(HAMMONTON, NJ) -- Eagle Theatre heads out of town for the 1st Official Tour of their Barrymore Award Nominated, john & jen, with a co-production at Cape May Stage. The production, which stars Kimberly Suskind and Will Connell, runs from April 27 to May 5th in Cape May.
Jen and her younger brother, John, are growing up in mid-century America. From secret handshakes to hidden family bonds, John & Jen are always there for each other. But, as the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings. When John joins the war, Jen is left to reconcile his memory, along with her son and brother's namesake, who is trying to do anything he can to find the true meaning of home.
Set against the background of a changing America between 1950 and 1990, this 97 minute tour-de-force follows the love of one family over the course of forty years, as two actors take on a multitude of roles, shedding a heart-warming light on the power of family.
Eagle Theatre’s 2017 production of john & jen became an instant hit with critics and creatives, garnering a Theatre Philadelphia Barrymore Nomination for Outstanding Direction of a Musical. Eagle Theatre’s production of Godspell was also honored that same year with a Barrymore Nomination for Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical.
Artistic Director Ted Wioncek III, who served as director for Eagle Theatre’s original production of john & jen, claims “I have long awaited the opportunity to take Eagle Theatre’s Mainstage productions far beyond the theatre walls. Whether it be locally or nationally, sharing our work is vital. Touring affords us the opportunity to make connections outside our immediate reach and therefore helps further enrich our diverse region.”
The Eagle Theatre and Cape May Stage’s co-production of Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald’s spirited musical will feature vintage costuming; from letterman jackets to bellbottoms, as well as a counterculture montage, featuring The Beatles, Woodstock, and television broadcasts of the 1960s.
Deemed a “powerhouse” by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Kimberly Suskind, who recently appeared as Jo in Eagle Theatre’s Barrymore Recommended production of Little Women: The Musical, will reprise her highly celebrated portrayal as Jen in the touring production. Suskind adds “I’ve been extremely fortunate to portray two women, [Jen, john & jen; Jo, Little Women: The Musical] consecutively, who are strong, determined and independent. Against all odds, these women pursue their passions and won’t allow anyone or anything to hold them down. These two characters continue to motivate and empower women from all generations!”
Will Connell, recently seen on stage as Laurie Lawrence in Eagle Theatre’s Little Women: The Musical, will be stepping into the role of John.
Producing Director Ed Corsi concludes “Cape May is the perfect backdrop for a sentimental gem that centers around the love, connection and commitment of family. What better message could we hope to share far and wide?”
Cape May Stage is located at 405 Lafayette Street in Cape May, New Jersey.
ABOUT THE EAGLE: The Eagle Theatre, South Jersey’s only year-round professional Equity theatre, is dedicated to redefining regional theatre through innovation, enlightened production techniques and the development of eclectic theatrics.
Under The Direction of Ted Wioncek III & Ed Corsi, this nationally recognized, award-winning regional theatre produces more than 160 live performances each year, including full-scale Broadway caliber World Premieres and re-conceptualized revivals; New Works Development Series, a play reading series dedicated the nurturing local playwrights; a traveling Theatre for Youth Audiences program, specializing in providing arts education to schools in under served communities; an Annual Fringe Festival, a 3-day street fair and theatrical marathon, featuring multiple eclectic productions, a beer and wine garden, pop-up art, food, live music, and street performers; Innovations Factory, a core of theming artist dedicated to experimental storytelling through medium advancing technology; and Eagle Theatre Conservatory, a year-round tuition based theatrical institute for all ages and levels of professionalism.
