Pushcart Players Will be CELEBRATING NEW JERSEY in 2014

Pushcart Players, New Jersey's renowned touring theatre for young audiences presents "Celebrating New Jersey," a timely folk musical that coincides with New Jersey's 350th Anniversary in 2014. The production will tour the State, available for school assemblies, professional theatres and community centers.

"Celebrating New Jersey" reaches across more than three centuries, linking young viewers to the past while breathing new life into a most creative period in the Garden State's history. From the arrival of the first settlers to the American Revolution, from the writing of the Constitution to the significant Civil War battles waged in New Jersey, from Thomas Edison's life-changing work in West Orange to New Jersey's pivotal role in industry, "Celebrating New Jersey" is a spirited and stylish exploration of the innovation and diversity that continue to define New Jersey.

"The production is brimming with humor, conflict and discovery," said Ruth Fost, Pushcart's co-founder and executive artistic director. Fost is the playwright and lyricist for the production as well. "I think people will be surprised by the many 'firsts' from NJ, which include the steam locomotive, the submarine and the electric guitar. Oh, and did I mention America's first copper mine, the first World Series radio broadcast and the first robot? There's a lot to be proud of!"

Phebe Taylor and Harry Patrick Christian perform "Celebrating New Jersey". Taylor is a Pushcart Players since 2004. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, Phebe is a company member of the Heartland Actors' Repertory Theatre and a frequent performer at The Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis. Christian is a teaching artist and director when not working as an actor. He performed in the one-man show, "Santaland Diaries " in Quincy, IL and at Luna Stage, NJ. Appearing in improvisational shows, cabarets and regional theatre, he most recently was seen in "The Language Archive" and "The Other Place," for Dreamcatcher Repertory Theater in Summit, NJ. With the Passaic Police Department's Youth Services Division, Christian brings theatre arts to teenagers who are first-time violent crime offenders.

The production is directed by Paul Whelihan, who is also an actor, stage manager, producer and playwright. He most recently appeared in "Deathtrap" at Centenary Stage in Hackettstown, having previously performed in numerous productions off-Broadway and regionally throughout the country. Whelihan has directed the majority of Pushcart's productions throughout its history and continues to be a teaching artist in the tri-state area in elementary, middle and high schools.

The music of "Celebrating New Jersey" combines traditional folk songs with original works. Incidental music and orchestrations are by Larry Hochman, who has collaborated with Pushcart co-founder Carole Wechter, since the company's inception. Hochman won the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his co-orchestration of "The Book of Mormon." He also orchestrated "Monty Python's Spamalot," "The Addams Family" and "Jane Eyre" among others.

Pushcart Players is in its 40th anniversary season of presenting productions filled with fun, facts, magic and wonder. The company has traveled over 2 million miles to serve more than 8 million children and their families nationally and abroad. All performances come with innovative scenery, complete lighting and state of the art sound systems, making it adaptable to any location.

For further information on this or any of Pushcart's programs and services, contact Pushcart Players at 973.857.1115 or visit the website at www.pushcartplayers.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Harvey Glick

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