Sarah Greenstone with Caroler. Photo by Rita Medina.
When the Drumthwacket Foundation approached the New Jersey Theatre Alliance earlier this year for a once in a lifetime opportunity, the Alliance and its members responded swiftly and enthusiastically. The request was for the members to collaborate on a project to decorate the Governor's mansion in Princeton with a theatrical flair for the holidays-Drumthwacket on Stage. Centenary Stage Company was among the groups eager to be a part of a grand tradition in New Jersey and help the Drumthwacket Foundation create a memorable experience for all visitors this holiday season.
Though this project would coincide with one of the busiest times of the season for CSC with their annual holiday musical production just around the corner, CSC Associates Rita Medina and Maria Brodeur decided that this would be a great way to spread the word about the theatre and entertainment opportunities happening in Northwest New Jersey. Medina recruited Centenary College faculty member Julia Sharp, who also serves as costumer for the main stage shows, to spearhead the design for CSC. Sharp specializes in Fashion and Visual Merchandising among other subjects and was able to bring in help from Centenary College Fashion students Sarah Greenstone and Christina "Tina" Medina.
When Medina and Sharp went on their first visit to Drumthwacket, they were given a tour of the mansion and as they walked into the majestic library with the impressive fireplace, they knew that it would be the perfect room for them to bring in elements from their 2011 holiday production of "A Christmas Carol: The Musical." CSC is currently remounting the adaptation written by Alan Menken, Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent running through December 15th in Hackettstown.
The beautiful room has been set up with production photos and two beautiful costumes constructed especially for this installation, one of The Ghost of Christmas Present and the other of a Victorian Caroler. The room also includes props made specifically to fit with the room and a display of set designs from past CSC Equity productions by Emmy Winning designer Bob Philips. Board Member, and photographer, Bob Eberle also lent a hand putting together a video displaying other photos from past professional productions.
The Drumthwacket Foundation also works in conjunction with the Garden Clubs of New Jersey to help create an inspiring display overall. CSC's Artistic Director Carl Wallnau stated that "Centenary's proud to be a part of this holiday tradition and we're looking forward to sharing our talents with New Jersey residents who come out to see this installation." Other members in the Alliance have volunteered their time and efforts contributing to a display of props, costumes, set models and photos throughout the entire mansion to insure a magical experience for visitors coming through the home this December.
The Foundation will hold three Open House events today, December 4th; Sunday, December 8th; and Wednesday, December 11th. Visitors who wish to attend can make reservations by visiting their website at www.drumthwacket.org. A $5.00 donation to the Drumthwacket Foundation is suggested.
