Morris Co. Students Star In TROLLS Jr. Musical East Coast Premiere

MENDHAM, NJ — Five Morris County students in the East Coast premiere of "TROLLS the Musical Jr.," which opened Thursday in West Orange and is also directed by a Morris County resident.

The Pixie Dust Players are partnering with DreamWorks Theatricals and Music Theatre International to pilot this brand-new production, running on select dates from May 9 through May 19 at JCC Metrowest.

"TROLLS JR." is set after the events of the first film, with the audience returning to Bergenland amidst the performance-loving band of trolls. As the Pixie Dust Players describe it:

"Trouble brews when a strict foreign emissary threatens to disrupt their cheerful world. With the threat of being turned into a diplomatic dish by a vengeful Chef looming over them, Poppy and her friends must revamp their show to meet the high expectations. As the Trolls scramble to make last-minute changes, King Gristle juggles his royal duties, his blossoming romance with Bridget, and the demands of a spoiled aristocrat with a bottomless appetite."

There are two casts (Glitter and Sparkle), with students from Mendham, Randolph, Mount Olive, and Mine Hill among the actors bringing Bergenland to life.

Mendham's Mackenzie Reff, who plays main character Poppy in the Glitter Cast, said she enjoyed reuniting with past cast mates at the first rehearsal, and meeting new friends as they put together this new production.

"I love being a part of something new that has never been done before," Reff said. "It adds a lot of excitement to the process."

Creating a character from a ground up allowed the cast to really dig into the role, said Mine Hill's Jasper Fernandes, who plays the Advisor in the Glitter Cast.

"There’s no references so there’s really an opportunity to explore the character and the show without outside influence," they said. "It’s really cool."

Randolph's Natalie Crespolini also said that the surprise of a new script was part of the fun.

"I had no idea what the music was going to be," said Crespolini, who plays Bridget in the Glitter Cast. "And that was exciting."

Mt. Olive sisters Sophia and Lily Salyerds, both in the Sparkle Cast, gave their reasons why people should come see the show:

"The whole cast has worked very hard to put on a show and everyone in Trolls are amazing singers and actors," said Lily, who is part of the Trolls Ensemble.

"Because it’s going to be awesome," added Sophia, who is performing as Newscaster Stern.

Tickets are $25, and the casts alternate beginning with the Glitter Cast on May 9 and closing with the Sparkle Cast on May 19. (Article continues below photo)

This is not the first pilot production for the Pixie Dust Players, who have also done debuts for "Children of Eden Jr." and Dreamworks' "HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, JR."

Florham Park resident Lindsay Maron, who founded the Pixie Dust Players 15 years ago (at the age of 13), will direct TROLLS JR.

Maron, a native of Short Hills, said that mounting a new work is both challenging and exciting.

"We get to be one of the first to bring the show to life and be a part of developing the future of the title," she said. "Both the creative team and the actors get to create the show from scratch without the influence of other productions.

"On the other hand, it means that we are building everything from the ground up — from design, to costumes, to storytelling," Maron continued. "Because the script and score are still in development, it also means that sometimes scenes and songs are still in draft form and we need to be ready for changes at any time."

Maron said audiences can expect to smile and laugh from start to finish during this upbeat and heartwarming show.

"The songs are incredibly catchy, the story is fun and new, and our performers are singing and dancing their hearts out," she said. "It is a great show for audiences of all ages, with a little something for everyone."

The pilot production of TROLLS, JR. runs May 9, May 11, May 16 and May 18 at 7:30 p.m. and May 12 and May 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the JCC MetroWest Maurice Levin Theater at 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange NJ.

TROLLS, JR. features music & lyrics by Joriah Kwamé Book & additional lyrics by Krista Knight. This pilot production is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and DreamWorks Theatricals.