(MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Outdoor Stage production of The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (abridged)(revised). Located on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morris Township, this stunning venue is the perfect setting for The Shakespeare Theatre’s summer show, beginning on June 22nd and continuing through July 31st.
Outdoor Stage performances are Tuesdays through Sundays at 8:00 pm, with a special twilight performance on Sundays at 4:30 pm. This year, the Theatre is excited to announce young people 18 and under go for free thanks to generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Outdoor Stage is also generously supported by Bank of America. A partner of The Outdoor Stage since 2004, their committed and generous support has helped make The Shakespeare Theatre’s Outdoor Stage a hallmark of the summer season in the region. Bank of America customers can obtain tickets for the Outdoor Stage at the great price of $25 by using code “BOFA” for online sales and/or with the presentation of their bank cards at the box office. For tickets or more information, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for group discounts.
Nestled into the hillside on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth, this stone and grass amphitheatre has been a popular performance space since its creation in 1932. Constructed from stones gathered from the College of Saint Elizabeth campus, college employees undertook the building of the theatre, supervised by Sister Marie Victoire Corr. Surrounded by a large lawn, the amphitheatre is ideal for picnicking before the show. Audience members may bring their own food and beverages, or purchase snacks and soft drinks on-site. Patrons are encouraged to bring either a low-backed beach chair or picnic blanket to sit on. Higher-backed beach chairs are allowed in the top rows of the theatre. Seating at The Outdoor Stage is general admission.
Back by popular demand, three wild and crazy actors will take you on an irreverent, madcap romp through Shakespeare’s entire canon. Featuring some new surprises since our last production in 2008, this is a terrific show to introduce Shakespeare to young people, and a hilarious spoof that appeals to audiences of all ages — from Bardophiles to Bardophobes! As always, picnicking under the stars with family and friends makes for a delightful evening where art, nature, and the ancient tradition of outdoor theatre all come together!
The Cast:
Jon Barker is in his ninth season with The Shakespeare Theatre and has appeared in over 20 productions with the company including last season’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Guardsman. He has become one of the company’s most popular leading men since joining the acting company in 2008. He has appeared regionally at Colorado Theatreworks, Hamilton Stage, Luna Stage, The Red Room, and 12 Miles West.
Connor Carew is in his seventh season with The Shakespeare Theatre and was last seen in The Devil’s Disciple and Trelawney of the Wells on the Main Stage, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Love’s Labour’s Lost on the Outdoor Stage. Connor also toured with the Theatre’s Next Stage Ensemble touring companies. Regionally he has appeared at Florida Studio Theatre, Two River Theatre, and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.
Patrick Toon is in his tenth season with The Shakespeare Theatre, appearing most recently in The Diary of Anne Frank and The Royal Family. Other STNJ credits include The Tempest, The Playboy of the Western World, Henry IV Part One, Othello, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Galileo, Julius Caesar, Cymbeline, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Amadeus, As You Like It, and the recent A Midsummer Night’s Dream collaboration between The Shakespeare Theatre and The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Prior to that, he had the honor of performing ReEntry, a play about soldiers and civilians, at military bases across the country.
The Director:
Jeffrey M. Bender (Director) is in his seventeenth season with The Shakespeare Theatre Mr. Bender has delighted audiences for 16 years as one of the company’s leading comedic actors in such productions as Love’s Labour’s Lost, Much Ado About Nothing, The Alchemist, The Tempest, and Accidental Death of an Anarchist. In 2008 Mr. Bender gave a memorable performance in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), and now he returns to the Outdoor Stage as director of the same show. This production marks his directing debut with the company. In addition to his prestigious body of work at the Shakespeare Theatre, Mr. Bender has also appeared on Broadway in A Time to Kill at The Golden Theater and Cymbeline at Lincoln Center. His regional credits include the Denver Center Theatre, Arena Stage in D.C., Old Globe in San Diego, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Portland Stage Company, and numerous regional and NYC theatre companies.
The Artistic Staff:
The world of The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (abridged)(revised) comes to life with the help of scenic designer Ben Kramer, lighting designer Hamilton E.S. Smith, and costume designer Tiffany Lent. Jackie Mariani is the production stage manager.
Pay-What-You-Can Performance:
The first preview performance of The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (abridged)(revised) on Wednesday, June 22 at 8:00 p.m., offers an opportunity for reduced-price tickets, as an incentive to first-time theatergoers and/or those who would otherwise not be able to afford a night at the theatre, the first preview performance is Pay What You Can night – pay what you are able for that evening’s 8:00 p.m. preview performance. Offer is subject to availability. Call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 for details.
General Information:
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Outdoor Stage, the amphitheatre on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth, is conveniently located at 2 Convent Road, off Madison Avenue (Rt. 124) in Morris Township, just minutes from Routes 287, 78, and 10. Parking is free. The Theatre is barrier free. Wheelchair seating is available. Large Print programs are available upon request 48 hours in advance.
The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. The Outdoor Stage is located on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth and the Theatre’s support and education facility is in Florham Park. One of the leading classic theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey’s largest professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare’s canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.
