(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary season, marking decades of bringing contemporary theatre to audiences in the state of New Jersey. Coming up is the third episode of the original series, Gemstones, by Phoebe Farber. Episode 3 runs Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm.

This series blends the best storytelling qualities of mainstage performances with the exhilarating fun of improv. Gemstones is a structured, longform improvisation series that mixes comedy and drama, and that can be viewed in its entirety or singly. Each performance will begin with a recap of previous episodes, so that audience members can either view the whole series throughout the season, or drop in as they wish. Written by Phoebe Farber, each monthly episode will feature recurring characters and special guests, much like a limited series that can be found on a streaming service, but with the freshness and excitement of live theatre.

In this episode, a former lover returns to Estelle’s life, and with him, the secret of her private wealth. How will her family respond to this revelation, and is there a future for the two past paramours? Jim and Paula continue to excavate the skeletons in the family’s closet, and their current dramas, for their exposé in Jewelry Now Magazine. And Miranda and Stuart face both the financial struggles of the business and their own long-term affair. Will they finally make it official, or will the relationship collapse under the strain of their conflicts?

Episode 2 features Noreen Farley (Clinton) as Estelle, and Laura Ekstrand (Livingston) as her daughter Miranda. Scott McGowan (Maplewood) is Stuart, the married accountant who keeps the family’s books and the key to Miranda’s heart. Harry Patrick Christian (Montclair) and Daria M. Sullivan (Lyndhurst) are the journalists who are documenting - and sometimes amplifying - the family’s struggles. Special guest Eli Ganias (NYC) plays the once and future lover of Estelle, and an international businessman with secrets of his own. The episode is directed by Laura Ekstrand, with lighting design by Zach Pizza (Weehawkin) and Sound Design by Jeff Knapp (Montville).

The third episode of Gemstones will appear at the Oakes Center on Wednesday, November 20 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm. Tickets are $33, $28 for seniors and $25 for students 25 and younger.  For advance ticket purchases, go to the website. Oakes Center is wheelchair accessible; assisted listening devices and large print materials are available upon request.

Vivid Stage was founded in 1994 as Dreamcatcher Rep, and is a non-profit professional ensemble of actors who build community with the audience by sharing contemporary, life-affirming stories that challenge, energize and entertain. Their work has at its heart a belief in the essential goodness of people and the power of live performance to connect people through our shared humanity. They expose theatregoers to ideas and lives like and unlike their own with the intention of awakening their imaginations and creating empathy for others. They deepen the experience of all their patrons with personal contact through receptions, talkbacks, and interactive programs. The company’s activities include mainstage productions, improvisational comedy and cabarets, new play readings and a variety of educational and senior outreach programs.

Vivid Stage, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey.

Vivid Stage’s programs are funded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and many other corporations, foundations and individuals.  Vivid Stage is an Equity Producing member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.