Youngsters prep
for ‘No Limits’
presentation
Theater group features
youths who are deaf
and hard of hearing
The No Limits theater group for deaf and hard of hearing children will feature Manalapan residents (l-r) Idella Dermer, Scott Burns and Christen Lee Nelson in its next production, Mission: Possible, to be staged Jan. 12-13 at the Cabaret Theater at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
MANALAPAN — The No Limits theater group for deaf and hard of hearing children will feature three Manalapan youngsters in its next production, Mission: Possible, to be staged Jan. 12-13 at 2 and 4 p.m. at the Cabaret Theater at Rutgers University, Nichol Avenue and Suydam Street, New Brunswick.
Christen Lee Nelson, 9, Scott Burns, 10, and Idella Dermer, 14, all of Manalapan, will be joined in the cast by James Protopapa of Basking Ridge, Angela Philipsheck and Danny Philip-sheck of Bridgewater, Henry Greenfield of Jersey City, Alexis Cohen of Livingston, and Brandon Kohn of East Brunswick.
"During my four-year involvement with No Limits, I have seen incredible growth not only in language development, but also in the confidence and self-esteem of these young children," said Eileen Lee Nelson, director. "No Limits provides a safe and loving environment where children are taught to take risks so they, too, can stand up and be heard."
Nelson said No Limits is the only theater group in the nation that features the talents of deaf children who speak.
Mission: Possible is a take-off on the television series and movie Mission: Impossible. The story follows three young children in their assigned mission: Find the eighth wonder of the world, or the world will be left with no happiness or hope. As the youth sleuths travel around the globe to the wonders of the world, they learn to work together to solve the mission.
"This fun, inspiring and entertaining production features nine severe to profoundly deaf children from New Jersey," Nelson said.
Christen Lee Nelson, 9, a veteran performer of No Limits, will mark her fifth time performing with the theater group. Christen has performed in New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey. She has modeled for Toys R Us and enjoys cheerleading, gymnastics and Girl Scouts. She attends the Milford Brook School.
Scott Burns, 10, a Wemrock Brook School pupil, will be making his second No Limits appearance. Scott was seen last in May in the No Limits production of Timeless Journey.
Making her No Limits debut is Idella Dermer, 14, a student at the Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School. She will portray several roles in Mission: Possible, including a ringleader, a teacher, an Egyptian dancer and a Parisian tourist.
"No Limits provides a fun and creative environment for deaf children to learn language through the theatrical setting," Nelson said. "The positive experiences during the workshops and performances generate an abundance of language opportunities as well as improved self-esteem. The children learn to have courage to overcome obstacles, and believe in themselves, even when others may not."
Founded in 1996 by Michelle Christie, a teacher for the deaf, No Limits is a national organization.
Based in Los Angeles, No Limits has received numerous accolades and awards, including Best Arts Program in the Country from Parents Magazine. No Limits has been the subject of two documentaries and was recently featured on Oprah.
Tickets for Mission: Possible are $15, adults; $10, students and seniors; and $7 for children under 12. For ticket reservations, call (732) 846-2134.