Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre Presents THE NEIGHBORHOOD, 9/28-10/14

DREAMCATCHER REPERTORY THEATRE, professional Theatre in Residence at the Oakes Center in Summit, will present the world premiere of a new musical, THE NEIGHBORHOOD. The production, with book and lyrics by Artistic Director Laura Ekstrand and music by Joseph Zawila, runs from September 28 through October 14. This play was created from the stories of Dreamcatcher's Resident Acting Company, and takes a loving and sometimes hilarious look at the way we live among the people around us who are not quite strangers, but also not quite friends.

This frank and funny evening of vignettes, monologues and songs will strike a chord with everyone who has wondered how much we really know about our neighbors, and how much we really want to know about them. These are the people we see every day on the train while commuting to work, the people next door whose dog drives us crazy, the people we wave at from a distance, and the people who cross the line from neighbor to friend by allowing us into their lives when it matters most.

The Dreamcatcher company has been praised often for the ensemble nature of their work. "Once again, this repertory company shows just what the word 'company' means; the actors are so used to working together that their chemistry completely convinces the audience that they are a family," wrote Ruth Ross of The News-Record last season. Dreamcatcher's production of THE NEIGHBORHOOD features Resident Acting Company members Harry Patrick Christian (Montclair), Laura Ekstrand (Livingston), Noreen Farley (Clinton), Dave Maulbeck (Summit), Scott McGowan (Maplewood), Jessica O'Hara-Baker (New York), and Harriett Trangucci (Summit). Returning to the Dreamcatcher stage is Jason Szamreta (Rahway), who appeared in last season's acclaimed production of NEXT FALL. The Stage Manager is Danielle Constance (Long Valley) and show is directed by Lauren Moran-Mills (Boonton).

THE NEIGHBORHOOD will run at Dreamcatcher from Friday, September 28 through Sunday, October 14. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. There will be talkbacks with the artists after the September 30 and October 7 matinee performances. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students, with special rates for subscribers and groups. Purchase tickets online at www.dreamcatcherrep.org or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006. Seniors pay only $15 on advance purchases only on Senior Sunday, the September 30 matinee.

Performances are at The Oakes Center, located at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit. Parking is available in the lot behind the theatre on Ashwood Avenue and at the Summit Recreation Center on Morris Avenue. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Assistive Listening devices for the hearing impaired and advance large print scripts are available by prior arrangement. To purchase tickets or for information on any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre's programs, please visit www.dreamcatcherrep.org or contact Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre at The Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901, 908-514-9654.

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