Local theatres decorate Governor's Mansion
TRENTON — The holiday season at Drumthwacket, the Governor’s Official Residence in Princeton, has arrived with a partnership between the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, the Garden Club of New Jersey and the Drumthwacket Foundation.
“One of my favorite traditions as First Lady is to welcome visitors to Drumthwacket during the holiday season,” said First Lady Mary Pat Christie. “This year’s theme, ‘Drumthwacket on Stage,’ showcases the tremendous talents of our vibrant theatre community and the breathtaking creativity of New Jersey’s garden clubs. The Governor and I are delighted that thousands of adults and children will tour the historic residence to experience Drumthwacket dressed for the holidays.”
Garden State theatres support the economic development of New Jersey, contribute to their communities with outreach and arts education opportunities, and offer theatric works that inspire, challenge and entertain close to one million theatre goers annually. In addition, the Garden Club of New Jersey has donated countless hours decorating Drumthwacket in its holiday finery, with many members working since the summer to create the beautiful arrangements, garlands and ornamental
accompaniments to compliment this year’s theatrical theme.
The Drumthwacket Foundation Holiday Open Houses, which are open to the public, are scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8 and Wednesday and Dec. 11. Reservations are required and can be made at www.polclients.com/drumthwacket/housetour.cfm. School field trips and groups of more than 15 people should contact 609-683-0057, extension 5.
“Drumthwacket on Stage” includes the following display presentations located throughout the first floor of the Governor’s Official residence.
FOYER: Decorated by the Dogwood Garden Club of Princeton, the setting is based on a scene from Mame. Styled by a modern day Mame, the display is both chic and eccentric, and truly represents Mame’s motto, “Life is a banquet.”
DINING ROOM: Decorated by the Dogwood Garden Club of Princeton, the long table is set for a holiday dinner for 10, hosted by the stars of the film version of White Christmas: Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Danny Kay and Vera-Ellen.
PARLOR: Decorated by Premiere Stages and The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, the theme for the Parlor Room is Madison (by Guillermo Reyes) and The Misanthrope (by Molière).The Keyport Garden Club has used its location on the Raritan Bay to inspire the parlor’s holiday décor. Local greens and oyster shells adorn the arrangements. The costumes in the parlor are reflected in the design elements of colors, feathers, plumes and spiced orange pomander balls.
MUSIC ROOM: Decorated by The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, the theme for this room is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The West Trenton Garden Club welcomes Rudolph all dressed up and updated for the holidays. Rudolph’s whimsical wonderland is filled with sophisticated white orchids and silver mercury glass with red-nosed accents. The Club has also incorporated the environmentally conscious theme of “Choices Make Changes” into the décor.
LIBRARY: Decorated by Centenary Stage Company, the Library’s theme is A Christmas Carol based on the story by Charles Dickens.Adorned by the Shrewsbury Garden Club, the tree is decorated with Marley’s silver chains with natural ornaments and touches of snow to remind us of Christmas past. The fireplace niche has lanterns and greens to lead the way to the village scenes presented on the coffee tables.
GOVERNOR’S STUDY: Decorated by East Lynne Theater Company, the room’s theme is It Pays to Advertise (by Roi Cooper Megrue and Walter C. Hackett). Decorated by the Shrewsbury Garden Club, the scene evokes an English period of time gone by. The fireplace is adorned with a swag of greens, antique ornaments and silver Christmas crackers and ribbon. The side tables add a touch of elegance with caches filled with orchids and greens.