NJ Rep To Present 'Engaging Shaw' March 13 - April 13

Engaging Shaw, by John Morogiello, makes its New Jersey premiere March 13 through April 13 at New Jersey Repertory Company (179 Broadway in Long Branch). For tickets and information call 732-229-3166.

"Of all the great love stories in literary history, the pairing of playwright George Bernard Shaw and Charlotte Payne Townshend may rank as the very least romantic. But when it comes to laughs, the lovebird Brownings and their ilk can't hold a candle to the blazing wit and comic poignancy of the unconventional Irish couple whose unlikely match is the centerpiece of the new play," explain press notes.

"Bernard Shaw (never "George" to his face) was a character as full of contradictions as any he created for the stage—celibate womanizer, irascible optimist, a Socialist with a sense of humor. On the subject of marriage, however, Shaw was absolute: he would have none of it, ever, in spite of his wild popularity with women in general and his friend Beatrice Webb's matchmaking efforts in particular. "It would take immobility! Broken bones! All the powers of hell!"  When Webb and her husband Sidney invite the wealthy Charlotte for a visit, hoping for financial support for their fledgling school of economics, Shaw and the heiress collide, collude, and clash by turns along a circuitous path to partnership," explain press notes.

Directed by Langdon Brown, Engaging Shaw features Ames Adamson as Shaw, Katrina Ferguson as Charlotte, Marc Geller as Sidney Webb, and Helen Mutch as Beatrice. Stage manager is Rose Riccardi; lighting design by Jill Nagle; scenic design by Charles Corcoran; costume design by Patricia E. Doherty; sound design by Merek Royce Press with assistance by Kevin Siwoff; properties by Jessica Parks; technical director is Quinn Stone.

Playwright John Morogiello's uncanny ability to recreate the attitude and tone of Shaw's language and time, interwoven with many of Shaw's own words, makes Engaging Shaw the next best thing to spending time with the long-lived, legendary author of Pygmalion, Mrs. Warren's Profession, Major Barbara, Androcles and the Lion, Arms and the Man, among other highlights of dramatic literature. Schools, colleges, universities, libraries, and other organizations are invited to contact NJ Rep to discuss the possibility of booking additional morning performances at the theatre, which will include a post-show conversation with the performers.

Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with additional 2 p.m. shows Thursday and Friday, March 13 and 14. Tickets are $35 for regular performances (with discounts available for seniors, students, and groups); $30 for previews March 13 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and March 14 at 2 p.m.; and $40 for the Opening Night performance and reception, Saturday, March 15 at 8 p.m.

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