Married folks would’ve cheered at the end of the “Mom’s Visit” skit in the North Bergen Players’ Theater and Dance showcase on July 16. Yoko dreads a visit from husband Mitch’s mother, only for Mitch to bring Mother out…in an urn.
“Welcome, mother,” Yoko says sarcastically.
The North Bergen Players, a local performance art group, put on their summer program at the North Bergen Cultural Affairs Mini Theater. Some of the acts were original and some were throwbacks.
As this year’s theme was focused on Rat Pack singer Dean Martin, the first act was a collective medley of his songs, held at the “Dean Martin Fan Club Café.” Offerings included “I Will” and ‘That’s Amore,” among others.
Members got up from their cafe seats and belted out offerings including “At Last” and “What The World Needs Now.”
The second act featured three short vignettes—including the aforementioned “Mom’s Visit” piece. The final skit was a take on the musical adaption for novelist Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” book. The third and final act featured dance numbers set to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” and “Lady Marmalade.” Mitch also performed “The Battle of New Orleans,” a song about the 1815 conflict.
“The lessons are free, classes are free-everything is free, even private lessons.” – Maurena Luzzi
Opportunity for all
Maurena Luzzi, director for the North Bergen Players, said before the show that the group offers many free programs and lessons for aspiring performers.
“The lessons are free, classes are free-everything is free, even private lessons,” said Luzzi, who launched the Players during the mid-’80s at then-Commissioner Nicholas Sacco’s request.
She said the program is “my way of paying forward what was done for me, and all I ask for them is that they do it for someone else. Because today, kids can’t study unless they go to a big school, and it’s very costly. Here, they get an opportunity to start their way.”
Luzzi, a former professional singer, also performed three songs during the showcase.
She said the North Bergen Players perform spring and summer workshops, and in the fall, they perform in a play, and they also hold a holiday show in the winter.
Members include 15 to 20 regulars, and other occasional participants.
The group originally operated out of North Bergen High School and had 363 kids in the program. Current member ages range from 14 to 73.
Members receive exposure to all areas of theater arts, including character study, responsibilities involved with theater productions and building confidence by presenting oneself before an audience.
It takes two
Mario and Judy Rosenthal added a comic touch when they performed Irving Berlin’s “Anything You Can Do.”
“We do it naturally,” said Mario, who has been married to Judy for 51 years, after the show. “I was just saying to somebody that as soon as we get off the stage, the act continues.”
Judy added, “It’s a strange thing, because it’s really, really hard to find someone who’s been married that long.” (“Five-hundred and ten years!” Mario quipped.) “And the sarcasm comes naturally. We really don’t act. But getting on that stage is a high.”
Though the Rosenthals have previous acting experience, today they operate a full-time business in Englewood, not too far from their Fort Lee residence.
Speaking about his skit with Yoko—who is his real life wife—Mitch revealed after his performance that “I just made it up,” and that the vignette is part of a longer performance he is currently writing. “I figured it would be a good thing.”
The spring and summer shows are free; the fall and winter shows are $15 per ticket. For more information on the group, call 201-854-7074. The Cultural Affairs Mini Theater is located next to the Main Library, at 84-11 Bergenline Ave.
Hannington Dia can be reached at hd@hudsonreporter.com
