Next Free monday night play reading:

king of the hollywood fixers

by douglas J. cohen

monday, April 14th 7pm hamilton stage

In January 1942, M.G.M. "fixers" Eddie Mannix and Howard Strickling converge at the El Rancho Hotel in Las Vegas with the studio's top star, Clark Gable, after a plane carrying his wife, actress Carole Lombard, goes missing in the nearby mountains. Charged with managing the crisis and getting Gable back to work, the two fixers clash over motives, methods, and morals—while all three fight to survive. King of the Hollywood Fixers is a compelling look at the intersections of fame, loss and personal responsibility in an era when image was paramount and few could reveal their true selves.

Veteran actor, director, producer and teacher Chris Wells will direct the reading. With more than 40 years of experience, Wells has taught acting at NYU and is a senior faculty member at The Barrow Group (TBG). The reading will feature Broadway and TV’s Briga Heelan (Once Upon a One More Time; Cougar Town and Ground Floor), and Robert Sella (Flying Over Sunset, Sideman and Cabaret.) Also appearing are Larry Mitchell (TV’s Paterno, Zero Day, We Own This City; theater: 17 Minutes, off-Broadway and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Mike Giese (Triptych, The Barrow Group) who has appeared on TV’s Nurse Jackie, and in multiple short and feature length films, most recently Life Hack.

ATG Awarded
“Excellence in the Arts”

We are thrilled to announce that ATG has been awarded an Excellence in the Arts award bestowed by the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Since 2006, the biennial program has honored individuals and organizations that show exemplary leadership and dedication to the fine and performing arts in Somerset County. ATG was recognized in the "Arts in the Community" category and was presented with the award during the Oct. 26th ceremony at the Sieminski Theater.

ATG strives to improve the lives of New Jersey residents every day, by intertwining unique arts, culture, and educational offerings with the community. Our high-quality artistic productions are meant to be enjoyed, as well as inspire thought and conversation after patrons leave the theater. It is very fulfilling to see our mission and efforts acknowledged, especially by the Somerset County Commission, which has long-supported our work.

JIm Vagias receives the award from Rory Britt

Jim Vagias receives the “Excellence in the Arts” award from Rory Britt, President of the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, and Melonie Marano, Somerset County Commissioner.

Wicked Benefit — Oct. 1st, 2023

We are pleased to share some photos from our very special Benefit which raised funds for ATG programs. This incredible event began with a performance of the smash Broadway hit Wicked followed by a reception at a nearby restaurant. The event was attended by ATG Board Member Michele Pawk and her husband John Dossett, currently starring in the musical as Madame Morrible and the Wizard, as well as some of their cast mates. Special guest Susan Hilferty, a top costume designer who received a Tony Award for Wicked, kindly presented special costume sketches to John and Michele (pictured below).

In addition, Zoe Rivera, one of the high school students who participated in our New Works/New Voices playwriting program, was another special guest. Zoe spoke about how the program helped expose her to the arts and gave her the confidence to pursue a BFA at Marymount College.

We were thrilled for the opportunity to provide our ATG Board members and supporters with access to this "insider event." Their support allows us to continue producing outstanding productions and arts education programs for the community.