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REVIEW: The Princess Finds A Way

By Adam F. Cohen

originally published: 04/03/2016


Once upon a time, an amazing children’s theater company, put on a musical called The Princess Finds A Way.  The company, Silly on Sixth in Hoboken, crafted a creative, engaging production aimed at boys and girls alike.  At the ripe old age of 18, the princess (Leah Sayad) must get married to claim her Queen-dom.  However, Megan doesn’t want to get married, she just wants to run her land and live her life.  With her wise aunts and loyal friend she hatches a plan to win the contest set up to marry her off to the winner.  The plan involves disguising herself as a prince, beating her odious relative, and a handsome prince she doesn’t quite remember having nursed back to health after the war.  Happy endings ensue along with a positive message of fighting for what you want, working hard, playing fair, and taking care of others.

For parent’s tired of the crass sitcom “polish” of Nickelodeon and Disney, Silly on Sixth offers welcome relief.  This is a delightful, essential, way boys and girls to spend some time, see a totally professional production and learn something also.

There’s singing, dancing, a spell or two, a mermaid with a golden apple, and a compelling cast quick with a song and involving the kids in the audience.  Silly on Sixth consistently produces delightful, charming shows that entrance and entertain their core audience of kids three to one hundred and three.  There is no pandering to the audience.  These skillful actors led by director Howard Richman engage the young audience rapturously.  Spend a richly deserved hour with Silly on Sixth.  For parent’s this is an entertaining safe time, without the laugh track of television but the values you may want your children to embrace.

The Princess Finds a Way has something for everyone – an evil villain who gets his comeuppance; cute songs; and a wonderful duet between Howard Richman and Nannette M. Matos singing about what they think the other knows. 

Skillyfully paced and directed by Howard Richman.  Each actor crafts a uniquely memorable character.  Leah Sayad sings and acts beautifully, interacts with the audience wonderfully.  Dave Silberger brings a wondrous sinister veneer to her odious, crafty Lord Sylvester.  Laura DiCerto and Florence Pape are the supportive aunts, sporting blue tinted wigs with aplomb.  Nicole D’Onofrio plays three roles including the mermaid and a key plot turning aunt.  Richard Dwyer’s height and stature are put to good use as the straight up, rule abiding contest judge and host Lord Chancellor.  This is a finely tuned ensemble that’s worked together for several shows that easily welcomes Joseph Braccino as the prince who is less concerned with winning than reconnecting with the princess who made a positive impact on his life.  This is a winning cast and an enjoyable production with values of importance.




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Grab your prince or princess and hustle down to Silly on Sixth for a truly fun professional production.

 

Remaining productions:

Sunday, April 3, 2016  at 11am and 1pm

Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 11am and 1:00pm

For more information visit hudsontheatreensemble.com





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EVENT PREVIEWS

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present a three-day Spotlight play reading event featuring works by New Jersey playwrights at the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center from July 6-8, 2026 with performances at 7:00pm each night.
Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon

Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "London Suite"

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's London Suite with three performances from July 11-12, 2026. Witty, charming, and unmistakably Neil Simon, London Suite invites audiences into a series of hilarious and heartfelt encounters set in the same London hotel room.

The Light Opera of New Jersey presents "H.M.S. Pinafore" at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Light Opera of New Jersey presents H.M.S. Pinafore from July 11-12, 2026 at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center. This is a comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan that satirize the British class system. 
Misfits Theatre Co. presents "She Loves Me"

Misfits Theatre Co. presents "She Loves Me"

(MATAWAN, NJ) -- Misfits Theatre Co., a community theater organization dedicated to producing bold, entertaining, and accessible theater for audiences of all ages, presents its inaugural book musical production, She Loves Me at Matawan Regional High School from July 10-12, 2026.
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents "Sense and Sensibility" outside duCret Center of Art

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents "Sense and Sensibility" outside duCret Center of Art

(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center invites audiences to experience Jane Austen's beloved classic Sense and Sensibility in a charming outdoor production this summer at duCret Center of Art in Plainfield. Performances take place July 10-12, 2026.

Howell PAL Theater Company presents "Grease"

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Howell PAL Theater Company presents the classic musical Grease weekends from July 10-12, 2026 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Grease is a love song to the 1950s and a cornerstone of the American musical comedy form.
Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough

Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough

(CHATHAM, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions is thrilled to announce encore performances of their production of Heidi Schreck's "What the Constitution Means to Me." Following a sold-out run of the show in downtown Morristown earlier this year, the original cast and production team have partnered with Chatham Borough to present an encore weekend July 11-12, 2026 at the Stanely Center.

Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at Van Vleck House and Gardens

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing outside at Van Vleck House and Gardens across two weekends from July 10-18, 2026. This is no ordinary stage production, it’s an immersive theatrical experience.

Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents "1776"

(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents 1776 from July 8-18, 2026.  The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Summer Solos: "Fair Stage" by Megan Gogerty

Wednesday, July 08, 2026 @ 6:30pm
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Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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The Little Mermaid

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Shrek: The Musical

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ