(MADISON, NJ) -- Starting as an act at Renaissance festivals, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] was designed by playwrights Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield to draw audiences back to the Bard's original texts. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will present this play at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University from July 9 to August 3, 2025 for the first time in nearly a decade-long hiatus.
This isn’t director Jeffrey M. Bender’s first involvement with the production. In 2016, Bender directed The Complete Works on the Theatre’s Outdoor Stage. Prior to that, he performed in two productions himself. “As an actor, I tend to gravitate towards physical comedy shows and roles,” says Bender. “I really enjoy pushing the limits of how physical and outlandish a character can be [while still being] truthful. This show tests those limits more than any show I’ve ever been a part of.”
The Complete Works is a fast-paced, irreverent rollercoaster ride through all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays — in just 99 minutes. Equal parts clever parody and loving homage, the wild comedy condenses centuries of dramatic genius into a chaotic mash-up of sword fights, crossdressing, sock puppets, and spontaneous audience interaction. No play is safe and no joke too bold as three fearless performers tackle the Bard’s canon with zest, pop culture flair, and a hefty dose of improv. Whether you’re a Shakespeare scholar or a total newbie, prepare to laugh until thou dost snort.
“Comedy is cathartic,” says Bender. “It allows the mind and soul to breath, to relax, to unwind. I think a comedy like this allows people to put down their worries and burdens for an hour and a half and simply laugh together.” Bender later added that “not everything funny is funny to everyone.” Thankfully, this production has a bit of everything — from fart jokes to linguistic gymnastics.
Performances take place Tuesdays – Sundays at 7:30pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and select Wednesdays at 2:00pm. Single tickets for The Complete Works begin at $44 for preview performances and begin at $51 for regular performances. Prices range from $44 to $82 and are available for purchase online or by calling 973-408-5600. The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University is located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison, New Jersey.
Unique to this production, the Theatre is running their FREE TIX FOR KIDS Program which offers two free youth tickets with the purchase of one adult ticket. The Theatre offers a variety of other cost-saving opportunities, including $15 student tickets with a valid student ID and a limited number of Pay What You Will tickets for every performance on a first-come, first-serve basis. STNJ also has a $30 Under 30 ticket option, which offers $30 tickets for patrons aged 30 and under, with valid ID. Other discounts are available including subscription discounts; and 10% discounts for members of PBS/Thirteen, Active Military, Madison Loyalty Club card holders, and AAA members. STNJ also honors the Family First Discovery Pass for families receiving benefits through SNAP, WIC, or Work First New Jersey.
The hilarious cast features Ty Lane (STNJ – A Christmas Carol, A Man for All Seasons, Twelfth Night); Patrick Toon (STNJ – Cymbeline, Othello, Henry IV, Part I); and Kayla Ryan Walsh (STNJ – A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Rose Tattoo, Sense and Sensibility). The creative team for the production includes set designer Sarah Beth Hall (STNJ – The Importance of Being Earnest, The Book of Will); costume designer Daniel Ciba (STNJ – Shakespeare LIVE! production of Romeo and Juliet); lighting designer Andrew Hungerford (STNJ – The Importance of Being Earnest, Macbeth, A Midwinter Night’s Dream); and sound designer Steven Beckel (STNJ – A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Twelfth Night, Florence and Mojo, A Child’s Christmas in Wales). Denise Cardarelli (Eureka Day – 2025 Tony Award: Best Revival of a Play) stage manages.
Patrons are encouraged to check out these special events connected with the production:
* "Pay What You CAN” Food Drive — Wednesday, July 9 starting at 7:00pm: Bring two canned goods and get $10 admission.
* Opening Night — Saturday, July 12 at 7:30pm: Celebrate with champagne toast at intermission and a post-show reception.
* Symposium — Tuesday, July 15 following performance: Engage with the cast during a lively post-show chat.
* Touch Tour — Wednesday, July 16 starting at 1:00pm: Interact with certain props, costumes, and set pieces before the performance, designed for patrons with additional needs.
* Know-the-Show Series & Closed-Captioning — Thursday, July 17 starting at 6:45pm: Learn from the Artistic Team prior to the show. Closed-captioning available.
* Storefront To Stage — Friday, July 18 starting at 6:30pm: Connect with your local businesses before the show and during intermission.
• Symposium — Saturday, July 19 following matinee performance: Engage with the cast during a lively post-show chat.
* Ice Cream Social — Wednesday, July 23 starting at 6:30pm: Join them for a fun and yummy pre-show event!
* Sensory Seminar & Audio-Described Performance — Thursday, July 24 starting at 6:30pm: Get a hands-on experience at the Theatre, designed for Blind/low-vision patrons.
* Hobnob & Hang — Friday, July 25 following performance: Mix and mingle with fellow theatre lovers after the show!
* Symposium — Saturday, July 26 following matinee performance: Engage with the cast during a lively post-show chat.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged [revised] [again] is generously sponsored by Suzanne B. Engel.
The FREE TIX FOR KIDS Program is sponsored in part by The Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation.
Special thanks to Jackie Gunn for donating booster seats to the Theatre.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is one of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving approximately 75,000 adults and children annually. It is New Jersey's largest professional theatre company dedicated to Shakespeare's canon and other classic masterworks. Through its productions and education programs the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional major support is received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Edward T. Cone Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, CTW Foundation, The Samuel H. Scripps Foundation, Union Foundation, E.J. Grassmann Trust, Hyde, and Watson Foundation, Jack K. Ayre and Frank Ayre Lee Theatre Foundation, The John R. Eckel Jr. Foundation, Turrell Fund, The Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, and the Howard Gilman Foundation, as well as contributions from numerous other foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals.
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