'Thoroughly Modern Millie' – This weekend at Ridge High Performing Arts Center

With cold weather still lingering, what better way to spend an afternoon or evening than enjoying an upbeat, lighthearted musical production with the family at Ridge High's Performing Arts Center (PAC). Seats are still available this weekend for performances of "Thoroughly Modern Millie,"  presented by the Front & Center Performing Arts Center.

The first curtain rises on Jan. 22 at 7:30 pm, and will be followed by three additional performances (a matinee on Sat., an evening performance on Saturday night and another matinee on Sunday). Premium tickets are $25, or for just $10 you can still enjoy the show; you just won't be sitting front and center.

As Director Renee Palermo explained, "we priced the tickets to be affordable to everyone, including students and friends of many of our performers. We chose Ridge High's PAC because it is so large. This is an expensive show for us and we are hoping to sell as many tickets as possible to cover our costs."

Front & Center couldn't be happier with the opportunity to perform at Ridge PAC. The facility, with its state-of-art amenities and large stage and offstage areas  - "unbelievable – we love it! "

Two different musical companies from Front & Center will perform: the Senior Company and the Junior Company. Each company will perform two shows. The Senior Company consists of high school-aged teens while the Junior Company includes ages 8 through 13. As instructor Mary McGregor pointed out, having both companies perform allows the junior cast "to get the parts they need in order to grow. They learn from the senior company as well."

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" originally premiered as a musical comedy movie in 1967, starring Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore. It garnered 7 Academy Awards and in 2000 was adapted for the stage. Like most musical comedies it features a love story (or two), some twists and turns, and lots of singing and dancing. Set in the roaring 20s, there are plenty of flappers and tappers to entertain the audience.

Palermo, the owner of Front & Center Performing Arts Center (located in Springfield, NJ, http://www.front-n-center.com) is both the director and choreographer for "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The performers have been rehearsing weekends and weeknights, in addition to their regularly scheduled dance, vocal and acting classes.

Students at Front & Center come from various towns in central NJ. While approximately 50 children and teens will perform this weekend, the school has an attendance of over 200. Many of Front & Center's 15 instructors are working actors and actresses on Broadway and commute from the city to teach.

Whether you select to see a Junior or Senior Company performance you won't be disappointed. Dedication, hard work and a passion for what they are doing will make these performances an enjoyable experience for you and your family.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie"

Ridge High PAC

208 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge

Friday, Jan. 22 7:30 pm (Senior cast)

Saturday, Jan. 23, 1:30 pm (Senior cast), 7:30 pm (Junior cast)

Sunday, Jan. 24, 1:30 pm (Junior cast)

Tickets at the door or  call: 973-258-1123 (Leave a message if they don't answer, they will get back to you.)