Those titles include Little House on the Prairie (Sept. 10-Oct. 10), On the Town (Nov. 11-Dec. 6), Lost in Yonkers (Feb. 17-March 14, 2010), Smokey Joe's Cafe (April 7-May 2) and Peter Pan (June 2-27).
In a statement Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill artistic director said, "The shows that we have chosen for this season are certain to appeal to many varied facets of our audience. We are opening with Little House on the Prairie, a brand new musical based on the Laura Ingalls Wilder novels and the popular television series starring Melissa Gilbert as 'Ma.' We follow this immediately with the quintessential musical about New York City, On the Town. With a lush score by Leonard Bernstein and incredible choreography by Patti Columbo (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; Kiss Me, Kate), this show is the perfect piece for the entire family. After the holidays we are bringing Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy Lost in Yonkers to our stage, and we will usher in the spring with a celebration of some of the greatest music of the 50s and 60s – Smokey Joe’s Café. With a score full of mega-hits like 'On Broadway,' 'Hound Dog,' 'Yakety Yak' and 'Stand By Me' Smokey Joe’s Café is a non-stop rock and roll party. And our final offering of the season invites everyone to be a kid and dream again with our production of Peter Pan. This enchanting musical is a theatrical event which will delight children of all ages, and to make Paper Mill's production especially unique, we will be conducting a nationwide search for the new 'Peter Pan.'"
Details of the upcoming season follow:
Little House on the Prairie
Sept. 10-Oct. 10
Music by Rachel Portman
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Lyrics by Donna Dinovelli
Melissa Gilbert stars as Ma "Families will continue to fall in love with these life-affirming stories about the Ingalls’ struggles and triumphs through the celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded – a spirit that resonates within each of us today."
On the Town
Nov. 11-Dec. 6
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Based on an idea by Jerome Robbins
Choreographed by Patti Columbo
"A musical devoted to celebrating New York City in all its glorious diversity, On the Town is the story of three sailors – Gabey, Chip, and Ozzie who are on a 24-hour leave and searching for romance and boy do they find it!" Lost in Yonkers
Feb. 17-March 14, 2010
Written by Neil Simon
"This Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a funny and touching portrayal of acceptance, survival, and family dynamics. Set during World War II, brothers Arty and Jay are sent to live with their frightfully intimidating Grandma and sweet but mentally slow Aunt Bella, punctuated by visits from their 'gangster' Uncle Louie. This masterwork is an unsentimental examination of lives in an oppressive household, climaxing with a dramatic confrontation between the bitter mother and lonely daughter."
Smokey Joe's Café
April 7-May 2, 2010
Music and lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
"1950’s America is glorified in this rock 'n' roll, pop, rhythm and blues musical. 'Love Potion #9,' 'Hound Dog,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' and 'Spanish Harlem' are featured among nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded that will electrify your emotions."
Peter Pan
June 2-27, 2010
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Music by Mark Charlap
Additional music by Jule Styne
Additional lyrics by Comden and Green
Based on the play by James M. Barrie
"Join Peter Pan and the lost boys as they battle the despicable Captain Hook and his diabolical pirates aboard the Jolly Roger with a little help from Tiger Lily and Tinkerbell."
For more information visit www.papermill.org.
