Paper Mill Playhouse

==Paper Mill Playhouse== '''Paper Mill Playhouse''' is a renowned regional theater located in Millburn, New Jersey, known for its significant contributions to American musical theater. Established on the site of a former paper mill, the theater has a storied history that traces back to its founding in 1934 by Antoinette Scudder. The original site, The Thistle Paper Mill, dates to 1795 and was rebuilt following a fire in the 1860s, continuing operations for several decades before its transformation into a theatrical venue. ===History=== The Playhouse officially opened its doors in November 1938 with a production of "The Kingdom of God" by Martinez Sierra. The early years saw the theater not only producing plays but also hosting the First New Jersey Theater Festival and establishing a theater school for children. The 1950s and 1960s brought a mix of operettas, musicals, and plays to the stage, featuring performances by notable stars such as Jane Fonda, Gene Wilder, and Chita Rivera. In 1971, Governor William Cahill proclaimed Paper Mill Playhouse the "State Theater of New Jersey." The theater continued to attract star talent throughout the 1970s, including Bernadette Peters and Mickey Rooney. Tragedy struck in 1980 when a fire destroyed the theater, but it was rebuilt and reopened in 1982, continuing its tradition of producing high-quality performances. The National Endowment for the Arts recognized Paper Mill Playhouse's excellence in the 1980s, and the theater introduced sign-interpreted and audio-described performances. The 1990s saw the debuts of future stars like Kristin Chenoweth and Anne Hathaway, and the launch of the Rising Star Awards and Summer Musical Theater Conservatory. The turn of the millennium brought financial challenges, but a community-driven "Save the Theater" campaign successfully raised funds to secure the theater's future. In 2008, Millburn Township purchased the theater's site, ensuring its place in the community. Under the leadership of Mark S. Hoebee and Todd Schmidt, Paper Mill Playhouse has experienced a renaissance, forming partnerships to present new musicals and revivals. The theater has been recognized for its commitment to accessibility, being the first in the country to present Sensory-Friendly Performances. In 2016, Paper Mill Playhouse received the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award, cementing its reputation as a leading institution in the American theater landscape. ===Current Operations=== Today, Paper Mill Playhouse continues to produce a vibrant slate of mainstage shows, offer subscriptions with benefits and discounts, and provide educational programs, including classes and summer training programs. The theater also offers a range of access services, including autism-friendly performances. The Playhouse's mission is to entertain, inspire, and enrich lives through the art of musical theater. It strives to be an inclusive environment that nurtures creativity and provides access to all. With a vision to be internationally recognized as a leading musical theater, Paper Mill Playhouse upholds core values of artistic excellence, trust, transparency, outstanding service, fiscal responsibility, and integrity. ==External Links== * [http://www.papermill.org Official website of Paper Mill Playhouse] * [https://www.facebook.com/PaperMillPlayhouse Paper Mill Playhouse on Facebook] * [https://twitter.com/Paper_Mill Paper Mill Playhouse on Twitter] * [https://www.instagram.com/papermillplayhouse/ Paper Mill Playhouse on Instagram]