GENE & SHELLEY ENLOW RECITAL HALL ANNOUNCES 2013-2014 SEASON

Enlow  Hall presents its 2013-14 Season opening October 5th with  Herbie Hancock and continuing with The Lone Bellow, Arco Ensemble, World Blues with Taj Mahal, Anoushka Shankar, Wilson Phillips, Blind Boys of Alabama, Avery Sharpe Jazz Sextet, Emanuel Ax, Sutton Foster and Tommy Tune.

 (Union, NJ) -- Gene & Shelley Enlow Recital Hall (Enlow Hall) at Kean University 2013-14 Season presents 12 one-night-only concerts featuring today's leading musicians in classical, jazz, pop and world music. 

Situated on Kean University’s East Campus (215 North Avenue in Hillside, NJ), Enlow Hall is renowned for its superb acoustics and elegant design.  With just 300 spectacular seats, Enlow Hall has been praised by noted performers and patrons for its intimate ambiance and close proximity between musicians and audience members.

Enlow Hall 2013-14 Season Opens with Herbie Hancock on October 5th

Enlow Hall opens its 2013-14 Season with a not-to-be-missed Opening Night concert by a true icon of modern music – legendary pianist and composer Herbie Hancock (Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m.). An integral part of every jazz movement since the 1960’s, Hancock is a 14-time Grammy® Award winner and renowned for his  solo works Cantaloupe Island, Watermelon Man, Maiden Voyage, Chameleon, and singles I Thought It Was You and Rockit.

The 2013-14 Season

Enlow Hall’s fall season continues with up-and-coming, suspender-snapping, indie-folk trio The Lone Bellow (October 19 at 7:30 p.m.), New Jersey’s virtuoso chamber orchestra Arco Ensemble (October 27 at 3 p.m.) conducted by Stewart Robertson, World Blues (November 10 at 3 p.m.) anchored by Blues Hall of Fame inductee Taj Mahal and concludes with Grammy® Award winning sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar (November 17 at 3 p.m.).

 

Get in the holiday spirit when “Christmas in Harmony” reunites multi-platinum pop-trio Wilson Phillips (December 14 at 7:30 p.m.) to perform hits from their first ever Christmas album. Sisters Carnie and Wendy Wilson along with Chynna Phillips perform new and classic Christmas songs, sung in their signature harmony-rich sound. 
 

Enlow Hall opens its spring season with living legends of gospel Blind Boys of Alabama (February 9 at 3 p.m.). Avery Sharpe Jazz Sextet (February 22 at 7:30 p.m.) continues the season with a moving performance “Ain’t I A Woman” inspired by Sojourner Truth, virtuoso pianist and multiple Grammy® Award winner Emanuel Ax (March 2 at 3 p.m.) performs a recital of works by Brahms and new works inspired by Brahms,  Arco Ensemble (March 23 at 3 p.m.) returns under the baton of Joseph Rescigno and two-time Tony Award® winner Sutton Foster (April 5 at 7:30 p.m.) performs an evening of Broadway show-stoppers and cabaret ballads. The season closes with Broadway’s legendary song and dance man, Tommy Tune (April 27 at 3 p.m.) in the high-stepping “Taps, Tunes and Tall Tales”.

Season Subscription
A 2013-14 Season Subscription ensures your place at all 12 Enlow Hall concerts.  Season Subscribers receive exclusive VIP benefits to enhance their Enlow Hall experience including priority seating, special invitations to elegant receptions, recognition in Enlow Hall concert programs and reserved VIP parking at all performances. As an added benefit, Season Subscribers may request two complimentary tickets to a performance of their choice (subject to availability). A $450 season subscription offers the best seats and value to all Enlow Hall 2013-14 season concerts – a $150 savings!

Tickets

Tickets to Enlow Hall’s 2013-14 Season and Season Subscriptions are on sale now. Audiences have the opportunity to save with Advanced Tickets Sales.  Ticket buyers receive $4 off all tickets purchased by September 15. The more tickets you buy early, the more you save!

Choose-Your-Own Ticket Packages offer additional savings at your favorite performances.  Choose any 3 concerts and save $15, choose any 4 concerts and save $25, choose any 5 concerts and save $35 off your total ticket purchase.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Kean Stage Box Office at 908.737.SHOW (7469), online at http://EnlowHall.kean.edu or in person at Kean University’s Wilkins Theater Box Office (1000 Morris Avenue in Union, NJ).

For complete Enlow Hall 2013-14 Season information, please visit enlowhall.kean.edu.

WBGO/JAZZ88.3FM is an arts partner of Gene & Shelley Enlow Recital Hall. 

DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES COME TO NJPAC

(NEWARK, NJ) --  Daryl Hall and John Oates, the #1 selling duo in music history, will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their seminal second album, Abandoned Luncheonette, at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 7:30pm.

 

The legendary, award-winning pair has produced six consecutive multi-platinum albums, scoring a list of #1 hits including “Rich Girl”, “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do), “Maneater” and “Out of Touch”. Other smash songs include “She’s Gone,” “Sara Smile,” “Say It Isn’t So,” “You Make My Dreams,” and “Method of Modern Love.” Hall’s latest project is a multi-award winning web series and Palladia TV show, “Live from Daryl’s House,” where he hosts musical performances with established artists as well as newcomers.

 

Daryl Hall and John Oates have become such musical influences on some of today’s popular artists that the September 2006 cover of Spin Magazine’s headline read: “Why Hall and Oates are the New Velvet Underground.” Their artistic fan base includes Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Brandon Flowers of the Killers, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and MTV hipsters Gym Class Heroes, who dubbed their tour “Daryl Hall for President Tour 2007.” One of the most sampled artists today, their impact can be heard everywhere from boy band harmonies to neo-soul to rap-rock fusion.

For more information visit: ww.hallandoates.com

Time Stands Still Touches Down at Princeton Summer Theater

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The fourth and final show of Princeton Summer Theater’s 2013 Season arrives this weekend ready to stir audiences with powerful storytelling and intensely heartfelt performances.  From the company that brought you She Loves Me, Crimes of the Heart, and The 39 Steps, hailed by U.S. 1 newspaper as PST’s “best production…in at least 10 years,”  Donald Margulies’s Tony-nominated Time Stands Still promises to shake up the summer with compellingly raw drama.  Maeve Brady and Brad Wilson costar as Sarah and James, a photographer and journalist who have spent their lives documenting devastating international conflict.  When a life-threatening injury puts their work on hold, they are forced to re-define their wartime relationship for the demands of peace.

PST's Time Stands Still runs August 1st-11th.  Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.  Tickets are $25, $20 for students.  A reception catered by Princeton's Fruity Yogurt will follow the Sunday, August 4th matinee performance!

Join Princeton Summer Theater on an epic quest full of song, friendship, and two-headed dragons!  How Thumbelina Found Her Wings, PST's annual children's show, will perform August 1st-3rd, and August 8th-10th at 11am.  Autograph sessions with the cast follow every performance!  Tickets are $9, free for children under 3. 

This Friday, PST continues its 2013 Young Artist’s Workshops series for children aged 6-12.  This week’s session is Scene and Story: storytelling for the stage!  PST offers its Young Artist’s Workshops every Friday through August 9th from 1:30-4:30pm.  $35 per workshop, drop-ins always welcome!  Register by emailing princetonsummertheater@gmail.com.

PST's 2013 Cabaret is coming soon!  Enjoy a summer evening of entertainment featuring the 2013 PST Company in a smattering of performances in music, comedy, and drama.  Bid on prizes donated by local businesses including House of Cupcakes, The Alchemist & Barrister, the bent spoon, Triumph Brewing Co., Infini-T Cafe and Spice Souk, The Nassau Inn, Princeton Tour Company, and more.  Wednesday, August 7th at 8pm.  Tickets by donation only -- Pay what you can!

For Tickets: visit www.SmartTix.com or call (877) 238-5596.

Website: www.princetonsummertheater.org

WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ AT ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre becomes a Merry Old Land for this summer’s extravaganza, “The Wizard of Oz,” taking the stage for seven performances from August 2 to August 11.

Evening performances will be on Friday, August 2, Saturday, August 3 and Friday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 10 and on Sundays, August 4 and 11 at 3 p.m.

“The Wizard of Oz” is sponsored by Dr. John Little and Dr. Mary Russo Family Dentistry.

Wall resident Emily Latshaw makes her Algonquin debut as Dorothy Gale. The cast includes Terrance Berry as Hickory/Tinman, Roman Sohor as Zeke/Cowardly Lion, Frank Falisi as Hunk/Scarecrow and Janna Sedutto as Ms. Gultch/Wicked Witch of the West. Eric McDonough (The 1940s Radio Hour, Oliver!) returns as Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz and Algonquin Arts Theatre Education Director Julie Nagy (The Music Man) features as Glinda, Good Witch of the North.

Tickets are available starting at $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and $18 for students online at algonquinarts.org, by calling (732) 528-9211 or at the Algonquin Box Office at 173 Main Street between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Individual tickets are subject to a $2 per ticket processing fee. Availability for some performances is already limited.

Featuring a cast of more than 50, which includes the Algonquin Youth Ensemble as Munckins and much more, the Algonquin presents the Royal Shakespeare Company version of “The Wizard of Oz” with book adaptations by John Kane follows the famous motion picture even more closely than the original 1942 stage adaptation.

Cynthia Mitchell Payne (The Magical Christmas Horse) returns to direct, with musical direction by Stephen Strouse, choreography by Sheryl Linfante and production management by Lauren Piskiel. 

Based on L. Frank Baum’s famous story in which Dorothy Gale, a young girl who lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, gets in the way while the adults try to work. She finds a quiet place where she won't get into any trouble; somewhere over the rainbow. The girl is upset because their mean neighbor, Miss Gultch, presents her with a sheriff's summons for her cherished dog, Toto. Toto escapes from Miss Gultch's bicycle basket and joins Dorothy as she runs away from the farm.

They meet up with kind Professor Marvel, who convinces her to go back home. A cyclone hits the area, and Dorothy and Toto are locked out of the family's storm cellar. They go into her room in the house, where Dorothy is accidently hit on the head. This begins their journey to the Land of Oz.

About Algonquin Arts Theatre:

Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; by funds from the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, by Simon Kaufman, Esq. & Maria Zito-Kaufman, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and remembering Marialana and her love for children and the arts.

A conversation between ELTC's artistic director and playwright James Rana

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Now that the world premier of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" has opened and is enjoying ever-growing and receptive audiences of all ages, the adaptor of this famous Washington Irving tale, James Rana, sat down with Gayle Stahlhuth, artistic director of the Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company, to talk.  Like last year's "The Poe Mysteries," Stahlhuth is also the director.

       

It was during last season's successful run of Rana's "The Poe Mysteries," another world premiere, that I asked him if he'd like to tackle "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."  Like the Edgar Allan Poe stories, there is very little dialogue, which means the playwright must create it, while keeping to the tone and style of the original story.  

     Rana began working on the script last August, and sent me the first draft in February.  I made suggestions, and had questions, and Rana went back to work.  After several more revisions, the play premiered in Cape May on July 24.  Not only was there dialogue to consider, but how many roles can be played by five actors to populate Tarrytown, NY, while a sixth actor plays only one role - Ichabod Crane, the school teacher from Connecticut.

      While "The Poe Mysteries" was enjoying a successful run at Ocean Professional Theatre Company in Barnegat last fall, I mentioned to artistic director Steve Steiner that Rana was doing this Irving adaptation. Without having seen a script (there was none to show him), Steiner booked "Sleepy Hollow" for the fall of 2013.

     Last year, Rana was one of six actors in his own adaptation. This year, he said he'd rather "sit this one out, so I can focus on getting other theaters and producers interested in the show." 

     Several patrons have already seen "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" twice, bringing different family members and friends each time.  

     Rana's ancestry is far from the post American Revolutionary setting for “Sleepy Hollow.” Raised in Teaneck, NJ, Rana’s father was born in India, and his mother is of German descent.

     When I asked him how he became interested in theater, he was off and running.

     "Growing up, I lived in my imagination. I was a sick kid, so I watched movies on television late at night. Peter Sellers and Charlie Chaplin were huge influences. When I was older, my mother and aunt took me to plays in New York City, not far from our home." 

     The first show he saw was the Broadway revival of "Forty-Second Street" directed by Gower Champion, followed shortly after with the Off-Broadway production of "The Fantasticks."

     At Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he received the Young Alumni Award, he majored in radio and television, while performing in plays. For graduate work, he majored in theater at Trinity Rep in Providence, RI.

     "Between college and graduate school," Rana explained, "I landed my first Actors' Equity union job. It was "Comedy of Errors" at Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, MA. I played three different characters and I had a ball. I love to play a variety of roles and multiple characters in one production."

     Soon after leaving Trinity, James performed with the Classical Theatre of Harlem in "Marat/Sade," "Mother Courage," and "Macbeth."

     "Classical Theatre of Harlem is known for its gritty productions,” added Rana, “and their "Macbeth" was invited to perform in Germany at the Bonn Biennale Festival and at The Globe in Neuss. It was great. I had the good fortune to be in another production that traveled overseas: "Love’s Labor's Lost," set in India, with The Shakespeare Festival in Washington D.C. We took it to Stratford, England at the request of the Royal Shakespeare Festival."

     Rana's other theater credits include performing Off-Broadway with Ensemble Studio Theatre in "Serendib," and with Pan Asian Rep in the world premiere of "Rangoon" about an Indian family in the Midwest, and "Shogun Macbeth." Regionally, he's worked at Contemporary American Theatre Festival in Sheperdstown, WV, Actors Shakespeare Company in Jersey City, Princeton Rep, Luna Stage in West Orange, NJ, and with East Lynne Theater Company.

     He was also the featured performer at ELTC's annual November fundraiser in 2011, greeting people on stilts as they entered the restaurant. He taught juggling classes in Cape May and for Wildwood School District’s After-School program, through ELTC.  I asked him what started his interest in stilt-walking and juggling. 

     "I studied juggling from someone who worked for Ringling Brothers, and then read books about clowning and magic," explained Rana. "I worked for Big Apple Circus, as a juggler and a stilt-walker, and have led the Coney Island Mermaid Parade for seven years as the stilt-walking "Uncle Sam." For my work with this parade, I was featured in the magazine "Time Out New York.'" 

     His television work includes "Third Watch," a recurring role on "One Life to Live," and when Conan O’Brien was televised out of New York City, he was a regular sketch performer. 

     "One of the most interesting roles I've ever played was on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," he explained. "It was an episode called "Hate" about racial profiling. I played an Arabic journalist whose wife was murdered, and everyone assumed that my character had killed her. I hadn't. It was one of their most popular episodes with quite a few air dates." 

     Rana has performed in several films including a French-American short, "A Girl Like You With a Boy Like Me," where he plays a Sikh. It has been shown at festivals in Los Angeles, Tampa, and other cities throughout the country, as well as film festivals in Europe. 

     While performing, Rana began writing.  His "So Long, Pluto" was produced by Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano, CA and "Harriett Benchley," at Shoestring Radio Theatre in San Francisco. "Cafeteria" won the Outstanding Radio Play Award at The Moondance International Film Festival, and his "Poe: A Celebration" was a nominee for Outstanding Radio Documentary at the same festival.  "Poe: A Celebration" and another of his documentaries,  "P.T. Barnum: Man of the People" both aired on National Public Radio. His "Has Been" was the Top Finalist in the Outstanding Television Pilot Script Category at the LA Comedy Short Film Festival and Los Angeles Screenplay Competition.

     "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" runs every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. through August 31, at The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes Street, Cape May, where ELTC is in residence. Tickets are $30 for general admission; $25 for seniors; and $15 for full-time students. To encourage whole families to attend, anyone age 12 and under is free. To make a reservation, call ELTC at 609-884-5898, or go online to www.eastlynnetheater.org.

Review of Saving Kitty at NJ Rep

by Gary Wien

(LONG BRANCH, NJ -- JULY 27, 2013) --  In the 1988 hit film, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, there's a line in which Jessica Rabbit says, "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way."  That was the feeling I was left with after seeing "Saving Kitty" at NJ Rep.  With the character named Kate, playwright Marisa Smith has created one of the most annoying, mean-spirited characters I've ever seen.  If you're a fan of watching people on "American Idol" rip into the contestants you'll probably enjoy this play; if not, you're in for a bit of a rough ride.

The play is centered around Kate (the mother) who is determined to prevent her daughter from marrying a Born Again Christian.  She's supposed to represent an "ultra-liberal" who constantly attacks religion because she's a non-believer, but, to me, she just seems like an evil mother and the type of rather bitter human being that is often heard on talk radio these days.  In fact, if we weren't told by the daughter that her parents were liberals, I could just have easily thought we were watching people on the other side of the political spectrum.  I'm fairly sure that not every liberal is an atheist and not every conservative is a believer.

"Saving Kitty" is sort of a take off on the Guess Who's Coming To Dinner concept of the daughter bringing her boyfriend to meet the parents for the first time.  The play begins with Kate wondering what type of guy Kitty (the daughter) would bring home.  Will he be black? she wondered.  Of course, that wouldn't be a problem.  In fact, she believed she would be fine with just about anybody Kitty could bring home.  But she never imagined she'd bring home someone religious.

"Thirty-five percent of Americans -- possibly more -- consider themselves Evangelicals," said Kitty.

"Well, none of them live in Manhattan," her mother replied.

The play is supposed to show that liberals can be just as insensitive as conservatives are often portrayed -- especially when dealing with religion; however, instead of inspired debates about religion, we're treated to a barrage of one-liner attacks on virtually every religious group.  Paul Cook (Kitty's boyfriend) is apparently from the "turn the other cheek" world  and takes the verbal insults hurled from Kate over and over again without  putting up much of a defense.  Kate quizzes him on evolution, the role of women in the family, and the religious school that he's going to start in the Bronx.  While Kitty is proud of the way Paul "stood up to her", that barely comes across.  It looked pretty much like a one-sided fight to me.  In fact, much of the defense came from Kitty herself.

"Paul is very enlightened," Kitty explained.

"That's what they said about Jim Jones... right before the Kool-aid," quipped Kate.

NJ Rep always has fine actors and this play continues that trend.  Sarah Nealis (Kitty) and Christian Pedersen (Paul) are especially good -- so much that I wish we saw more of them and less of the mother.  John Fitzgibbon (a veteran of NJ Rep plays) does a nice job as the father in a rather limited role.  And Judith Hawking does as well as one can with Kate, a character that's just so annoying that it distracts from the play's message.  Looking back, Judith probably did an amazing job with Kate, but it's just a character that doesn't deserve to be the star.

The scenery design by Jessica Parks is terrific as well.  NJ Rep always does such an amazing job utilizing every inch of space it has.  In this case, the set is a posh New York City apartment, complete with a bar that's used so often it should get a stage credit.

"Saving Kitty" does have many funny moments, but the majority of the religious jokes didn't hit home in the audience on the night I went.  It was equal opportunity offensiveness with jokes about Evangelicals, Muslims, Jews, Nazis, the English, Puritans, and Born Agains.  Designed to be a satire, it just seemed a bit too over the top for me.  Kate, a former soap opera star, is so shrill, so mean towards just about everyone that it makes you wonder how in the world her husband stays with her.  In the end, she's so overbearing and annoying that's it's difficult to watch.  One doesn't get the feeling she's having a nervous breakdown or anything, it seems as though this is the way she acts all of the time.  It's a shame that she's the focal point because it really is a good concept for a play, but it loses much of its punch with her character.  

In the end, the play is a bit of a wasted opportunity.  Marisa Smith is right in believing that this is a topic worth pursuing, but it shouldn't be shown in such a one-sided affair.  In my opinion, the play would have been much more powerful if there was a true good versus evil (or believer versus disbeliever) discussion.  There's so little back and forth that nobody's mind would be able to be changed now.  With a stronger defense by Paul and Kitty, the playwright might have been able to not only show how inconsiderate some  people (in this case, liberals) could be, but might have been able to show how wrong they can be as well.

Even though I was disappointed in this play, I commend NJ Rep for presenting original dramas and comedies all year long.  While most theatres in the area are presenting the same old traditional musicals during the summer, it's refreshing to have the opportunity to see new works. 

"Saving Kitty" runs now through August 25 at NJ Rep (179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ).    Following this run, NJ Rep will present "Broomstick", a national New Play Network Rolling World Premiere by John Biguenet September 19 - October 13.

Photo by SuzAnne Barabas.

BIG APPLE COMEDY CLUB Returns to the Newton Theatre in a Boston vs. New York Showdown!

(Newton, NJ) -- The Big Apple Comedy Club returns to the Newton Theatre on Friday, September 27th at 8:00pm, this time with a twist. With a major league-like rivalry, Comedians Kevin Flynn and Jimmy Dunn, of Boston, will bring their A-game going head to head against New York comedians Jimmy Failla and Kevin Downey Jr. in a hilarious Boston verses New York comedy showdown!

Jimmy Failla got his start in comedy after spending 2 years behind the wheel of a New York City Taxi. It was there that he mastered the art of connecting with complete strangers as well as people from other planets. He is a regular at all of the major clubs in New York City, meaning he frequently gets bumped for people you've actually heard of. He has appeared on ESPN, The Today Show, and Sirius XM Radio. He has opened for such notable comics as Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappele, Jim Gaffigan and Gilbert Gottfried. His national radio show "Off The Meter with Jimmy Failla" can be heard in all 50 states. Of all the comics who lack health insurance and a serious following, he is certainly one of the better ones.

Kevin Downey, Jr. is one of America's funniest comedians headlining America's best comedy clubs including The Comedy Stop at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He can be heard on The Bob and Tom Show, SiriusXM Satellite radio regularly. He"'s been on Comedy Central, What Not to Wear and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy where he got a much needed haircut. He writes a column called, "Drinking on $11 a Night", which can be read in Bachelor Pad Magazine, GC magazine, at usedwigs.com and drinkingon11.com. Kevin"'s song, "Secret Garden of Dirty Little Whores, (who think they"'re better than me)", can be heard on college and traditional radio stations throughout the country. He has a nationally released DVD called, "I"'m not Gay, but Don"'t Stop" which can be found on Amazon and Netflix. Kevin is currently a contestant on NBC's America's Got Talent. Also, please note that Kevin is not related to Robert Downey, Jr.

Kevin Flynn has thrilled audiences for years with his stand-up comedy performances, headlining at clubs and colleges across the country. Kevin played three years of professional soccer in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Following his soccer career, Kevin transitioned from pro-athlete to professional sportscaster, host and entertainer, covering World Cup Soccer for Fox Sports, ESPN and ABC. Flynn"'s career as a comedian took off after winning the Boston Comedy Riot in 1988, where he then began appearing on numerous comedy specials. In 1996, Kevin became the host of The Discovery Channel"'s Go For It, an extreme outdoor adventure show where he swam with sharks, jumped out of airplanes and scaled dangerous peaks. The show led Kevin to create his one-man show Around the Kitchen Table, which won the "Best of Fest" at the Boston Comedy Festival and HBO"'s prestigious U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen.  He has since added several film and television credits to his name appearing in The Heartbreak Kid with Ben Stiller; Me, Myself and Irene with Jim Carrey; Osmosis Jones with Billy Murray, and Sex and the City.

Jimmy Dunn travels the world making people laugh. He's a regu- lar at top comedy clubs across the country, including venues in NY, LA, Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Boston. He's made TV appearances on Comedy Central, CMT, NESN"'s Comedy All-Stars and was the Boston Correspondent for "Jimmy Kimmel Live" for the historic Red Sox- Yankees series. His "Obstructed View" segments were featured regularly on NESN, where he also co-hosted the show "Fan Attic. Recently Jimmy performed for the first time as part of Denis Leary's "Comics Come Home" event at the Agganis Arena in Boston, which bring the best national comedy talent back to Boston to raise money for the fight against cancer. Jimmy has also appeared in a few movies including sharing a jail cell with Matt Damon in the film, "Stuck on You." Most recently, Jimmy has been cast in a CBS pilot called "The McCarthys." He plays Sean. Don"'t miss the chance to see this true pro in action!

The Big Apple Comedy Club will continue the series on November 29th, and in 2014, on January 24th, March 21st and May 16th. Comedians for these shows will be announced soon. Buy 3 shows at once and receive a 10% discount on tickets!

Tickets for the Big Apple Comedy Club are $25.00 for the Orchestra and $20 for the Balcony and will go on sale Friday, July 26th at 11:00 am at www.thenewtontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 973-383-3700. Newton Theatre is located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ. 

The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, was founded in 1924. Revitalized and fully renovated, Sussex County"'s premier entertainment venue reopened in 2011 as a 605 seat capacity live performing arts center. With it"'s rich history and diverse programming The Newton Theatre is essential to the buoyancy of New Jersey"'s Skylands region. More information about The Newton Theatre may be found by calling 973-383-3700 or by visiting its website at www.TheNewtonTheatre.com

"WHERE MUSIC LIVES" LAUNCHES FREE NEW SERIES AT THE BERKELEY BAR

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Asbury Musical Heritage Foundation, "Where Music Lives" began just over four intensified years ago. The foundation was born from the simple and passionate need to preserve and promote music past, present and future. So far they have reached many areas, combining educational events with historical timeline and world famous musical legend of this rich musical state. In 2011, the Smithsonian Institution selected Asbury Park as the first host city of its traveling musical heritage exhibit, "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music." From March 11 to April 17 more than 14,000 visitors enjoyed the exhibit, including 48 class trips from area elementary and secondary schools.

The foundation has continued to bring music based initiatives to the area, hosting a plethora of lectures, exhibits, film showings and concerts. Their association with all types of music has been an important part of their proclamation, which is to continue contributing to the city's revitalization by securing Asbury Park as a true musical landing place.

The Asbury Musical Heritage Foundation, "Where Music Lives" continues that theme by hosting their new music celebration on August 2 at the city's most popular destination. The Berkeley Bar (Famously known as the Oak Bar) has been in the lobby of the Berkeley Carteret (Now Oceanfront) since the hotel's early 1920s start, and thanks to promoter Peter Mantas, it continues to be a space to hear the cities most interesting music.

The show is absolutely free, and the performers for the August 2 show are truly some of the hardest working folks in the business, and the lineup will be as follows. Emily Grove will be on at 9:30, followed by Thomas Wesley Stern at 10:30 and Moon Motel at 11:30. These are three extraordinary groups that have taken great strides in raising not only their own range of vision, but also that of Asbury Park.

The foundation's executive Director, Susan Pellegrini says, "We are excited about this series because our focus is not only on honoring the past, but promoting the present and creating a future for the people that create our music scene right now."

STATE THEATRE PRESENTS GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING SINGER TONI BRAXTON

(New Brunswick, NJ) -- State Theatre presents six-time Grammy(R) Award-winning singer Toni Braxton on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 8pm. This is Braxton's first tour in five years. Today, with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, Braxton is recognized as one of the most outstanding voices of this generation. Braxton's hits include "Un-break My Heart," "He Wasn't Man Enough," "Another Sad Love Song," and "Breathe Again." Tickets range from $45-125.

Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and philanthropist Toni Braxton kicks off her solo North American tour on August 9 in Las Vegas in support of her upcoming album with 10-time Grammy singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. The album is set to be released by Motown Records in the fall.


Toni Braxton's musical career began when she was a child singing in the church choir. From there, she performed in a group with her four sisters and was recognized by Arista Records' own, Antonio L.A. Reid and Kenneth Babyface Edmonds. Soon after, her solo career boomed with her music being featured on movie soundtracks and selling over 10 million albums worldwide. With the release of her second album Secrets in 1996 singles like, "Un-break My Heart" and "You're Makin' Me High" soared to the top of the charts. "Un-break My Heart" has become her signature song and still ranks as the second top-selling single of all time by a female artist.


Along with her Grammy Awards and hit singles, Braxton has had successful runs starring on hit Broadway shows like, Beauty and the Beast and Aida. Additionally, in 2006 she headlined her own show in Las Vegas, "Toni Braxton Revealed" which was a huge success for her career.


Braxton is no stranger to the television world either. She fulfilled one of her big dreams of appearing on Dancing with the Stars in 2008. She is also enjoying huge success alongside her sisters with the reality TV show Braxton Family Values, which just completed its third season on WE TV.


Braxton ranks charity high on her list and holds it very dear to her heart. Along with being a spokesperson for Autism Speaks, Braxton is very active with the American Heart Association. She was recently awarded the Lupus LA award for "Women of Achievement." 


For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org . The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10am to 6pm; Wednesday 11am to 7pm; Friday, 10am-5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates, unless otherwise specified. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 517. Some additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.


State Theatre, a premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. The theater exists to enrich people's lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. The State Theatre's programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Heldrich is the official hotel of the State Theatre. Magic 98.3 is the official radio station of the State Theatre. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of the State Theatre.

SURFLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS "LES MISERABLES"

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Ken Myers, announced principal casting today fort Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schnberg's Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece LES MISRABLES, makes it long awaited Long Beach Island debut at Surflight Theatre, from July 31 through August 24. Opening night is August 1 at 8pm.
Directed by Norb Joerder, Surflight Theatre's production stars Bart Shatto (Jean Valjean), Todd Alan Johnson (Javert), Kelly McCormick (Fantine), Alison Gleason (Eponine), Nicholas Cox (Marius), Jillian Gottlieb (Cosette), Jamiesson O'Brien (Young Cosette), Nadia Jewel (Young Cosette), Maddox Elliot Skigen (Gavroche), Vincent Crocilla (Gavroche), Kelly Briggs (Thernadier), Yvonne Strumecki (Madame Thernadier), Scott Sowinski (Enjolras), Sarah Beling, Mark Blowers, Rory Conolly, Tom DeMichele, Amanda Fannon, Matthew Greenberg, Tommy Joscelyn, T.J. Larke, Amelia Millar, Elizabeth Miller, Peter Kane, Sara Joy Kane, Ryan P.J. Mulholland, and Jeff Sullivan. Henco Espag is musical director.
Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, Les Misrables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score includes the classic songs "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Master Of The House" and many more.
Leading the Surflight production is Broadway's Bart Shatto, who's played Jean Valjean on Broadway and in the show's National Tour. Bart's Broadway credits include Hands on a Hard Body, Dracula, The Civil War and Les Misrables. He was recently nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for his performance in The Civil War at Ford's Theatre. As a singer, he is a veteran member of the Gold/Platinum selling symphonic progressive rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Bart can be heard as the voice of "Gaspard's Papa" in the new animated series for Disney Jr. "Gaspard and Lisa". He is co-starring in the feature film "Carry Me Home" opposite Cuba Gooding Jr.(post-production), independent feature "Reunion 108" (which will be released this August) and currently shooting the musical film (opposite Tony-nominated Orfeh) "Life of an Actress". This October, Bart will be playing the famed 20th century writer of erotica D.H. Lawrence in a new musical Lawrence at the Bridewell Theatre in London for a limited run. www.bartshatto.com .
No stranger to the role of Javert, Todd Alan Johnson (Javert) has played the role on National Tour and in Toronto, opposite the original Jean Valjean, Colm Wilkinson. Todd has played starring and supporting roles on Broadway (Zoser in Aida), Off-Broadway (Iron Curtain), national and international tours and regionally at San Jos Repertory Theatre, The Riverside Theatre, New Repertory Theatre, The Ogunquit Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, Sacramento Music Circus, Arvada Center for the Arts, Olney Theatre Center, North Carolina Theatre, Mason Street Warehouse, Theatre By The Sea, Maine State Music Theatre and a dozen others. IRNE Awards for Best Actor (True West: New Rep, 2006) and Best Supporting Actor (Into the Woods: New Rep, 2006).
Surflight Theatre's production of Les Misrables is designed by Stephen Cowles (sets), Anna Hillbery (costumes), Benjamin Weill (lighting), and A&L Sound Partners (sound). Michael J. Iannelli is production stage manager.
The original New York production of Les Misrables premiered first at the Broadway Theatre on March 12, 1987, later moving to the Imperial on October 17, 1990, where it played until May 18, 2003, for a total Broadway run of 6680 performances. Seen by nearly 65 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misrables is undisputedly one of the world's most popular musicals ever written. A second Broadway revival (the first was in 2006) is scheduled for March 2014.
Surflight Theatre is located at 201 Engleside Avenue in historic Beach Haven, NJ. Performances of Les Misrables are Tuesday at 2pm and 8pm; Wednesday at 2pm; Thursday at 2pm and 8pm; Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $45, with Groups (15 or more) $35 dinner packages available. NEW: Surflight is offering military and veteran discounts: 50% off the full ticket price of all Surflight Theatre events for active military and veterans with ID. Call the Surflight Theatre Box Office at 609-492-9477 or purchase online at www.surflight.org .

 Next on the Surflight Theatre stage the Peanuts musical You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (August 28 September 8), the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town (September 25 October 4), and Irving Berlin's White Christmas (November 29 December 22).

CAPE MAY STAGE PRESENTS BROADWAY STAR, JAZZ & BLUES SINGER, SANDRA REAVES-PHILLIPS IN "ME, MYSELF AND YOU"

(Cape May, NJ) -- Cape May Stage, South Jersey's premiere Equity theatre, is overjoyed to welcome Broadway star and jazz and blues singer, Sandra Reaves-Phillips performing in her one-woman show Me, Myself and You. Join Ms. Reaves-Phillips in an intimate tour-de-force performance on Monday, August 12 at 8 p.m.

 Sandra Reaves-Phillips has performed in theatrical performances, jazz festivals, and cabarets around the world. The recipient of a Drama League Recognition Award for Outstanding Performer, Rollin' on the T.O.B.A. on Broadway, Ms. Reaves-Phillips will sensually reel you in with a song, make you laugh at life and then blow the roof off with her blues. 

Originally from South Carolina, Sandra Reaves-Phillips' career includes a film credit in the critically acclaimed 1986 film Round Midnight (1986). She's also a recipient of a Woodie Award for her work on Broadway in the revival of Raisin. Reaves-Phillips has also been a frequent guest singer and performer on "Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion" and has performed alongside the legendary late musician Ray Charles. 

A lifelong fan of world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, she recently completed a CD in honor of the legend titled, "A Tribute to the Queen of Gospel."
This cabaret is like a potluck party of music that only she can host. Ms. Reaves-Phillips will provide you with an evening of unforgettable music. Audiences will surely agree with The Hollywood Reporter, who has called Ms. Reaves-Phillips "an atomic force of a performer."

Me, Myself and You is part of Cape May Stage's acclaimed Second Stage Broadway Series. This completely entertaining cabaret show will run Monday, August 12 at 8 p.m. at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at the corner of Bank & Lafayette Streets in downtown Cape May. Tickets are $50 and include an after party at the Wine Bar at the Washington Inn, Cape May's hip, relaxing, contemporary meeting place at the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets. You'll have a chance to mingle with the stars, while enjoying delicious complimentary finger foods and a well-stocked cash bar. Call (609) 770-8311 for reservations and information or visit the theatre's website, www.capemaystage.org .

THE NEWTON THEATRE ANNOUNCES A GREAT FAMILY SHOW - THE POP UPS

(Newton, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre is pleased to present another great show that will be fun for the whole family. The Pop Ups are coming to the Newton Theatre on Sunday, October 13th at 3:00 pm.
The Pop Ups are back in action with the performance of their new musical comedy puppet adventure titled "Radio Jungle", featuring songs from their GRAMMY nominated album. Jacob and Jason find more than they bargained for when a normal trip to Pop Up City turns into a fantastic quest through the jungles of Mexico. New puppet friends join the crew from the critically acclaimed PASTA! show to help The Pop Ups find every color of the rainbow in a high energy, ecological scavenger hunt!

Prepare for an educational romp through time and space populated with mermaids, bananas, on-location-extreme-cooking shows, treasure maps, giant crayons, a sky full of glowing constellations, bi-lingual bats, and more!!! The magic unfolds, propelled by award winning music, and dance beats that will catapult both young and old out of their seats!

The Pop Ups (Jason Rabinowitz and Jacob Stein) are a Brooklyn-based musical duo who the Wall Street Journal says "reflect the creativity percolating on the independent children's music scene." Time Out New York named them one of 2012's Best 15 Bands for Kids. The Pop Ups received a GRAMMY nomination for their second family music CD, "Radio Jungle", which their live show is based on. This ready-for-primetime collection of wildly imaginative and catchy tunes debuted in April, and it has since won acclaim from Parents' Choice and the Fids and Kamily Awards, high rotation on SiriusXM's "Kids Place Live" radio show and other national acclaim.

Over the past two years, the duo has also won critical acclaim for their stage show "PASTA: A Pop Ups Puppet Musical," which has enjoyed successful runs in New York and Los Angeles. The Pop Ups perform regularly, including at NYC venues and with the Yo Gabba Gabba Live Tour. The Pop Ups have not forgotten the wonder and sheer excitement of childhood, and their exuberance and musical prowess shine in every performance!

All tickets for The Pop Ups are only $10.00. Tickets for this performance will go on sale on Friday, July 19th at 11:00 am. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700. Visit www.thepopups.com for more information about the shows and new CD.

Stay in touch with the Newton Theatre even while you're on the go. Join the Newton Theatre FANZONE - Text NEWT to 25827 to receive alerts about upcoming shows, coupons, discounts and more!

The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, was founded in 1924. Revitalized and fully renovated, Sussex County's premier entertainment venue reopened in 2011 as a 605 seat capacity live performing arts center. With it's rich history and diverse programming The Newton Theatre is essential to the buoyancy of New Jersey's Skylands region. More information about The Newton Theatre may be found by calling 973-383-3700 or by visiting its website at www.TheNewtonTheatre.com .

EAST LYNNE THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS "THE THIEF OF BAGDAD"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Flying carpets, flying horses, and Douglas Fairbanks performing his own gymnastic stunts to save the princess! It's all part of "The Thief of Bagdad." 

For one night only, Sunday, August 4 at 8:30p.m., East Lynne Theater Company, in partnership with The Cape May Film Festival, presents this 1924 silent film classic with live organ accompaniment provided by Wayne Zimmerman. The location is The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St., where ELTC is in residence. Tickets are $15 and ages 12 and under are free. Students who were involved in ELTC's recent production of "1,001 Arabian Nights" may attend for free, along with their families. For reservations and information, contact ELTC at 609-884-5898 or online at www.eastlynnetheater.org . 
Art director William Cameron Menzies, who later designed "Gone with the Wind," created the special effects in "The Thief of Bagdad," that are still considered incredible by today's standards.

Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939), born Douglas Elton Ulman, made his Broadway debut in 1902, quickly becoming known as a great romantic comedian. In 1916 he started his own company The Douglas Fairbanks Film Corporation. During the First World War he met Mary Pickford while on a Liberty Bond tour. After divorcing their respective spouses, they were married. In 1919 they, along with close friends Charlie Chaplin and D. W. Griffith, formed United Artists Corporation, thus giving themselves more control over their movie projects and earnings. During the 1920's Fairbanks made costume epics like "The Mark of Zorro" (Shown at last year's ELTC's Silent Film Series), "The Three Musketeers," and "Robin Hood," at a time when these types of films had gone out of fashion. 

Providing his own original musical accompaniment is Wayne Zimmerman, who played for ELTC's last year's silent films. He has played in a variety of venues from coast-to-coast and in Hawaii, regaling audiences with his silent-film accompaniment and concerts. At varying times he's served as organist at the Lansdowne Theatre in Lansdowne, PA, the Tower Theatre in Upper Darby, PA, the Brookline Theatre in Havertown, PA, and the Merlin Theatre in suburban Philadelphia. Currently he is president of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society, and accompanist for silent films at the Loew's Jersey Theatre in Jersey City.

Meanwhile, the world premiere of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" plays on the mainstage Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:30p.m. through August 31.

NJ REP PRESENTS PREMIERE OF "SAVING KITTY"

(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company is proud to present the premiere of "Saving Kitty", a provocative new dramatic-comedy written by Marisa Smith, July 25 through August 25, 2013.

What happens when a daughter brings home a young man to meet her ultra-liberal Upper East Side parents for the first time and he turns out to be the antithesis of everything they stand for?
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" takes on a whole new meaning in this play starring Sarah Nealis as Kitty, Christian Pedersen as her fiance-to-be, John FitzGibbon as her unflappable father, and Judith Hawking as her mother, a former soap-opera actress who guards her home like a cornered lioness.

Directed by Evan Bergman , "Saving Kitty" won Best Play from Portland Stages' Clauder competition in 2010 and premiered at the Wellfleet Actors Harbor Theater in July, 2012.

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm; and Sundays at 2:00 pm July 25-August 25. Special reduced price previews are on Thursday, July 25 and Friday, July 26 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Saturday, July 27 at 3:00 pm. Opening night with reception is Saturday, July 27 at 8:00 pm.

Tickets are $40; Previews are $35; Opening night with reception is $50. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and groups of 10 or more. NJ Rep is a year-round, professional, non-profit theater located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch only minutes from the Jersey Shore. Free on-site parking is available and there is easy access from NJ Transit (North Jersey Coast Line) and Academy Buses.

For tickets, contact the Box Office at 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org to reserve your seats online. Follow NJ Rep on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Tumblr. For more information, contact Adele Sammarco, Director of Marketing and Communications, at 732-229-3166 ext. 105.

New Jersey Rep is a member of the National New Play Network, The New Jersey Theater Alliance, Theater Communications Group, and the Monmouth and Long Branch Arts Councils. Support for NJ Rep is provided in part by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Shubert Foundation, the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the Stone Foundation of New Jersey, the Baumol Family Foundation, OceanFirst Foundation, the Investors Foundation, the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, the Jewish Communal Fund, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, Dramatists Guild Fund, Actors' Equity Foundation, ERBA Company, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the American Theatre Wing.

Photo credit: SuzAnne Barabas

ALT-COUNTRY ROCK 'N' ROLLER ELSA CROSS TO MAKE ASBURY PARK DEBUT

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Austin, TX alt-country rock 'n' roller Elsa Cross will make her Asbury Park debut at the Saint, Monday, August 12th at 9:00pm as part of her summer tour. A rare voice that can fill a theater of eager Merle Haggard fans as easily as it can tear down the walls of a dive bar, Elsa's is a pure, authentic one perfectly suited to deliver her dark, haunting songs rooted in the traditions of American music.
With close to 150 shows played in the last year and backed by a contumacious band that walks the line between punk, rockabilly, and country noir, Elsa captivates with her ability to unveil, through word and sound, the luridness of the human psychethe demons, ghosts, and zombies that haunt us all.


Elsa's 2013 summer tour includes the following dates:


Aug. 1, The White Horse Honky-Tonk, Austin, TX
Aug. 2, The Mercury Lounge, Tulsa, OK
Aug. 3, The Bridge, Columbia, MO
Aug. 5, Reggie's Rock Club, Chicago, IL
Aug. 6, Buzzbin Art & Music Shop, Canton, OH
Aug. 7, Skinny Dennis, Brooklyn, NY
Aug. 8, Rodeo Bar, New York City, NY
Aug. 9, The Press Room, Portsmouth, NH
Aug. 10, Prescott Park Arts Festival, Portsmouth, NH
Aug. 10, The Barley Pub, Dover, NH
Aug. 12, The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ
Aug. 14, Slim's Downtown, Raleigh, NC
Aug. 16, The Continental Club, Austin, TX

JOLLY TO SUPPORT WINERY DOGS AT THE NEWTON THEATRE

(Newton, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre has added New York based, progressive rock band JOLLY to open for The Winery Dogs on Wednesday, August 7th at 8:00 pm. With a wide range of musical influences, JOLLY has managed to create a prog rock sound that is both original and attainable. 

The story of JOLLY starts with four guys growing up in New York City. They attended public school, shared an affinity for 90s rock, and were all big fans of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In November 2006, all four guys separately decided to start looking to form their ideal band. One Craigslist reply, one high school reunion, and one awkward conversation later, JOLLY's current lineup, Anadale, Joe Reilly, Anthony Rondinone, and Louis Abramson, was established. They began writing and recording songs, and posting their material on Myspace. They were offered a record deal with Switzerland's Galileo/ProgRock Records, and suddenly the band's plans to record an EP transformed into recording a full-length album.
In 2009, JOLLY released their debut album, Forty-Six Minutes, Twelve Seconds of Music, which created a small buzz. The following year, a successful European tour led to a record deal with InsideOut Music/Century Media Records.

In 2011 JOLLY released The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part 1), the first of a two-part series that is scientifically designed to bring a listener to a state of true happiness. The band collaborated with a professor and some grad students at a nearby university, who conducted studies on over 5,000 subjects to perfect the usage of binaural tones to optimize the JOLLY listening experience. It was the peak of the band's pretentiousness, but also a very rewarding undertaking.

After releasing part one of The Audio Guide, which received critical acclaim, JOLLY toured the US and Europe. Shortly after returning from tour, Mike Portnoy, of The Winery Dogs, asked JOLLY to open for his then band Flying Colors at Best Buy Theater in Times Square. Portnoy said: I am a big fan of the last two Jolly albums and handpicked them to open the show in NYC."

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck JOLLY hard, destroying Louis' home, which also functioned as the band's practice space and recording studio. All of Louis' possessions and a lot of the band's equipment were ruined. Needless to say, the members of JOLLY were devastated, but they tried to remain positive. The timing couldn't have been worse; the band was in the midst of finalizing The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part 2), but had to break away from the album to completely gut Louis' home. In need of new equipment, JOLLY started a fundraising campaign, and their incredible fans came through in a big way to help the band rebuild after this major disaster.

The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part 2) is out now, and is a standing symbol of JOLLY's recovery from the storm. Plus, all of the people left hanging from Audio Guide 1 can finally complete their journey towards happiness. Don't be surprised if crime rates plunge in 2013!

The Winery Dogs are a classic sounding and inspiring hard rock trio featuring vocalist and guitarist Richie Kotzen, who made his mark with Poison and Mr. Big, bassist Billy Sheehan, who has been rocking for decades with Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and others, and drummer Mike Portnoy, the co-founder of progressive metal superstars Dream Theater. 

Tickets for JOLLY with The Winery Dogs are $34.00 for Premium seating, $29.00 for the Orchestra and $24.00 for the Balcony. Tickets are available at www.thenewtontheatre.com or the Box Office at 973-383-3700. 

The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, was founded in 1924. Revitalized and fully renovated, Sussex County's premier entertainment venue reopened in 2011 as a 605 seat capacity live performing arts center. With it's rich history and diverse programming The Newton Theatre is essential to the buoyancy of New Jersey's Skylands region. More information about The Newton Theatre may be found by calling 973-383-3700 or by visiting its website at www.TheNewtonTheatre.com .

CAPE MAY STAGE PRESENTS BROADWAY STAR, ANITA GILLETTE, IN "AFTER ALL..."

(Cape May, NJ) -- Cape May Stage, South Jersey's premier Equity theatre, is thrilled to welcome Broadway, television and film star, Anita Gillette, in her one-woman show, "After All..." With more than 50 years of performing and entertaining audiences worldwide, this is unbelievably her first one-woman show. Join this legend on Monday, August 5 at 8 p.m.

"After All...,"directed by Barry Kleinbort and accompanied by Manhattan's Association of Cabarets and Clubs award-winning music director Paul Greenwood, is a smartly structured cabaret act that dips well into Gillette's long-standing career in theatre, television and film. It's a fun tour that illustrates what an incredibly appealing, charming, and versatile performer Gillette is. 

This contemporary treasure most recently played Tina Fey's mother on NBC's "30 Rock." But she is also a Broadway veteran with 14 shows to her credit including "Cabaret","Gypsy","Guys & Dolls","Brighton Beach Memoirs","Showboat", and "Chapter Two" for which she received a Tony Award nomination.

However, she may be best known as Mona, the mistress, in John Patrick Shanley's "Moonstruck." She's also had major roles in the following films: "Shall We Dance"(with Richard Gere), "Boys on the Side,""Larger Than Life,""She's The One"and more. And she's had recurring television roles on "CSI"and "Law & Order SVU,"as well as appearances in "Sex and the City,""Frasier,""Mad About You"among others.

"After All..,"her very first one-woman cabaret, is wickedly funny and completely captivating. It's a ninety-minute intimate, behind-the-scenes peek at her career and personal life complete with dishy stories about co-workers as varied as Merman, Cher, and Fey. Naturally, it is jam-packed with tons of fabulous music from the greats like Irving Berlin, Jule Styne, and Johnny Mercer.

Gillette has the gift of being able to imitate the voices of characters in the stories she spins. She can deftly wiggle her body to emphasize a lyric, whether trying to be sexy or satirical. The anecdotes flow smoothly and are well-interspersed with the chosen songs, whether they illustrate a point in her career or emerge as comment. All-in-all, it adds up to Gillette being both a seasoned singer and a sly comedienne.

Anita Gillette's performance in "After All..."is part of Cape May Stage's acclaimed Second Stage Series. This completely entertaining cabaret show will run Monday, August 5 at 8 p.m. at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at the corner of Bank & Lafayette Streets in downtown Cape May. Tickets are $50 and include an after party at the Wine Bar at the Washington Inn, Cape May's hip, relaxing, contemporary meeting place at the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets. You'll have a chance to mingle with the stars, while enjoying delicious complimentary finger foods and a well-stocked cash bar. Call (609) 770-8311 for reservations and information or visit the theatre's website, www.capemaystage.org .

HD BROADCASTS AT THE STATE THEATRE FOR SUMMER OF 2013

(New Brunswick, NJ) -- This summer, State Theatre presents a wide array of HD broadcasts to be presented on a larger-than-life 46-foot screen. Included will be four exciting ballet and opera in cinema performances. Captured live from the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia is La Sylphide (7/21/13) and La Bayadre (8/10/13) featuring the Bolshoi Ballet. This summers opera presentations include the film The Magic Flute (7/28/13) directed by Kenneth Branagh, and Mozarts Don Giovanni (8/24/13) captured live from La Scala in Italy.
The summer HD broadcasts continue with a rock documentary and two concerts. The iconic story of Sound City (8/10/13), directed by Dave Grohl explores the recording studios long history and the musicians who made their careers in the studio. At the end of August is Peter Gabriel: New Blood Live In London (8/24/13). Filmed in March 2011, New Blood Live captures Peter Gabriel performing live with the 46-piece New Blood Orchestra at Hammerstein Apollo. Then in September, State Theatre presents Andr Rieu Live in Maastricht (9/15/13), featuring a backstage interview with violinist/conductor, exclusively for cinema audiences.

Summer in July will also include PG matinee films suitable for the entire family. These summer movies include 2010 remake of The Karate Kid (7/24/13) featuring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith and the wild circus animated adventure, Madagascar 3 (7/30/13).

JULY

HD BROADCAST
La Sylphide
Captured live from the Bolshoi Ballet
Sun, July 21, 2013 at 3pm
Starring Ekaterina Krysanova as the Slyph and Vyacheslav Lopatin as James, La Sylphide is a classic romantic ballet that captures the tradition and spirit of love and dance.
Tickets are $12.


PG MATINEE
The Karate Kid starring Jackie Chan
Wed, July 24, 2013 at 10:30am
Twelve-year old Dre Parker just moved in China with his mother and is left alone in unfamiliar land with no friends. Dre meets Mr. Han, a master of kung fu who teaches him about maturity and self-defense.
Tickets are $5.


HD BROADCAST
The Magic Flute
A Film by Kenneth Branagh
Sun, July 28, 2013 at 3pm
The Magic Flute is a story of adventure and romance guided by the original music of Mozart. The film stars Ren Pape, Tom Randle, Lyubov Petrova, and Silvia Moi.
Tickets are $12.


PG MATINEE
Madagascar 3
Tue, July 30, 2013 at 10:30am
Witness Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman in their struggle of returning home to New York. Their journey will take them through obstacles as they navigate through Europe while in a traveling circus.
Tickets are $5.

AUGUST

HD BROADCAST
La Bayadre
Captured live from the Bolshoi Ballet
Sat, August 10, 2013 at 3pm
Starring Svetlana Zakharova as Nikia and Maria Alexanrova as Gamzatti, La Bayadre tells the story of impossible love beween two individuals. Set in the scenic country of India, La Bayadre displays unique choreography especially with The Kingdom of the Shades, one of the most celebrated exerpts in ballet.
Tickets are $12.


CONCERT in HD
Sound City
Directed by Dave Grohl
Sat, August 10, 2013 at 8pm
This concert documentary focuses on the iconic Sound City recording studio which housed countless legendary music bands and singers. The film is complete with rock n roll history and plenty of live musical appearances.
Tickets are $12.


HD BROADCAST
Don Giovanni
Captured live from La Scala
Sat, August 24, 2013 at 3pm
See Don Giovanni, a promiscuous and arrogant nobleman who refuses to change, is personally invited down to hell. Commonly recognized as the greatest opera ever composed, Mozarts classic tale of Don Giovanni is known for its comedy, melodrama, and the supernatural.
Tickets are $12.


CONCERT in HD
Peter Gabriel: New Blood in HD
Sat, August 24, 2013 at 8pm
Filmed live from the Hammersmith Apollo in London, Peter Gabriel performs live with the New Blood Orchestra. The set list will include cover versions from his Scratch My Back album plus some of his classic solo tracks with new orchestral arrangements.
Tickets are $12.

SEPTEMBER

CONCERT in HD
Andr Rieu Live in Maastricht 2012 in HD
Sun, September 15, 2013 at 2pm
Captured live from the Netherlands, join Andr Rieu in his hometown concertLive in Maastrichtwhere he will be joined by the Johann Strauss Orchestra, Royal Choir Societys Maastreechter Staar, the Harlem Gospel Choir, and more in what will be a spectacular music celebration.
Tickets are $12.


For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org . The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10am to 6pm; Wednesday 11am to 7pm; Friday, 10am to 5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates, unless otherwise specified. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 517. Some additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.


State Theatre, a premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. The theater exists to enrich peoples lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. The State Theatres programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Heldrich is the official hotel of the State Theatre. Magic 98.3 is the official radio station of the State Theatre. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of the State Theatre.