Shakespeare Theater Of NJ Announces A Change To 2009 Lineup

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey today announced a change to its previously announced 2009 Season. In announcing the change, Bonnie J. Monte, artistic director of The Shakespeare Theatre said, "Recently, we announced an exhilarating and ambitious line-up of plays for 2009, and we are very excited about bringing these great works to life. However, in the last few weeks, like many non-profits, we've been informed of the loss of several grants from the corporate sector. We are committed to controlling costs and securing our future in these tough times, and therefore, we have made the decision to replace Shakespeare's Timon of Athens with Molière's The School for Wives. It has been many years since we've presented a Molière comedy, and I know it will be a wonderful addition to our summer season. Given the extraordinary cost of producing a Shakespeare play, this change will help us maintain our fiscal health this season." The Molière comedy will run during the previously announced dates for Timon of Athens, July 8 through July 26 at The Shakespeare Theatre's Main Stage, The F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. For information about the 2009 Season, call The Shakespeare Theatre box office at 973-408-5600, or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Translated by Richard Wilbur, a poet known for his celebrated translations of Molière's plays, the sparkling comedy, replete with period costumes, will be directed by Shakespeare Theatre resident director Brian B. Crowe. In The School for Wives, a pompous, middle-aged bachelor attempts to mold his ward into the perfect bride, but it is he who gets the true education as best laid plans fall prey to a determined rival suitor, a pair of inept servants and true love. Molière's celebrated comedy never fails to delight audiences.

The Theatre also announced all subscriptions and discount ticket packages, offering patrons substantial discounts of up to 45% off single ticket prices, are now available to the general public. Complete Works subscriptions, which provide a ticket to each of the seven Main Stage productions of the 2009 season, begin at $105-45% off regular ticket prices. "For the cost of ONE Broadway ticket, or a dinner out, you can have seats to seven extraordinary theatre productions featuring the finest Broadway and off-Broadway actors," said artistic director Bonnie J. Monte. Choose your own 4- or 5-Play ticket packages begin at $85 - 40% off regular ticket prices. Student full season Complete Works subscriptions are available for $70. In addition to the substantial discounts, subscriber benefits include free ticket exchanges and an exchange policy that even allows for last minute exchanges. If a patron is stuck at work, or even stuck in traffic, they can instantly send an email, or call the box office and exchange their tickets. Subscribers and ticket package holders also have the opportunity to add The Outdoor Stage production of The Tempest at a 15% discount. Complete Works subscriptions and discount ticket packages are available for all performances - Tuesday, Wednesday and Sundays at 7:30 pm; Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm.

The Shakespeare Theatre 2009 Season begins with a new theatrical adaption of the Jules Verne novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. Adapted and directed by artistic director Bonnie J. Monte, Around the World in Eighty Days follows Phileas Fogg, who, on a wild whim and wager, takes off on a daring, global voyage in this inventive, theatrical adventure. Around the World in Eighty Days begins performances on April 29 and continues through May 24.

American playwright's Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes follows, running June 3 through June 28. Directed by Matthew Arbour, American playwright Hellman's piece is a compelling, cautionary tale of an ambitious, turn-of-the-century Southern family torn apart by bitter disappointment, greed, and deception.

The Shakespeare Theatre brings back Shakespeare "under-the-stars" with The Tempest performed at The Theatre's Outdoor Stage - the Greek Theatre located on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown. Marooned on a mysterious island full of magical creatures, the magus Prospero prepares to wreak havoc on those who have wronged him, only to learn the greater value of compassion and forgiveness. This fun and mystical romance offers an opportunity for families and people of all ages to experience Shakespeare. The Tempest runs June 24 through August 2 and is directed by Joe Discher.

Moliere's The School for Wives continues the Main Stage Season running July 8 through July 26th.

One of the most popular back-stage comedies, Noises Off by Michael Frayn, is next running August 5 through August 30th. Quickly earning an exalted spot in the canon of classic comedies, Noises Off pulls back the curtain on a troupe of actors in rehearsal and performance for Nothing On, a ridiculously silly bedroom farce where off-stage shenanigans lead to hilarious on-stage chaos. Noises Off is directed by Paul Mullins.

Considered by many to be the greatest play ever written, Shakespeare's Hamlet takes the stage next running September 9 through October 11. Directed by Bonnie J. Monte, this production will feature a haunting and evocative soundscape featuring the voices of Harmonium Choral Society. Broadway veteran Gareth Saxe returns to The Shakespeare Theatre to play Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark.

Adapted by Frank Galati from the epic novel by John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath runs October 21 through November 21. The story of Tom Joad and his family's flight from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma during the Great Depression is a majestic and deeply affecting portrait of American life and the American soul at a defining moment in our nation's history. The production is directed by Joe Discher.

Closing the season is Shakespeare's Twelfth Night running December 2 through January 3, 2010. Directed by Bonnie J. Monte, Twelfth Night is a shimmering confection - delightfully tart, ravishingly bittersweet and spectacularly frothy all at once. It is a joyous show for the holidays and for families of all ages.

For more information about the season, call 973-408-5600, email boxoffice@ShakespeareNJ.org or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Main Stage, the 308-seat F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, is conveniently located in Madison at 36 Madison Avenue (Route 124) at Lancaster Road (on the Drew University campus), just minutes from routes 287, 78 and 10. Parking is free. The Outdoor Stage is located at the Greek Theatre on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown. The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is barrier free with access into the Theatre via a ramp and elevator access to all floors. Wheelchair seating and transfer seating is available. Braille and large print programs are available. Infrared listening devices are available free of charge. Some performances are audio described, captioned and sign-language interpreted. Contact the theatre for more information. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-5600, email boxoffice@ShakespeareNJ.org or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

 

 

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