Photo Flash: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Continues Season with THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues their 56thseason with the popular tradition of an Outdoor Stage production, this year featuring The Servant of Two Masters, directed by Doug West. The adaptation had its world premiere here in 2010 and was heralded as a "delicious production" by The New York Times. Patrons can now enjoy a fresh take on this Italian comedy by Carlo Goldoni and translated and adapted by Bonnie J. Monte, and experience a night of theatre under the stars at the Outdoor Stage.

This wild Italian romp will pull audiences in as Truffaldino, the servant, makes the audience privy to and complicit in his increasingly complicated attempts to serve two masters at one time. As always, patrons are encouraged to pack a picnic for al fresco dining on the lawn before the show begins.

After making his Main Stage directing debut last season with the holiday hit, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Mr. West will now focus his talents on the Outdoor Stage. Mr. West said, "I'm extremely excited to work on this play with such a tremendously funny cast and wonderfully talented design team. There will be something for audience members of all ages to enjoy in this summer's production of The Servant of Two Masters."

Performances of The Servant of Two Masters are Tuesdays through Sundays at 8:00 p.m., with a special twilight performance on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. The Theatre is excited to once again offer free tickets for young people 18 and under. Located on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth, the Outdoor Stage performances begin onWednesday, June 20, and patrons can purchase tickets by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The Outdoor Stage is generously sponsored by Bank of America. A partner of the Outdoor Stage since 2006, the Bank's committed and generous support has helped make The Shakespeare Theatre's Outdoor Stage a hallmark of the summer season in the region and an annual tradition for many families. Bank of America customers can purchase tickets for the Outdoor Stage for only $28 using the promotional code BOFA. Patrons can also present their bank cards at the Box Office to obtain this offer. The free ticket initiative for young audiences is sponsored in part by The Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation and Newman's Own Foundation. Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte praised Bank of America, The Hastings Foundation, and Newman's Own Foundation and said, " Bank of America's longtime support has helped make the Outdoor Stage an eagerly anticipated annual outing for many families, and this year we're also very grateful to The Hastings Foundation and Newman's Own for helping to encourage and support young theatergoers."

Photo credit: Jerry Dalia.