 The English Bride Professional Equity Play Apr. 5-21, 2013 |
Sept. 30-Oct. 16, 2011
Sitnik Theater of the Lackland Center
Professional Equity Theatre Presentation
The Play
From the author who penned The Man Who Came To Dinner, Moss Hart's classic comedy Light Up The Sky revolves around a group of New York theatre-folk who attend the opening of their new play in Boston. The inspired young playwright, the dramatic diva, the emotionally involved director, and short tempered producer gather in star's hotel room to toast the pending their pending triumph: a moving new play destined to change the hearts and minds of audiences everywhere. However, by the end of the night, everyone is wishing they had performed Oklahoma.
Award-winning set designer Bob Phillips will transform the David and Carol Lackland Center's Sitnik Theatre into one of Boston's grand hotels for Centenary Stage Company's (CSC) season premiere production of the comedy Light Up The Sky by Moss Hart, which will open Sept 30th and run through Oct 16 in Hackettstown.
Play By: Moss Hart
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| Above Photos by Bob Eberle | ||
| Reviews |
| "Delightful, Grand Scale Revival of Moss Hart's 1948 Light Up The Sky" [article
title] "The resulting play...is enjoying a loving, grand scale revival at Hackettstown's Centenary Stage." "Moss Hart was famously a master of play construction. It is very satisfying to see how skillfully each act is a full and rounded scene with an effective curtain...sets up the following act ...or resolves matters with an explanation point..." "The outstanding performances of the evening are the work of Kirsten Hopkins...as the temperamental Irene Livingston , respectively. Kirsten Hopkins pulls off the difficult task of demonstrating for us the poise, flair and vigorous spirit that sets off a true stage star whose peccadilloes must be accepted (or, at least, to which attention must be paid). "...and Mikaela Kafka...As the wisecracking, interfering manager-mother, Kafka is adroit at creating that featured comic character whose role exists solely to inflate the laugh meter...Kafka repeatedly raises the comic ante." "Eli Ganias...likeable and believable..." "Liz Zazzi is hilariously bubble headed as his Frances." "Moss Hart seems to take especial pleasure in skewering the pompous Fitzgerald, and David Edwards manages to capture the hilarity in the role in a droll, not too far over the top portrayal." "Michael Irvin Pollard makes a strong, steadying contribution...role of Owen Turner" "Kathleen O'Mara provides a likeably light touch at the top of the play as a typist..." "Emilio Tirri is solid as the idealistic Peter Sloane." "Carl Wallnau has directed adeptly, maintaining a fast pace without losing any of the comedy's nuances, and eliciting a smooth ensemble performance from his cast." "An unusually large contribution is made by the large, richly detailed, beautifully designed two-level set...it solidifies the feeling that we are watching an authentic large scale revival of a full and satisfying, old fashioned idiomatic comedy about the New York/Broadway/American theatre." "...Turner is likely patterned after Moss Hart himself...." Bob Rendell, Talking Broadway Regional News and Reviews [Full Review] "...a charismatic star, a flashy producer and a notable director of the Broadway of yesteryear... wickedly caricatured in Light Up the Sky,..." "...Moss Hart [playwright]... collaborated with George S. Kaufman on a string of hit comedies like the Pulitzer Prize-winning You Can’t Take It With You..." "Handsomely staged by Carl Wallnau... with an appropriately ritzy setting designed by Bob Phillips..." "...most cogent performances are provided by David Edwards, who swans about elegantly as the weepy director, and by Michael Irvin Pollard as Owen Turner, a veteran onlooker amused by the Rialto baloney being served by his colleagues." "The frequently embattled Blacks strike sparks, with Liz Zazzi’s Frances offering a wonderfully malignant glare and a feisty personality while Eli Ganias’s blustering energy as Sidney suggests Sam Levene, who originated the part." "Jonathan Turner makes the most, in a low-key way, of the small but crucial role of a conventioneer..." "Beautiful clothes designed by Julia Sharp aptly reflect the characters as well as their bygone era." Michael Sommers, The New York Times [Full Review] "...classic backstage comedy Light up the Sky by, a giant of American theater, Moss Hart." "...beautifully staged by the CSC's Artistic Director Carl Wallnau and loaded with juicy roles" "The large, well-cast group of 13 actors, appear to be having as much fun playing a group of eccentric, highly emotional theater types (oxymoron ?), as the opening night audience. " "...award-winning set designer Bob Phillips 's superbly detailed and very attractive luxury hotel suite in the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Boston..." "...excellent, Broadway level actors...Kirsten Hopkins excels...The always wonderful Liz Zazzi...is hilarious when teamed both with...first-time playwright, Peter Sloan, nicely played by Emilio Tirri." "And, oh yes, the play just works. The plot is deceptively simple. It is about the need for artists to feel value and worth." "You have until October 16th to see this beautifully staged comedy with its terrific cast of veteran actors. To see Liz Zazzi light up the stage is worth the price of admission alone...but, they are all so good. This is a 'must-not miss' fun evening!" "Cheers to director Carl Wallnau....and his production team..." Rick Busciglio, NJ Footlights [Full Review] "...the sensational Light up the Sky... really does light up the sky over bucolic Hackettstown!" "With scintillating (and very funny) dialogue and a satiric poke at the theatah..." "...His [As Black, Eli Ganias] chutzpah is matched by the snazzy performance of Liz Zazzi as Frances..." "The director Carlton Fitzgerald, masterfully played by David Edwards..." "Kirsten Hopkins is perfection as the always posing, high-strung star Irene Livingston..." "...straight-talking, bossy mother Stella, played with no nonsense and great comedic timing by Mikaela Kafka." "Moss Hart's homage to his beloved theater, Light up the Sky is an equal triumph for Director Carl Wallnau. He keeps the action swirling, dipping and diving, from great highs to great lows and lots of comedic shenanigans in between, most of which occur toward the front of the stage, where they should be." "Julia Sharp's costumes lusciously fit the time and the characters who wear them." "Centenary Stage's fine production does his [Playwright Moss Hart] comedic classic the justice it deserves...go and laugh your head off!" Ruth Ross, nj arts maven [Full Review] |
 Carl Wallnau (left), CSC Artistic Director and Bob Phillips, Set Designer [closer view] |
The Set Designer:
Bob Phillips
Phillips made his CSC debut this past spring as designer of Theresa Rebeck's hit comedy, Bad Dates. He has designed over 75 sets for Orlando Shakespeare Festival, where he has been Resident Designer for the past 17 years. He also regularly works with Pennsylvania Shakespeare, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Alpine Theatre Project, Florida Studio Theatre, and many New York theatre companies and regional theatres. Phillips' television designs include Come on Over, Another World, Search for Tomorrow, and Sesame Street, where he has designed for 21 seasons. He has received the Outer Critics Circle, Madison, Village and Lillian Stoates awards for his theatre work, and six Emmy's for his television designs.
The Director
Carl Wallnau
Directed by CSC Artistic Director Carl Wallnau.
The Cast
The Light Up The Sky cast includes Equity actors David Edwards, Liz Zazzi, Michael Irvin Pollard, Kirsten Hopkins and John Little, Mikaela Kafka, Eli Ganias, as well as Johnathan Turner, and David Scheffler, Kathleen O’Mara (Bernardsville), Emilio Tirri, Kyle Parham and Kyle Conner.
Set design is by Bob Phillips
Lighting design by Ed Matthews
Sound design by Colin Whitely
 Set Design- Light up the Sky (by Bob Phillips) [closer view] |
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Open Captioning (OC) / Accessibility
In conjunction with the NJ Theatre Alliance, the Oct. 9th / 2:30 PM performance of Light Up the Sky will feature the Open Captioning service. Open Captioning Service in New Jersey's professional theatres is an initiative sponsored by the New Jersey Theatre Alliance to assist patrons with hearing impairment, while enhancing the overall theatrical experience. Tom Muza of McCarter Theatre notes, "we have learned that the program benefits a wide segment of our audience, not just the ones who know they are hard of hearing. "Patrons with hearing disabilities may contact the box office for more information about special pricing.
 Photo: Rehearsal shot Light Up The Sky BACK-left to right: Kathleen O’Mara, Michael Irvin Pollard, John Little, Mikaela Kafka, David Edwards, Liz Zazzi; FRONT-left to right: Eli Ganias, Kirsten Hopkins, Emilio Tirri) [closer view] |
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| Centenary Brunch Sundays |
| Centenary College opens the special Centenary Brunch to the public on Sundays, in the dining hall of the Lackland Center. Serving from 11-1:30 PM, the brunch includes a traditional Breakfast Buffet, plus a Carving Station, Deli Counter, Luncheon Entrée, and more. The Brunch is priced at only $8.25, and no advance reservations are required. |
About the David and Carol Lackland Center
 Sitnik Theater of the Lackland Performing Arts Center |
The Centenary Stage Company has found its new home with construction the Carol and David Lackland Center (located at 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown), completed in August, 2010. With a 22,000-square-foot performance space, the facility is the most sophisticated performing arts venues in northwest New Jersey. The center includes a new state-of-the-art 500-seat theatre (Sitnik Theater), a black box theater (The Edith Bolte Kutz ’42 Theater), a dance studio, scene shop, a costume shop, green room and dressing rooms. In addition to housing the theatre, the 68K square foot Lackland Center is home to a variety of cultural activity, and including WNTI, the College's listener-supported public radio station, CCTV, Centenary's Comcast-licensed television studio, and gallery space for visual artists.
Named in honor of Carol Burgess Lackland, A Centenary graduate (Class of 1954), and her husband, David A. Lackland, a Centenary College Trustee, The David and Carol Lackland Center, has been designed to enrich student life and bring new cultural opportunities to northwest New Jersey. ...more (including photos, progress reports, and 'Tour Lackland with Carl')
| Lackland Center Seating | |
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Sitnik Lower Level Seating Seats assigned on a best available basis. [closer view] |
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Sitnik Balcony Seating Seats assigned on a best available basis. [closer view] |
| Parking [Large Map Link] [Print Map Link] | |
Tickets for Light up the Sky range in price from $20-$25 and can be purchased online at www.centenarystageco.org, by calling (908)979-0900 or in person at the Lackland Center. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, Thursdays at 7:30 PM (Family night, with special rush seat pricing of Two-for-One available at the door), with additional matinee performances on Friday, Sept 30, Wed, Oct 5 and Wed, Oct 12 at 2:00 PM. CSC also offers a buffet matinee series which includes lunch and a matinee performance for $37.50 per person in groups of 20 or more.
Subscription Values (Review
the Full Schedule) - 
Subscription Events)
Centenary Stage Company is often referred to as "the
best deal in the state." This event can be purchased as a part of
a discounted season subscription purchase. Centenary Stage Company offers several
subscription plans for its season with the mission of making arts affordable
for all Patrons.
While still available, you may choose the following. After an offer expires, remember these discounts for next season!
| Series A Subscription | Includes fourteen events: all seven
of the CSC Concerts as well as all seven productions in the professional Centenary Stage Company Season. Available until
the end of the first season event. (EXCLUDES JAZZ AND GALA) - for those see Golden Flex Pass |
$210.00 | |
| Series B Subscription | 'Lucky Seven' - Allows patrons to choose any seven events
from the CSC subscription season bundled with productions. Available as long as at least seven events remain in the regular
season. (EXCLUDES JAZZ AND GALA) |
$130.00 | |
| Series C Subscription | Patrons interested exclusively in theatre may select a Series C subscription
which includes the seven professional Equity Centenary Stage Company productions.
Available until the end of the first season play. |
$100.00 | |
| Series D Subscription |
Jazz in January Series. Available until the first Jazz in January event has occurred. | $70.00 | |
| Series E Subscription |
Jazz in the Box Series. Available until the first Jazz in the Box event has occurred. | $57.00 | |
| Gala - Larry Miller |
Show and reception advance purchase $50.00 Show only $35.00 advance purchase ($40.00 day of event) |
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| Golden Flex Pass |
Select ANY fourteen events,
including Jazz and Gala (show only). Available as long as at least fourteen events remain in the Centenary Stage Company
full offerings. (INCLUDES JAZZ AND GALA (show only) - make your choices from all events Centenary Stage Company offers) |
$250.00 | |
| Dance Fest Flex Pass |
Includes Lustig, Nai Chen and Dorfman plus classes. Available until the first Dance Fest Flex Pass event has occured. | $35.00 | |
| Black Box Flex Pass |
Includes Radio Theatre, Anthony Zerbe and Parallel Exit. Available until the first Black Box Flex Pass event has occured. | $50.00 | |
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Individual Tickets
Individual Tickets are:
| Season Plays |
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| Sat. evenings A Christmas Carol |
$25.00 / $22.50* / $15.00** $27.50 / $25.00* / $17.50** |
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| Other Evening Performances: A Christmas Carol |
$22.50 / $20.00* / $15.00** $25.00 / $22.50* / $17.50** |
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| Matinees (Thurs., Fri. and Sun.): A Christmas Carol |
$20.00 all seats (Fri. Preview Mat.: $17.50 all seats) $22.50 all seats (Fri. Preview Mat.: $20.00 all seats) |
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| Plays Thursday (2 for 1 - at the door only) A Christmas Carol |
$22.00 $25.00 |
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| Buffet
Matinees (luncheon and show - available for groups of 20 or more) A Christmas Carol |
$37.50 (Fri. Preview Mat. Buffet: $35.00) $40.00 (Fri. Preview Mat. Buffet: $37.50) |
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| Season Concert/Dance Events (in advance): | |||
| Ballet and A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra At the door Tommy Tune At the door Dance Fest (except Tommy Tune) All others At the door |
$25.00 / $22.50* /$15.00** $30.00 / $25.00* / $20.00** $35.00 $40.00 $15.00 / $10 child under 12 $22.50 / $20.00* /$15.00** $25.00 / $22.50* / $20.00** |
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| The 2012-13 season of performing arts events at Centenary Stage Company is made possible (and affordable) through the generous support of the The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, and sponsors, including Premier Sponsors Fulton Bank of New Jersey and Heath Village Retirement Community, as well as Silver Sponsors Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Holiday Inn (Budd Lake-Rockaway Area), Bronze Sponsor, Mama's and Café Baci, in Hackettstown and Centenary Stage Company Members and Sponsors. |
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