“Deepcut Tree” An exhibit of oil paintings by local artist Pat Halsey is at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center through June 21. “What’s Happening Now” consists of paintings of scenes in Monmouth and Ocean counties done en plein air (in the open air). An artist’s reception will be held Friday at 6 p.m. The cultural center is located at 128 Ocean Ave., Monmouth Beach. For information, call 732-531-2367 or e-mail [email protected]. First Avenue Playhouse, in Atlantic Highlands, will hold auditions for the August presentation of “Men Are Dogs” by Joe Simonelli on Sunday, June 15, and Monday, June 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the playhouse, 123 First Ave. Needed are six women, ages 20 to 65, and two men, ages 25 to 50. The play deals with a women’s relationship counseling group. All roles are open. Call 732-291-7552 or visit www.firstavenueplayhouse.com.
The Monmouth County Park System’s production of “The Pajama Game” will be presented in the summer stock atmosphere of The Barn at Thompson Park, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. The show runs June 20-29, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, $10 for children under age 12, and can be reserved by calling 732-842-4000, ext. 1.
Academy Award-nominated actor
John Astin will appear at the Duncan Smith Theater in Holmdel for two special benefit performances for the Holmdel Theatre Company at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28. “An Evening With John Astin” will feature readings, storytelling, anecdotes and reflections on acting. Astin is best known for the role of Gomez Addams on TV’s “The Addams Family.” The theater is located at Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel. Tickets are $30 in advance (until June 17), and $35 thereafter and at the door. Reservations may be made by calling the box office at 732-946-0427.
For more information, visit www.holmdeltheatrecompany.org.
“Dancing at Lughnasa” by Brian Friel will run through June 28 at the Eatontown Playhouse. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The playhouse is located at 37-13 Route 35 north in the Tower Market shopping center. Tickets are $22, $17 for seniors and students. For tickets and information, call 732-888-0339.
First Avenue Playhouse, 123 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands, is presenting “Roommates” through June 28. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. June 22. For reservations and information, call 732-291-7552 or visit 732-291-7552. Tickets $20, $15 seniors and students.
Constantine Maroulis, “American Idol” top-10 finalist, stars in the Premier Theatre Company’s presentation of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The rock opera in two acts, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, is based on the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The musical opens at The Henderson Theater in Lincroft on June 13 and runs through June 28 Performances are at 8 p.m. June 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 2 p.m. June 22 and 28. Tickets are $26, $24 for seniors, $16 for students, and $13 for children age 13 and under.
Compiled by Gloria Stravelli