Paper Mill Starts 'Save the Theater Campaign;' You Can Help

Can you imagine New Jersey without Paper Mill Playhouse?

Paper Mill is in a financial crisis and needs $1.5 million to stay open. The well-loved Milburn theatre is in danger of closing as early as this Friday.  Theatre lovers can help to save "The State Theater of New Jersey" by making a generous tax-deductible contribution today.

So far, Paper Mill has raised over $35,000 today just over the internet alone.  Contributions have come in from all over the world including many contributions from actors who have performed at Paper Mill throughout its vast history.  Although every donation is significant to Paper Mill Playhouse, the money that has come in so far is not enough to save the theater.  Furthermore, New Jersey Lawmakers have proposed an emergency allocation, but the $300,000-$400,000 grant sponsored jointly by Senator Richard Cody and Senator Tom Kean Jr. won't come through until August. 

RALLY TO SAVE PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE!
Monday, April 9, 7:00pm
At Paper Mill Playhouse, Brookside Drive, Millburn, New Jersey
Join Broadway Stars, Paper Mill Stars past and present, and Government Officials to show your support at the Rally to Save Paper Mill Playhouse!

Buy your tickets to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and make a tax-deductible donation today! Call 973-379-3636 or donate online at www.papermill.org.

Confirmed for the event are: Michele Ragusa, John Lloyd Young, Judy McLane, Glory Crampton, Matthew Scott, James Brennan, Nick Corley, Daniel Goldstein, Danette Holden, and Kate Baldwin.  Confirmed political leaders include: Senate President and Governor Richard Cody, Senator Tom Kean Jr. and a possibility of Governor Jon Corzine.

Since 1938, generations of New Jersey residents have had their first live theatre experience at Paper Mill. Paper Mill has enriched the cultural lives of literally millions of people over the years. It has contributed to and helped sustain the great American musical theatre art form. Paper Mill Playhouse has been training and nurturing both young and established artists for decades.

Broadway stars had the following to say about Paper Mill Playhouse:

"This is the saddest news for all of us in the theater community. Paper Mill Playhouse not only gave me my Equity card, it also gave me a wonderful opportunity to play a role in a production that audiences throughout the New York communities could see. Paper Mill is an American staple and has been responsible for so many careers. Please give what you can to save this wonderful institution and source of so much joy for so many."

 - Kristin Chenoweth

"One of my fondest theater memories was Gypsy at Paper Mill Playhouse. Regional theaters like Paper Mill take more creative risks, think outside the box, and are able to do short concentrated runs ensuring that the audience gets an exciting and fresh theatrical experience with an A list original cast. I would be heartbroken to think that Paper Mill would be forced to shut its doors both as an audience member and a performer. Paper Mill also gives so much to the community through its programs for young performers. The future of musical theater lies in the hands of these young people who need this creative outlet and place to grow as actors."

- Deborah Gibson

"Some of my happiest theatrical experiences have been at Paper Mill. The productions are Broadway caliber - it's simply the best regional theatre in the country."

- Lee Roy Reams

"The Paper Mill Playhouse production of The Chosen was my first major New York area role and my first big critical achievement.  The Broadway level productions are the perfect training ground for someone who wants to be on Broadway and a great place for those who work on Broadway to return to play great roles.  I have supported Paper Mill since working there and will continue to do so in the future.  I ask that you do the same."

- John Lloyd Young

"Paper Mill has been a home for me since the beginning of my career.  It gave me a solid start to my career as it has to so many performers.  Please help this invaluable institution keep its doors open."

- Robert Cuccioli

"Paper Mill offers first class live theatre with Broadway caliber talent nestled in beautiful Millburn, New Jersey .  I loved working there – please save this gem!"

- Karen Ziemba

"This is one of the premiere theatres in the entire country for the cultivation of new musicals and the rediscovery and resuscitation of neglected older ones.  The consistent high quality of its productions and its passionate support of this unique American art form are virtually unparalleled.  It would be an incalculable loss for Paper Mill Playhouse to shut down; it must not be allowed to happen."  

- Stephen Schwartz

The following is from Judy McLane....  (she sent this to all of her friends) 

Dear Friends,

I am writing to ask you help for something that is dear to my heart.

The Paper Mill Playhouse, in Millburn, NJ , is at risk of closing its doors forever, as soon as Friday, April 6. This is a not for profit theater, where only 55% of the theater's operations come from ticket sales. The other percentage comes from donations. Recently, money that was promised to the theater has not come through. Therefore, they need to raise money to stay open.

Paper Mill Playhouse brings quality theater, with some of the best directors, musicians, dancers, actors, sound and lighting designers, composers & lyricists, set designers in the theater.

This theater, also, provides Educational Outreach Programs to our schools to develop young artists and future patrons of the Arts.

I have done numerous shows at this wonderful theater. It gave me the chance to develop and grow as a performer, as well as, work with amazingly talented people. I consider Paper Mill my home in the theater world.

If you are an actor that has had the great opportunity to work there, this is your chance to give back.

If you are a person that appreciates the arts and understands the value of it in our lives, this is a chance to help.

The closing of this theater would be a pure tragedy.

You can help by making a donation at www.papermill.org or call (973) 379-3636.  No donation is too small

With a grateful heart,
xoxo
Judy McLane

Buy your tickets to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and make a tax-deductible donation today! Call 973-379-3636 or donate online at www.papermill.org.