INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University in Wayne will present a series of staged readings featuring the original musicals of the three finalists in the Eighth Annual New Jersey Playwrights Competition Musical Series. “Daybreak,” by Bobby Cronin of West New York, “Life, Love and Happiness,” by Matt Cusack of Hamilton Square, and “Welcome to Shoofly,” by Justin Long of Paramus and Jonathan Lee of New York City, will be presented November 29, 30 and December 1 in the Hunziker Black Box Theatre on campus.
Bobby Cronin is a composer and writer. He has directed, written, and composed various songs and musicals that have been used by theatre companies from New York City to Japan.
Matt Cusack is currently employed at “Little Theatre on the Square” as a drummer and guitarist and has played professionally in more than 21 shows.
Justin Long, a Montclair State University graduate, has appeared in more than 15 plays, toured, and appeared on television. His co-author, Jonathan Lee, has performed in a wide variety of plays in and around New York City.
The three casts are comprised of William Paterson University students and graduates, as well as community and professional actors. They include: Emma Love of Brooklyn, N.Y., Brittany Crowell of Cedar Grove, David Maglione of Highland Park, Tim Meola of Woodside, N.Y., Pedro Jimenez of Jersey City, Hilary Goldman of Brooklyn, N.Y., George Adamo of Cedar Grove, Laura Rondinella of West Orange, Christina Dellosso of Montvale, Jared Philippe of Teaneck, Jacey Cloonan of West Caldwell, Sherry Capers-Dock of Paterson, Danny Arnold of Bayonne, Laurie Seligman of Washington Township, Shari Selke of Bloomfield, Tara Dernelle of Rutherford, Abena Mensah-Bonsu of Edison and Sandy Taylor of Bayonne.
“Daybreak” is directed by Phillip Sprayberry of Clifton, William Paterson University media relations coordinator; “Love, Life and Happiness” is directed by Samara Grossman of North Plainfield, a William Paterson alumna; and “Welcome to Shoofly” is directed by David Alpert of Astoria, N.Y.
The three New Jersey playwrights were selected as finalists from more than 50 entries. The winner of the competition will receive a fully staged production of the work in the summer of 2012.
Show times for each of the three presentations are 8 p.m. Each show will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the playwright and cast. Admission is free. For more information, please call the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371.
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