Holiday roundup

Trying to get into the Christmas spirit. Work keeps getting in the way, although some of that work is going to see holiday shows, so I won't complain (any more).

Of course, there's plenty of holiday shows to see. Here's a link to a nice North Jersey roundup of holiday shows Lorraine Ash did for the Daily Record.

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071123/ENT07/711230301/1082/ENT

Expanding on her geographic and deadline constraints, I'll point out a few more.

r The Theatre Project, the professional theater in residence at Union County College, will recreate the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre presentation of “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.
This popular stage production features 12 actors and one musician, supported by an overworked, stressed-out sound-effects technician, in a unique and humorous take on the Frank Capra holiday classic. Liz Zazzi adapts.
Admission is by donation ($10 suggested) with children admitted free of charge. The theater is at 1033 Springfield Ave. For information, call (973) 659-5189.

r 12 Miles West Theatre Company is now in residence at Playwrights Theatre, 33 Green Village road, Madison, an is bringing their annual holiday radio play with them. Liz Zazzi also did this adaptation of "Miracle on 34th St.," which, unlike some 12 Miles stuff, is family friendly.
Friday @ 8pm, Saturday @ 3 & 8pmTickets are $21 Adults / $16 Students & Seniors.
My guess is Madison is an even 30 miles from 34th St.


Other notes:
Let's hope that James A. Stephens is an improvement on last year's Scrooge in McCarter Theatre's "A Christmas Carol." Paul Benedict, a fine actor (remembered from "The Jeffersons" on TV, but a veteran stage actor) seemed overwhelmed by the role.

Another reviewer was appalled by a recent production of Christopher Durang's "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge." I have not seen the show, but I love Durang, so I'm hoping to find time to see the community theater production at Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph.

If you're looking for something different for Christmas, but Durang sounds like a bit much, let me once again recommend "My Three Angels" at Centenary (review above). Lots of fun.

I'll be at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ Saturday night. See you there.

PS: Since TNT already is broadcasting "A Christmas Story," remind me to blog about author Jean Shepherd, who I grew up listening to on the radio and knew the short stories comprising the movie by heart 15 years before they were filmed. Late in his life, I got to meet him, interview him and even spend a bit of time with him. Fascinating guy.