It’s a New Dawn at the Kelsey Theatre, and I’m Feeling Good
by Deitra Oliver
Being part of South Jersey Theater Critics has allowed me to experience many wonderful productions and support the theater community with reviews I hope are encouraging and helpful. Community theater is a labor of love, with cast and crew members giving their time, energy, and talents, often for nothing more than their love of the craft. I love seeing the passion and dedication brought to each stage as people live out their dreams. This past July, I was fortunate to participate in an early table read of the original comedy-drama Midnight at the New Dawn by Dan Maurer. A shoutout to Jane Coult for her assistance with the audition process! The cast was phenomenal. This opportunity let me witness the development of a new show and offer input that could help it on its journey to the stage. One aspect I really loved was witnessing the actors’ journeys as they worked to embody their characters. During this process, I had the pleasure of reviewing both the early and current stages of the script, and each iteration was a pleasure. The script opens with a quote that beautifully captures not only this production but also the spirit of community theater and the arts:
“If no one ever took risks, Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor.”
---Neil Simon
Playwright and director Dan Maurer was extremely gracious and welcoming during the table read and genuinely interested in feedback from those of us in the audience. Additionally, Diana Gilman Maurer, co-founder of Maurer Productions Onstage and co-producer of this production, kindly served us a delicious lunch. While munching on tasty treats, I spoke with members of the cast and production team and learned how excited they were to be part of the show's development. I also learned about Dan’s development of the play. What began as a series of one-act plays eventually came together as a cohesive story, and thus Midnight at the New Dawn was born. Along with co-producer John Maurer, Dan and Diana have made this production a family affair, with open doors that welcome everyone to be part of the journey. Each wears many hats in this production, taking on everything from set construction to photography, marketing, and food wrangling. They are involved in nearly every aspect of production. Despite their deep involvement and passion for the project, I was impressed by their genuine openness and warmth in welcoming others to be a part of the journey. This openness extends to the program, which includes a QR code you can use to provide feedback on your experience.
Midnight at the New Dawn reminds me of movies like Love Actually, Valentine’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Set on New Year's Eve at the quintessential New Jersey diner, the New Dawn, the story follows several couples who converge there. The diner is owned and operated by Julie, played by Tonia Del Priore. Each couple arrives for different reasons, but they all find themselves involved in a special live broadcast of the relationship web series Truth Be Told, hosted by Krissy, played by Jessica Braynor. Krissy is a longtime friend of Julie’s, and Julie agrees to let her film at the diner in an attempt to attract more guests.. Unknown to Julie, Krissy has some ulterior motives that may involve fixing something she helped break a little while back. Braynor is fantastic as the fast-talking, highly observant, and usually well-meaning Krissy. I thoroughly enjoyed Braynor and might even be willing to sit in the chair and tell the truth. As the evening progresses, chaos and comedy ensue. The diner continues its regular operations while Krissy films the live web series and the couples navigate sometimes intense, life-changing interactions. Add in the fever-dream musical number ‘Truth Be Told,’ an original song by Laurie Gougher inspired by the characters and story, and you have all the makings of a feel-good theater experience.
From sitting in on the table read to attending the final dress rehearsal of the production, I felt so fortunate to have witnessed the transition of ideas from the page to the stage. Upon entering the theater, I was first greeted by the scent of popcorn. This was unusual because the Kelsey Theatre, the home of the world premiere of Midnight at the New Dawn, does not permit food in the auditorium. Following my nose into the auditorium, I looked around for the source of the wonderful aroma and was greeted by a full New Jersey diner onstage. Anyone from Jersey would instantly recognize the scene. There was the not-quite-beige, not-quite-peach paint; the wood paneling; the tile floor that never looks fully clean, no matter how often it is swept or mopped; the tables and counter seats; a dessert display; monitors showing ads for local events and diner specials; and, yes, a fully functional popcorn machine. Truthfully, the attention to detail is so rich that it is better to see it in person than to read my recollections of it.
The team behind this creation truly did an outstanding job of bringing the diner to life. John Maurer (scenic design and properties), Jeff Cantor (master carpenter), Diana Gilman Maurer (properties and set dressing), and Jenna “Jay” Moschella (scenic artist) worked together to create a beautiful homage to the traditional New Jersey diner that is not only visually stunning but also extremely functional. I worked at a restaurant in high school as a server, and I had flashbacks to the swinging doors leading to the kitchen. A traumatic memory might be a better descriptor! I still remember walking through those doors, getting hit by one, and sending my tray full of food flying as the restaurant erupted in applause. This doesn’t happen in the show, but the doors look and function as if there is a kitchen just beyond.
The sounds of a diner play faintly in the background, breathing life into the set. Sound effects by Judi Parrish and sound design by Eric Collins contribute to the production’s immersive atmosphere. I honestly wanted to order a coffee and a slice of key lime pie, but the servers never came to my section. Lighting by Judi Parrish plays a central role in telling the story. As the evening progresses, we are introduced to the different couples through vignettes depicting the conversations at their tables. The activity of the diner never ceases, but the lights brighten over the featured scene while the rest of the stage is slightly darkened. Lighting also effectively signals transitions to scenes that take place outside the diner. Costume design by Anthony Wurtz and assistant costumer Christina Parke is another effective tool for setting the scene and telling the story. All the characters wear winter gear, transporting the audience to the frigid temperatures of January. Beneath their outerwear, they wear clothing appropriate for the celebration, reflecting not only their economic status but also their personalities.
Now owned by Julie following her mother’s passing, the diner is staffed by an interesting team of employees. Julie, played by Tonia Del Priore, is the hustling, somewhat jaded but still soft-hearted and caring, ringleader of the crew. Priore brings Julie to life as an immediately relatable and likable character. As the heart of the diner, she knows everyone and connects with them all in different ways. Priore brings an authentic warmth and sincerity to the character that makes you want to eat at the New Dawn, not just for the pie but also for the side order of advice.
Ainsley Hardt joins the New Dawn team as Polly, a server with relationship troubles of her own. She is crazy about clueless co-worker Lyle, played by Joey Violi. Poor Polly keeps dropping hints, but Lyle remains oblivious, spending his time teaching a stray cat sign language. Hardt is hilarious in the attempts to get Lyle’s attention, using physical comedy and strong expressions to convey Polly’s journey. Violi is funny as the slightly out-there Lyle, bringing the perfect amount of naïve charm to the role.
Laurie Hardy, who plays both Maude, a longtime diner employee, and Hildie, a Hollywood intimacy coordinator, delivers her lines with the wit and skill of a seasoned professional. Even at the table read, I loved seeing the development of her characters, particularly Hildie. Hardy not only delivers an excellent German accent but also creates a memorable and entertaining character. Maude is a mother figure to the diner staff, offering sage advice to the younger employees, particularly Julie, who frequently turns to her for guidance.
Rounding out the staff of the New Dawn is Brian Wurtz as the aptly named Grumble. Grumble is not afraid to voice his opinions or dissatisfaction. Grumble can be abrasive and sometimes unlikable, but Wurtz makes him all those things while also making him funny and engaging. I really enjoyed Grumble and his rants as he runs through the diner dealing with the things that no one else wants to handle.
Working together, the staff at the New Dawn Diner keeps the space feeling like a functioning diner throughout the play, cleaning counters, bussing tables, sweeping floors, delivering food, and more. I loved that there was always something happening throughout the show. This is a testament to the work of the actors and director. There is nothing static about the New Dawn; everything is living and breathing, making you feel as though you are people-watching while enjoying your dinner.
The first couple we meet are Brad, played by Justin Mancini, and Sasha, played by Tina Michel. They are stopped by host, Krissy, and asked about hall passes. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, a hall pass is an agreement that allows one partner to sleep with a specific person if the opportunity arises. Brad finds himself shocked by Sasha’s response, and this leads to an evening neither anticipated. Mancini and Michel have great chemistry and deliver the fast-paced dialogue with both comedic flair and an appreciation for its deeper meaning.
Our second couple is Claire, played by Ava Mattson, and Louis, played by Mark Violi. They are in the process of divorcing. Claire and Louis are in an age-gap relationship that has reached its end. Claire is ready to move on and begin her new life as a rebranded social media influencer, Vivica. Louis is still in love with Claire and wants to reconcile, but he doesn’t really understand her or her desires. Mattson portrays Claire with wit and depth, preventing her from becoming a caricature. Given the highly stylized language and energy of the character, it could be easy to write Claire off, but Mattson brings complexity to her performance that makes Claire captivating. Violi is equally enjoyable as Louis. He allows the underlying heartbreak and confusion to simmer beneath the surface of his lines, making Louis a much more sympathetic character.
Our next couple is Lucy, played by Elizabeth Rzasa, and Miles, played by J.R. Hazelton. They belong to a writing group that meets at the diner to discuss their work, and they have begun a relationship unbeknownst to the other group members. The group includes Bob Abrahamson as Walt, Nigel Rogers as Owen, and Chris Guear as Ted. Lucy, the only woman in the writing group, presents her story to the others. The story is a not-so-subtle nudge to Miles after an incident creates a rift in their relationship. Miles, as seems to be a common thread in this show, is clueless about Lucy’s feelings. As the group works through her writing, things come to light, and Miles is forced to face the music or lose Lucy forever. Abrahamson, Rogers, and Guear are fun to watch as they interact with each other and with Miles and Lucy. They have a fun energy reminiscent of shows like The Big Bang Theory, only in a writers’ room instead of a laboratory. Rzasa does a wonderful job of conveying Lucy’s frustrations and hurt without making it feel trite or contrived. You can feel the sincere hope and desire driving her, as well as the frustration that makes her want to give up. Hazelton brings a refreshing sincerity to Miles. Because their relationship is essentially a secret from the group, I especially enjoyed the moments between Lucy and Miles, as well as the impact of the revelations in Lucy’s story and the other members’ reactions.
The next couple is Nicole, played by Lauren Laponte, and Jake, played by Joe Zedeny. They are a former Hollywood power couple, dealing with the aftermath of infidelity and substance abuse. While visiting her hometown, Nicole goes to the diner to see her friend Julie. There, she is ambushed by her ex-husband Jake, whom her sister has told where to find her. Forced into interaction with him, Nicole chooses to stay and see what he has to say. Their relationship is complex and marked by past hurt. To complicate matters, their celebrity status subjects them to intense public scrutiny. Laponte effectively brings Nicole’s simmering anger and hurt to the surface, lacing every word she directs at Jake with a palpable tension. Jake is revealed to have done reprehensible things that should make him immediately unlikable. However, Zedeny brings humility and self-awareness to the role that softens the audience’s view of Jake. Like Nicole, you find yourself curious about what he has to say.
Our final couple consists of the high schoolers Emma, played by Emma J. Allison, and Toby, played by Emre Celik. As Emma and Toby enter the diner dressed as musical-theater characters, Krissy (Braynor) interviews them. It is evident there is something off with their relationship as the interview progresses. Toby can’t get a word in without being interrupted by Emma, who rhapsodizes about how wonderful their relationship is. It is almost as if she is trying to convince not only the audience but also herself and Toby of the state of their relationship. Allison brings high energy to Emma, along with a bit of Rachel Berry to the stage. I really enjoyed her performance and the sensitivity Allison brought to Emma. Celik does an admirable job of portraying Toby’s internal struggles as he tries to decide what to do. Allison and Celik have great chemistry, and they do a wonderful job of showing the complexities of growing up and figuring out who you are.
Midnight at the New Dawn has many moving parts and would not be possible without the dedicated team working behind the scenes. Assistant music director Elizabeth Rzasa, who also played Lucy, helped to bring the musical number “Truth Be Told” to life. Stage manager Jeff Cantor and assistant stage manager Dekota Homer, along with backstage crew members Zhi Sharpe, Angela Chapman, and Maria Carona Fontanive, helped ensure that everything ran smoothly, cues were not missed, and props and set pieces were where they needed to be when they were needed.
Midnight at the New Dawn was truly a unique and memorable experience for me. Being invited to witness the development of a project feels both personal and important, and I want to honor the trust placed in me. Community theater thrives on community and bravery. Midnight at the New Dawn is full of both. This weekend, I encourage you to see Midnight at the New Dawn at the Kelsey Theatre for its world premiere. Support the local theater community as its members bravely bring new productions to the stage and invite you along for the journey.
Get your tickets here: https://www.purplepass.com/organizer/66720
Show dates: October 16, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.; October 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and October 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
