(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey kicked off its 55th season with The Merchant of Venice, a play not seen at The Shakespeare Theatre since 2000. Shakespeare’s dark comedy and one of his most controversial tales, is a timely masterpiece that is eerily resonant of our world today. Performances run now through June 4. Acclaimed company member Robert Cuccioli directs the production.  

A money-obsessed, patriarchal, dysfunctional society where wealth bestows power; one in which women cannot determine their own fate, and one marked by religious and racial prejudice. A play that offers no true villains or heroes, Shakespeare’s Venice represents a culture as complex and troubling as today’s, where the situations and questions posed ask to examine the “quality of mercy” in myriad ways.

Bonnie J. Monte, the Theatre’s Artistic Director said, “There are so many reasons we are thrilled about this coming year. We’re very excited to be welcoming Bob Cuccioli back for his tenth season with us, this time in the role of director, bringing our audience a show that has not been done here for 17 years. Never was there a more apt moment in time to revive The Merchant of Venice, and having worked with Bob many times on challenging Shakespeare productions, I know he will guide our stellar cast with a sure directorial hand.”

The Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison, NJ.

ALL PHOTOS BY JERRY DALIA

 

LATEST NEWS

Dunbar Repertory Company presents "American Menu" at Middletown Arts Center

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Dunbar Repertory Company at the Middletown Arts Center presents American Menu by Don Wilson Glenn, over two weekends, May 17-19 and May 24-26, 2024. The production, directed by Mark Antonio Henderson and Damien S. Berger, tells the story of five women working in the kitchen of a segregated diner in a Texas town, circa May 1968.

---

Asbury Park Theater Company presents "The Mountaintop"

---

American Theater Group to Honor Tony Award-Winner Michele Pawk at Annual Gala

---

WHATCO in association with the Hackensack Performing Arts Center announce open auditions for Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night"

Click here for more event previews

New Jersey Stage

© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and on our RSS feed

---

Art | Comedy | Dance | Film | Music | Theatre | Ad Rates | About Us | Pitch a Story | Links | Radio Shows | Privacy Policy