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Articles By Chris Lillja
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."