Sunday, May 19, 2013
"Never allow yourselves to say ‘I’ve done my part,'" Shakespeare scholar tells grads.
Diplomas were awarded to 599 Drew University graduates Saturday on the school's campus in Madison. Michael Bressman, communications associate and special assistant to the president at Drew, shared this account of the ceremony. Drew University’s 145th annual Commencement was held Saturday, marking the graduation of its Class of 2013. The open-air ceremony, which began at 10:30 a.m., was held on the rear lawn of Mead Hall, Drew’s iconic 19th-century campus centerpiece. With University President Vivian A. Bull presiding, graduates heard from keynote speaker Frank Occhigrosso, an acclaimed scholar of Shakespeare who retired this spring after 43 years on the Drew faculty. Speaking to graduates, Occhiogrosso paraphrased Ernest Hemingway, urging…
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Former Secretary of State and National Security Adviser discussed Boston attack, North Korea and staying optimistic in appearance at Drew University.
The Boston Marathon bombing this week, like 9/11, was an evil act that shatters the idea of national security, former Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice said during an appearance at Drew University in Madison Thursday night. In a wide-ranging speech and Q-and-A before a sellout crowd of around 2,000 people, Rice touched on national and international issues as she closed out the Drew Forum lecture series. "We will learn from this experience and this now will be put into the memory banks as to how to try to better protect soft targets," Rice said in response to an audience member who asked for her assessment of what happened. "But just horrible events. My heart goes out to the victims and the families and the …
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Shakespeare Theatre mounts rare musical, with spectacular results
In the planning of her company’s 50th anniversary, Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte hoped to share her love of theater—and dreaming impossible dreams—with her faithful followers at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. What better way to accomplish those goals than a revival of “Man of La Mancha,” a tribute to artists and the spirit of possibility? Since its 1965 debut, this unlikely Broadway hit has been revived there four times and placed its name among the most popular and recognizable musicals of all time. Perhaps it’s been done too often, to the point that even passionate theater fans often shrug or shudder at the announcement of a new production. Fortunately for us, Monte has found a way to freshen it up, pull its power and …
Monday, September 17, 2012
Production company stages dazzling adaptation of Dickens' classic.
Let’s begin with the most obvious—and most useful—information: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s “Oliver Twist” is not the familiar Broadway musical. Nor is it a simple Classics Illustrated treatment of the fabled novel by Charles Dickens. For most of us, Neil Bartlett’s elaborate adaptation is an entirely novel way to experience a great novel, with all its lush language, descriptive beauty and well-drawn characters experiencing one gripping plot turn after another. This is accomplished by a crack troupe of 13 actors who play multiple roles, sing, play musical instruments and execute seamless transitions from scene to scene with the precision and artistry of a ballet. In the hands of director Brian B. Crowe, a master at staging …
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Bonnie Monte tackles the Bard’s dark comedy.
Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” often suffers from bad press, some of it deserved and some merely the byproduct of its dramatic complexities. Branded as one of the Bard’s “problem plays,” the comedy is broad and the drama—a rich blend of sex and politics—is both frightening and frighteningly relevant to our times, when leaders operate in a moral vacuum, seemingly obsessed with abusing their power and position. All points in its favor. On the other hand, the plot is preposterous, even by Shakespeare standards, and its complexities can be a challenge for some viewers. Feminists often take a dim view on its dated treatment of women. These challenges make “Measure for Measure” a tough sell for most companies Fortunately, we share an area …
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Monday, July 9, 2012
Shakespeare Theatre gets laughs with David Ives' spirited new adaptation of French farce.
Pierre Corneille’s “The Liar” has been making audiences laugh since the mid 17th century. The profile of this French farce may not be what it once was, but playwright David Ives and the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey are now successfully putting a broader face on its timeless comedy. Ives premiered his playful new adaptation and translation (which he has referred to as a “translaptation”) in 2010 with the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C. Already on her radar, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte took additional interest in that production because it featured members of her Equity company in the cast. Monte eagerly brought this fresh, cheeky and wickedly funny piece back home, where she put it…
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Tanner Purdum, St. Louis Ram linebacker, experienced coaches will hold three-day clinic.
Long snapper for the New York Jets and Morris Plains resident Tanner Purdum will join several other NFL players and experienced coaches to instruct at a youth football clinic at Drew University. The clinic, which will be held from June 29 to July 1, will be run by RSR Sports Management. It's the first time the company is hosting this type of clinic. This clinic is open to all football players entering grades one through nine, and costs $300 for the three-day session. Purdum said in the clinic's three days, campers will learn the sport's fundamentals and go through all the basic positions. "We're doing everything; full offense, some passing, some linemen stuff, and then quarterbacks and receivers," Purdum said last week. "We'll go through …
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
“Henry IV, Part One,” opening Wednesday, will stand on grand traditional staging.
The history of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey traces back to the Kennedy administration and the mythical “Camelot” era of the United States. Five decades later, the longest-running Shakespeare theater on America’s East Coast—and one recognized internationally for its consistency of excellence—will begin its 50th anniversary season in royal fashion. Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte says the season-opener, “Henry IV, Part One,” which opens Wednesday, will be presented in grand traditional style. A slight departure, perhaps, from the reverent-yet-innovative productions the company is known for, but Monte said that this special milestone deserved a production that encompasses the qualities that have drawn people to Shakespeare for 400 …
40.762535
-74.421248
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ
/articles/shakespeare-theater-back-to-basics-for-50th-season-opener
60641
/locations/7115191
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Robert Weisbuch stepping down after seven years; Madison resident Dr. Vivian Bull appointed as interim head.
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Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Drew University President Robert Weisbuch announced Wednesday he will step down at the conclusion of this academic year, June 30, to focus on his writing, according to a university news release. Madison resident Dr. Vivian A. Bull, president emerita of Linfield College and a former professor of economics at Drew, has been appointed by the university’s Board of Trustees to serve as president until a permanent successor is found. During his seven-year tenure, Weisbuch led Drew in re-envisioning the liberal arts for a new era, the news release said. In a letter to the university community announcing his resignation, he reaffirmed his belief that Drew is “poised to become a model of real-world liberal education in all three of its schools”—the…
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Area colleges report most security issues involve the use of alcohol and drugs
Liquor and drug violations far outpace any other illegal activity on four Morris County college campuses, according to annual reports filed by the schools. The reports are filed under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act by the College of St. Elizabeth, County College of Morris, Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University (Florham Campus). The reports are available to the public at each school. In 2010, the latest figures available, Drew recorded 287 liquor law violations that were referred for college disciplinary action or judicial review as crimes, and 12 drug arrests. Fairleigh-Dickinson recorded 53 liquor incidents and four drug-related events in dormitories that were referred …
Dr. Michael Gialanella
6:28 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Hello Hedy, We are all very proud of you, and we love you! Congratulations, Mike more ›