Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: New Jersey

Round-Up: Christmas 2008 in New Jersey Theatres

New Jersey theatres are currently featuring seasonal entertainments for Christmas, 2008. Here is a round-up of those currently on its professional stages:

A Christmas Carol at the McCarter Theatre through December 28 - Once again, McCarter is bringing us David Thompson's expert adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic featuring beautiful and lavish sets by Ming Cho Lee and choreography by Rob Ashford. This year's production stars Dermot Crowley as Scrooge and is directed by Michael Unger. Online: www.mccarter.org.

A Christmas Carol at Tri-State Actors Theatre through December 21 —Veteran actor Paul Meacham directs and portrays Scrooge in an adaptation by Christopher Schario in which five other actors play all the other roles. Online: www.tristateactorstheater.org/

The Nutcracker at the Paper Mill Playhouse through December 28 —Returning to Paper Mill for its annual visit, this New Jersey Ballet features 90 performers and live music courtesy of the Paper Mill Orchestra. Online: www.papermill.org.

The Santaland Diaries at Luna Stage through December 20 —Harry Patrick Christian is back as Crumpet, the Macy's Christmas elf in humorist David Sedaris' hilarious mono-comedy about his first job in New York. It is more tart (and funnier) than typical Christmas fare. This production originated last season under the auspices of co-producer, What Exit? Theatre. Online: www.lunastage.org.

This Wonderful Life at Cape May Stage through December 28 —A unique adaptation of the Frank Capra film in which one actor plays all of the memorable screen characters. Online: www.capemaystage.com.

White Christmas at Surflight Theatre through December 21 - Those at the southern end of the New Jersey shore can count their blessings with the area's own home grown production of the stage adaptation of the Paramount film with its expanded Irving Berlin score. Online: www.surflight.org.

The Wizard of Oz at 12 Miles West through December 20 —Commissioned for this theatre's professional Troupe of Vagabonds family ensemble, this new musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum is the work of Kirk Woodward. Online: www.12mileswest.org.

Please see full Talkin' Broadway reviews for the family appropriate musicals The Year of Frog and Toad at Two River Theatre Company and Cupid and Psyche at New Jersey Rep.


Be sure to Check the current schedule for theatre in New Jersey


- Bob Rendell