Best and worst of New Jersey theater in 2011

Published: Wednesday, December 28, 2011
by Peter Fillichia / The NJ Star-Ledger

The McCarter Theatre in Princeton, the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn and Madison’s Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey all had terrific seasons.
And yet, 2011 was such a splendid year on stage in New Jersey that not one of the many accomplished productions at these three top-notch theaters could crack my Top 10 Best List.

Instead, it was a year when productions from many of the state’s smallest theaters took the honors instead. Big things indeed did come in small packages, as well as from our better-known companies. Here are the golden ten from around the state, in alphabetical order.

Christine Lakin & Beth Malone in THE BREAK UP NOTEBOOK at The ReVision Theatre

The Break-Up Notebook
(ReVision Theatre, Asbury Park)
Here was a complete triumph that even helped the waistlines of theatergoers; they doubled over from laughter so often that they did virtually sit-ups. And yet, Librettist Patricia Cotter and songwriter Lori Scarlett could be serious in having their winning heroine Helen ask, “So what happens when the love of your life — isn’t?” Beth Malone gave the best female performance of the year as the lovelorn lass, and Jamison Stern was the best featured actor as her best friend.

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I am currently working on the development of a new musical with the authors as well as the development of two new one person shows. We’re not at the point yet where I can really talk about any of them yet…but check back and I hope to have more, later.

I’m also teaching an audition workshop for musical theatre performers and as always I’m available for private coaching.

For more information contact me at: Tom@ThomasMorrissey.com