FRANKLIN, NJ—Villagers Theater in Somerset, one of New Jersey premier non-equity theaters, held the thirteenth installment of its "New Playwrights" reading series last month.

The series began in summer of 2001 and was the brainchild of Catherine Rowe Pherson, one of NJ Community Theatre’s most noted leading ladies.  The last three installments have been placed in the very capable hands of theater impresario Lluana Jones.

PISCATAWAY, NJ—Many have been waiting a long time for one of the many community theaters in our area to stage Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize winning metaphoric drama about the near-tragic character Lil’ bit and Circle’s production did not disappoint.

PISCATAWAY, NJ—Despite its name,  this theater is in the shape of a rectangle.

This doesn’t leave room for an elaborate set, forcing the audience to absorb both the action and dialogue.

When done right, these  constraints can make one feels like part of the action. This was the case with Ravenscroft, and Director Alicia Harabin made excellent use of Circle’s confined space.