Pedas who was named “Master Teacher” of New Jersey by the New Jersey Music Educators Association for his “dedicated service to the education of youth” is music teacher at Hillside Avenue School in Cranford. He is looking forward to his first lead at CDC especially because it is “ The Fantasticks,” which he said he “loves with a passion.”

The role of Matt is played by Eddie Egan of Cranford who has been Pedas' music student in elementary school and his vocal coach for several years. Pedas said, “We even began working on songs from “The Fantasticks” before CDC decided to do it.”

Beside the part of Pasquale, one of the Italian singing trio in “Most Happy Fella” at CDC in 1994, Pedas performed as Jacob the oldest son in the 1986 run of “Shnandoah,” and the quiet Judge Wilson in “1776” at Union County Arts Center. Pedas also played his most challenging role, the tough farm hand Jud Fry in “Oklahoma!”, also at the Arts Center.

Performances will be at 8p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 12 and 13, 19 and 20, and 26 and 27. All tickets are $15.00.

The theater is located at 78 Winans Avenue in Cranford off Centennial Avenue and just minutes from exit 136 of the Garden State Parkway. For reservations and further information call (908) 276-7611.