Photo by SuzAnne Barabas showing a scene from ‘IAGO’ which includes Todd Gearhart, Liza Vann, Ezra Barnes, John Fitzgibbon
People who enjoy live theater usually love to learn about what goes on behind the scenes of a show. Seeing behind the scenes is considered by many to be a play within a play. That concept is what forms the story-line for a play that is having its New Jersey Premiere at the New Jersey Repertory Theatre in Long Branch. Iago gives viewers a backstage look at a group of actors who are involved with a Shakespearean production and what goes on with them in their lives during the production.
Written by James McLure, Iago, was developed at the Playwright’s Project in Healing Springs, North Carolina and premiered at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. This version in Long Branch is directed by NJ Rep’s own Artistic Director SuzAnne Barabas.
Iago explores what takes place off stage during rehearsals with an acting company as they prepare the Shakespearean classic Othello. It centers on three extraordinary actors who are at the top of their game. But the creatives are also represented by the well-known director who also gets involved. There is intrigue, scandal, and of course romance as rehearsals take place. The romance involves the husband and wife actors along with another actor in the company. Are they acting or is it real life? You be the judge when you see this unique show.
Several of the actors from this show shared their thoughts on what audiences will enjoy about it. Todd Gearhart said:
“If you love what’s theatrical about theatre you’ll love IAGO. The brilliance of Shakespeare, the romance of the real life lived backstage, the enormous egos and the huge stakes involved in creating a theatrical production. IAGO deals with fame, friendship, love, betrayal, and success. It’s a full-blown, theatrical evening of theatre.”
Photo by SuzAnne Barabas showing a scene from ‘IAGO’ which includes Ezra Barnes and Liza Vann.
Liza Vann said:
“Iago is about theatre royalty and Hollywood in its heyday, big people living big lives before the age of reality TV in the era of gossip columnists and newspapers. It’s the theatre world wrapped in a ‘Downton Abbey’ package: gorgeous costumes, wonderful dialogue, and one of those rare pieces that can be just so funny one minute and then so poignant the next. Add a sword fight to the mix, and I think Cousin Violet might be tempted to repeat one of her best lines, ‘I do hope I’m interrupting something.’ I promise you, she would be….”
In addition to Todd Gearhart and Liza Vann, the cast also includes Ezra Barnes and John FitzGibbon; all veteran actors who give performances that make this a very enjoyable play to see.
September is a beautiful time to be down the shore and luckily there are two weeks left to see Iago at the New Jersey Repertory Company located at 179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ. The show is currently running through Sunday, September 25, 2016. Performances are given on Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 732-229-3166 or at www.njrep.org.