MADISON, NJ - When the spirited production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” begins, you’re inclined to think it’s a comedic take on grouchy Ebenezer Scrooge. But we soon see that the Neil Barlett adaptation of the tale does dwell on the dark side. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has more than done justice to this familiar tale.

Dickens had a way of ...

MILLBURN, NJ - The story of Cinderella and her prince seems to have ongoing appeal for all ages. The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical glitters and shines with strong voices and sharp choreography by Joann M. Hunter. Director Mark Hoebee has brought a loving, affectionate touch to this production. Artistic Director Mark S.Hoebee brings affectionate insights to this production,

The play leans ...

Over Thanksgiving my daughter, home from college, wanted to do something with me that would be fun, healthy, and relaxing.

Perfect, I told her, thinking we could watch football, drink lite beer, and maybe fall asleep on the couch.

It turns out her idea of something fun, healthy, and relaxing was to attend a yoga class.

Here is what I know about yoga. Nothing.

Here is what I fear about ...

Does this sound familiar? You’re having a particularly stressful day and someone does something that you perceive to go against your belief or what you are trying to accomplish. Rather than finding out the facts or taking time to cool off, you immediately pick up the phone and call the person or compose a less than friendly email. Then, minutes after your knee-jerk reaction, you are full of ...

This time of year, from Thanksgiving through the New Year celebration, is a season that provides for us the opportunity to stop our busy lives for a moment and give thanks for our many gifts and blessings; it’s a time of birth and renewal. No matter what your religion or belief structure, it’s a time when we can come together and celebrate new beginnings.

Often, however, we get so ...

Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates (Harper Collins, 1995)

In the study of deviant behavior, there has been a continual debate over what causes people to be evil. Is it their upbringings by parents who abuse them? Or, are sociopaths just born bad? There are all kinds of arguments on both sides of the debate, and many works of literature probe the question. Was Charles Manson born bad, or did ...