(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company presents Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? weekends from September 25 through October 10, 2026. Focusing on eight children during their Catholic elementary and high school education in the 1950s, this hilarious musical captures the funniest aspects of youthful growing pains and the trying moments of adolescence.
Get ready to flash back to the 1950s! Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? is a hilarious, nostalgic musical comedy following eight Catholic school kids in Chicago. From navigating strict dress codes to surviving the ultimate awkwardness of teenage dating, this coming-of-age story is packed with heart, humor, and catchy tunes.
This musical trip down memory lane was last produced during Bridge Players Theatre Company's 1996/1997 season!
The cast includes Jaden Murray (Eddie Ryan), Allyssa Winkelspecht (Becky Bakowski), Kat Fresh (Sister Helen), Lisa Croce (Sister Lee), Rosemarie Loughlin (Secretary/Sister Monica), Steve Rogina (Father O'Reilly), Emma Reilly (Nancy Ralansky), Amber Stolarski (Virginia Lear / Sister Lee Understudy), Samantha Wentz (Mary Kenny), Allison Ewing (Female Student/Understudy), Codi Korhammer (Mike Depki), Felix Ramos (Felix Lindor), and Damon Strothers (Louis Schlang).
Performances take place Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00pm. There is an additional 3:00pm matinee on September 26. Tickets are available for purchase online. The theater is located at 36 E Broad Street in Burlington, New Jersey.
The musical features a Book by John R. Powers with Music and Lyrics by James Quinn and Alaric Jans.
Gleeful audiences flocked to see this show in Chicago (where it became that city's longest running show), in Philadelphia (where it broke attendance records during its two runs) and in cities across the country. It opened on Broadway on May 27, 1982 at the Alvin Theatre.
Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Bridge Players Theatre Company, based in Burlington, NJ, is dedicated to presenting high quality, affordable theatrical productions to the community. We encourage an active and diverse membership by creating opportunities, both on and off stage, for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, inviting all to celebrate their individual talents and their mutual passion for live theatre.
There are multiple performances including:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
@ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ
Saturday, October 17, 2026
@ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ
Saturday, October 17, 2026
@ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ
Saturday, October 17, 2026
@ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ
There are multiple performances including:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
@ 2:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
