BWW Interviews: Ben Jacoby in LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST at STNJ

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will be performing Love's Labour's Lost by William Shakespeare on the Outdoor Stage from June 17th through July 26th. This comedy performance promises to be a treat for metropolitan area audiences. Located on the grounds of the College of St. Elizabeth, this popular outdoor venue is perfect for families, date night, and evenings out with friends. You can bring a picnic to enjoy before the performance or snack during the show under the stars.

Ben Jacoby plays Berowne in Love's Labour's Lost and he is in his first season with The Shakespeare Theatre. He brings an impressive background to the stage that includes National Tour: the 25th anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera (Raoul, Original Cast). Regional credits: Sense and Sensibility (Milwaukee Rep); The Glass Menagerie, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Richard III among others (Utah Shakespeare Festival); South Pacific, and 9 to 5 (Marriott Theatre); The Light in the Piazza (Maine State Music Theatre). TV credit: The Good Wife (CBS). Ben holds an MFA in Acting from the University of California, Irvine.

Ben Jacoby grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Jacoby about his career and STNJ's production of Love's Labour's Lost.

What was your earliest interest in performing arts?

From the time I was very little, it was part of my life because both of my parents were in the business. It initially started as a hobby before it became my career path.

Tell us about an important mentor.

My father, Mark Jacoby wanted the best for me and always did (and does) his best to help me navigate the profession. He gave me a realistic sense and an understanding of the entertainment business

What has been your experience in outdoor theater?

I worked two seasons in Utah Shakespeare Festival that has an outdoor venue. There's really nothing like it. Performers have a real relationship to the audience.

Tell us a little about your character, Berowne in Love's Labour's Lost.

Berowne is a member of the Court of Navarre and an attendant to the king. He is part of the foursome that swears off women yet he, like the three others, attempts to simultaneously resist and woo the visiting ladies of France.

How are you enjoying your first season at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.

I like it very much. The new rehearsal space is gorgeous and I love working on the play. We have a short rehearsal time, 2 ½ weeks. Brian Crowe, our director, has very specific and helpful ideas, a necessity when the rehearsal time is so limited. The cast came prepared and had really done their homework. It is an astoundingly versatile group of actors. Love's Labour's Lost is a fantastic comedy, but the work remains honest and that's what is going to make this play accessible for its audience.

Loves Labour's Lost will be performed on STNJ's Outdoor Stage located at the College of St. Elizabeth. The show will run from June 17th to July 26th. For ticketing and more information call (973) 408-5600 or visit their web site at http://www.shakespearenj.org/.

Photo: Courtesy of Ben Jacoby