Mendham Man Stars in Long Valley Playwright's Work

Pair of one act plays debuts May 17 at the Darress Theatre in Boonton.

This weekend, Tom Timbrook the owner of the Darress Theatre in Boonton, is producing the world premiere run of RU FOR SALE and SHE LOVES ME KNOT, two original one-acts by Long Valley playwright, Lawrence Francis. RU FOR SALE could also be titled “The Birth of a Salesman.” This light-hearted one-act follows Billy Bland, played by Thomas J. Foy, from his post graduate days on a park bench looking for a job, to his successful career as the ultimate salesman. Foy, a sophomore at Montclair State, majoring in theatre, is joined in RU FOR SALE by Mtn. Lakes resident, Gil Lawley, and Mendham actor, Glenn Thompson. SHE LOVES ME KNOT features Montville actress Lauren Klemp, as the high school sweetheart, and explores the highs and the lows of New …

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Steel Magnolias Bloom in Chester

Chester Theatre Group mounts show on the 25th anniversary of the play's publication.

In the 1989 movie, Steel Magnolias, the unforgettable characters portrayed by Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis warmed hearts, tickled funny bones and courted Oscars. Now the play that inspired the hit movie will be brought to life on the stage of the Black River Playhouse by the Chester Theatre Group.  Set in a small town in Louisiana (in the time of really big hair), Steel Magnolias paints an indelible portrait of six women who gather regularly at Truvy’s  Beauty Shop for gossip, friendship and support through the most trying—and—hilarious times of their lives.  The all-female cast features Debbie Bernstein of Maplewood as M’Lynn, Beth Amiano Gleason of Chester as Truvy, Jackie …

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Monsters, Celebrities Take Over Sheraton Hotel

Debbie Gibson, Jerry Lawler, Patty Duke among stars at annual Chiller Theater event.

The Sheraton Hotel in Parsippany played host to all sorts of creatures, musicians and celebrities in the annual Chiller Theater event this weekend.  A constant flow of attendees from all over the area came to meet, be photographed with and get autographs from stars of television, movies and video.  Also on hand were numerous vendors selling everything from T-shirts to voodoo dolls to jewelry.  Some guests also dressed in costumes to share in the experience.

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Big Buzz For MCAW as the Hive Opens In Chester

Morris County Arts Workshop officially opens its storefront location in the Chester Springs Mall.

The Morris County Arts Workshop officially opened their Hive in Chester on Saturday, with a ribbon cutting ceremony that has been creating an appropriate amount of buzz over the last few months. Part gallery, part performing arts center the Hive is part of MCAW founder Jane Shatz's dream to provide a place for all in the community to have a space to create and experience art. The ribbon cutting in the Chester Springs Shopping Mall was the latest step in a series of leaps for MCAW. Their origami crane project and evening with Jim Breuer are only two of the recent programs the center has been involved in. Saturday's crowd of art patrons young and old began the day with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Chester Township Mayor Bill Cogger and …

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Jim Breuer: Building the Arts in Your Own Backyard

Chester resident, actor and comedian is working with the Morris County Arts Workshop to bring improv, film and comedy classes to the town he calls home.

Jim Breuer is known for his mimicry skills. The actor, comedian and former "Saturday Night Live Star" has a series of characters that everyone knows him for. But at his Evening with Jim Breuer fundraiser for the Morris County Arts Workshop at the Hive in Chester, it was his impression of MCAW director Jane Shatz that nearly brought the house down. “The arts are alive and they are here in Chester,” Breuer said, with a perfect imitation of Shatz’s European lilt and delivery. Breuer who is now on the board at MCAW, was bowled over by Shatz. “You might be wondering why you are here. You are here tonight because of the passion Jane has,” Breuer said. “I really feel we need to encourage the arts out here. This is why I started the Chester Family…

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Jim Breuer to Fundraise For MCAW in Chester

Chester comedian to appear April 17 at the Hive on behalf of the Morris County Arts Workshop.

Chester resident, renowned stand-up comedian, author and filmmaker Jim Breuer, formerly of Saturday Night Live, will host a special fundraising event for the Morris County Arts Workshop (MCAW) on April 17 in Chester. "An Evening With Jim Breuer" will take place at the Hive from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Hive is a MCAW space located at the Chester Springs (ShopRite) Shopping Center on Route 206 in Chester. Tickets are still available online. Light refreshments, Wine, cheese and desserts will be served. 

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Mendham Actress in Emerson Shakespeare Show

Melody Madarasz in Emerson Stage Production of Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Mendham's Melody Madarasz, majoring in Musical Theatre at Emerson College, is part of Emerson Stage's production of Two Gentlemen of Verona as Ensemble. Shakespeare's first romantic comedy gets a treatment of music from the '70s in this story of love and betrayal involving best friends who fall in love with the same woman. The friends remain loyal only to their own desires, forsaking their friendship and those they love, as they let their passions guide them forward. Emerson's production is directed by Scott LaFeber and will run from April 18 - April 20 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre (219 Tremont Street, Boston) at Emerson College. For more information about Emerson Stage productions or to purchase tickets, visit the website.  

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Solve Mystery of Edwin Drood at Mendham

West Morris Mendham High School presents interactive musical this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the musical opening at West Morris Mendham High School on Thursday has the distinction of being a show that has no ending. The musical is based the final novel by Charles Dickens, which was unfinished at the time of Dickens' death and his ending for it remains unknown. In the stage show, the audience gets to chose the identity of the murderer. "Drood is one of director Tony Ross's favorite shows," said producer Molly Oehrlein. "He went to see it when it was on Broadway when it won several Tony Awards in 1986." As part of their preparation for the musical, 21 members of the cast went to see the recent broadway revival. Drood bows at 7 p.m. March 14, 15 and 16 at Mendham High School offering theatergoers three …

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St. Pat's Parade Takes Over Hackettstown

Fifth annual celebration marched down Main Street Sunday.