From the Keyboards of Children ... Compelling Theater

 in Madison will soon be alive with stories about a conflict between Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, the backstage drama of an “American Idol”-like belly dancing competition, and a young girl who learns something about herself when she becomes famous.

Pretty interesting and pretty diverse, right? But all of these plays have something in common—they're written by Madison students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades.

Those plays and others are part of the  at the Playwrights Theatre March 26. The festival will feature 21 plays written by students who started their journey to the stage with a 10-week residency program in the fall.

 “We have a teaching artist who’s either a playwright or a director, or in some cases an actor who also directs and writers,” said Jim DeVivo, director of education for Playwrights Theatre. “They go into the school for one day a week after school for about an hour and a half.”

DeVivo described the program as an introduction to playwriting where budding writers develop their ideas and learn how to structure plays.

“And really at that point it’s acclimating the students to figuring out what they want to write about, what’s important to them that they’re willing to spend 10 weeks really immersed in and working hard on,” he said.

For many of these students, the program represents the first time that pieces of their writing have a life beyond the teacher's desk.

“It’s communication with a larger group,” DeVivo said. “It’s this idea that it’s something that is meant to be shared with the community at large through the festival or even with the group itself.”

Emilee Maas is a 12-year-old sixth-grader at , Emilee’s play, “Fame,” will be staged during the day’s earlier session, between 1 and 3 p.m., and  is about a girl who dreams of stardom.

“She lives in Nashville and she wants to be a famous singer, but she keeps going to the same studio to try to get a record deal but they keep rejecting her,” Emilee said. “And she tries one more time and she ends up getting her wish but the manager wants her to change herself as a person, and she doesn’t want to do that because she promised her friend she’d stay the same. But she gets the record deal anyway, so she can be herself.”

Emilee’s real-life story is almost as feel-good as the one she wrote.

 “I’m really excited because I did the playwriting [program] last year at  in fifth grade, but my friends’ plays got selected but mine didn’t,” she said. “So I’m kind of excited and I’m looking forward to seeing it in the festival.”

DeVivo said the plays in the festival reflect the experiences of the young authors.

“I’d say for the most part, you’re looking at a lot of plays that deal with friendships and relationships and bullying, and really trying to navigate some of the complexities of those things,” he said. “They’re 9, 10, 11, that’s what they’re going through. We’ll get very straightforward plays about 11-year-old kids dealing with a bully at school, an argument with their friends or something that happens within the family.”

Some interesting works arise out of the system. One play that stands out for DeVivo is from a few years ago. It was about a child who was being bullied, and it was told through the eyes of aliens who were studying Earth.

“These aliens felt they had moved beyond a lot of those difficulties," DeVivo  said. "And through watching the humans work on it, they were helping the humans work through it and also recognizing some of the difficulties they had in their own alien culture.”

At least one participant in the festival, Austin Bunn, who participated in one of the first festivals, has gone on to write professionally. DeVivo promised that the plays being presented will entertain audiences of all ages.

 “There are things in each of these that everyone will relate to or find interesting,” he said.

Reaching its silver anniversary is a noteworthy milestone for the festival because, DeVivo said, the festival was the catalyst for the Playwrights Theatre, which produces original works through its New Play Development Program. It also offers workshops led by professional writers to students in schools throughout the state. In 1986, Buzz McLaughlin, the founder of Playwrights Theatre, started the company by working with Madison schools to find a performance space and establish the school programs.

“The young playwrights program was born, as was Playwrights Theatre, at that time,” DeVivo said.

The 25th Annual Madison Young Playwrights Festival will be held at the Playwrights Theatre, 33 Green Village Road, Madison, March 26. There are two programs, with the first program starting at 1 p.m. and the second starting at 3:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10, $5 students. If you attend both programs, prices for the second at $5 and $2.50. More information can be found here . Tickets can also be purchased by calling the box office at 973-514-1787, ext. 10.

Acting Wild As a Bug: The Elvis Presley-inspired musical “All Shook Up” is coming to the  in Morristown, March 25 at 8 p.m. The show brings the King’s music to life through a story of love and mistaken identities as a little town gets all shook up when a motorcycle-riding hunk comes to town. The show features 24 Elvis hits. Tickets cost $37-$67. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St.. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

It’s Not Easy Being Green: The Marionette Players will perform “Baba Yaga and the Frog Princess” for ages 5-10, March 25, 4 p.m. and March 26 at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the  in Morris Township.The classic story from Russian folklore is about the evil witch Baba Yaga and her battle with Good Wizard, Koschez. This time Baba gets even with Koschez by turning his beautiful daughter into a frog and challenging Ivan, the son of the Great Tsar, to find her and break the spell. The folktale is told with through the art of marionettes and “live” actors in the tradition of the Morris Museum’s own Marionette Players. Tickets cost $10, or $9 for museum members. For more information or to contact the box office, call 973-971-3706.

The Challenges of Love: The Battle of the Sexes is on when The Shakespeare Initiative at Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph presents “The Taming of the Shrew” on March 25 through 27 and April 1 through 3. The comedy follows Petruchio’s attempts to make a proper wife of the fiery-tongued and stubborn Katherina. It has been adapted into a musical classic (Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me Kate”) and a modern romantic comedy (“10 Things I Hate About You”). The Shakespeare Initiative’s production stars Claire Bochenek as Katherina and David Chullanandana as Petruchio. The production has been directed by Richard Norman and features fight choreography by Jon Young. Set design is by Nola Young and costumes, lighting design/operation and sound are by Mark Carovale. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10. For information and reservations, call 973-989-7092.

 What a Nightmare: The Chester Theatre Group at the Black River Playhouse will present a special concert production of a new musical in development, “Nightmare Alley,” by noted composer and local resident Jonathan Brielle. The show is based on the 1946 novel by William Lindsay Gresham, which was adapted into a movie starring Tyrone Power and Joan Blondell. Brielle’s musical made its world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles with Gil Cates as director last April and is now in further development prior to opening in New York. The four performance dates are Friday, March 25, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 26, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 27, at 2  p.m. Admission is $10 For reservations, ca;; 908-879-7304. The Black River Playhouse is located at the corner of Maple and Grove in Chester, New Jersey. You can find snippets of the score and production stills at BrielleMusic.com.

Biblical Rock:  in Hillsborough will perform “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” March 25 through April 16 at its playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road (Route 514). The show was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and is based on the story from the book of Genesis. Tickets cost $20, $18 seniors/students. For tickets, call 908-369-7469 or go to www.svptheatre.org.

Peachy Keen. Growing Stage children’s theater is presenting “James and the Giant Peach,” March 25 through April 17. The play was written by Richard R. George from the Roald Dahl book about the title boy who embarks on a strange journey aboard a giant peach with his newfound insect friends. Growing Stage promises young theatergoers an adventure with lots of laughs, a wise grasshopper, a pessimistic worm and James’ mean aunts. The theater is located at 7 Ledgwood Ave., Netcong. Tickets cost $18, or for $14 seniors and children. Call 973-347-4946 or go to growingstage.goes.com for more information.

I’ve Got a Funny Feeling About This: The Darress Theatre in Boonton will host “The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour,” March 26 at 8 p.m.. The evening of standup comedy stars Aaron David Ward and Deric Harrington. Tickets cost $20 at the door, $15 in advance. The Darress Theatre is located at 65 Main St. in Boonton. For tickets, call 973-334-9292 or e-mail info@darresstheatre.com

Make Merry and Support the Shakespeare Theatre:  will hold its fundraiser gala and cabaret performance on March 26 at the Hilton Short Hills in Short Hills. The gala evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and carving and sauté stations while Gala attendees mingle with guest artists and performers, and shop the silent auction whose offerings include clothing, jewelry, getaways, and sports and theatrical memorabilia. Afterward, guests will enjoy the Shakespeare Theatre’s cabaret performance with music and comedy sketches featuring notable performers from the stage and screen including Broadway’s Robert Cuccioli, and star of the New York cabaret scene Baby Jane Dexter. Included in the silent auction is an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the “Vanity Fair” offices with “Vanity Fair” contributor and best-selling author Bryan Burrough, and lunch in the famous Condé Nast cafeteria with Mr. Burrough and a “Vanity Fair” editor. Guests can also bid on the opportunity to have a conversation with Charlie Rose over coffee. The winner will also attend a taping of “The Charlie Rose Show” and will receive a tour of the Bloomberg Studios in New York City. One lucky bidder will have the exclusive opportunity to appear on stage at The Shakespeare Theatre. For one performance, the winning guest will join the cast in the courthouse gallery during the trial scene of “To Kill A Mockingbird,” which will be presented as part of the theater’s 2011 Season. Gala tickets cost $295 to $1,000. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-3761 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org .

You Gotta Go … To Urinetown: The Chester Theatre Group at the Black River Playhouse will present “Urinetown: The Musical,” through March 19. The Tony-winning musical satire features music and lyrics by Mark Hollman and a book and lyrics by Greg Kotis. The title may sound icky, but “Urinetown” is actually a funny musical about a city that, because of a water shortage, charges citizens to perform the most basic of functions. Bobby Strong (played by Brian Hill) takes on the powers that be so that everyone in the city can get some relief. The cast and crew of “Urinetown” have developed a special humanitarian project dubbed "Pennies for Potties." Named by cast member Roxanna Wagner, who is heading up the effort, P4P is collecting money to to the international non-profit organization, Foundation for Peace, based in Ironia. The Foundation for Peace has provided much needed emergency care to many materially impoverished countries. Coin drops will be placed at the public rest rooms in the theater through the run of the show. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $24, or $22 for seniors and students. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling the box office at 908-879-7304.

Hey, Watch Your Language:  will perform David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Glengarry Glen Ross,” through March 19, directed by Chase Newhart. The play follows four unethical real estate agents who are desperate to sell undesirable properties to prospective buyers. It was adapted into a 1992 movie featuring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin and Kevin Spacey. Performances are March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m., and March 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for seniors and youth. (Because of its strong language, “Glengarry Glen Ross” is not appropriate for young children.) Reservations can be made by calling 973-635-7363. Tickets can also be purchased here.

Getting “Dark” in Dover: Dover Little Theatre will present William Inge’s “The Dark at the Top of the Stairs” through March 19. The theater’s website describes the comedy-drama as a series of short stories. Those stories include a fight between a husband and wife, the fear of a shy girl going to a dance, the problems of an introverted boy who feels the world is against him, and others. The play debuted on Broadway in 1957 and won the Tony Award for Best Play. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and information call 973-328-9202 or go to www.doverlittletheatre.org.

Pay Attention to “Distracted:” Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre is staging Lisa Loomer’s “Distracted at  , through March 20. The play, which had a successful run off-Broadway starring Cynthia Nixon last year, looks into attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and how it affects a child and his parents. In the play, a 9-year-old boy named Jessie has problems with school and at home. Everything is a struggle for him—school, obviously, but even simple things like getting him to dress and eat become frustrating for his parents. Serious stuff, but the play’s cast and crew say the play offers its share of laughs as the parents deal with the thicket of information and options about ADHD—and deal with adults who all have something to say about Jessie’s condition. is located at 33 Green Village Road, Madison. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $30, or $25 for seniors and students. You can save $3 by buying tickets at www.dreamcatcherrep.org or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

Pure Imagination: Villagers Theatre will present “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” as part of its KidsVill series, through March 20 at its theater, located at 475 DeMott Lane in Somerset. Based on the classic children’s novel by Roald Dahl, the show takes audiences on a tour of the chocolate factory owned by the mysterious Willy Wonka. Performances are Saturday at noon and 3 p.m. and Sundays at noon. Tickets cost $10.Reservations can be made here, by e-mail atboxoffice@villagerstheatre.com or by calling 732-873-2710.

Love and Marriage:  will present Craig Lucas’ “Prelude to a Kiss,” through March 26. The Tony-nominated optimistic look at loves involves Peter, who is wondering who he really married—even before the wedding is over. Tickets cost $18. For information, go towww.studioplayhouse.org. 

Music and Garbage: The  is presenting its children’s production, “The Garbage Cantina,” through March 27. Featuring actors aged 9 to 99 and puppets made from found objects, the show sees a garbage dump come to “hip-hopping life.” The eco-friendly workshop Green Fest will be held following the March 12 performance. All tickets cost $7. For information, go towww.thestrollers.org.

Audition Alert, “Blithe Spirit:"  is holding auditions for Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” March 15, 7:30 p.m. at the theater, located at 14 Alvin Place. Performances are May 20 to June 11. Female roles range from 25 to late 40s or 50s and males ranging from 40ish to 50s. All characters except Edith (female, 25-plus) speak with an educated, English accent. Sides are available here. Call 973-744-9752 or e-mail studiopl@studioplayhouse.org for more information.

Audition Alert, “Round and Round the Garden:”  will be holding auditions for Alan Ayckbourn’s “Round and Round the Garden,” March 15 at 7:30 p.m., with callbacks on March 16, 7:30 p.m. Auditions are being held at, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood. Seeking three men and three women who play late-20s to mid-40s. The part of Norman has always been played by an actor with a full beard. It is not necessary to make an appointment to audition. Sides will be provided, and dialects are not required at this time. Performance dates are May 13-21. For more information, e-mail info@thestrollers.org.

Comedy Tonight (Well, Not Tonight; It's Starting March 16): in Millburn will present “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” March 16 through April 10. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Sheelove and Larry Gelbart, this slapstick farce has been making audiences laugh since it debuted on Broadway in 1962 starring Zero Mostel. Nathan Lane headlined a popular revival in 1996. Tickets cost $25 to $92. For information go towww.papermill.org or call 973-376-4343.

Love Under the Stars:  will present John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine” March 18 through April 2. Described by the Barn’s website as a “delightfully charming midwinter night’s dream,” the play follows the residents of Almost as they fall in and out of love as the northern lights illuminate the sky. Tickets cost $15 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 973-334-9320 or e-mailingboxoffice@barntheatre.org (reservations can only be accepted via e-mail up to to 24 hours prior to showtime). The Barn Theatre is located at 32 Skyline Drive. For more information, go to www.barntheatre.org

Find Your Inner Funny: The Chester Theatre Group’s Comedy Workshop Spring Session begins March 19. The joint venture of Chester Theatre Group and Kate Lyn Reiter offers adult beginners and the “comically curious” a fun and non-judgmental atmosphere where actors can learn the secrets of improve and stand-up comedy. Classes will be held 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $195. For information and to register, call 908-892-5458 or e-mail KateLynReiter@comcast.net

That’s A Lot of Drums: Kodo Drummers, the world’s greatest Japanese drummers, will bring their 30th Anniversary “One Earth Tour” to the , March 19 at 7:30 p.m. The show explores the taiko, (a type of drum that is supposedly the world’s oldest instrument) transcending language and culture with performance rooted in Japanese tradition. Tickets cost $42-$67. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Audition Alert, “The Drowsy Chaperone:”  will be holding auditions for Scott Hart’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” March 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. and March 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. For more information, go to www.barntheatre.org.

Party Like It’s 1929: The music and dance of the 1920s is coming to in Morris Township March 20 in “Before the Crash: America in the 1920s.” Director Daniel P. Quinn and choreographer Heath Johdos take audiences on a tour of American history, including the Charleston craze, America’s optimism and finally the crash. The performance is at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $30, $28 senior citizens, $20 students. For tickets and information: 973-971-3706 orwww.morrismuseum.org.

Animal Instincts: The world-famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre, starring Russian circus and juggling star Gregory Popovich and his cast of performing pets, will bring its stunts and skits to the  in Morristown March 20 at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25. The family-friendly show blends Popovich’s juggling and animal cast of cats, dogs, geese, parrots and doves. For tickets and information, go to www.mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Ringy Dingy the Mayo Center for Lily Tomlin: Lily Tomlin will perform classic characters and offer wry observations about the human condition at the Mayo Center on March 24 at 8 p.m. Tomlin has won six Emmys, two Tony Awards and a Grammy. Her television work includes her performances on the iconic “Laugh-In” show (where her characters included Ernestine, the smart-mouthed phone operator), “West Wing,” and “Desperate Housewives.” Her film roles include Robert Altman’s Nashville and All of Me, in which she starred with Steve Martin. Tickets cost $57-$87. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org.

Audition Alert, "Cinderella:" Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is holding an open cast call for “Cinderella,” March 26 1 p.m. Auditions are open to anyone over 16. Performances are May 14, 21, and 28, and June 4, July 16 and 23. Cast members must be available for all performances. Everyone from beginners to experienced actors is welcome to audition. Call 973-691-2100 for more information.

Audition Alert, “A Man of No Importance:”  will hold auditions for “A Man of No Importance” (book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens) March 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. at the Westminster Arts Center, at the corner of Franklin and Freemont streets on the . Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. Those auditioning must sign in by 8 p.m. Callbacks will be held March 30, 7 p.m. Actors should prepare a song that best shows off their range and ability to tell a story. An accompanist will be provided. Sides will be available at the auditions. Actors ages 18-60s are encouraged to audition and must be able to do Irish accents. All roles are open. Please bring a headshot and resume stapled together. A complete breakdown of cast can be found on this page. Rehearsals will begin the last week of April and the production opens June 3, and runs 3 weekends. Non-union, small stipend paid. For more information, go to www.4thwalltheatre.org or e-mailinfo@4thwalltheatre.org.

Exit Laughing: What Exit? The Comedy Company will present “Funny Ladies,” March 31, 7:30 p.m. The laugh-filled revue features new essays, standup comedy, plays and songs by Shannon Barr, Laura Booker, Jennifer Turner Hall, Tori I’Connell, Tina Kelly, CJ Prince and Elizabeth. The show is at Highland Place (formerly Cent’Anni), 5 Highland Place, Mapleweood. Tickets cost $15, there is a one-drink minimum. For information, call 973-763-4029 or go to www.whatexittheatre.com.

She’s a Little Bit Country: Tickets for Marie Osmand’s Aug. 24 concert at the Mayo Center go on sale March 17 to members, and to the general public on March 18. Tickets cost $57-$97. For more information, go here (www.mayoarts.org/indiv/indiv_MarieOsmond.html) or call 973-539-8008.

Registration for Summer Theater Camps: Brundage Park Playhousein 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 www.randolphnj.org , click on “Parks and Recreation,” and click on “Online Registration.” You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in the Senior Community Center on Calais Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-989-7092.

Go See the Go-Go’s. Tickets for the Go-Go’s June 1 concert at the in Morristown are on sale now. The all-female ’80s pop sensations had hits with “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “We Got the Beat,” and “Vacation.” Tickets cost $57 to $96. More information can be found here. Box office number: 973-539-8008.

Hey Hey, Monkee Tickets Are on Sale! The Monkees are reuniting for a tour in celebration of their 45th anniversary and they’ll take the last train to Morrisville for a June 9 concert at the . Tickets are on sale now and cost $57 to $97. Click here for information or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Doobie Brothers Tickets on Sale: Tickets for The Doobie Brothers’ April 22 concert at the  in Morristown are on sale. The legendary band’s hits include “China Grove,” “Takin’ It To the Streets” and “Jesus is Just All Right With Me.” Tickets cost $69-$109. For information, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

With a Banjo on His Knee: There’ll be nothing wild and crazy going on when Steve Martin comes to the  in Morristown. Tickets for his concert of bluegrass and banjo music are on sale now. The concert is June 28. Martin’s 2009 album, “The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo,” won the 2009 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. For information on all shows at the Mayo Center, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Registration Open for Villagers Summer Theater Programs: TheVillagers 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.-noon for younger performers, 6-8 years old; Villagers Apprentice full-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m.-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 5-23. Session II: July 23-Aug. 13. For more information, go towww.villagerstheatre.com.

Schedule Change at the Shakespeare Theatre:  announced that Dario Fo’s political farce “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” will replace Noel Coward’s “Fallen Angels” on its 2011 schedule because of rights issues involving the Coward play. Fo’s zany comedy will run Aug. 3 through 28. As previously announced, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s season will begin with Moliere’s “The Misanthrope” June 1 through 26. The theater’s summer outdoor show is Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” June 22 through July 31. The Bard’s rarely produced “Timon of Athens” continues the Main Stage season July 6 through 24. In the fall, Shakespeare’s “Othello” will be performed Sept. 7 through Oct. 2. Next up is Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of “To Kill A Mockingbird” Oct. 12 through Nov. 12. The season will wrap up with “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 1-Jan. 1. Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now at 973-408-5600. Go towww.shakespearenj.org for more information.

Paper Mill's New Season:  in Millburn has announced its 2011-2012 season, which will include four musicals (including a world premiere) and one comedy. The season will kick off with the debut of “Newsies The Musical,” based on the 1992 Disney movie, and written by Harvey Fierstein (book), Jack Feldman (lyrics) and Alan Menken (music). Paper Mill’s holiday offering is “White Christmas,” based on the movie starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Next up is Marc Canoletti’s 1960 comedy “Boeing Boeing,” (which recently had a successful Broadway revival) in January. Just in time for the baseball season is the classic musical “Damn Yankees” March 7 through April 1, and the season will wrap up with “Once on this Island,” May 30 through June 24. Meanwhile, there are two more shows to go before the current season ends. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” March 16 through April 10 and “Curtains” April 27 through May 22. .

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

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