UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 18, 19, 20
The James Ward Mansion
Westfield, NJ
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
Directed and Produced by: Olivia Ebel and McKenzie Waddell
August 15, 16, 17
The James Ward Mansion
Westfield, NJ
“My husband married me to have a constant reminder of how loathsome women are.”
Originally premiered by the New York Theatre Strategy in May 1977 at the Relativity Media Lab, María Irene Fornés’ Fefu and Her Friends follows a woman by the name of Stephanie, who is more often than not affectionately referred to by her friends as Fefu, and those same friends as they visit her home in New England for an afternoon and evening together. Set in 1935, the play introduces us to a cast of all female friends, and while a man or two may be mentioned, they are never seen on stage. Throughout the play, Fefu and her friends start meaningful conversations, share memories, pose questions, play games, and push through pain both physical and spiritual. As the course of the play unravels, not only are the ideas of friendship challenged but also questions around understanding one another’s experiences arise through the women’s interactions.
Directed by: Naomi Livingstone
Assistant Directed by: Sabrina Carlier