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Arts & Entertainment

Mental Challenges Become Artistic Challenges Onstage

Somerset Valley Player finds humor in the story of special needs characters without mocking them.

When Christopher Rollings first read “The Boys Next Door,” he had a lot of the usual reactions directors experience when they connect with plays.

He found himself caring about the characters and getting wrapped up in their stories. But Tom Griffin’s 1987 play presents a particular challenge because most of its main characters are mentally challenged.

It became important to Rollings and his actors that the characters’ disabilities not be exaggerated or played for laughs.

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“That was the biggest issue, actually, in casting,” said Rollings, who is directing ‘The Boys Next Door’ at  in Hillsborough June 10 through 26. ”A lot of actors questioned me about it before auditioning.”

One of those actors is David Clarke, who plays Arnold, a movie theater employee who is picked on by his co-workers and talks of leaving for Russia.

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“I was very concerned with that right from the very start,” Clarke said of how these characters would be played. “And the first thing Christopher told us is that the fact of their disability is in the script, it’s in the dialogue. We don’t need to belittle it with gestures or ticks or odd behaviors. We want to portray these characters as people who have needs and wants and desires just like the rest of us.”

The play follows four mentally challenged men—Arnold, Lucien, Norman and Barry—who live in an apartment together. Their abilities vary. Arnold and Norman both work. Barry is deluded (he poses as a golf pro and even manages to get a couple of clients). Lucien is perhaps the most challenged and brings old Department of Agriculture Yearbooks home from the library.

The play is a comedy with funny scenes involving the foursome dealing with an apparent rat problem. A scene where Barry gives a golf lesson to Mr. Hedges is like something out of a Marx Brothers movie. (Barry thinks the man’s name is Hodges and tells him not to worry about hedges. Furthermore, Barry’s first lesson is about dealing with hecklers in the gallery).

Key to this production, the director and actor said, is that audiences laugh with the characters, not at them.

"I don’t think we ever get cruel,” Clarke said. “These are our friends and family members and people that we work with, these are not people we want to ridicule.”

There is more to the play than laughs. It runs a gamut of emotions through a romance between Norman and Sheila. Barry has a heartbreaking scene with his father. Another major character, Jack, the social worker who looks over the four men, has his own dilemmas, involving his dissatisfaction with his life and the frustration he feels with the four men.

“I felt such pathos for the characters and the story. There was sadness, there was anger there, there was romance,” Rollings said. “I was afraid for some of the characters in some of the scenes, there were so many elements, so many emotions that I was just so moved by.”

Rollings and Clarke both know people who are mentally challenged. Clarke works with mentally challenged students in Staten Island and the director has a cousin who is mentally challenged. He also had a sister-in-law (who passed away) with challenges, and relatives with physical handicaps.

“The idea of mental and physical limitations is something that’s been very personal to me,” he said. “I’ve seen people struggle so hard with wanting to be normal, wanting to be able to walk normal, to be able tie their shoes normal, to be able to go somewhere and not be stared at by people. I’ve seen what that does, how it breaks their heart at how much they want to prove and how much they want to be who they really feel inside, but can’t, so it’s emotional to me.”

“The Boys Next Door” marks Rollings’ first directing stint with SVP. He’s acted on stage in New York and has made some independent film and television appearances. Last year, he directed a staged reading at SVP and was offered the chance to direct a show there. He hadn’t read the play until he considered directing it and felt that connection.

“It’s not going to be slapsticky, although there is a comedy element to it,” he said. “It’s more the humor within the serious situations (the characters) findthemselves in. I think that (audiences) will be happily surprised by what they see. I really worked hard so that the characters would reveal their human dignity and wouldn’t be caricatures.”

“The Boys Next Door” will be performed at Somerset Valleys Players’ Playhouse, 689 Amwell Road in Hillsborough, June 10 through 26. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $17, or $15 for seniors and students. For more information, see  SVPTheatre.org or call 908-369-7469.

The On Stage Scoop

Time for Love:  in Hillsborough will host 624 Productions’ staged reading of “Two Sides of Love,” a new romantic comedy by Thomas Baldinger, June 4 at 8 p.m. In the play, best friends Jim and Henry leavetheir New York law firm to start working for themselves. Karen is a decorator whose sisters comes to live with her in pursuit of a marketing career. Romance is the last thing on their minds, but that changes when their paths cross. General admission seating is free, but donations are accepted. The performance as the Players’ playhouse at 689 Amwell Road (Route 514) in Hillsborough. The show is for mature audiences. For information, call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.org. For information about 624 Productions, go to 624-Productions.com.

From the Ground Up: New York City-based theater group Ground Up Productions is presenting “The Importance of Being Earnest” at  through June 5. The cast includes Kate Middleton, Josh Evans, Sarah Berk and Mark Thornton. An educational workshop for drama students will be held on June 5. Tickets cost $20, or $12 for students with I.D. The Summit Playhouse is located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit. For tickets and information, go to GroundUpProductions.org.

Nutley’s the Place to “Bee:” Nutley Little Theatre is presenting “The 15th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee” June 10 to 25. In the Tony-winning hit, six over-achieving students compete in the ultimate spelling bee while dealing with their parents, who behave more childishly than the kids. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 47 Erie Place in Nutley. Tickets cost $18, $16 seniors/students. For information, call 973-667-0374 or go to NutleyLittleTheatre.com.

Come and Meet Those Dancing Feet: The musical classic “42nd Street” will tap its way to Villagers Theatre in Somerset, June 10 to 26. The song-and-dance extravaganza tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a young actress who has her heart set on Broadway, but misses her chance to audition, but then catches the eye of the director. The show’s songs include “You’re Getting To Be a Habit with Me,” “We're In the Money” and “Lullaby of Broadway.” Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18, or $16 for seniors and students. Call 732-873-2710 or go to VillagersTheatre.com for more information. The theater is located at 475 DeMott Lane in Somerset.

Laughing in Morristown: Brian Regan will bring his standup act to  in Morristown on June 10 for an 8 p.m. concert. Regan is one of the most acclaimed comics of his generations and is a regular on Comedy Central and The Late Show With David Letterman. Tickets cost $50 to $60. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. inMorristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Curiouser and Curiouser: ’ Fantasy Theater is performing Madge Miller’s adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” June 10 through June 19. This one-hour version takes Alice (and the audience) through a maze of incredible adventures while she searches for the Queen’s stolen tarts. Along the way we meet many of Wonderland’s beloved characters, such as the White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter. Performances are at the ChathamPlayhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave. in Chatham. Tickets cost $10. For information, go to ChathamPlayers.org or call 973-635-7363.

This Bull Won’t Fight: Hudson Vagabond Puppets will perform “Ferdinand the Bull” at the in Morris Township on June 11 at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. The story of the peaceful bull is told with giant puppets in a narrated ballet with a larger-than-life bull, masked dancers, and specialized mechanical figures. The presentation includes an on-stage demonstration of techniques to resolve problems without fighting. For kids ages 5 through 8. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org/bickford.

You’ll Want to Stay Awake For This: The Tony-winning musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” will take stage at  in Montville through June 11. The show by Bob Marin and Don McKellar (book) and Lisa Lambert andGreg Morrison (music and lyrics) is about a musical coming to life in the home of a theater lover when he plays the cast recording. The cast includes Lynn Hart, Kate Weigl and Billy Brisley. Scott Hart directs. The theater is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville. Tickets cost $20, discounts for seniors and students are available for Sunday matinees. For information, call 973-334-9320, e-mailboxoffice@barntheatre.org or go to BarnTheatre.org.

African Sounds in Morristown: The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir will perform a concert at  in Morristown June 11 at 8 p.m. The choir performs a unique African repertoire, which includes traditional works like "Shosholoza" and "Night Sounds," where the boys imitate the sounds of the African Bush. They also perform  "Gumboot Dance," which originated on the South African mines and uses authentic African instruments and body percussion. Tickets cost $10 to $50. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Audition Alert, “Split:” Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for Michael Weller’s “Split” June 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. Those auditioning will be asked to read selections from the play, which will be provided at the audition. Bring aheadshot and resume if available. Callbacks will be held on June 15 at 7:30 p.m. if necessary. The theater describes the play as “An offbeat mix of melancholy and hilarity” that “explores the breakup of ‘the perfect couple’ when they discover there is really no such thing. Add in a couple of meddling married swingers with problems of their own, a waiter improvising a fairytale, a real estate honcho with a runaway video camera, and a possible 'other woman.' The result: a serio-comic plate of relationship mayhem unique to big city life in the ‘70s.” The cast consists of four men and three women. Character descriptions can be found on the theater’s website. Performance dates are Sept. 9 through 24. Auditions are at the Nutley Little Theatre Barn, 47 Erie Place in Nutley. For information, call 973-667-0374 or go to NutleyLittleTheatre.com.

Annual Meeting at Dover Little Theatre: Patrons of Dover Little Theatre are encouraged to attend the theater’s annual meeting on June 13 at 8 p.m. The agenda includes elections for the Dover Little Theatre’s Board of Directors (executive officers and members at large). If you want to find out more about the DLT, you’ll want to attend. The theater is located on Elliott Street in Dover. For information, call 973-328-9202 or go to Doverlittletheatre.org.

If the Slipper Fits: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is presenting “Cinderella” through July 23. Performances for the family show are Saturdays through June 4, at 11 a.m. Performances are also scheduled for the following dates: July 12 and 14 at 10 a.m., July 20 through 22 at 10 a.m., and July 23 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $12. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

Keeping it Real with “The Misanthrope:”  will open its 2011-12 season with Moliere’s “The Misanthrope,” June 1 through 26. John Patrick Hayden stars as Alceste, whose disdain for hypocrisy doesn’t keep him from falling in love with Celimente (Elizabeth Ann Davis), who exhibits the very behavior Alceste despises. Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte directs. Tickets start at $32. For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or go to ShaksepeareNJ.org.

They Got the Beat: The Go-Go’s will play a concert at  in Morristown on June 1 at 8 p.m. The all-female band will play new renditions of its ’80s hits, including “Our Lips are Sealed,” “We’ve Got the Beat,” “Vacation,” and “Head Over Heels.” Tickets cost $57 to $95. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Music of Dance: New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will perform “Best of Ballet,” conducted by Jacques Lacombe on June 2 at 7:30 p.m. at  in Morristown. The program brings together an alluring selection of choreographic favorites, including excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” “The Firebird,” “Appalachian Spring,” “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” and“Fancy Free.” The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. inMorristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

From Conan to Morris: LaBamba and the Hubcaps will perform at  in Morris Township on June 3, 7:30 p.m. Trombonist LaBambais a prominent member of Conan O’Brien’s Basic Cable Band and is a former member of Southside Johnny’s Asbury Jukes. A capella group Quiet Storm will open. The concert is tied to the museum’s exhibit “Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock & Roll in the Garden State” on view through Sept. 5. Tickets cost $45. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Laughing With a Legend: Comedy icon Bill Cosby is coming to  in Morristown on June 4 for two shows, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cosby starred on several television shows, including “The Cosby Show,” and has written best-selling books. Tickets cost $52 to $107. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Laughing Matters: The Black River Playhouse will host its second annual comedy fundraiser night for the Chester Theatre Group on June 4 at 8 p.m. Featured comedians Katherine Brower, Dan Hoffman, Fred Holzapfel, Julie McCormick, Karen Muha, Peggy Robinson and Phil Sweet are alumni of the Humor in the Midst Comedy Workshops conducted by comic Kate Lyn Reiter. Last year's comedy night was a sold-out hit. The suggested donation is $15. The Black River Playhouse is located at the corner of Maple and Grove in Chester Borough. For tickets and information, call 908-879-7304 or go toChesterTheatreGroup.org.

Bear Essentials: “The Berenstain Bears in Family Matters” by TheatreworksUSA/Matt Murphy Productions will take stage at  on June 4 at 10 a.m. The family show is based on three of Stan and Jan Berenstain's popular books: “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers,” “The BerenstainBears and Too Much Junk Food” and “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble at School.” For kids ages 3 to 10 (and their parents). The Playhouse is located at 22Brookside Drive in Millburn. Call 973-376-4343 or go to PaperMill.org for ticket information.

Getting Jazzy for the Summer:  Jazz Summerfestwill begin with a concert by pianist Derek Smith on June 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $18 at the door, $15 in advance. The series will continue with a concert by guitarist Frank Vignola on June 13 at 8 p.m. Vinny Raniolo and Zach Brock will perform with Vignola. Tickets cost $18, $15 advanced. The theater is located at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morris Township. For tickets and information, call 973-971-3706 or click here.

Audition Alert, “Godspell:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will hold open cast calls for “Godspell” on June 7 at 7 p.m. and June 11 at 1 p.m. The theater is seeking adults and teens over 16 who are exuberant, high-energy performers. Prepare a song from the show. Everyone, including beginners, is welcome to audition, have fun and meet people. Performances are July 20 through Aug. 30. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Call 973-691-2100 for more information.

Audition Alert, “Meet Me in St. Louis:”  will hold auditions for “Meet Me in St. Louis” on June 7 and 9 at 7 p.m. with callbacks on June 12 at 7 p.m. Bring sheet music of your choice, sides will be provided. “Meet Me in St Louis” is an adaptation of the movie musical that starred Judy Garland. Set in the early 1900s it is the story of the Smith family and its joys and tribulations in a time when things were simpler—or were they? Humor, love and respect tell the family story enhanced by memorable musical numbers, “The Boy Next Door,” “The Trolley Song,” “Whenever I'm With You” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” among others. Performances are Nov. 4 through 19. Auditions are at the playhouse, located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit. Click here for more information, including a character breakdown and here for directions.

Inspiring Sounds: The Choir of the Pope’s Diocese of Rome will perform at in Morristown on June 8 as part of its first U.S. tour. The program will feature classical pieces and original works by the Choir’s founder, Don Marco Frisina that are both spiritual and inspirational. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $27 to $77. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Auditions at the Women’s Theatre Co.: The Women’s Theatre Co. inParsippany will hold auditions for two musicals, “They’re Playing Our Song” and“Baby” on June 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prepare a short song in the style of the musical you are auditioning for and a short monologue. Rehearsals will be days with some nights, 20 hours a week. Bring a picture and resume, stapled together. E-mail info@womenstheater.org to schedule an audition time. Show dates for “They’re Playing Our Song” are in September and October. “Baby” runs in March 2012. Auditions are at the Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road in Lake Hiawatha. Go to Womenstheater.org for more information.

Doo the Doo Wop:  in Morris Township will present a lecture about doo wop music by Charlie Horner, as part of the exhibit, “Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock & Roll in the State.” Horner has been described as “one of the foremost authorities on early rhythm & blues and vocal group music” by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland. He’ll present a history of doo wop and R&B vocal group music. These multi-media programs include rare photographs of singers, record labels, sheet music and memorabilia. Part 1 is on June 8 at 6:30 p.m., Part 2 is on June 15 at 6:30 p.m. Admission for one lecture costs $20, or $15 for  museum members (it's $35, or $25 for members, to attend both lectures). Arrive between 5 and 5:30 p.m. to meet members of well-known New Jersey doo wop groups who will be greeting attendees andsigning autographs. Tickets to this event includes admission to the “Jersey Rocks” exhibition prior to the presentations. On view through Sept. 5, “Jersey Rocks” explores rock & roll’s history in the Garden State, where performers, technology and talent created sounds that dominated radio airwaves. The exhibit includes displays devoted to Les Paul, The Young Rascals, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Bill Haley and His Comets (who debuted “Rock Aroundthe Clock” in Wildwood) and others. Call 973-538-0154 or go toMorrisMuseum.org for more information.

Summer Camp at Growing Stage: Registration is open for Growing Stage Theatre in Netcong’s Summer Arts Day Camp, beginning July 11 and continuing for five weeks through Aug. 12. Weekly sessions run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and end with a Camp Show at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Tuition begins at $250 per week. Complete information can be found here.

A Season of Music and Laughter: The Women’s Theatre Co. in Parsippanyhas announced its 2011-12 season. The musical “They’re Playing Our Song” will open the season in September. The show features music by Marvin Hamlischand Carol Bayer Sager, and a book by Neil Simon. Next up is Beth Henley’s comedy “Crimes of the Heart” in November. David Shire's, Richard Malby Jr.’s and Sybille Pearson’s musical “Baby” will take stage in March of 2012, followed by “Southern Comforts,” a comedy by Kathleen Clark. A bonus production, “A Person of Interest” will take stage next June. Click here for 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.

Playwrights Theatre Summer Programs: Registration is open for summer programs at the . Acting Lab for grades 4 through 6 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 the 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.

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 “OnlineRegistration.” 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.

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