By Mabel Pais

“(It’s an) uplifting musical (with) lovable characters, an emotional heart, rousing tunes and some astonishing dance moves performed by a multi-talented, multi-generational company” – Mark S. Hoebee, Artistic Director

“Age doesn’t matter unless you’re cheese!” –  Dori Berinstein, film maker

One Remarkable Dance Team. One Big Chance.

One Small Twist…You’ve Got to Be Over 60!

 Half Time, a new musical,wraps another remarkable season of Paper Mill Playhouse!

This East Coast premiere of Half Time, presented by Paper Mill Playhouse of Millburn, NJ, of the new “uplifting musical has something to delight everyone: lovable characters, an emotional heart, rousing tunes and some astonishing dance moves performed by a multi-talented, multi-generational company,” remarks Mark S. Hoebee.

Half Timeis inspired by the documentary film Gotta Dance, directed, written and produced by Dori Berinstein andis based on a true New Jersey story. Half Time’sall-star cast tell the uplifting true story of ten New Jersey seniors with extraordinary dreams.

With book by Bob Martinand Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjaminand additional music by Marvin Hamlischand Ester Dean,HalfTimeis produced in association with Dori Berinsteinand Bill Damaschke.

Half Time is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchelland co-choreographed by Nick Kenkelwith music direction by Charlie Alterman. The cast features five-timeEmmy nominee Georgia Engel(“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,”The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony and Emmy Award winner Lillias White(The Life, “Sesame Street”) along withAndré De Shields (The Wiz, The Full Monty, Ain’t Misbehavin’) and Tony award winner and Broadway legend Donna McKechnie (A ChorusLine).

Jersey seniors, and determined dreamers, who audition to dance at halftimefor a major basketball team. They have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over 60. Only after making the cut do they learn they won’t be dancing tap, salsa or swing—instead, they will bring down the house with a style that is entirely new to them: hip-hop.

Take the uplifting journey with these dreamers—and the young coaches who inspire them along the way—as they battle self-doubt, stereotypes and even each other for a chance to bust a move at center court in front of 20,000 screaming fans. Together they remind us that in life, when the odds are stacked against you and the challenges seem too great to overcome, it’s not the end of the game—it’s Half Time.

” Age doesn’t matter unless you’re cheese!  Grab life…. dive in and go for it… no matter the obstacles or challenges that are standing in your way,” believes Dori Berinstein.

Half Timegoes behind the routines of the senior dreamers to reveal the realistic inner workings of each character and the very touching stories of their personal and family lives.

The principal cast features André De Shieldsas Ron,Georgia Engelas Dorothy/Dottie, Donna McKechnieas Joanne, Lillias Whiteas Bea, who are joined by Haven Burtonas Tara, Lori Tan Chinnas Mae,Nkeki Obi-Melekweas Kendra,Nancy Ticotinas Camilla, Madeleine Dohertyas Estelle, Tracy Jai Edwardsas Alison Prager, Mary Claire Kingas Jenny, Lenora Nemetzas Fran, and Kay Walbyeas Muriel.

Rounding out the cast are Alexander Aguilar, Ken Ard,Sydni Beaudoin, Tami Dahbura, Paula DeLuise, Gabriela Garcia, Talya Groves, Kathryn Kendall, Valton Jackson, Summerisa Bell Stevens, Garrett Turner and Gayle Turner.

For a sneak peak at Half Time, visit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0O5Z6Zbdvg and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q-GQRw1n4o

Paper Mill Playhouse hosted an online social contest, “Generations,” The Half Time Dance Contestto promote their production of Half Time, the new musical about not acting your age. Participants were required to film a video of multiple generations of their family dancing to whatever music moves them. Contestants uploaded their videos to the contest site https://a.cstmapp.com/p/25418?lc=eng followed by a public voting period from Friday, May 25 until Friday, June 8. Winners were announced on Monday, June 11, 2018.

PRIZES Awarded

First Place Winners: The Stein Family received

Tickets for four to opening night of Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm),

Four passes to opening night cast party for Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm),

Photo of the winning group on the red carpet on opening night of Half Time, and

A 2018-2019 season subscription for four for Paper Mill’s new season.

Second Place Winners:  The Howitz Familyreceived

Tickets for three to opening night of Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm),

Three passes to opening night cast party for Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm), and

Photo of the group on the red carpet on opening night of Half Time.

Third Place Winners: The Wenson Family received

Tickets for two to opening night of Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm),

Two passes to opening night cast party for Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm), and

Photo of the group on the red carpet on opening night of Half Time.

Fourth Place: The Stefanelli Family and Fifth Place: The Morcilio Family, each received

Two tickets to a performance of Half Time(June 27 to July 1).

Accessibility Performances for Half Time

Paper Mill Playhouse, a leader in accessibility, will offer audio-described performances for Half Time on Sunday, June 24, at 1:30pmand Saturday, June 30, at 1:30pm.Prior to these performances at noon, the theater will offer free sensory seminars. Sensory seminars offer an opportunity for patrons with vision loss to hear a live, in-depth description of the production elements of the show and hands-on interaction with key sets, props, and costumes.  There will be a sign-interpreted and open-captioned performance on Sunday, July 1, at 7:00pm.

Free Audience Enrichment Activities for Half Time

Conversation Club: Join Paper Mill Playhouse’s Education team on Thursday, June 21 evening, one hour before curtain for an informal, informative gathering. You’ll learn more about the performance you’re about to see.

Q&A with the Cast:After the matinee on Saturday, June 30, stick around for a lively Q&A with cast members directly following the performance.

HalfTimeopened on June 12.  Performances continue untilSunday, July 1, 2018at Paper Mill Playhouse at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, NJ.

To learn more about the musical or get tickets, visit https://papermill.org/show/half-time/

For more information on Paper Mill Playhouse, visit www.papermill.orgor the box office or call 973.376.4343.

Monday– Saturday: 10:00AM–6:00PM
Sunday: 12:00PM–6:00PM

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality.)