New Jersey Stage 2015 - Issue 6 | Page 24

Last September the theatre had the premiere of Dinner With The Boys, which starred Ray Abruzzo (The Sopranos) and Richard Zavaglia (Donnie Brasco) alongside Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years) who also wrote the play. In the months that followed, NJ Rep had the world premiere of The M Spot featuring Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry from L.A. Law. The streak continues with Closure, the company’s current production which stars Gary Cole (Office Space) and Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me!). New Jersey Stage So, how does a tiny theatre located in an area surrounded by boarded up buildings manage to attract such talent? All signs points to Dan Lauria. “Dan just raved about how kind everyone was there and I love theatres that still support new plays,” explained Wendy Malick. “I would always laugh at Dan and say I’m not going to work in the middle of nowhere and do a play and he’d say, I bet you will. NJ Rep is a little under the radar and a good place to see what you have. I met Gabe (Barabas) www.NewJerseyStage.com 24