(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Ocean County College Repertory Theater Company presents Madness, Murder, and Mayhem... from the dark recesses of Shakespeare's mind across two weekends (October 18-20 and October 25-27, 2024) at Grunin Center's Black Box Theater.

In this gripping production of moments from William Shakespeare’s greatest works, the stage comes alive with the echoes of Macbeth’s maniacal ambitions, the chilling whispers of Hamlet’s ghostly revenge, and the venomous schemes of Iago from Othello. Through a seamless blend of drama, suspense, and the supernatural, audiences are transported to a world where madness lurks around every corner, and murder hangs like a foul stench.

But amidst the darkness, flashes of humanity emerge as characters grapple with their inner demons and moral dilemmas. From the tortured souls of Lady Macbeth and King Lear to the tragic descent of Ophelia into madness, each performance is a haunting exploration of the human psyche. “Madness, Murder and Mayhem” invites audiences to confront the darkest aspects of human nature and the timeless allure of Shakespeare’s most twisted tales.

Performances take place Friday, October 18 at 7:30pm; Saturday, October 19 at 7:30pm; Sunday, October 20 at 2:00pm; Friday, October 25 at 7:30pm; Saturday, October 26 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $21 for adults; $19 for seniors. Tickets are available for purchase online starting July 25th at noon.

Under the direction of Performing Arts Program Chair Paul Chalakani, the mission of the OCC/REP is to create opportunities for college and community participation in various rich and diverse theatrical experiences. The Company seeks to engage, entertain, inspire, and educate to enhance the cultural life of Ocean County College and the surrounding communities.

The OCC/REP provides OCC students, faculty, staff, and residents of neighboring communities the opportunity to attend and/or participate in quality performances of theatrical works – musicals and plays, classical and modern, traditional and experimental, through a well-balanced theatrical season. Additionally, the OCC/REP provides an environment for students of our performing arts program to apply what they are learning in a collaborative and encouraging format. The OCC/REP celebrates the power of the theatre to illuminate and mirror the human experience.

The OCC Repertory Theatre Company is funded, in part, by the Ocean County College Foundation.