The Chatham Community Players will host its 14th annual Jersey Voices One-Act Festival with five performances between July 25 and August 2. This year’s production will include six short plays written by New Jersey playwrights. Jersey Voices has provided a venue for New Jersey playwrights to showcase their work since 1995.
"Jersey Voices continues to grow and evolve," said Artistic Director Robert Lukasik. "What started as a ‘summer program’ for The Chatham Community Players has grown into a successful artistic endeavor in its own right – matching talented New Jersey playwrights with equally talented local directors. We are pleased with the response and support we continue to receive from the performing community, and we are fortunate, once again, to have a wonderfully talented cast of actors to bring these new works to life."
This year’s selection committee received over 100 scripts from more than 50 playwrights across the state. Three of this year's plays were written by playwrights whose works have been featured in Jersey Voices before (Eric Alter, Henry Meyerson, and Frank Briamonte). The other three pieces were written by newcomers to Jersey Voices (Karen Howes, Eleanor Kennedy, and Susan Barsky).
Each of the following pieces will be performed each night of the festival:
- Parting Gifts by Frank Briamonte
Parting Gifts is a comedy with heart, that reminds us not to wait to make amends and seek reconciliation. This production features Robert Lukasik, Peter Hourihan, Paul Sacks and Don Howes.
Arnold Buchiane of Summit directs.
- Tech Support by Henry Meyerson
"When was the last time you called 'Tech Support' for assistance? This is the call from hell!" This production features Stacey Simon and Terri Sturtevant.
Joann Scanlon of Chatham directs.
- Road Kill by Karen Howes
What really happens in a diner off a long stretch of road in the middle of nowhere? This production features David Jimenez and Victoria Steele.
Mark Phelan of Parsippany directs.
- Over the Line by Eleanor Kennedy
Local politics take a back seat when two law enforcement officials discover their opportunity for their 15 minutes of fame. This production features Frank Briamonte, Katie Parziale and Tom Hodge.
Maybelle Cowan-Lincoln of Morris Plains directs.
- Fowl Play by Susan Barsky
A divorced woman and her feathered visitor share a Thanksgiving morning learning that with the right company, hard times can become enjoyable. Okay, bearable. This production features Liz Royce and Tom Blewitt.
Jon DeAngelis of Chatham directs.
- Mirror, Mirror by Eric Alter
Who do you see when you look in a mirror? This production features Julia Sann, Kristin Bennett, Jessica Schwartz and Cooper Sacks.
Don Howes of Chatham directs.
Performance dates are Friday and Saturday evenings, July 25 and 26, and August 1 and 2. There is one Thursday performance on July 31. All performances begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth/seniors. They can be ordered by visiting our TicketLeap affiliate. For more information, call the box office at (973) 635-7363. It is highly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
Mail your submissions for next years festival to:
P.O. Box 234
Chatham, NJ 07928
Include a SASE for return of materials only
For more information, call 973-635-7363 or email jerseyvoices@chathamplayers.org