The Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey Presents THE WINTER'S TALE

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's concludes its 56th season with its sixth and final Main Stage production, The Winter's Tale. Last seen at The Shakespeare Theatre in 2008, Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte directs this production of Shakespeare's tragicomedic romance. Veteran company members Jacqueline Antaramian, Jon Barker, Erin Partin, John Keabler, Raphael Nash Thompson, Seamus Mulcahy, Patrick Toon, and Ames Adamson are among a cast of 20 actors. Performances begin December 5. Patrons can purchase tickets at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by going online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Nothing could be more perfect for the holiday season than this wintry and passionate romance. High drama launches the tale and propels it into a world of bohemian pastoral gaiety. A stunning denouement of magical rebirth and a moving reunion bring the play to its conclusion - one that embodies the spirit of the holidays and what they represent at their core. The Winter's Tale is a perfect holiday show for the family, and the Theatre is proud to present special family matinee performances during the final week of the production.

Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte said, "I have waited a long time to direct this magical play. It's filled with passion, beauty, romance, intense drama, delightful comedy, music, dance, a sheep-shearing festival, a prince and a princess, shepherds and shepherdesses, a pickpocket, and a bear amongst many other things! It's a theatrical feast for everyone, and it celebrates the power of truth and love and the ability of good, ordinary people to make magic happen."

The Winter's Tale is sponsored in part by Dr. W. John Bauer and Nancy B. Boucher.
The Cast: Marking her 14th season with STNJ, the Theatre welcomes leading lady Erin Partin back for the role of Hermione, queen of Sicilia. Her previous company credits include Wittenberg, The Tempest, A Christmas Carol, and King Lear, among many others. Her regional credits include Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theater, and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

After playing the title role in last season's epic Shakespeare in Love, veteran Jon Barker returns to The Shakespeare Theatre in the role of Leontes. king of Sicilia. Now in his 11th season, his numerous company credits include Exit the King, The Guardsman, The Tempest, and Pericles. He has performed in regional productions with Colorado Theatreworks and 12 Miles West.

Jacqueline Antaramian returns to The Shakespeare Theatre for her sixth season as the fiery and fearless Paulina. Her company credits include Coriolanus, The Diary of Anne Frank, Pericles, Othello, and Hamlet. Ms. Antaramian has most recently been seen in major roles in television shows like Jessica Jones, Homeland, and Madam Secretary.
John Keabler returns to The Shakespeare Theatre for his third season as Polixenes, the king of Bohemia. He appeared as George Bailey in last year's It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. His regional credits include Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Syracuse Stage, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

A number of familiar faces add to this extraordinary cast; all have appeared earlier this season. They include Raphael Nash Thompson as Antigonus/Time (The Servant of Two Masters), William Sturdivant as Autolycus (Tartuffe), Ames Adamson as the Old Shepard (Blithe Spirit), Patrick Toon as Camillo (Tartuffe), Seamus Mulcahy as the Clown (Charley's Aunt), and Courtney McGowan as Perdita (Titus Andronicus).
Rounding out the cast are Robert S. Gregory, Ryan Woods, Devin Conway, Katie Langham, Joseph Leitess, Léna Chilingerian, Lambert Tamin, David M. Farrington, and two local boys Xander Egbert-Crowe and Jeff Lin.

The Director: Bonnie J. Monte is in her 28th season with The Shakespeare Theatre and serves as the Artistic Director; under her leadership, the Theatre has evolved into one of the most respected classical companies in the nation. She has directed over 60 acclaimed productions for the company during her tenure, most recently directing this season's Tartuffe, as well as Shakespeare in Love, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Red Velvet, and Exit the King.

The Creative Team: The Winter Tale's design team includes the creative talents of Scenic Designer Brittany Vasta, Lighting Designer Tony Galaska, Costume Designer Nikki Delhomme, and Dance Consultant Danielle Liccardo. The Production Stage Manager is Denise Cardarelli.

Tickets: Single tickets for The Winter's Tale begin at $29 for preview performances and begin at $49 for regular performances. Prices range from $29 to $69. The Theatre is proud to continue its successful 30 UNDER 30 program for the 2018 season. Patrons aged 30 and under can purchase tickets for only $30 with a valid ID, subject to availability. For tickets, patrons can call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey offers various cost-saving opportunities, including $15 student rush tickets, which are available 30 minutes prior to each performance with a valid student ID, as well as a limited number of Pay What You Can tickets for every performance on a first come, first served basis. Season Memberships are also available and provide significant cost savings throughout the year.
Special Performances: For the same price as a regular ticket, the Symposium Series performances offer a post-show discussion with the cast and artistic staff. For The Winter's Tale, the symposia will be held following the Tuesday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 22 at 2:00 p.m. performances.

The Know the Show pre-show talks are offered free-of-cost. Prior to the show, an artist from The Shakespeare Theatre presents a pre-performance talk providing background information and an inside perspective on the production. This program is free with the purchase of a performance ticket, and for The Winter's Tale will be held on Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m., with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m.
The Shakespeare Theatre now offers Closed Captioned performances and Audio Described performances throughout the season. Closed captioned performances will take place the first Sunday performance of every Main Stage production. The closed captioned performance for The Winter's Tale will be on Sunday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. The Audio Described performance for The Winter's Tale will be on Sunday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the Box Office or visit our website.

A student matinee performance will be offered on Wednesday, December 19 and Thursday, December 20 at the very affordable price of $17 per ticket. Schools are encouraged to book soon as availability is limited. To book, please call 973-845-6742.
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