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Arts & Entertainment

On Stage Scoop: A Week for Music-Lovers

Classical, jazz, country–plus Weird Al.

Music lovers, rejoice! A lot of tunes are going to be played in the area over the next few weeks, with enough variety to soothe any pair of ears.

Like classical music? Then you’ll want to hear the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra open its new season. Country fans can pay tribute to Johnny Cash. Jazz lovers have several options, from Randy Reinhart at the Bickford to George Benson at the Mayo. And Weird Al will make fun of them all when he comes to Morristown.

The area’s theatrical stages are busy with plays and musicals with two new offerings, “Bug” at Chatham Community Players and “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Shakespeare Theatre.

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Here’s this week’s On Stage Scoop with more information about performances and audition opportunities in the North Jersey area. On Stage Scoop runs every Tuesday.

On Stage Scoop:

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Read All About “Newsies:”  in Millburn has opened its 2011-12 season with the premiere of “Newsies,” a new musical based on the 1992 Disney movie, running through Oct. 16. The show features a book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics by Jack Feldman and music by Alan Menken, and is based on a true story about a group of newsboys in 1899 who fought a vicious newspaper tycoon. For tickets and information, call 973-376-4343 or visit PaperMill.org.

Lighting Up the Stage: Centenary Stage Co. in Hacketstown is presenting Moss Hart’s comedy “Light Up the Sky” through Oct. 16 at the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Center. The play is about a group of New York theater people who attend the opening of their new play in Boston. There will be an opening caption for the Oct. 9 matinee performance. For tickets and information, visit CentenaryStageCo.org.

The Horrors! Song, dance and a man-eating plant are all part of the fun at ’ “Little Shop of Horrors,” on stage through Oct. 18. The off-Broadway hit was based on a 1960 B-movie about a flower shop employee named Seymour who loves a girl named Audrey and who raises a blood-thirsty plant named Audrey II. The musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman was then adapted into a 1986 movie musical featuring Rick Moranis, Steve Martin and Bill Murray. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for seniors and students. For information, visit SVPTheatre.org or call 908-369-7469.

To Another World: Growing Stage children’s theater in Netcong is opening its 30th anniversary season with Pauline C. Conley’s “The Code Breaker,” through Oct. 23. The futuristic tale tells the story of four teenagers who discover a lost world, which leads to new responsibilities. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. The theater is located at 7 Ledgewood Ave. For tickets and information, call973-347-4946 or go to GrowingStage.com.

Dream a Little Metal Dream: Legendary progressive metal band Dream Theater will take stage at  on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. The band, including new drummer Mike Mangini, will play songs from its new release “A Dramatic Turn of Events” and from its 20-year career. Tickets cost $49 to $89. 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. Also, read Morristown Patch's story on the upcoming show: "

Audition Alert, “Avow:” Triangle Circle Players is holding auditions for Bill C. Davis’ “Avow” at Villagers Theatre on Oct. 11 and 13 at 7 p.m., with callbacks on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. if necessary. The play requires the following roles: 2 men (Tom & Brian) mid 20s to mid 30s, 1 male (Father Raymond) 30-40, 1 female (Irene) mid 20s to mid 30s, 1 female (Rose) 50s, 1 male (Father Nash) 50s-60s and 1 female (Julie) 50s-60s. For the director's character analysis, go to TriangleCirclePlayers.org/audition. Actors will be asked to read from the script. For a sample, e-mail casting@trianglecircleplayers.org. Villagers Theatre is located at 475 Demott Lane in Somerset. Click here for a summary of the play. Cast members must be willing and available to commit to off-site rehearsals in November and December, rehearsals at Villagers, dress rehearsals/tech week at Villagers. (Jan 8 through 12) and the Show Dates (Jan. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22). Triangle Circle Players is also looking to round out the production staff. For more information, visit TriangleCirclePlayers.org/volunteeror call 732-595-7529.

Audition Alert, “The Littlest Angel:” Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph will be holding auditions for “The Littlest Angel” on Oct. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. Based on Charles Tazewell’s children’s book, the show tells the story of an angel who goes from being an off-key singing pest to a shining star. Please have a memorized music selection of 32 measures and music for the accompanist. A headshot and resume would be helpful and preferred. Please be prepared to dance a short movement combination, which will be held toward the end of the auditions. All auditions will be closed. Readings and sight singing material will be provided as part of the audition process. No ap follow the same audition procedures. Performances will be on Dec. 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. and on Dec. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. The show will be directed by Marielaine Mammon. The cast breakdown is: The Littlest Angel, The Understanding Angel, The Flying Mistress, The Angel of Peace, Narrators and Children’s Ensemble. For information, go to BrundageParkPlayhouse.org.

An American Classic:  of New Jersey is presenting “To Kill a Mockingbird” with a run beginning Oct. 12 and continuing through Nov. 20. Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel tells the story of Atticus Finch and his pursuit of justice in a small town through the eyes of his daughter Scout. Brent Harris, who appeared in the Shakespeare Theatre’s production of “Timon of Athens” plays Atticus and Emmanuelle Nadeau of Westfield will play Scout. The show is directed by Joseph Discher whose previous credits at the theater include “The Grapes of Wrath,” “The Tempest,” and “Amadeus.” For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.

Cutting to the Core: David Sedaris will share his observations on life at  on Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. The humor writer’s books include “Barrel Fever” and “Holidays and Ice.” The program will also feature a book signing and will contain mature themes and language. Tickets cost $37 to $67. 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, “Crimes of the Heart:” The Women’s Theatre Company will hold auditions for Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart” on Oct. 14 at Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road in Parsippany. Needed are four women and two men in their late 20s and early 30s. Prepare a one-minute monologue. Bring a picture and resume, stapled together. Rehearsals will be during the day, with some nights, 20 hours a week. Two Equity special appearances available. Some stipend for non-equity. To schedule an audition, e-mailinfo@womenstheater.org. For more information, go to WomensTheater.org.

He’ll Walk the Line: A musical legend will be honored with “A Tribute to Johnny Cash: The Man in Black” at on Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. Shawn Barker aims for accuracy and authenticity in recreating the classic Johnny Cash sound. Tickets cost $32 to $52. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Getting Buggy in Chatham: will open its 90th season with Tracy Letts’ “Bug,” running Oct. 14 through Oct. 29. The play focuses on Agnes, a waitress abused by her ex-husband and haunted by her child’s kidnapping 10 years ago. She spends her time drinking and drugging in a motel room when a Gulf War veteran named peter enters her life. The couple’s interest leads to obsession. And let’s just say bugs enter the picture. Tickets cost $20, $18 and under. For information, go toChathamPlayers.org.

Genuine Classics: The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s season is opening with a program titled “An American in Paris” on Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. at . Conducted by Jacques Lacombe, the program will feature music from the famous Gershwin music and Ravel’s “Bolero.” Tickets cost $40 to $85. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, go to NJSymphony.org.

That’s Some Bad Hat: ’s Bayer Children’s Theatre Series will host ArtsPower’s production of “Madeline and the Bad Hat” on Oct. 15 with performances at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. The story finds Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved character dealing with the troublemaking son of a Spanish ambassador who moves in next door. For kids ages 5 to 8. Tickets cost $12. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go toMorrisMuseum.org.

Which One’s the Toad? Centenary Stage Company’s Young Audience Series will host “A Year with Frog and Toad” on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. in the Little Theatre on Jeffersion Street in the main administration building of Centenary College. The musical for kids follows Arnold Lobel’s characters through a year of friendship. For tickets and information, go to CentenaryStageCo.org.

Spend “A Night in Birdland:” The Villagers Theatre in Somerset is hosting “A Night In Birdland,” a musical revue celebrating the music of the 1940s and ‘50s on Oct. 15 and 16. The production from Derling Dance showcases the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and Glenn Miller with original choreography and acting. Tickets cost $20. For information, call 732-873-2710 or e-mailboxoffice@villagerstheatre.com.

String Theory: A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra will take stage at Centenary Stage Co.’s Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Center for an Oct. 16 concert. The ensemble was founded in 2007 by young musicians with the aim of bringing new rules to the sounds of string orchestra. For tickets and information, visitCentenaryStageCo.org.

He Won’t Wear “Blue Velvet” But He’ll Sing It: Bobby Vinton will take stage at  for an Oct. 16 concert, beginning at 3 p.m. He’ll be performing ’60s-era hits like “Blue Velvet,” “Roses are Red” and “Mr. Lonely.” Tickets cost $47 to $67. Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, go to NJSymphony.org.

Live Jazz at the Bickford: ’s Jazz Showcase continues Oct. 17 with a performance by Randy Reinhart. The cornet play will be joined by Mark Shane on piano, Jim Fryer on trombone, Dan Levinson on reeds, Brian Nalepka on bass and Matt Hoffman on drums. The concert in Morris Township will begin at 8 p.m., with tickets costing $18, or $15 in advance. For tickets, call 973-971-3706.

Audition Alert, “Leader of the Pack:”  is holding auditions for “Leader of the Pack” on Oct. 17 and 19, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Players’ playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road. Find a breakdown of open parts here. Bring with you and be prepared to sing 32 bars of music in the style of the show.  Accompanist will be provided. We are seeking a multi-ethnic cast who can sing and dance and represent the classic "girl groups" of the era. For more information, call 908-369-7469 or go toSVPTheatre.org. 

Singing “On Broadway” on South Street: Jazz great George Benson is coming to  for an Oct. 20 concert, beginning at 8 p.m. The guitarist and singer will be sharing his newest songs as well as hits from his career. Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Prepare for The ALpocalypse: “Weird Al” Yankovic is bringing his ALpocalypse Tour to  on Oct. 21 for a show starting at 8 p.m. The king of music parodies will be sharing his hits that spoof everyone from Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga. Tickets cost $37 to $67. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visitMayoArts.org.

Silly Old Bear: “Winnie the Pooh” is coming to Pax Amicus Castle Theatre for a kid-friendly show with performances beginning Oct. 22 and continuing through Nov. 11. The play finds the famous bear sharing adventures with Christopher Robin, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit and Eeeyore. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Tickets cost $12. For reservations, call 973-691-2100.

Artistic Expressions: The Tony-winning musical “In the Heights” will take stage at  for an Oct. 22 show, beginning at 8 p.m. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes’ musical shares the story and songs of a Manhattan community that’s on the brink of change. Tickets cost $52-$77. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Tiny Dancer:  will host the family show, “Angelina Ballerina: The Musical” on Oct. 23, with performances beginning at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Based on the books by Katharine Holabird and illustrator Helen Craig, the show follows Angelina, a dancing mouse who’s determined to share her talents with an audience. For ages 4 to 10. Tickets cost $12-$15. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or visit MayoArts.org.

Date Change for Tom Chapin Concert at Growing Stage Theatre: The Tom Chapin Concert originally scheduled to open the Growing Stage Theatre’s 30th Anniversary Season has been rescheduled for Nov. 11. The concert was to be part of the company’s ribbon-cutting for the unveiling of a restored front façade at the Palace Theatre, but Hurricane Irene delayed that work. For tickets and information, call 973-347-4946 or go to GrowingStage.com.

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

About this column: 'On Stage: A Peek At The Performing Arts' is a weekly look at what's going on in the world of theater, music and other performing arts. It runs Tuesdays.

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