SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS PAGE 16 theconnectionsnj.com t has been a long winter. It has been a long school year-already. This time of year, we could all use a little magic. There is no better way to feel the magic than to lose yourself in a good musical. Great singing and performances immerse you in a story with an imaginative set, great costumes, a talented cast, and songs that you can’t help but sing days after you leave the theater. I know of two amazing productions from award-winning programs right in our backyards that the whole family can enjoy. Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren will present the contemporary production, “The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical” March 12-14th, and Ridge High School will perform the classic musical “Mary Poppins” March 5-7th. The drama department at Watching Hills Regional High School chose “The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical” for its contemporary feel. Based on the wildly popular novel by Rick Riordan, the plot follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a half-blood son of a Greek God. He sets out on a quest to retrieve Zeus’ stolen master lightning bolt after discovering his newly discovered powers that he cannot control. His quest takes him to the Underworld and back, requires him to solve a riddle of the Oracle, and makes him come to terms with the father who abandoned him. The story is full of humor, theatrical effects, and is set to an energetic rock score that is played by a four-piece rock band right on the stage. The play is sure to capture the imagination of the young and the young at heart. The content is family friendly, but probably best for children age 8 and up. Tickets to the performance in the modern and comfortable Watching Hills Performing Arts Center can be purchased at https://whrhs.booktix.com/. Ridge High School is going in a different direction with the classic “Mary Poppins.” This stage adaptation is based on P.L. Travers book and the Walt Disney classic movie of the same name. It is an irresistible story of a magical Nanny who “pops in” to spark a family’s imagination and help them to reunite and find each other again. Its message is timeless and so is the famous score. Numbers like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Practically Perfect” will have you dancing in your seat and singing along. There are also amazing theatrical effects that might include Mary Poppins flying through the air! The Ridge High School drama program is constantly ranked as one of the top in the state and has been nominated for, and won, several Rising Star awards from Paper Mill Playhouse. The Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility which has comfortable seating and a sunken pit for the live student orchestra. Tickets are available at https://ridgepac.bernardsboe.com/. So bring a little magic into your life. See a musical. It might help you to believe that-in the words of Mary Poppins-everything is possible, even the impossible! Musicals and Memories By Joanne Kleinle FAMILY ADVENTURES I 908-752-5201 www.maxselectricbikes.com Hunterdon Hills Plaza 1386 Route 22 W • Lebanon Visit our other locations in Randolph & Pompton Lakes, NJ and Easton, Doylestown and Wind Gap, PA Get Active, Get Outdoors, Go Green, Get an eBike! are critical! Get the right advice and TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! Come Test Ride Your Perfect eBike All the newest models from Aventon, Velotric, Mokwheel, Aima, and RAWRR. • 2 year factory warranty • Hassle-free warranty claims • Expert assembly with 2 year service guarantee • Factory authorized dealer Over 750 eBikes in stock and ready to ride! We stock & install hitches. All Terrain Fat-Tire eBikes • Cargo eBikes • Commuter eBikes • Kid eBikes e eBikes • Ca go eBikes • Commuter eBikes • Kid eBikes All Terrain Fat-Tire eBikes • Ca e eBikes • Ca
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