‘Hamlet’ at Shakespeare Theatre NJ is a Treat this Halloween Season

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Karen Nowosad
Joe Mucciolo as Horatio, Cole Henry Gilder as Barnardo, Ethan Goodmansen as Marcellus, and
Isaac Hickox-Young as Hamlet. Photo by Avery Brunkus,

Review of Hamlet at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s plays that people count amongst their favorites. It is a timeless classic that explores murder and revenge. However, it also examines deep grief, love, betrayal, and wild madness.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is running an outstanding production of Hamlet now through November 15, 2026. The Director of the production, Brian B. Crowe, recently said the following about the play:

I’ve always seen Hamlet as one of the great thrillers of English drama, There are ghosts, murders, spies, secret messages, surveillance, and people constantly trying to figure out who knows what and who’s watching whom. But it’s also so much more than that. While careening through a deadly revenge tragedy, Shakespeare also masterfully manages to explore profound questions of identity, loss, and the human condition. It’s heart-pounding and moving, intimately human and vastly epic; and that’s why it remains a masterpiece four centuries after it was penned.

Director Crowe brings the play to life through a dynamic cast each dedicated to giving strong performances, outstanding staging, and a little glance of staging humor. The set allows great mobility for the cast as well as lighting that changes the mood.

The cast of Hamlet. Photo by Avery Brunkus.

Basics of the Story

The story centers around Prince Hamlet as he returns home following his father’s death. He finds his kingdom changed as his mother married his uncle, Claudius, and has taken the throne. There are reports of the ghost of his father walking the grounds of Elsinore, Denmark. The ghost appears to Hamlet is said to want to extract revenge on his killer. Hamlet takes up the task to uncover the truth and avenge his father’s death. Small groups have ideas of their own. And the ghost appears from time to time to various people.

Hamlet brings in an acting group that mimics the King’s murder. He looks to see reactions. An accident occurs while Hamlet is arguing with his mother and Polonius is killed. Ophelia goes mad over the death and drowns. Duels take place resulting in deaths. Gertrude accidentally drinks poisoned wine and dies. Hamlet, Laertes, and Claudius die at the end. One of the group, Horatio, survives and can tell the true story.

Cast includes Isaac Hickox-Young (Hamlet). Scott Wentworth (Claudius). Marion Adler (Gertrude). Anthony Marble (the Ghost and Gravedigger). and Billie Wyatt (Ophelia). The ensemble cast also features Clara Chahine (Reynoldo), Dino Curia (Rosencrantz), Cole Henry Gilder (Bernardo), Ethan Goodmansen (Marcellus), Ty Lane (Laertes), Neil Redfield (Guildenstern). Additionally, there is Joe Mucciolo (Horatio) and Andrew Sellon (Polonius).

Hamlet and Halloween Elements

If you are looking for something special to see this Halloween Season, you should consider seeing this production. Here are some of the more popular items affiliated with the show and Halloween:

A Ghost Appearing on Stage

The play begins with the killing of Hamlet’s father resulting in a ghost on the loose. There is a bit of the supernatural as the ghost appears. With the lighting used, it is downright scary to watch as the ghost appears on the stage.

Anthony Marble as The Ghost. Photo by Avery Brunkus.

A Sense of a Haunting

The play has an air of the supernatural and the macabre. Not knowing where a ghost will appear gives that uncertain feeling. Additionally, character reactions to what is happening add to the atmosphere as well.

A Grave and a Skull

What says Halloween better than a skull being pulled out from a grave? In this show, there is some sound that comes out from the skull. The grave looks pretty authentic as a section of the stage opens to allow the actor to go down into the opening and come up with the skull.

Anthony Marble as The Gravedigger and Isaac Hickox-Young as Hamlet. Photo by Avery
Brunkus.

A Descent into Madness

Ophelia’s descent into madness is one of the most stunning parts of the play. Billie Wyatt does not hold back as she is drawn down. Isaac Hickox-Young turns in a fine performance with the character’s descent into madness as well as throughout the show. Halloween shows thrive on madness and a sense of loss.

Andrew Sellon as Polonius and Billie Wyatt as Ophelia. Photo by Avery Brunkus.

A Body Count of the Dead

Halloween shows seem to require a body count as a part of the story. Hamlet has that carried out especially at the end! But one was especially moving to see happen and that was Gertrude dying. Marion Adler’s portrayal of this character is superb.

Go to See Hamlet

The show runs now through Nov. 15 at The F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ. Ticket Prices range between $45 – $85. To make a purchase, visit the website at ShakespeareNJ.org or call (973) 408-5600.

Special Events for Hamlet

The following ia a list of special events remaining for the run of the show:

  • Know-the-Show Series & Closed Captioning: Thursday, October 22nd starting at 6:45
    p.m. A pre-show talk with the artistic team about the playwright and work.
    Closed Captioning provided at this performance by Globetitles.
  • Hobnob & Hang: Friday, October 23rd following the performance – A chance to mix and mingle with fellow theater lovers after the show; bites and cash bar available
  • Symposium Series #2: Saturday, October 24th following matinee performance. A lively post-show chat with the director and cast.
  • Sensory Seminar & Audio Described Performance: November 4th starting at 1:15 p.m. A pre-show touch experience for Blind/low-vision patrons – Audio Description provided at this performance.
  • The Court of Denmark: Friday, November 6th starting at 6:30 p.m. A celebratory pre-show gathering fit for the royal court; bites and cash bar available
  • Backstage Tour: Saturday, November 7th starting at 11:30 a.m.
    A peek behind-the-scenes of the production at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
  • Symposium Series #3: Saturday, November 7th following matinee performance. A lively post-show chat with the director and cast.

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‘Effa Loves Baseball’ Scores A Home Run

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Karen Nowosad

Effa Loves Baseball is a Historic, Enjoyable Show to See

Premiere Stages at Kean has a knack for selecting new productions that are well written with interesting story lines that appeal to their audiences. Such is the case with Effa Loves Baseball running now through October 25. Written by Pia Wilson, this play was the recipient of the 2025/26 Liberty Live Commission. Playwright Wilson has an extensive background working in the playwriting industry. Her plays have been produced across the country.  

Director marcus d. harvey brings together well developed staging of the play at Kean University’s Enlow Recital Hall. His work with the cast of actors brings out many of the ups and downs Effa went through. There are disappointing moments but also triumphs presented.

The play is about Effa Manley who was the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. She managed the Newark Eagles as they went on to a World Series Win in the Negro Leagues. But the play is about much more. It shows what Effa as a woman in a predominately man’s world went through for her dream of that win. It also brings back memories of the Negro Leagues now a part of the history of baseball.

The Story Brings a Human Side of Baseball to Light

Effa Manley and her husband Abe Manley lead busy lives. In addition to being the owners and managers of the Newark Eagles, they both have other interests. Abe has successful business ventures and Effa is active in Civil Rights causes.

Kerry Warren and Greg Alverez Reid. Premiere Stages’ 2026
production of Effa Loves Baseball by Pia Wilson. Photo by Mike Peters.

Effa has a sharp eye for spotting new talent for the team. Abe relies on her for what she brings to the job. One day, she spots a young player by the name of Larry Doby. Great care is taken to recruit him to the Eagles. He lives up to expectations but eventually goes off to join the Navy to serve in World War II. His return is significant because it helps the Eagles win the World Series.

The play shows the care Effa has for the members of the Eagles. She cares about what happens to them in their everyday lives. She makes sure they are fed and have proper places to stay. At one point, she buys a well outfitted bus to transport the team members to their games. It even has air-conditioning, a luxury not always seen at that time.

Shortly after celebrating the World Series Win, a critical event occurs. Branch Rickey works to help Jackie Robinson join the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. This marks the beginning of the integration of Major League Baseball. It is a moment that was the hope for many years. However, when it arrives, there is a major drop in attendance for the Eagles and a drop in the Manley’s revenue. No longer able to continue with their team, we see them sell the team and move to Houston. As the play ends, Effa reflects back on what has happened and her hopes for the future.

Cast

Kerry Warren leads the cast as she plays Effa Manley. She hits it out of the ballpark with her portrayal of this great lady. She shows many sides of Effa both during her discouraging moments as well as the good ones. Especially important to see is the way she interacts with her husband, Abe Manley played by Greg Alverez Reid. Mr. Reid does a superb portrayal of man who is strong enough to allow his wife’s talents to be spoken about in public. And he also shows how much he loved Effa and how he cared for her.

Grant Kennedy Lewis plays Larry Doby. He turns in an astute performance of the player who later becomes the first black player in baseball’s American League. His actions simulating playing the game are a joy to watch.

DeShawn Harold Mitchell plays the outstanding catcher Biz Mackey. We see him assist the team with helping to develop Larry Doby and others on the Eagles.

Justin Walter Cook plays dual roles in the play as Announcer 1 and Marion Motley. David Andrew Morton plays Branch Rickey and several other roles.

This cast makes Effa Loves Baseball a very special show to see. Their enthusiasm is fun to watch. At times, you might feel like you are actually at a game.

Go To See Effa Loves Baseball

October is a great time to celebrate baseball and this is one show you don’t want to miss.

Effa Loves Baseball runs October 15 – 25 at Enlow Recital Hall on Kean University’s East Campus, 215 North Avenue, Hillside, N.J.

The performance schedule is Thursdays, October 15 at 7:30 pm and October 22 at 10:30 am, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm & 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm.  Tickets for all other performances are $42 standard, $32 for senior citizens and Kean alumni and staff, $27 for patrons with disabilities and $18 for students, inclusive of any fees. Significant discounts for groups of ten or more apply.

To purchase tickets, call the box office at 908-737-7469 or visit Premiere Stages online at premierestagesatkean.com.

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‘The Fallen’ – A Powerful Look at Life in 1800s Colorado

Posted on October 16, 2026 by Karen Nowosad
Chelsea Clark and Jessica Luhmann in The Fallen Photo credit Chris Bentley

In the mid 1800’s, there was a line between the rights of men and women. This concept is at the base of a new show, The Fallen. This production comes from Manhattan Repertory Theatre. The Fallen started as a one-act play at the Looking Glass Theater where it was voted the audience favorite. It was later developed into a full play with readings at Abingdon Theatre. It’s arrival in New York is designated as Off-Broadway running now through October 25.

Written by Rita Lewis, The Fallen is a Western drama about two families, Adams and Nash, who live in the Colorado Territory in 1867. The events in the story unfold over seventeen years bringing the final scene to 1884.

Director Ken Wolf works with an outstanding group of actors who make up the cast. Simplistic but effective stage techniques are used to help tell the story. But be warned: the story depicts domestic violence, implied rape and gun use.

“The Fallen is a powerful Western about ordinary people finding extraordinary courage when the trail gets rough. It’s filled with love, loss, danger, redemption, and some wonderful surprises. Rita Lewis creates characters that we quickly care about, and I think audiences are in for one heck of an emotional ride,” says Director Ken Wolf.

An Intense and Powerful Story

The Fallen opens with Joseph Adams’ trial ending with a hung jury. Joseph was charged with killing his wife. The circumstances of why he killed her are revealed towards the end of the play and they give credence as to why the jury could not complete a verdict. When he returns home, his daughter, Sarah, is concerned about her father’s safety.

The second family is made up of Lily Nash, Preacher Henry Nash, and Abigail Nash. Being a man of God, Henry keeps a strong hold on his daughter. He is not pleased to see her go to a dance especially when she ends up pregnant from a boy she meets there. It is implied that a rape takes place resulting in a pregnancy. The disgrace to this family is more than anyone can handle and so Abigail works out a way for Lily to go to a convent a number of miles away.

While traveling, Lily meets Joseph who helps her out. His kindness is something Lily needs very much at that point.

Years later, Lily returns to her mother, Abigail, who misses her daughter tremendously. Through a series of events,Lily’s son Lucas is reunited with the family. Lily made the most of her life and she is so successful she is now able to take care of her mother.

There are difficult moments in the story and yet the people who have experienced the worse overcome them. The concerns with what will people say about me/us are prevalent. But despite it all, there is a satisfying ending.

Characters Created by a Dynamic Cast

Ken Wolf skillfully provides direction to help his cast create strong characters who make the story come alive. The intense development of the characters adds much to the storyline.

Gabriella Russo and John Sarno in a scene from The Fallen – Photo Credit Chris Bentley

Playing the role of Joseph Adams is John Sarno. Joseph is a compassionate man who tries to help people and so it is difficult to understand why he killed his wife. The kindness and assistance he provides to Lily Nash is instrumental in her being able to make it to a new life. Lily is played by Jessica Luhmann. Her character is one of the main interests in the play and she handles the role very well. Lily is young and very much taken advantage of by Will played by Nathan Cusson. Will has a smaller part in the play and his attempts at charming Lily at first seem sweet, but his aggressive behavior towards her is leads to a crucial development in the story.

When Lily discovers she is pregnant, her father, Preacher Henry Nash, is upset with her. Max Avery-Lichtenstein turns in a strong performance in his role as Henry. He is a God respecting man who expects everyone else to be the same. But his inability to be kind to the women in his life tells another story. Chelsea Clark gives one of the most emotional performances in the show as Abigail Nash. She is a good woman saddled with an unkind husband. But she loves her daughter Lily with all her heart and she does everything she can to see that Lily can get a new life.

Gabriella Russo plays Sarah Adams, Joseph’s daughter. The role of his daughter brings in challenges that Sarah has to deal with. The disrespect of the town’s people towards her father is a heartache to her. She is a stable character who makes sure her father is still welcome in his own home. Cameron Parker gives the character Lucas a youthful but gentle energy as he represents next generation of the Nash family. We only see him a brief time towards the end of the play, but his arrival is a happy moment used to end the show.

Simple but Effective Stage Techniques

The characters and story line dominate The Fallen. So it makes sense that the stage has a good but simple set representing the West at the time in which the play is set. Both families are hard working but do not have much wealth. However simplistic their homes are, they are functional, clean, and well taken care of. A very clever use of two doors next to each other is very useful for showing the in and out portion of a home. Scenes where travel happens allow you to feel like you are out on a quiet area of land allowing the imagination to picture what it might have been like. There is a stillness to a few parts of the play that is quite wonderful to experience.

Good use is made of all the space inside the Chain Theatre. Characters frequently come up and down the aisles giving the audience some inclusive, but non-invasive moments.

Go to See The Fallen

This production of The Fallen is well worth going to see. It will take you back to a time and place not frequently seen in live theater. With a well written story and strong acting, you can’t go wrong.

Performances of The Fallen continue on Friday October 16 at 7pm, Saturday October 17 at 7 pm, Sun October 18 at 3 pm, Wednesday October 21 at 7 pm, Thursday October 22 at 7 pm, Friday October 23 at 7 pm, Saturday October 24 at 7 pm, and Sunday October 25 at 3 pm. Shows are at New York City’s Chain Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th Floor, NYC.

For more information about the show or tickets, go to the Manhattan Repertory Theatre website.

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