The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Hosts Tea & Tonic

Inspired by the British influence in their 2010 Season, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is hosting a unique Fall fête, Tea & Tonic, on Sunday, November 14 at 4 p.m. at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. The event benefits the expansive education programs of the Theatre including in-school residencies and Shakespeare LIVE!, a professional touring company that performs Shakespeare plays for more than 35,000 students in 120 schools throughout the tri-state region each year. For more information about Tea & Tonic or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-3164 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.

The late afternoon event will include a tea dance led by professional ballroom dancers and featuring live music by the Laura Hull Jazz Trio. Patrons will dine on an array of savory tea sandwiches, English cheeses, scones, and pastries and enjoy a full bar serving Pimm's G&Ts and other British inspired cocktails. Master cigar maker Tony Santana will provide custom rolled cigars and a tea leaf reader will be on hand to predict fortunes.

An eclectic offering of gourmet teas will be provided by the Cosy Cupboard Tea Room in Convent Station. "Cosy brings a certain enlightenment of British history to Morris County-the quintessential afternoon tea experience. In collaborating with The Shakespeare Theatre on this event, attendees are able to take part in some of old England's most endearing social customs. We are delighted to join this fine organization in support of this year's Fall celebration, Tea and Tonic," said James Howard, owner of Cosy Cupboard Tea Room.

Throughout the reception, patrons will have the opportunity to place bids at the silent auction which will feature such items as a tea for eight at the Cosy Cupboard Tea Room with James Howard, fine holiday gift items including a fabulous gourmet tea basket, tickets to the Metropolitan Opera, a custom made designer tea hat and other beautiful items.

Tea & Tonic will be held on Sunday, November 14 at 4:00 pm at the Park Avenue Club, 185 Park Avenue, Florham Park. The cost is $135 per person. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 973-408-3164. Information can also be found at www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey's only professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare's canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-5600, email boxoffice@ShakespeareNJ.org or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.