We should have gone to the Carnival last week ...

Circus coming to Millstone Township - Examiner, 2/26/09:

"We're just coming off the successful Arts- Power's production of 'From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,' which was theater for children," Schulze said. "In February, we hosted Mr. Ray. And, we made our splash at the beginning of the season with 'One Night on Broadway.'"

The MPAC is an 1,200-seat professional performing arts venue built as part of the new Millstone Township Middle School that opened in September 2007. The facility offers state-of-the art lighting, stage and sound equipment and has its own entrance, lobby and dressing room facilities. Superintendent of Schools Mary Anne Donahue oversees the center's activities, which Schulze, the director of Community Education, coordinates.

Schulze said the center has been fairing well thus far.

Besides scheduling its own events, like Circo Comedia, to generate revenue for the upkeep and maintenance of MPAC and its programs, the school district also rents the facility to local organizations.

Students also use the facility. The middle school will present its spring play "Aladdin" at 7:30 p.m. March 13 and 14. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 13 and under.

When MPAC charges students admission to their own school plays, the organization and facility are in dire financial straits.