The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s ‘Coriolanus’ is Dynamic, Powerful, and Timely

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Karen Nowosad
'Coriolanu' is playing through July 24 at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ - Photo by Jerry Dalia

‘Coriolanu’ is playing through July 24 at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ – Photo by Jerry Dalia

A leader of troops returns from a great battle to his home city as a hero. He is granted a valued position in the leadership ranks, but a faction who also wants power turns the people against him. Does this sound like modern day news? It certainly could be. However, this is the basic scenario that guides the plot of the play Coriolanus written by William Shakespeare. The insights about human needs for power haven’t changed much since it was written in the 1500’s including the personalities and what one will do to achieve that power. I came away with a greater appreciation for Shakespeare’s ability to identify and write about people, their humanity and their failings which are universal.

Playing until July 24 on the Kirby Stage in Madison of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Coriolanus is classified as one of the Bard’s Tragedies. This is not a play that is frequently performed but it really should be because there is just something so unique, something so special about this play that makes it stand out. This particular production which is directed by Brian B. Crowe, has some fine elements to it that make it a must see show this summer.

Photo by Jerry Dalia

Photo by Jerry Dalia


One of those elements that gives a unique flair to the entire production is the 20th century modern costuming and use of props. The dresses on Coriolanus’ family are soft flowing. Darker colors are used for the mass crowds. Modern utensils are seen used by the tribunes that include clipboards and speakers. The sets are quite sparse but very functional and great use is made of the entire theater space which at times makes the audience feel that they are actually in the play itself.

Photo by Jerry Dalia.

Photo by Jerry Dalia.

The plot is based on the story of the downfall of famed Roman General Caius Martius Coriolanus. It is not a highly complex piece to follow as the story has several main parts that are developed. As the play opens, angry citizens of Rome have gathered to voice their concerns that the leaders of Rome are hoarding food during a time of famine. As Menenius Agippa tries to appease them, Martius enters. He quickly leaves as word of incoming armies is heard. Bravely, he charges out gets his soldiers and an intense battle occurs which he wins. The battle scene’s intensity is increased as incoming armies race down the theater aisles and powerful sword fights take place on stage. Walls close and open to add to the stress of the moment and finally, Caius Martius can claim his victory over his enemy, the Volscians, led by Tullus Aufidius. This battle scene is in the very early part of the play yet it is one of the most dynamic parts of the play for its action and perfectly executed battle and sword fighting choreography.

Photo by Jerry Dalia

Photo by Jerry Dalia

Upon his return, Caius Martius, who beomes known as Coriolanus, is welcomed back as a hero and his family, particularly his mother, Volumnia, who encourages him to seek political authority. This opens an interesting part of the Caius Martius’ persona, that of being a man who has two sides within him struggling for control. He wants power and yet he is insecure at the same time. His family is the strength in his life and his mother seems to be a force to be reckoned with. With their encouragement, he meets with the Senate who agrees to make him a consul, but he must first submit himself for the public’s approval. Here is where we can really see parallel to current day when the tribunes, who are representatives of the common people, stir up the populace. Their scheming to cut the public support of Caius is overwhelming and he does not receive the support he needs. And although he won a great battle for them, he is branded a traitor and exiled from Rome. After a final plea from his mother, he attempts one more time to regain political power, only to be killed in the end.

The story unfolds through the fine acting of a large cast that includes Nobles of Rome, Commoners of Rome, and The Volscians. A special mention goes to the following whose roles are so pivotal to the plot. Leading the cast as Coriolanus is Greg Derelian who turns in a standout performance of a complex man. The role of his mother, Volumnia, is played by Jacqueline Antaramian who demonstrates how forcefully in a quiet way a mother can influence her son. Bruce Cromer plays Menenuis Agippa, a patrician. Mr. Cromer successfully shows how loyalties can switch rapidly. In the roles of the Tribunes are John Ahlin and Corey Tazmania whose deceptive campaign to discredit Coriolanus is so well presented that it makes the final turns of the plot easy to understand but not necessarily to be pleased with the results.

Additional Information about Coriolanus:

Location: The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Ave. (at Lancaster Road), Madison, NJ
Tickets and Info Contact: Call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org
Special Ticket Pricing: 30 Under 30 Program
Suggested Audience: Early teens – adults
Dates: July 6 – July 24, 2016
Post-Show Symposium Performances: July 12 at 7:30 p.m.; July 16 at 2:00 p.m. July 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Know the Show: July 14 at 7:00 p.m. and curtain at 8:00 p.m.

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New Play ‘Struck’ Explores Questions about Life and Issues from the Past

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Karen Nowosad
Adam Bradley, Susan Maris, Matthew Shepard and Jenny Bacon in 'Struck'- Photo by Suzanne Barabas

Adam Bradley, Susan Maris, Matthew Shepard and Jenny Bacon in ‘Struck’- Photo by Suzanne Barabas

The New Jersey Repertory Company introduced the play, Struck, on June 30th. Written by Sandy Rustin, Struck is enjoying its World Premiere at the Long Branch theater which continues to produce new, high quality works, providing an entertaining visit to the theater. The play, which is directed by Don Stephenson, has a plot based on actual events that happened to the playwright. It also brings in a topic that was publicized recently in the media about returning artifacts stolen from Jews by the Nazis during World War II.

The events experienced by the playwright took place over a period of several months. Ms. Rustin was struck while in a car several times. It got her thinking about whether the universe wanted her to “wake up and pay attention to something” (quote from an interview in NJJN). The question became does the universe have forces at work or is it just random cells bumping into each other? This question becomes the basis of the action that takes place in Struck when Vera Resnick gets hit by a bicycle on the streets of New York City. She has some bad bruises on her legs and her back is out of alignment, but other than that, she survives very well. So well that she decides to call the man who was riding the bike that hit her. The young man, James, is relieved to hear that she is doing fairly well. He pays her a visit and through several discussions, Vera and James discover they are related. Or so it seems.

The focus of the play then moves from the accident to the topic of artifacts stolen from the Jews by the Nazis. However, to tell how and why that occurs would be exposing too much before seeing the play. Suffice it say that the unfolding of that part of the plot is very well written, very well performed, and a bit startling as it unfolds.

Adam Bradley, Susan Maris, and Jenny Bacon

Adam Bradley, Susan Maris, and Jenny Bacon – Photo by Suzanne Barabas

The storyline alone is a good reason to go to see Struck. Add to that a cast that is marvelous playing their roles and you have the makings of a show that is destined to make a name for itself. Susan Maris portrays Vera as a very open minded soul who is willing to get to know people and add them to her life. Maris does a fine job showing how the injuries from the accident have affected her body but not her zest for life which is the key to her happiness. Adam Bradley plays Vera’s husband, Nate. He is centered, balanced, and more than willing to do whatever he needs to do to make his wife feel comfortable and safe in their world. He is a devoted husband and his portrayal shows an inner strength of the character that probably helps Vera to be able to do some of the things she does.

Susan Maris, Jenny Bacon, and Ben Puvalowski - Photo by Suzanne Barabas

Susan Maris, Jenny Bacon, and Ben Puvalowski – Photo by SuzAnne Barabas

The role of Vicky, the neighbor from down the hall, is played by Jenny Bacon. Ms. Bacon has a wonderful sense of comedy and good timing that allows the Vicky character to inject some much needed humor at times. Her work with metaphysics fits in well with the concept of why accidents occur and then she shifts her psychic leanings to focus more on Vera. Special applause go out to Ben Puvalowski whose portrayal of the bicyclist, James, is very convincing. He moves his portrayal of James, a quiet, concerned young man who feels badly about hitting Vera into an entirely different character right before your eyes. This character is not pretty or nice. But he pulls it off well. There is also another character, Bertrand, played by Matthew Shepard, who doesn’t come into the action until towards the end of the play. His role provides a marvelous way to tie up loose ends and show the hope for the future for Vera and Nate.

Struck will play at New Jersey Repertory Company theater at 179 Broadway in Long Branch through July 31, 2016. Tickets are available www.njrep.org or by calling 732-229-3166.

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‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare’ Outdoors on a Summer’s Night

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Karen Nowosad

 

Pictured left to right: Connor Carew, Patrick Toon, Jon Barker. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia

Pictured left to right: Connor Carew, Patrick Toon, Jon Barker. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia

If you have ever wanted to take a crash course that gives an overview of all of the plays that Shakespeare wrote your time has arrived.  The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] is a fun, fast paced show that will be playing through July 31st at the Outdoor Stage of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.  It was written by the Reduced Shakespeare Company made up of Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield  The Shakespeare Company of NJ first performed this play back in 2008.  Due to popular demand, it has returned this summer slightly changed [revised] featuring some new surprises.

Pictured left to right: Patrick Toon, Connor Carew, Jon Barker. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia

Pictured left to right: Patrick Toon, Connor Carew, Jon Barker. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia

The production is directed by Jeffrey M. Bender. The cast is made up of three actors from the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ company. They are Jon Barker, Connor Carew, and Patrick Toon. Dressed in a variety of costumes throughout the show, they all wear colorful high top sneakers to help them with all the running, jumping, and climbing that goes on. The actors not only tell a story, but they include the audience at a few points during the production. Their inclusions are tastefully done with lots of good humor attached to them.

Here’s how the show is set up: There is a brief introduction given when the audience learns that the 37 plays written by Shakespeare will covered during the 1 hour 50 minute performance.  Then it’s on with the show with a wish of “may the Bard be with you.” And they are off and running.

The first play is Romeo and Juliet like you have never seen it done before. The overview takes about 10 minutes and you start to wonder how will they cover the other 36 plays. That’s where the cleverness of the writing comes in. The remainder of Act One rotates between the Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies that make up the Shakespeare Canon. All the plays are not done in the detail that Romeo and Juliet are, but by the time you get to intermission, you have heard something about them or at least their name mentioned.

Jon Barker - Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia

Jon Barker – photo by Jerry Dalia

Act Two is devoted to the retelling of Hamlet. The quick movements of the three cast members and the continuous changing of costumes makes this a Hamlet you will long remember.

I wish I could have had a show like this years ago before I took my college Shakespeare course. It would have helped me have a better understanding of how the genre we associate with the Bard was composed and also how some themes form the basis of many of his plays. Therefore, I highly recommend this for young people who are studying Shakespeare. I also recommend it for those who enjoy his plays. This will get you laughing and appreciating the man’s work in a brand new way.

High marks must go to everyone who was involved with this production. It provides a evening out to the theater which is perfect for a summer day.  Also sending special thanks to the ushers and volunteers who were very helpful to myself and other audience members. I needed help moving my chair which I was using for the first time and couldn’t remember how to close it. The volunteers came to help me move it and also helped my companion and I find just the right seats.

The play is held at the Outdoor Theatre which is located on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, just minutes from the main location of the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ in Madison.  Bring your own low backed chair or if you have a higher one, you can sit up on one of the top rows of the amphitheater which is a fine view.

This show will run June 22 through July 31.

For tickets or more information, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Check on free tickets for young theater goers who are 18 and under.

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