Shakespeare season to include rare folio, slapstick sendup, Nöel Coward and Dylan Thomas

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From The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

MADISON, NJ —The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, named “Company of the Year” in 2014 by the Wall Street Journal which also described the Theatre as “one of America’s half-dozen leading classical repertory companies,” proudly announces an ambitious 2016 Season of classic treasures and exceptional new work inspired by historic events and historic figures.

Shakespeare Theatre Company of New Jersey
Shakespeare Theatre Company of New Jersey presents “Tovarich”

Featuring works by Shakespeare, Noël Coward, Eugene Ionesco, Lolita Chakrabarti, Dylan Thomas, along with a trio of writers in Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, the Theatre’s line-up demonstrates an unwavering dedication to classic tales that inspire our present lives as well as future visions of the world.

The 2016 roster runs early May through December and includes six productions on its Main Stage at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison and one summer production on the popular Outdoor Stage – the Greek amphitheater on the campus of The College of Saint Elizabeth in Morris Township – as well as several special events and programs.

Complete Works subscriptions as well as 5-Play and 4-Play discount ticket packages are on sale in now. For information or to purchase a subscription, call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The Theatre’s upcoming 54th season promises to a very exciting one, in part because a once-in-a-lifetime event will be taking place in October of this year.  A special partnership between Drew University and The Shakespeare Theatre has resulted in Drew University being chosen as the New Jersey site for the upcoming, national First Folio Tour.

Published in 1623, only 233 known copies of this treasure still exist, and most are not available for public viewing.  Patrons will not only have easy access to this exhibit (right across the lawn from the Kirby Theatre in Drew’s Mead Hall), but a number of special events will be taking place in conjunction with the Folio’s month-long residency.  This national tour is made possible by the Folger Shakespeare Library, which is bringing this rare copy of the First Folio to every state in the union.

The Season

The 2016 season kicks off with A Song at Twilight by Noël Coward. Somewhat autobiographical, this final play from the master of sophisticated wit is enhanced by live piano accompaniment that is peppered throughout the action.  There has been a surge of interest in this entertaining and bittersweet comedy in recent years, and the Theatre is thrilled that revered company member Edmond Genest will appear in the leading role. A Song at Twilight will be directed by Paul Mullins and will preview on May 11 and run through May 29.

The annual Outdoor Stage production will kick off with a new production of an old favorite, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)(revised) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. Last seen at the Outdoor Stage in 2008, it was hugely popular with audiences.  The authors have updated the play for the 21st century, so while it essentially remains the same wildly irreverent comedy, it is sprinkled throughout with new material and up-to-date references, providing some wonderful new surprises for the audience.

Not only is this is a terrific show to introduce Shakespeare to young people, but it is a hilarious spoof that appeals to people of all ages — to those who love the Bard and to those who are not so fond! The Theatre is happy to welcome back longtime company member Jeffrey M. Bender to direct. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)(revised) will run from June 22 through July 31.

The second Main Stage offering opens on July 6th with the perfect play for an election year. Brian B. Crowe will direct Shakespeare’s rarely-performed tragedy Coriolanus.  This Roman epic, one of Shakespeare’s most political plays, depicts the confrontation between social classes, civil insurrection, and the machinations of politicians. But the brilliant essence of this play lies in the depiction of a great man whose moral and psychological flaws bring about his fall from grace.  The production will play through July 24.

Next up will be what is considered Eugene Ionesco’s masterpiece, Exit the King, which will be directed by Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte. This compelling allegory operates on a number of symbolic levels.  A short work, it plays without intermission, showing us the last hour of a king’s life.

It is a funny, dark, moving metaphor, and its significance goes far beyond King Berenger’s death.  This production will feature a talk-back after almost every performance with the director and cast, and will run from Aug. 10 through Aug. 28.

Launching the fall portion of the season, the Theatre will present the New Jersey premiere of Red Velvet by British playwright Lolita Chakrabarti. This fairly new play tells the true-life story of Ira Aldridge, the first African-American actor to appear as Othello on the London stage. The play is just starting to be performed across America, after its debut in England in 2012.  Red Velvet will begin performances on Sept. 7 and continue through Sept. 25.

In conjunction with the First Folio exhibit in October, the Theatre will present Shakespeare’s Richard III.  Not seen since 2006 when Paul Mullins played the title role, Mr. Mullins will return as director this time round.

Since the recent discovery of a grave containing what is generally thought to be the remains of the real Richard III, much has been written about that infamous monarch as of late, and many scholars have commented on Shakespeare’s re-writing of history to serve his need to create the arch-villain of all villains — his intense, discontented, crippled, larger than life “protagonist,” Richard, Duke of Gloucester. This great tragedy will run from Oct. 5 through Nov. 6, and offers a number of school-time matinees for students.

The Theatre will conclude the season with A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Last presented at the Theatre 13 years ago, our audience has asked for its return.

Based on Dylan Thomas’ classic poem about his childhood holidays in Wales in the early 1900’s, this musical celebration of the season and a time gone by is appealing to people of all ages, cultures and beliefs, for it celebrates the simple joys of childhood, the spirit of goodness, the comfort of family, and the magic that music and the imagination bring to us all.  Longtime company member Joseph Discher will direct the production, and it will run from Nov. 30 through Jan. 1.

Special Events

Later in the season, audience favorites Something Wicked This Way Comes and Something Merry This Way Comes will return. Titled from a line in Shakespeare’s MacbethSomething Wicked This Way Comes will feature esteemed actors from The Shakespeare Theatre company as well as guest artists, presenting a 90-minute evening of material from the classic canon of the macabre.  This one-night-only event will be held on Oct. 24th.

Hearkening back to a time when families read to each other, Something Merry This Way Comes will be a collage of sparkling and inspiring holiday tales, songs, and poems read by members of The Shakespeare Theatre’s company of actors. Something Merry This Way Comes is appropriate for all ages, providing a lovely antidote to the commercial glitz that inundates life each year at holiday time.  Something Merry This Way Comes will be held on Dec. 12th.

Lend Us Your Ears, the Theatre’s acclaimed play reading series, will returns for the 2016 season with a new slate of diverse and interesting plays. The Reading Series script-in-hand readings provide patrons with the opportunity to join the Theatre in exploring new or classic work; each reading features members of the Theatre’s esteemed company of actors as well as prestigious guest artists. Reading titles will soon be announced.  For more information about these special events, visit ShakespeareNJ.org or call the Box Office at 973-408-5600.

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The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. The Outdoor Stage is located on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth and the Theatre’s support and education facility is in Florham Park.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.  Additional major support is received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation, Edward T. Cone Foundation, Samuel H. Scripps Foundation, Shubert Foundation, Bank of America, and CTW Foundation, as well as contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, government agencies and individuals.

General Information

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:  Bonnie J. Monte

MAIN STAGE: F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
36 Madison Ave. (at Lancaster Rd.), Madison, NJ

TICKETS & INFO:  Call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org

The 2016 Season

The Main Stage

A Song at Twilight

By Noël Coward
Directed by Paul Mullins
Dates:  May 11 – May 29
Press Opening: May 14

Coriolanus
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Brian B. Crowe
Dates: July 6—24
Press Opening: July 9

Exit the King
By Eugene Ionesco
Directed by Bonnie J. Monte
Dates: Aug. 10 — 28
Press Opening: Aug. 13

Red Velvet
By Lolita Chakrabarti
Directed by Bonnie J. Monte
Dates:  Sept. 7 — Sept. 25
Press Opening: Sept. 10

Richard III
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Paul Mullins
Dates: October 5 – Nov. 6
Press Opening: Oct. 8

A Child’s Christmas in Wales
By Dylan Thomas
Directed by Joseph Discher
Dates: November 30 – January 1
Press Opening: December 3

On the Outdoor Stage

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)(revised)
By Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield
Directed by Jeffrey M. Bender
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Press Opening: June 29

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