Center Players, Freehold’s resident theater company, was recognized for its artistic excellence by being nominated for nine Perry Awards by the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters (NJACT).
NJACT is an association of 180 statewide theater companies which sends reviewers to evaluate hundreds of productions during each theatrical season, according to a press release.
Center Players received six nominations for its production of “Children of a Lesser God,” directed by Charles Frasier and Louis Palermo, and three nominations for “Visiting Mr. Green,” directed by Jack Rosmarin and Bernice Garfield-Szita.
“Receiving recognition by NJACT is so gratifying to our all-volunteer troupe. It feels like we were nominated for Tony Awards on Broadway,” said Bernice Garfield-Szita, president of Center Players.
“There is so much talent and artistic energy in our community; it’s a pleasure to be part of a wonderful open group that works so hard to showcase it. Our little theater family is growing stronger each season. We take great pride in the work we do and the respectful way we work with all our members, actors, designers, crews, hospitality team, and other volunteers,” she added.
According to the press release, Center Players received Perry Awards in three categories:
• Outstanding Young Performer in a Play: Matt Dubrow of Oceanport, for his role as Orin in “Children of a Lesser God.”
• Outstanding Scenic Design in a play: Bernice Garfield-Szita of Manalapan, Colleen DeFelice of Colts Neck, and Kathy Bien of Englishtown, all for “Visiting Mr. Green.”
• Outstanding Properties in a Play: Colleen DeFelice and Kathy Bien for “Visiting Mr. Green.”
When Christopher Chandonnet of Millstone Township was asked if he was disappointed that he did not receive the Perry for Best Actor for his lead performance as James Leads in “Children of a Lesser God,” he said, “No. I am not disappointed; the audience told us all what we needed to know.”
Chandonnet learned American Sign Language for his role and translated the words of Sarah Norman, a deaf young woman played by Camille Lorello of Trenton, nominated for Best Actress.
Center Players is currently preparing for the opening of its latest production, “Catch Me If You Can,” written by Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, based on the play by Robert Thomas and directed by Jack Rosmarin.
The show will open on Oct. 24 and run through Nov. 23.
Tickets are $24; $22 for seniors (60 and older), students, and groups of 10 or more; includes complimentary beverage and desserts during intermission of each performance. Tickets are on sale now.
Dinner packages are available (add $30 per ticket) for the Metropolitan Café, 8 E. Main St., Freehold; and Solo Trattoria, 7 South St., Freehold. Inquire when purchasing tickets. Tickets may be purchase by phone at 732-462-9093, option 1, or online at www.centerplayers.org.