The George Street Playhouse's five-week "Next Stage Festival" comes to an end this weekend, May 14-16, with a reading of David Auburn's Proof, directed by Wendy Liscow. The drama tells of a woman trying to understand her late father, a brilliant but eccentric mathematician.

Earlier in the New Jersey-based Fest, Leonard Foglia directed Mark Hampton's Paper Doll, a bio of best-selling populist author, Jacqueline Susann. Kelly Bishop starred, alongside Jonathan Hadary, Randy Becker and Fredi Walker.

Dedicated to offering "alternative entertainment, new playwrights and rising stars," the George Street Playhouse's "Next Stage Festival" has also been presenting "The Diva Project," with a host of solo women performers. Recent gigs were done by Penny Arcade, Reno, Denny Dillon and Trazana Beverly. Next up will be Linda Mancini (May 14-15).

For tickets and information on the "Next Stage Festival" at George Street Playhouse call (732) 246-7717.

-- By David Lefkowitz