Neary makes theater debut
with role as ferocious lion
By vincent todaro
Staff Writer
CHRIS KELLY Mayor William Neary, as the ferocious lion, rehearses Tuesday with East Brunswick’s Children’s Summer Theater.
EAST BRUNSWICK — Though he might feel the urge at times, Mayor William Neary does not growl during Township Council meetings.
In his latest role, however, growling is not only encouraged, it’s expected.
Neary will make his theater debut tomorrow, with a part in Androcles and the Ferocious Lion, a children’s play being performed as part of the Children’s Summer Theater program at East Brunswick High School. Neary will play the part of the ferocious lion.
The theater program, under the direction of Elliott Taubenslag, is in its 44th year. Child actors rehearse all week, and present a different show each Friday throughout the summer.
Friday marks Neary’s first time performing on the stage — something the mayor said he is very excited about. He was practicing with the cast of more than 100 children throughout this week.
The show will be staged twice on Friday. The early show is at 9:30 a.m., and is reserved for parents of the children’s theater participants and for children in many of the recreation summer camps in East Brunswick.
An 11 a.m. show will be open to the general public. Tickets will be sold at the door for $2 per child and $3 per adult.
"I’m the lion, I do a lot of growling," Neary said. "I don’t have much dialogue. It’s not what you would call intense dialogue. It’s designed for kids five to six years old, and it’s a great show. The kids love it."
He said the theater program approached him with the idea to act in the play.
"I never acted in my life," he said. "My son was part of the theater in high school, and Elliott (Taubenslag) asked me a couple of weeks ago if I would do it, and out of respect for him, I agreed."
Neary said the play lasts about 45 minutes.
He wondered just how hot he will be in the lion suit during the late-July heat.
"I gotta do a lot of running and jumping," he said. "I gotta chase the emperor and empress."
Council members have not been summoned for roles, though Neary said that decision is up to Taubenslag, who he described as an "energetic, amazing man."
Taubenslag was a drama teacher at East Brunswick High School for years before his retirement.
Other children’s theater shows taking place this summer include Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Ali Baba and Puss in Boots.
For more information, call the East Brunswick Division of Recreation at (732) 390-6797.