Chester Theatre Group

Ruth Ross of the Recorder Newspapers has posted her review of our production of The Receptionist over at the Recorder Newspapers website. An excerpt:

“Director Jeff Knapp has cast four superb actors to portray the characters in this three-scene, one act play. Carla Kendall’s spot-on comedic timing, expressive face and mellifluous voice are perfect for Beverly, office yenta/therapist-of-all-matters. She looks matronly enough for such a know-it-all as she bustles around the office, checking her computer screen, making coffee.

Rachel Dunwoody is a knockout as the beautiful Lorraine, although it’s difficult to believe that she’s lonely and despairs of finding the right man. She sashays around the office and flirts with Martin Dart with élan.

As the aforementioned Dart (great name for the character), Don Pflaster has just the right amount of malevolence to set your antennae humming. He keeps his own counsel, however, not revealing his motives at first and then grabbing your attention when he finally does.

And Stephen Catron is fine as Edward Raymond, especially in a seemingly unrelated scene in the very beginning when he directly addresses the audience about his love of fly-fishing and his decision to set free the fish he’s caught. This seemingly casual conversation resonates long after the play ends.

Jonathan Wentz’s set design is the quintessential anteroom of a busy office, complete with a coat rack, magazines, chairs and a spacious L-shaped desk from which Beverly rules.”

The Receptionist continues Fridays and Saturdays at 8 through December 5.  A matinee is scheduled for November 29 at 2 pm.  Due to the size of the house, reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the box office at 908.879.7304.

Word from the box office — tickets are still available for SATURDAY’s performances of The Hound of the Baskervilles; Friday’s performance is SOLD OUT and they’re not suggesting you get on the wait list.  (They’re that full.)

Get your name in for Saturday before it’s too late! Call 908.879.7304

Rich Maloy - Photo by Scott Hart

The Chester Theatre Group has won two NJACT “Perry Awards” for their 2008-2009 production “On Golden Pond.”

The Chester Theatre Group’s winners were; Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play: Rich Maloy, and Outstanding Properties: Lynn Hart, Pat Dougherty. The Chester Theatre Group performs at the historic Black River Playhouse in Chester, N.J.

The NJACT Perry Awards are given for outstanding achievements in community theater. More than 200 shows produced by theater companies around the state are submitted each year.

Congrats to Rich, Lynn and Pat!!!

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This Saturday, August 29th at 10:00 AM we will be gathering at the theatre to Clean Out the Shed.

We are looking for any and all help.

Wear your grubbies and if you have them, bring a pair of gloves.

We hope to be done by lunch time so the more hands on deck the better and quicker the task will be completed. And for all the hard workers there will be dogs and burgers and chips and soft drinks to be had….if you are not into getting that dirty – you can come and volunteer to man the barbeque grill! Either way, please let Ellen know if you can make it or not…if you can, just get your work gloves or your hot dog tongs and come, help and catch up with each other…

It’s a great way to get involved!