Want to attend an entertaining off-Broadway-like play produced in your own backyard, with actors and staff who are your neighbors or maybe those shopping next to you at the supermarket each week?
Then “Jackson is Gone,” a “serio-comic” play being staged by the Hudson Theatre Works from Nov. 4 to Nov. 21, may be just the play for you.
This original production stars a husband and wife team from Union City, was written by a Weehawken playwright, and is being directed by a Weehawken resident. In addition, the third lead actor is from Weehawken, one of the theater founders is from West New York, and another of the actors is from Jersey City.
“Jackson is Gone” is the story of a husband and wife who suddenly have the third member of their immediate family, their dog Jackson, snatched from their lives. What follows is not only the frenzy of trying to get back their four-legged loved one, but an inner look into the relationship that exists between the two main characters and others.
Playing the lead roles of Natalie and Sam Grayson is not much of a stretch for Mark and Hollis McCarthy of Union City; they are married in real life. In fact, both Hollis and director Frank Licato of Weehawken see their familiarity with each other as a great advantage.
“I love Weehawken. I love living here. I love participating in its artistic life and community.” – Joanne Hoersch
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Art imitates life
Mark and Hollis McCarthy have acted together before, including once already as husband and wife in a film.
“With that part of it, there’s no acting required,” Hollis said. “I’ve acted with many leading men that weren’t my husband. It’s hard to create that relationship with a stranger.”
The play is stocked with Hudson County actors and production members. Living in the township and having it performed here is very personal for playwright Joanne Hoersch of Weehawken.
“It’s absolutely special. I can’t think of a better time or place for this play to be produced,” she said. “I love Weehawken. I love living here. I love participating in its artistic life and community.”
Weehawken resident Ryan Scott plays the production’s third lead, Sgt. Robert Blakemore, a policeman who insinuates himself into their lives. Meredyth Morrison of Jersey City also acts in the play. Stage manager George Seylaz is from Hoboken.
Most of the actors and staff are involved in professional theater in New York City. So bringing their skills back to their home state and using them here has been fun for them. They like the fact that their towns give them easy access to the big city, but also give them a refuge from it when they return from work each day.
Licato is also artistic director of the Hudson Theatre Works. He and partner Gregory Erbach of West New York founded the nonprofit theater in 2012. Licato touts his group as “Off-Broadway theater at affordable prices.”
The goal of the two men is to give area residents high-quality productions with professional actors.
Licato said the township of Weehawken, Mayor Richard Turner, and the Weehawken School District all helped the theater troupe find its current home.
“It’s great to work in Weehawken. We have a great relationship with the city,” he said. “The mayor’s been very supportive. They’ve been great; the city and the school administration.”
Licato also said the group’s program is made possible by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. A partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, it is administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, County Executive Thomas DeGise, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Hudson Theatre Works has been nominated for the 2015 New Jersey Stage Award as one of the “Best Places to See a World Premiere,” according to Licato. “Jackson is Gone” won a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in 2012.
The play runs on Wednesday through Saturday each week from Nov. 4 through Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. at The Theatre at Weehawken High School, 53 Liberty Place.
Tickets are $25. There are discounts all times for seniors and students with identification. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, there is a special discounted price of $15 for Weehawken residents with ID.
To make a purchase, go to brownpapertickets.com or call (800) 838-3006.
Upcoming shows for the theater troupe include “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Caretaker” by Harold Pinter, and “Venus in Fur” by David Ives. Past productions have included “Of Mice and Men” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” In addition to Weehawken High School, the company operates out of the Weehawken Water Tower for smaller productions.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.