Masquerade Theatre

by Laura Duffy Despite being one of Stephen Sondheim’s many devotees, I was unfamiliar with his and George Furth’s 1970 musical Company - that is, until this past Friday night. Masquerade Theatre’s opening night performance was nearly sold out and highly energetic, with an audience full of friends and Company fans. For those also unfamiliar, Company is a concept musical about marriage and dating in New York City, and follows Robert (often referred to as Bobby) through a seri

by Ash Kotter I can say with confidence that theatre enthusiasts typically first meet Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House in a classroom, as a staple of dramatic history, as something you read to discuss later and analyze. And, rightfully so, considering its cultural context: Ibsen wasn’t exactly being subtle in dramatizing a wife walking out on her husband and children in 1879. I probably read this play in high school. I’m sure I definitely read it in college. Could make a strong

by Laura Duffy On Friday evening, I was privileged to witness the opening night performance of American Son at Masquerade Theatre. Written by Christopher Demos-Brown, and directed in this case by Connor Twigg, the play tells the story of a separated biracial couple trapped in the lobby of a police station as they await news of their son, who has gone missing following a traffic stop incident. To say that this production is timely would be a vast understatement. Since the

by Stephen Kreal On Sunday, December 7th, I attended an opening weekend matinee performance of the musical version of Little Women at Masquerade Theater in Riverside NJ. The musical is based on the story by Louisa May Alcott, originally published in 1868. The story is well-known, and remains popular, as evidenced by the well-loved 1994 movie version, and the critically-acclaimed 2019 movie version. There was also a 1978 made-for-TV miniseries with a star-studded cast. The m

by Amber Kusching When murderous, carnivorous swarming birds overrun the world, survival becomes the number one focus for the determined published author Diane, and the emotionally unstable Nat. The two strangers are brought together by their will to live and their need to survive. The two take shelter in an abandoned home by a lake. Their shared fate lies in each other’s hands as they scrounge for food and supplies during the six hours the birds do not attack when the tides

by Meg Bryan “I miss the past, and I’m afraid of the future.” This climactic statement from Vanya in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, written by Christopher Durang, is something many of us, myself included, can relate to. That deep feeling of nostalgia, yearning for the things you loved so dearly as a child. That sometimes paralyzing fear of the unknown, especially the arguably biggest unknown that is the future. The dueling feelings of loving your family with all your h

by M. Smith When you think of someone you have met in your life, does a part of you ever think about how fate plays a role in bringing you two together? How if you hadn’t done a specific thing or been at a specific place at a specific time you wouldn’t have met them? Well, Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon explores just those types of connections at Masquerade Theatre in conjunction with Herrick Theatricals! The story explores the separate lives of 4 people in New York and how the

by Ash Kotter Walls textured with abstract brush strokes of gold and green. Globe string lights draped overhead, the kind you find in backyard patios and beer gardens. No harsh distinction between audience and stage, only warmth. Strings and keys had already taken their places. Pages of programs shuffled, shoes scuffed against the floor — the percussive underscore of an eager audience waiting for the opening number. A sudden caesura in the general murmur as two musicians cas

by Angela Robb “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” is a 1993 play written by Neil Simon. Despite the year of its release the show takes place in 1953 at the height of the McCarthy era. The show centers on a group of New York City comedy writers in the writer’s room of “The Max Prince Show”, a “Your Show of Shows” esque variety show on NBC. In between their workplace antics and interactions with coworkers the team faces pressure from studio executives regarding budget cuts and the i

by Laura Duffy As a frequent theatregoer, it can be thrilling every once and a while to experience a play that you know nothing about. That was my experience going into Rabbit Hole at Masquerade Theatre. I want to emphasize before beginning this review just how impactful it was to be able to experience this story for the first time, having no knowledge beforehand of the plot or each character’s involvement in it. If you have any interest in attending this production – and

by Alex Davis You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a sweet musical, written by Clark Gesner with additions by Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa. Friday’s performance by Masquerade Theatre’s troupe of regulars gave audiences exactly what was expected, and then some - a cute, funny, often heartfelt, sometimes heartbreaking depiction of the Peanuts gang. Directed by Megan Knowlton Balne, music directed by Jennifer Weir, and choreographed by Kenneth Fisher, the ensemble works seamle

by Lori Caplan Clark When asked to review On Golden Pond which opened Friday, September 20 at Masquerade Theatre, I leapt at the chance. The movie version, released in 1981, remains one of my all-time favorites, so this was an assignment that I certainly looked forward to! The play, On Golden Pond, was written in 1979 by Ernest Thompson, and focuses on Ethel and Norman Thayer, an aging couple who spend their summers on a lake called Golden Pond. During this summer, their

by Brian Herrick You walk into what you think is a regular solo show at the Masquerade Theatre on your normal Saturday night, and are immediately transported back to your favorite 16 Candles-esque school dance. Flooded with collegiate memories, with a touch of your favorite Princess Birthday party sprinkled on top, you immediately realize this was not the evening you expected. As patrons are ushered into this intimate space (sitting around 25-30 others), you finally reach yo

by Brian Herrick Caption: sexuality, identity, family secrets unveiled in a series of non-linear vignettes all in the subtle surroundings of your average Pennsylvanian funeral parlor (with special guest: the art of song!). While this might sound like the set up for your average David Sedaris inspired musing, “Fun Home” is a musical adaptation of Alison Bechtel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name. This reviewer had the pleasure of seeing Masquerade Theatre’s production of

by Aimee Ferenz Content Warning: This show, and therefore this review, contains complex material including mention of the assault of a child and religious trauma. When first arriving at the Masquerade Theater’s production of Doubt: A Parable, I did not know anything about it. I had seen a few production photos, both of this cast and of the new Broadway revival, but the rarity of going into a show completely fresh was too good to pass up. Doubt: A Parable is a one act fol

by April Johnson On Friday, January 26th, I had the opportunity to view Masquerade Theatre’s presentation of “Picasso At the Lapin Agile” written by Steve Martin…yes, that wild and crazy guy. Masquerade Theater is definitely a hidden treasure that I experienced for the first time and I am looking forward to seeing more of their projects in real time. Located in Riverside, NJ, Masquerade Theatre believes in Exploring the Humanity Beneath the Masque. And indeed it did with