‘Take the Lead’ is Informative and Entertaining

A scene from Take the Lead playing at Millburn’s Paper Mill Playhouse. Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Take the Lead – A Review

The importance of having arts appreciation studies in schools is an issue that continually draws debate. Questions about what value students get from these studies is at the heart of the discussion. Some answers to those questions are in a new show now playing at Paper Mill Playhouse. The world premier of Take the Lead introduces a new musical based on the 2006 movie of the same name. It tells the true story of Pierre Dulaine who was a champion ballroom dancer. Dulaine is a co-founder of Dancing Classrooms, an arts education program designed to enhance essential life skills through social dance. Dancing Classrooms was brought into the New York City schools where, over the last 30 years, hundreds of thousands of student have participated.

Take the Lead is directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli. Gattelli. This fine direction brings together a number of elements that make this an informative show because it tells a true story dealing with arts education. It is also very entertaining as a strong cast transform into ballroom dancers. Both ballroom and hip hop music and dance are performed. This fusion of the two styles provides one of the biggest reasons to see Take the Lead as it makes for an interesting approach to telling the story.

Take the Lead is Based on A True Story

The book for Take the Lead musical is by Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins. It starts in the early years of Pierre Dulaine as he and his partner, Alan Ford, open a dance school, The school specializes in ballroom dance and students win many championships. Pierre is in the midst of examining an offer to be a judge on a show similar to American Idol. However, the couple break up. This causes Pierre to lose his place at the school and he seeks a new direction for his life.

Through a series of events, Pierre goes to a fictitious school in the South Bronx named Drake High School. He meets Assistant Principal Arianna Ray who is in a state of stress. The source of the stress is that she needs to hire an Arts Appreciation teacher. Pierre eagerly accepts the offer.

Pierre’s work with the students provides the major parts of the story. Not only is the work he does with them part of the plot, but their own stories also are a part as well. For example, we meet Rock and LaRhette who have conflicts between their families. Although that theme is present in shows like Romeo and Juliet, this one ends much better. The reason it does is because of the dance instruction that Pierre brings to the class. Yes, dance instruction designed to help students relate better to each other.

So while the students learn ballroom dancing, their own expressionism comes in. Hip hop dance is also performed making for a most unique blending of styles.

Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

The students eventually compete in a beautiful ballroom dance competition. They have to earn their way there through rehearsals and fund raising. But, no fair telling the ending. Hint: you won’t be disappointed.

Music Fuses Hip Hop and Traditional Songs

The music and lyrics are by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now with Orchestrations and Arrangements by Geoffrey Ko and Bill Sherman. Ko also provides Music Direction and Sherman provides Music Supervision. The fusing together of hip hop and more traditional song styles creates a unique and very interesting score. There are sixteen songs with several having reprisals.

I enjoyed all of the songs in this show but a few stood out. Arianna’s “Hold Please” was funny but totally accurate as it showed an under staffed school office.

“Don’t Get Me Started” performed by the Drake students gives a good look at who is in the class. “Let’s Begin” sung by Rock and LaRhette is the start of two people realizing they are going to work together and make the best of it. Maybe because I’m also a teacher, but “My Kids” touched something inside of me.

Lots of Fabulous Dancing

A scene from Take the Lead playing at Millburn’s Paper Mill Playhouse.
Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Choreography is by Jennifer Weber and Maria Torres with additional assistance from Director Christopher Gattelli. Similar to the music, the choreography is a fusion of ballroom and hip hop.

The dancing provides the high points of the show. The talented cast provide a high level of accomplishment with their dance skills. Especially enjoyable is the big dance competition towards the end of the show. But the impromptu moments of hip hop dance are enjoyable as well.

Well Developed Staging

A scene from Take the Lead playing at Millburn’s Paper Mill Playhouse.
Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

The staging for this show is exceptionally well done.The Paper Mill Playhouse has a very large stage and every inch of it is put to good use. Paul Tate DePoo III provides scenic direction with lighting design by Justin Townsend and Nick Solyom.

Sound design by Walter Trarbach gives a lot of emphasis to a number of parts of the production, The production stage manager is Molly Meg Legal.

The opening of the show is impressive. Dance couples assemble as spotlights shine on them and sounds of recognition of the moment play. Think Dancing with the Stars but on a grander scale. The scene shown in the picture right above shows the well developed sets which allow for plenty of room for the dancers to perform.

Another interesting set is the basement classroom where Pierre works with his students. Once again, there is room left for hip hop performances to take place.

Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

The transitions between scenes are quick and flawlessly done. This allows the very active pace of the show to continue on without interruption.

An Outstanding Cast

With a strong singing voice, Tam Mutu does a superb job of playing the title role of Pierre Dulaine.

Adrienne Bailon-Houghton provides a great mix of humor and singing as Assistant Principal Arianna Ray.

Vincent Jamal Hooper is a standout in the role of Rock.

Savy Jackson does an amazing performance playing La Rhette.

Matthew Risch  turns in a fine performance as Alan Ford.

A big round of applause goes out to the hard working ensemble. This is an outstanding group of performers who act, sing, and dance and give first rate performances. The ensemble includes Eric Ascione, Megan Elyse Fulmer, Gaelen Gilliland, David Jennings, Dillon Lehman, Natalia Nieves, Justin O’Brien, Kevin Trinio Perdido, Ryan Raffloer, Deon Releford-Lee, Cristian Rodriguez, Kiki Rodriguez, Jonalyn Saxer, Tatiana Seliverstova, SeQuoiia, Grace Slear, Salome Smith, Stephani Sosa, Christian Whan, and Zoë Zimmerman.

Additional Information for Take the Lead

Run Time: Approxiimately 2 hr. 15 minutes with one intermission

Location: Paper Mill Playhouse – 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ

Website: papermill.org

Performances: Now through April 27, 2025. Accessible performances include:

  • AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES – Sunday, April 20 at 1:30pm and Saturday, April 26 at 1:30pm. 
  • OPEN-CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES – Saturday, April 26 at 1:30pm and Sunday, April 27 at 7:00pm. 
  • An ASL-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE – Sunday, April 27 at 7:00pm. 

Suggested Audience: Theater goers who enjoy musicals especially those which feature dancing.

Additional Information: The Paper Mill Playhouse offers good parking close to the theater. The venue for the show has comfortable seating with good views from all parts of the theater. Enjoy some refreshments before the show or during intermission in the lobby or on the second floor. Pre-show food and drinks are also available at the Carriage House Restaurant right across from the entrance to the theater.

The Paper Mill Playhouse does an outstanding job of providing accessibility, Check the website on their Access for All page for more information.

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2025 – 2026 Season for Paper Mill Playhouse

New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse announced their upcoming 2025 – 2026 season. Five musicals are scheduled to be presented. The new season marks the Paper Mill’s 87th season of world-class theater in Millburn, New Jersey.

“We believe in the transformative power of theater to bring people together. This season’s productions illuminate stories of resilience, love, and unity—reminding us that we are always stronger when we join together as a community,” said Mark S. Hoebee. “As The Great Gatsby represents Paper Mill both on Broadway and in London’s West End, we are proud to continue fostering theatrical excellence here in Millburn, proving once again that storytelling knows no bounds.”

Schedule of Shows for 2025 – 2026 Season

  • Bull DurhamThursday, October 2 – Sunday, November 2, 2025
  • Frozen Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026
  • Come From AwayWednesday, February 4 – Sunday, March 1, 2026
  • 1776Wednesday, April 1 – Sunday, April 26, 2026
  • West Side StoryThursday, May 28 – Sunday, June 28, 2026

Performance Times and Purchases

Wednesday-Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30pm, with Sunday evening performances at 7:00pm and matinees on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:30pm.

Disney’s Frozen will offer family-friendly curtain times at 7:00pm for evening performances beginning November 29.

Paper Mill Playhouse offers three-, four- and five-show subscription packages, available now starting at just $120 per person. Each subscription package includes a different level of special benefits – see www.PaperMill.org for details.

Accessibly priced youth subscriptions are available for those 18 years old and under with the purchase of an adult subscription. Access Services pricing is available exclusively for those patrons using wheelchair seating, audio-description, open-captioning, or ASL-interpreting services.

Subscriptions may be purchased online at www.PaperMill.org, by calling (973) 376-4343, or at the Millburn box office. Tickets to individual shows will go on sale beginning August 4, 2025.

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‘King James’ at GSP – Entertaining, Clever, and Heartwarming

Blake Morris and Doug Harris in King James at George Street Playhouse –
Photo credit – T. Charles Erickson

King James – George Street Playhouse – Review

One of the great gifts a person can have in life is a good friendship. Once found, we are fortunate if it continues to develop and thrive for a long time. This is what happens in the play King James, currently playing at George Street Playhouse. Written by Rajiv Joseph, the show centers around a friendship which develops due to the amazing career of NBA superstar LeBron James. The friendship is between two young men who both love basketball. But it becomes more than that as it goes on.

Under the direction of Ryan George, the play is entertaining, clever, and heartwarming. Prepare to bring out your tissues as the issues the friends face reach their dramatic conclusion.

The setting for King James is at several locations in Cleveland, Ohio in 2004, 2010, 2014, and 2016. The play is divided into four scenes which correspond to those four years.

Great Sets and Video Enhance the Production

If you are a fan of LeBron James, you will enjoy seeing some of his career highlights on videos that play on a large drop down screen, center stage. It starts with the time when LeBron was finishing up his high school career. A sports commentator comes on and says “LeBron is the best high school player he has ever seen.“

He was highly regarded as a fabulous player coming into the NBA. So when he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, excitement runs high especially since the team had not had a major championship in many years.

The Story Begins in LeBron’s Rookie Year

Many of the selected scenes correlate to the moments which help develop the friendship between Matt (Doug Harris) and Shawn (Blake Morris). These two actors both turn in very fine performances as they bring the story to life.

The two meet in a wine bar owned by Matt and his family. Matt has a set of season tickets to the Cavalier’s games. Suddenly, these tickets are in demand at high prices because of the notoriety that LeBron brings. Shawn comes in hoping to make the purchase.

They work to negotiate a price. Shawn gets the tickets then confesses that he has never been to a game. And so the two begin their friendship. The two scenes which make up the first half of the show cover 2004 – 201o.

Classic scenes of LeBron‘s attempts with the Cavaliers to win the NBA championship are shown on the screen. It’s frustrating to watch how close they come. Not only do Matt and Shawn share their love of basketball, but they get to know each about each other’s lives. All seems well. However, eventually they both realize they have to move on from their devotion to LeBron.

Photo Credit – T. Charles Erikson

LeBron James Move to Miami

The frustration of not winning leads LeBron to accept an offer to move and join the Miami Heat. People will remember that time as very controversial. It would be fair to say that people in Cleveland were stunned that he walked away.

Thankfully, for the two friends, they have each other to go through this time together. And this really shows the impact of the importance of friendship can have. The two men grew closer over the years. They’ve gone to games together and they know each other’s families so when this disappointment occurs, they’re able to handle it together.

The play is cleverly constructed to show the advancement within the friends lives as LeBron is seeking his own. Matt eventually takes on the responsibility of his parents of his mother‘s antique shop. Shawn moves on to college and he wants to get into film work. And the audience can’t help but root for both of them because they both show how hard they work.

The King Returns to Cleveland

Finally, the moment comes when LeBron announces that he’s coming back to Cleveland to play ball. It has been 50 years with no championship. Will LeBron bring the hope of a win on his return?

People wonder if he will be accepted back by the public. When the two friends discuss it, Matt says “LeBron lacks class. He should’ve known his place.” At that moment the friendship is injured. Shawn takes the remarks to heart. He decides it is time for him to move to Los Angeles in order to pursue his writing career.

If you follow basketball, you know that LeBron James returned to Cleveland in 2014. He lead the Cavaliers to their first-ever championship in 2016. These are the years covered in the second part of the play.

Eventually Matt and Shawn get together again. There are bumps to overcome. Both have changed in those years perhaps in a sense paralleling LeBron James as well.

Go to See King James

The gift of a good friendship is one that is a blessing. The end of this play displays that very concept. You will want to see how the friends overcome time, distance, and big changes in their lives. But through it all, their friendship wins out.

King James runs now through Sunday April 6, 2025 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center at 11 Livingston Avenue , New Brunswick, NJ. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit George Street Playhouse’s website.

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