Introduction to: Hudson Theatre Ensemble

The Hudson Theatre Ensemble is a professional community theatre company with a difference! Because of our proximity to New York, we are able to cast our plays from an extraordinarily diverse group of committed actors and directors, many of whom are pursuing full-time theatre careers across the river. That seriousness of purpose brings a quality of production that audiences of HTE have been enjoying for more than a decade. Our seasons have included a wide range of styles from playwrights such as Oscar Wilde, Tennessee Williams, Tom Stoppard, Steve Martin, Michael Cristofer, Neil Simon, and Christopher Durang. In the spring of 2003 we performed our first musical Company by Stephen Sondheim to resounding critical and audience acclaim.

In the Spring of 2004 we inaugurated our adult-acted HTE Children’s Series - Silly on Sixth! captivating both children and parents in completely sold-out performances. From our inception we have performed at the Hudson School Performance Space in the heart of Hoboken. We are happily ensconced in its beautiful new theatre at Sixth Street and Park Avenue. Our theatre is on the ground floor and is completely barrier-free and accessible to persons with disabilities. Our goal is to provide our immediate and surrounding community with first-rate theatre provided by dedicated actors, directors and technicians. Please join us as we present some of the finest theatre you’ll see on both banks of the river - right in your own backyard.

Upcoming Show:

The Toymaker:  

6 Performances only: Saturday November 19, 2011 at 11 AM, 1 PM, & 2:30 PM Sunday November 20, 2011 at 11 AM, 1 PM, & 2:30 PM

The Toymaker’s Apprentice is a merry new musical, just in time for the holidays!

The Toymaker is hiring a new helper. Many apply, but two finalists emerge: the selfish daughter of the President of Corporate Corp, Incorporated and a sweet-natured girl. Who will be the next Apprentice? Reserve to find out and to enjoy our newest zany Silly on Sixth! adaptation.

And if your child has a November birthday, what an easy way to celebrate by incorporating Silly on Sixth! and The Toymaker’s Apprentice into your birthday plans! The entire audience will sing Happy Birthday to your darling child, your group has a wonderful time seeing The Toymaker’s Apprentice, the kids meet the actors after the show, and then off you go to one of Hoboken's many family-friendly eateries to continue the festivities. Just call Florence for details at 201-963-0096!

The Toymaker’s Apprentice and its all-adult cast will delight children ages 3 to 10 while entertaining their families in the 11th season of the Hudson Theatre Ensemble Children’s Series Silly on Sixth! Our beautiful, child-friendly, ground-floor theater is completely barrier-free & accessible to persons with disabilities.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, County Executive, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Here’s what our audience says:

“We can’t wait for the next children’s show. Our family has seen every one of them!” “Knowing you are in Hoboken is such a big boon. It was a thrill to me that my 5 year old loved her first real introduction to theatre!”

“The shows are hysterically funny & the kids really love them. We definitely will be visiting you again!”

“I am once again looking forward to a great time. My daughter LOVES these shows.”

“We go to every Silly on Sixth show and the kids as well as parents really enjoy them.”

"We loved the show and the kids could not stop talking about it. They sang with the music while we played the CD in the car.” Yes, a CD of the Original Cast Recording will be available for sale at the theatre. And the best review of all is from 4-year old Nathan, "Everything is my favorite part!"

Our Gold Sponsor for The Toymaker’s Apprentice are Drs. Brescia, Migliaccio, Tully, Chinn, Moon & Safi, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hoboken, NJ. Cast: Jennifer Eisenberg, Sonni James, Erin McLaughlin*, Leigh Ann Murdaugh *Member, Actors’ Equity Association Producer/Artistic Director: Diana London; Director of Development: Florence Pape Adaptation: Kathy Ferman-Menino; Original Music & Lyrics: Ellen Mandel; Director/Choreographer: Jeremy Williams; Assistant Director: EJ Marotta; Technical Director: Justin McCormick; Production Manager: Donna Gearhardt Healey; Musical Direction & Recording: Ellen Mandel; Lighting Design: Jay Ryan; Sound & Light Technician: Donna Gearhardt Healey; Graphics/Webmaster: Susan Newman Design; Photographer: John Crittenden/Show Me Your Faces; Videographer: Fred Pflantzer; House Manager: Alan Welner; Assistant House Manager: Peg Finnerty Printed by: The Office