KING LEAR, DRACULA & More Set for Nutley Little Theatre 90th Season

For 90 years, Nutley Little Theatre has been producing high quality theatrical entertainment for the enjoyment of Nutley residents and surrounding communities. Born in the great Depression, when economic conditions encouraged interest in community activities, Nutley Little Theatre has continued to be a vital community organization for 90 years, and with continued support, it will continue to bring live theatre to the Northern New Jersey area for decades to come.

Started in 1934, NLT prides itself on providing a range of live theatre: the all-volunteer organization presents five mainstage shows per year, showcasing a range of genres including musicals, comedies and drama. It also offers free Readers' Theatre performances, special events, and creative workshops that bring together people from all walks of life from in and around Nutley. 

Nutley Little Theatre's history reaches back to the early thirties when a group of men, connected with the Grace Episcopal Church, organized an amateur theatrical group called the Parish Players. Two of the members decided to expand their idea to a town-wide theatre group, so in 1934, Nutley Little Theatre began its career.

Our present “home,” The Barn on Erie Place, a former jam factory, was available for rental and members decided it was necessary to have a place to construct and store sets. Nutley Little Theatre rented the barn from 1935 to 1938 and officially purchased it in 1938. In January 1935, the members decided to utilize the stage area on the second floor, and held “workshop” meetings, which included the presentation of one-act plays and staging techniques. In order to inform members of activities, a theatre newsletter was created. 

1943 brought two significant events. The Barn became the sole property of Nutley Little Theatre and the policy was changed to open auditions from members only to anyone interested. This policy still continues today and has afforded Nutley Little Theatre a wide range of talents, both on and off the stage.

The 1950s marked NLT's foray into holding benefits for local groups. “NLT on-the-Road” was formed and the group would troupe shows to local civic groups. The 50s also saw the season change from two shows a season to three. This continued until 1976 when the decision was made to use The Barn for more than just storage and monthly meetings. After 42 years of presenting its shows in various Nutley schools, Nutley Little Theatre became self-sustaining by converting The Barn into a theatre. More shows were added each season and the group was able to offer the community more evenings of live theatre.

Nutley Little Theatre has seen several people come through our doors who have moved on to other venues. From Robert Blake (who was then a young high school man with a different name) to Jay Mohr who went on to Saturday Night Live and major motion pictures, Nutley Little Theatre is happy to have played a small part in the life of every actor who has crossed through our doors. Our goal is to present diverse live theatre to the community and offer a place for people to learn and grow as performers, directors, and technicians.

Nutley Little Theatre's 90th season includes:

Travesties by Tom Stoppard, directed by L.A. Mars. Show dates: September 13th-28th

Dracula by Bram Stoker, adapted by Liz Lochhead, directed by Heather Ferreira. Show dates: October 25th-November 9th

4000 Miles by Amy Herzog, directed by Craig Tiede. Show dates: December 13th-21st

Chapter Two by Neil Simon, directed by Deshja Driggs-Hall. Show dates: February 7th-22nd

King Lear by William Shakespeare, directed by Alex Oleksij. Show dates: April 11th-26th

For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Gina Sarno. Show dates: June 13th-28th.

90th Season Logo by Steve Crooks

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.