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BOROUGH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

ANNOUNCING- New Recycling Bins

Haddonfield is going green ... and blue.       >> Download Poster
Colorful new bins for recycling will cut the cost of trash disposal.

Haddonfield has always been at the forefront of recycling in New Jersey. Back in the mid-1980's, the borough became just the second municipality in the State to mandate the recycling of paper, plastics, aluminum, and tin. Since then, Haddonfield's red recycling bins have become ubiquitous, dotting sidewalks throughout the borough, Monday through Friday, on trash/recycling pick-up days.

Beginning in mid-April, two additional colors will be be seen alongside the red, as the borough delivers new green bins and blue bins to every home in town.

Blue will be for paper and cardboard; green will be for vegetative waste (grass clippings, leaves, and small branches).

Along with the new bins, the borough will deliver a color poster that lists the items that can be recycled, and those that must be trashed.

"Many people are confused about what's recyclable and what's not," said Mayor Tish Colombi, who also serves as Director of Public Works and overseas trash and recycling collection.

"For example, plastic bottles with the number 1 or 2 inside a triangle of arrows are recyclable, but those with a higher number are not," she said. "Tin cans are recyclable, but their lids should be put in the trash," Colombi said.

"The poster makes it very clear what's recyclable and what's not," she added.

Colombi said that recycling is important for three reasons. "First, it's the right thing to do," she said. "It's environmentally responsible. Second, it saves money and keeps taxes down. And third, it's the law in New Jersey, in Camden County, and in Haddonfield."

Elaborating on the cost factor, Borough Administrator Sharon McCullough said it typically costs more to dispose of trash than it does to dispose of recyclables.

"Haddonfield has saved significant amounts of money during the past 20 years by keeping recyclable materials out of the waste stream," she said. "In addition, we have received a share of the money that Camden County makes from the sale of recyclable materials."

"When we recycle more, we receive more," McCullough said. Its a good thing.

Distribution of the new bins is scheduled to begin on April 17, and is likely to take seven to ten days.

Each home in Haddonfield will receive one green bin and one blue bin for free. Additional bins may be purchased at the Public Works facility on Centre Street (opposite Scout Field), on weekdays between 8am and 4pm. The cost is $10 per bin.

Additional copies of the poster are available at the Information Center, Borough Hall, Public Library, Mabel Kay House, and Public Works facility.

Haddonfield Municipal Alliance

Upcoming Events

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LIBRARY NEWS AND EVENTS

May 6 at 7:30 p.m. Friends of the Haddonfield Public Library Annual meeting at Grace Episcopal Church on Kings Highway. Author Jen A. Miller will talk about her new book, Jersey Shore: Atlantic City to Cape May by Countryman Press. Jen is an alumna of Haddonfield Memorial High School and this will be her first area appearance after the release of the book. The book is part of the Great Destinations travel series featuring chapters on lodging, dining, transportation, history, shopping, recreation, and trivia.  Miller is a freelance writer, editor and author.  She also copyedits and writes marketing materials, website text and press releases for regional hospitals and universities. Jen is a member of the National Book Critics Circle and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.  Jens articles have appeared in the New York Times, Womans Day, Mens Fitness, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Psychology Today, Poets and Writers, Wired.com, and New Jersey Monthly.   
The Friends will also elect officers for the coming year during a short business meeting. Refreshments will be served. The program is free but pre-registration is requested. Call the library at 429-1304 to register.

Friday, June 6th the Haddonfield Public Library is sponsoring a “Movie Night”. It will be held in the Auditorium of the Haddonfield Memorial High School at 7:00 p.m.  The featured film is “Arachnophobia”.  All high school students are encouraged to come.  Also invited is anyone else interested in seeing this movie.  Admission is free, as well as the soda and popcorn.

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Computer Classes at the library:

May 21, from 10:30-12 pm. Basics of Microsoft Word an Introduction to the popular software program. Learn how to compose, save and print with Word. Knowledge of keyboard and mouse are necessary.

May 28, from 10:30-12 pm. Genealogy Hunting guided internet searching for beginner and above. Learn about your family tree using electronic resources. Knowledge of keyboard and the mouse are necessary.
Computer classes are open to current Haddonfield Public Library adult card holders. Classes are free but please call 429-1304 to register.

Haddonfield Public Library Website

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SCHOOL INFORMATION

Haddonfield Memorial High School

HMHS Website

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Haddonfield Middle School

HMS Website

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Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School

Saturday May 17
Annual 5K Run/Walk to benefit the PTA and the Lukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Lizzy Haddon Website

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Tatem School Happenings

Tatem Website

2007-2008 PTA Executive Board

President: Tracy Noone 616-0850
Vice President: Jenn Douglas 428-5990
Treasurer: Kevin Webb 216-0805
Recording Secretary: Kim Creamer 216-9526
Corresponding Secretary: Lorraine Parker 429-7214
Trustee: Joanne Curley 429-3896

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Central Elementary School

Central School Website

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Christ the King Regional School News

www.ckrs.org.

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Haddonfield Friends School

Haddonfield Friends School's ongoing "TUESDAY TOURS" from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for PreK through 8 th Grades.  Call 429-6786 extension 211.

Friends School Website

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CHURCH NEWS

Haddonfield United Methodist Church

Haddonfield United Methodist Church
29 Warwick Road
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-429-0403

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The First Baptist Church of Haddonfield

The Reverend Dr. Michael Feicht, Pastor of First Baptist Church, will be leading discussions on environmental issues facing Christians today. This series of discussions begins on Sunday morning, May 4 at 9:30 AM in the church lounge. The next two discussions will be held Sunday, May 11 and Sunday, May 18, also at 9:30 AM. All are invited to participate.

First Baptist will be celebrating Spring with the children on Sunday, May 18th. Join in by bringing your children to help plant flowers in the Children's Garden. Children will gather in the back garden for a Bible story, snack, and "digging in the dirt." Everything will be provided for the children to experience this fun and educational time with nature. Join us at 11:00 AM. For further information, contact Erin Phillips, Minister of Christian Education, at 856-429-2326.

The Music & Arts Board of First Baptist will be hosting their final Spring Concert on Sunday, June 8 at 7:30 PM. (Please note this date was rescheduled from June 22.) They will be featuring Robin Leigh Massie, soprano, and Steven Condy, baritone. A husband and wife team, both have Master's Degrees in voice/opera performance from Yale University, and are currently on the staff of Philadelphia Bible University. They have performed in many countries in numerous acclaimed operatic roles; they are equally at home with sacred music and selections from musical theater. A reception will be held in the church lounge following the performance. (Free will donation will be taken.)

Concert to be presented by The Shades of Harmony Chorus from Williamstown, NJ on Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. This chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the largest women's singing organization in the world. Their performance will include music of many styles and periods, including The Carpenters, George M. Cohan, and songs from musicals such as "Oliver." Added attractions will be provided by piano and clarinet quartet selections. Free will offering. Reception will follow performance.

The First Baptist Church of Haddonfield
124 Kings Highway East (at Tanner St.)
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-429-2326
www.firstbaptisthaddonfield.org

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Grace Church

Wine Tasting

Grace Uncorked Saturday June 7th at 7:30. Grace Church -19 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield - presents a guided wine tasting of several varietals conducted by local expert and educator Bruce Smith. Tickets are $35, which includes appetizers and dessert. For further information please contact the church office at (856) 429-0007 or office@gracehaddon.com.

YARD SALE! 
Grace Church Lawn SATURDAY, MAY 10, 9-1.  Rent a space for $25.00 No rain date. One table provided Do your spring-cleaning early! Space provided on a first-come, first-served basis Call the Church office 429-0007.  Stop by and browse the wares.

Grace Church in Haddonfield
Parish Hall
19 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ

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Haddonfield Bible Church

324 Belmont Avenue
Haddonfield, New Jersey 08033
856/429-6852 Church Office
856/854-4732 Pastor's Home Phone
609/217-5612 Pastor's Cell Phone
Revmister@Yahoo.com
www.haddonfieldbiblechurch.org

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First Presbyterian Church

The Senior Ministry of the First Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a Fall Foliage trip to Central Vermont. October 6-9, 2008 - Sites include the Norman Rockwell Museum, Vermont Country Store, Quechee Gorge & Village, Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Maple Museum, Marble Museum, Hildene, Abraham Lincoln's summer home, as well as other sites. The cost of the trip is $510. which includes three nights accommodations, three breakfasts, 1 boxed lunch, and 1 dinner in Rutland, Vermont. Please call the church office at (856) 429-1960 for more information.

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TOWN ORGANIZATIONS

Interfaith Caregivers of Haddonfield News

Visit our website at ifchaddonfield.org

Tribute & Thanks Dinner Honoring Norie Wisniewski set for May 16, 2008

Plan to join us on May 16th to honor Norie upon her retirement as Executive Director of Interfaith Caregivers. During her 16-year tenure, Norie has nurtured the development and growth of Caregivers from a small group of dedicated volunteers to a major non-profit organization providing essential services to assist over 400 clients seeking independent living in Haddonfield and Haddon Heights. Dinner will be held at Tavistock Country Club at 6 pm on Friday, May 16, 2008. Tickets are $55. Please contact the Interfaith Caregivers office at 354-0298 to have an invitation mailed to you. If you have any additional questions, please contact Jane Bloom at jbloom100@verizon.net.

The Norie Fund for Volunteer Development

In appreciation of Norie Wisniewskis 16 years of dedicated service to Interfaith Caregivers, the Board of Trustees has created a special fund in her honor. The Norie Fund for Volunteer Development is dedicated to the professional education, growth and enrichment of Interfaith Caregivers volunteers, staff, and the community at large with the goal of continuing to provide excellence in the delivery of services to our clients. As Norie has nurtured the growth of this wonderful organization, her heart always has been in the successful pursuit of the mission of Interfaith Caregivers. This fund will provide a legacy to insure that her dreams for Caregivers will continue to be realized. Donations to this fund may be made at any time. Checks should be made payable to Interfaith Caregivers of Haddonfield, Inc. with a designation that the contribution is for The Norie Fund.

 

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Haddon Fortnightly Evening Membership Division

The Evening Membership Division of the Haddon Fortnightly will celebrate a successful club year with a barbeque dinner May 20 at the Fortnightly Building.  The main event will be catered by RNJ Rib Shack of Bridgeton, NJ.  Hors doeuvres will be provided by Wegmans and desserts by Pretty Sweet and McMillans Bakeries.  Pianist Tony Kidawa will treat members to his musical accompaniment.  New officers to be installed are second vice president, Pearl Barry; treasurer, Lynn Higgins; and corresponding secretary, Nancy Kidawa.  The EMD is a division of the New Jersey State Federation of Womens Clubs.  For information call 428-0294

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Scout News

Haddonfield Memorial High School Troop 662 will be collecting different items each month.
The Haddonfield Information Center is the drop off center for HMHS Girl Scout Troop 662. The Fellowship House in Camden is in need of a variety of items.

Please donate snacks and clothes for elementary school age children during the month of October. Your response to the Girl Scout Collection since early summer was delightfully overwhelming. The Fellowship House wants to extend their thanks to you for your continued generosity.

The Information Center is open 7 days a week, noon to 4P.M.
If these times are not convenient, please call 216-7253 or e-mail InfoCenter@HaddonfieldNJ.org for an appointment at your convenience.

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Haddonfield Lions Club

HADDONFIELD LIONS SELECT PEACE POSTER WINNER
A work by local student Ashley Conner was chosen by the Haddonfield Lions Club as the winner in the annual Peace Poster Contest. Ashley is a 7th grader at Christ the King School in Haddonfield. The theme for the 2007-2008 contest, sponsored by Lions Club International, was Peace Around the World. Students, ages 11 thru 13, are eligible to participate and visually interpret their idea of the theme. The posters are judged, first by the local club, on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme. Winning posters can then advance through several levels, including district, multiple district, and international. At the international level, judges convene from the art, youth, education, and media communities to select one grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners. These winners are honored at a ceremony at the United Nations in New York City in March.

Ashley's poster was chosen from 25 entries received by the Haddonfield Lions Club. Ashley went on to win honorable mention at the District 16C level, which consists of 51 clubs in the South Jersey region. In describing her poster, Ashley explained that she drew a globe, surrounded by people of all races and countries, and depicted some of events that express harmony and peace in the world.

Photos by Tom Applegate:

Photo with poster - Karen Ressler (Haddonfield Lions Club President); Ashley Conner (Peace Poster Contest winner); Jack Sentman (Haddonfield Lions Club Peace Poster Chairman)

Group Photo L-R - Haddonfield Mayor Tish Colombi; Darlene Conner, (Ashley's mother); Ashley Conner (Peace Poster Contest winner); Karen Ressler (Haddonfield Lions Club President); Jack Sentman (Haddonfield Lions Club Peace Poster Chairman)

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VISIT GREENFIELD HALL

Greenfield Hall, 343 King's Highway East in Haddonfield, is a museum, the headquarters of the Historical Society of Haddonfield. The mansion is open for tours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1 to 4 and on the first Sunday of each month during the same hours. Tours for groups or individuals may also be scheduled by calling 856-429-7375.

Greenfield Hall was built in 1841 by John Gill IV on property which had been in his family since the early 1700's. The first John Gill had purchased the land from his cousin, Elizabeth Haddon Estaugh, founder of the town, and had erected a farmhouse to the rear of the present structure. John Gill II built another house to replace the farmhouse. This second house served as the Gill residence for the next hundred years until John Gill IV had it razed in order to build a new and grander mansion in anticipation of his second marriage to Elizabeth French of Moorestown, NJ.

Today Greenfield Hall is furnished much as it would have been when the Gills were in residence and contains collections of furniture, needlework, dolls, tool, costumes and early glass and pottery. Next door is the Samuel Mickle House, also known as the Hip Roof House, the oldest house still standing in town. It serves as the Society's research library, open to the public for research purposes. The library is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 and on the first Sunday afternoon of each month from 1 to 3. Special appointments may also be made for the library by calling 856-429-7375.

Books and pamphlets have been produced by the Society throughout the years and its Bulletin, published for times a year, contains not only news of the organization bat also interesting accounts of past events and people who lived in the area. Exhibits, special events, celebrations and fundraising activities are held in the mansion during the year.

Both Greenfield Hall and the Samuel Mickle House are included in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places a well as in the National Register.

For more information, visit: www.historicalsocietyofhaddonfield.org .

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HADDONFIELD JAPAN EXCHANGE

 

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Markeim Art Center

Dear Friends of Markeim Art Center,
Please join us at Markeim this Spring! Can't commit to 8 weeks of class or looking to sample a new and exciting art experience...take a workshop!  We are offering a few fabulous workshops for Teens and Adults.  Don't Delay---SIGN UP NOW!!  Call 856-429-8585 or e-mail markeim@verizon.net

PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY - with Sharon Harris
Students will learn the basic concepts of pinhole photography. We will learn to construct & shoot a pinhole camera, develop photographic paper in the darkroom, fine tune images using photoshop & print the final pieces. No experience necessary to enjoy this economical & surprising form of photography. Create a new way of seeing!
Teen/Adult * Material Fee: $5 * Member $50 Non-Member $60 * 10am-12pm * Saturday & Sunday * May 17 & 18

INNOVATIVE PAINTING - Workshop with Steve Kuzma
Your work will soar with less toxic water-mixable color & innovative painting techniques. Work w/landscapes & connect with nature through painting, using water-based painting & drawing materials. Color is applied in layers, producing a luminous effect w/full range of materials (water-mixable oil, watercolor, pastels, & oils). Please bring reference materials of your choice & any materials which you enjoy. Bring your paintings to life!
Materials list provided by Markeim.
Teen/Adult * Members $125 Non-Member $145 * Time: 12-5pm * Saturday * May 17

ABSTRACT ACRYLIC PAINTING with Delores Ann Ziegler AWS, NWS
Just bring yourself and learn all about abstract painting. Composition, line and color will be stressed in this class. The teacher will bring all supplies. All levels welcome.
For more info call 732-849-9110.
Teens & Adults * Members $125 Non-Members $145 * Saturday * May 10 * Time: 10-3pm

BEADMAKING WORKSHOP with Elizabeth Hopkins
Learn to create a variety of glass beads using the lampworking technique. Each student will be assigned a Minor Bench Burner Torch System. The emphasis of this workshop will be on developing good shapes, pulling stringer, applying dots, raking, twisting, plunging, making cane, beginning florals and safety.
Workshop limited to four students. Ages: 16 yrs and up * Time: 10am-4pm * Saturday * June 21 * Member $120 Non-Member  $140 * Material Fee $30

LOOKING FOR NEW EXPERIENCES THIS SUMMER....
We will be offering our Summer Art & Pottery Camp ~ 8 weeks ~ July 7-August 28 ~ Choose 1 or 2 weeks or enjoy all 8 ~ For kids of all ages!
New this summer:
Teen Drawing, Painting and Cartooning Camp/Workshops
Artist Trading Cards Workshops
Making Metal Jewelry and Beginners Wire & Bead Jewelry www.michelegrady.com
Summer Saturdays - The Total Art Experience ~10 Saturdays ~ June 28-August 30 ~ Choose 1 or 2 Saturdays or enjoy all 10!
(Information regarding our new and exciting Summer Fun, will be posted on our website soon and will be listed in our Summer Brochure)

Don't forget about our new and exciting UARTS classes starting the last week of May!
Figure Drawing Marathon
Pastel Workshop: Getting Comfortable with Color
Better Results With Your Digital Camera
Painting & Drawing Workshop: Overview of Materials and Techniques
The Portable Animation Studio
Register for these UARTS classes online at www.uarts.edu/ce * by Phone 215-717-6095 * by Fax 215-717-6538.

Birthday Parties for KIDS!   Birthday parties at Markeim Art Center are loads of fun. Imaginative and fun, an Art or Pottery party brings loads of creativity to your child and their friends. Children learn art skills, create an entire art project from start to finish, and take home a fun and inspiring handmade gift. We provide the art, you bring the refreshments. For the first hour the kids will create and play, during the second hour, you have the option of serving food, cake and beverages, exchange gifts... your choice. We'll provide gift certificates for each child's guests and table covers for the celebration time. Choose Friday evenings or anytime Saturdays or Sundays. Call us to reserve your Art or Pottery Birthday Party today.

Can't find the class or workshop you are looking for? If there is something you would like to take at Markeim, but you don't see it offered, please tell us about it so we can consider adding it to our next schedule.

 

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Haddonfield Plays & Players

2008 Summer Camp Program
REGISTER NOW! SPACE IS LIMITED!

Tucked into Crow’s Woods the theater will host an exciting opportunity for children between the ages of 4 and 16 to stretch their creativity, gain self esteem and shape the actor they would like to become.

One week themed camp for 4-6 year olds!
Three week and Six week camp experiences for 7-13 year olds!
Volunteer Apprentice Positions for High School Kids!

For more information – Call 856-429-8139

Camp classes will be fashioned for all ages and abilities.

Stage Teenies: ages 4-6 (not entering K in fall) years – One week themed camp
This experience offers an opportunity for young children to explore their budding talents. This is an experience where our youngest campers are able to discover their artistic wings, improve their communication skills through improvisation and creative play. Campers will be able to sing, experience movement classes and gain self confidence while expanding their imagination, enjoying their new friends and having fun.

Stage Players: ages 7-13 years – Three or Six Week experience available
This experience is geared toward a more experienced young actor with some experience in theater from school, assemblies, or has a sense of what it takes to begin the journey of being an actor. Campers will learn stage technique, gain more confidence as an actor and singer by exploring improvisation, creative theater games, vocal exercises and stage movement. All the while gaining confidence, building self esteem and having fun experiencing, and learning about theatre.

Volunteer Apprentice Program: ages 14-17 years – Volunteer Positions Available to aid the camp counselors and still be part of the action!

Runs July 7th through August 15th
Curtain goes up daily, Monday through Friday from 9AM to 3PM (9AM to 1PM for 4-6 year olds in the one week themed sessions)

Camp Options
One week themed camps

• (Offered to 4-6 year olds only – Limited to 10 per week)
• Princess for a Week 9am – 1pm July 7th - July 11th
• Eric Carle 9am - 1pm July 14th - July 18th
• Super Heroes to the Rescue! 9am – 1pm July 21st - July 25th
• Horton Hears What? 9am – 1pm July 28th - August 1st
• Falling Up 9am – 1pm August 4th - August 8th
• Down Right Disney 9am - 1pm August 11th - August 15th

Fee: $150.00 per week

Audition

A three week experience from July 7th to July 25th with two performances on July 25th.

Fee: $450.00 plus $15.00 for camp shirt

Or…..
Showtime

The entire SIX week experience from July 7th to August 15th with six performances (two each day) on 8/13 8/14 and 8/15.

Fee: $850.00 plus $15.00 for camp shirt.

Camp is held at the Plays & Players Theatre, located at 957 E. Atlantic Avenue, just off Upland Way, in the Crows Woods section of Haddonfield.

For more information, visit the Plays & Players web site at www.haddonfieldplayers.com or call 856-429-8139.

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Calling men -- 17 years or older – who can sing and dance to fill two ensemble parts in the Haddonfield Plays & Players' summer production of “The Pajama Game”.

The show will run from Thursday, July 10 through Saturday, August 2. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Interested actors should contact David Mooney at moonface103@verizon.net to set up an audition appointment.

“The Pajama Game” tells the story of the Sleeptite Pajama Factory and the workers, led by feisty employee rep Babe Williams, who are lobbying zealously for a fairly hefty pay increase. 

The show opened on Broadway in 1954, ran for more than 1000 performances and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. The 1957 film version starred Doris Day and John Raitt. Raitt also played the male lead on Broadway.

“The Pajama Game” is based on the novel “Seven and a Half Cents” by Richard Bissell. It features music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross (who also wrote “Damn Yankees”) and yielded such hits as “Hey There” and “Hernando's Hideaway”.

Funding for this production has been made possible in part by the Camden County Cultural & Heritage Commission, through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

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As sure as all these April showers will bring about beautiful May flowers, what's coming to the Haddonfield Plays & Players stage this Spring is bound to serve up something just as dazzling!. Next on the Plays & Players diverse 2008 schedule is what the NY Post called an instant classic and the The New Yorker named a giggling cult hit Bat Boy: The Musical

Bat Boy: The Musical premiered on Halloween, 1997, at Tim Robbins Actors Gang Theatre in Los Angeles, and went on to appear Off-Broadway, in London, at the Edinburgh Festival and in productions around the world.

The play features music and lyrics written by Laurence O'Keefe (Legally Blonde) and story and book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming. In 2001, Bat Boy: The Musical received three Drama Desk nominations two for O'Keefe for both Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding

Music, and Farley and Flemming for Outstanding Book of a Musical.

This bizarre tale about a half-boy, half-bat creature found living in a West Virginia cave is based primarily on countless instances of front-page Bat Boy coverage complete with horrifying photos in the now defunct tabloid, Weekly World News. And although the saga glaringly exposes life's most seedy aspects and brims over with blood, violence, incest and more, Bat Boy: The Musical continues to be an audience favorite.

PROGRAM NOTE: Due to the adult themes, Bat Boy: The Musical is best suited for mature audiences.

Plays & Players will present a Preview Performance on Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 PM. The show opens Friday, May 2, and continues with weekend performances through Saturday, May 31. No shows are scheduled for May 23, 24 and 25 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Friday and Saturday evening shows on May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 30 and 31 are at 8:00 PM. Sunday matinees on May 4, 11 and 18 are at 2:00 PM.

Tickets are $16 for the Preview and Sunday performances; $18 for the evening shows. Two-for-one tickets are available for the Preview (May 1) and Opening Night (May 2).

This story is so strange and offbeat, it's hard not to be curious about what drew the crew and cast to the production. But it was by design, not coincidence, that this talented group ended up working together on Bat Boy.

Debbie Mitchell, who is producing the Plays & Players production, never saw Bat Boy on stage. But many of her theatre friends did see it, and she says that their enthusiasm was infectious. It definitely has a weird plot, but it also has great music and a lot of energy, Mitchell says, and I was excited to be involved in something different.

And Mitchell notes that this was a common sentiment expressed during the auditions. People werent trying out for a show; they wanted to be in this show. The majority of people who auditioned already knew the show, Mitchell says.

John Jackowski, a veteran of dozens of Plays & Players shows, both onstage and off, first saw Bat Boy Off-Broadway and fell in love with it 5 minutes in. Jackowski then spread the word that, if the chance arose, hed be thrilled to direct. According to Tom Lorenz, a cast member in the Plays & Players production, Jackowski came back from NY after seeing Bat Boy absolutely raving about it and saying that he hoped to be a part of the production of the show someday.

While this is his first time directing a musical, Jackowski wasnt at all uneasy about taking the helm of this production. Jackowski said he loved the campiness and laughingly describes it as kind of a cross between My Fair Lady and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But, he also notes that the show is equally skillful in its examination of serious issues such as the tendency people have to make hasty and uninformed judgments and be intolerant of those who appear to be different. The show takes plenty of jabs at traditional musical theatre, Jackowski explains, but it has a lot of heart and a solid message. It exposes some of the ugliness in the world, and forces us to take a look at where that comes from.

Collin Maier, who plays the Bat Boy, says hes always been in love with the show. He first saw Bat Boy performed in Philadelphia in 2003, and then attended a concert-only performance a year later. His friend owned the soundtrack and Maier said he was initially enamored with the music. But, it was also the story that drew him in. I think I identified with the character (of the Bat Boy), Maier explains. Im a musician, and I left college, so I guess I always felt a bit out of place. But in the Bat Boy story, Maier points out, there are all kinds of outcasts. Its a little over-the-top, he adds, but these are real-life characters. And Maier jumped at the opportunity to work again with John Jackowski and others hed performed with before. I really wanted to be in the show with these friends.

The prospect of taking on a theatrical challenge like Bat Boy and doing it in the midst of a many people you know and respect is a dual benefit for many of the Bat Boy cast. Tom Lorenz, who plays the mean-spirited sheriff of fictional Hope Falls, West Virginia, was delighted to discover a large number of familiar faces involved in the show. Nearly half the cast and crew are veterans of (the Plays & Players 2001 production) ‘Titanic, Lorenz comments. Returning to this stage and this group is a treat, and having so many people with whom I can connect makes it even more special.

Not everyone involved with Bat Boy has been a regular fixture around the Plays & Players theatre. Pitman resident Brittany Airo is essentially a newcomer, without prior connection to Plays & Players or other cast and crew members, and Airo was not a Bat Boy devotee. I didnt know that much about ‘Bat Boy before I got the role of Shelly, she says. Airo plays the somewhat rebellious teenage daughter of Dr. Parker and his wife, Meredith, the couple who take in the wild Bat Boy. Once rehearsals began, Airo says that it wasnt long before she enthusiastically became a Bat Boy convert. This show is a blast, and playing Shelly is probably my favorite role so far, she says. I wasnt familiar with the music, and some of the harmonies are quite challenging, Airo notes. But, when it all comes together, it sounds awesome! So, then, if Airo was not a fan of the show and didnt audition because she wanted to work with old friends, why did she try out for Bat Boy? Airo attributes her interest to a family member whos quite the Bat Boy buff. Airos younger brother has been a faithful follower of the Bat Boys escapades through the Weekly World News and other accounts. He is totally fascinated by those stories, she says.

Rob Paluso echoes what others in have said that he was interested in Bat Boy for a couple reasons: he knew he would enjoy working with friends who were in the cast, and he LOVES the show. I love it first for the music; as a listener and a performer, its amazing, he says. I also love the writing. Its funny, poignant, touching, and scary ... all in one show. And, though the show abounds with lessons about life, Paluso notes that the messages dont slap you in the face every five seconds. And, to be honest, Paluso admits, I love camp ... anytime you mix a 50s housewife with a mutant half-bat-child and a Greek god, and then you sing ... well, thats amazing!

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Haddon Summer Music Theatre

Now in its 21st season, Haddon Summer Music Theatre was established in 1988. In addition to producing a Broadway musical every year, it continues to award Theatrical Arts Scholarships to local graduating high school seniors. Since its inception, 32 scholarships have been awarded . This year, 2 more scholarships will be awarded to Haddonfield Memorial High School graduates. Haddon Summer Music Theatre operates as a non-profit organization.
Performance Venue: Haddonfield Memorial High School

Current Information:
Haddon Summer Music Theatre is holding open auditions for Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel on
Dates: Monday, May 12 and Tuesday May 13, 2008
Time: Sign-in beginning at 6:30 pm
Auditions begin at 7:00 pm
Callbacks: Thursday, May 15
Place: Haddonfield Memorial High School - Music Room
401 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Prepare for Audition: A vocal selection from Carousel
Additional Information: All parts are open for casting
Contact: Scott Glading, Artistic Director via e-mail at: SGlading@haddonfield.k12.nj.us or
by phone at 856-547-5553

Haddon Summer Music Theatre
P.O. Box 421, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Web: www.haddonsummermusictheatre.com
Contact: Liz Farley, President
E-Mail: liznike@comcast.net

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Dance Haddonfield--Ballroom dance and lessons every Sunday night at Grace Church

Ballroom dance and lessons every Sunday night at Grace Church, 19 Kings Highway East. Lessons 7-8 pm, dancing from 8 to 10:30, sponsored by USA Dance, the national non-profit ballroom dance organization. Admission is $12 ($10 for USA Dance members), which includes the lesson, dancing, food, refreshments and a chance at a door prize. No partner or experience needed. Dress is dressy casual (no sneakers, jeans or grunge clothes). Find out how to have fun, meet nice people and get the best exercise possible, all while enjoying great music and wonderful people. We usually have 100+ dancers every Sunday.

http://www.dancehaddonfield.org/

For information contact Joe Murphy, Chief Cha Cha Officer of Dance Haddonfield at jemurphy@voicenet.com or 856 429-5355.

 

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Something New!

English Country Dancing
Haddonfield Friends Meeting House
Tuesdays, 8-10PM
For more Information, call: (856)429-9186

 

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CHILDRENSONG OF NJ

MUSIC IN MY SOUL
ChildrenSong of NJ will present its Spring Concert Music in My Soul on Saturday, May 31 at 7pm at Haddonfield High School (401 Kings Hwy E) and on Sunday, June 1 at 3pm at St. Stephens Lutheran Church (230 N. Evergreen Ave) in Woodbury. Selections include heartfelt songs from around the world including Karl Jenkins Adiemus and Gerald Smiths gospel song This is the Day. ChildrenSong of NJ is a non-profit community childrens chorus for children aged 8-17 in the tri-county area. Tickets are $10 in advance from www.childrensong.org or by calling 216-1140 for a reservation. Seniors (60+) and Students are $7, children 11 and under are free.

ChildrenSong Presents Annual Songfest

ChildrenSong of NJ, a non-profit community children's chorus based in Haddonfield, presented its 7th annual Camden County Children's Songfest that took place on April 12 at Haddonfield High School. Over 240 children and teachers from Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties participated in a festival of songs and dances from around the world. The children finished the day with a rousing choral presentation. This annual program to encourage choral participation in area children and youth is sponsored in part by the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission. For more information on ChildrenSong of NJ, visit the website www.childrensong.org or call 856-216-1140.

Audition for Children's Chorus

ChildrenSong of NJ is a non-profit community children's chorus based in Haddonfield, NJ. ChildrenSong has a three-choir program for singers aged 8-18 in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties. The program includes vocal technique, musicianship and repertoire study, and performance. To find out more about ChildrenSong, go to www.childrensong.org or schedule an appointment by calling 856-216-1140.

 

 

 

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