By Gary Wien
originally published: 05/20/2015
Chances are you’ve seen the seminal sixties film, if you haven’t you should. It’s the film that made Dustin Hoffman a star and helped cement Anne Bancroft as the ultimate seductress. In 2007, the American Film Institute’s (AFI) ranked The Graduate as #17 in a list of the 100 greatest American movies of all time.
Its story deals with a recent college graduate, Benajmin Braddock, returning home with no defined goals in life. He becomes embroiled in an affair with Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father’s business partner, but soon finds himself in love with her daughter, Elaine. Released at the end of 1967, the film became one of the ever-lasting memories of the sixties.
The Eagle Theatre in Hammonton will bring The Graduate on the stage May 29 through June 27. New Jersey Stage spoke with Ted Wioncek III, The Eagle’s Co-Artistic Director about the production.
What was it about The Graduate that attracted you? The timelessness of the question “Now what?” The title is simple. In honor of our angst-ridden protagonist, full of bitter glee, The Graduate, alludes to Benjamin and his recent achievements of academia. However, one could suspect that the namesake has more to do with a valuable lesson yet to be learned. Equal parts fit as a fiddle and floundering, rather than stretch his mind, Ben stretches his limbs onto that of another, closing the bedroom door on his promising future. Steeped in cathartic peace, wallowing in self-pity, our dime store Romeo is left asking the inevitable… NOW WHAT? We have created a setting that exemplifies an age in which one can afford to stand still, mystified by the world that revolves around him. Hubristic and morose, filled with disillusions of grandeur, this is the sliver of time we glorify with bitter envy, commonly known as youth. Youth and achievement come with weighted responsibility; an impending expectation for one to seize each and every opportunity presented with blind gaiety and naiveté. Fate plays a cruel hand, knocking upon doors of the young. Despite how bright and promising the light may peer from behind the slat, it takes a gentle and poetic force to convince the sardonic at heart to open up, invite her in and keep the door ajar. Ben enters our play as the graduate, indeed. However, it is not until we reach the final cue that he successfully completes his course of study, equipped to grasp the moral of his own story.
…NOW WHAT? Live.
The film was one of those significant markers of a generation. How does the story hold up decades later? Does it still seem relevant or has it become a bit of a nostalgic piece? The story holds up because the theme is universal and timeless. However, we do make a concerted effort to pay homage to the 1960’s while keeping the overall tone relevant for a modern audience. We have incorporated a great deal of time period appropriate music, and kept an eye on the fashion.
How does the presentation on stage change the feeling from the original film? The sardonic tonality of the film is captured in the stage adaptation. We conceptualized our physical surroundings a bit, but if anything I believe the stage has provided a more in depth look inside the world of these fascinating characters.
Who is in the cast? The play stars Rachel Brodeur, Mike Dorsey, Lori-Nan Engler, Jonathan Fink, Deedee Mann, David Nikolas, and Paul Weagraff. Every member of The Graduate cast is an Eagle Theatre veteran, save for one... Mrs. Robinson. I had the pleasure of directing Lori Nan-Engler in a previous production of The Graduate. Neither of us tent to return to projects after we’ve put them to rest. However, it appears we were destined to give this irresistible tale another spin.
When do you generally announce the next season? Any hints? We plan to announce our 2016 Season in the summer. Be on the lookout for Sondheim, a new side of Wilder and the professional regional area premiere of Heathers.
About the author:
Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of
Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and
Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station
The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at
lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at
[email protected].
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Roswell That Ends Well
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJIf you’re feeling all alone in the universe – or even if you’re not – Triangle’s newest musical comedy is for you! Join us as Triangle explores what it means to have friends in high – or should we say “sky”? – places. Extraterrestrial visitors, crazy conspiracy theories, and intergalactic shenanigans power this year’s annual laugh-fest of witty jokes, lavish production numbers, and, of course, Triangle’s famous kickline. Can interplanetary goodwill blossom in the dystopian desert of our current times? Get your Triangle tickets now and learn if
Roswell That Ends Well!
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
EVENT PREVIEWS
Spotlight Players presents "The Addams Family"
(MATAWAN, NJ) -- Spotlight Players presents The Addams Family across two weekends from November 6-15, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan. There's one weekend left to see everyone's favorite wonderfully unconventional family on stage.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026 from November 10 to December 20, 2026. Celebrate the season with this spectacular holiday production filled with the music, memories, and traditions audiences have cherished through the years.
Ferrell Studios presents "Carrie, the Musical"
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios presents Carrie, the Musical at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center from November 12-15, 2026. Based on the classic novel by Stephen King, the musical poses the question: What happens when someone is pushed too far?
Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival presents "Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman"
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival continues with Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman, a captivating one-woman play written and performed by Erica Knight. Running November 12–15, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University. The production explores the turbulent life and legacy of Ralph Albert Blakelock, one of America's most celebrated yet tragically overlooked nineteenth-century painters.
Fool Moon Theatre Company presents "Love, Loss, And What I Wore" at The Eagle Theatre on November 12th
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Middlesex College presents "She Kills Monsters"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex College Visual, Performing and Media Arts presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen from November 12-18, 2026 at the Performing Arts Center - Studio Theater in Edison. She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly.
CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher from November 12-14, 2026 at Philhower Chapel at Vincent United Methodist Church in Nutley. This is an exciting new original adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale.
Theater League of Clifton presents "1776" in November
(WAYNE, NJ) -- Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of opinionated, stubborn and deeply divided delegates gathered in Philadelphia and somehow managed to create a new nation. This November, the Theater League of Clifton brings their story to the stage with 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical about the tumultuous days leading to the Declaration of Independence. Directed by Maren Sugarman, the production will be presented November 13–15, 2026, at the Wayne Community Center.
Lomotion Live presents "Etiquette" by David Lee White
(BOONTON, NJ) -- Lomotion Live presents Etiquette, a timely and biting comedy by playwright David Lee White, directed by Lauren Moran. The production will run November 13–15, 2026 at Lomotion Live at Parsippany Arts Center in Boonton.
NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window"
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- What happens when we look through a window? Do we see the world as it really is, the world as we wish it could be, or something we never expected? New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) invites audiences to discover the unexpected with NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window" a festival of eight original short plays presented over two weekends, November 13–15 and November 20–22, 2026 at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch.
