From the Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre:
Clever Little Lies, which premiered to critical acclaim in 2013 at the George Street Playhouse and recently enjoyed a successful stint on Broadway, will be presented at the Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre from April 21 through May 7, 2017, with a preview performance on April 20.
This new production of the comedy-drama, directed by Producing Artistic Director Eric Hafen, stars the popular Harriett Trangucci as Alice.
Playwright Joe DiPietro, a Tony Award-winner for the musical Memphis and the author of the long-running comedy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, has been most often compared to Neil Simon.
He writes rapid-fire comic dialogue, of which there is plenty in Clever Little Lies, which the New York Times called “good old-fashioned comfort food for theatre-goers … with maybe just a hint of sting.”
For the sometimes chaotic and always very funny story of love and marriage, Director Eric Hafen has assembled an experienced cast of actors familiar to New Jersey audiences.
Reprising the role of Alice, made famous by Marlo Thomas, is Summit resident Harriett Trangucci who has previously appeared on the Bickford stage in It Had To Be You, Breakfast with Les & Bess, and Our Town.
A regular at the Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, she has appeared on its stage in several productions, including The Neighborhood. Her other regional and New York credits include shows at the New York Fringe Festival and at The Theater Project. The Star-Ledger named her best featured actress for her role in The Skin of Our Teeth.
Bill Sr., Alice’s more subdued husband, brings Mendham’s Bob Mackasek to the Bickford stage for the first time, but he is no stranger to New Jersey’s regional theaters.
Mackasek has appeared in productions at Two River Theatre Company, the Chatham Playhouse, the Barn Theatre, the Princeton Festival, and the Summit Playhouse.
The besieged young couple features Rachel Matusewicz of Randolph as Jane and Ohio native Ben Kaufman as Billy.
Matusewicz, a graduate of the Randolph High School, has appeared with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Luna Stage and the Hudson Shakespeare Company.
Kaufman, who plays her restless husband Billy, has been seen at New York City’s The Flea Theatre as well as New Jersey theaters Dreamcatcher Rep and 12 Miles West.
Hafen has more than 25 years of theater experience, having acted in and directed productions throughout New York, New England and New Jersey, including works off-Broadway and in New Jersey.
About Clever Little Lies, he says: “When I saw the show several years ago, I knew it was perfect for our Bickford Theatre audiences. It is a swiftly-paced comedy that has a very poignant side to it, providing great entertainment yet much food for thought. It is as much fun for the audience as it is for the actors without losing its ability to touch our emotions.”
The production team for Clever Little Lies includes Rose Pancirov of Madison (Assistant to the Director), Leanne Long-Hulin of Lincoln Park (Production Stage Manager), Roman Kilma of Howell (Scenic and Lighting Designer), Ric McAllister of Union City (Costume Designer), Pasquale DeNigri of Wanaque (Sound Designer), Danielle Pietrowski of Long Valley (Properties), and Laurel Smith (Box Office).
Tickets for Clever Little Lies are $45 for the General Public; $40 for Seniors; $38 for Museum Members; and $20 for Students (18 & under or with valid college ID). Group rates are available.
Purchase tickets online, at (973) 971-3706, or at the box office, at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morris Township.
