Beyond Therapy” Feb. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. The production runs May 6 to 21 at the Chatham Playhouse. Auditions will be at The Chatham Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham. Director Lauren Moran Mills asks actors be familiar with the script. Sides will be provided at the audition. The character breakdown is two women (one in late 20s to early 30s, another late 30s to early 50s) and four men (two in their early to mid 30s, one late 30s to early 50s and one in his 20s). All roles are open, none are precast, and everyone is encouraged to audition. Contact Kristin Furlong at 732-208-4184 or kristinbarber33@yahoo.com with any questions. More information can be found here.
  • Audition Alert, “The Wizard of Oz:” Hexagon Players of Mendham will auditions for “The Wizard of Oz,” at the Great Lutheran Church, 65 E. Main St., Feb. 16 and 18 at 6 p.m. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing a song from any show and bring sheet music in the key they’ll be singing. Show dates are May 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21 at  in Bernardsville. For more information, call 973-543-8770.
  • Registration for Summer Theater Camps:. Brundage Park Playhouse has announced its 30th season of summer performing arts education with the return of three programs. Summer Stages is a workshop for young performers ages 8 through 14 who have completed second grade or higher during the 2010-11 school year; staff instructs students in acting, music and dance, and each two-week session will end with a production for audiences of parents, relatives and friends. The Advanced Performers Workshop is open to students who are already at least 12 and will be entering seventh through 11th grades in the 2011-2012 season. Admission is by audition and interview. Students will spend part of their time in rehearsal for whatever show they are working on, and part of their time in workshops on various aspects of theater arts. The Budding Stars program is designed for children ages 5 to 7. Students will also create simple props and costumes for skits, fairy tales and children’s stories they perform. For pricing, schedules and registration, go to www.randolphnj.org , click on “Parks and Recreation,” and click on “Online Registration.” You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in the Senior Community Center on Calais Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-989-7092.
  • Audition Alert, "Enchanted:" The Women’s Theater Company in Parsippany is holding auditions for “Enchanted” in February. Equity and non-equity roles are available. Auditions will be held at the Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Parsippany. Bring a picture and resume, stapled together. E-mail an audition time and any questions to info@womenstheater.org.
  • What a Pippin: Villagers Theatre in Somerset presents the Tony-award winning musical “Pippin” through Feb. 20. The show tells the story of a young prince, named Pippin, who sees the secret of happiness and fulfillment through war, temptations and politics, and then through home and family. The show debuted on Broadway in 1972, running until 1977. The show’s music is by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Wicked”) and was originally directed by Bob Fosse. Corey Rubel directs Villagers’ “Pippin,” with choreography by Jillian Kimberlin and musical direction by David Regner. Tickets cost $18, $16 for seniors and students. The show contains mature subject matter recommended for audiences 16 and over. For ticket information, call 732-873-2710; villagerstheatre.com.
  • Here’s the Proof: Nutley Little Theatre will stage “Proof,” David Auburn’s 2001 Tony winner for Best Play, through Feb. 26. Tickets cost $15, $13 seniors/students. For tickets and information, go to nutleylittletheatre.com.
  • "The World Goes Round," You Go To Parsippany: The Women's Theater Company in Parsippany presents "And The World Goes Round, The Songs of Kander and Ebb" through Feb. 27. The revue features songs from "Cabaret," "Chicago," "Funny Lady," "Kiss Of The Spiderwoman" and other Broadway hits. Performances are Feb. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27. Friday and Saturday performances are 8 p.m. Sundays are 3 p.m. The show is at the , 1140 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. Tickets are $18, $15 for seniors and $12 for students. Call 973-316-3033 or e-mail info@womenstheater.org.
  • Hollywood Ending: There’s no business like show business, especially when David Mamet’s writing about it.  will present Mamet’s 1988 play “Speed the Plow” Feb. 18 through March 5. Filled with Mamet’s trademark, rapid-fire dialogue, it focuses on the ruthless nature of Hollywood and the movie industry. With the writer’s dialogue and taught plotting the seemingly superficial depiction of two Hollywood producers looking for a big break finds deep meaning. The show stars Robert Barwick, from Wayne, as Bob Gould; James Sloan, from New York City, as Charlie Fox; and Danielle Pennisi, from Cedar Grove, as Karen. Trey Compton is the director. Tickets cost $20, or $15 for  students. For tickets: see here or call 908-273-2192. Summit Playhouse is located at 10 New England Ave., Summit.
  • Vienna Waits For You: Opole, Philharmonic of Poland will perform a “Vienna Gala Program” at the  in Morristown Feb. 18. It's an evening of the music of Vienna featuring the orchestral, violin and vocal music of composer Johann Strauss Jr., as performed by Poland’s leading symphony orchestra, and the show starts at 8 p.m. There is a free pre-performance lecture at 7 pm for ticketholders. Tickets are $37-$52. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets.
  • Listen to that Jazz: Pianist Rio Clemente will play a concert as part of the ’s Jazz Showcase, Feb. 18, 8 p.m. in Morris Township. Tickets cost $18 or $15 in advance. Call 973-971-3706 or see here for information.
  • This Bull Won’t Fight: Hudson Vagabond Puppets will perform “Ferdinand the Bull” at the in Morris Township Feb. 19. The story of the peaceful bull is told with giant puppets in a narrated ballet with a larger-than-life bull, masked dancers, and specialized mechanical figures. The presentation includes an on-stage demonstration of techniques to resolve problems without fighting. Find more information here.
  • Can We Talk? Dover Little Theatre will present a staged of reading of George Castellitto’s “Four Distant Conversations” Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. The reading will feature Clinton L. Scott, Tom Morrissey, Tim Murphy and Thom Florio, and will be followed by a talkback session with Castellitto and a wine and cheese reception. Tickets cost $5. Reservations are recommended. 973-328-9202; www.doverlittletheatre.org.
  • Make It Up As You Go: Actors can add to their skill set and non-actors can try something new through ’s Improvisational Comedy for Adults course. Starting Feb. 19, Lulu French, a visiting artist with experience in improv, will help students of all levels learn traditional improv games, explore their own creative sides in a supportive environment, develop spontaneity, and learn how to shed inhibitions. The last class will allow students to invite friends and family members to a showcase performance.  The class is open to students 18 and older. Classes will be held Saturdays, Feb. 19 to April 23, 10 a.m. to noon at Dreamcatcher’s third-floor space at the Baird Center in South Orange. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $333; register by Jan. 31 and save 10 percent. For information,see here or e-mail info@DreamcatcherRep.org.
  • Feeling Folky: The  in Morristown will host an afternoon of folk music with The Second Annual Garden State Folk Festival on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. The concert will feature the comedic songs of Carla Ulbrich, the 20-member all female a capella group Hickory Tree Chorus, The Dirdy Birdies Jug Band and Roger Deitz. Tickts cost $20 and are available at 973-539-8008 and www.mayoarts.org.
  • Service With A Smile: Brad Zimmerman will present “My Son The Waiter, A Jewish Tragedy” at the  in Morristown Feb. 24. In the show, the comedian shares the story of his struggle to make it as an actor in New York. Zimmerman has opened for Joan Rivers, Brad Garrett and Susie Essman, and was George Carlin’s regular opening act for two years. Tom Cotter is Zimmerman’s opening act. Tickets cost $25, for information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org
  • You Gotta Go … To Urinetown: The Chester Theatre Group at the Black River Playhouse will present “Urinetown: The Musical,” Feb. 25 to March 19. The Tony-winning musical satire features music and lyrics by Mark Hollman and a book and lyrics by Greg Kotis. The title may sound icky, but “Urinetown” is a actually a funny musical about a city that charges citizens to perform the most basic of functions, because of a water shortage. Bobby Strong (played by Brian Hill) takes on the powers that be so that everyone in the city can get some relief. The cast and crew of Urinetown have developed a special humanitarian project dubbed "Pennies for Potties." Named by cast member Roxanna Wagner, who is heading up the effort, P4P is collecting money to to the international non-profit organization, Foundation for Peace, based in Ironia. The Foundation for Peace has provided much needed emergency care to many materially impoverished countries. Coin drops will be placed at the public rest rooms in the theater through the run of the show. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $24, or $22 for seniors and students. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling the box office at 908-879-7304. 
  • Choo Choo, Choose to See Thomas and Friends: It’s all aboard at the  in Morristown when “Thomas & Friends Live!” On Stage rides into town Feb. 21. The tells a story of life lessons, discovery, friendship and cooperation as Thomas, Percy, Sir Topham Hatt and friends work together to save the Lantern Festival on the magical island of Sodor. Ticekts cost $25 to $40. Tickets are available for the 6 p.m. show (the 3 p.m. show is sold out). For information, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.
  • If Music Be the Food of Love, then go see “Twelfth Night,” performed by the Drew University Theatre Arts Department, Feb. 23 to 26 at the  on the Drew University Campus in Madison. 973-408-3030.
  • Talent On Display: Morristown’s Got Talent will take place at The  in Morristown Feb. 23, 7 p.m. The evening promises the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Plains and Morris Township. Tickets cost $20 to $75. For information, go tomayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.
  • Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! Beatlemania is back, kind of, when The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute comes to The , Feb. 25. The multi-media theatrical productions features classic Beatle tunes from the band's earliest hits to Abbey Road, and features former members of the Broadway show “Beatlemania.” Tickets cost $37-$57.
  • Let Your Hair Down with Rapunzel: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will present Richard Boyer’s “Rapunzel: A Brush With Fate,” Feb. 26 and March 5 and 12, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bring your kids to see the story (which also inspired the recent hit movie “Tangled”) of a confident girl trapped in a tower who’s determined to be free. Tickets cost $12. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to www.paxamicus.com.
  • Audition Alert, “The Mousetrap:” Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for its production of “The Mousetrap” March 2, 7 to 9 p.mThose auditioning are requested to bring a headshot or snapshot to the audition. Cold readings will be provided.  No appointments are necessary. The mystery written by Agatha Christie features five male roles (three in their 20s, two who are older) and three female roles (two in their 20s and one who is older). Performances are May 5 through 15. For more information, go to brundageparkplayhouse.org.
  • A Gala Evening: The Growing Stage children’s theater in Netcong will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the re-opening of the Palace Theatre with a gala on March 5. The evening includes cocktails, hors d ‘oeuvres, buffet dinner and dessert catered by the Black Forest Inn in Stanhope, a silent auction and performances by cast members of the theater’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Tickets cost $125, with proceeds benefiting The Growing Stages’ programs. RSVP by Feb. 19. Contact Managing Director Tom Romano at 973-347-4946 or mgdir@growingstage.com for reservations.
  • Audition Alert, “RUTHLESS! The Musical:” Dover Little Theatre will hold auditions for RUTHLESS! The Musical, March 6 at 5:30 p.m. and March 7 at 7 p.m. Call backs are March 9 from 7 to 10 p.m. (if necessary). Auditions are open to everyone. Auditioners are asked to familiarize themselves with the script ahead of time and know a little bit about the play and characters. Performances will take pace during three weekends starting May 7 and continuing through May 21. The theater is seeking eight female actors, including an 8- to 12-year-old “triple threat” who can act, sing and dance. Children auditioning for Tina should prepare a short tap combination, and bring taped accompaniment on a cassette or CD. The theater is ideally looking for someone between the ages of 8 and 12, but would consider someone older. Range: F# below middle C to E one octave above middle C. For the audition, bring sheet music in the appropriate key for one uptempo musical theater standard, in the style of “Gypsy,” “Mame,” “Hello Dolly,” “Annie,” etc. Do not bring music from this show. An audition pianist will be provided, and no recorded accompaniment for the singing portion will be used. The other female roles vary in age and all require solo songs, except for one non-singing role. No dancing is required at the audition, except for the role of Tina. A male performer is also needed. Auditions will be held at Dover Little Theatre, Elliott Street, Dover. Technical and backstage volunteers are also needed. E-mail the director, Tom Blewitt, at tomsquad73@yahoo.com with any audition questions, concerns or to volunteer. If you need to speak to a person, call Dover Little Theatre at 973-328-9202 and your call will be returned.
  • It's Better Than Even Money: 's musical for this year will be "Guys and Dolls," March 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m.; a matinee will also be March 12 at 2 p.m. Shows are in the West Morris Central High School Auditorium. More information here.
  • Audition Alert, Blithe Spirit"  is holding auditions for Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” March 13, 7 p.m. and March 15, 7:30 p.m. at the theater, located at 14 Alvin Place. Performances are May 20 to June 11. Female roles range from 25 to late 40s or 50s and males ranging from 40ish to 50s. All characters except Edith (female, 25-plus) speak with an educated, English accent. Sides are available here. Call 973-744-9752 or e-mail studiopl@studioplayhouse.org for more information.
  • Doobie Brothers Tickets on Sale: Tickes for The Doobie Brothers’ April 22 concert at the in Morristown are on sale. The legendary band’s hits include “China Grove,” “Takin’ It To the Streets” and “Jesus is Just All Right With Me.” Tickets cost $69-$109. For information, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.
  • With a Banjo on His Knee: There’ll be nothing wild and crazy going on when Steve Martin comes to the  in Morristown. Tickets for his concert of bluegrass and banjo music are on sale now. The concert is June 28. Martin’s 2009 album, “The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo,” won the 2009 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. For information on all shows at the Mayo Center, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.
  • Celebrating Young Talent: The Madison Young Playwrights Festival will soon be taking reservations. It's a day-long festival celebrating work written by students in Madison schools. Watch this space for more information.
  • Do You Have A Jersey Voice? The  group is seeking original, one-act plays, short musicals or original dance pieces, written by New Jersey authors, for the 17th annual "Jersey Voices." Play submissions of any genre, style and length up to 20 minutes maximum running time will be accepted through March 15. E-mail submissions in Microsoft Word or PDF format to: jerseyvoices@chathamplayers.org. For more information on the festival itself, see here.
  • Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of , Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar through June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

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