EAST BRUNSWICK Having showcased comedies, classic musicals and dramas, local community theater Playhouse 22 is currently in its 59th season.
Playhouse 22 is a non-profit, volunteer-driven community theater troupe that is managed by a board of directors who oversee all of the productions and programs. The theater is located at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center at 721 Cranbury Road, according to the theater’s Executive Producer and Vice President Adam Neary.
“Elliott Taubenslag, a now-retired educator who taught, among other things, drama and English at East Brunswick High School, is credited as one of our founders. Elliott also launched the Children’s Summer Theater program at East Brunswick High School, which is now nearly 60 years old, as well. Dolly and Joe Vasta also helped to create the theater group,” Neary said.
Playhouse 22 produces five main-stage shows, of which there are nine performances each, two smaller black box shows, the theater’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” and smaller special events throughout the season, Neary said. The theater’s season runs from September to June.
“As a community theater, there are no requirements to be an actor. Most of our performers and backstage crew simply work on shows as a hobby. Some of them are teachers, others are engineers, attorneys, retired, etc. We hold open auditions for each and every one of our shows and anyone can try out.
“We’re also always looking for non-performers to play a role at the playhouse. Many of us are not actors, yet we have found a home at Playhouse 22,” Neary said.
At any given moment, there is anywhere between 20 to 25 volunteers at the theater. They range from performers, backstage crew, scenic builders, tech staff and other roles.
“We stage everything from comedies from Neil Simon, classic musicals like ‘My Fair Lady,’ ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Guys ‘n’ Dolls’ to dramas like ‘A Few Good Men’ and ‘Death of a Salesman.’ Our shows are diverse and topical to the world we live in,” Neary said.
“The best way to support Playhouse 22 is simple: come and see a show. We pride ourselves on being local, affordable and put on award-winning theater.”
For more information about the Playhouse 22, visit www.playhouse22.org/about.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].