BWW Reviews: THE ROYAL FAMILY at STNJ is a Real Hit

"The thrill you get out of a day of your work is the most important thing in the world."

-The Royal Family

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) opens their season with The Royal Family by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber. Directed by the company's Artistic Director, Bonnie Monte, this show promises to be a big hit with metropolitan area audiences. The play is onstage through June 21st so make time to enjoy this vibrant production with family and friends.

The plot of The Royal Family was inspired by the famous theatrical family, the Barrymores. Set in the year 1927, the play depicts three generations of the Cavendish family, a talented but quirky clan, that tries to balance the demands of their performance careers with family responsibilities. Their flair for drama, lavish lifestyles and unconventional relationships make for moments that are funny, touching and often absurd.

Fanny Cavendish (Elizabeth Shepherd) is the family matriarch who wishes to return to performing on tour after a long illness. Her daughter, Julie Cavedish (Roxanna Hope) is one of the top stage actresses on Broadway. And Julie's daughter, Gwen Cavendish (Samantha Bruce) is a young, rising star grappling with the commitment of a theatrical career. This "royal family" of the stage also includes Fanny's son, Tony Cavendish (Benjamin Stirling) a dashing screen star who has a knack for getting into romantic trouble. Herbert Dean (Matt Sullivan) is Fanny's less talented brother and must deal with his wife, Kittie Dean (Allison Mackie) who is desperate to catch a break in show business. Gil Marshall (Patrick Boll) plays Julie's handsome and rich paramour, the man who tries to woo her away from the hectic schedule of her successful acting career. Oscar Wolfe (Edmond Genest) is the Cavendish family's long time theatrical manager and dedicated friend, a job that seems just too big for one man to handle. The family makes it through their chaotic days and nights thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Cavendish's trustworthy domestic help, Jo (Patrick Toon) and Della (Emma O'Donnell). Rounding out the cast is Jordan Buhat, Louise Heller, Ryan McCarthy and Tug Rice.

The stellar cast of The Royal Family portrays their characters so convincingly that you might actually think you have been invited into the Cavendish's living room. The frequent comings and goings of this eccentric family flows wonderfully from scene to scene thanks to the impeccable direction of Ms. Monte.

The creative team has done a wonderful job of bringing world of The Royal Family to life with scenic design by Charles Murdock Lucas, costume design by Maggie Dick, lighting design by Anthony Galaska, sound design by Karin Graybash and fight direction by Rick Sordelet. Denise Cardarelli is the production stage manager.

The Royal Family is lively portrait of a theatrical family that has a very broad appeal. Get your tickets now because performances will likely sell quickly. The show will be on the Madison stage through June 21st. For scheduling and ticketing, call the Box Office at (973) 408-5600 or e-mail them at BoxOffice@ShakespeareNJ.org. You can also visit the theatre web site at www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia