Beth Holland News

Jan McArt, the legendary Florida theater pioneer who two Governors proclaimed to be the 'First Lady of Florida Musical Theatre,' returns to the South Florida stage, this time starring in Tony Finstrom's new comedy thriller MURDER ON GIN LANE.

The first play to be featured will be MURDER ON GIN LANE by Tony Finstrom. Wayne Rudisill will direct the reading and the all-star cast will include Jeffrey Bruce, soon to be seen in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre; Iris Acker, the host of the local Beacon TV series Onstage with iris Acker; Beth Holland, New York actress and local Board of Directors President of The Symphony of the Americas; and Ms. McArt, who is widely recognized as the First Lady of Florida's Musical Theatre.

Since their inception in 1996 the Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee- Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) Rising Star Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre have ignited the careers of many notable performers, all of whom attended high school in New Jersey. Among the early nominees and winners are Academy Award® nominee Anne Hathaway, Tony® award winner Laura Benanti, and 2011 Tony® nominee, Nikki M. James. Paper Mill Playhouse hosted the 16th Annual Rising Star Awards- Presented by the Investors Savings Bank Foundation on Tuesday, June 7th at the Millburn Theater. Schools nominated for Outstanding Overall Musical and Leading Actor/Actress nominees performed at the event and award recipients were presented with a crystal award from Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards partner, Tiffany & Co. Westfield High School came out on top, winning nine Rising Star Awards (including Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical) and two scholarships.

Since their inception in 1996 the Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) Rising Star Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre have ignited the careers of many notable performers, all of whom attended high school in New Jersey. Among the early nominees and winners are Academy Award® nominee Anne Hathaway, Tony® award winner Laura Benanti, and 2011 Tony® nominee, Nikki M. James.