James Tolin Memorial Fund

Auditions for "Hairspray"

2012-01-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

AUDITIONS
"HAIRSPRAY" at Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, NJ.

Wed./Thurs. Jan. 25 & 26 - 6pm to 11pm (dance audition from 8:30 to 9:30pm)
Sun. Jan. 29 - 1pm to 5pm (dance audition from 2:30 to 3:30)

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR A 5-MINUTE SLOT

ON THE DOOR OF ROOM CM122

MUST BE 18 or older to audition (will take High School Seniors)

FOR QUESTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS:

Contact Tracy Antozzeski at jtmf@verizon.net

AUDITIONS:

Please come prepared to perform 16 bars of an up-tempo (preferably) or ballad, contemporary Broadway song (1960-present). We'd explicitly like you to know you should come prepared with more than 1 selection because we're very likely to ask you for something else. Pick a song the character you want to play might have sung or would sing. Bring in an instrumental CD or sheet music for accompaniment. Please do NOT sing a song from Hairspray. On the day you do your singing audition, you must stay for a one hour dance audition. Every character in the show dances, at least a little.

Please note that the role of Tracy's mother has been pre-cast.

CALLBACKS:

Callbacks will be held January 29th from 6PM to 11PM. Callbacks will be posted on the Studio Theatre door (CM122) by 5:o0PM on January 29th. All actors chosen for callbacks should plan to be at the Studio Theatre from 6PM to 11PM. It is possible that callbacks will end before 11pm. At the callback, you will be using this time to learn a song or two from Hairspray and perform it later in the evening. NOTE: YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR CALLBACKS TO AUDITION!

REHEARSALS:

Hairspray will rehearse Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 11PM beginning January 30. An additional rehearsal will be added on either Saturday or Sunday; the day and time will be decided by the cast and director at the first rehearsal on January 30th. There will be an occasional dance rehearsal every other Friday beginning in February.

PERFORMANCES:

Fri. Apr. 13, 2012 at 8pm

Sat. Apr. 14 & 21 at 2pm & 8pm

Sun. Apr. 15 & 22 at 2pm

The Cast of "Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'"

2011-10-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 Winter Event is about to start rehearsals and we're proud to announce the cast for this 1940's-style radio play version of the beloved classic.

In alphabetic order:

Brian Bara
Matty Daley
Damian Gaeta
Kathy Garofano
Michael Lovett
Sean McGrath
Maddie Patrick
Janet Quartarone*

The production will have four performances; December 2nd though December 3rd at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ. For information, please visit the Kelsey Website. Partial proceeds from this event benefit The Trevor Project.

*Updated November 3rd, 2011.

Our Podcast is Up!

2011-06-05T13:20:00.001-07:00

Visit Maurer Onstage's Backstage Pass to hear a podcast about the Die Mommie Die!:

http://www.mponstage.com/podcasts/42_dmd/index.php

Tickets are on sale now online at www.kelseyatmccc.org or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333.

Don't miss the funniest show of the year!

Our Gorgeous Cast

2011-05-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Finally... here's a group photo of our amazing cast for this year's production of Charles Busch's Die Mommie Die! You may recognize a few of them from previous productions.

Standing from L: D.C. Hamm, Kathy Garofano, John DeVennie.

Seated from L: Matty Daley, Damian Geata, Kelly Reilly.

Rehearsals are going well and we're well on our way to another outrageous and hilarious show.

Tickets are available now at www.kelseyatmccc.org or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Don't miss what is sure to be the funniest show of the season!

"Die Mommie Die!" Has Been Cast!

2011-05-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

The James Tolin Memorial fund is very pleased to announce the cast of our upcoming benefit production of Charles Busch's comedic thriller Die Mommie Die!

In order of appearance, they are:

Bootsie - Kathy Garofano
Edith - Kelly Reilly
Sol - Jeffrey Milstein
Angela - D.C. Hamm
Tony - Damian Gaeta
Lance - Matty Daley

We are very excited to work these fine actors and are looking forward to yet another outrageous and incredibly fun production and hope you are, too.

Performances are Friday, June 24th and Saturday, June 25th at 8:00 PM (Silent Auction opens at 7:00 PM) and Sunday, June 24th at 2:00 PM (No auction or reception). Order your tickets now at www.kelseytheatre.net or through our website, www.jtmf.org. We hope to see you there! It's guaranteed to be the funniest show you'll see this season!

It Gets Better

2011-04-26T19:14:00.001-07:00

Millions of people are bullied both in person and online, everyday. Many are able to shrug it off and move on, but many more (especially young people) find themselves at a loss as to how to cope and and up taking their own lives.

This past fall saw such a huge rise in such suicides, that we felt moved to do something and we added The Trevor Project, a non-profit 24 hour suicide prevention hotline for LGBT and questioning youth, to our list of beneficiaries. We were happy to make our first donation to them after of production of "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," this past December.

We also recently produced our own "It Gets Better" video, featuring JTMF members, supporters and actors who spent an afternoon this past February, once again donating their time to our cause. Please help make that time worthwhile and donate to The Trevor Project at www.thetrevorproject.org. or visit www.jtmf.org and donate to help us help the organizations that are dear to us.

Here's the JTMF "It Gets Better" video. Please feel free to share it with anyone you think might need to hear its message:

If you or someone you know is considering suicide because of bullying, please call The Tevor Project toll free at 866-488-7386. It really does get better.

Die Mommie Die!

2011-03-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

The poster is in, the show is almost completely cast, pre-production is well on its way.

Keep watching for updates here and on our Facebook page.

Coming Soon

2011-02-21T19:42:00.001-08:00

Watch this space for JTMF's latest YouTube video...

In Case You Missed It

2010-12-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

In case you were unable to attend our production of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, here's what you missed:

Part I:

Part II:

Part III:

Join us this coming June for our production of Charles Busch's outrageous Hollywood parody Die Mommie! Die! and December 2011 for our Radio Play production of A Christmas Carol. And watch for our upcoming "It Gets Better" video for The Trevor Project.

It's a Wonderful Final Dress Rehearsal

2010-12-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

This spiffy-looking group is the complete cast and Foley crew of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Once more, down the line from left to right: John Maurer; Diana Maurer; Judi Parrish; Jennifer Barron; Shelly Snyder; Damian Gaeta; Sarah Stryker; Sean McGrath and Glen Calhoun. They are quite simply, amazing and I love them, even when they whine or make fun of me.

I think we all assumed that this would be an easy-to-produce show. While it certainly is less work and time than our full June Gala could ever hope to be, we were all taken by surprise by more than one thing or another. And my music cues are somehow off... Still, all that whining aside (though I must admit that actors whine way more than directors), the show is going to be really something special. If our audiences have half the fun as we are having, then we have done our jobs well. And of course, I'll say it until it's no longer true: There is no cast like a JTMF cast. As our family of regular performers grows, so does the depth of extraordinary talent available to us, and the more we all work together, the stronger an ensemble company we become. I've been dong theatre for longer than any one thing in my life. I've done very good theatre and very bad theatre. I've been quite proud of most of my body of work. But I am never prouder than when part of a JTMF show.

The folks in that picture at the top of this post have the goods and they deliver. And nothing makes a director happier than an ensemble that delivers.

If you're still a bit a skeptical about the whole 'Radio Play' thing, you can listen to the cast and crew of It's a Wonderful Life (and yours truly) in a special podcast here at MPOnline. It's like radio on the web... Please feel free to share the link: http://www.mponstage.com/podcasts/35_IAWL/index.php.

Good seats are still available for all four performances. Call 609-570-3333 or visit www.kelseyatmercer. org; www.jtmf.org or click the link to the Kelsey Theater at the top right of this blog. Tickets may also be purchased at the Kelsey Box Office, 1 hour before curtain.

Don't miss this unusual and entertaining version of a Family Holiday Favorite! It's a nostalgic glimpse into the history of Entertainment and suitable for the entire family. I can't think of a better way to get into the Holiday mood...

A portion of the proceeds from this production will be donated to JTMF's newest beneficiary, The Trevor Project. It Gets Better.

Seats Are Still Available

2010-11-29T19:53:00.001-08:00

Tickets are still available for our first winter event, featuring Joe Landry's It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play this coming weekend at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor, NJ.

Tonight was our first technical rehearsal, using mikes and even a few new sound effects for the first time. The cast was a bit taken aback by some of what they were hearing (or not hearing).

It's really starting to take shape now, and the actors are having even more fun with the script (though one or two still forget who they're supposed be at any given moment, but that will stop well before we open -- I hope). In all seriousness, there is no cast like a JTMF cast, and they're with us not just because they want to be onstage, but because they want to make a difference, which means egos go out the door and performance becomes the priority. This is my ninth JTMF show (and seventh time directing) and I can attest to the consistent quality of talent and dedication in our 'family.' That's our cast in the new banner photo and the photo to your right. From left to right in the banner, they are: Sean McGrath; Glen Calhoun; Damian Gaeta (who is setting a JTMF performance record with this, his sixth show with us); Foley Captain, Judi Parrish; Jennifer Barron; Sarah Stryker and John Maurer.

And speaking of making a difference, the JTMF is proud to announce our new beneficiary, The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is a 24 hour suicide-prevention hot line for LGBT and questioning youth. They provide confidential and anonymous ears, while offering counsel to any young person with questions, problems or thoughts of suicide. The Trevor Lifeline's toll-free number is 866-4-U-Trevor (866-488-7386).

LGBT youth are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than straight kids, and it's on the rise. Thankfully, so is awareness of the problem. A portion of the proceeds from It's a Wonderful Life: A live Radio Play will be donated to The Trevor Project. And watch for the JTMF's own "It Gets Better" video, coming in late January.

For Tickets to It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, please call 609-570-3333 or visit www.kelseyatmccc.org. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Kelsey Theatre box office, one hour before curtain.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Two Weeks from Tonight!

2010-11-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

The James Tolin Memorial Fund is proud to announce their first Winter event, featuring Joe Landry’s adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, December 3^rd & 4^th at 7:30 PM and December 4^th & 5^th at 2:00 PM at the Kelsey Theater on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ.

The production recreates the experience of seeing a live radio broadcast from the 1940’s just as a studio audience would have, complete with a live Foley (sound effects) crew.

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play was developed from Landry’s full stage production and first mounted at the Stamford Center for the Arts in 1996. It tells the story of George Bailey, a man about to take his own life, and an angel named Clarence who convinces him not to, by showing him how different the lives of his friends and family would have been had he never been born. The 1946 Frank Capra film is a beloved holiday classic and stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. It also served as the inspiration for the names of the “Sesame Street” characters Bert and Ernie.

Tickets are $10.00, $12.00 & $14.00 and can be purchased at the Kelsey Box Office one hour before curtain, online at www.kelseyatmccc.org, or by phone at 609-570-3333. For more information, please visit www.kelseyatmccc.org. For more information about The James Tolin Memorial Fund, please visit www.jtmf.org or search “James Tolin Memorial Fund” on YouTube.

A Long-Overdue Update

2010-11-13T20:20:00.000-08:00

That's MCCC student Fredy Barrientos, this year's recipient of The James Tolin Memorial Scholarship. Fredy is a student in MCCC's Entertainment Technology program and has worked on every MCCC show since he started at the college. He is recently married expecting his first child. Fredy is dedicated to receiving his degree and was deeming most deserving of this year's award.

In other JTMF news, make you sure you visit JTMF.org for the latest news about our first Winter Event, featuring It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. An adaptation of the Frank Capra classic, the show recreates the experience of seeing a live radio broadcast, just as audiences of the 1940's would have done, complete with a live Foley (sound effects) crew.

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will have four performances, December 3rd and 4th at 7:30 PM and December 4th and 5th at 2:00 PM at the Kelsey Theater on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ. Tickets are $10.00, $12.00 and $14.00 and can be purchased by visiting www.kelseyatmccc.org, at the Kelsey box-office one hour before curtain or by calling 609-570-3333.

Please join us for this unusual adaptation of a holiday classic and get into the Holiday Spirit in old-fashioned way. We'll be looking for you!

The Numbers Are In

2010-07-20T13:24:00.003-07:00

For those of who might have missed it, here are some pictures from last month's fundraiser's production of Del Shores' Sordid Lives.

The JTMF is happy to report that Sordid Lives marked our third best year ever, with nearly $7000.00 over in just three performances!

Thanks to all who participated and even more importantly, thanks to all the good folks who came out to see us and/or donated to the cause.

See you in December when we present a staged radio-play version of the classic holiday story It's a Wonderful Life and next June's 9th Annual Benefit will feature Charles Busch's hilarious 50's noir satire, Die Mommy, Die!

See you then!

It's Opening Night!

2010-06-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! The curtain goes up at 8:00 on the JTMF 8th Annual Fundraiser Event featuring Del Shores' Sordid Lives. The actors are ready; the crew is ready; all the props and costumes are in place and teh lights focused. All that's missing is you in the audience!

The festivities begin at 7:00 in the Kelsey Theatre lobby with appetizers, live music and bidding on our famous Silent Auction.

Tickets are still available at http://www.kelseyatmccc.org/, via phone 609-570-3333 or at the Kelsey Box Office, 1 hour before curtain. Your tax-deductible donation includes both the show and the reception. Tickets are $25.00 for the Friday& Saturday perfomances. Tickets for Sunday's matinee performance are $12.00 to $16.00 but do not include the recpetion or auction.

For more information, click the link to our website (on the right) or type http://www.jtmf.org/ in your browser.

See you there!

Crunch Time!

2010-06-22T21:52:00.001-07:00

There are just two rehearsals left before we open. So, we're trying to create a 'soundtrack' for Sordid Lives, using music from my second least favorite genre, Country and Western. In fact, I'm trying to exclusively use female artists (you'll understand when you see the show). Not an easy task.

And, par for the course, I'm dealing with a computer virus which prevents me from downloading, so I am forced to use hard CD's (I'm listening to various stuff as I type this). I hope my sound guy can download what I'm missing. And I'm hoping my sound plot makes sense. It's a pretty simple plot, but when dealing with someone with whom I've never worked, it could be confusing.

All in all, the show is going very well. The actors are among the best in the area; the crew is amazing and all that's missing now is an audience.

There's still time to order tickets online at www.kelseyatmercer.org or by phone at 609-570-3333. We hope to see you there!

We're on YouTube!!

2010-06-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

You can see the first video uploaded to the new James Tolin Memorial Fund YouTube channel, right here, right now:

Just four rehearsals left to go. You can still order tickets online at the Kelsey Theatre Website (linked to your right) or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Hope to see you there!

Guest Blogger Joyce Labriola

2010-06-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Founding Board Member -- and founder of our sister organization in Canada; JTMF West -- Joyce Labriola was a friend of James' and we asked her to share her thoughts on him, the JTMF and the work she is doing now for JTMF West and HIV Edmonton. This is what she had to say:

"For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Joyce LaBriola and I am one of the founders of the JTMF.

"When James passed away, Tracy Antozzeski, David Maurio, Missy Abrahams and I decided to put on a benefit in memory of our dear friend. That first year was one of the most special times of my life. I recruited my friend Doug Edelson to audition for the title role in that first production of “Jeffery”. Doug brought his friend Bruce Frangione, who was a godsend backstage and in the lobby for the reception. And I got a chance to reconnect with Brian Bara, who I’d worked with as a teenager and was so blessed to find him back in my life. This group of seven comprised the first board and thus, JTMF was born.

"In 2007, my 'real job' brought me to Edmonton to work for the Edmonton Oilers. While my job was exciting and, some would say 'cool,' I felt something of a hole in my heart, missing the JTMF. So, in January of 2009, I rallied two of my closest 'Edmonton friends” (Kristi Van Binsbergen and Sarah Van Tassel), to start JTMF West and create a sister organization to James’ legacy. Although James had never been to Edmonton (and I’m not sure if he’d ever even been to Canada!), I wanted to raise funds and awareness with the JTMF. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live: The need is global and the message universal – we are all entitled to a life of dignity and hope.

"JTMF West held our first event April 17, 2010. Artists for Life: Edmonton raised over $8,500(C). It was truly inspirational, for a community that didn’t know James; that doesn’t know me; and who hadn’t been huge supporters of HIV/AIDS in recent years to come out and support us - not only with their checkbooks, but also with incredible spirit and energy. The event celebrated local Edmonton talent, with a staged reading by Edmonton playwright Justen Bennett and a reunion concert by local fave, The Big Breakfast Boogie Band. The silent auction was rife with pieces donated by Edmonton artists as well. Our guests enjoyed the play, bid generously on auction items and danced the night away. It was a very special night.

"What made the event even more perfect was the presence of 3 of my best friends on the planet – David Maurio, John Claps and Tracy Antozzeski who had traveled from New Jersey to support me. This was a daunting endeavor. I didn’t have James’ friends or family to rely on. I didn’t have the benefit of being in my home town and had no contacts to leverage. Having them there was a stabilizing force and enabled me to breathe when I hadn’t been able to for weeks... Especially Tracy – she, along with the current and amazing JTMF team, has kept the JTMF alive and they all inspire me to continue... and Tracy has been calming me down and helping me breathe for nearly 20 years. I wouldn’t have the courage to do any of this without her.

"When doing media for the JTMF West event, I was asked several times how James’ death had inspired me. I think a more appropriate question would be: “How had James’ life inspired me?” My friendship with James, my knowing him, has made me want to become a better person.

"Doing JTMF, both here and especially in NJ, is the single most important thing I’ve ever done. The work continues to inspire me to do better, to do more...all the time.

"Until there’s a cure...."

There are still two weeks left to get your tickets to one of the funniest JTMF shows yet, Del Shores' Sordid Lives. Think globally; act locally. Tell the people you love that you love them, as often as you can.

There's plenty more good stuff coming, so keep coming back.

Heaven's a Little More "Sordid" (Not to Mention Golden)

2010-06-07T20:14:00.001-07:00

You all know by now that we lost yet another institution with the passing of Rue McClanahan last week. What's the connection? One of Rue's last regular roles was as Peggy on the Logo series (the events take place before the events of the show). That's Rue with the amazing Beth Grant, reprising her role as Sissy in both the original production and the movie.

Joyce Labriola, who runs our sister organization, JTMF West, shared these quotes with us, and we thought we'd share them with you. They are from Leslie Jordan (who played Brother Boy in all three versions) and Beth Grant, both of whom knew and loved Rue well, and both of whom have amazing things to say about a very funny woman...

Leslie Jordan: “I got really close in the twilight of Rue’s life. She’s one of the true Southern ladies. She showed up in Shreveport, La. to play my mother on the series Sordid Lives with a portable sewing machine, and she wanted to make her own hats. She just said, ‘I just think that this lady would have made beautiful Sunday hats.’ We got so close, though, Rue and I. We did a tour of comedy from the show. She was in a wheelchair, I think after a hip replacement, and rather than stand-up comedy, she called it sit-down comedy. Honey, we wheeled her out [and] I thought we were going to have to get the hook! We said, ‘You have 20 minutes.’ Well, she had that audience on the palm of her hands. From the moment they wheeled her out. I thought, how are we going to get her off the stage? It was watching a master at her craft. She was Southern, and a storyteller, and she had a story for any occasion. Oh, she was something. One night, she came to me and said, ‘I just had a fight with my husband.’ I said, ‘About what, Rue?’ She was very upset, she said, ‘Well, we were watching Everyone Loves Raymond, and my husband said that he liked Patricia Heaton’s acting. And I said, yes, she’s a good actress, but her posture is terrible. And my husband said, “Oh, you always have something to say.” But I was just commenting that a lady should have good posture!’ So she’s fighting with her husband about Patricia Heaton’s posture. And I thought, that’s Rue right there. There are ways we handle ourselves. You can be a wonderful actress, but you have to have good posture as well. She was a lady, but she was a bawdy lady too. She could get down with the best of us. She was filthy. She will really be missed."

Beth Grant: I loved her so much. I did a play called Picnic in Los Angeles with her (years ago), and she played my mom. It was my first big break. And she was so kind to me.And we did an out-of-town try out in Denver, and I told that when I was a little girl I had always wanted to go to Mardi Gras, because a lot of my friends had gone and come back with these crystal beads and how I always wanted those crystal beads. So opening night in Denver, she gave me the most gorgeous crystal beads you've ever seen. I still have them. And she had forgotten all about it. When we did Sordid Lives, I reminded her. For her to bring that magic to it by remembering a silly little story I told, it was so special. It sounds so cliche, but she was a consummate professional. She had the best timing in the world, playing Blanche -- as a southerner, believe me -- to perfection. Her timing was so great. You could just feel if there was a funny moment coming on, she could send out a vibe to let you know to hold or to jump in. She could lead you to good timing, as well. She was a comic genius. She really was. in every way. I miss her so very much right now. She's a magical person to me. I'm going to wear my crystal beads today, that's what I've decided."

We couldn't have said it, better.

Put on your "crystal beads" and join us as we celebrate lives well-spent, people well-remembered and all the laughter we have shared with them.

Listen to the "Sordid Lives" Podcast

2010-06-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

Our Podcast on Mauer Productions "Backstage Pass" is up. The discussion features Producer Tracy Antozzeski; Director Brian Bara; Actors Tracey Hawkins & Nicole Patrick and Assistant Stage Manager Matty Daley.

You can listen here, or copy and past the URL below:

http://www.mponstage.com/podcasts/33_sordid/index.php

Sordid Lives opens Friday, June 25th and runs through Sunday, June 27th. Friday and Saturday performances feature a catered reception and silent auction. Bidding and appetizers start at 7:00 PM; curtain is at 8:00. Tickets are $25.

The Sunday performance is offered at a reduced rate of $12 - $16, but does not include the reception or auction. Curtain is at 2:00 PM.

Get your tickets to the JTMF production of Sordid Lives now by clicking the link to The Kelsey Theatre to the right of this post or type www.kelseyatmccc.org into your browser. You can also call the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333 or purchase tickets at the door, one hour before curtain. All ticket sales benefit The Open Arms Foundation and The James Tolin Memorial Scholarship at Mercer County Community College.

Some terrific stuff coming up on the blog this week, so keep checking back!

Our First Rehearsal

2010-05-04T20:32:00.001-07:00

Heather McHenry and Damian Geata as Latrelle and Ty, rehearse a scene from Sordid Lives.

Our first blocking rehearsal was just amazing. I saw some fine work already being done by our wonderfully talented cast. Somehow, the cast's schedules got us started to work on the show's last scene, first. I can't remember working on a show backwards before, but this particular play allows for it. And thanks to this amazing group of actors, we not only got to block the thing in record time, we were actually able to run it twice, afterwards.

It's said that 90% of directing is casting and I have to take a certain pride in the casting of this (and just about every JTMF show). Working with actors as talented, funny and easy-going as these folks, just makes my job so much easier and delightful. If our first two rehearsals are any indicators, Sordid Lives is going to one hell of a funny show. Get your tickets now, before its too late. You don't want to miss this one!

Today's Guest Bloggers

2010-04-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first read-through for our production of Sordid Lives. Tonight, Guest Bloggers Tracy Hawkins (Noleta), Kathy Garofano (Sissy) and Nicole Patrick (Bitsy Mae) give us their brief thoughts on the experience:

This play is going to be HILARIOUS -- it was funny when I first read it, but to hear it come to life with the actors' interpretations at the read-through (without anyone's best effort, I'm sure) I had tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard, and my face hurt from smiling so much. The only thing that will surpass the fun we're going to have doing this show will be the audience's enjoyment of the finished product! I'm not in "Chapter Three" but I may have to come to some of those rehearsals just to enjoy the interactions between "Dr Eve" and "Brother Boy." Bless their hearts!
Tracy Hawkins

I got there late, after a crappy day at work, a fight with my sister and having to park out in Gods country, so I wasn't in a really good mood to start......it got significantly better by the end of the evening.... a funny show, loads of good actors, and a support team to die for, who could ask for anything more?

Kathy Garofano

What a ridiculously hilarious show this is going to be. We were all in side-splitting laughter at times and I couldn't help but think during one section of the show, while I was munching on Kathy's homemade chocolate chip cookies, how very special this organization is. They raise awareness, raise funds and lift spirits; all in the name of a loved one who was taken all too soon. And although I never had the pleasure or privilege of knowing James, I am so honored to be a part of this for a 3rd time and to remember James in one of the best ways possible: with laughter.

Nicole Patrick

We really couldn't ask for better testimonials than that, now could we? Watch for more Guest Blogger posts from other cast members, JTMF staff and a few surprise guests. You know where to find us!

First Read-Thru - This Tuesday

2010-04-25T14:31:00.001-07:00

Now it's starting to get exciting. The first read-through for this year's JTMF show, Sordid Lives will be held this coming Tuesday, the 27th. First read-thru is one of the most exciting things about a show. It's often the only time the entire cast is together at once until production week (and with this show, that very well may be the case).

We'll keep you updated with rehearsal stories and photos, as well all teh fabulous Silent Auction items as they come in.

See you soon!

JTMF Casting News

2010-04-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

The JTMF is currently seeking an actor in his mid-40's to mid-50's to play the role of G.W. in our upcoming production of Sordid Lives. The actor previously announced has been forced to drop out due to personal commitments.

Candidates for the role must be available between April 27th and June 27th, for three nights a week until Hell Week. Experience is a plus, though all interested parties will be interviewed and auditioned.

If you are interested, or know someone who may be, please email us at jtmf.verizion.net or leave a comment with your name, email address and phone number, below.

Meet the Cast of "Sordid Lives"

2010-04-11T15:26:00.001-07:00

Auditions were held yesterday, and the JTMF is pleased to announce the cast for the Eighth Annual JTMF AIDS Benefit featuring Del Shores' Sordid Lives.

In this photo (L to R), Kathy Garofano, Alice Weber, Damian Gaeta, Glen Calhoun and Nicole Patrick. And yes, they're partying around a casket. You see, poor Peggy Ingram has died, and the whole dysfunctional clan is gathering for her big send off. Be sure to join us this June 25, 26 & 27 at the Kelsey Theatre, 'cause ya'll gotta see this one, to believe it!

The full cast is as follows:

Bitsy Mae Harling -- Nicole Patrick
Ty Williamson -- Damian Gaeta
Sissy Hickey -- Kathy Garofano
Noletta Nethercott -- Tracy Hawkins
Latrelle Williamson -- Heather McHenry
LaVonda Dupree -- Alice Weber
G.W. Nethercott -- John Devienne
Wardell "Bubba" Owens -- Rob Sampson
Odell Owens/Rev. Barnes -- Glen Calhoun
Dr. Eve Bolinger -- Jennifer Barron
Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram -- Doug Edelson
The Guitarist -- Ernie Albanisius

Friday and Saturday performance include a Texas Barbecue themed reception and our famous Silent Auction. Tickets are $25.00 for the Friday and Saturday Performances, $12.00 to $16.00 for the Sunday Matinee. Visit our page (linked to your right) for more details.

And keep watching this space for rehearsal photos and updates. We can't wait to get started!

See you soon!

Cast Announcement Coming Soon!

2010-04-10T20:13:00.001-07:00

Sordid Lives has been fully cast!

Watch this space for the full cast list, tomorrow.

We're Back!

2010-04-02T21:31:00.001-07:00

While there are still several roles to be cast in the 2010 JTMF production of Del Shores' Sordid Lives, here is a sneak-peak at some of the folks you'll be seeing onstage at the Kelsey Theatre this June.

"A Black Comedy About White Trash," Sordid Lives tells the story of a South Texas family gathering for the funeral of their beloved matriarch, Peggy, who has died under rather circumspect circumstances.

Directed by Yours Truly, Sordid Lives promises to be a hilarious look at family, weight, sexual orientation and shame, all set to the tune of Tammy Wynette's Greatest Hits. Cigarettes, Valium, ladies' underwear and wooden legs all play a part in this story that proves that nothing is stronger (or more important) than the bonds which tie a family together.

Please join us for a terrific show, a Texas BBQ reception and a good cause. More details to come.

Hope to see you there!
BB

"The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told"

2009-05-28T19:40:00.001-07:00

OMG - I bet you forgot all about us! well, we're back, with news about the 7th Annual JTMF AIDS Fundraiser featuring Paul Rudnick's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.

As part of their 7th annual fundraising event, the James Tolin Memorial Fund will present Paul Rudnick’s comedy The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor NJ on June 19, 20 and 21st. Friday and Saturday performances include our famous Silent Auction and Catered Reception. Proceeds from this event benefit the Open Arms Foundation and the James Tolin Memorial Scholarship at MCCC. Over the past six years, the JTMF has raised over $50, 000 by presenting events which featured productions of Paul Rudnick’s Jeffrey; Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy; Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple; Paul Rudnick’s Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach; Nicky Silver’s The Altruists; Charles Busch’s Psycho Beach Party and Joe Orton’s What the Butler Saw.

In Rudnick’s alternate version of the Old Testament, Adam and Steve (and their lesbian counterparts, Jane and Mabel) create civilization, invent hors d’oeurves and experience all the joys and pains of love, loss and life in general. Spanning the dawn of time to modern day New York, Rudnick’s comic love story is more relevant today than ever.

Directed by Brian A. Bara, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told features Damian Gaeta as Adam; Dave Hamm as Steve; Nicole Patrick as Jane; Maddie Patrick as Mabel; Kathy Garofano as Rabbi Sharon; Matthew Paul as Trey; Matty Daley as Kevin and Caitlin Blauvelt as Cheryl.

For reservations and info, call the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333 or visit www.jtmf.org.

Notice: This production features adult subjects; adult language and sexual situations. It is not recommended for children under the age of 18, or those of a sensitive or prurient nature.

JTMF Alumni News

2007-11-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

JTMF Alumni News #6 - December, 2007

Coming Attractions:

The James Tolin Memorial Fund is proud to announce their Sixth Annual AIDS Benefit, featuring Joe Orton's madhouse sex farce, What the Butler Saw, on June 20, 21 and 22, 2008. The production includes our first ever Sunday matinee. After a trip to Psycho Beach, the only logical place to go? Why, the madhouse, of course. But this is no ordinary madhouse. Here, the doctors are crazier than the patients and no one is truly who they appear to be. Sex; drugs; cross-dressing and other assorted mayhem are all on the bill in Orton's 1970 comedy of errors. Ticket sales are already breaking records for a JTMF show, so don't hesitate; order your tickets now by clicking on the link to the Kelsey Theatre, conveniently located to the right of this entry.Watch this space or visit http://www.jtmf.org/ for more details.

Special Announcements:

Nicole Patrick (Psycho Beach Party) wants everyone to know that her website is now available for viewing. Says Nicole: "Just wanted to let everyone know that my website has been up and running for a few weeks now. I'll be posting blogs keeping everyone up to date on what I've been up to and (hopefully) any shows that I'll be in. CHECK IT OUT (AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!!)" Nicole's site can be found at http://www.thenicolepatrick.com/. Make sure you check it out!

All of us at the James Tolin Memorial Fund would like to wish you and yours a joyous and safe Holiday Season.

In Case You Missed It:

JTMF Alumni Jodi P. Person (Mr. Charles...); Melanie Britten (Psycho Beach Party); Josiah DeAndrea (The Altruists; Psycho Beach Party) and technicians Robert Terrano and Chris Ghaffoor all participated in Seven Deadly Sins, a collection of one act plays and dance pieces at MCCC's Studio Theatre, November 9th through the 18th.

Ev Connoly (The Odd Couple); Charlie Teasenfitz (Jeffrey; Torch Song Trilogy) and Glen Calhoun (Stage Technician, Psycho Beach Party) were all seen in the Fourth Wall Theatre Company's production of The Lion in Winter, October 19th through November 3rd.

Have something you'd like to announce in the JTMF Alumni News? Email us the details at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com and we'll get it out there for you. Submission deadline is the 26th for inclusion in the upcoming month's edition. All submissions are reviewed and may be edited before publication. Submissions deemed inappropriate by the Blog Administrator will not be posted.

JTMF Alumni News

2007-10-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

JTMF Alumni News #5 - November 2007

Coming Attractions:

A veritable plethora of JTMF Alum will be participating in an exciting collaboration of one act plays and dance pieces at Mercer County Community College this month. Seven Deadly Sins will feature plays by both local and award-winning national playwrights. Four plays and three dance works will represent each sin. "Acedia's Sunshine," written by Josiah DeAndrea (The Altruists; Psycho Beach Party) provides a sly take on Sloth. Directed by Louis Wells, the play centers on a young college student with an unusual (and unattainable) sexual fantasy who has given up on life. "Wracollathage," conceived and choreographed by Jody P. Person (Mr. Charles...), presents Wrath in every form; from road rage to bullfighting to the "Book of Revelations;" human fury is thrown on stage in a cacaphonous collage. New York playwright Peg Were takes on Gluttony in "Tyler and the Seven-Legged Lamb or EAT," featuring Melanie Britten (Psycho Beach Party) as Sadie, a young chef out to save two orphaned brothers with a new recipe. All seven productions are lit by JTMF technical alums, Robert Terrano and Chris Ghaffoor. Performances are November 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 8:00 PM and November 18 at 2:00 PM in the Studio Theatre on the campus of MCCC, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. For tickets, call 609-570-3333 or click the link to the Kelsey Theatre website, conveniently located to the right of this entry.

The James Tolin Memorial Fund proudly presents their 6th Annual AIDS Fundraiser, featuring Joe Orton's What the Butler Saw June 20 & 21, 2008 at 8:00 PM and June 22, 2008 at 2:00 PM. Tickets for the June 22nd matinee are almost sold out. Order your tickets now by calling 609-570-3333 or visiting the Kelsey Theatre website, conveniently linked to the right.

Special Announcements:

No one has anything special to announce this month, though we here at the JTMF would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

In Case You Missed It:

Murder at the Waterfront, a comic mystery written by Mark Violi (The Odd Couple; Psycho Beach Party) was presented on October 26th at Rutgers University, following its New York premiere this past June.

Have something you want to appear in the JTMF Alumni News? Please email us at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com. Submission deadline is the 26th for inclusion in the next issue. Submissions received after the 26th will posted under "In Case You Missed It," one month later. All submissions are reviewed and may be edited before publication. Submissions deemed inappropriate by the blog administrator will not be posted.

Alumni News Update

2007-10-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Coming Attractions Update:

Eve Connolly (The Odd Couple), Glen Calhoun (Psycho Beach Party) and Charlie Teasenfitz (Jeffrey; Torch Song Trilogy) will be playing Eleanor, Richard and Geoffery in The Lion in Winter October 19, 20, 26 27 and November 2 & 3 at 8:00 PM and October 29th at 2:00 PM at Rancocas Valley High School.

Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for Students and Seniors. For tickets and info call: 609-774-3361 or visit http://www.bordentownplayers.org/.

JTMF ALUMNI NEWS

2007-09-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

Alumni News #4 - October, 2007

Coming Attractions:

Pride Night at the Kelsey - Join us on Friday, October 5th at 7:00 PM as the JTMF sponsors the first ever Pride Night at the Kelsey. Meet members of the JTMF staff, enjoy complimentary refreshments, meet and mingle with other members of the NJ LGBT community and more. We'll have door prizes, give-aways and you can even purchase advance tickets to next summer's fund raiser production of Joe Orton's What the Butler Saw. Then stay for a performance of the gay-themed musical Falsettos by William Finn & James Lapine; presented by Pierrot Productions.

JTMF Alumni Eve Connoly (The Odd Couple), Glen Calhoun (Psycho Beach Party crew) and Charles Teasenfitz (Jeffrey; Torch Song Trilogy) will be appearing in The Lion in Winter for the Fourth Wall Theatre Company (formerly the Bordentown Community Players) at Rancocas Valley High School, 520 Jacksonville Road, Mt. Holly. Eve plays Eleanor; Glen plays Richard and Charlie plays Geoffrey. Performances are October 19, 20, 26 & 27; November 2 & 3 at 8:00 PM and October 28 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $15.00. Watch this space for updates on contact information and reservations.

Busy bee Josiah DeAndrea (The Altruists; Psycho Beach Party) will appear as Phillinte in Moliere's classic The Misanthrope at the Schaberle Studio Theatre, 41 Park Row, 10th Floor on the campus of Pace University. October 17th through 21st.

Join us for the 6th Annual JTMF Fund-Raising Event featuring Joe Orton's madhouse sex-farce What the Butler Saw, June 20 & 21 at 8:00 PM and June 22 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are going fast (very few remain for the matinee on the 22nd), so order now by calling 609-570-3333 or visiting the Kelsey Theatre website, conveniently linked to the right.

Special Announcements:

No one has anything special to report this issue...

In Case You Missed It:

JTMF Alumni Kathy Garofano and Brady Neiderer had a highly successful run as Amanda and Tom in the Shakespeare '70 production of The Glass Menagerie this past month.

Special Announcement

2007-09-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Please join us on Friday, October 5th as the James Tolin Memorial Fund presents PRIDE Night at the Kelsey, 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

Meet members of the JTMF Staff; enjoy a special selection of refreshments; mingle with other members of the NJ LGBT community and learn what we're all about. You can even purchase advance tickets to our 2008 production of Joe Orton's madhouse sex farce, What the Butler Saw.* We'll have door-prizes, give-aways and much more. Then stay for a performance of William Finn & James Lapine's gay-themed operetta Falsettos, presented by Pierrot Productions. We'd love to see you there!

For tickets to Falsettos, please visit the Kelsey Theatre website, conveniently linked to the right. For more information about the James Tolin Memorial Fund, visit our website, aslo linked to the right. You can also leave us a message as a comment on the blog, or email us at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com

*Tickets for the Sunday matinee of What the Butler Saw are almost sold-out, with fewer than 100 remaining, so order early!

JTMF Alumni News

2007-08-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

Alumni News #3 - September, 2007

Coming Attractions:

Kathy Garofano (Sound Technician, Psycho Beach Party) and Brady Neiderer (The Altruists) will be appearing in Shakespeare 70's production of The Glass Menagerie, September 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29 at 8:00 PM and September 23 at 2:00 PM at the Don Evans Studio Theatre in Kendall Hall on the campus of The College of New Jersey, Ewing. Kathy will be playing Amanda and Brady will appear as her son, Tom. For tickets and info, please visit: http://www.shakespeare70.org/

Adam Fitting (Psycho Beach Party) can currently be seen literally makin' bacon in a series of new TV commercials for Hatfield Quality Meats. Adam plays a doting dad making breakfast for his loving family. Aww! (You can't miss those giant hands placing strips of bacon on the plate.)

The James Tolin Memorial Fund is proud to announce their Sixth Annual AIDS Benefit, featuring Joe Orton's madhouse sex farce, What the Butler Saw, on June 20, 21 and 22, 2008. The production includes our first ever Sunday matinee. After a trip to Psycho Beach, the only logical place to go? Why, the madhouse, of course. But this is no ordinary madhouse. Here, the doctors are crazier than the patients and no one is truly who they appear to be. Sex; drugs; cross-dressing and other assorted mayhem are all on the bill in Orton's 1970 comedy of errors. Ticket sales are already breaking records for a JTMF show, so don't hesitate; order your tickets now by clicking on the link to the Kelsey Theatre, conveniently located to the right of this entry.
Watch this space or visit http://www.jtmf.org/ for more details.

Special Announcements:

The James Tolin Memorial Fund Board will hold the first of their monthly meetings to plan the 2008 Event on Monday, September 10th, in Bordentown. Topics will include possible themes for the 2008 reception and suggestions for the 2009 production. If you have a play you would like to suggest for our 2009 Event, please leave it as a comment below, or email us at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com.

In Case You Missed It:

Josiah DeAndrea (The Altuists; Psycho Beach Party) saw two major milestones last month with the premier production of his play Angels as We Fall at the Kelsey Studio Theatre, and his New York debut in the NYC Fringe Festival Production of Alex Defazio's To Be Loved, which was directed by Jody Person (Mr. Charles...). Angels as We Fall also featured Damian Geata (The Altruists; Psycho Beach Party) while To Be Loved featured JTMF Scholarship winner, Eric A. Rojas. Congrats to all!

Have something you want posted in the JTMF Alumni News? Please email us at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com. Submission deadline is the 26th for inclusion in the following month's issue. Submissions received after the 26th will posted under In Case You Missed It, one month later. All submissions are reviewed and and may be edited before posting. Submissions deemed "inappropriate" by the Blog Administrator will not be posted.

Hot Cakes!

2007-08-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

Ticket sales continue to be brisk for the 6th Annual JTMF AIDS Benefit production of Joe Orton's madhouse sex farce, What the Butler Saw. As of this writing, over 175 tickets have been sold for next summer's production. That's record-breaking for the JTMF, and we couldn't be happier.

You don't want to miss out on this hilarious comedy of errors by the late author of Loot and Entertaining Mr. Sloan. To order your advance tickets to this hilarious show, visit the Kelsey Theatre website, conveniently linked to the right.

Watch this space for further details!

Advance Ticket Sales Boom!

2007-08-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

Ticket sales for the JTMF 6th Annual AIDS Benefit featuring Joe Orton's madhouse sex farce, What the Butler Saw, are already breaking records.

Thanks to our inclusion in the Kelsey Theatre 2007/2008 Season Brochure, 114 tickets have already been sold for a show that is almost a year away! Incredible!

We shouldn't have to tell to get your tickets early, but we will. To order tickets on line, use the link to the Kelsey website conveniently located to the right of this entry. Hurry - you aren't going to want to miss it!

JTMF ALUMNI NEWS

2007-07-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

JTMF Alumni News #2 - August, 2007

Coming Attractions:

Eve Connolly (The Odd Couple) has been cast in the role of Eleanor in The Lion in Winter with the Bordentown Community Players. The show goes up in mid-October. More information to follow.

Five members of the JTMF family, along with a recipient of the James Tolin Memorial Scholarship, will be participating in the premiere of a new play, To Be Loved by Alex Defazio, at the NYC Fringe Festival this month. Jody Person (Mr. Charles...) directs; Josiah DeAndrea (The Altruists; Psycho Beach Party) is a featured performer; technicians Robert Terrano, Carol Zingone and Chris Ghaffoor are the project's Technical Director, Assistant Stage Manager and Lighting Designer, respectively and JTMF scholarship winner Eric A. Rojas also performs. The Fringe Festival is very competitive. If our alumni are going to be a hit, they need audiences! So please come out and support them by purchasing tickets in advance of the show's first performance and showing them your proud faces in the house. Tickets for To Be Loved are only $15.00 and can be purchased now, by phone at 212-279-4488 or online at: http://www.fringenyc.org/seeing/tickets.asp.
To Be Loved performs at The Lafayette Street Theatre (45 Bleeker Street at Lafayette) on Sunday, August 12 at 2:45pm; Wednesday, August 15 at 3:45pm; Saturday, August 18 at 2:30pm; Thursday, August 23 at 9:15pm; and Friday, August 24 at 9:00pm. For more information, visit http://www.elixirproductions.org/.
Jody asks: "If you can manage, please remember to purchase your tickets as soon as possible; the more advance ticket sales we get, the more positive attention it will draw to the show!"

Brian Bara (Publicity Coordinator) will hold a public reading of his original screenplay, Comatose Joe, on Monday, August 13th at 7:30 PM in the Don Evans Studio Theatre in Kendall Hall on the campus of The College of New Jersey in Ewing. Comatose Joe is a comedy about Joe Lanahan, a young playwright who awakens from a two-year coma to find that his last play has become a huge hit, despite its shortcomings. Determined to write a better, serious play, Joe finds himself out of ideas. But when he is car-jacked by a beautiful magician's assistant on the lam, he lands right in the middle of what may well be the solution he's been looking for. For more information, please send an email to: LaLunaAzur@aol.com

The James Tolin Memorial Fund is proud to announce their Sixth Annual AIDS Benefit, featuring Joe Orton's madhouse sex farce, What the Butler Saw, on June 20, 21 and 22, 2008. The production includes our first ever Sunday matinee. After a trip to Psycho Beach, the only logical place to go? Why, the madhouse, of course. But this is no ordinary madhouse. Here, the doctors are crazier than the patients and no one is truly who they appear to be. Sex; drugs; cross-dressing and other assorted mayhem are all on the bill in Orton's 1970 comedy of errors. Watch this space or visit http://www.jtmf.org/ for more details to come.

Special Announcements:

Josiah DeAndrea (The Altruists; Psycho Beach Party) has been accepted into Pace University's BFA Acting Program and has been awarded $17,000 in scholarships.

Aubrey Malloy (Psycho Beach Party) has been accepted into Pace University's BA Theatre Arts program.

Nicole Patrick (Psycho Beach Party) has moved to Park Slope in Brooklyn. She says: "Those of you who are going to be the Manhattan/Brooklyn area, let me know and I'd love to see you and have you visit!!!!"

In Case You Missed It:

July was a quiet month for the JTMF family. We hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

Have something you want posted in the JTMF Alumni News? Please email us at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com. Submission deadline is the 26th for inclusion in the following month's issue. Submissions received after the 26th will posted under In Case You Missed It, one month later. All submissions are reviewed and and may be edited before posting. Submissions deemed "inappropriate" by the Blog Administrator will not be posted.

New Monthly Feature: JTMF Alumni News

2007-07-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first monthly edition of the James Tolin Memorial Fund's Alumni News, for and about the members of the extended JTMF Family and their families, friends and admirers.

Each month we'll be bringing you updates on who's doing what, when, where and with whom (come on, you know we had to make sound a little dirty).

The column will be divided into three sections:

Coming Attractions, for folks with projects about to be produced.

Special Announcements, for letting us know about marriages; births; anniversaries; bar/bat-mitzvahs; First Communions; Sweet Sixteens; loss of virginity; new job; new home; new pet; new furniture and/or any of the other momentous occasions in your life which you feel compelled to share with the entire world via the World Wide Web.

In Case You Missed It, for folks who just didn't get their announcements in by the deadline, but still want to let us know what they have been up to (Okay - it's for the procrastinators - are you happy now?).

So without further ado:

JTMF ALUMNI NEWS #1 - July, 2007

Coming Attractions

Watch for our own Mark Violi (The Odd Couple; Psycho Beach Party) to appear in both print (on billboards, no less) and television ads for the Philadelphia Inquirer's "Get it While it's Hot" Summer campaign.

Josiah DeAndrea (The Altruists; Psycho Beach Party) sees the premiere production of his original play Angels as We Fall, August 17th & 18th at 8PM in the Kelsey Studio Theatre on the MCCC campus. Angels as We Fall re-imagines the tale of Lucifer's fall from grace as a modern allegory of love, family and the struggle between light and dark.

The James Tolin Memorial Fund proudly presents the Sixth Annual JTMF AIDS Benefit, featuring Joe Orton's madhouse sex farce, What the Butler Saw, June 20, 21 and 22nd, 2008. After a trip to Psycho Beach, where else could we go but the madhouse? And trusts us, the doctors in this asylum are far crazier than any of the patients. Watch this space or visit http://www.jtmf.org/ for details.

Special Announcements

Katie Pierce (The Alruists) has gotten engaged! Hubby-to-be Nick DeVito, proposed at a private table on the beach, during a perfect Aruban sunset on June 18th. No date has been set for the wedding. Congratulations and best of luck, Katie and Nick!

In Case You Missed It

The only thing you might have missed was our fabulous Fifth Anniversary Gala, featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party. The Gala was our second most successful event to date, raising nearly $10,000 for the Open Arms Foundation; Grafitti Productions and the James Tolin Memorial Scholarship at MCCC. The riotous production was the wildest show of the season, featuring an astoundingly talented cast of veterans and new-comers to the JTMF, all of whom rallied to the call and had more fun than should be legal, while raising money for charity. And let's not forget the amazing Red Carpet Event featuring Gary Dee as Joan Rivers; Kevin Jackson as Diana Ross and Phil Marino as Peggy Lee, courtesy of HOLLYWOOD Entertainment (http://www.hollywooddjz.com/). The luau reception was almost as hot as the gorgeous bathing beauties and surf hunks on stage and our Silent Auction was a smashing success! Our deepest, most heartfelt thanks go out to all of the wonderful folks who gave of their time and talents to make the event the success that it was.

Have news you'd like us to share? Email it to us at JTMFBloqQuery@aol.com
Submission deadline for inclusion in the following month's edition is the 26th. Submissions received after the 26th will be posted under In Case You Missed It, one month later.
Please keep it clean and real. Please make sure that all pertinant info (dates, times, contact info, web addresses, etc.) is included with your submission - we don't have time to track you down for missing details. All submissions will be reviewed and may be edited before posting. Submissions deemed inappropriate by the Blog Administrator will not be included.

The Numbers are In!

2007-07-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended and/or supported the James Tolin Memorial Fund's Fifth Anniversary AIDS Benefit Gala. We enjoyed our second most successful event ever, and raised nearly $10,000 (almost $6,000 in ticket sales and almost $4,000 in Silent Auction Sales and cash donations)!

Make sure you watch this space for additional photos and updates on next year's production of Joe Orton's madhouse sex farce, What the Butler Saw, June 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2008, featuring our first-ever Sunday Matinee! To add to the fun, tickets to our Sunday matinee will be available as part of your Kelsey Theatre Season Subscription! See the Kelsey Theatre brochure or visit their website (linked to the right) for details!

We'll also be sponsoring special "Pride Night" events at several shows on the '07/'08 Kelsey schedule (and maybe a special evening of our own, too). So stop by now and again. You never know what you might find here.

Our Cast & The JTMF Board

2007-06-29T06:13:00.001-07:00

The Cast of Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party:
(click photos to enlarge) Doug Edelson as Mrs. Forest; Tina Henderson as Berdine; Mark Violi as Star Cat; Adam Fitting as Kanaka; Nicole Patrick as Chicklet; Director Brian Bara; Damian Gaeta as Provoloney; Josiah DeAndrea as YoYo; Aubry Malloy as Marvel Anne; Melanie Britten as Bettina Barnes and Josh Minton as Nicky.

The JTMF Board:
Production Coordinator Bruce Frangione; Event Coordinator Tracy Antozzeski; Silent Auction Coordinator Melissa Abrahams; Honorary Member Doug Edelson; Publicity Coordinator Brian Bara; Honorary Member David Maurio (seated). Not Pictured: Honorary Member Joyce Labriola.

Thank You!

2007-06-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

The JTMF would like to extend our thanks to everyone who participated in our 5th Anniversary Gala this past weekend. The event, featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party, was our second most successful, ever!

Watch this space for pictures from the both the Red Carpet Gala and the show itself.

And keep checking back. We're taking a few weeks off for a little R & R, but we've already started planning for next year's event and we'll be posting about it, soon!

Thanks again, everyone! We'll see you soon!

A Dazzling Evening!

2007-06-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

Opening night has come and gone, and our Fifth Anniversary Red Carpet Gala was certainly an evening to be remembered. The events started at 7:00 PM, with the limousene arrivals of several JTMF alumni, accompanied by special guests, Ms "Peggy Lee" and Ms "Diana Ross." As our guests walked the Red Carpet, they were met and interviewed by Ms "Joan Rivers," who asked almost everyone who they were wearing. Chuck Easter and New Atlantis played surf tunes throughout the evening. Ms. Lee, Ms Ross and Ms Rivers came to us courtesy of Hollywood Entertainment (http://www.hollywooddjz.com/) and limousine services were generously provided by Touch of Class Limousines (http://www.toclimo.com/).

After the Red Carpet Walk, our guests and audience members mingled in the lobby where they sampled delightful luau treats and frozen drinks while perusing the items up for bid in our Silent Auction.

At 8:00 PM, the curtain rose on Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party. The audience seems to love the show and the cast is on fire. Intermission is here before you know it. More bidding, more noshing, more schmoozing. Everyone is having a great time. The second half of the show has them howling, cheering and applauding. The audience raves are fine fuel for all our egos...

After the show, we awarded the first ever JTMF "Jimmy" Awards.

The winners were:

Best Performance in a Revealing Costume:

Antonio Arzayus, wearing a 'Robin' Costume in Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach

Best Performance while Wearing a Wig:

Jodi Person in Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach

Best Performance as a Gay Character by a Straight Actor:

Eve Connolly in The Odd Couple

Best Performance as a Straight Character by a Gay Actor:

Doug Edelson in The Odd Couple

Best Special Effect:

TIE:

Damien Gaeta in The Altruists

Josisah DeAndrea in Psycho Beach Party

Following the awards, the Silent Auction winners were announced and happy bidders went away with some incredible gifts, including Broadway and Hollywood memoriablia; fine wines; fine dining gift certificates; a cruise and more. As the crowd thinned, those left were still smiling and having a great time. It's late and yours truly is tired, but oh so very happy.

Dont miss your last chance to see this hilarious show while making a difference by supporting the JTMF and its beneficiaries.

There are still tax-deductible tickets available for tonight's performance and reception (your $25 admission includes our luau reception). There are more fabulous items in our Silent Auction and tonight's performance promises to be even better than last night's. What are you waiting for? Order your tickets now by clicking on either of the links on your right! Tickets are also available at the Kelsey Box Office, one hour before curtain.

IT'S OPENING NIGHT!

2007-06-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Fifth Anniversary James Tolin Memorial Fund AIDS Benefit is finally here. At 7:00 PM, the guests will begin to arrive to walk the Red Carpet at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ.

Then, at 8:00 PM, the curtain rises on our production of Charles Busch's hilarious play, Psycho Beach Party, a madcap spoof of all things Hollywood in the early 60's including B-grade surf movies; psychological thrillers; low-budget potboilers and drive-in horror movies. Director Brian Bara has assembled an amazing cast of performers from all over NJ & PA, including Melanie Britten; Josiah DeAndrea; Doug Edelson; Adam Fitting; Damian Gaeta; Tina Henderson; Aubrey Malloy; Josh Minton; Nicole Patrick and Mark Violi for this wild and sexy romp down Baby-Boomers' Memory Lane. *

Before the show and at intermission, you will have a chance to bid on a terrific assortment of items donated by local and national businesses and celebrities such as Carol Burnett, Robin Williams and the cast of "Desperate Housewives." Enjoy a luau reception along with the mellow surf sounds of Chuck Easter and New Atlantis. And stick around right after tonight's show for an extra special treat.

Tomorrow, the curtain rises again at 8:00 PM; the Silent Auction will contuinue and we'll have more delicious luau fare, just with a liittle less pomp and circumstance.

Tax-deductible tickets are still available by calling the Kelsey box office at 609-570-3333, online at either of the sites linked to the right, or at the door starting at 7:00 PM. We hope to see you there!

Break a leg, all!

*This production contains adult themes and language and is not recommended for children or those who are easily offended.

2 Nights 'til We Go "Psycho"

2007-06-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

There are just two rehearsals left before the James Tolin Memorial Fund's production of Charles Busch's hilarious Psycho Beach Party is presented at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College.

Join Chicklet, Kanaka, Star Cat and the rest of the gang in Malibu, circa 1962, as they try to figure just who is attacking and shaving ALL the hair off of innocent beach-goers. Is it boy-crazy Marvel Ann, nerdy Berdine or Chicklet's over-protective mother, Mrs. Forest? And just who is the mysterious dominatrix, Ann Bowman? Can the madness be stopped in time for the big luau? And what on Earth is YoYo going to serve? Find out the answer to these and other questions, June 22nd and 23rd only at 8PM.*

There is still time to order your tax deductible tickets by calling the Kelsey box office at 609-570-3333 or online by using either of the convenient links to the right. Tickets are $35.00 for Friday's 7PM Red Carpet Gala and $25.00 for the Saturday show. Both evenings include a luau-themed reception, live music from Chuck Easter and New Atlantis and our famous Silent Auction; this year featuring gifts donated by major celebrities including Carol Burnett, Robin Williams and the cast of ABC's "Desperate Housewives." It's sure to be THE event of the summer, so don't miss out! Order your tickets now!

*This production includes adult themes and language and is not recommended for children or those who are easily offended.

"Hell Week"

2007-06-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

This is it - "Hell Week." This is the last week of rehearsal, when all the technical elements are put in place. The set pieces are on stage, the lighting is being hung, the sound cues are being engineered and the cast is starting to work with their costumes and props. The theatre lobby is being decorated for our big Luau reception and Silent Auction; the caterer is busy preparing food and the live band is practicing their Surf Tunes.

The only thing missing? You!

Order your tickets for the JTMF Fifth Annual AIDS Benefit, featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party, by calling the Kelsey Theatre box-office at 609-570-3333, or online at either of the sites conveniently linked to the right.

We promise two nights of hilarious theatre, great food, fun music and an amazing silent auction, all for a great cause. People will be talking about this event for the rest of summer, so don't miss your chance to be a part of it! Order your tickets now!

Our Special Guests

2007-06-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

As part of our Red Carpet Gala on Friday, June 22nd, the JTMF is proud to announce special appearances by "Winona Judd," "Peggy Lee" & "Diana Ross," courtesy of Hollywood Entertainment.

Ms Judd, Ms Lee and Ms Ross (Tony Moran, Phil Marino and Kevin Jackson) will be escorting our past JTMF participants down the red carpet and distrubuting special gifts to our audience members before the show.

For more information about Hollywood Entertainment, call William Boettcher at 201-791-8006 or visit their website at http://www.hollywooddjz.com/.

For tickets to the JTMF Fifth Anniversary Gala, featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party, call the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333 or use the links to the right to order tickets online. Hurry - this is going to be THE event of the summer!

Go "Psycho" with Us!

2007-06-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

In less than two weeks, The James Tolin Memorial Fund will present Charles Busch's hilarious Beach Blanket spoof, Psycho Beach Party at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ.

Over the past 4 years, the JTMF has raised over $30,000 for local AIDS and Arts Education charities with fundraising events featuring plays by authors such as Paul Rudnick, Harvey Fierstein, Neil Simon and Nicky Silver. 2007 marks the JTMF's Fifth Anniversary and we're celebrating with a Red Carpet Gala on Friday, June 22nd. Join Past JTMF participants and "celebrity" guests on the Red Carpet as we celebrate with a fabulous Luau reception and Silent Auction, along with a performance of Psycho Beach Party. Saturday's performance will feature just the reception and Silent Auction.

Tickets are $35.00 for Friday's Gala and $25.00 for Saturday's performance and reception. Your tax-deductible event tickets can be ordered by calling the Kelsey Theatre box-office at 609-570-3333 or online at either of the two websites conveniently linked to the right. Make sure you order our tickets now - this is one event you don't want to miss!

More Silent Auction Lots

2007-06-08T05:50:00.001-07:00

Donations just keep coming... here are two more. An assortment of best-sellers from Simon & Schuster
Health and beauty products from the Home Shopping Network

Costume Parade

2007-06-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

The cast tried on some costume pieces at last night's rehearsal. Here's a sneak peek...
Josiah DeAndrea and Damian Gaeta show off their physiques
Bathing Beauties: Josh Minton, Nicole Patrick, Aubrey Malloy & Mark Violi
Damian is ready for the big luau!

We're Getting Closer!

2007-06-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

With less than three weeks until our Opening Night Red Carpet Gala, the cast and crew of Psycho Beach Party are busy preparing for one of the wildest shows you're likely to see all season.

Lines are memorized, blocking is in place and rehearsals continue to roll along as the cast and director plumb the depths of comedy in order to bring you two nights of hilarious entertainment.

But the show is just part of this annual event - there's also our delicious Luau reception featuring live music by "New Atlantis." Savor island treats and tropical drinks during intermission and after the show, while you peruse and bid on the items in our fabulous Silent Auction. This year's Silent Auction features an incredible assortment of items from donors which include Carol Burnett, Robin Williams and the cast of "Desperate Housewives," among many others.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased on-line using either of the two links listed to the right, via phone at 609-570-3333 or at the Kelsey Theatre box office, one hour before curtain. Don't miss out on what is not just a terrific night of fun, food and entertainment, but an opportunity to help NJ residents in need. Your tax-deductible tickets will benefit the Open Arms Foundation, Graffiti Productions and the James Tolin Memorial Scholarship at MCCC. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Everybody Limbo!!

2007-06-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots from last Thursady's rehearsal on the "Winnie the Pooh" set.

Below (L to R), Damian Gaeta; Adam Fitting; a honeybee hive; Josh Minton; Mark Violi; Aubrey Malloy and Josiah DeAndrea listen as Chicklet (Nicole Patrick; not shown) goes psycho.

(Click Photos to enlarge)

Stage Manager Bruce Frangione watches as the cast limbos the night away.
Nicole Patrick goes under the limbo stick
Is Mark Violi doing the Limbo or the Funky Chicken?
Adam Fitting goes waaaay under the limbo stick.
Tina Henderson makes her attempt to limbo

Yesterday, June 3rd, the JTMF booth at NJ Pride was the place to be, despite the less-than-perfect weather. We met lots of great folks, made some new friends and had more than a few laughs. If you stopped by to see us, thanks. If you didn't, you missed a great time.

And speaking of great times, there is still time for you to order tickets to the Fifth Anniversary James Tolin Memorial Fund AIDS Fundraiser featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party. Just use either of the convenient links on the right to order your tickets on line for the wildest event of the year. We'll see you there!

NJ Pride, June 3rd

2007-05-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

The JTMF will have a booth at the New Jersey Pride Festival this coming Sunday, June 3rd in Asbury Park, NJ. We will have some fun give-aways and the opportunity to purchase advance tickets to our Fifth Anniversay Gala AIDS Fundraising Event, featuring Charles Busch's hilarious Beach Blanket spoof, Psycho Beach Party.

Join us as we celebrate the GLBT community and raise funds for The Open Arms Foundation, Graffiti Productions and The James Tolin Memorial Scholarship.

Look for the green canopied booth with the grass-skirted table manned by the folks in Hawaiian shirts and leis. Stop by to pick up a free magnet, buy tickets or just to say "Hello" and learn what we are all about. Our booth will be located among the many other Non-Profit Organizations. Meet cast and crew members, donate to our cause or just hang out with us. A good time is guaranteed for all.

Rehearsal Update

2007-05-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

Blocking for the entire show is finally completed. There is plenty of hilarity already taking place and director Brian Bara says he can't wait until the cast "gets the books out of their hands and really goes to town." He says this is one of the funniest shows he has ever had the pleasure to direct, and the cast continues to surprise and delight him with their creativity and fearless commitment to physical comedy.

Remember, it's never too early to order your tickets to what is sure to be the wildest show you will see all year, not to mention the fabulous Opening Night Red Carpet Gala, Luau reception and Silent Auction. Use either of the links to the right to order your tickets to the 5th Anniversary James Tolin Memorial Fund AIDS fundraising event featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party.

And don't forget to join us on Sunday, June 3rd for NJ Pride in Asbury Park. Be there - Aloha!

Join Us at NJ Pride

2007-05-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 3rd, the JTMF will have a booth at NJ Pride in Asbury Park. We'll have some fun give-aways; you'll be able to purchase advance tickets to our Fifth Anniversary Gala; meet members of the cast and find out all about who we are and what we do. The JTMF booth will be located near all of the other non-profit organizations. Look for the grass-skirted table manned by the folks in Hawaiian shirts and leis. Pride is always an interesting and fun time with loads of vendors, lots of great food and even a Family Fun area with kids' rides and activities. We hope to see you there.

More Rehearsal Photos

2007-05-25T09:27:00.001-07:00

(Click photos to enlarge)
Nicole Patrick as Chicklet, Melanie Britten as Bettina Barnes and Tina Henderson as Berdine
Tina Henderson; Damian Gaeta; Josiah DeAndrea; Josh Minton; Nicole Patrick and Mark Violi do the Twist.
An artsy blur of dancing cast members doing the Jerk.

Our Latest Donation

2007-05-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

A fabulous gift package from Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS, which includes a tote-bag; t-shirt; Christmas ornament; Broadway beach towel and Broadway show posters signed by the current casts.

(Click photo to enlarge)

2007 Silent Auction

2007-05-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Items continue to arrive for our annual Silent Auction with donations varying from Hollywood memorabilia to baskets of toys; restaurant gift certificates to health and beauty products. This promises to be our most exciting Silent Auction ever, as you can see from the partial list of donors below:

Ms Carol Burnett * Mr. Marc Cherry and the Cast of "Desperate Housewives" * Silver Decoy Winery * Discovery Toys * Triumph Brewery * Mr. Robin Williams * Marcello's Restaurant * Broadway Cares * Miss Coco Peru * Shoppe 202 * The Home Shopping Network * Mr. Stephen Fry * Lypsinka * Kelsey Theatre * Mr. Tim DeKay * The Edmunton Oilers * Cruise One * Logo * Comcast * Bravo

And that's just the beginning. Bidding starts at 7:00 PM and continues through intermission at each performance. Get there early and get your bids in - these items are sure to be on everyone's "must-have" list.

Order your tickets for the Fifth Annual JTMF AIDS Benefit now, using either of the convenient links to the right. Your tax-deductible ticket includes admission to the performance of Charles Busch's hilarious Beach Blanket spoof, Psycho Beach Party; the Luau reception featuring live music by Chuck Easter and New Atlantis and the chance to bid on a bevy of fabulous gifts. This is one event that will be talked about for a long time, and you do not want to miss it!

Rehearsal Update

2007-05-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Well into our second week of rehearsals for Psycho Beach Party, Brian tells us he couldn't be happier with his cast. He says that the smart, funny and talented (not to mention gorgeous - see photos below) group are helping to make his job very easy. Blocking rehearsals continue this week and after the holiday break, they will get into what Brian calls "the nitty-gritty."

Look for more updates and rehearsal photos as we continue towards the Opening Night Red Carpet Gala on Friday, June 22nd.

Don't forget, tickets will go quickly for this special event, so visit our website (conveniently linked to the right) to order your tickets today!

We Have a Winner (For Real!)

2007-05-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

Mr. Leonard Moore has correctly identified next year's play as What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton. Mr. Moore has won a special Psycho Beach Party Prize Package, which he can claim at the box-office during either performance. Congratulations!

Beach Party Photos

2007-05-21T05:30:00.001-07:00

Nicole Patrick & Freind enjoy the Bordentown Beach Party
Damina Gaeta kisses a puppy (Aw....)
Some folks enjoying a drink at the Beach Party
Doug Edelson trying to look cool...
(Click Photos to enlarge)

Rehearsal Photos

2007-05-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Adam Fitting as Kanaka; Nicole Patrick as Chicklet, Joasiah DeAndrea as YoYo; Damian Gaeta as Provoloney and Mark Viloi as Star Cat
Josiah, Mark, Damian & Nicole
Tina Henderson as Berdine and Nicole Patrick as Chicket; BFFs

Surf's up!

(Click Photos to enlarge)

All 3 Clues

2007-05-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are all three Clues in the "Guess Next Year's Play" Contest:

1.This prominent 20th Century British playwright, known for his acerbic wit, once wrote a screenplay for a Beatles movie which was never produced.

2. This play's misleading title often fools audiences into believing they are about to see a mystery.

3. Set in an asylum, this six-character comedy involves mistaken identities, cross-dressing, potted underwear and psychiatrists who are crazier than their patients.

Submit your answer as a comment to the blog or email it directly to: JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com

Good luck!

Question of the Week (5/16)

2007-05-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

We usually post the Question of the Week on Friday, but because we've been away, we're doing it today.

This week, Barbara asks:

"Why does each night of this year's benefit have a different price?"

Another excellent question. Thanks, Barbara.

Because this is our Fifth Anniversary, the opening night of the show on June 22nd includes our "Red Carpet Gala" which features past JTMF participants, special guests and a VIP pre-show reception. There will be all kinds of extras and excitement on Friday. Saturday night's show still includes the regular reception, live music and silent auction, but with a bit less of Friday night's extra 'glitz and glamor.'

As always, if you have a question for the JTMF staff, please leave it as a comment here on the blog, or emial us directly at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com

And don't forget our "Guess Next Year's Play" contest. Our third and final clue has been posted. We'll post all three clues tomorrow, just in case you missed any. The first eligible person to guess the title of next year's show will recieve a special Psycho Beach Party prize package, so send us your answers ASAP.

Contest Clue #3

2007-05-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is the third and final clue in our "Guess Next Year's Play" contest.

Clue #3 - Set in an asylum, this six-character comedy involves mistaken identities, cross-dressing, potted underwear and psychiatrists who are crazier than their patients.

The first person (who is not already a JTMF participant) to correctly identify the name of next year's play will recieve a special Psycho Beach Party prize package. Submit your answer as a comment below, or email it directly to: JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com

We Have a Winner (Sort of)

2007-05-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

Someone has managed to guess both the author and title of next year's play - only one problem - she's a cast member of this year's Psycho Beach Party and ineligible to win (sorry, T.H.).

We have deleted her comments so the rest of you can't cheat and will be posting our third and final clue tomorrow. There's still a Psycho Beach Party prize to be won, so check back tomorrow for the final clue!

We're Back!

2007-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Bordentown Beach Party was so successful, we just had to take some time off to recuperate. We saw nearly 500 attendees, gave out just as many flyers, had almost as many drinks and played with a cute puppy all afternoon! There was a photographer from Packet Publications and a great time was had by all.

Rehearsals for Psycho Beach Party officially started last night, and diretcor Brian Bara says the show is off to a great start. All of the "boys only" scenes have been blocked and tomorrow we add the girls.

We are still looking for several "gender illusionists" to take part in our Red Carpet Gala, so if you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please drop us a line. Volunteers receive free admission to the show, access to the luau reception, a "Special Thanks" in our program and the opportunity for professional entertainers to hand out business cards and advertising literature to potential clients in our audience. As always, you can respond by leaving us a reply here on the blog or email us directly at: JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com.

Beach Party Tomorrow!

2007-04-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

The JTMF will sponsor the Bordentown Beach Party, tomorrow, April 28th, 12:00 PM until ? at Marcello's on Farnsworth and the HOB on 2nd, Bordentown, NJ. Join us for a day of fun, food and special Psycho Beach Party drinks. Meet members of the Psycho Beach Party cast and members of the JTMF staff; enter our limbo contest and play games for special Psycho Beach Party prizes.

The fun starts at noon on the deck at Marcello's on Farnsworth Ave in Bordentown, and goes all day.

See you there, Surf Dogs!

Contest Clue #2

2007-04-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Time for the second clue in our "Guess Next Year's Play" Contest. The first person with the correct answer will win a special Psycho Beach Party prize!

Clue #2 - This play's misleading title often fools audiences into thinking they are about to see a mystery.

Leave your guess as a comment on this blog, or email it to us at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com

And don't forget to stop by Marcello's and the HOB in Bordentown, NJ, this Saturday, April 28th for the JTMF's Bordentown Beach Party!

New Cast Member Joins the Party

2007-04-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

The JTMF is pleased to announce to the addition of Psycho Beach Party's newest cast member, Melanie Britten as Bettina Barnes. Melanie comes to us from Plainsboro, NJ and can currently be seen in the MCCC student production of Woyzek at the Kelsey Theatre.

Rehearsals for Psycho Beach Party start soon, so watch this space for rehearsal updates.

And we haven't forgotten our contest to guess next year's show. A new clue is coming soon.

Finally, don't forget to stop by Marcello's and the HOB in Bordentown, NJ on Saturday, April 28th for the Bordentown Beach Party, Noon until ? Meet cast members & JTMF staff members, have a special Psycho Beach Party cocktail and play for prizes in our specail contests. A good time is guaranteed for all! See you there!

BORDENTOWN BEACH PARTY!!!!!

2007-04-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 28th, the JTMF will sponsor the Bordentown Beach Party. Join us on the deck at Marcello's on Farnsworth Street and at the HOB on the corner of 2nd as we host the Bordentown Beach Party. Have a special "Psycho Beach Party" drink, meet the cast and members of the JTMF staff and celebrate spring with us.

There will be contests with special "Psycho Beach Party" prizes, lots of great food, great drinks and great fun. The festivities start at Marcello's at Noon and go on all day long.

See you there!

Question of the Week (4/13)

2007-04-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

This week's question comes from Renata, who asks:

"How can I audition for the JTMF show?"

The JTMF holds open auditions for our productions each year, usually in early May. This year's show was cast early, so we would have more time to devote to all the extra work involved in planning the 5th Anniversary Gala. Watch your local newspapers or put yourself on the Kelsey Theatre email list for notices about our auditions.

If you have a question for the JTMF staff, you can leave it as a comment or email us directly at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com

Special Contest Announcement

2007-04-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Watch this space. We haven't even gotten past our Fifth Anniversary Gala, but we are very close to announcing our 2008 Benefit Production!

We'd like to give you hint, but it's much too soon.

Oh, what the heck? We'll give you a hint. And the first person to guess correctly will win a special Psycho Beach Party prize!

Here's your hint:

The play's prominent 20th Century British author, known for his acerbic wit, wrote a screenplay for a Beatles film, which never saw production.

Watch for more hints soon!

Leave your guess as a comment or email it directly to JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com

Question of the Week (4/6)

2007-04-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Michael asks:

"Can I buy tickets now, or do I have to wait until June?"

Yes, Michael, you can buy tickets to the Fifth Annual James Tolin Memorial Fund Gala, featuring Psycho Beach Party right now. And there are two convenient ways to do so.

You can call the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333 or purchase them from the Kelsey's website, conveniently linked to the right. Either way, you are guaranteed a terrific evening of great food and fabulous entertainment, not to mention our always exciting Silent Auction.

Tickets are $35.00 for the Red Carpet Gala on Friday, June 22nd and $25.00 for the regular performance and reception on Saturday, June 23rd. The Kelsey accepts all major credit cards both online and over the phone. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the night of the event, one hour prior to curtain.

Remember, if you have a question for the JTMF Staff, you can leave it as a comment or email us directly at JTMFblogQuery@aol.com

Reminder - Beach Party on the 28th

2007-04-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday, April 28th, 2007. Noon 'til ?

Where: Marcello's on Farnsworth and The HOB on 2nd, Bordentown, NJ

What: The Bordentown Beach Party. Join the JTMF as we celebrate the return of Spring and our upcoming Fifth Anniversary Gala, featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party, June 22nd and 23rd at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre. Meet with members of the cast, members of the JTMF board and members of the JTMF Volunteer Staff. Have a special Psycho Beach Party drink and enjoy the return of warm weather.

Be there or be square, Surf-Dogs!

Our Newest Auction Item

2007-04-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

The NHL's Edmonton Oilers have just provided us with this exciting package featuring two Oilers patches; an official NHL puck, signed by Oilers' player Chris Pronger and a cap signed by retired NHL Center, Mark Messier.

Remember, the only way to bid on this and other exciting items in our Silent Auction, is to attend the Fifth Annual James Tolin Memorial Fund Gala, June 22nd and 23rd at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. For more info, visit www.jtmf.org

Question of the Week (3/30)

2007-03-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Anonymous asks:

"The cast sounds great! What about everyone else involved? Are the technicians, designers and production staff volunteers too?"

Thanks for a terrific question! Yes, our entire team is compromised of local volunteers. The show's director, Brian A. Bara, is a member of the JTMF board and has been acting, directing, designing and writing for stages in NY, NJ & PA for over 30 years. Production Stage Manager, Bruce Frangione, also on the JTMF board, started his Community Theatre career with the JTMF, helping out backstage with our productions of Jeffrey and Torch Song Trilogy. He has since gone on to work with other local companies such as Maurer Productions and Like40 Productions. Set designer Pete Labriola has been with us from the beginning, as well. He runs Perriot Productions and has been part of the local theatre scene for many years. Costumer Michelle Rittman's Rittzy Productions recently costumed another NJ production of Psycho Beach Party. She and her mother, Ruth, work with many of the companies who call Kelsey 'home.' Lighting designer Bob Terrano, Director of Entertainment Technology at MCCC, has also donated his services since Jeffrey. Sound designer, Jody Person, is director of the Theatre Arts program at MCCC and appeared as Mr. Charles in last year's benefit, What Causes Homosexuality? Finally, producer, Event Coordinator and JTMF Founder Tracy Antozzeski, has been part of the Kelsey Theatre family since the early 1980's, producing, directing and stage-managing for dozens of productions over the years.

Remember, if you have a question for the JTMF staff, leave a comment on the blog, or email us directly at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com.

Silent Auction News

2007-03-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

The JTMF Fundraiser's Silent Auction has always been fun and exciting, filled with a terrific assortment of items from local merchants, manufacturers and businesses. In the past, we've had Carribean crusies; restaurant gift-certificates; massages; all sorts of gift baskets and even a few items donated by celebrities.

This year's auction is no exception. In fact, it promises to be even more exciting than ever before. Among the items already donated are: a gift basket from Discovery Toys of Bordentown, NJ; a signed original print from Shoppe 202; a wine basket from Silver Decoy Winery and two season tickets to the Kelsey Theatre's Summer Series, featuring shows from Shakespeare '70 and The Yardley Players.

In addition, this year we have managed to arrange for more celebrity donations than ever. Among them: a dress worn by MISS COCO PERU in the camp classic film Girls Will Be Girls; a "Desperate Housewives" gift package, donated by the show's creator, MARC CHERRY ; a CD of "The Night Before Christmas," narrated and signed by British comedian and V for Vendetta star, STEPHEN FRY; posters from the films Hook and Mrs. Doubtfire, autographed by their star, ROBIN WILLIAMS and an original, signed pen & ink drawing from a true American Icon, beloved comedienne CAROL BURNETT. And that's just the beginning. Donations are rolling in almost daily. There's sure to be something to delight you and undoubtedly something you simply must have. And you'll be supporting a good cause, too.

But the only way to bid on these goods is to attend the Fifth Annual James Tolin Memorial Fund AIDS fundraiser, featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party, Friday, June 22nd and Saturday June, 23rd, 2007. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.jtmf.org

Question of the Week (3/23)

2007-03-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

This week's question comes to us from Eve, who asks:

"Where does my donation go?"

Well, Eve, it depends on what your donation is. Money raised from our Silent Auction is used to fund the upcoming year's event. It helps pay for the play's royalties, prop and furniture rental, costumes, scenery and other production costs. This is also true of donations made at our website via PayPal.

All of the money raised through ticket sales is dispersed to three separate organizations. $1000.00 is given to The James Tolin Memorial Scholarship at Mercer County Community College to help defray a deserving theatre student's tuition costs for one year ($500.00 per semester). The rest of the money is sent to The Open Arms Foundation of Hillsborough, NJ, which provides support and services to NJ residents living with HIV/AIDS. Open Arms then uses some of that money to fund Graffiti Productions of Trenton, NJ, which provides AIDS prevention education and self-esteem building workshops through performing arts projects, to inner-city youth at risk. More information about these three agencies is available on our website: http://www.jtmf.org/.

Remember, if you have a question for the JTMF Staff, please leave it as comment on the blog, or email us directly at: JTMFBlogQuery@AOL.com .

Save the Date - Bordentown Beach Party

2007-03-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday, April 28th, 2007. Noon 'til ?

Where: Marcello's on Farnsworth and The HOB on 2nd, Bordentown, NJ

What: The Bordentown Beach Party. Join the JTMF as we celebrate the return of Spring and our upcoming Fifth Anniversary Gala, featuring Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party. Meet with members of the cast, members of the JTMF board and members of the JTMF Volunteer Staff. Have a special Psycho Beach Party drink and enjoy the return of warm weather.

Be there or be square, Surf-Dogs!

Question of the Week (3/16)

2007-03-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

Jordan asks:

"How can I volunteer and what can I do for the event?"

Just send us an email at: tba169@comcast.net, Jordan, and let us know you want to help. We can use your assistance in setting up on Opening Night; serving food on either night; sewing costumes; "celebrity" wrangling; making phone calls; handing out flyers at our special events (like the upcoming Bordentown Beach Party, April 28th in Bordentown, NJ); helping out backstage during the show or even just ushering. We aren't picky - we'll take whatever help we can get.

If you want to help, but don't have the time to volunteer, you can always make a safe online donation via PayPal at our website: www.jtmf.org. Every little bit helps, and we are most appreciative. JTMF volunteers recieve recognition in our program, free admission to the show and the good feeling that comes with doing something for others in need.

If you have a question for the JTMF Staff, please leave a comment or email us directly at JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com.

The Cast (Updated 4/10/07)

2007-03-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

This year, we are delighted to have a nice blend of both past JTMF participants and new talent cast in our production of Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party. They come from all over the area, bringing tons of acting experience with them. In the order of appearance they are:

Josiah DeAndrea is YoYo. Josiah previously appeared as Lance in our production of The Altruists. He is a Theatre major at MCCC.

Josh Minton of Princeton is appearing with us for the first time as Nicky. Josh has many local theatre credits.

Damian Geata returns to the JTMF to play Provoloney. Damain was Ronald in The Altruists and appeared as Judas in last year's MCCC student production of Godspell.

Mark Violi, who appeared in our 2005 production of The Odd Couple returns to play Star Cat. Mark recently appeared in a commercial for a local window manufacturer.

Nicole Patrick joins us for the first time in the role of Chicklet. Her credits include several roles in NYC.

Adam Fitting, a north Jersey theatre veteran who recently returned from a year in New Zealand, makes his JTMF debut in the role of Kanaka.

Tina Henderson joins the JTMF family as Berdine, coming to us after studying at the prestigious Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Aubrey Malloy, an MCCC Theatre student, makes her first JTMF appearance as Marvel Ann.

Doug Edelson, who appeared in our first three productions, Jeffrey; Torch Song Trilogy and The Odd Couple, returns to play with us again as Mrs. Forrest.

And last, but not least...

Cat Miller, who runs a dance studio in Levittown, PA, and has worked with many local companies, joins us as Bettina Barnes.

There you have it. Ten extraordinary local actors, donating their time and talents to the JTMF, in what promises to be the funniest play we've ever produced. Be sure to join us on June 22nd and 23rd for an evening of laughs, good food and great causes. And make sure you stay to meet the cast after the show. They'll be happy to know you were there.

See you at the show!

Question of the Week (3/9)

2007-03-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

Each week, we will answer a reader question about the JTMF: who we are, what we do, how to contact us and how to help. If you have a question, please leave it as a comment or email it to us directly at: JTMFBlogQuery@aol.com.

This week's question comes to us from Katie, who asks:

"How can I donate an item for your Silent Auction?"

It's easy, Katie. Simply contact our Silent Auction Coordinator, Melissa Abrahams at: mabrahams@burltwpsch.org or Event Coordinator Tracy Antozzeski at tba169@comcast.net. We'll be happy to make arrangements to pick up your donation, or send you instructions on where you can deliver it.

Past donations have ranged from restaurant gift certificates, wine baskets and massages to cruises, appliances and even celebrity memorabilia. We'll be sure to thank you, your company or your organization in our program and provide you with good-will publicity in local publications. Donating to our Silent Auction is an excellent way to show the community that you care and want to make a difference in New Jersey.

Psycho Beach Party

2007-03-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

This year's JTMF production is Charles Busch's "Psycho Beach Party." Best known for the long-running Off Broadway hit, "Vampire Lesbians of Sodom" and the Tony nominated Broadway smash, "Tale of the Allergist's Wife," Charles Busch started writing plays to provide himself with work as an actor. His other plays include "Coma or Sleeping Beauty;" "Theodora, She-Bitch of Byzantium;" "Pardon My Inquisition;" the Bette Davis spoof, "Die, Mommy, Die!" and the McCarthyism-themed "Red Menace on Sunset."

Originally titled "Gidget Goes Psycho," "Psycho Beach Party" tells the story of Florence "Chicklet" Forrest, a teenager in Malibu, circa 1962, who wants nothing more than to be a surfer chick. Her best friend, the somewhat nerdy Berdine, and she spend hours talking in "teen speak" when they are not down on the beach helping the man-hungry Marvel Ann find a boyfriend. Meanwhile, surfers YoYo and Provolone are helping the surf king, Kanaka, prepare for the annual luau even as Chicklet begs Kanaka to teach her how to surf. But things aren't quite right in Malibu. Some one is attacking innocent beach-goers, knocking them unconscious and shaving ALL the hair off their bodies. Could it be the glamorous B-movie actress, Bettina Barnes, hiding incognito to avoid a studio contract which will ensure yet another stinker? Or is it Mrs. Forrest, Chicklet's obviously disturbed mother, who tells Chicklet that men are "coarse, hairy beasts" who only want one thing from a girl. And just who is the mysterious Ann Bowman?

To find out the answers to these and more questions, you'll have to attend the 5th Annual JTMF AIDS fund-raiser production of "Psycho Beach Party," June 22nd and 23rd at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ. For more information, ticket reservations or to make a secure donation via PayPal, visit http://www.jtmf.org/.

Thanks for reading and come back for our next entry - The Cast.

Welcome to the JTMF

2007-03-05T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the James Tolin Memorial Fund Blog. Five years ago, the JTMF was created to honor the memory of James Tolin, a local NJ actor who lost to HIV in 2002. Several of James' friends got together and decided to produce a play and donate the profits to The OPen Arms Foundation, an organization that had helped James through the most difficult time of his life. The play, Paul Rudnick's "Jeffrey," was a rousing succes and we raised over $7500.00 with just two performances. Before we knew it, we were a full-fledged fund raising company, and productions of Harvey Fierstein's "Torch Song Trilogy;" Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple;" Paul Rudnick's "Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach" and Nicky Silver's "The Altruists" followed each June. The shows were accompanied by catered receptions and silent auctions, all of which combined to raise nearly $30,000 over the past four years. Two additional chairties - Graffiti Productions, which promotes Arts Education among inner-city youth at risk and The James Tolin Memorial Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance for Theatre Arts majors at Mercer County Community College - have also been added as Fund beneficiaries.

This year marks our Fifth Anniversary, and we are celebrating with a production of Charles Busch's hilarious Beach Blanket Spoof, "Psycho Beach Party," June 22nd and 23rd. A specail luau-themed reception is planned, along with an opening night Red Carpet Gala and an extra-special Silent Auction featuring items and memorabilia donated by many well-known, international celebrities (you'll have to stay tuned to find just who they are, but we promise, you won't be dissapointed).

So visit often. We'll keep you up to date with everything that's going on withe JTMF and our upcoming events with an entry every few days. And you can always stop by our website, www.jtmf.org, for more information. Thanks for reading. Come back soon.