NJ Stage bits: Something 'Fishy' by Peter Filichia

"I like to think of myself as Garrison Keillor of the blues," says Guy Davis. As a result, Davis has put together a show that tells a great deal about that musical art form in the early- to …

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:50am on February 8, 2012☆⚑

'The Story of My Life' tells story of a bond that endures by Anthony Venutolo

Matt Burns as Thomas Weaver and Jim Stanek as Alvin Kelby in 4th Wall Theatre's "The Story of My Life." Remember that friendship that you let fade away? What happened to that pal f…

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:46am on February 8, 2012☆⚑

Zimbabwe-raised actress focuses her stage works on the lives of black women by Ronni Reich

Ed Murray/The Star-Ledger Playwright and actress Danai Gurira explores her Zimbabwean identity in “The Convert,” being staged at McCarter Theatre in Princeton With me…

SOURCE: NJ.com at 9:45am on February 7, 2012☆⚑

Portrait of the artist as a curmudgeon by Peter Filichia

T Charles EricksonBob Ari, right, and Randy Harrison face off as painter Mark Rothko and his assistant in “Red” at the George Street Playhouse. While any actor loves …

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:50am on February 7, 2012☆⚑

Randy Harrison's experience playing visual artists should help him in 'Red' by Peter Filichia

Is Randy Harrison getting typecast? For the third time in his professional career, he'll portray a visual artist. This time, he's Ken, a fictional assistant to famous painter Mark Rothko (19…

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:04am on February 3, 2012☆⚑

NJ Stage bits: 'Fiddler' tuning up by Peter Filichia

Peter Filichia lets us know what's happening on the stage in the garden state

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:21am on February 1, 2012☆⚑

'Veronica's Room' arrives in Morris Township by Peter Filichia

Debra Whitfield stars in "Veronica's Room." Ira Levin didn't need to use a chain saw in Texas to massacre his audience. The late author of "Rosemary's Baby," "The Stepford Wives" a…

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:29am on January 31, 2012☆⚑

NJ Stage: Complex emotions play a big part in 'Jitney' by Peter Filichia

Tony winner Chuck Cooper is starring in a production of the late August Wilson's '70s-set drama in Red Bank.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 8:02am on January 27, 2012☆⚑

NJ Stage: Paper Mill Playhouse's 'Boeing-Boeing' by Peter Filichia

The show manages to make a farce out of this pop-a-mole farce.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 8:02am on January 25, 2012☆⚑

In "Story/Time" choreographer Bill T. Jones' company takes a waltz down memory lane by Robert Johnson

The choreographer's memories, and some second-hand tales, are poignant, hilarious and sometimes terrifying.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 8:51am on January 24, 2012☆⚑

NJ Stage review: Race, identity and religion mix in 'The Convert' by Peter Filichia

Actress and playwright Danai Gurira's arresting new work has its world premiere in Princeton.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 8:02am on January 24, 2012☆⚑

NJ Stage bits: A premiere and revivals in Cape May by Peter Filichia

Stage critic Peter Filichia lets us know what's happening on New Jersey stages

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:41am on January 18, 2012☆⚑

Choreographer Parsons tames his wild impulses by Robert Johnson

Parsons translates the roundness of the globe into obsessive circling.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 6:27pm on January 15, 2012☆⚑

From understudy to star, 'Memphis' is a dream by Kristie Rearick

Bryan Fenkart feels lucky to have a job he truly "believes in." As Huey in the tour of "Memphis" " at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia beginning Jan. 17 " the Bergen County native gets t…

SOURCE: NJ.com at 1:17pm on January 13, 2012☆⚑

'The Convert' asks provocative questions about faith by Peter Filichia

Peter Filcihia says, 'Come with an open mind ...'

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:31am on January 13, 2012☆⚑

Jeremy Jordan will star in 'Newsies' on Broadway, reprising Paper Mill role by Ronni Reich

Jeremy Jordan (right, with Kara Linsey) as Jack Kelley in "Newsies" at the Paper Mill Playhouse, a role he will return to on Broadway. Photo by T. Charles Erickson, courtesy of Pap…

SOURCE: NJ.com at 3:50pm on January 12, 2012☆⚑

'Austin the Unstoppable': Raising awareness about childhood obesity and its health problems by Peggy McGlone

The musical comedy, which premiered Wednesday in New Brunswick, uses middle school humor (think burping jokes) and sincere family situations

SOURCE: NJ.com at 6:59am on January 12, 2012☆⚑

NJ Stage: Brian Dennehy visits Camden; 'Damn Yankees' in Branchburg by Peter Filichia

Also: 'Veronica's Room' at the Bickford and Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 8:00am on January 11, 2012☆⚑

Move over, Barrymores " here come the Connollys by Ronni Reich

Sibling actors share breakout year, with roles on Broadway and the silver screen

SOURCE: NJ.com at 7:51am on January 9, 2012☆⚑

Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble surges forward with Balanchine's "Glinka Pas de Trois" by Robert Johnson

The Ensemble expands its repertoire in anticipation of a 2013 relaunch.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 10:28am on January 6, 2012☆⚑

On Stage: Long Branch extends run of 'Bakersfield Mist' by Peter Filichia

It's the story of a trailer resident who may own a real Jackson Pollock painting and the art appraiser who comes to her home

SOURCE: NJ.com at 8:00am on January 4, 2012☆⚑

The Merce Cunningham Dance Company takes its last bow by Robert Johnson

This stellar troupe's demise calls for a paradigm shift in arts funding.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 4:32pm on January 2, 2012☆⚑

'Phantom of the Opera' reunion in Westfield by Ronni Reich

Former Broadway castmates will sing together again at New Year's Eve show

SOURCE: NJ.com at 8:05am on December 30, 2011☆⚑

Best and worst of New Jersey theater in 2011 by Peter Filichia

Also, highlights from New York stages.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 8:00am on December 28, 2011☆⚑

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater demonstrates its ever-expanding range by Robert Johnson

Ailey is the closest thing we have to a national, modern-dance repertory company.

SOURCE: NJ.com at 10:49am on December 23, 2011☆⚑