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Holiday Fairy Tale "Magic Flowers" Makes Its Annual Somers Point Return

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 12/02/2023

Kate Brandt is making her SPQR Stage Co. debut as Ethel in “Magic Flowers.”

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- “Magic Flowers,” an award-winning play that has been produced nationwide and, more recently, become a local annual holiday classic, returns to Studio;Space in Somers Point for performances on Saturdays and Sundays December 9-10 and December 16-17. Short and sweet, “Magic Flowers” is a 30-minute one-act by award-winning playwright Bill Sterritt. This fairy tale quickly became an annual tradition for audiences in both Atlantic and Cape May counties.

The plot is simple, yet sweet. Two ad agency co-workers, Ralph and Ethel, seemingly have nothing in common except work. When Christmas Eve arrives, Ethel buys the cheapest bottle of Burgundy she can find and resolves herself to spend yet another Christmas home alone. On the way to her apartment, she runs into a homeless man who sells her “magic flowers” that are supposed to bring her love.

“’Magic Flowers’ has nothing to do with magic in the traditional or popular sense,” said Sterritt. “The magic lies within each character, as they learn to put down their walls and look beyond common stereotypes.”

Dave Polgar returns as Ralph in “Magic Flowers”. Photo by Katelin Keane

Portraying Ralph and Ethel are Dave Polgar and Kate Brandt. Polgar has become a regular on the SPQR stage, having performed in “Derby Day” and “Calliope Rose” in addition to his return as Ralph.

“This show has become a unique holiday tradition for Somers Point,” said Sterritt. “I like to think of it as a nice theatrical ‘snack’ during the holiday season. It’s a great way to break up a hectic day. You get to sit back and enjoy a charming story for a half hour before heading out to the mall again.”




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“Magic Flowers” runs at 3:00pm on the following dates: Saturdays, December 9, 16; Sundays, December 10, 17. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash) or can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. More info can be found at StudioSpaceSPNJ.com or Facebook.com/spqrstagesco. For reservations, email [email protected] or call 323-793-2153. Studio;Space is at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, New Jersey.

Since 2004, SPQR Stage Company has been testing and redefining the limits of Theatre, in theme, form, and purpose. SPQR Stage Company’s productions have exhibited ingenuity, in language, concept and staging. Though performing in a 40-seat house in Hollywood, SPQR has strived to think big and outside of the box. SPQR has always preferred to be ambitious and in front of the curve in all of its undertakings.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 16, 2026, James Rana will read the first chapter of Vladimir Nabokov's "Pnin" at The Dormer House in Cape May. Every Thursday through October 15, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers, with lemonade and homemade desserts also served. Showtime is 4:00pm.

Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical" this weekend

(GLEN RIDGE, NJ) -- Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 17-18, 2026 at the Ridgewood Avenue School with a different cast each night. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, this is a musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!

Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.

The Theater Project presents "Too Fat For China" by Phoebe Potts

(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts' one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC

CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- CAU Community Players present their 15th Anniversary show, Seussical Jr., at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) from July 17-19, 2026. This is a vibrant, family-friendly musical that brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Off Book Productions present "The Women of Congress" outside HACPAC

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Travel back to 1776 with Off Book Productions for a free outdoor musical performance of The Women of Congress at the at the Atlantic Street Park at Hackensack Performing Arts Center. Performances take place Wednesdays July 15th and 22nd, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Where the Lost Children Play"

(WOODSTOWN, NJ) -- The Blue Moon Theatre presents Where the Lost Children Play across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. This is a dystopian stage play by Hannah Lee DeFrates. It follows two young women, Willow and Poppy, navigating a grim society.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Summer Solos: "Long Drive Home" by Stephen Kaplan

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


My Fair Lady

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr."

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ



 

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