New Subscriptions Available for Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2011-2012 Season 5/2

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee- Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) is proud to announce that New Season Subscriptions go on-sale Monday, May 2nd, for the 2011-2012 season. After a sharp rise in the number of subscribers for the 2010-2011 season, Paper Mill Playhouse is offering the general public the opportunity to purchase season tickets with all the exclusive benefits that come with a season subscription. Investors Savings Bank is the proud sponsor of the 2011-2012 season.

Paper Mill Playhouse is offering an exciting lineup of four musicals and one play, including a brand new Disney musical. In September, Paper Mill Playhouse opens their season with the premiere of the new Disney stage musical, Newsies (September 15, 2011 - October 16, 2011), adapted for the stage from the live-action Disney feature film musical. In November, celebrate the holiday season with the New Jersey premiere of White Christmas (November 16, 2011 - December 18, 2011). Brightening the winter in January is the hit comedy Boeing-Boeing (January 18, 2012 - February 12, 2012). Then enjoy the legendary musical comedy Damn Yankees (March 7, 2012 - April 1, 2012) just in time for spring training. To close the 2011-2012 season comes a musical tale of romance, tragedy, redemption and rebirth in Once on This Island (May 30, 2012 - June 24, 2012).

Season subscriptions ensure that you get the best seats at the best price! A Paper Mill Playhouse Subscription guarantees that you won't miss out on sold out shows like last season's Les Miserables. Subscribers see unforgettable musical theater and receive exclusive perks and discounts all season long. Beginning May 2nd, 2011, three, four and five show subscription packages are available starting at just $82.50. Subscriptions may be purchased by calling 973-379-3717, or at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 35% discount on tickets and should call 973-315-1678.

"Paper Mill Playhouse subscribers are the backbone of our theater," says Todd Schmidt, Paper Mill Playhouse Managing Director. "Without the support of subscribers, we would not be able to meet our mission of providing high-quality innovative theatre, world-class arts education programs and important outreach initiatives."

The Five Show Package includes: the best seats in the house, unlimited free exchange privileges up to noon the day of performance, advanced single ticket sales (single ticket purchases available to subscribers prior to the general public on sale date), 10% off additional Mainstage tickets, half price Mainstage tickets for your kids (when accompanied by you), additional friends for just $30 (for two), a Behind-the-Scenes look with a Back Stage Tech Tour (one per subscription), an intermission cocktail on us (two vouchers for a free intermission cocktail, with the purchase of a pre-performance cocktail), and 10% off gift shop purchases.

The Four Show Package includes: the best seats in the house, unlimited free exchange privileges up to noon the day of performance, advanced single ticket sales (single ticket purchases available to subscribers prior to the general public on sale date), 10% off additional Mainstage tickets, half price Mainstage tickets for your kids (when accompanied by you), the ability to bring two friends for half off (two vouchers for 50% off additional Mainstage tickets), a Behind-the-Scenes look with a Back Stage Tech Tour (one per subscription), an intermission cocktail on us (one voucher for a free intermission cocktail, with the purchase of a pre-performance cocktail), and 10% off gift shop purchases.

The Three Show Package includes: the best seats in the house, unlimited free exchange privileges up to noon the day of performance, advanced single ticket sales (single ticket purchases available to subscribers prior to the general public on sale date), and 10% off additional Mainstage tickets.

"Paper Mill Playhouse is excited to produce another stellar season that appeals to such a wide audience," said Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director of the Millburn Theater. "We could not produce such a season without the continued support of our subscribers."

Paper Mill Playhouse 2011-2012 Season

Newsies (September 15, 2011-October 16, 2011)
Music by Lyrics by Book by
Alan Menken Jack Feldman Harvey Fierstein
Read all about it! Paper Mill Playhouse is proud to present the premiere of a brand new musical, Newsies, adapted for the stage from the popular Disney film. Based on the 1899 true story of a courageous group of scrappy newsboys who become unlikely heroes when they rally forces to fight an unscrupulous newspaper tycoon, Newsies features a book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and music by eight-time Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken. With its rousing score, rollicking choreography, and defy-all-odds inspirational story, Disney's Newsies will have you cheering - and Paper Mill Playhouse is the ONLY place you can see it!

Irving Berlin's White Christmas - The Musical (November 16, 2011-December 17, 2011)
Music & Lyrics by Book by
Irving Berlin David Ives & Paul Blake
Don't worry about the weather forecast - it's going to be a White Christmas at Paper Mill Playhouse! Based on the beloved Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye film, this merry musical tells the tale of two famous song-and-dance men who stage a show in a scenic, snow-topped Vermont inn - and end up finding love with two singing sisters under the mistletoe. With laughter, crazy plot turns, Broadway-size production numbers and the unforgettable music and lyrics of the legendary Irving Berlin, White Christmas is a brightly wrapped holiday gift.

Boeing-Boeing (January 18, 2012-February 12, 2012)
By Marc Camoletti
Bernard, an American playboy in swinging '60s Paris, juggles three flight-attendant fiancées - one American, one French and one Italian. With the help of airline timetables and a phenomenally efficient housekeeper, he convinces each she is his only love. But then - mon dieu! - a fast new Boeing jet puts the flight attendants on a collision course, hurtles his cunning deception toward disaster, and provides the lift-off for laugh after laugh.

Damn Yankees (March 7, 2012-April 1, 2012)
Lyrics & Music by Book by
Richard Adler and Jerry Ross George Abbott & Douglass Wallop
Joe Boyd loves the Washington Senators baseball team a little too much. The proof: When a devilish dealmaker offers the chance to beat the "damn Yankees" in return for Joe's soul, Joe takes it. But as the Senators' stats soar, Joe realizes he's losing his beloved wife and looks for a loophole. Enter sizzling-hot temptress Lola, a charter member of the Homewreckers Hall of Fame. "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets," goes the well-known song. Who will win? We're not telling!

Once on this Island (May 30, 2012-June 24, 2012)
Book and Lyrics by Music by
Lynn Ahrens Stephen Flaherty
Take a trip to an island paradise where palm trees sway in Caribbean breezes. Can a poor peasant girl find true love with the rich young man whose life she saves? Not if quarreling island gods have anything to do with it! This tropical treat from the award-winning writer-composer team behind Ragtime tells a tale of romance, tragedy, redemption and rebirth with sunny songs, captivating choreography and an irresistible Calypso beat.

ENHANCE YOUR THEATER EXPERIENCE
WITH A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT ANY PAPER MILL PRODUCTION

Have you ever wanted to sneak a peek behind the curtain? Or wondered what the director was thinking, or how the cast prepares for a show? Well, here's your chance! Join us for one of these revealing insider's experiences. See you backstage!

DIRECTOR'S VIEWPOINT SERIES ? FREE!
Wednesdays, one hour prior to curtain is a chance to gain insight into our director's point-of-view! To kick off new productions, we'll be hosting a pre-show discussion in the Renee Foosaner Art Gallery and the coffee's on us.
♦September 21 ♦November 16 ♦January 18 ♦March 7 ♦May 30
Patrons gain insight into each performance from our directors' points of view and enjoy coffee on us.

CONVERSATION CLUB SERIES ? FREE!
Join us Thursday evenings, one hour prior to curtain, for an informal and informative gathering with our Artistic and Education Departments. Prior to curtain, you'll learn more about the performance you're about to see and perhaps catch a glimpse of the stage being set!

Q&A WITH THE CAST SERIES ? FREE!
What really goes on behind the scenes? Here's your chance to ask the cast yourself! Directly following the final Saturday matinee of each production, stick around for a lively Q&A with cast members.
♦October 15 ♦December 17 ♦February 11 ♦March 31 ♦June 24

DON'T MISS CURTAINS OPENING ON APRIL 27TH

Directed by Mark S. Hoebee, with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, Curtains will run at the Millburn theater from April 27 through May 22, 2011. Family Week is April 27 through May 1 and during this period, children 18 and under receive half off the regular ticket price (certain restrictions apply). Curtains is generously supported by a gift from Allen and Joan Bildner. Curtains is a co-production with Theatre Under The Stars in Houston, Texas.

Curtains will play the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 7:30PM, Thursdays at 1:30PM & 7:30PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 1:30PM & 8:00PM and Sundays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM. Single tickets are now on sale and range in price from $25 to $92. Student rush tickets are $25 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at Paper Mill Playhouse's website: www.papermill.org. Paper Mill Playhouse gift cards, available in any denomination, can be purchased at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive a 25% discount or more on tickets and should call 973-379-3636, extension 2438.

Aspiring actor and detective Lt. Frank Cioffi is investigating the rising body count on the set of a Broadway-bound show, and starting a romance with one of the actors. Can he solve the case without becoming one of the victims? This musical mystery-comedy was created by the team responsible for both Cabaret and Chicago. Curtains will have you on the edge of your seat... laughing!

Director Mark S. Hoebee comments, "I am thrilled to bring this fantastic cast and wonderful Kander and Ebb musical to Paper Mill Playhouse. Curtains was a great success on Broadway and I am excited to revisit this work with television stars Kim Zimmer and Robert Newman, who will bring a new energy to this spirited musical comedy."

Curtains brings a superb cast to the Paper Mill Playhouse stage. Robert Newman and Kim Zimmer reunite onstage for Curtains after spending years as the on-screen, power couple Josh and Reva on Guiding Light. Robert Newman (Lt. Frank Cioffi) is a four-time nominee for the Soap Opera Digest Award and two-time Daytime Emmy Award nominee. He is best known for his role as Joshua Lewis on Guiding Light. Regional credits include: North Carolina Theatre's Annie; Algonquin Theater's Sessions, The Musical; Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's A Little Night Music, and extensive work in Los Angeles theatres. Kim Zimmer (Carmen Bernstein) won four Daytime Emmy Awards for ‘Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series' for her portrayal of Reva Shayne on Guiding Light. Her theater experience includes off-Broadway's Love, Loss, And What I Wore and Four Dogs and a Bone. Ed Dixon (Christopher Belling) appeared in the Broadway productions of Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Les Misérables and The Three Musketeers, among several others. National tours include: The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Pippin and Sunset Boulevard. At Paper Mill Playhouse, Mr. Dixon portrayed the Major General in Pirates!, King Charlemagne in Pippin, Max in The Sound of Music, Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady, among others. Amanda Rose's (Niki Harris) credits include the Broadway production of Wicked and the national tours of Wicked, Dr. Doolittle and Oklahoma! Kevin Kern's (Aaron Fox) credits include: Broadway's Wicked, The Wedding Singer, and Les Misérables as well as the pre-Broadway runs of 9 to 5: The Musical and Next to Normal. Helen Anker (Georgia Hendricks) made her Broadway debut in the revival of Promises, Promises after appearing in recent West End (London) productions of Beautiful and Damned, On The Town and Parade. David Elder (Bobby Pepper) starred in the original Broadway production of Curtains and boasts credits that include; the national tour of Damn Yankees and Broadway's 42nd Street, Kiss Me, Kate! and Guys and Dolls. Aaron Galligan-Stierle's (Daryl Grady) Broadway credits include: Ragtime and Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Dick Decareau's (Oscar Shapiro) Broadway credits include: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Raggedy Ann and the national tours of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Ragtime and Annie. Rye Mullis's (Johnny Harmon) credits include tours with Young Frankenstein and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Anne Horak (Bambi Bernstein) appeared in Broadway's Young Frankenstein and White Christmas. Daniel Marcus (Sidney Bernstein) starred in the original Broadway cast of Urinetown. His other Broadway credits include: Pal Joey, 1776, The Women in White, among others.

Rounding out the cast are Monique Alhaddad, Ashley Arcement, Colin Bradbury, Joshua James Campbell, Lauren DeCierdo, Mathew DeGuzman, Taurean Everett, Becca Kloha, Mary Ann Lamb, Ian Liberto, Patrick O'Neill, Happy McPartlin, Molly Tynes, Kyle Vaughn and Dana Winkle.

Based on the original book and concept by Peter Stone and modified by Rupert Holmes, this Broadway gem features the razzle-dazzle musical style of celebrated songwriting duo John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics), the same pair behind hits like Cabaret and Chicago. Additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes.

Curtains will be directed by Paper Mill Playhouse's Producing Artistic Director, Mark S. Hoebee, who directed last season's hit productions of Smokey Joe's Café and Peter Pan. He has directed the Paper Mill productions of Disney High School Musical; Meet Me in St. Louis; Dreamgirls; The Will Rogers Follies; Victor/Victoria; The King and I; Miss Saigon; Grease; Harold and Maude: The Musical with Estelle Parsons; Hello, Dolly!, starring Tovah Feldshuh; Romance/Romance and Paper Mill Playhouse's critically acclaimed production of The Full Monty, featuring Elaine Stritch. Mr. Hoebee directed the Actor's Fund Benefit Concert of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at the August Wilson Theatre which starred Terrence Mann, Emily Skinner, and Jennifer Hudson. Hoebee has directed national tours of Company; Victor/Victoria; and Dreamgirls. His Broadway performance credits include: Victor/Victoria, Beauty and the Beast, Nick & Nora, and Jerome Robbins' Broadway. He served as an Adjunct Professor in the Dance and Theatre Department at Northwestern University.

Curtains also features the work of choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter, whose productions include: Broadway's Spring Awakening, Curtains, The Wedding Singer and All Shook Up, as well as the national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Joining Hoebee and Hunter on the creative team are: Tom Helm (Music Director), Randy Hansen (Sound Design), Charlie Morrison (Lighting Design) Robert Kovach (Scenic Design), and Tracy Christensen (Costume Design). The production stage manager is Thomas J. Gates.

In conjunction with Curtains, Paper Mill Playhouse is proud to announce a series of free audience enrichment activities including: The Director's Viewpoint, April 27th at 6:30pm, Conversation Club, every Thursday evening at 6:30pm and Q&A with the Cast on May 21st, following the matinee. Visit www.papermill.org for more details on Paper Mill Playhouse's free audience enrichment activities.

PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theaters. Paper Mill Playhouse 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, and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the generous contributions of numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

To post a comment, you must register and login.