Transactors Improv proudly presents a brand-new—scripted—musical comedy, New Jersey, New Jersey, written and directed by Mark John Lewis, the company's musical director. A 50s-style musical with a contemporary sense of humor, the play runs April 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17 at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro.

Set in 1961, the story follows a New Jersey swimming-pool salesman, Butch, who fumbles his way through New York's Broadway and cabaret scene. In his adventures, Butch meets a big-time producer looking to stage a "common man's musical" about bowling, a down-and-out clown with an idea that will change theme parks forever, and folks just like him who are looking to light up the Great White Way.

Mark John Lewis is a pianist and composer of musical theater and theatrical music. He has been entertaining local audiences since moving to the Triangle in 1992. Mark's other local musical theater projects have included Lounge Magic and Mark’s Horror Show. He has served as musical director for several PlayMakers Repertory Co. productions and began working with Transactors Improv shortly after arriving in the area.

Educated at New England Conservatory of Music, Berklee College of Music, and Carnegie-Mellon University, Mark lived and worked in New York for many years, where he was house musician at Catch a Rising Star. He also performs locally as a solo pianist and has recorded four CD albums, Silks and Rags, Gothic Jazz, A Lounge Magic Christmas, Island of Discarded Electronics.

The cast for New Jersey, New Jersey includes Michele Easter, Greg Hohn, Rachel Klem, Andrea Maddox, Jimmy Magoo, Mark Miller, Harvey Sage, Steve Scott, Victoria Tucci, and Steven Warnock. Greg, Steve, and Steven are current members of Transactors Improv and Mark Miller was a founding member.

Mark Lewis will lead Nathan Logan and Tyson Rogers in the orchestra. Transactor Mike Beard is technical director and Company Carolina will assist in the production.

New Jersey, New Jersey is the company's first scripted work since its 1989 production of Steven Cragg's original musical, Glass.

Show time is 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 ($9 for ArtsCenter Friends) Thursdays and $15 ($13, Friends) Fridays and Saturdays. The ArtsCenter is located at 300-G E. Main St. in Carrboro. Visit The ArtsCenter or call 919.929.2787 for tickets or directions.

Photos by Nicole Hill

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