Paper Mill Playhouse announces the East Coast premiere of “Half Time”, a new musical

April 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Papermill Playhouse just announced the full cast and creative team for the East Coast premiere of Half Time, a new musical, with book by Bob Martinand Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and additional music by Marvin Hamlisch and Ester Dean.  Half Time begins performances Thursday, May 31, 2018, for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 1, 2018, at Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive) in Millburn, NJ.  Opening Night is set for Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.  Half Time is produced in association with Dori Berinstein and Bill Damaschke. Bank of Americais the Major Sponsor of Half Time. Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2017-2018 season is proudly sponsored by Investors Bank.

Half Time will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell and co-choreographed by Nick Kenkel with music direction by Charlie Alterman. The cast will feature previously announced five-time Emmy nominee Georgia Engel (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony and Emmy Award winner Lillias White (The Life, “Sesame Street”) along with André De Shields (The Wiz, The Full Monty, Ain’t Misbehavin’). The newest addition to this stellar cast is Tony award winner and Broadway legend Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line) who with this all-star cast will tell the uplifting true story of ten New Jersey seniors with extraordinary dreams.  Half Time is based on the motion picture “Gotta Dance”, directed, written and produced by Dori Berinstein.

From the director/choreographer of Kinky Boots comes the incredible true story of ten determined dreamers who audition to dance at half time for a major basketball team. They have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over 60. Only after making the cut do they learn they won’t be dancing tap, salsa or swing—instead, they will bring down the house with a style that is entirely new to them: hip-hop. Take the uplifting journey with these dreamers—and the young coaches who inspire them along the way—as they battle self-doubt, stereotypes and even each other for a chance to bust a move at center court in front of 20,000 screaming fans. Together they remind us that in life, when the odds are stacked against you and the challenges seem too great to overcome, it’s not the end of the game—it’s Half Time.

The principal cast will feature André De Shields as Ron, Georgia Engel as Dorothy/Dottie, Donna McKechnie as Joanne, Lillias White as Bea, who will be joined by Haven Burton as Tara, Lori Tan Chinn as Mae, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Kendra, Nancy Ticotin as Camilla, Madeleine Doherty as Estelle, Tracy Jai Edwards as Alison Prager, Mary Claire King as Jenny, Lenora Nemetz as Fran, and Kay Walbye as Muriel.

Rounding out the cast are Alexander Aguilar, Ken Ard, Sydni Beaudoin, Tami Dahbura, Paula DeLuise, Gabriela Garcia, Talya Groves, Kathryn Kendall, Valton Jackson, Summerisa Bell Stevens, Garrett Turner and Gayle Turner.

“I am thrilled our new musical Half Time will be a part of the very exciting 2017-2018 Paper Mill season,” stated Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. “Half Time celebrates the singular power of music and dance to unleash big emotions and bring people together.  We can’t wait to share it with the amazing audiences at Paper Mill.”

“We are excited to welcome legends André De Shields, Georgia Engel, Donna McKechnie and Lillias White to Paper Mill Playhouse,” commented Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse’s Producing Artistic Director. “This new musical, inspired by the documentary Gotta Dance, is a true New Jersey story that will be thrilling for audiences of any age.”

The creative team of Half Time reunites Mitchell with his Kinky Boots collaborators, including Tony Award winner David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony Award winner Gregg Barnes (Costume Design) and Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), along with Nick Kenkel (Co-Choreography), Randy Hansen(Sound Design), Jason Lee Courson (Projection Design), Drama Desk nominee Josh Marquette (Hair and Wig Design), Tony Award winner Larry Hochman(Orchestrations), and Telsey + Company (Casting).  The Production Stage Manager is Jason Brouillard.

Half Time will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Performance schedule: Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 1:30pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 1:30pm and 7:00pm.

Tickets are on sale now starting at $34. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of 10 or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. Students may order $23 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse box office on the day of the performance.

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PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES THE WORLD PREMIERE OF “UNMASKED”

April 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

THE MUSIC AND STORIES OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER ON STAGE AT PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 28, 2018.

Millburn, NJ (February 16, 2018) — Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director), recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, announced today the world premiere of UNMASKED, which will feature some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic work and the stories behind its creation, along with new music and memories from his extraordinary life and career, will open its 2018-2019 season.

UNMASKED will be a funny and warm musical portrait drawing from Andrew’s extensive body of work, with intimate and sometimes unexpected interpretations of his best-loved songs, rediscovered gems and some new material specially written for this production.

In the year Andrew Lloyd Webber releases his memoir*, also titled Unmasked, and the personally curated Platinum Collection album**, this new stage production will be an exploration of a man and his music, his creative process and the often surprising manner in which his songs, and the musicals in which they feature, came to be.  It will include some of Lloyd Webber’s most recognizable characters interacting with one another for the first time, and new takes on his music, including a cappella versions of his songs and an often wry look at the genre he has, for many, come to define.

UNMASKED is co-created with Richard Curtis, the award-winning screenwriter, producer and film director behind Four Weddings and a Funeral,Notting Hill and Love Actually, and John Doyle, who won the 2006 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his Broadway version of Sweeney Todd. His revival of The Color Purple won two Tony Awards in 2016 and he is the Artistic Director of the Classic Stage Company in New York.

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John Glenn Astronomy Park to share hero’s legacy with next generation

April 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Forty miles southeast of Columbus in the secluded and tranquil woods of the Hocking Hills State Park, community members are setting their sights on the sky. Ohio’s Hocking Hills, known for its lack of light pollution and resulting clear night sky views, has always been a mecca for astronomy fanatics. Thus, members of the Friends of Hocking Hills State Park (FHHSP) has broken ground on for John Glenn Astronomy Park, which opens in early 2018. Named for one of America’s greatest heroes and an Ohio native, the park is made possible through generous donations and pledges from community members.

John Glenn Astronomy Park will not only allow visitors to explore the night sky, but will also offer daytime study, welcoming visitors to its Solar Plaza to study the Sun, Earth and the North Celestial Pole, among other celestial features. It is ideal for research, star parties, special events and general daily visitation. Designed by Ohio-based M&A Architects, the Astronomy Park includes:

  • An ideal elevation of 1,000 feet
  • An 80-foot in diameter Solar Plaza, which highlights the Sun’s orientation to the Earth as it changes throughout the year and is encircled by a low wall with notches that offer framed views of the Sun on key days
  • An enclosed 540-square-foot observatory featuring a retractable roof to permit night sky viewing
  • Gathering areas
  • Open green space
  • Plenty of free parking

Perhaps the most famous Ohioan with an eye on the cosmos, John Glenn, agreed to lend his name to the park, giving it his blessing shortly before passing away on Dec. 8, 2016.

“The Friends of Hocking Hills State Park organization is honored to move forward with a project that will bear Glenn’s name and legacy for years to come, with a focus on educating and engaging visitors,” said Julieann Burroughs, president of the FHHSP Board of Directors. “The park will spark an interest in science, exploration and astronomy among guests of all ages and is expected to become a meaningful scientific research facility.”

Preliminary design for John Glenn Astronomy Park is complete and construction of the park, which is located next to Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park is well underway. Land for the astronomy park will be leased to the Friends organization by ODNR for $1. As observatories statewide find their views obscured by increasing light pollution, the facility will solidify Hocking Hills’ reputation as one of the country’s last great pollution-free spots for stargazing. The region draws more than 3 million visitors annually from around the globe, with most coming to experience its unspoiled natural environment.

“In addition to miles and miles of trails through dense forests, stunning rock formations and rushing waterfalls, our star-filled skies get high marks from visitors,” said Hocking Hills Tourism Association Executive Director Karen Raymore. “The Tourism Association is thrilled at the opportunity to offer one more reason for travelers to visit the region and a new way for them to experience another natural attraction, which has been here since the dawn of time.”

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How to Plan for a Luxury Family Holiday in Sicily – Tips and Tricks

April 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Are you just about to start planning your upcoming family vacation to Sicily but don’t want it to seem like the typical holiday? Rather than doing the typical things and staying in the typical hotels, why not kick your vacation up a notch and turn it into a luxury getaway? Sicily is just the right place to plan for something luxurious, giving the entire family memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’ve never planned a luxury family holiday before, then these tips and tricks will help you to pull it off without any stress or worries.

Upgrade the Accommodation

One of the key ingredients in luxury travel is to upgrade your accommodation. Rather than staying in the typical large chain hotel, why not book a holiday villa for the family? The Wish Sicily site (https://www.wishsicily.com/) provides you with a huge collection of Sicilian villas to choose from, all with their own style and amenities. Not only will a villa be more luxurious, it’s also more convenient for families since you’ll have a lot more space to stretch out in, a kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and even outdoor space (depending on the villa you book).

Book a Private Tour

If you and the family are visiting Sicily for the first time, then you’ll quickly discover there is a lot to see and do. With that said, there are all kinds of tours and day trips you can sign up for, but you’ll be with a group of people. For the ultimate in luxury experiences, why not book a private tour where you’ll also be able to customize the itinerary. This is a great way to make sure you see and do everything you want without having to just go along with pre-determined itinerary. You can view some of the private tours available at https://www.toursbylocals.com/Sicily-Tours.

Rent a Luxury Car to Tour Around

Rather than relying on taxis to get around, you may want to rent a luxury car so that you can drive to any place you want. Just make sure the vehicle is large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. It will also need to be big enough to handle everyone’s luggage.

Get Restaurant and Shopping Recommendations

While there is nothing wrong with hitting up the typical touristy restaurants and shopping destinations, if you want a more realistic and authentic look at Sicily, it’s best to ask where the locals go. You can specify that you want an authentic and luxury experience, which will likely take you off the typical beaten path.

Have a Travel Agent Help You Out

Planning a vacation is no easy task, and if it’s a destination you’ve never travelled to before, it’s even tougher. It can be extremely helpful to speak to a travel agent and have them build you the perfect itinerary with all your luxury requests in mind.

By using these tips and tricks you’ll be able to put together a luxurious family vacation to Sicily that no-one will forget. These tips will help you to make the best use of the time, and ensure the vacation is everything you hoped it would be.

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Tankless Water Heater

April 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

If you are someone who is looking for a water heater then we suggest you go for the tankless ones becomes with a tankless water heater, you can save yourself some space, some energy and the best thing is that these heaters are more effective and efficient. The tankless water heaters are better than the traditional water heaters because they provide hot water immediately and you don’t even have to keep an extra water reservoir for that.

So, if you genuinely want to have a water heater that can work for you for a long time and is cost effective then yes, the tankless water heater is what you want to buy right at the moment. Also, if you are confused on which heater should help you buy then you can always check for the reviews of tankless water heaters online as that will make things clearer for you.

 

Now, if you are planning to buy a tankless water heater, then you need to stick a little longer to this article because we are now going to jot down a few ways that can help you get the best out of this heater.

You Need To Give Your Water Heater A Regular Checkup

It is an undeniable fact that when you keep a regular check on a specific product, it then works for you for a longer time and same is the case with the tankless water heater, you have to maintain it on regular basis in order to get the best out of it. Regular checkups include annual cleaning of the heat exchange elements. You should clean these elements every now and then to ensure the removal of mineral deposit buildup. If that mineral deposit is not removed at the right time, then the performance of your tankless water heater may become poor, and that is something no one would want. So, make sure that you are properly cleaning your heater, and if you don’t feel like doing it yourself then you can always hire a professional for that.

“Flushing” Of Your Tankless Water Heater

The cleaning process of a tankless water heater is also known as the flushing process. This process requires you to drain total three water valves and close them temporarily. Now, the basic purpose of the flushing process is to get rid of the mineral deposits on the filters of your water heater. These deposits can severely hinder the performance of your heater, and there are chances that you will then have to buy a new water heater for yourself. So, if you don’t want to waste your money and if you want your heater to work for you for a longer time, then you have to do the flushing of your water heater. This process needs a little technical knowledge, but once you learn about it, things will get easier for you but on the other hand if you don’t think you can do it on your own then again, you can always hire a specialist for that.

 

These are the two basic things that you have to do in order to get the best out of your tankless water heater. Basically, it all falls back to the cleaning process. You have to make sure that your water heater is clean both internally and externally to get the best performance out of it.

 

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5 Important points to note before the trip

April 28, 2018 by 1 Comment

When you are looking to entertain you need to make sure that you have an amazing menu as well as a comfortable spot to do so. What you are going to cook and serve will depend on the tastes of your guests and the season of the year. One thing is for sure, you want to make sure that you are serving meat unless they are vegetarians because it is something that you will want to have all year long. Whether you are hiding from the cold of winter or are trying to make sure that you have the best summer fare you need to have a great selection.

  1. Choosing Meat: You want to make sure that you are going to choose the right meat for the season. In the winter you may be looking for a heavier red meat. In the summer you are probably looking for white meat which will be paired perfectly with the best choices of sides. White meats would include fish and chicken as well as pork. In terms of red you would be thinking of beef and other forms of red meat that can be paired with almost any sort of meal in the winter.
  2. Preparing your meat: When you are preparing your meat, you may check out the 10 best pellet smoker 2018 for grilling purpose. That means that you will know that you are getting a taste that is smoky as well as one that is going to bring back your guests for more. In addition to thinking about the meat, you also want to think about the preparation. Are you thinking about making it be very sultry and dark or are you thinking smokey and more natural? Whatever the taste you are looking for you will want to find the right accompaniment to go with your meal. When you are looking at meats you need to ensure that you have looked at the flavor and the texture of the meat. You are going to want to use things like citrus juice on white meat and pepper and darker seasonings on red meat.
  3. Preparing Your Sides: When you are preparing your sides, you want to grill vegetables as well that will go along with your meal. Think about all the options out there for you like zucchini, potatoes, and many other sides. You want to use best pellet smoker for grilling purpose so that you can add the right smoky finish to the sides as well and know that you are going to have the best choices out there for the meal.
  4. Preparing the Best Drinks: If you have a drinking party you want to pair the right red or white with the right meat. You will see that the color of the meat and the color of the wine coincide and you need the right review and smoky palate to make sure that you are serving the best pairing Read up on your wines and then pair the wine with the meat and the vegetables that you are preparing with best pellet smoker for grilling purpose.
  5. Preparing the Mood: You need to make sure that the atmosphere is also perfect and that means that you need to have the right music and cultural experience to add to the meal. What was the style that you were preparing? What kind of music can you play to get your guests to feel as though they are a part of the experience?

Entertaining is an artform and making sure that you have the best choices for your guests such as best pellet smoker for grilling purpose. Is a great way to make your part a success and know that you are going to always bring people back time and time again? When you are looking for and are ready for the right choices in entertainment you will see that there is no way to cut corners. Having the best for your guests in food, entertainment and more is going to ensure that you are going to always have the best results. Treat your guests like gold and make the experience one that they will not forget and you will have people coming back for more and even talking about your meals. The highest form of flattery is to be brought back time and time again with your tips, your advice, and to have people want to dine at your home.

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Make this holiday fun and adventurous for your family and kids by visiting Lancaster

April 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Country of Lancaster is full with huge array of family attractions not only for children, but for every age from toddlers to seniors. Due to this, today Lancaster has become one of the most visited family places where you can create blasting and lifelong memories that you can keep with yourself.

Must visit family places in Lancaster – Although there are so many places to visit with your family and kids in Lancaster, PA. But, here are some places which you can’t afford to miss at any cost.

National Christmas center – This place features wide variety of festive exhibitions including Toyland Train Mountain, Christmas around the world, Art of Nativity and Santa’s workshop. During holiday season, this place even offers chance to meet with Santa and you can also take photos. On top of that, you can even celebrate holiday all around the year, the museum is open in March and April in weekends and May to early January daily, its timings are usually 10 to 6 which extended in months of November and December.

Dutch dinner apple theatre – Since 1987 Dutch Apple has been one of the most visited family destinations in Lancaster. Here guests get a chance to enjoy top professionals, shows, entertainer and delicious buffet style dinner. Throughout year, Dutch Apple theatre presents popular show one after another. They even offer classical music as well as contemporary music. In fact, most of the Dutch Apple performers even performed in national and international tours. Overall, this is one of the best places to visit with your family.

The Amish village – This place is authentic replica of typical town in country of Amish, complete with a gram, blacksmith, traditional home, market, school, covered bridge and market. In this village, visitors will learn about customs of Amish people even including way they use to cook, attend school and dress. Along with all this, backroad bus tours are available and are quite popular as in this tour, guests are taken to farm where they can interact and meet with the real Amish.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery – The very famous Julius Sturgis Pretzel bakery was established in 1861 and is first commercial bakery in America. In this bakery, you can tour original 19th century bakery with your family and even get hand on lesson related to bakery and pastry making. You can also learn history of pretzel and even enjoy pretzels made with hand. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel bakery undergo renovations in year 2007 and is updated and restored newly. Since its reopening, bakery is managed by Sturgis family, oldest family dealing in pretzel baking in America.

Village of bird in hand – Take out sometime and visit to village of bird in hand. This place is just like returning and traveling to bygone era. Here you will find homegrown Lancaster foods, restful lodging for travelers, friendly shopkeepers and even highly rated Lancaster PA hotels with an indoor pool. In fact, in center of the town lies an old fashioned farmer market from where you can purchase handmade crafts, homegrown products and fresh foods. An old village store is still open and filled with nostalgic and unique inventory.

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Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir Launches 2018 Tour throughout New Jersey

April 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Award-winning Ensemble to Present Fully-staged Concerts at Eight Venues

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director), recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, is pleased to announce dates and locations for the 2018 Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir tour. This season the show choir will play New Jersey venues in Millburn, Somerset, New Providence, Rahway, Metuchen, Wanaque, Kenilworth and South Orange. This fully-staged concert event called “Seize the Day” is a song and dance extravaganza featuring production numbers from popular Broadway shows includingNewsies, Frozen, Hairspray, The Wiz, Rent, Spring Awakening, Jersey Boys, Annie, Sister Act, and more. The program will also feature pop favorites from James Taylor, Lady Gaga, Otis Redding, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake and Pentatonix.

The Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir, presented by Overlook Medical Center, has toured the area at impressive venues including Lincoln Center, The Empire State Building, Sun Arena, MetLife Stadium, NJPAC, State Theatre, Bergen PAC, SOPAC and many more. The Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir is an audition based, exhibition Show Choir that stems from Paper Mill Playhouse’s award-winning Arts Education and Outreach programs. The choir consists of 70 singer/ dancers between the ages of 15 and 22. See below for a complete list of show choir performers by town.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.PaperMill.org/showchoir.

“We are thrilled to showcase our largest ensemble to date and welcome the community to join us for some inspiring performances,” commented Shayne Austin Miller, Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir Director. “The Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir is a highly-competitive, audition-based, free program that showcases the best talent in New Jersey. Our fully-staged concert event, Seize the Day is perfect for audiences of all ages.”

2018 Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir Tour Schedule

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 7PM
Saint Stephen’s Church, Millburn, NJ
For Tickets: 973.625.5726

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 4PM
Villager’s Theatre, Somerset, NJ
For Tickets:BoxOffice@VillagersTheatre.org

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 4PM
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Providence, NJ
For Tickets: Information@StAndrewsChurch.org

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 4PM
Hamilton Stage, Rahway, NJ
For Tickets: UCPac.org/Events or 732.499.8226

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 4PM
Forum Theatre, Metuchen, NJ
For Tickets: Tickets@ForumArts.net

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 7PM
Lakeland Regional High School, Wanaque, NJ
For Tickets: 973.831.2240

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 1:30PM
Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church, Kenilworth, NJ
For Tickets: StParish@TheChurchofStTheresa.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 8PM
South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange, NJ
For Tickets: SOPacNow.org or 973.313.2787

Now Playing: THE STING – A New Musical starring Harry Connick, Jr.

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