Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus
2021-12-10 19:30 - 22:00, 2021-12-11 14:00 - 17:00, 2021-12-11 19:30 - 22:00, 2021-12-17 19:30 - 22:00, 2021-12-18 14:00 - 17:00, 2021-12-18 19:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | East Newark Recreation Center (behind Tops Diner), 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ, 07029, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company kicks off the holiday season with its family-friendly production of Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”, written by Jamie Gorski. Directed by Alyssa Schirm.
Facemasks will be required for all audience members at all performances.
Production Dates:
December 10, 11, 17, 18 @ 7:30 pm and December 11, 18 @ 2:00 pm
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SUMMARY
Inspired by a simple, poignant letter written over 100 years ago by 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun—and by the timeless editorial response printed on the front page of the Sun.
Virginia wondered and wrote: “Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it’s so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?” Ed Mitchell, the Sun’s editor, gives the assignment of answering Virginia’s letter to Frank Church who, until his wife and baby died last Christmas Eve, was the Sun’s best and most dependable reporter.
Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus is a play for young and old, magically reaffirming life’s highest beauty and joy—”the eternal light with which childhood fills the world.”
CAST

Virginia O’Hanlon – Jayla Mirassol
Samuel O’Hanlon – Joshua Belchior
Father O’Hanlon – Clint Vinacco
Mother O’Hanlon – Audrey Shapiro
Francis Church – David Mach
Walter Gibson – George Rex
Mary Lou Parker – Brooke Lynn Pulcine
Wendy Parker – Genevieve Lambo
John Patrick Munley – Post-Person, Soup Line Worker
Ensemble – Sarah Hill, Victoria Gonzalez, Riley Bennett

Yes, Virginia is presented by special arrangement by Playscripts, Inc.
Tickets: $15 Adults | $12 Students/Seniors
Tickets may also be available at the door.
Venue: East Newark Recreation Center, 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ

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COVID-19 Guidelines: West Hudson Arts & Theater Company follows all current state and federal health guidelines. All audience members will be required to wear masks as well as any unvaccinated cast members, stage crew and volunteers.

Spring 2022 Arts Classes - In-Person Registration
2022-02-26 10:00 - 14:00 | East Newark Recreation Center (behind Tops Diner), 44 Central Avenue, East Newark, NJ, 07029, United States
In-person registration will be held:
Saturday, February 26, 2022
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: East Newark Recreation Center, 44 Central Avenue, East Newark (behind Tops Diner)

Bridesmaid Murder: a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
2022-03-18 19:00 - 21:30, 2022-03-19 19:00 - 21:30 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company invites you to a wedding reception to die for!
Bridesmaid Murder – a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Written by: Allyssa Hynes
Directed by: Nelson DePasquale & Allyssa Hynes
Date: March 18 & 19, 2022
Where: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032
Time: 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
$50 per person includes 3-course dinner, coffee, tea, soda. Cash bar.

Purchase Tickets

Cast List
Malcom – David R. Mach
Bianca – Jessa Blackthorne
Harold – Nelson DePasquale
Deborah – Alexis Saarela
Trudy – Lauren Proda
Francesca – Caroline Ritacco
Fiona – Denise Organisciak
Grace – Imani Nia Williams
Syd – Judy Wilson
Charlie – Lonzell Wilson
Father Carigan – Richard Rodriguez Douglass
Howard – Ed Shea

Buffet Menu Catering by Carmine’s
Appetizer: cheese board/charcuterie
Dinner:
Fish with tomatoes and olives
Chicken with lemon sauce
Veal parmigiana
Penne Vodka
Roasted Vegetables
Focaccia bread
Dessert: Wedding Cake

Purchase Tickets

If you prefer to make your reservation by phone contact:
Brandi at admin@whatconj.org or call/text (201) 540-WHAT (9428).
All calls will be returned within 24 hours.

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

Almost Maine
2022-04-01 19:00 - 21:30, 2022-04-02 19:00 - 21:30 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
Welcome to the town of Almost, Maine – a small town in Northern Maine where the skies are clear enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights once a year. One cold, magical winter night, the ordinary people of Almost find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest of ways. Playwright John Cariani’s masterpiece, Almost Maine (directed by Brooke Gorsica) is one of the most popularly produced plays in the past decade. Originally premiering off-Broadway in 2006, Almost Maine follows the individual stories of 8 different couples that all experience the magic of love as the clock strikes 9 PM on the same cold and slightly surreal winter night.
Production dates: April 1 & 2 at 7:00 pm and April 3 at 2:00 pm
Venue: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032

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CAST
Prologue
Pete: Justin Wei
Ginette: Nyasia Legra

Her Heart
East: Jim Miller
Glory: Brandi-Leigh Miller

Sad and Glad
Jimmy: Javier Alexander
Sandrine: Ivy Leigh Meyer
Waitress/Suzette: Alyssa Schirm

This Hurts
Marvalyn: Lauren Proda
Steve: Arthur Carlson

Getting It Back
Gayle: Holly Stefanik (April 3)
Gayle: Chloe Keifer (April 1, 2)
Lendall: David Villa

They Fell
Randy: Donald Filicetti
Chad: Ed Shea

Where It Went
Phil: Neil Oberndorf
Marci: Bernadette Oberndorf

Story of Hope
Hope: Andrea Mcchristian
Man Without Hope: John McCullough

Seeing the Thing
Rhonda: Amanda Castro-Conroy
Dave: Matthew Masiello

Almost, Maine is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. New York.

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

Almost Maine
2022-04-03 14:00 - 15:30 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
Welcome to the town of Almost, Maine – a small town in Northern Maine where the skies are clear enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights once a year. One cold, magical winter night, the ordinary people of Almost find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest of ways. Playwright John Cariani’s masterpiece, Almost Maine (directed by Brooke Gorsica) is one of the most popularly produced plays in the past decade. Originally premiering off-Broadway in 2006, Almost Maine follows the individual stories of 8 different couples that all experience the magic of love as the clock strikes 9 PM on the same cold and slightly surreal winter night.
Production dates: April 1 & 2 at 7:00 pm and April 3 at 2:00 pm
Venue: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032

Purchase Tickets

CAST
Prologue
Pete: Justin Wei
Ginette: Nyasia Legra

Her Heart
East: Jim Miller
Glory: Brandi-Leigh Miller

Sad and Glad
Jimmy: Javier Alexander
Sandrine: Ivy Leigh Meyer
Waitress/Suzette: Alyssa Schirm

This Hurts
Marvalyn: Lauren Proda
Steve: Arthur Carlson

Getting It Back
Gayle: Holly Stefanik (April 3)
Gayle: Chloe Keifer (April 1, 2)
Lendall: David Villa

They Fell
Randy: Donald Filicetti
Chad: Ed Shea

Where It Went
Phil: Neil Oberndorf
Marci: Bernadette Oberndorf

Story of Hope
Hope: Andrea Mcchristian
Man Without Hope: John McCullough

Seeing the Thing
Rhonda: Amanda Castro-Conroy
Dave: Matthew Masiello

Almost, Maine is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. New York.

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

Almost Maine April Flyer

We Love Disney Family Sing-Along
2022-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 | VFW Lawn, 300 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
📣The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company Presents Summer Stage (A New Outdoor Community Arts Series)
🤩🎤“We Love Disney” Family Sing-Along
🎼💖A Family-Friendly Sing Along of your favorite Disney Songs!
🧺Pack a picnic
🪑Bring your lawn chairs or blanket
🧜‍♀️🧞‍♂️Costumes encouraged!!
📌WHEN:
Saturday, July 16 @7:00 p.m.
(rain or shine)
📌WHERE:
On the lawn
VFW Post 1302
300 Belgrove Drive
Kearny, NJ 07032
🚫No outside alcohol allowed
VFW will be open to the public
🎟Free
$10 per family (Suggested donation)
(Pay at the gate)
🎭Information:
INFO@WHATCONJ.ORG
(201) 540-WHAT (9428)
Facebook: @WHATCONJ
Instagram: @WHATCO_NJ

Rock of Ages - Jukebox Sing-along
2022-08-20 20:00 - 22:00 | VFW Lawn, 300 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States

Drop Dead! Auditions - Dec 28 & 29
2022-12-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-12-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Auditions for Drop Dead! will be held in-person as follows:
Date: December 28 & December 29
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, N.J. (the former Holy Cross School)
Production dates: February 24, 25 and March 3, 4

Actors ages 18 to 75 are invited to read from the provided sides.
A note on COVID-19: all actors will be required to provide proof of vaccination when auditioning. Masks will be mandatory during the rehearsal process leading up to tech week.

Sides (click title to download, printed copies will be available)

Side 1: Drools
Side 2: Penelope, Alexander, Inspector, Bette, Drools
Side 3: Victor, Phillip, Candy, Mona, Brent, Chaz
Side 4: Piggy, Victor, Brent, Mona, Dick, Chaz
Side 5: Phillip, Mona, Victor, Bette, Drools, Constance, Alexander, Lady Barrington, Constance, Inspector
Side 6: Alexander, Penelope, Chaz, Constance, Victor, Alabama

Download Audition Form

QUESTIONS? Contact dropdead@whatconj.org

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Drop Dead! Is a murder mystery play in which a rag-tag cast of actors are desperately trying to revive their careers. But when the murders and mysteries exceed those in the script, these thespians must save the show AND their careers as well as their lives!
If you are unable to attend either of the audition dates listed above but are still interested in wanting to come out for Drop Dead, contact Matt Masiello at mmasiell2@gmail.com.

CHARACTERS

VICTOR LE PEWE – the director
SOL WEISENHEIMER – the producer
PHILLIP – the stage manager
ALABAMA MILLER – the playwright
MONA MONET – the TV star
BRENT REYNOLDS – the method actor
CHAZ LOONEY – the apprentice
CANDY APPLES – the ex-actress
CONSTANCE CRAWFORD – old stage star
DICK SHALIT – Gene Shalit’s brother

* Stage and technical crew, set building, and other volunteers are also needed for this production! To volunteer, contact admin@whatconj.org.

Trivia Night Murder Auditions - January 24 & 26
2023-01-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-01-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Auditions for Trivia Night Murder will be held in-person as follows:
Date: January 24th and 26th
Time: 7 – 9 pm
Location: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: March 24 & 25
Actors over the age of 18 are invited to come to auditions where they can read from character sides and show off their improv skills.
A note on COVID-19: Actors will be asked to wear masks during rehearsals until tech week.
Due to the nature of a dinner theater, the audience will not be able to wear masks while eating their meals.
Questions? Contact whatmm@whatconj.org
About the Production:
Trivia Night Murder is an interactive comedy murder mystery that will also feature a trivia game for the audience. The story centers on a bar trivia game competition that turns deadly when one team leader dies during the game.
There are scripted roles available for the investigators and suspects, as well as some trivia team leader roles that are improv-only and are not involved in the investigation.
If you are unable to attend either of the audition dates listed above but are still interested in wanting to come out for Trivia Night Murder, contact Allyssa Hynes at whatmm@whatconj.org.

Characters:
Investigators

Sammy: the personable host of Trivia, Trivia, Trivia
Malloy: a retired detective and trivia player

Victim

Graham/Gina: the off-putting head of “Graham’s Team” or “Gina’s Team”

Suspects

Jeanette: Jeremy’s annoyed ex on “Agatha Quiztie”
Jeremy: Jeanette’s annoyed ex on “The Real Agatha Quiztie”
Ethel: a sweet older woman that is part of “Guessing Grannies”
Tara: a young buzzed woman and leader of impromptu team “Happy Birthday, Tara”
Winston/Victoria: a pompous historian on “Your History”
Chip/Bambi: a competitive gym rat on “The Champions”
Shelby/Stuart: a sweet school teacher on “Schooled”
Dan/Dawn: a barfly on “We’re Here Every Night”

AUDITION SIDES

Side 1 – Sammy, Ethel, Jeremy, Jeanette
Side 2 – Sammy, Tara
Side 3 – Malloy, Sammy
Side 4 – Malloy, Chip/Bambi
Side 5 – Malloy, Winston/Victoria

* Stage and technical crew and other volunteers are also needed for this production! To volunteer, contact admin@whatconj.org.

Clean Up Days
2023-02-05 12:30 - 17:30, 2023-02-11 09:30 - 17:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
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Drop Dead!
2023-02-24 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-02-25 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-03-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-03-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company is excited to announce that the first Main Stage production of the 2023 Season will be Drop Dead!, by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, and will be directed by Matt Masiello.
Summary: A cast of has-been actors plan to revive their careers in “Drop Dead!,” a potboiler murder mystery directed by “Wonder Child of the Broadway Stage” Victor Le Pewe (a psychotic eye twitching megalomaniac). But when the murders and mysteries exceed those in the script – these thespians must save the show and their careers as well as their lives!
Production dates: February 24 & 25, March 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm
Venue: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ 07029 (the former Holy Cross School)
Tickets: $20 Adults or $15 Seniors/Students

Buy Tickets
Tickets may be available at the door.

CAST
Chaz Looney/ Drools (The Apprentice Actor)…….………. Dylan Myers
Candy Apples (The Producer’s Girlfriend)………………….. Nicole Gallin
Brent Reynolds (the Method Actor)……..……………….…. Arthur Carlson
Dick Scorsese (Martin Scorese’s Cousin)…………..…..…. John Fraissinet
Constance Crawford (The Legendary Stage Star).…. Donna Fraissinet
Mona Monet (The TV Star)……………………………….……….. Jessica Jones
Victor Le Pewe (The Director)………………………………….. John Branwell
P.G. “Piggy” Banks (The Producer)…………………….…….. Richard Dwyer
Phillip (The Stage Manager)……..………………………….. Jonathan Rueda
Alabama Miller (The Playwright)………………………..…………. Kay Dixon

Drop Dead!, is presented with generous support from Production Sponsor, the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home.

Drop Dead!” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Auditions - February 26, 27, & 28
2023-02-26 14:00 - 18:00, 2023-02-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-02-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Auditions for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown will be held in-person as follows:
Date & Times:

February 26th from 2pm – 6pm
February 27th and 28th from 7pm to 9pm
Call backs will be March 2nd from 7pm to 9pm

Location: 15 Frank E. Rogers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: April 22, 23 and 29, 30 (potential matinee shows on Sundays TBA)

Actors ages 21 to 75 are invited to audition. Gender for the actors playing the roles are flexible, please be ready to audition for all roles. Three nights of auditions will be focused on singing and dancing. Please prepare 32 bars from a song from the show, or from the song of your choice for audition night. Our choreographer will be teaching a 16 count to all auditioners, come dressed comfortably and prepared to dance. The director is looking for our principal players and also a strong dance ensemble. Prepared sides and monologues will be handed out at callbacks.
A note on COVID-19: all actors will be required to provide proof of vaccination when auditioning.
Masks will be mandatory during the rehearsal process leading up to tech week.
Virtual Auditions: If you are unable to attend the audition dates listed above but are still interested in coming out for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, video auditions will be accepted until February 25th at 9pm. Please submit your audition video to Director, Amanda Castro-Conroy, and Choreographer, Bong Dizon, at CharlieBrown@whatconj.org

Characters: Although the genders and ages for the characters are already assigned by the creator, they are not fixed for our concept for the actors in our show. Therefore all characters genders and ages are flexible depending on individuals auditions. Charlie Brown’s director would like to keep all possibilities open and is looking to see what you bring to the characters.

Dance ensemble: Looking for a strong dancers to fill in background vocals and to perform the large dance numbers.
Snoopy: A loyal, imaginative, and good-natured beagle who is prone to imagining fantasy lives, including being an author, a college student known as “Joe Cool”, an attorney, and a World War I flying ace. Looking for strong vocalist and a great showman to portray this classic character.
Charlie Brown: Good ol’ Charlie Brown is loyal, determined, and just a bit wishy-washy. He’s a true friend, a dedicated baseball manager, and very responsible when it comes to taking care of his dog, . Charlie Brown never gives up, even when he probably should.
Lucy Van Pelt: Though she’s often dismissed as simply bossy or crabby, there’s more to Lucy than strong opinions. She dispenses sound advice for just five cents and looks out for her brothers, and Rerun. She’s confident, strong, and positive she’ll make a great president or queen one day.
Linus Van Pelt: Thoughtful and respectful, Linus is often the voice of reason among his peers. He is a deep thinker and a student of philosophy. Despite his run-ins with cantankerous Lucy, and the fact no one understands why he carries a security blanket, Linus remains delightfully hopeful.
Linus’s Blanket: Looking for a strong dancer to perform alongside Linus during the duration of the show. Looking to find someone who is experienced in movement and dance and to work alongside our choreographer to make this beloved object a character of its own. Will potentially have to fill in background vocals.
Schroeder: A moody musical genius, Schroeder has been playing the piano since before he could walk. He also enjoys baseball and being with friends, but he’s never happier than when playing a Beethoven piece—even if the black keys of his piano are just painted on.
Sally Brown: A highly articulate, charismatic, lovable, sometimes eccentric and argumentative younger sister to Charlie Brown. Despite being portrayed as innocent and adorable, she is noticeably intelligent for her age. She is absurdly intense, balancing angst with innocence, sweet but a skeptic.

Questions: Contact charliebrown@whatconj.org

* Stage and technical crew, set building, and other volunteers are also needed for this production! To volunteer, contact admin@whatconj.org

Trivia Night Murder: a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
2023-03-24 19:00 - 21:30, 2023-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
West Hudson Ars & Theater invites you to our annual dinner theater fundraiser!

Trivia Night Murder – a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Written & Directed by: Allyssa Hynes
Date: March 24 & 25, 2023
Where: American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032
Time: 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
About the Production:
Trivia Night Murder is an interactive comedy murder mystery that will also feature a trivia game for the audience. The story centers on a bar trivia game competition that turns deadly when one team leader dies during the game.
Tickets: $50 per person (includes three-course meal, interactive production, trivia games. Cash Bar)
Catering by Carmine’s Italian Deli
Dinner:
Fish with tomatoes and olives
Chicken with lemon sauce
Veal parmigiana
Penne Vodka
Roasted Vegetables
Focaccia bread
Dessert

Buy Tickets
Cast:
Sammy: Nelson DePasquale
Malloy: Alexis Saarela
Jeanette: Lauren Proda
Jeremy: Matt Masiello
Ethel: Paula Baratta
Tara: Jessie Thiele
Winston: John Fraissinet
Chip: Roman Koster
Shelby: Denise Organisciak
Dan: Ed Shea
Gina Graham / Ms. Tully: Deborah Vartan

If you prefer to make your reservation by phone contact:
admin@whatconj.org or call/text (201) 540-WHAT (9428)
All calls will be returned within 24 hours

The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play Auditions - April 1 & 2
2023-04-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Auditions for The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play, directed by Beatriz Esteban Messina, will be held in-person as follows:
Date & Times:

April 1st from 3pm to 5pm
April 2nd from 3pm to 5 pm
Call backs or a read through will be April 3rd from 7pm to 9pm

Location: 15 Frank E. Rogers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: May 19, 20, 26, 27 at 7:30 pm and May 21 at 2:00 pm
Adapted for the Stage by JOE LANDRY
From the Novel by F. SCOTT FITZGERALD featuring Original Music by KEVIN CONNORS
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved classic comes to life as a 1940s radio broadcast in this spirited adaptation of The Great Gatsby. An ensemble brings more than two dozen characters from the novel to the stage of the WHAT radio station for a live broadcast, punctuated by 40s-era commercials. A story of triumph and tragedy that reflects the decadence of the Jazz Age and the perils of the American Dream. Still, ain’t we got fun?
Auditioners should be ready to read from the script. Copies will be provided.
* Stage and technical crew, set building, and other volunteers are also needed for this production! To volunteer, contact admin@whatconj.org
