Bergen County Players open auditions June 19, 20,

Bergen County Players will open its 91st season this September with “Rent,” the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning rock musical that shaped a generation of audiences.

Open auditions will take place at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, June 19, 20, and 22 at 7:30 p.m. BCP seeks an ethnically diverse cast of men and women ages 18–40.

With music, book and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, “Rent” brings together a multi-ethnic cast of characters, portrayed by both BCP veterans and newcomers alike.

With direction by Steve Bell, musical direction by Will Rich, and choreography by Diana Baer, this timeless musical reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters — love.

Based loosely on Pucciniʼs La Bohème, “Rent” follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New

PARK RIDGE

Yorkʼs Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves, and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. This is theatre at its best — exuberant, passionate, and joyous.

“Rent” had its world premiere Off-Broadway on Feb. 13, 1996, at New York Theatre Workshop and forever changed the landscape of American theater. It moved to Broadway the same year, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score; the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Music, and Outstanding Lyrics; and many others.

The production ran for 12 consecutive years, becoming one of the longest-running shows on Broadway.

Callbacks will include readings from the script and singing a song from the show.

Rehearsals are scheduled to

Flag Day event June 14

American Legion Post 153, Park Ridge, hosts the annual Flag Day event in conjunction with the Park Ridge Elks on June 14 at 6 p.m. at 118 Ridge Ave.

Area Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are encouraged to attend in uniform. The public is welcome to join in honoring Old Glory “and should proudly display the American flag at home every day.”

Anyone with old flags should bring them so they can be disposed of properly. “Wear your red, white and blue and join in this Flag Day celebration.” begin immediately following the audition process. All rehearsals will take place at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.

Public performance dates are Sept. 9–Oct. 14, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Bergen County Players encourages and is committed to a diverse and inclusive theater experience.

Unless otherwise specified, BCP will cast any actor in any role if appropriate, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, physicality, or disability. Casting will be character-driven; therefore, actors are encouraged to audition for any roles in which they are interested.

For more information write Steve Bell at BCPSteve@aol.com or visit bcplayers.org

The Bergen County Players, Inc. is a non-Equity, non-profit community theater company dedicated to presenting quality productions for the enrichment of the community and is a member of the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters.

Registration open for Safety Township, ages 5–6

Together we create a safer community. With this mission in mind, the Township of Washington Municipal Alliance and Township of Washington Police Department are pleased to present a educational and engaging program for Township children ages 5–6.

Safety Township is designed to teach awareness and accident prevention skills while introducing the children to their local first responders and community helpers.

Children will learn from the experts in a fun and interactive way.

Each week the children will be introduced to a new branch of the Township – EMS, Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Library

Learning skills such as basic first aid, bike safety, safety in a public building, and fire safety the attendees will practice how to pre- pare and react to emergencies and go home to share their lessons with family and friends. They will tour police vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances; build a first aid kit; learn bike safety skills; and learn important lessons such as stranger danger.

At the end of each class kids will go home with an activity book pertaining to that days lesson that they can work on with their family to better personalize and reinforce their safety plans and actions.

Classes are on Saturdays, July 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Registration is required and is limited to Township residents. Registration opens June 5. Register online from the WTPD or Municipal Alliance Facebook pages, or library website, TwpofWashingtonPL.org or call (201) 664-4586.

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