"The performing arts in New Jersey are extraordinary in their scope of talent and artistry, and we are thrilled that Governor Christie and the First Lady are again paying tribute to them in this unique way," said John McEwen, Executive Director of the Alliance. "Through their stunning contributions to this holiday exhibit, Paper Mill Playhouse and The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey are a representation of the 35 not-for-profit, professional, producing theatres in the state."
The New Jersey Ballet and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra also contributed to this year's display, along with various garden clubs from throughout the state. The general public may tour the exquisitely decorated rooms of the mansion during Holiday Open Houses scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd; Wednesday, December 10th; Sunday, December 14th; and Wednesday, December 16th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
"We are delighted to partner with New Jersey Theatre Alliance, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Ballet, and, by tradition, the New Jersey Garden Club for this year's holiday décor," said Robyn Brenner, Executive Director of the Drumthwacket Foundation. "Visitors will delight in touring the residence as each room reflects the creative spirit of these wonderful organizations."
Paper Mill Playhouse of Millburn, a recognized force in American musical theatre and one of the region's leading theatre education and training centers, has festooned the Library at Drumthwacket with props and costumes from its recent Broadway-bound revival of Cole Porter's Can-Can, a romantic musical set in the Montmartre dance halls of the 1890s.
Costumes on display were created exclusively for Paper Mill Playhouse by the much acclaimed designer Ann Hould-Ward, who received the 1994 Tony Award for Best Costume Design for Beauty and the Beast.
"Paper Mill Playhouse is thrilled to help Drumthwacket celebrate the holiday season," stated Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill's Producing Artistic Director. "As the official state theater of New Jersey, we are grateful for the opportunity to share some of our beautiful artistry in the governor's mansion. Our critically acclaimed production of Can-Can was viewed by nearly 30,000 New Jersey residents and now people touring Drumthwacket will have the chance to see a few of the production elements from the show including costumes by designer Ann Hould-Ward."
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, internationally recognized for its dedication to the presentation of Shakespeare's canon and other classics, and housed on the campus of Drew University in Madison, has adorned the Parlor in the theme of "The Mystery of the Cloak." Cloaks function as protection, decoration, ceremony, and symbols of the inscrutable. The pieces displayed, which are taken from the theatre's substantial costume collection, emanate that sense of mystery and power.
"We were honored to be selected to participate in the Drumthwacket holiday exhibit," said Bonnie Monte, Shakespeare's Artistic Director. "This year's event will provide us with a wonderful opportunity to display the work of our skilled designers and costume artisans who envision and construct the beautiful costumes that appear on our stages. This is a unique way for the public to get a close-up look at the extraordinary craftsmanship that goes into the creation of our acclaimed costumes."
Reservations for the Holiday Open House tours are required, and can be made on the Foundation's website: drumthwacket.org.
Founded in 1981, New Jersey Theatre Alliance was the first statewide service organization for professional, not-for-profit theatre companies in the United States, and is now a leader in developing model programs that foster collaboration, cooperation, and audience development. For arts patrons, the Alliance provides a variety of services to enhance their theatre-going experience, such as The Stages Festival, a statewide festival of theatre in March offering free or discounted performances and programs.
Funding for New Jersey Theatre Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, is provided in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations, including the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Prudential Foundation, New Jersey Cultural Trust, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, and Bank of America.
