Experiencing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

As someone who works for a live performing arts and entertainment venue, I sometimes find myself looking past the "magic" of an entertainment experience and directly to the "yeah, I know how they did that." I don't do it on purpose, but when you are "behind the scenes" a lot, you sometimes forget how to just become the spectator.

I recently spent my vacation in sunny Florida in which I was lucky enough to visit the brand-new section of Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

It was insane. Insane crowds, insane lines, but more importanly it was insane just how much effort was put into every little detail of this imaginary world. And for the first time, in a long time, I didn't know what to say....and the best part is, I didn't want to know the secrets of how they "did this" or "created that." (And I couldn't even begin to guess on some things.) I walked through Hogwarts Castle in line for the "Forbidden Journey" ride and I didn't want to move forward because I wanted to soak up every inch of every room that we passed by (Dumbledore's office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom). Not to mention, the ride itself, is truly something that other rides should aspire to be.

Now, don't get me wrong, after I left the park I had plenty to say (just as we all do, after we see a great movie or show). But, while I was there, I was in sort of a Harry-Potter-coma. I wanted to live in Hogwarts, eat nothing but chocolate frogs from Honey Dukes, and drink endless cups of butter beer. But alas, I am back in New Jersey and back to reality. And I can't wait for my next dose of Harry Potter magic (bring on Deathly Hallows!).

-Kelly Skinner, Director of Public Relations

If you are thinking about visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and have a few questions, I would be happy to answer whatever I can. Please email pressrelations@statetheatrenj.org

This Summer - Music and Air Conditioning!

Summer is here! And for us, summer means music! And this year we have 3 big music concerts: Ringo Starr (7/5/10), Melissa Etheridge (7/16/10), and Squeeze and Cheap Trick (7/18/10). We are super excited and ready to rock! So, now you know what we have this summer, but what you don't know is why only 3? That my friends, is because we are gearing up for an installation of a new HVAC system! I know, not as exciting as our 3 star concerts, but important nevertheless. For years, as an older venue, we have had on again, off again issues with our air conditioning and heat (as some of you may recall). So, finally after years of "temporary fixes," this summer Middlesex County has decided to invest a million dollars into a new HVAC system for the theater. And because we are an older building (est. 1921) the process will take much longer than most. This the reason why we must temporarily close down the building for the summer following our 3 music concerts.

In fact, preliminary work has already begun. We are in the first stage, which is the "foundations for steel" stage (not quite sure what that exactly means just yet). So, we have a long way to go, but I will definitely keep everyone posted on the project. For now, stay cool and don't forget to buy your summer concert tickets before they sell out (because they will)!

—Kelly Skinner, Director of Public Relations

NONPROFIT STATE THEATRE BENEFIT RAISES $520,000!

On May 22, the State Theatre Benefit Gala 2010, That’s Entertainment! A Las Vegas Experience featuring Lynda Carter honored Dr. Norman Reitman and raised $520,000 for the nonprofit performing arts center. Additionally, the State Theatre distributed its first “Leadership in the Arts Award” to retiring president Wesley Brustad. The Gala festivities, which included dinner and dancing at The Heldrich hotel, also included an authentic casino experience with a variety of gaming tables, raffles, and opportunities to win prizes.

The Gala Chairs were Ann. H. Asbaty, Senior Vice President, National Accounts, CIGNA, and Efrem B. Dlugacz, Vice President, Total Rewards and Health Resources, Johnson & Johnson.

“An incredible Gala Committee and Theatre staff with the support of our individual patrons and corporate sponsors created the magic again. The beneficiaries, of course, are the arts in Central New Jersey and the educations programs sponsored by the State Theatre,” commented Gala co-chairs Efrem Dlugacz and Ann Asbaty.

“In a time when special event attendance and funding seem to be waning, we were thrilled to be busting at the seams in The Heldrich hotel. The State Theatre grossed over half a million dollars with this event, allowing the Theatre to finish its fiscal year solidly in the black. This was in no small part due to Dr. Norman Reitman, our honoree of the evening. If ever there was a man who symbolizes all that is good about New Brunswick and its environs, it is Dr. Reitman. We were proud to stand with him in service to our community,” added Wes Brustad, State Theatre President & CEO.

Brustad, who is retiring this year, was also presented with an award at this year’s Gala. The State Theatre Board of Trustees awarded Brustad with a “Leadership Award in the Arts” award for his years of service to the arts community in New Jersey and around the country.

More than 550 patrons attended the Black-Tie Dinner Dance at New Brunswick’s The Heldrich hotel. Among the attendees were community, arts, business and civic leaders from central New Jersey and around the state.

The State Theatre Benefit Gala 2010 committee included (Trustee Vice Chairman/Gala Co-chair) Ann H. Asbaty of Randolph; (Trustee/Gala Co-chair) Efrem B. Dlugacz of Princeton; Madiha Boraie and Karla Brustad of Milltown; Diane Garback of North Brunswick; Cathy Gombas of East Brunswick; (Trustee) Bill Herman of Clifton; Carolyn and Dave Horn of Hillsborough; (Trustee)Patricia Howard of Manalapan; (Trustee Chairman) Andrew J. Markey of Basking Ridge; Hon. Cathy Nicola of North Brunswick; (Trustee Treasurer) Morton Plawner of Monroe Twp; and Lisa Rapolas of Somerset.

The State Theatre Benefit Gala 2010 Honoree was Dr. Norman Reitman. Dr. Reitman, an alumnus of both Rutgers College and NYU Medical School, has been a patron of the State Theatre since its doors opened in 1921. After starting his medical practice in 1938, Reitman developed a solo practice into Cardiology Associates of New Brunswick, a partnership of 11 physicians.

Thank you to all the sponsors that made this happen, including ACS, a Xerox Company; BNY Mellon; CIGNA; Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies; PSE&G, Russell and Stephanie Deyo; Mercer; and Towers Watson; to name a few.

Photo by Kyle D. Barker.

Two Sold Out Shows = One Busy Weekend

We are happy to say that more than 3,700 people attended the State Theatre this past weekend. On Saturday, May 15 people filled the hall for comedian Joel McHale (star of NBC's Community and E!'s The Soup) as he performed his live stand-up (complete with Ryan Seacrest and Kim Kardashian jokes, and a very funny Hugh Hefner impression). It was an awesome night and I have to say that I have not heard applause and cheers THAT loud from an audience in a while (in fact I am pretty sure the building shook). So, needless to say, we found out that people LOVE Joel McHale and with good reason. Which brings me to our Sunday May 16 matinee, an appearance by someone else who people love and adore, Carol Burnett.

The comedian/actress took the stage for an intimate Q&A with the audience, appropriately entitled "Laughter & Reflection." Carol, who is still quick on her feet, fielded every kind of question, from the obvious "did you enjoy working with Tim Conway" to the off-the-wall, "who knows where that came from" kind of question. But no matter what the question, Carol (see to the left with the State Theatre stage crew) answered them all with such sincerity that you couldn't help but to feel just how special this experience was.

It was a wonderful weekend with 2 amazing people that we won't soon forget here at the State Theatre (And it's probably the only time that their names will appear in the same story...).

—Kelly Skinner, Director of Public Relations

Performance Poet Glenis Redmond returns to State Theatre

We at the State Theatre are happy to announce the return of performance poet Glenis Redmond as this year’s Artist-in Residence. The North Carolina poet (who is back by popular demand after last year's residency) will appear in a variety of settings during her three-week residency, May 11-28. During her stay, she will be the State Theatre’s artistic ambassador, offering free poetry performances and writing workshops throughout New Jersey. Her busy schedule takes her to 13 different host sites—encompassing public schools, social service organizations, corporate headquarters, residential treatment centers, transitional housing facilities, and senior communities from Princeton to Newark, Whitehouse Station to Trenton. The three-week residency will culminate in a free public performance at Crossroads Theatre on Friday, May 28 at 7pm. All residency activities are offered to the public free of charge. To reserve tickets for the May 28 public performance at Crossroads Theatre call 732-246-7469, ext. 545. (Look below for a video featuring Glenis.)

For more information on the residency program or on Glenis Redmond’s visit : http://www.statetheatrenj.org/education/artistresidencies.asp.

And a big thank you to The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation for their support of this wonderful program.

U.S. Premiere Performance!

I love it when I can say "U.S. Premiere at the State Theatre"! It feels really good to know that we are presenting new stuff to a new audience. And our upcoming show NALMES is no exception. NALMES, a Circassion dance group from the North Caucasus has been around since 1936. Their dances tell the stories of everyday Circassion life and it is our privilage to be bringing them here to the U.S. for the first time on May 8. Featuring live music, skillful swordplay, and of course, an amazing dance performance. Catch a sneak peek of NALMES with the video clip below.

Enjoy!
—Kelly Skinner, Director of Public Relations

"It's My Party" at the Theatre

A guest blog by Marketing & PR Intern Alex Smith

Young girls across America belted out the words “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” at some point in their lives. Whether it was with girlfriends, or alone singing into their hairbrushes, something about the song sympathizes with the angst of young love. In my experience, “It’s My Party” played a large part during my 16th birthday party. After all, “Johnny” leaving hand-in-hand with “Judy” is devastating at that age. Lesley Gore recorded “It’s My Party” in 1963, but every girl to sing it since continues to prove that the song is timeless.

“It’s My Party” was nominated for a Grammy Award for rock and roll recording. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. Other Lesley Gore hits include “Judy’s Turn to Cry” (the sequel to “It’s My Party”), “You Don’t Own Me,” “She’s A Fool,” and “Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows.” These and other singles made it to the top of the charts in the mid 1960s.

Besides chart-topping hits, what does Lesley Gore have in common with Michael Jackson? Well, no, there is no punch line. The answer is a fact: Quincy Jones. That’s right, one of the most famous producers in American music. Thriller may be the source of much of his fame now, but Quincy Jones worked with Lesley Gore first. He helped discover the 16-year old and produced “It’s My Party.”

On Saturday, May 1, those who used to sing the relatable song in their bedroom mirrors will have the chance to sing along once more, this time with Lesley Gore when she performs as part of Richard Nader’s Sold Gold Rock and Roll Show.