Bergen County Players to Present FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY, 11/29-12/21

Ready for the holidays, Bergen County Players presents Freckleface Strawberry the Musical from November 29 through December 21 on the local stage of the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ. The family-friendly show will be performed on Fridays at 8:00 pm as well as Saturdays and Sundays at both 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. As is the tradition of the annual family show, following all performances the cast will meet with the children in the audience, sign autographs and pose for pictures. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased online at www.bcplayers.org or by calling the box office at 201-261-4200. Attractive group discounts are available, and private pre-show tours can also be arranged by calling the group sales line at the box office number above, choosing mailbox #6.

An uplifting show for all ages, Freckleface Strawberry is based on Julianne Moore's acclaimed bestselling book of the same name and features an inspiring plot, catchy music and energetic dance numbers. Under the stirring direction of Jerry Hurley, who is ably assisted by Geri Berhain, music director Cheryl Woertz and choreographer Alexa Racioppi, the cast brings to life a story of self-esteem, of being oneself, of living in your own skin...even if that skin is filled with freckles.

"In fact, to show support," says Director Hurley, "we invite all young girls who attend the show to come with their own freckles, or faux freckles, even make-up freckles."

Harrington Park's Heather Mueger, in the title role of Freckleface Strawberry, will do anything to get rid of her freckles - from scrubbing them, to makeup, and even disguise. A memorable teacher,(Jill Eras/Wyckoff) teaches her that everyone is different--with the help of schoolmates including a ballerina (Elizabeth Scully/Paramus), a jock (Matt DeMarco/Dumont), a ditz (Rosella DeVincenzo/Oradell), an alien (Emily Cooper/Westwood), and Head Freckle, Donatello Fontaine (Edie Orlando/Hillsdale) Freckleface learns that everyone is not only different but very special.

Producer Rhea Smith of Oradell, who also co-designed the set and wrote the program bios, leads the production team composed of director Jerry Hurley (Hackensack); music director Cheryl Woertz (Alpine); choreographer Alexa Racioppi (Wyckoff); assistant director and stage manager Geri Berhain (Hasbrouck Heights); set designer and photographer Michael Smith (Oradell); lighting designer Ray Poquette (Westwood); lighting operators Michele Roth (New Milford) and Sandra Conklin (Norwood); sound designer Tim Larsen (Hackensack); sound operator Maura Cosides (Dumont); decor: Lauren Zenreich (Oradell); costumers Lisa McCarthy and Anita Scully (Paramus); member at large Glenn Woertz (Warwick); publicist Jean Llewellyn (Ramsey); properties and crew Pat Bain, (Englewood), Abby Light (Paramus) and Gloria Bumbaco (Dumont) and program advertising and work day photos, Bill Wetzel (Maywood).

• All performances take place at The Little Firehouse Theatre at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, home to the Bergen County Players since 1949. Performance times are Fridays at 8 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.
• Tickets are $14 for all performances, and can be purchased online at www.bcplayers.org, by calling 201-261-4200 or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours. Visa, Master Card and American Express are accepted.
• Those interested in Group Sales of 20 or more tickets can call (201) 261-4200 (Mailbox #6).
• All patrons entering the theatre, including infants and small children, must have a ticket, even if the child shares a seat with a parent. A limited number of booster seats are available upon request and are provided at no charge.
• Parking is free at the Park Avenue municipal lot, across the street, one-half block north of the theater.