Review: A SONG AT TWILIGHT at STNJ is Brilliant

"I am beginning to suspect you are here as an enemy. I had hoped for a friend."

-A Song at Twilight

A brilliant production of Noel Coward's A Song at Twilight is now onstage at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) through May 29th. With meticulous direction by Paul Mullins and an outstanding cast, this is a must-see play. The show opens the company's exciting season led by Artistic Director, Bonnie J. Monte.

A Song at Twilight is Noel Coward's final and semi-autobiographical play. In the show, a celebrated writer, Hugo Latymer and his loyal, protective wife, Hilde live in luxury. They are served by Felix, a waiter who also entertains them with his abundant musical talents. The Latymers get an unexpected visit from Hugo's glamorous former mistress, Carlotta Gray. Gray, an actress, is planning her memoirs and is in possession of Hugo's amorous letters to her and those he once wrote to his secret lover. And it is Hugo's long-held secret that could critically damage his reputation. The intriguing plot takes interesting twists and turns as the motive behind Carlotta's visit is questionable.

A Song at Twilight is a bittersweet comedy with heartrending moments. It is full of the rich dialogue that has endeared Noel Coward's works to audiences for generations. And it is STNJ's stellar cast that makes every moment of the show completely captivating. They include Edmond Genest as Hugo Latymer; Ben Houghton as Felix; Laila Robins as Carlotta Gray and Alison Weller as Hilde Latymer.

Set in a private suite in a Swiss hotel, the Artistic Staff has brought A Song at Twilight to full life on the Madison stage with set design by Brittany Vasta, lighting design by Michael Giannitti and costume design by Nikki Delhomme. The Production Stage Manager is Alison Cote.

Bravo to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey for kicking off their 2016 season with an absolutely superb production of A Song at Twilight.

A Song at Twilight is being performed Tuesday through Sunday through May 29th at the F.M Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue (at Lancaster Road) in Madison. The show is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and has a 15-minute intermission. For tickets, call the Box office at 973.408.5600 or visit www.shakespearenj.org.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey