The Centenary Stage Kicks Off Nov 2012 Magical Shows with Brad Ross Today, 11/3

This November is packed with entertainment that will warm the soul as the winter approaches. Centenary Stage will present a magician, a group of storytellers and comedians, and a collection of children's books brought to life with song and dance. To round things out, they will kick off the Thanksgiving weekend with the Royal Shakespeare adaptation of the classic THE WIZARD OF OZ, for the Holiday Family Musical.

First, the Sitnik Theatre at the David and Carol Lackland Center will welcome the illusionary magic of award winning magician Brad Ross today, November 3rd at 2 pm. This international star illusionist combines high energy magic, illusion, theatrics, comedy, and fun into a totally family-friendly experience that kids, parents, and grandparents can all enjoy together. This show is appropriate for all ages.

The second annual BLACK BOX FESTIVAL, held in the Edith Bolte Kutz Theatre in the Lackland Center, will include three theatrical events full of comedy and heart. A COUPLE OF BLAGUARDS, running November 1-4th, is a comedy based on the life of the brothers Frank and Malachy McCourt. These two characters tell the tale of their early lives in Ireland and their successful "escape" to America. The two craft their story into a vaudeville act full of Irish songs and a gallery of relatives, rogues, and fools.

The physical comedy ensemble Parallel Exit is back by popular demand as part of the Festival with Room 17B, their new comedy running November 8-11th. Known for works which blend theatre, dance, and music, Parallel Exit celebrates the styles of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton with a dash of Monty Python. 

Wrapping up the Black Box Festival is Bill Bower's critically acclaimed UNDER A MONTANA MOON, running November 15-18th. Comprised of a collection of silent coming of age stories told under a Western Sky, the audience is taken on a journey that is hilarious, heartbreaking, and profoundly moving.

The Third Saturday Series for Young Audiences continues with the musical, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD on November 17th at 11 a.m. in The Little Theatre on Jefferson Avenue. This musical remains true to the spirit of the original stories as it follows two great friends, the cheerful Frog and the grumpy Toad, through four fun-filled seasons, learning life's lessons along the way, including a lesson about friendship and individuality. A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD is appropriate for all ages.

Audiences can begin the holiday season with a classic tale brought to the Sitnik Theatre's stage starting Thanksgiving weekend November 23rd and running until December 9th. THE WIZARD OF OZ is a family musical tradition following the story of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Lion and Toto, too. These beloved characters visit Hackettstown on their way to the Emerald City, as CSC presents the Royal Shakespeare Company'S adaptation by Frank Gabrielson and John Kane, with Music and Lyrics from the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. WIZARD OF OZ is sponsored in part by Hackettstown Regional Medical Center and Restaurant Village in Long Valley.

Tickets for the ILLUSIONARY MAGIC OF Brad Ross and Family Series' shows range from $17.50 to $20 in advance and $22.50 to $25 at the door. The FAMILY FUN SERIES, which will also feature Micheal DuBois' SOLO CIRCUS on February 2nd and The Catskill Puppet Theatre on April 13th, is offered as a subscription for all three performances at $45 for all ages. This show is appropriate for all ages. Workshops are available for an additional $18.50 a person, limited to 50 people.

Tickets for shows in the Black Box Festival range from $17.50 to 27.50 with discounts for students and seniors. Every Thursday night is "Family Night," which offers a 2-for-1 rush ticket price when purchased at the door. Performance times are Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD is $12.50 for adults and $10 for children under 12 and is appropriate for children in grades K-4.