‘Man of La Mancha’ Gets Inspired Revival

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 …

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No Ordinary ‘Oliver’ Takes Shakespeare Stage

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 …

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Shakespeare Sizzles in 'Measure for Measure'

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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17th Century Comedy Re-Versed in Wickedly Funny 'The Liar'

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…

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Fireworks Punctuate 'Comedy of Errors' Premiere

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey goes outdoors for “The Comedy of Errors," where unexpected pyrotechnics lead to memorable rendition of the national anthem.

The magic of live theater has never been more evident than it was Saturday night at the College of St. Elizabeth, where the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey premiered its annual outdoor production at the school’s throwback stone-and-grass amphitheater. Following intermission and sundown, the second act of “The Comedy of Errors” had just begun when a large, loud and very visible fireworks show exploded in the night sky. The company is known for preparing clever improvisations for airplane interruptions from nearby Morristown Airport, but this lengthy distraction proved to be more of an unexpected challenge. Fortunately, it was no match for this talented troupe, which has 50 years of experience to fall back on. Not only did they soldier on…

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Shakespeare Theatre Opens 50th Season

“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 …

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On Stage: Curtain Goes Up for Genuine Classics

From Shakespeare to "The Music Man," theater groups present big-name performances.

There are good plays and then there are great plays. And the truly great ones endure for decades, or even centuries. William Shakespeare's name is virtually synonymous with classic, and the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is kicking off its 50th anniversary season with "Henry IV Part I" this week. The play is about Henry IV protecting his kingdom and Prince Hal's rise in power. It also features Falstaff, considered by many to be The Bard's greatest creation. A newer classic play, Thonton Wilder's "Our Town" will be performed by Somerset Valley Players, beginning June 8. And Villagers Theatre in Somerset will soon be marching to the musical classic "The Music Man." Classic TV is even coming to the area when Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in …

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Natalie Davis

2:18 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Thanks, Hank!   more ›

Shakespeare Theatre Celebrates 50 Years of Classics

Madison theater looks back on five decades as it celebrates anniversary season.

Editor's Note: This is the first of a four-part look at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey as it celebrates its 50th year. Come back each day through Saturday to read more, including a look back through the eyes of the theater's founders, what to expect this historic season, and a timeline of five decades of theater. As superior works of literature, music and theater stand the test of time—over years, generations, even centuries—they eventually become defined as classics. Fifty years after its humble, but ambitious, birth in a Cape May vaudeville house, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, dedicated from the beginning to keep classic theater alive, has taken on its own classic status. “For the company, for anything, for any nonprofit …

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On Stage: A Peek At The Performing Arts

Maybe Honesty Isn't Always the Best Policy

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey opens its season with Moliere's "The Misanthrope."

There must have been a lot of phonies walking around in 17th-century Paris because the main character in Moliere’s “The Misanthrope” is fed up with them. Alceste has had enough of people who act all friendly in front of others, only to criticize and gossip about them behind their backs. He hates insincerity, and as the play opens, he’s admonishing his friend Philinte for the warm greeting he extends to someone he barely knows. Soon he’s eschewing an offer of friendship from Oronte and telling Oronte that the poem he’s so proud of is trash. What would Alceste and Moliere make of today’s world, where we declare friendship with anyone who requests it on Facebook, and mediocre movies get billed as the event of the season? The relevance of “The…

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