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Community Corner

Pushcart Players Celebrates New Jersey

Pushcart Players, New Jersey’s renowned touring theatre for
young and family audiences presents “Celebrating New Jersey,” a timely
folk musical that coincides with New Jersey’s 350th Anniversary
in 2014 at Delaware Township School on Wednesday, January 29 at 10:00 am.
“Celebrating New Jersey”
reaches across more than three centuries, linking
young viewers to the past while breathing new life into a most creative period
in the Garden State’s history. From the arrival of the first settlers to the
American Revolution, from the writing of the Constitution to the significant
participation in the Civil War, from Thomas Edison’s life-changing work in West
Orange to New Jersey’s pivotal role in industry, “Celebrating New Jersey” is
a spirited and stylish exploration of the innovation and diversity that
continue to define New Jersey.



“The production is brimming with humor, conflict and
discovery,” said Ruth Fost, Pushcart’s co-founder and executive artistic
director. Fost is the playwright and lyricist for the production as well. “I
think people will be surprised by the many ‘firsts’ from NJ, which include the
steam locomotive, the submarine and the electric guitar. Oh, and did I mention
America’s first copper mine, the first World Series radio broadcast and the
first robot? There’s a lot to be proud of!”



Phebe Taylor and
Harry Patrick Christian perform “Celebrating New Jersey”. Taylor
is a Pushcart Players since 2004. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University
School of Drama, Phebe is a company member of the Heartland Actors’ Repertory
Theatre and a frequent performer at the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis. Christian is a teaching artist and director
when not working as an actor. He performed in the one-man show, "Santaland
Diaries " in Quincy, IL and at Luna Stage, NJ. Appearing in
improvisational shows, cabarets and regional theatre, he most recently was seen
in "The Language Archive" and "The Other Place," for Dreamcatcher
Repertory Theater in Summit, NJ. With the Passaic Police Department's Youth
Services Division, Christian brings theatre arts to teenagers who are
first-time violent crime offenders.

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The production is directed by Paul Whelihan, who is an
actor, stage manager, producer and playwright. 
He recently appeared in “Deathtrap” at Centenary Stage in Hackettstown,
having previously performed in numerous productions off-Broadway and regionally
throughout the country. Whelihan has directed the majority of Pushcart’s
productions throughout its history and continues to be a teaching artist in the
tri-state area in elementary, middle and high schools.



The music of “Celebrating New Jersey” combines traditional
folk songs with original works. Incidental music and orchestrations are by
Larry Hochman, who has collaborated with Pushcart co-founder Carole Wechter,
since the company’s inception. Hochman won the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for
his co-orchestration of “The Book of Mormon.” Larry also orchestrated  “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “The Addams
Family” and “Jane Eyre” among others.

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Pushcart Players is in its 40th anniversary
season of presenting productions filled with fun, facts, magic and wonder. The
company has traveled over 2 million miles to serve more than 8 million children
and their families nationally and abroad. All performances come with innovative
scenery, complete lighting and state of the art sound systems, making it
adaptable to any location.



Delaware Township School is located at 501 Rosemont
Ringoes Road. PTA representatives or school cultural arts coordinators who
would like to preview the performance are required to contact Pushcart Players
at 973.857.1115 in advance. “Please do not call the school directly or arrive
without prior approval.” For further information on this or any of Pushcart’s
programs and services, contact Pushcart Players or visit the website at www.pushcartplayers.org. LIKE us on
Facebook to get up to date information on activities and events and follow us
on Twitter @PushcartPlayers.
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