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Articles By Maddie Orton, JerseyArts.com
Luna Stage Explores NJ's Black History Through the Lens of Howe House
The historic James Howe House was home to a formerly enslaved man, abolitionist and Montclair's first African American homeowner. Thanks to a large-scale collaboration between historians, preservationists, artists, and the teams at Luna Stage and Crossroads Theatre Company, the story of Howe House over the last nearly 200 years will be told through the upcoming play "The Ground on Which We Stand."
"The Shot" Reveals Historic Washington Post CEO Katharine Graham's Harrowing History
During her tenure as President of The Washington Post, Katharine Graham published the Pentagon Papers, ran the Watergate story and served as the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, but her journey to career success was a traumatic one.
Bradley Gibson is Ready to "Go the Distance" as Hercules
Bradley Gibson (“A Bronx Tale,” “The Lion King,” “The Partner Track”) has big sandals to fill as the titular role in “Disney’s Hercules,” but if anyone’s ready to play the lovable demigod, it’s him. As a child, Bradley was a huge fan of the 1997 animated Disney movie, and taking on the character has helped him find new meaning in, and love for, the story.
Caroline Rhea on the Art of Stand-up Comedy
Comedian Caroline Rhea is back on tour for the first time in years, and she's got plenty of material! Most recognized for her work as Hilda Spellman on the hit TV series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Rhea is also known and loved for The Caroline Rhea Show, as a voice on Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb, her recurring spots on Hollywood Squares and The Match Game, A Very Sordid Wedding, A Mrs. Miracle Christmas, and her many stand-up specials.
A Homecoming at Crossroads Theatre Company
Crossroads Theatre Company's upcoming production of Chicken & Biscuits Dec. 21-31 at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center as is about coming home. The play itself is a comedy about a family reuniting and will run over the holidays as many people head home to celebrate and hopefully catch some theater with family and friends. It is also a homecoming of sorts to returning Artistic Director Ricardo Kahn, who co-founded Crossroads Theatre Company in 1978, returned in 2020, and is working with director Lynda Gravátt, one of his early collaborators.
"Jersey City Nutcracker" Brings Holiday Tradition Home
For more than a decade, Jersey City has had its own special holiday tradition: Nimbus Dance’s Jersey City Nutcracker. The city-centric show runs from Dec. 9 through 23 at the new Nimbus Arts Center. Host Maddie Orton talks with Nimbus Dance Founding Artistic Director Sam Pott, who choreographed and co-wrote the piece, School Director Harumi Elders, and student dancer Izzy Baculod about being a part of this celebrated annual show.
Renée Elise Goldsberry Talks About "Hamilton," "Girls5eva," and Her Ever-Evolving Concert
Renée Elise Goldsberry is the Grammy and Tony-winning talent behind Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton and currently appears on She-Hulk and Girls5eva.
Zimmerli Art Museum Offers First Look at Newly-Acquired Jersey City Museum Collection
The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Brunswick is showcasing its newly-acquired American art collection from the former Jersey City Museum for the first time. "American Stories: Gifts from the Jersey City Museum Collection” shares Jersey City history through work from artists like Chakaia Booker, May Stevens, Shelia Pepe, Melvin Edwards, and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.
B'way's Alex Newell, Mark Evans and Charlotte d’Amboise Serve Up Political Satire in "The Last Supper"
A 1995 indie comedy about death has found new life as a musical. "The Last Supper" tells the story of a group of liberal grad students who decide to play judge, jury, and even executioner with conservative dinner guests. Adapted by Jeremy Desmon and Jeff Thomson, the show explores political extremism, punditry, and morality through bitingly dark humor.
VIDEO: Launching Pad for Theater Pros Turns 60
On sunny summer afternoons, the walkway at Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park overflows with theater lovers. Thousands of audience members pour into the outdoor community theater to see quality productions — and maybe even Broadway-bound performers — for the price of a few dollars and a lawn chair.
PODCAST: How Basement Productions Prepared Sarah Rasmussen for McCarter
You could say that Sarah Rasmussen, McCarter Theatre's new Artistic Director has been training for this role since the 7th grade. From auditioning kids in the backyard of her South Dakota home to presenting her artistry on major stages across the country, Sarah has maintained her sense of playfulness with the art form. Now her McCarter directorial debut, "Ride the Cyclone", combines that whimsy with music, stunning design, and a perfect story for this moment in time. The show began preview performances on April 30th.
VIDEO: Netflix “Blown Away” Star Alex Rosenberg Joins WheatonArts
Artist Alex Rosenberg became internationally known for his work on the Netflix competition show “Blown Away” and was recently named Glass Studio Director at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center. Correspondent Maddie Orton talks with Rosenberg about his love of glassblowing, the next chapter for WheatonArts, and “Wheaton Springs” — the organization’s 2022 season kickoff event on April 2nd.
VIDEO: The Growing Stage's Boogieman Isn't Such a Bad Guy
What if the Boogieman brings children nightmares to help them? That's the idea behind playwright Angelle Whavers' new show for young audiences, "Boogie," now playing at The Growing Stage — the Children's Theatre of New Jersey.
PODCAST: Jersey's own Javon King Talks RENT Farewell Tour
The musical RENT changed theatre — taking home four Tony Awards and creating generations of super-fans. Believe it or not, it’s been 25 years since the show hit Broadway, and Jersey's own Javon King plays Angel in RENT’s 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour. A Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award-winner and Rider University alum, Javon is happy to be back in the Garden State performing at Mayo Performing Arts Center January 21-23.
Motown Songwriter's Music Took Center Stage in "Elliot & Me"
A new musical about brotherly love set in Bayonne took the stage at Hudson Theatre Works from December 2-12, 2021. “Elliot & Me” tells the true life story of Elliot Willensky — a magnetic and carefree songwriter — and his younger brother Steven — who is both admiring of, and frustrated by, his cool older brother. Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery's Swingin' Little Christmas Special
Jane Lynch may be best known for her Emmy-winning portrayal of the acerbic, Glee Club-hating Sue Sylvester, but she is currently touring with a sentimental send-up of '50s and '60s TV Christmas specials. Coming to New Jersey Performing Arts Center this week, "A Swingin' Little Christmas!" stars Jane Lynch and features Kate Flannery of "The Office," "Glee" Music Director Tim Davis, and The Tony Guerrero Quintet.PODCAST: Gyllenhaal, Warwick & Colbert Headline 10th Annual Montclair Film Festival
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dionne Warwick, and Stephen Colbert are among the many artists and filmmakers participating in this year's Montclair Film Festival, which opened October 21 and runs through October 30. Festival founder and Board Chair Bob Feinberg, Board of Trustees President Evie McGee Colbert, and New Jersey-based filmmaker Scott Morris share what they are most looking forward to as the festival kicks off its 10th anniversary season.Beloved Shakespeare Character Takes the Spotlight in "Snug"
A new play based on a beloved, old character takes The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s outdoor stage. “Snug” expands on the lives of the mechanicals from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with merriment, mischief, magic, and love. JerseyArts.com correspondent Maddie Orton talks with the cast and creator of "Snug" about life imitating art and creating theatre despite challenge after challenge.PODCAST: RENT’S Adam Pascal Takes the Show on the Road
Adam Pascal was a rock ‘n’ roll musician who had no theatrical credits when he landed the role of Roger in RENT—a show that would garner him a Tony nomination and forever change the sound of Broadway. Now, Pascal shares his journey through the shows he’s performed along the way: Aida, Cabaret, Memphis, Chicago, and more. His solo acoustic concert, “So Far,” is coming to the Arthur Pryor Bandshell in Asbury Park on July 28 and BellWorks in Holmdel on July 29 as part of Axelrod Performing Arts Center’s Vogel Summer Concert Series.PODCAST: From Play to Podcast - How Mile Square Created Theatre in Quarantine
Joseph Gallo transformed his solo play, "The Playbill Gallery," into a podcast when the pandemic hit. The result is a moving tribute to the live theatre experience, heard by an audience in isolation. Mile Square Theatre's Playwright-in-Residence Joseph Gallo and Founder/Artistic Director Chris O'Connor talk to producer Maddie Orton about their first audio play: "The Playbill Gallery (a love story).”VIDEO: Hamilton’s Phillipa Soo Helps NJ Arts Through Benefit Concert
"Hamilton” star Phillipa Soo recently lent her talents to a cause close to her heart: protecting the arts community. Her April 16 virtual concert through Rowan University benefited The New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund. Correspondent Maddie Orton talks with Soo about the pandemic’s impact on the theatre community, the exciting releases of "Hamilton" on Disney+ and "Over the Moon" on Netflix, the importance of cultural representation in her work, and her upcoming benefit concert.