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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

(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its acclaimed Revolutionary Voices play reading series with Robert Schenkkan's Tony Award-winning drama All the Way on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 7:30pm at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. This special one-night-only event brings together an exceptional cast to dramatize one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition"

The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition"

(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition from July 30 through August 1, 2026. This is a 60-minute, kid-friendly stage adaptation of the classic 1939 film. It follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as a tornado sweeps them to Oz. Joined by new friends, Dorothy must outsmart the Wicked Witch to ask the Wizard for a way home.

CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness

(CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness from July 30 to August 1, 2026. This a slightly unhinged night of original works by emerging and established playwrights.
Paper Mill Playhouse

Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents "New Voices of 2026: On Vacation"

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents New Voices of 2026: On Vacation at Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University. This is a world-premiere, full-scale concert that takes audiences on a musical journey around the world. Three performances take place over July 31 and August 1, 2026.
Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie"

Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie"

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents its Summer Theater Program's production of Annie from July 31 through August 2, 2026. The production celebrates the program's 15th anniversary and highlights bergenPAC's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing outstanding arts education within the community.
North Star Theater Company presents "The SpongeBob Musical"

North Star Theater Company presents "The SpongeBob Musical"

(HAMBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company brings the colorful world of Bikini Bottom to the stage with Nickelodeon's The SpongeBob Musical, running July 30 through August 2, 2026 at Wallkill Valley Regional High School.

Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's "Matilda Jr."

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr. from July 31 to August 2, 2026.  The summer program includes students aged 7-15.
Playwright Tom Cavanaugh Launches The Book Writers Group with Staged Reading Showcase on August 2nd

Playwright Tom Cavanaugh Launches The Book Writers Group with Staged Reading Showcase on August 2nd

(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- The Brook Writers Group, a newly formed theater collective dedicated to developing original theatrical works in Central New Jersey, will present its inaugural Staged Reading Showcase on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the historic Brook Arts Center (10 Hamilton Street) in Bound Brook. The event begins at 5:00pm.

Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents "Guys and Dolls"

(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents Guys and Dolls from July 29-August 8, 2026 with performances at 8:00pm. Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. The production is directed by Matt Muccigrossi.
Magnolia Productions presents "Are The Bennet Girls Ok? "

Magnolia Productions presents "Are The Bennet Girls Ok? "

(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Are The Bennet Girls Ok? across two weekends from July 31 to August 8, 2026 at The Theater at The Navesink Library. This is an adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by Emily Breeze.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Stage Summer Solos: "The Call List" by Brian James Pollak

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
Summit, NJ


Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore

Thursday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
Union, NJ


NYC Musical Marathon & Jack Dallas presents 1756 - Making America

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Divinity Hall @ Centennial AME Zion Church
Closter, NJ


Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ


A Dance with Death: A 1950's Prom Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ