THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY 2014 SEASON
One of the few “companies with classical traditions that are not towing the conventional line.� the washington post
corey ta zmania and jon barker in pericles, 2013 Š jerry dalia
PERCHANCE TO DREAM Welcome to season 52 at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. It promises to be a great one. There are very few theatres in the world where you can see such an ambitious and bold line-up of classic plays, and we are very proud to be able to give such a rare gift to you — our fabulous audience. This season is more than usually loaded with comedies; and while they are astute, ever-relevant, often piercing, and provide food for thought, they are sure to provoke gales of laugher as well. I do believe, especially in these times, that laughter is one of our best medicines. Enjoy, and thank you so much for being a part of our ongoing journey! bonnie j. monte artistic director
“Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte has made dreams happen.” the new york times
ben sterling in as you like it, 2013 © meredith h. keffer
MAY 28 TO JUNE 22
By William Shakespeare Directed by Bonnie J. Monte In the Bard’s farewell masterpiece, the storm that rages within Shakespeare’s alter-ego Prospero is as tempestuous as that which he conjures to wrack his enemies. The exiled Duke turned powerful magician will be portrayed by Sherman Howard, who Ms. Monte calls “a force of nature himself.” Passionate, visceral, fierce, and magical — the play contains some of the world’s most glorious poetry.
Full fathom five thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made; Those are pearls that were his eyes; Nothing of him that does fade, But doth suffer a sea-change Into something rich and strange.
BEGINS JULY 2
By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Paul Mullins In 1777, the tumult of the American Revolution continues and two unlikely anti-heroes make unlikely sacrifices, causing both Loyalists and Revolutionaries to examine the true meaning of honor. Shaw’s only play about America is a perfect piece to celebrate our Independence Day and New Jersey’s 350th anniversary.
swindon: What will history say? burgoyne: History, sir, will tell lies as usual.
BEGINS AUGUST 6
By Ben Jonson Adapted and Directed by Bonnie J. Monte This rowdy, bawdy, lunatic comedy about con men in 1610 shows how little has changed about greed or gullibility in the affairs of mankind. Three tricky gullers and the parade of outrageous characters they gull will leave you breathless with astonishment and laughter. An exquisite ensemble of some of the company’s most skilled comedians will bring this rarely-produced satiric masterwork to madcap life.
You shall be soaked, and stroked, and tubb’d and rubb’d, And scrubb’d, and fubb’d, dear don, before you go. You shall in faith, my scurvy baboon don, Be curried, claw’d, and flaw’d, and taw’d indeed.
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 10
By David Davalos Directed by Joseph Discher It’s fall semester at Wittenberg University and playwright’s magic has manipulated time and space to bring an unusual quartet together — Doctor Faustus, Martin Luther, their pupil Hamlet, and Helen of Troy — to engage in debate about faith, fate, existence, and tennis. The huge enigmas that eternally puzzle mankind are given a witty, provocative, and delightfully quirky forum in this modern play populated by iconic luminaries from times past.
faustus: I’ll be playing at The Bunghole this week, Wednesday and Friday nights, my usual gig, if you feel like a little light lute. Two-stein minimum, all the tripe you can eat. So: big year. Senior class. Good time to be thinking about declaring a major. hamlet: So t’would seem.
BEGINS OCTOBER 15
By William Shakespeare Directed by Paul Mullins This rarely-produced look at one of history’s most well-known monarchs and the first two of his six wives depicts a young Henry obsessed with producing an heir to carry on his legacy. Mr. Mullins’ stream-lined version of this epic pageant play focuses on the tug-of-wars between church and state, and husband and wife, climaxing in the birth of England’s future Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare’s great patron and Henry’s fierce and very female heir. This production affords audiences the chance to see Shakespeare’s final play here for the first time in almost 30 years.
I have ventur’d, Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, This many summers in a sea of glory, But far beyond my depth.
BEGINS DECEMBER 3
By William Shakespeare Directed by Scott Wentworth The season concludes with the Bard’s famous comedic romp known for the brilliant war of words between the feisty Beatrice and the staunch bachelor Benedick. Renowned Stratford Festival artist Scott Wentworth does double duty, directing and playing Benedick opposite his real-life wife Marion Adler, who will portray Beatrice. Not seen here in over a decade, this Much Ado will be tailor-made to celebrate the winter holiday season in a very “White Christmas” kind of way!
beatrice: I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick. Nobody marks you. benedick: What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?
as you like it, 2013 Š james morey
THE OUTDOOR STAGE
“Enjoy al fresco theatre at its finest.” q on stage
the outdoor stage is sponsored by
BEGINS JUNE 18
on the outdoor stage By Molière Translated into English Verse by Richard Wilbur Directed by Brian B. Crowe The Shakespeare Theatre’s popular Outdoor Stage will ring with laughter as the “It Girls” of the 17th century, who bear a hilarious and uncanny resemblance to the “It Girls” of the 21st century, frolic, flirt, and flaunt in grand style in this silly, fun farce that is perfect for audiences of all ages and especially families with teens!
Is there a stranger house in Christendom Than mine, where women are as mad as hatters, And everything is known except what matters?
LEND US YOUR EARS Play Reading Series
Lend Us Your Ears offers the opportunity to join Shakespeare Theatre directors, actors, and artistic staff as they explore diverse and exciting plays. These scriptin-hand readings feature members of the Theatre’s company of actors as well as prestigious guest artists. A talk-back discussion with the director and the cast offers the audience the opportunity to provide feedback on the play and its potential for future productions. $18 each or all three for $48
Not About Heroes By Stephen MacDonald May 5 at 7 pm
In acknowledgement of this year marking the hundred-year anniversary of the start of World War I, we’ll read this intimate piece about the friendship of two taciturn, complicated, and brilliant men: Siegfried Sassoon, war hero and aristocrat, determined to expose the false ideals used to justify war; and the young poet, Wilfred Owen, recovering from the effects of shell-shock, and desperately seeking a hero and understanding. Their paths cross at Craiglockhart War Hospital for Nervous Disorders, in Edinburgh, in August, 1917.
The Physicists
By Friedrich Durrenmatt September 22 at 7 pm Like so many of this season’s offerings, this play deals with the notion that the quest for new discoveries and knowledge often comes at a dear cost, with high stake responsibilities and consequences. Like Wittenberg, the play places historical figures from different eras into one place and time; in this case, a mental sanitorium with men who believe they are Einstein, Sir Issac Newton, and Möbius. The play’s assertion of “What was once thought can never be unthought” provokes provocative reflection on the social responsibility of science and technology.
A Tender Thing
Adapted by Ben Power from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet November 10 at 7 pm A tale filled with characters with whom we are intimately familiar, but which is told in such a new way that it is both disquieting and amazing at the same time. Royal Shakespeare Company member Ben Power has re-woven Shakespeare’s timeless tale, and given Romeo and Juliet long life. The constant in both these accounts of the famous lovers is their undying passion for each other. This arresting new take on characters we know so well will provoke a fascinating and probably passionate response – especially amongst ardent fans of the play and of the Bard.
SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES October 27, 7:30pm $40 The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre The fifth annual Something Wicked This Way Comes promises to be a wicked hit once again! An all-new collection of bone-chilling and bone-tickling readings from the classic canon of the macabre, presented by our esteemed company of actors and guest artists. This hugely-popular event is the perfect way to kick-off a shockingly fun Halloween week.
SOMETHING MERRY THIS WAY COMES December 15, 7:30pm $40 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 a veritable cornucopia of delightful, 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.
ames adamson and aedin moloney in a most dangerous woman, 2013 Š gerry goodstein
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Enhance your theatre-going experience with these audience favorites: Know the Show Join us at 7 pm on Know the Show Thursdays for insightful pre-performance talks by Shakespeare Theatre artists which provide fascinating background information, expert perspectives, and insider tidbits on the plays. Request the Know the Show discount ticket package to attend these pre-show discussions. $168 – $228 Symposium Performances Following the performance, stay in your seats and participate in a lively discussion about the play with the cast, directors, and artistic staff. Request a Tuesday evening or Saturday matinee Symposium discount ticket package. $136 – $222 Previews For the lowest prices and to experience the excitement of a show in process before it officially opens, choose the Preview discount ticket package and select a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evening or Saturday matinee. $120 – $162 Opening Nights Enjoy champagne at intermission and mingle with actors and other artists following the performance at opening night parties featuring complimentary libations, delicious light fare, and desserts. Choose the Opening Night package. Limited availability. $280 – $405 Audio Description Patrons with visual impairments can hear live descriptions of the action on the stage through an fm transmitter. A pre-performance sensory seminar is offered that allows patrons to handle props, costumes, and set pieces to further enhance their experience. Request the Audio Described discount ticket package. $164 – $222 for more information, call 973.408.5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org email: BoxOffice@ShakespeareNJ.org 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 just 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.
carly street and jon barker in tovarich, 2013 © james morey
ORDER YOUR TICKET PACKAGE
Save up to 50% off regular prices with a Discount Ticket Package – the best seats at the lowest prices! All ticket package buyers enjoy the following special benefits: Free exchanges Complete flexibility – 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 we’ll 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 Exclusive discounts: › $5 off additional tickets for family, friends, and guests › Add The Learned Ladies on the Outdoor Stage to your ticket package for $29 (regularly $35) for more information, call 973.408.5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org email: BoxOffice@ShakespeareNJ.org
*Tickets can only be exchanged for another performance of the same production. Seating is 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.
the f.m. kirby shakespeare theatre © andrew mur ad
THE COMPLETE WORKS DISCOUNT TICKET PACKAGE › See all six Main Stage plays › The Best Seats at the Best Prices – up to 50% off regular prices
previews (wednesday, thursday, $162 friday evening or saturday matinee) tuesday, wednesday, sunday evening $183
› As low as $27 per ticket
thursday evening
$204
› Same great seats for each show – keep them season after season
friday evening
$219
saturday matinee
$222
saturday evening
$309
sunday matinee
$252
opening night
$405
› Add The Learned Ladies on the Outdoor Stage for just $29; $10 for children
student subscription
$60
5-PLAY DISCOUNT TICKET PACKAGE
previews (wednesday, thursday, $140 friday evening or saturday matinee) thursday evening
$180
› Select five Main Stage plays
friday evening
$195
› Up to 48% off regular prices
saturday matinee
$195
› As low as $28 per ticket
saturday evening
$270
sunday matinee
$220
opening night
$350
student subscription
$50
› Complete Works Subscriber Card offers exclusive dining and shopping discounts
› Add The Learned Ladies on the Outdoor Stage for just $29; $10 for children
tuesday, wednesday, sunday evening $160
4-PLAY DISCOUNT TICKET PACKAGE
previews (wednesday, thursday, $120 friday evening or saturday matinee) thursday evening
$152
› Select four Main Stage plays
friday evening
$164
› Up to 45% off regular prices
saturday matinee
$164
› As low as $30 per ticket
saturday evening
$224
sunday matinee
$184
opening night
$280
› Add The Learned Ladies on the Outdoor Stage for just $29; $10 for children
FLEX PASS FlexPass (six tickets redeemable for all performances excluding Opening Nights) $330
tuesday, wednesday, sunday evening $136
student subscription $40
36 madison avenue madison, nj 07940
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melissa miller and julie jesneck in fallen angels, 2013 © gerry goodstein brochure design by punch & judy inc. illustr ations by scott mckowen
973.408.5600 SHAKESPEARENJ.ORG
“One of the best companies in the New York area... more than capable of casting its spell on modern audiences.” the wall street journal