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�LAC� �WH�TE� COURTESY OF �A�ER M�LL �LAYHOUSE� COLOR� M�CHAEL �ARAS
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�rior to it bein� the State Theater of �ew �ersey , the �aper Mill �layho�se was apaper �ill that be�an prod�ction in ���� . After it went o�t of b�siness , Antoinette Sc�dder p�rchased the derelict b�ildin� with the intention of creatin� are�ional theater . �Cloc�wise fro� top left� The playho�se today� in ����� in the ����s .
�aper Mill Playhouse ’ s name makes alot of sense when you learn its history . Prior to its purchase by Antoinette Scudder in 1��4 for use asatheater , it operated as the Thistle Paper Mill . Founded in 1��� by Samuel Campbell , the mill was known for making toilet paper for �ueen �ictoria , according to Mark Hoebee , Paper Mill ’ sproducing artistic director . The Thistle Paper Mill burned down inthe 1�60s , was eventually rebuilt and operated for an additional �� years .
Scudder partnered with Frank Carrington , and the theater officially opened its doors in 1��� with aproduction of �ingdo� o� �od .“ It ’ s one ofthe earliest regional theaters in the country ,” Hoebee says . Paper Mill put on mainly plays and operettas before including musicals in its seasonal lineup . In the 1��0s , it was named the State Theater of �ew Jersey by Gov . William Cahill .
The theater burned tothe ground in1��0 , leaving behind only the lobby , administration offices and dressing rooms . The theater reopened in 1��2 , and continued to showcase the talents of award-winning actors and actresses such as Kristin Chenoweth and Anne Hathaway , who participated in its education programs for several years . �irector and Academy Award nominee �ob Marshall has worked there , as has composer Alan Menken , best known for his many collaborations with �isney .
In 200� during the unfolding financial crisis , Paper Mill almost went out of business and the township , community , patrons and parents swooped in to save it , raising over �1 million in amonth . Apartnership between Paper Mill and the township began , with Millburn purchasing the playhouse ’ s four-acre property and buildings for �� million .
Since its rescue , Paper Mill has had 1� world premieres , sent four shows , including �Bron� �ale and �he Bandstand , to Broadway , and been awarded the �egional Theater Tony Award in 2016 .
Paper Mill operated continuously until the pandemic hit in early 2020 , Hoebee says . But that doesn ’ t mean anyone can count the theater out . It has received revenue through donations , gifts from patrons , and subscriptions toadigital program — theatrical productions that have been staged , filmed , edited and streamed to subscribers who paid �2�� for the season , prompting Hoebee to liken the theater to afilm studio . Paper Mill ’ seducational programs , offered from September to June , shifted toavirtual platform� students enrolled inthem online to supplement their performance instruction .
This summer , Paper Mill is offering its Summer Musical Theater Conservatory program on ahybrid schedule . Students will participate in classwork via �oom from their homes afew days per week , then receive in-person instruction on the Paper Mill campus afew days per week . And afull season of five productions running from October through June is being planned . The 2021-22 season will be announced on May 1� .
MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE MAY 2021
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