BWW Interviews: Robert Stanton in THE SCHOOL FOR WIVES at Two Rivers Theater

Moliere's classic comedy, The School for Wives will open at Two Rivers Theater in Red Bank on September 13th and run through October 5th. Directed by Mark Wing-Davey this rarely produced show will star Robert Stanton as Arnolphe, a role played by Moliere himself in the original production in 1662. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to chat with Stanton prior to the opening.

The School for Wives is about a rich, middle-aged bachelor named Arnolphe, whose plan to groom his innocent young ward into the "perfect" wife suddenly goes awry. Will this pompous bachelor really be a match for a rival suitor, inept servants and the wit of his soon-to-be bride?

Currently a resident of Brooklyn, New York, Stanton brings a wealth of theatrical experience to the role of Arnolphe. He received his MFA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Acting Program. He has appeared on Broadway in A Free Man of Color, and in The Coast of Utopia at Lincoln Center Theater, and Mary Stuart with Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter. He has a very impressive array of Off-Broadway and regional credits. Stanton has appeared in many films and television shows including Orange is the New Black, The Good Wife and Frasier.

We asked Stanton when he first realized his theatrical talents. As a child, he enjoyed television and watched many situation comedies. In his early teen years, he saw Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Kennedy Center that starred a family friend. Fred Gwynne's performance as Big Daddy so impressed him that he chose to explore the same role in his 9th grade drama class.

Stanton had very notable personal mentors. He stated that he had the "honor" of studying with Ron Van Lieu, Michael Kahn and Gates McFadden, all teachers at NYU whom he "deeply admired." Yet, he named Jeremy Geidt as having the most profound influence on his career. Geidt, a long time friend and highly acclaimed actor, was a founding member of both Yale Repertory Theater and American Repertory Theater, where Geidt was a senior member of the resident company when Robert joined it at the age of 26. He spoke of how they once shared a dressing room and co-starred in shows including Twelfth Night, Major Barbara, The Lost Boys (now the musical Finding Neverland), The Homecoming and Once in a Lifetime.

Stanton also spoke his parents who and their constant support. His mother Billie L. Stanton was a Captain in the Women's Army Corp and his father Lloyd Stanton was a Seaman in the United States Navy in World War II. He said, "They had a wonderful marriage and I was raised in a loving and happy home."

Interestingly, Stanton's role in The School for Wives is in direct contrasts sharply to his very positive upbringing and his own mother's strong feminist values. He pointed out, "In this play, I am a chauvinistic narcissist who is very controlling and obsessed with the notion of women cheating."Stanton commented, "Even though it was written in 1662, the circumstances of the play have not changed very much."

Stanton is pleased to be on the Two Rivers stage for the first time. He calls it a "beautiful theater that lives up to its mission of welcoming its audiences with fine works." Stanton has worked with The School for Wives Director, Mark Wing-Davey's in repertory in 1993. He said, "I admire Mark's techniques and appreciate his direction for this role that is so demanding and challenging." He also said that his fellow cast members in School for Wives are "top notch."

Stanton calls The School for Wives, "a farce, funny yet deep and dark." This funny farce that is sure to please metropolitan area audiences from September 13th through October 5th on the Two Rivers Stage. Ticket prices range from $37 to $65, with discounts available for groups, seniors, and U.S. military personnel, their families, and veterans. A limited number of $20 tickets are available for every performance; $20 tickets may be partial view. Tickets for patrons under 30 are $20 and include the best available seats at every performance. Tickets are available from www.tworivertheater.org. You may also call the theater box office at (732)345-1400.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Two Rivers Theater