Florham Park Native Appears on Alvernia U. Stage

When "Beggar on Horseback" played at the Alvernia University Theatre earlier this month, the cast featured one of Florham Park's own.

Thomas Michalowski, also called "TJ," performed in the role of "Jerry/Dance Leader" in the parody written by George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly.

The play tells the story of Neil, a young composer making ends meet by taking odd jobs. One job is teaching piano to a wealthy girl named Gladys Cady. When a friend suggests the two marry, Neil pops the question—Gladys agrees, but her father and Neil have different ideas of what Neil's future endeavors should be.

Michalowski was part of the cast of 25 students who gave seven performances of "Beggar on Horseback" in Alvernia University's newly refurbished Theatre and Recital Hall. The production was also made possible by an off-stage team of 20 students.

Performers included a cross-section of students majoring in different areas at Alveria, including Criminal Justice, Michalowski's major.

About 3,000 students attend Alvernia, a Franciscan university located in Reading, Pa. and grounded in Catholic and liberal arts traditions.