Haddonfield Comm. Theater Thrives

Haddonfield Plays & Players (HP&P), an all-volunteer organization, has been committed to bringing professional quality theatre to the South Jersey community for many years. This non-profit community theatre is located in Haddonfield, New Jersey, was founded in 1935 and has been staging productions ever since. In 1986, a 150-seat Performing Arts Center was built as a permanent location for them to perform all of their shows. The Main Stage supports a variety of productions from comedies to mysteries to musicals. A 50-seat Intimate Theatre is used for the performances of more unusual and off beat productions, as well as a training ground for new directors. Many of HP&P’s productions have won awards at both state and eastern regional festivals. Awards range from Excellence in Acting, to Best Production, to Excellence in Directing. A full listing of HP&P’s awards is available on their web site. In addition to staging award-winning productions, since 1995, HP&P has been presenting the Stage Kidz program to teach children (grades K-6) about theatre, music, and dance in a fun and informal environment. The Performance Studio grew out of this program to address the growing talent of local young people (grades 7 and up). There are many ways to become involved with HP&P. Volunteers are always needed to help with things such as building sets, ushering shows, running lights and sound for shows, and dozens of other jobs. No experience is required and you can put in as much or as little time as you have available. HP&P has monthly business meetings that are open to the public. Auditions for upcoming shows are held throughout the year (see “Auditions” below). If you are not a behind-the-scenes or on-the-stage type of person, spend an evening enjoying a performance (see “Performances” below). For more information about the Haddonfield Plays and Players, including upcoming auditions and performances, visit them at their web site: www.haddonfieldplayers.com or call (856) 429-8139.

AUDITIONS: HP&P will hold open auditions for “Once Upon a Mattress” on Sunday and Monday, March 17 and 18, at 6pm. The musical comedy is a grown-up version of the fairy tale classic, “The Princess and the Pea.” Principal and ensemble roles will be cast for about two dozen men and women. Come prepared with 16 bars of an appropriate song not from the show (upbeat unless auditioning for ³Larken² or ³Harry²), along with sheet music or a music tape. No a cappella singing; be prepared to dance. Call 609-254-0652 to schedule an appointment. Performances will take place throughout the month of June. HP&P is looking for: set/lighting/sound/costume designers! Forward your resume to Deb Nussbaum, c/o Plays and Players, PO Box 145, Haddonfield NJ 08033.

PERFORMANCES:

HP&P will reprise the touching musical, “Number the Stars,” March 5 through 28. Based on the Newbery Award-winning book by Lois Lowry, “Number the Stars” provides a moving insight into the courageous efforts of the Danish people to help their Jewish neighbors flee the Nazis during World War II. Founded on fact and embellished with fictional characters, the story is set in 1943 Denmark. It tells the tale of 10-year-old, her best friend, and their families as they worked bravely together to escape to freedom. Composer Sean Hartley transformed “Number the Stars” into a gentle musical, which HP&P traditionally and proudly performs each spring. Daytime performances will be given for school groups, and two evening performances have been added due to popular demand. A brief question and answer session with the actors will follow each show.

Performances will take place at 10:30am and 12:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, and 28. Wednesday evening performances will be given at 7:30pm on March 6 and 20. Tickets cost $12 ($6 for children). School groups, organizations, and individuals are all welcome. Call the box office at 856-429-8139 for reservations.

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Author: Ruth Cohen