The Theater Project, the professional company at the Burgdorff Center in
Maplewood will present the comedy NICKEL AND DIMED by Joan Holden. The
play is based on Barbara Ehrenreich’s book of the same name, which was
subtitled ON (NOT) GETTING BY IN AMERICA. The Philadelphia Inquirer described NICKEL AND DIMED as "Involving, important and urgently topical."
The play’s main character is, coincidentally, a successful middle-aged author named Barbara, who has a successful writer-boyfriend and lawyer-daughter. Over an expansive expense account lunch, her editor scoffs at the idea that Barbara has the endurance to investigate the lives of low-wage workers by trying to survive on minimum wage jobs herself. Barbara refuses to be intimidated, and sets off on a caper that tests her stamina, as well as that of her coworkers, employers and customers as she works her way through diners and discount stores, nursing homes and cheap hotels, and a stint as a bird sitter.
“A big surprise for many is that this play is a comedy, says Theater Project artistic director Mark Spina. “It looks at underemployment, income inequality and the need for living wages – huge economic issues being debated right now. But it dramatizes the lives of struggling workers with empathy and humor.” TIME Magazine called the play, "A rare example of theater that tries to open people's eyes to the way life is lived in the real world—and maybe even rouse them to action."
Bev Sheehan (Maplewood) plays Barbara; Gary Glor (Union), Barbara Guidi (Scotch Plains), Gail Lou (Teaneck), Daaimah Talley (Plainfield), Sarah Brooke Vanaman (Jersey City), play all of the people who cross her path. The production is directed by Mark Spina (Union).
NICKEL AND DIMED plays March 20 through April 6 at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Rd, Maplewood, NJ. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM. There is a talk-back with actors after each Friday night performance, and the actors greet the audience in the lobby after every show. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $15 for students. They may be purchased online at or by phone: (908) 809-8865
The Theater Project is known for presenting outrageous comedy as well as drama with social commentary. Classes in Juggling, Puppetry, Music Theater and Improv are also available.
The play’s main character is, coincidentally, a successful middle-aged author named Barbara, who has a successful writer-boyfriend and lawyer-daughter. Over an expansive expense account lunch, her editor scoffs at the idea that Barbara has the endurance to investigate the lives of low-wage workers by trying to survive on minimum wage jobs herself. Barbara refuses to be intimidated, and sets off on a caper that tests her stamina, as well as that of her coworkers, employers and customers as she works her way through diners and discount stores, nursing homes and cheap hotels, and a stint as a bird sitter.
“A big surprise for many is that this play is a comedy, says Theater Project artistic director Mark Spina. “It looks at underemployment, income inequality and the need for living wages – huge economic issues being debated right now. But it dramatizes the lives of struggling workers with empathy and humor.” TIME Magazine called the play, "A rare example of theater that tries to open people's eyes to the way life is lived in the real world—and maybe even rouse them to action."
Bev Sheehan (Maplewood) plays Barbara; Gary Glor (Union), Barbara Guidi (Scotch Plains), Gail Lou (Teaneck), Daaimah Talley (Plainfield), Sarah Brooke Vanaman (Jersey City), play all of the people who cross her path. The production is directed by Mark Spina (Union).
NICKEL AND DIMED plays March 20 through April 6 at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Rd, Maplewood, NJ. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM. There is a talk-back with actors after each Friday night performance, and the actors greet the audience in the lobby after every show. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $15 for students. They may be purchased online at or by phone: (908) 809-8865
The Theater Project is known for presenting outrageous comedy as well as drama with social commentary. Classes in Juggling, Puppetry, Music Theater and Improv are also available.
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