Matt Lenz News

EMPIRE, a new musical about the men and women who defied the odds and built the tallest skyscraper in the world, is currently undergoing a five-week developmental workshop and will receive industry presentations on October 27 and 28.

Gifted jazz vocalist Jane Monheit sang the score of Cole Porter's Anything Goes to swinging new arrangements by bassist Mary Ann McSweeney at the Broadway at Birdland concert series on Monday, September 19. This event was a fundraiser for The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative. Broadway leading man Marc Kudisch joined in on the fun with a hilarious duet and dazzling solo turn during the sold-out, jazz-tinged evening of music.

Chris Isaacson Presents New York's Finest -The Leading Men of Broadway directed by Sam Harris @ the Ford Amphitheatre on September 16. Harris certainly needs no introduction. His brilliant performances on stage/TV over the years have dazzled audiences worldwide. In our chat, he talks about this exciting show and other theatrical interests.

Atlanta's Broadway dreams will come true for the 6th consecutive summer when The Broadway Dreams Foundation (BDF) presents their acclaimed Summer Performing Arts Intensive Monday, June 13 through Sunday, June 19, 2011 at The Woodruff Arts Center (1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA). Director Matt Lenz (Catch Me if You Can) and a roster of Broadway veterans will work with aspiring young performers from the Atlanta area throughout the week in preparation for 'True Colors,' a one of a kind Broadway concert open to the public. Performances will take place at the Hertz Stage Saturday, June 18th at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sunday, June 19th at 1 pm and 5 pm. Tickets are $30 - $50 and are now on sale at www.woodruffcenter.org, at the Woodruff Center Box Office, or by calling 404.733.5000 .

Atlanta's Broadway dreams will come true for the 6th consecutive summer when The Broadway Dreams Foundation (BDF) presents their acclaimed Summer Performing Arts Intensive Monday, June 13 through Sunday, June 19, 2011 at The Woodruff Arts Center (1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA). Director Matt Lenz (Catch Me if You Can) and a roster of Broadway veterans will work with aspiring young performers from the Atlanta area throughout the week in preparation for 'True Colors,' a one of a kind Broadway concert open to the public. Performances will take place at the Hertz Stage Saturday, June 18th at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sunday, June 19th at 1 pm and 5 pm. Tickets are $30 - $50 and are now on sale at www.woodruffcenter.org, at the Woodruff Center Box Office, or by calling 404.733.5000 .

The Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center at the Forestburgh Playhouse announced today that it will open its Main Stage 2011 season with the original musical IDAHO!, winner of the Best of Fest Audience Prize at the New York Musical Theater Festival in 2008. Starring Austin Miller ('Grease: You're The One That I Want'), Jessica Hershberg (Little House on the Prairie), and Paul Vogt (Broadway's Hairspray, 'MadTV'), the original musical, with a book and lyrics by Buddy Sheffield and music by Sheffield and Keith Thompson will run at the Forestburgh Playhouse from June 1st through 12th. IDAHO! will be directed by Matt Lenz (Associate Director of Broadway's Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can).

[title of show] is a musical comedy for anyone who has followed a dream. When two struggling writers make a commitment to write something new in three weeks, they quickly find that writing a comedy about the process of writing was more interesting than anything else they could write!

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director) announces that the 2010-2011 season opening production, Hairspray has extended its performance schedule. Originally scheduled to run through October 17, Hairspray will now run from September 22 through October 24, 2010. Casting will be announced soon.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival and littleloco productions announce an added performance of the American Premiere of FINGERS AND TOES.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival and littleloco productions announce an added performance of the American Premiere of FINGERS AND TOES.

Castro's invading, integration is the new frontier and you have to be much larger than a size 6 to be considered plus-size.  Welcome to the '60s and welcome to Paper Mill's big, bubbly and thoroughly loveable production of Hairspray.

Michael Frayn's 1975 comedy, Alphabetical Order, is the type of play that, either as a compliment or as a dismissal, American audiences are likely to label as 'very British.'  Its humor is subtle, its themes are sub-textual and the characters all talk in these funny accents.  But even those who appreciate the delicacy of that type of play may find this early work by the versatile writer who went on to pen the riotous Noises Off and the heady Copenhagen a little padded and lacking in both humor and bite.  Still, director Carl Forsman and the Keen Theatre Company serve up a lively production that boasts its charms, particularly in the performances of the engaging ensemble.

Paper Mill Playhouse is presenting Hairspray, directed by Matt Lenz, with choreography by Michele Lynch, at the Millburn theatre from September 22 through October 24, 2010. On September 26, the company celebrated the show's official opening night. BroadwayWorld was on hand and brings you after-party coverage below!

Paper Mill Playhouse is presenting Hairspray, directed by Matt Lenz, with choreography by Michele Lynch, at the Millburn theatre from September 22 through October 24, 2010. Yesterday, September 26, the company celebrated the show's official opening night. BroadwayWorld was on hand and brings you photo coverage below!

Hairspray will play the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 7:00PM, Thursdays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM, Fridays at 7:00PM, Saturdays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM and Sundays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM. Single tickets are now on sale and range in price from $25 to $92. Family week is September 22 through September 26, during which children's tickets are half off. Student rush tickets are $20 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 brand new 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 up to a 25% discount on tickets and should call 973-379-3636 ext.2438.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director) announces that the 2010-2011 season opening production, Hairspray has extended its performance schedule. Originally scheduled to run through October 17, Hairspray will now run from September 22 through October 24, 2010. Casting will be announced soon.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt, Managing Director) is proud to announce a free, community event celebrating the opening of Hairspray at the Millburn Theater. Hairspray's Blowout Bash will take place on Main Street and Taylor Park in Downtown Millburn on Sunday, September 19th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Hairspray's Blowout Bash will feature: rides, games, live entertainment, contests, give-a-ways, food, a special appearance from members of the Hairspray cast and more. Hairspray's Blowout Bash is a rain or shine event.

Paper Mill Playhouse will present Hairspray, directed by Matt Lenz, with choreography by Michele Lynch, at the Millburn theatre from September 22 through October 24, 2010. Yesterday, September 15, the company met the press and BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage below!

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt, Managing Director) is proud to announce a free, community event celebrating the opening of Hairspray at the Millburn Theater. Hairspray's Blowout Bash will take place on Main Street and Taylor Park in Downtown Millburn on Sunday, September 19th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Hairspray's Blowout Bash will feature: rides, games, live entertainment, contests, give-a-ways, food, a special appearance from members of the Hairspray cast and more. Hairspray's Blowout Bash is a rain or shine event. Below you will find the time-line for the event that includes four, themed contests including; Jersey's Big Hair Contest, a 60's Dance-Off, Hula Hoop Contest and a 60's Costume Contest. Children and adults are encouraged to participate. WPLJ-95.5FM, New Jersey and New York's hit music station, will host each contest. HAIRSPRAY BLOWOUT BASH Sunday, September 19, 2010 EVENT TIME-LINE 1:00pm Event Begins 1:15pm-1:30pm Big Hair Contest / Give-a-ways 1:30pm-2:15pm The Party Dolls Perform 2:15pm-2:40pm 60's Dance Off / Give-a-ways 3:00pm-3:45pm The Party Dolls Perform 3:45pm-4:00pm Hula Hoop Contest / Give-a-ways 4:00pm-4:15pm Hairspray Cast Performance 4:15pm-5:00pm The Party Dolls Perform 5:00pm-5:30pm DJ/ 60's Costume Contest Awards Paper Mill Playhouse has been creating unique, free, community events for the past several years to celebrate the opening of each season. Last year, The Little House on the Prairie Harvest Festival attracted more than 2,000 area residents. 'Paper Mill Playhouse's season opening event is becoming a tradition for many area residents,' says Shayne Miller Director of Press and Public Relations for the Millburn Theater. 'This free event is Paper Mill Playhouse's way of thanking the community that supports our theater. Each year the event grows as we add new elements, entertainment and lots of fun for the kids.' Hairspray's Blowout Bash will feature The Fantastic Party Dolls Show and Dance Band. The Party Dolls started out in 1985 as a '60's Girl Group and Motown Review' The show has gone from Nantucket to Maui and played in 18 states and two foreign countries. The repertoire has expanded to cover '70's Disco Divas' and 'Ladies of the 80's'. From Motown to Madonna they are 'A tribute to girl groups and women in rock'. Some highlights and notable engagements include: George W. Bush Inaugural, PNC Arts Center; Trump Marina, Hard Rock (NYC, AC, Philly); Museum of Natural History; Yale University; Palm Beach; Southampton, Bermuda, Bahamas. The Party Dolls have appeared on the bill with such Rock and Roll Hall of Famers as; The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, Connie Francis, Ben E. King and Dick Clark. They appeared on the nationally syndicated 'Joe Franklin Show' and will be making an appearance on 'The View'. There are plenty of FREE activities for the kids too. The event will feature rides including; Turbo Tubs, a trackless train with rides around Taylor Park, a 'candy house' themed moonwalker, a 24 foot inflatable slide, inflatable twister, vintage carnival games, spin art and more. There will be free cotton candy for the kids sponsored by Downtown Millburn (while supplies last). Other food items will be available for purchase on the day of the event. WPLJ-95.5FM, New Jersey and New York's hit music station, will DJ the event. Paper Mill Playhouse and WPLJ-95.5FM will be hosting contests throughout the day including: Jersey's Biggest Hair Contest, 60's Costume Contest, Hula Hoop Contest, 60's Dance Off, 60's trivia and more. So dust off the Jackie Kennedy wear and pull out the hairspray and show your 1960's spirit. Contests are open to children and adults. Hairspray's Blowout Bash will take place on Main Street and Taylor Park in Downtown Millburn on Sunday, September 19th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Hairspray's Blowout Bash will feature: rides, games, entertainment, contests, give-a-ways, food, a special appearance from members of the Hairspray cast and more. Hairspray's Blowout Bash is a rain or shine event. MORE ON HAIRSPRAY Paper Mill Playhouse recently announced casting for Hairspray. Directed by Matt Lenz, with choreography by Michele Lynch, Hairspray will run at the Millburn theatre from September 22 through October 24, 2010. Family Week is September 22 through September 26 and during this period children's tickets are half off the regular price (certain restrictions apply). Hairspray is proudly sponsored by American Airlines, the official airline of Paper Mill Playhouse. Hairspray will play the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 7:00PM, Thursdays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM, Fridays at 7:00PM, Saturdays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM and Sundays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM. (Extended week has an alternate schedule. Check Paper Mill Playhouse's website for more information on the extension.) 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 brand new 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 up to a 25% discount or more on tickets and should call 973-379-3636, extension 2438.

To promote the upcoming opening of their newest production, Hairspray, Paper Mill Playhouse recently orgnized a flash mob at Jersey Gardens Mall. Check out the video below of hundred joining in for 'You Can't Stop the Beat.'