New Theatre Company WHAT Set to Launch with ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE: A RADIO PLAY

Community theater returns to West Hudson with the launch of the newly formed West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (W.H.A.T.)

Returning a community theater to the area was the goal of a small group of arts-minded residents and business people. "We had mutual goal of bringing live theater back to our towns," said Gerald Ficeto, a member of the W.H.A.T. founding committee. Through the process, the group discovered that live theater has a long and rich history in West Hudson. Many might remember the Half Penny Playhouse on Midland Avenue, or the original theater that existed at the Arlington Players Club. A summer theater program for teenagers, Teen Drama, was successfully launched two years ago in Kearny; and productions at local high schools have helped create generations of both talented performers and theater-loving audiences.

With all this in mind, the group felt the time was right for a West Hudson theater troop.

West Hudson Theater & Arts Company (W.H.A.T.) inaugural performance, "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," will take place at the Arlington Player's Club, 12 Washington Place, Kearny on Saturday, December 10. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a pre-theater Wine and Sweets reception. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

This performance of Frank Capra's beloved holiday movie masterpiece, with script adapted by Liz Zazz and original music by Jason Neri, is being directed by W.H.A.T. committee member Mark Morchel. "The show be presented as a 1940s-style live radio broadcast in front of the audience, complete with live sound effects, microphones and a dozen actors playing a variety of different roles," explained Morchel. There will be only one performance and tickets are extremely limited. "This will be quite special event and we are hoping it turns into annual tradition for W.H.A.T.'" he added. The company is currently in the process of putting together is currently putting together its 2012 season.

Putting on quality theatre can be quite costly, noted Ficeto, but the West Hudson Arts & Theater Company, through community support and ongoing fund raising activities will achieve its goals.

W.H.A.T. founding committee members include: Margaret Berko, Leonardo daSilva, Linda Kraus D'Isa, Councilwoman Carol Jean Doyle, Joseph Ferriero, Gerard Ficeto, Cecilia Lindenfelser, Michele Sarnoski, Mary Pat Shields, and Mark Morchel. Their broad backgrounds and experiences each contribute to a unique perspective on the possibilities of live theater in this community.

W.H.A.T is incorporated with the State of New Jersey and will seek approval on a status to be a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. "In the fast paced world of today, there really is no better time than now to lend a hand and help the rapidly shrinking, and under-funded world of the arts - it's an investment in the community," Ficeto added.

Tickets for "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" are $20. For more information on purchasing tickets, making a donation, or how to get involved with W.H.A.T. call 201.467.8624 or e mail info@whatco.org

 

 

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