Articles By Chris Lillja
Medford Arts "Just Faces" Juried Exhibition
The Medford Arts Center, nestled in the town of Medford, New Jersey, serves as a vibrant hub for the arts community in the area. It is a place where artists and art enthusiasts come together to celebrate and indulge in the beauty of creative expression. The center plays a pivotal role in enriching the cultural landscape of the region by offering a diverse array of programs and events that cater to people of all ages and interests. From art exhibitions and workshops to performances and educational programs, the Medford Arts Center is dedicated to fostering an environment where the arts can flourish. Its mission is to showcase local artists' talents and inspire and engage the community, making art accessible to everyone. With its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to the arts, the Medford Arts Center is a beacon of creativity and cultural engagement in southern New Jersey.
published on 03/21/2024
Have "A Tuna Christmas" With Cape May Stage
"A Tuna Christmas" is a humorous play set in the fictional town of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. The play is a sequel to "Greater Tuna" written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears, and Jaston Williams. It debuted in 1989 and has become a popular comedic fixture in American theater, especially around the holiday season.
published on 12/14/2023
New Jersey Symphony: "Jurassic Park" with Live Score
Symphony orchestras have long graced the world with beautiful renditions of classical music. However, in the modern era, they face the challenge of attracting younger and more diverse audiences. Playing movie scores and soundtracks has emerged as an effective strategy to broaden their appeal.
published on 10/12/2023
A Love Letter to Asbury Park: The APin3 Film Challenge
Asbury Park, NJ, a modest-sized, historic city of sixteen thousand with a rich tapestry of history, "punches above its weight" artistically and culturally. Founded as a premier seaside resort destination and connected to New York City (and the world) by rail, it drew countless visitors to its boardwalk and beaches even before the age of the automobile. The city faced significant economic challenges during the latter half of the 20th century, leading to urban decline and disinvestment. But, the resilient spirit of its community has been evident in its recent revival, as major efforts have been made to rejuvenate its cultural attractions, restore historic sites, and foster economic development, all while navigating the complexities of gentrification and maintaining the city's unique character.
published on 10/06/2023
Afternoon Delight: Artworks' "Art All Day"
Count me among the disappointed when the organizers postponed "Art All Night" 2023 earlier in the summer. The annual show was an absolute highlight and celebration of the arts and the arts community in Trenton. You know how you go to your favorite ice cream place, and they are out of your favorite flavor? It's slightly disappointing, but then you try a new flavor, and it's amazing.
published on 09/07/2023
Writers Stage Original Radio Plays at The Basie Cinema
Writing is rarely easy, even for people who love to do it. People aspiring to write often take on daunting projects that make it difficult to learn the fundamentals of crafting dialogue and narrative structure. The Labyrinth Theatre, a part of Red Bank's Project Write Now (PWN), is helping writers young and old crack through their barriers and succeed by breaking the task down to a 'fun' size.
published on 09/07/2023
"Jersey Shore Top Comic" at the Basie
Stand-up comedy is a captivating and unique craft that has the power to both entertain and provoke introspection in audiences. It requires a mastery of language, performance, and emotional intelligence to connect with audiences, generating a unique energy that binds performers and spectators in a moment of shared laughter and understanding. In this way, stand-up comedy stands as a powerful art form, capable of evoking emotions, igniting conversations and even effecting social change, making it an essential and dynamic part of our cultural landscape.
published on 08/10/2023
Yasmina Reza's Tony-Award-Winning Play "Art" at Cape May Stage
Yasmina Reza's play "Art" is a thought-provoking and hilarious exploration of the complexities of friendships, the subjective nature of art, and the impact of individual perspectives on relationships. Premiering in Paris in 1994, "Art" quickly became a worldwide sensation, translated into and produced in 30 languages, receiving numerous awards, including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Play in 1998.
published on 07/20/2023
FilmOneFest a Celebration of Short Films and Abundant Talent
In the very beginning of the cinema, most films were very short, running a minute or less. Before YouTube and TikTok there was the "short subject film," often shown with a feature film in a movie theatre. These days, aside from YT and TT, short films are platforms to get industry experience and showcase talent. That said, this art form has an intense and enthusiastic following among film fans.
published on 07/13/2023
"Songs for a New World" Highlights Life's Decisive Moments
Jason Robert Brown, well-known for writing the Tony Award-winning stage adaptation of "The Bridges of Madison County," wrote the music and lyrics for "Songs for a New World"—an impressive score that traverses multiple genres, including pop, gospel, and contemporary musical theater. Pioneer Productions will present a slightly reimagined production of this contemporary show, the weekends of June 9 and June 16. The performances will take place in the heart of Morristown in Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church.
published on 06/08/2023
North2Shore Festival Brings the World to NJ, and NJ Together
Good old New Jersey has often been the brunt of jokes from the other states (and the world). Those of us who are a true "Garden Stater" have all the upsides at our fingertips. We're the most diverse state. We have one of the most vibrant arts scenes. We have the best food (see the diversity thing), beaches, great music, education, tons of history and our hands don't smell of gasoline. If you know, you know.
published on 05/25/2023
Peters Valley School of Craft: Fresh Perspectives in Fine Craft
Nestled in the hills of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, among the sounds of birds, bees, woodpeckers and the breeze in the pine trees, the Peters Valley School of Craft was founded in 1970 in the former town of Bevans, NJ. The town had been purchased by the federal government in 1965 for a flood control project on the upper Delaware, but the project fell through and the lands were transferred to the National Park Service which established the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The school is a wonderful example of adaptive reuse of historic buildings in a modern context.
published on 05/11/2023
Whipped Cream and Other Delights: Drag Show Brunches
Drag is an incredible pastiche of creative self-expression, fantastic outfits, LBTGQ+ identity, and the power of attitude. It celebrates self-acceptance, acceptance of others and carefree enjoyment of living. The shows are an eclectic mix of cabaret, burlesque and comedy.
published on 05/04/2023
Art House INKubator Festival of Six Brand-new Plays
Are you looking for new, challenging theater that makes you think and feel something ... different? Sure, all theatre should probably do that, but a lot of long-run and revival offerings out there are as comfortable as an old shoe. Not necessarily a bad thing (I love old shoes), but nostalgia and familiarity are not the only flavors that can satisfy a palate. And some palates can only be satisfied by something really new. The 2023 INKubator New Play Festival is precisely what Hollywood giant Elia Kazan was looking for when he said that 30 years ago. Art House Productions is bringing you a festival of six brand-new plays by New Jersey-connected authors.
published on 04/27/2023
Penguin Project at Moorestown Theater Company
The Moorestown Theater Company is partnering with the award-winning Penguin Project to present "Annie JR." April 29 and 30, capping off Autism Awareness Month. Fourteen neuro-diverse actors and six neuro-typical mentors will act the roles and join the chorus to sing standards like "It's a Hard-knock Life" and "Tomorrow."
published on 04/27/2023
