Chester Theatre Groups Puts Its Own Stamp on Mauritius

Stamp-collecting might not sound like an exciting subject for a play, but in the hands of Theresa Rebeck, it makes for real drama.

In Rebeck’s 2007 play “Mauritius,” half sisters Jackie and Mary discover a stamp collection owned by their mother, who has recently died. Jackie, the younger sister, took care of the mother and wants to sell the stamps, which may be valuable. Mary thinks the stamps are hers because they were once owned by her grandfather (who isn't Jackie's).

As the play opens, Mary has brought the stamps to a dealer who isn’t much interested. But Dennis, who is hanging out at the store, overhears Mary talking and takes an interest. The production features Jill Bormann as Jackie, Carol Holland as Marry and David Romankow as Dennis.

“It’s a scam play. Everybody’s got an agenda,” said Jay Mills, who’s directing Chester Theatre Group’s production of “Mauritius” May 6 through 21. “There’s a little greed, in fact there’s a lot of greed, but they hide it.”

Dennis isn’t a real villain, he’s more of a scammer, according to Mills. The serious heavy is Sterling (George LaVigne), who takes an interest in these stamps, which could be very valuable. They come from Mauritius, an island off Africa’s East Coast and one of the first places to issue postage stamps. Early stamps featured the words “post office” on them instead of “postage.” Legend has it that was the result of a mistake, and mistakes are what make stamps valuable.

"If they’re perfect, it just means they’re perfect, but if there’s an error, then they become valuable because there are very few of them, they catch the error and they don’t print them anymore," Mills said. "And I’m talking millions of dollars, depending on what stamp it is."

Mills said the play has a lot of dark humor in it, along with some twists and turns.

“She has a little of David Mamet in her,” the director said of Rebeck. “It’s a very intense play. It’s rather well-written.”

He saw the Broadway production starring F. Murray Abraham, and he later saw it at the in a production directed by his daughter-in-law, Lauren Mills.

“She did a great job with it. She had some good people,” Jay Mills said. “And I was lucky: I had great auditions, I had great people come and I think I’ve got myself a show. Especially after last night. There’s always one rehearsal where you say, ‘You know this could be really good,’ and that’s where we’re at.”

Staging the show at the group’s Black River Playhouse requires a key change because the venue is in the round. The owner of the shop spends a lot of his time behind a counter, which would cause a problem.

“If you put the counter against one side or the other, anybody who goes behind it, their back is going is going to be to one corner of the audience all the time,” Mills said. So he and the set designer talked things over and designed an island so that Steven Nitka, who plays Phillip, the shop owner, can move around.

The director added that the venue’s size (it seats about 120 people) adds an element to the play.

“It creates a whole different mood,” he said. “This theater … I always tell actors when I direct there, it’s like acting in your living room and the audience becomes part of the play almost.”

Mills’ previous directing credits for Chester Theatre Group include “Rabbit Hole,” “Proof” and “Three Tall Women.” He’s also acted there and says the venue could make “Mauritius” more powerful than it already is,

“You turn and you walk across the area and the audience is sitting right there,” he said of acting there. “If there’s a fourth wall, where the hell is it? There isn’t one.”

Another slight change is the age of the actors. Typically, the sisters are in the early to late 20s. For this version, they’re in their late 20s and mid 30s.

"I gave myself some leeway because I think the first thing you cast is talent," Mills said. “It turns out to be very entertaining, very intense. It’s just a good play. And if you move it, I always tell actors that energy covers a multitude of mistakes. These people hardly make any mistakes."

Chester Theatre Group will perform “Mauritius” at the Black River Playhouse, at the corner of Grove and Maple streets in Chester, May 6 through 21. Tickets cost $18 or $16 for seniors and students. Note: The show contains strong language. For information, call 908-879-7304 or go to www.chestertheatregroup.org.

THE ON STAGE SCOOP

Bickford Theatre announces its 2011-2012 season: Eric Hafen, artistic director at the in Morris Township, announced his 10th anniversary season with four plays by writers whose works have previously been performed at the theater. The season will open with the New Jersey premiere of Richard Dresser’s comedy “The Last Days of Mickey & Jean,” directed by John Pietrowski, Sept. 22 through Oct. 9. Next up is “Over the River and Through the Woods,” directed by Hafen, Nov. 17 through Dec. 4. The comedy by Joe DiPietro (“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) is a “heartwarming and hilarious funny comedy… filled with love, laughter and lasagna,” according to the Bickford. Things will get scary in 2012 with Ira Levin’s “Veronica’s Room,” directed by Daniel LaPenta, Jan 26 through Feb. 12. The season will wind up with “I Do! I Do!” the Tony-winning hit by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. Four-play subscriptions include tickets to one of the Bickford’s “A La Carte Series” of concerts. Those are pianist Vladimir Zaitsev on March 4, a performance of Avi Hoffman in “Still Jewish After All Those Years” on March 11, and an evening of opera and popular song, “Italian Giants and American Icons” on March 18. Season subscriptions are on sale now and cost $115-$150. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 1. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to BickfordTheatre.org.

It’s “Curtains” at Paper Mill Playhouse: The Broadway hit “Curtains” is closing ’s 2010-11 season April 27 through May 22. The show is about Frank Cioffi, a detective who dreams of becoming a Broadway star, who is charged with investigating a series of murders at a Broadway-bound show. Written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the musical stars Robert Newman and Kim Zimmer, known for their roles on “The Guiding Light.” Tickets cost $56 to $92. For information and tickets, call 973-376-4343 or go to Papermill.org. The playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn.

Audition Alert, “Archie Bunker On-Stage:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is holding auditions for its summer production, “Archie Bunker On-Stage,” on April 27 at 7 p.m. and April 30 at 1 p.m. The show is based on episodes of “All in the Family” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Actors are sought to imitate and portray Archie, Edith, Gloria and Meathead, as well as Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vick Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner. Looking like the famous personalities is not nearly as important as catching the essence of their characters. Auditions are being held at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre, Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Those auditioning will read from scripts of the two classic shows. For more information, call 609-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

Shakespeare Theatre Doth Seek Volunteers:  0is seeking volunteers to assist with ushering, concessions, and the gift shop during the 2011 season, which begins in June. The Shakespeare Theatre will hold a volunteer open house on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, in Madison. Community members interested in volunteering are invited to attend this open house to find out more about The Shakespeare Theatre and volunteer opportunities, meet the professional management staff, mingle with veteran volunteers, and learn about the 2011 season from artistic director Bonnie J. Monte. Each volunteer receives a ticket voucher good for one admission throughout the season for each performance he or she works. Performances are held Tuesday through Sunday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees beginning June 1 at the theater’s main stage, the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison. Volunteers are also needed for the theater’s production on its outdoor stage, the Greek Theatre on the campus of the  in Convent Station, running June 22 through July 31. For a full schedule, more information, or to sign up to volunteer, contact Heather Arney at 973-408-3694 or harney@shakespearenj.org.   Information about The Shakespeare Theatre can be found online at ShakespeareNJ.org.

Chasing Kevin: Filmmaker Kevin Smith will answer questions about anything and everything entertainment-related, or not, during a Q&A session at  in Morristown, April 29 at 8 p.m.. Smith’s career began with the low-budget indie hit “Clerks,” and continued with “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogman,” “Jersey Girl,” and most recently “Cop Out” starring Tracy Morgan and Bruce Willis. Smith also acts occasionally and owns a comic book store, , in Red Bank. Tickets cost $42-$89. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Take a “Taxi” and Go See a Tribute to Harry Chapin: Folksinger Tom Chapin will be joined by fellow members of the Chapin family for “Harry Chapin: A Celebration in Song” on April 30 at  in Morristown. Harry Chapin’s hits include “Cat’s in the Cradle,” and “Taxi.” In 1981, Harry Chapin died on Long Island in a car accident on his way to a charity concert. Tom Chapin’s career spans 30 years and includes winning a Grammy. He is best-known for his children’s music, but he also records music for adults. His most recent album, “Let the Bed Times Roll,” was released in 2009. Tickets cost $37-$57. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Audition Alert, Stand-up Comedy at Dover Little Theatre: If you've ever had the inclination to do stand-up comedy, now's your chance. Dover Little Theatre is looking for people who want to test out their comedic skills and is auditioning stand-up comics for its First Annual Comedy Showcase on June 17, 18, 24 and 25. To be considered, send a headshot, resume and performance DVD to DLT Comedy, c/o Laurie Bishop, 29 Gregory Drive, Kenvil, NJ 07847. DVDs must be received by May 1. They will be reviewed and comics will be contacted to schedule on-site auditions. The Dover Little Theatre Comedy Showcase is a fundraiser for the theater's building fund and is non-paying. For more information, call the theater at 973-328-9202 and leave a message for Laurie.

Adults-Only Comedy: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will present “Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight,” through May 6. The theater describes the show as a "boisterously naughty romp about three couples searching for love (and lust)." The show’s characters include a mafia hit man with intimacy problems, a young, gay psychiatrist with a much older boyfriend, and Ben, whose relationship with Nancy is thrown a curveball when she screams racial epithets at a rather strange moment. The off-Broadway hit opens April 16 with an 8 p.m. performance. Other performances are Saturdays April 23, 30 and May 7 at 8 p.m. Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for Saturday performances, $15 Friday and Sunday performances. (Note: This show is R-rated). Call the box office at 973-691-2100 for reservations.

Let’s Just Sing About Life:  is showcasing the “bookless book” musical “Closer Than Ever,” through May 7. The show features self-contained songs by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire about midlife crises, second marriages, working couples and unrequited love, with many of the songs based on the lives of the writers’ lives. The original revue won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical and Maltby and Shire both garnered Drama Desk Award nominations for their respective contributions. Tickets cost $25, or $20 for students (18 and under). Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with additional performances on Thursday, April 28, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 1, at 2 p.m. (The May 1 performance is a signed performance and an audio description is available if requested two weeks prior to the performance.) Go to SummitPlayhouse.org for more information.

Towering Work:  in West Orange will present the world premiere of Matt Schatz’s “The Tallest Building in the World,” through May 15. The play is about the birth of the World Trade Center towers and what is gained and lost when human beings try to reach the skies. Tickets cost $20 to $30. The theater is located at 555 Valley Road in West Orange. For more information, go to LunaStage.org.

That It Should Come to This: in Morris Township is presenting Paul Rudnick’s “I Hate Hamlet,” through May 22. The comedy hit focuses on Andrew Rally, an actor with a role on a hit TV show, a beautiful girlfriend and the chance to take on that most coveted of roles—Hamlet. The problem is, Andrew hates Hamlet, his show is being canceled and his girlfriend is holding onto her virginity. Tickets cost $40, $36 for seniors, and $20 for students 18 or under or with a valid college ID. For tickets and information, go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Mystery, Meat: Omicron Theatre Productions will present its Murder Mystery Dinner featuring audience participation through May 28, at  on Amwell Road in Hillsborough. Admission costs $49 and includes dinner, the show, tax and gratuity. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required: Call 609-443-5598.

Mendelssohn at the Mayo: The Masterwork Chorus & Orchestra will perform Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” at in Morristown on May 1 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $27-$77. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Springtime Jazz: Beacon Hill Jazz Band will perform as part of the ’s Jazz Showcase May 2 at 8 p.m. The performance at the Morris Township venue will feature harmonica and vocal star Rob Pararozzi. Tickets cost $18, $15 advance. Call 973-971-3706 for tickets.

Get into the Heat of the Moment with Asia: 1980s super group Asia is coming to in Morristown for a May 5 concert. Featuring original members Steve Howe of Yes, Geoff Downes of Yes and the Buggles, Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer and John Wetton, the group’s rock classics includes “Only Time Will Tell,” “Heat of the Moment” and “Soul Survivor.” The group will also perform hits from the members’ Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer days. Tickets cost $37 to $75. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South Street. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

New York State of Laughter: Patrice O'Neal, Harris Stanton, Sheila Kaye, and Joe DeRosa are scheduled to perform during Manhattan Comedy Night at , May 6, 8 p.m. The lineup is subject to change. Tickets cost $25. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Maybe you need to see “Beyond Therapy:” are presenting Christopher Durang’s “Beyond Therapy,” May 6 through May 21. Described on the theater’s website as “absurd and hilarious,” the play introduces us to Bruce and Prudence, two lonely people, both in therapy, who meet through a personal ad. Now all they have to do is overcome their wacky therapists’ “help” to find true love. Director Lauren Moran Mills directs a cast that includes Scott Tyler, Tara Cioletti, Scott M. Jacoby, Donne Petito, Michael Sundberg and David Jimenez. Performances are May 6 and 7, 13 and 14 and 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and May 15 at 8 p.m. Performances are at the Chatham Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for seniors and youth. The show contains adult situations and language. The box office will start taking reservations on April 26. Call 973-35-7363 for reservations. For more information, go to Chathamplayers.org.

Producing a better “Mousetrap:” Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” the longest-running show in history, is coming to the Brundage Park Playhouse, May 6 through 15. In typical Christie fashion, a group of strangers are trapped together during a snowstorm, and one of them is a murderer. The show opened in London’s West End in 1952, and has been running continuously ever since. Performances are May 6 and 7, 13 and 14, and 20-21 at 8 p.m., and May 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 2 Bungalow Lane in Randolph. For tickets and information, call 973-989-7092 or e-mail bbp@brundageparkplayhouse.org.

Oy vey, it’s “Jewtopia:” Things will get politically incorrect when in Hillsborough presents “Jewtopia,” Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfon’s off-Broadway hit about two single friends named Chris and Adam. Chris is a gentile and wants to marry a Jewish woman, while Adam, who’s Jewish, wants to marry out of his faith because he wants to forget his upbringing. The show is for mature audiences only. The show runs May 6 through 22 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $17, or $15 for seniors and students. Somerset Valley Players’ Playhouse is located at 689 Amwell Road/Route 514, Hillsborough. Call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.org for more information.

About Kids and Bullying: The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey will perform Linda Daugherty’s “The Secret Life of Girls,” May 6, 7, 14 and 20. The dramatization explores the impact of cyber-bullying and mean behavior through modern technology. The show is recommended for grades 5 and up. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12. Click here to purchase tickets. Go to GrowingStage.Goes.com for more information.

That kid is “Ruthless:” A talented little girl becomes an absolute nightmare when Dover Little Theatre presents “RUTTHLESS! The Musical,” May 7 through 21. Little Tina Denmark was born to star in her school musical, and she’ll do anything to get the part. But certainly not murder, right? Well, what’s a kid to do when an untalented kid with family connections gets the lead? Described as a campy mix of “The Bad Seed,” “All About Eve” and “Gypsy,” the show’s book and lyrics are by Joel Paley with music by Marvin Laird. Tom Blewitt directs, Sue Chandler is the musical director and Desiree Caro handles choreography. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Call 973-328-9202 or go to DoverLittleTheatre.org for more information.

What’s It Worth To You?: Rick, Corey and Chumlee, stars of the hit series “Pawn Stars” on History Channel, are coming to in Morristown on May 7 for performances at 3 and 8 p.m.  The stars will negotiated with pre-selected audience members, conduct a Q&A and play "Are You Smarter than a Chumlee." To be considered for pre-selection of an item, send a picture of your collectible item to pawn@entertainmentevents.com. Do not bring any items unless you are pre-selected. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

A Little Mouse with a Big Heart: will present Stuart Little, produced by Theatre IV, as part of its Children’s Theatre presentations, May 7 at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. The playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn. For tickets and information, call 973-376-4343 or go to Papermill.org.

Summer Concert Schedule in Bridgewater: Somerset County Park Commission has announced its schedule for summer concerts Sundays at on Old York Road, and the July 4 Family Festival at on Milltown Road, both in Bridgewater. The season kicks off with Dr. K’s Motown Revue on June 26. Verdict and Total Soul will headline the July 4 Festival. Other shows include Tommy Mara & The Crests (with special guest Carisma) on July 10; Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes on July 17; Michael Amante July 24; Zydeco-A-Go-Go on July 31; Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King on Aug. 7; The Infernos on Aug. 14; Neil and the Diamonds Aug 21 and New Riders of the Purple Sage on Aug. 28. For information, call 908-722-1200.

Country Rock and Honky Tonk: Travis Tritt will be take stage at The  in Morristown July 21; tickets go on sale to the general public April 8. Tritt’s hits include “Help Me Hold On,” “Foolish Pride,” and “Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares).” Tickets cost $42 to $87. More information can be found here.

School Will Be Out For Summer, So Why Not See Alice Cooper?: Tickets for Alice Cooper's Aug. 15 concert at  in Morristown are on sale now. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will be playing hits like “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Tickets cost $57-$97. Click here for more information.

Camp Shakespeare:  has started enrollment for its summer educational programs, which offer training in classical theater by professional theater artists for middle- and high school-aged students. Applications for the Junior and Senior Corps are now being accepted. Returning students or children of 2011 season subscribers receive a $100 discount. To sign up for an audition slot, or for more information, call 973-408-3980 or email Classes@shakespearenj.org.

Working For Those Laughs: Tickets for Bill Engvall’s Aug. 17 comedy concert at the  in Morristown are on sale now. Engvall stars in his own sitcom on TBS and hosts Country Fried Home Videos on CMT. Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

She’s a Little Bit Country: Tickets for Marie Osmand’s Aug. 24 concert at The  in Morristown are on sale now. Tickets cost $57 to $97. For more information, see here or call 973-539-8008.

Playwrights Theatre Summer Programs: Registration is open for summer programs at the . Acting Lab for grades four through six allows kids to act, play and be creative in a supportive, process-oriented class with an emphasis on play-building skills through improvisation, theater exercises and group collaboration. Five sessions will take place over the summer, with the first session starting June 20. Playwrights will also hold a Full Day Theatre Camp for grades seven through nine offering daily classes in acting technique, play production, musical performance and playwriting. Sessions will start July 5 and July 18. The theater’s website notes that if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines, classes will be canceled. Click here for more information about the full-day camp and here for more information about the acting lab.

Write That Play! is offering adult playwriting workshops. Workshops are scheduled through the summer, and pro-rated rates are available for the current workshop continuing through May 23. Click here for more information.

Registration for Summer Theater Camps: Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph has announced its 30th season of summer performing arts education with the return of three programs. Summer Stages is a workshop for young performers ages 8 through 14 who have completed second grade or higher during the 2010-11 school year; staff instructs students in acting, music and dance, and each two-week session will end with a production for audiences of parents, relatives and friends. The Advanced Performers Workshop is open to students who are already at least 12 and will be entering seventh through 11th grades in the 2011-2012 season. Admission is by audition and interview. Students will spend part of their time in rehearsal for whatever show they are working on, and part of their time in workshops on various aspects of theater arts. The Budding Stars program is designed for children ages 5 to 7. Students will also create simple props and costumes for skits, fairy tales and children’s stories they perform. For pricing, schedules and registration, go to RandolphNJ.org, click on “Parks and Recreation,” and click on “Online Registration.” You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in the Senior Community Center on Calais Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-989-7092.

Registration Open for Villagers Summer Theater Programs: The Villagers Theatre in Somerset has announced its summer programs for training in theater arts, preparing young performers for the stage. Actors ages 9 to 12 who have demonstrated desire and talent for the performing arts will discover many aspects of theater, including acting, dance, voice, and musical theater, and production arts through both instruction and experience. The program will begin June 28 with two 3-week sessions, Monday through Friday. Li’l Villagers half-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to noon for younger performers, 6 to 8 years old; Villagers Apprentice full-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each session will culminate in a performance on the Villagers Main Stage on the final Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Overture care and encore care are available for an additional fee. Students will be grouped for instruction by age, ability or experience. Arts educators will be assisted by college interns and high school counselors. Students are required to provide their own transportation and brown bag lunches. Session 1 will take place July 5 to 23. Session II: July to 23-Aug. 13. For more information, go to Villagerstheatre.com.

Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of , Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar through June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

Got some news for On Stage? E-mail Louis@Patch.com.