2015 Season Brochure: "Kith and Kin"

THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY 2015 SEASON

“A canvas for theatrical splendor...

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey dazzlingly and entertainingly conjures new worlds.” the star-ledger

erin partin in the tempest, 2014 © avery brunkus

KITH AND KIN This year marks my 25th anniversary here at The Shakespeare Theatre. That occasion seems to beg some kind of eloquent summation of my time as your Artistic Director, but that, dear audience, seems an impossible task to me. The events of one day alone here could fill a book with daunting, fantastic, harrowing, triumphant, profound, funny, sad, meaningful, believe-it-or-not tales that emerge from the art, artists and audiences that fill our halls. Here, I have been transformed by the daily alchemy that defines our existence.

I often feel that I live a life that is like one long, fascinating Shakespeare play, filled with characters that rival those in any of the Bard’s histories, comedies, tragedies or romances.

Perhaps the slogan of this year’s season best sums it up — Kith and Kin. My kith and kin have become inextricably entwined into one vast, spectacular family — my mother, father, sister and brother helping me all the way; the inspiring “band of brothers” comprised of the hundreds of artists, staff and trustees that have gathered round me for so many decades; our devoted and enthusiastic audience — so many of whom I have come to know; and lastly, the more ghostly kith and kin composed of the imaginary citizens that populate the stories we bring to life. They have become, over the years, as real as any flesh and blood denizen of my world. Together, this huge family has given me and this theatre an incredible life.

Thus, I think, it was my invisible, internal, artistic divining rod that led me to this year’s season selections — all plays that tell of extraordinary kith and kin — and in all the myriad ways that we encounter and encompass them as we traverse the grand field of life. bonnie j. monte artistic director

MAY 27 TO JUNE 21

By George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber Directed by Bonnie J. Monte Loosely based on the famous Barrymore dynasty, this Tony Award-winning American classic invites you into the Cavendish home to witness both the high drama and hilarious comedy that infuses their daily life. Three generations take center stage in this lavish, outrageously funny, and touching portrayal of their struggle to balance the demands of family life with the compelling bonds of their artistic calling.

dean: I never have done a play without

consulting Fanny and Julie. kitty: Maybe that’s why you never have

a hit.

JULY 8 TO 26

By Ferenc Molnรกr New adaptation by Bonnie J. Monte From a translation by Gรกbor Lukin Directed by Bonnie J. Monte A behind-the-scenes portrait of what happens after the curtain falls, The Guardsman takes us into the home of Budapest's beleaguered leading man and his strong-willed leading lady.

This witty, romantic confection, with a deep and provocative center, examines the extreme lengths taken to test a relationship between two artists addicted to a larger-than-life existence.

actress: You drink tea with only one lump

of sugar? guardsman: I consider excessive

sweetening unmanly. actress: My husband drinks it with

four lumps.

AUGUST 5 TO 30

By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Stephen Brown-Fried Patriarch John Tarleton, king of the undergarment industry, struggles to maintain control over his rebellious daughter, headstrong son, and a host of friends and unexpected visitors — some of whom happen to “drop in” from out of the sky — at the family’s sprawling country estate. In this biting comedy, Shaw creates a chaotic clash of class, gender, and generations as he gleefully exposes and dismantles the idiosyncrasies of the British classes and their various “family values.”

I don't blame you for falling in love with me. I shall be grateful to you all my life for it, because that was the first time that anything really interesting happened to me.

SEPTEMBER 16 TO OCTOBER 4

By Bill Cain Directed by Paul Mullins

new jersey premiere Described in Variety as “one of the most bracingly intelligent, sizzlingly theatrical American plays in a decade,” this fictional imagining of the “birth” of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies will not only intrigue Shakespeare fans, but also history buffs, conspiracy theorists, political junkies, and anyone who loves a great, wild tale. When the Bard and his troupe of players receive a royal commission to dramatize the events surrounding the infamous Gunpowder Plot, the artist must confront the demons of his past, his present, and his obligations to truth, artistic integrity, and his two families — his actual one and his theatrical one.

Of course the truth’s a game.

It’s the lies that are deadly serious.

OCTOBER 14 TO NOVEMBER 21

By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett Adapted by Wendy Kesselman Directed by Joseph Discher Nearly 75 years ago in the Netherlands, a young girl received a diary for her 13th birthday. Today, Anne Frank’s humor, strength, and innate goodness continue to shine forth from her words to inspire readers and audiences of all ages. The powerful story of her family’s will to survive comes to unforgettable life for a new generation in this adaptation of the Pulitzer, Tony, and Critic’s Circle Award-winning play.

I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.

DECEMBER 2 TO 27

By William Shakespeare Directed by Bonnie J. Monte Gather your kith and kin for an exuberant holiday outing at this production of Shakespeare’s rowdy, bawdy domestic comedy. With the roguish Falstaff as the centerpiece of this hilarious tale of marital hijinks (and low-jinks!), the clever wives of Windsor put everyone to the test in a festive cornucopia of colorful characters, holiday spirit, and glittering merriment.

I will find you twenty lascivious turtles ere one chaste man.

the outdoor stage is sponsored by

the learned ladies, 2014 Š avery brunkus

THE OUTDOOR STAGE “What better way to celebrate summer’s arrival than a picnic and a show under the stars?

The perfect summer treat.” princeton packet

JUNE 17 TO JULY 26

By William Shakespeare Directed by Brian B. Crowe

on the outdoor stage The Shakespeare Theatre’s Outdoor Stage will bring one of Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies to life under the stars. When four idealistic young courtiers forswear the company of women in favor of study and a stoic life, it is not long before four young French beauties put their oath to the test. Pack a picnic, pack up the family, and head to the Outdoor Stage to enjoy young love, witty language, and outlandish follies with this summery crowd-pleaser by the Bard!

berowne: White-handed mistress, one

sweet word with thee. princess: Honey, and milk, and sugar;

there is three.

LEND US YOUR EARS Play Reading Series

The Lend Us Your Ears Reading Series will present two bold choices this season — both of which remain as shocking and provocative as when they were first brought to life. Join Shakespeare Theatre artists for these script-in-hand readings which feature a lively post-play discussion with the director and cast.

The Lover

By Harold Pinter July 20 at 7 pm An interesting companion piece to juxtapose with the Theatre’s Main Stage production of The Guardsman, Pinter’s tightly-wound play takes “the game” between husband and wife a step further. Locked in a cycle of reciprocal provocation, the couple dances between cruelty and devotion. ADULT CONTENT

The White Devil

By John Webster September 21 at 7 pm Loosely based on the 1585 murder of an Italian noblewoman and set in the court of Francisco de Medici, Webster's tale of ruthless ambition and boundless corruption remains one of the greatest masterpieces of Jacobean revenge tragedy.

A cautionary tale for leaders of any age, The White Devil exposes the true colors of those who claim to be pure. ADULT CONTENT

The Shakespeare Theatre’s F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is located on the campus of Drew University in Madison at 36 Madison Avenue (at Lancaster Road). The Theatre is minutes from Routes 287, 78, 24, and 10 and is just blocks from the New Jersey Transit Madison train station.

Parking on campus is free. The Outdoor Stage is located on the campus of The College of St. Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morris Township. Parking is free.

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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, The Edward T. Cone Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, CTW Foundation, and Drew University as well as contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals.

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES October 26, 7:30pm $38 The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre The wildly popular Something Wicked This Way Comes features something new this season! The quintessence of the classic horror canon, Bram Stoker’s Dracula has terrified and thrilled generations of readers and audiences. The story's chilling suspense, decadence, and Gothic humor will come to life as a staged reading when the Theatre’s esteemed company of artists reimagine Count Dracula’s quest for blood.

SOMETHING MERRY THIS WAY COMES December 14, 7:30pm $38 The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre In just a few years, Something Merry This Way Comes has become one of our most popular one-night events. This annual holiday gift to our patrons features nostalgic, funny, and inspiring holiday tales, songs, and poems read by members of The Shakespeare Theatre’s renowned company of actors and guest artists.

Something Merry is appropriate for all ages, and provides a refreshing antidote to the commercial glitz and blitz that invades our lives each year at holiday time.

jon barker in the alchemist, 2014 © jerry dalia

ORDER YOUR TICKET PACKAGE

Save up to 50% off regular prices with a Discount Ticket Package – the best seats at the lowest prices!

All Complete Works and Choose-Your-Own Ticket Package buyers receive the following benefits: › Free and flexible exchanges* – Can’t make your scheduled performance? If you know in advance, or even at the last minute, simply call or email the Box Office and exchange your tickets for a different date. Or, put your tickets “on account” and choose the new date after you’ve had a chance to check your schedule. › Free parking › $5 off additional tickets for family, friends, and guests › Exclusive discount card for local restaurants and shops (Complete Works package only) › Add Love’s Labour’s Lost on the Outdoor Stage to your ticket package for only $29 (reg. $35) *Tickets can only be exchanged for another performance of the same production. Seating is always subject to availability. If exchanging into a higher priced performance, an upgrade charge will apply. Show titles and dates subject to change. All orders are subject to a $5 handling fee. Valid full-time student id required for Student Subscriptions.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES Enhance your theatre-going experience with these audience favorites: Know the Show Join us on Know the Show Thursdays for insightful complimentary pre-performance talks by Shakespeare Theatre artists.

Symposium Performances On select Tuesday evening and Saturday matinee performances, stay in your seats and participate in a lively post-show discussion about the play.

Previews These performances offer the lowest prices and the opportunity to experience the excitement of a show in process before it officially opens.

Opening Nights Enjoy champagne at intermission and mingle with actors and other artists at the opening night parties after the performance.

Audio Description Patrons with visual impairments hear live descriptions of the action on the stage through an FM transmitter. A pre-performance sensory seminar allows patrons to handle props, costumes, and set pieces to further enhance the experience.

THE COMPLETE WORKS DISCOUNT TICKET PACKAGE See all six Main Stage plays The Best Seats, the Best Prices!

– up to 50% off regular prices

previews (wednesday, thursday, $162 friday evening or saturday matinee) tuesday, wednesday, sunday evening $189

As low as $27 per ticket

thursday evening

$210

› Same great seats for each production – keep them season after season

friday evening

$225

saturday matinee

$228

saturday evening

$309

› Exclusive local dining and shopping discounts

sunday matinee

$258

opening night

$405

› Add Love's Labour's Lost on the Outdoor Stage for just $29; $10 for 18 and under

student subscription

$60

5-PLAY DISCOUNT TICKET PACKAGE

previews (wednesday, thursday, $150 friday evening or saturday matinee) thursday evening

$185

Select five Main Stage plays

friday evening

$200

As low as $30 per ticket

saturday matinee

$200

› Add Love's Labour's Lost on the Outdoor Stage for just $29; $10 for 18 and under

saturday evening

$270

sunday matinee

$225

opening night

$350

student subscription

$50

4-PLAY DISCOUNT TICKET PACKAGE Select four Main Stage plays As low as $32 per ticket › Add Love's Labour's Lost on the Outdoor Stage for just $29; $10 for 18 and under

FLEX PASS

tuesday, wednesday, sunday evening $170

previews (wednesday, thursday, $128 friday evening or saturday matinee) tuesday, wednesday, sunday evening $144 thursday evening

$156

friday evening

$168

saturday matinee

$172

saturday evening

$224

sunday matinee

$192

opening night

$280

student subscription $40

FlexPass (six tickets redeemable for all performances excluding Opening Nights) $330

for more information, call 973.408.5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org email: BoxOffice@ShakespeareNJ.org

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THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY

jeffrey m. bender and patrick toon in the tempest, 2014 © jerry dalia brochure design by punch & judy inc. illustr ations by scott mckowen

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“One of America’s half-dozen leading classical repertory companies. Year-in-year-out excellence.” the wall street journal

NAMED COMPANY OF THE YEAR BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL