The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will have two shows running through July. One which will run at the Outdoor Theater is The Complete Works of Shakespeare (unabridged)(revised). The second one, Coriolanus, will be at the Kirby Theater.
Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, The Complete Works of Shakespeare will be performed at the Outdoor Stage on Tuesdays through Sundays at 8:00 pm, with a special twilight performance on Sundays at 4:30 pm. This year, young people 18 and under go for free thanks to generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Patrons are encouraged to bring either a low-backed beach chair or picnic blanket to sit on. Higher-backed beach chairs are allowed in the top rows of the theatre. Seating at The Outdoor Stage is general admission.
According to theater notes, the show is “Back by popular demand, three wild and crazy actors will take you on an irreverent, madcap romp through Shakespeare’s entire canon. Featuring some new surprises since our last production in 2008, this is a terrific show to introduce Shakespeare to young people, and a hilarious spoof that appeals to audiences of all ages — from Bardophiles to Bardophobes! As always, picnicking under the stars with family and friends makes for a delightful evening where art, nature, and the ancient tradition of outdoor theatre all come together!”
The three actors are Jon Barker, Connor Carew, and Patrick Toon. The production is directed by Jeffrey M. Bender.
This show will run June 22 through July 31.
For tickets or more information, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for group discounts. Bank of America customers can obtain tickets for the Outdoor Stage for $25 by using code “BOFA” for online sales and/or with the presentation of their bank cards at the box office.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Outdoor Stage, the amphitheatre on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth, is conveniently located at 2 Convent Road, off Madison Avenue (Rt. 124) in Morris Township, just minutes from Routes 287, 78, and 10. Parking is free. The Theatre is barrier free. Wheelchair seating is available. Large Print programs are available upon request 48 hours in advance.
Coriolanus is an intense political drama by William Shakespeare. Press notes describe it in this way: “When Rome is faced with threats from without and famine within, it turns to its defender, Coriolanus. The decorated war-hero quickly discovers that his true enemies lie inside Rome’s walls, and perhaps within himself. . . Written some time between 1605 and 1608, Coriolanus was not performed until after the Restoration. Inspired by the era’s political tensions, The Drury Lane company first performed the drama in 1682. For as much as Coriolanus is a political drama, that is the play’s epic outer shell; within that framework resides an intimate psychological portrait of a complex and tortured man who is grappling with the conflict between his true nature and the public persona that his family and peers have thrust upon him.”
Coriolanus will be directed by Brian B. Crowe with company veterans Greg Derelian and Jacqueline Antarmian in the leading roles.
Performances begin July 6 and continue through July 24 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue (at Lancaster Road) in Madison. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or go online at shakespearenj.org.
Special Performances include the following:
- For the same price as a regular ticket, the Symposium Series performances offer a post-show discussion with the cast and artistic staff. For Coriolanus these performances will be Tuesday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m., and Saturday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m.
- The Know the Show pre-show talks are offered again in 2016 free-of-cost. Prior to the show, an artist from The Shakespeare Theatre will present a pre-performance talk providing background information and an inside perspective on the production. This program is free with the purchase of a performance ticket and for Coriolanus will be held Thursday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m., with the show commencing at 8:00 p.m.