The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has announced the shows featured in their 2005 season; all shows will run on their Main Stage (the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, at 36 Madison Avenue at Lancaster Rd. in Madison on the campus of Drew University).
From August 2–21 (Tuesdays–Sundays), Bertolt Brecht's The Life of Galileo will be presented. Translated by John Willett and directed by Joe Discher, the show is an exploration of the life of the great astronomer, inventor, and mathematician. "Framed by Brecht's unique theatricality, this gripping tale transports the audience to a time when revolutionary ideas were springing to life as quickly as the inquisitions that tried to squelch them. Featuring Sherman Howard as Galileo." An educational program will be held on the Main Stage on August 11th at 7 PM. In addition, Galileo Day on August 13th will encompass a number of events--including the Sphaera "portable planetarium" program Telescopic Sky, Project Sunscope, and Galileo and the Church: The Whole Story. Matinee as well as evening performances will be held that day, with a free post-show discussion following the matinee.Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest will be presented from September 6th to October 2nd. Directed by Tamara Harvey, "This insanely witty and ever-popular classic is literally a comedy of revelations — all emanating from a tangled web of alter egos and mistaken identities. The mischievous duo of Algernon and Jack despair as their bachelorhood slips and their aliases are stripped, despite their best efforts!" The show is sponsored by RBC Dain Rauscher. An education program will be held on September 15th at 7 PM.
Directed by Brian B. Crowe, Shakespeare's Julius Caesar will run from October 11th to November 13th. "Cries of revolt rock the Roman Capitol in Shakespeare's brilliant revisionist history play, a searing tale of revolution. Loyalty, honor and betrayal collide as omens of doom and deadly conspiracies erupt into civil war, and leaders rise and fall like the tides."As You Like It, another play by the Bard, will be performed from November 29th to December 31st. "In the dead of winter, the banished Rosalind must disguise herself as a man and flee to the forest of Arden, where her father, the usurped duke, and his loyal followers are living in exile. Filled with wintry delights, colorful characters and brilliant revelations about life and love, this celebratory tale is certain to warm the hearts of children and adults alike, and to rouse the holiday spirit with humor and beautiful music." The show will be directed by Bonnie J. Monte (the artistic director of the theatre).
All the shows will feature educational programs that provide background information on the play. The programs are $5 for general admission, and $4 for subscribers. Renaissance Feasts & Fruits of the Vine will be presented as a full fundraiser; it will include "wine tasting and discourse on the foods, fads and table frolics of Shakespeare's day" and will be held on November 20th. From 4PM to 7 PM, food historican Francine Segan will share her knowledge about Elizabethan table manners and traditions at the Olde Mill Inn (255 Route 202, Basking Ridge, NJ); tickets are $125 (call 973-408-3164 or e-mail TGooch@ShakespeareNJ.org).Tickets for all shows range from $27 to $49. For tickets to any of the shows or to subscribe to the Shakespeare Theatre's season, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org, where there is also information about the shows, events and educational programs, as well as their specific times and prices.
