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Eric Wertheim
Citizen
Username: Bub
Post Number: 8
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 9:31 am: |     |
If you read the Ledger or have driven by, you know that the Paper Mill is moving away from recycled classic musicals toward more daring new productions. Nothing against the classics but there's only so many times I'll go see Carousel (or Fiddler or Oklahoma etc.). Since they will undoubtedly lose some of their old patrons, they will need new ones to keep this experimient alive. Their productions are always first rate so if you want that kind of theater nearby, you'll have to support it. |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 3891
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 10:37 am: | |
Eric.. not to dampen your enthusiasm of the Papermill, but there are at least 20 Equity Professional theaters in NJ. If you are interested in new works check out Playwrights Theater in Madison, or NJ Rep in Long Branch. Both lauded in the NY Times for their outstanding work at presenting new, usually world premier, plays. I am a member of NJ Rep and can speak to its value as a venue. It has always been worth the trip for me either as a cast member or an audience member. They have done two "revivals" that i know of in the 6 years I have been a member of the company and one was On Golden Pond with Kim Hunter and her husband Bob Emmet.
As for theater near by.. There are a number of equity companies in the area. 12 Miles West up in Montclair, What Exit? right here in Maplewood, Dreamcatcher Rep in South Orange, The Celtic Company also in South Orange and my home away from home, The Bickford in Morristown. Those are the theaters that need the support. The Papermill, since Mr. Gennaro took over, is in much safer and saner fiscal hands and will not lose too much of its base, IMHO. But the smaller theaters, that take some risks are the places to find some real new talent and to share your support.
Do not get me wrong, by all means patronize the Papermill if a show comes along to your liking, but do not overlook the smaller, just as professional, somewhat more needy, theaters. They often get overlooked by the people who give out the money in Trenton and Washington.
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drewdix
Citizen
Username: Drewdix
Post Number: 820
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 11:36 am: | |
Agree with Duncan about supporting the locals.
The Ledger also noted that PM's ticket sales are down 18% over the last 5 years (they also have 11% fewer shows over the last 6 years) and probably most importantly, their subscriptions are down 34% (also over the last 6 years).
It's difficult to cite the economy for this , because compared to other houses in PM's "league"
(George St. Playhouse, Shakespeare Theater of NJ, McCarter Theatre Center) they have fared the worst by far.
Hope Duncan's predictions come true about PM, and that we get good theater there to boot.
"Harold & Maude" (the musical!?) closed a bit earlier than anticipated, but at least it was a risk. |
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