Field trips to the theater

Here's an item running in my Sunday column that should be of interest to educators and students interested in theater.

Another school year is upon us and many students are already longing for the first field trip that frees them from the classroom. This year, with the assistance of some Morris-area theaters, those field trips may transport them across the country and perhaps even through time.
And if the Garden State is too far to travel, the Growing Stage, the Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, can arrange to bring it to you.
Both the Shakespeare Theatre in New Jersey in Madison and the Growing Stage in Netcong are offering special student-matinee deals for upcoming shows.
Schools can take advantage of four matinee dates for “The Time of Your Life” at the Shakespeare Theatre — the first being Wednesday, with additional opportunities Sept. 25-27.
William Saroyan’s morality tale, with elements of both silly comedy and serious drama, is recommended for high-school grades only, but the language and “adult situations” are tame compared to prime-time television standards. “The Time of Your Life” won the Pulitzer Prize in 1940 and is infrequently produced, so this is a rare opportunity to see a true American classic.
The play’s setting, in Depression-era San Francisco, also complements other literature from the early 20th century, including Steinbeck and Tennessee Williams, as well as the study of the Great Depression, according to Shakespeare Theatre staff.
Student-matinee deals also are available for upcoming productions of “Henry VI: Blood and Roses” (Nov. 1, 6, 7; recommended for grades 8 and up) and “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 5, 12; recommended for grades 5 and up).
Student matinees begin at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $16, with free admission to chaperones. For more information, call (973) 408-3980 or e-mail jbgrant@shakespearenj.org.
Student matinees also are planned at the Growing Stage, where the main-stage season begins Sept. 28 with “The Dinosaur Musical.” This prehistoric romp, which runs through Oct. 19, is one of three child-oriented plays available for matinee booking during the 2007-08 season at the professional company’s home in the Palace Theatre in Netcong. A student matinee of “The Dinosaur Musical” will be offered on Oct. 1. The others are “The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)” (Jan. 21 to Feb. 8) and “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse” (April 28 to May 16).
Lesson plans will be provided to teachers and the performances are followed by a question-and-answer session with the theater’s artistic team. More information about the plays is available at www.growingstage.com.
The Growing Stage also has planned a special production about New Jersey, which will be available either for performances at the Palace Theatre or at the booking school.
“Tales From The Garden” is described as “a fun-filled journey through the rich history of the Garden State, from its original settlers to its many legends as well as some of the more unique roles New Jersey has played in American history.” It is recommended for Grades 3 through 8, available March through May and meets N.J. State Department of Education Core Standards 1.1. through 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5 and 6.3 through 6.6.
For additional information, contact Lori B. Lawrence, director of education programs, at: eddir@growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946.