The North Bergen Players, in their 27th year of operation, are currently preparing for this season’s holiday show. Longtime playwright, thespian, and singer Maurena Luzzi is at the helm again, directing this year’s play, “A New England Holiday.”
Luzzi was approached by North Bergen township officials in the early 1980s to bring a theater presence to the town. “I was trained [for theater] in college,” she said. “I’ve [also] sung professionally for over 50 years. I love to do it.”
“A New England Holiday,” a holiday-themed romantic comedy, was written, directed, and casted by Luzzi. The play revolves around a troupe of performers who, after their most recent show has closed down, decide to open a dinner theater at a farm.
“It brings the community together.” – Fred Fochesato
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“It’s amazing how the show unfolds,” added Perlson.
“Maurena’s an excellent writer,” said Fred Fochesato, a retired teacher and accompanist for the Players for five years. “It’s really quite clever. You would have thought this script was right out of Hollywood.”
Opening night is Saturday, Dec. 10.
A town staple
Since the inception of the Players, theater-enthusiasts have found a new place to call their home.
“Everybody has a good time,” said Fochesato. “It brings the community together.”
The Players, who produce two shows a year, have rehearsed and performed at 8411 Bergenline Ave., across the street from the public library, for years.
“I’ve lived in this town for most of my life,” said Kathleen Tarabocchia, a Player for 13 years. “I’ve finally found a home here and I’m sure many of us have.”
A grand influence
An influential figure in theater for nearly 30 years, Luzzi hopes that former cast members reflect positively on their experiences.
“I’ve had hundreds come through this door,” said Luzzi, noting that cast members run from age 9 to 75.
According to Luzzi, some of the cast members often go on to lucrative careers in theater.
“There’s a lot of new, young talent out there,” continued Luzzi. “People should come and see what this town can give out.”
“The new people that come in have many talents,” said Tarabocchia. “They go out into the world and become actors and performers.”
“We uncover and nurture some talents young and old,” said Fochesato.
Indeed, many of the cast members had praise for Luzzi’s ability to find the talent within any individual.
“Maurena is unbelievable in her own light,” said Perlson. “She can get things out of people who don’t even know they have the talent.”
“She’s a great teacher,” said Tarabocchia. “She gives it her all.”
Luzzi also believes that developing the confidence to perform on stage can have long-term positive effects on self-esteem.
“It affects their whole life,” said Luzzi. “If they can stand up in front of people and perform, they can do anything.”
The show will be held at the Players Theater at 8411 Bergenline Ave. It is currently scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m., as well as Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Admission is $12, and refreshments are included. For tickets, call the theater at (201) 854-7074 or Maurena Luzzi at (201) 854-6246.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.