Eagle Theatre to Celebrate Women Through Song

Eagle Theatre enters the New Year with a plan to shine the spotlight on the unique voice of women of the past, present, and future.

In 2016, Eagle Theatre altered the platform of their New Works Development Series to feature local professional female playwrights, including Brie Knight, Marlena Lustik, and Kelly McCarthy. Meanwhile, the regional theatre debuted an original Choose Your Own Adventure Play, Jane & the Humongous Pear, written by Ed Corsi and Ted Wioncek III.

Co-Artistic Director Ted Wioncek III states, "We felt it imperative to employ the modern female heroine as the story's driving force. A great majority of plays concern themselves with finding a prince and living happily ever after. We chose to focus on how to find happiness from within, each and every day, starting now. Throughout her journey, Jane develops self-confidence, self-awareness, and helps others overcome their own personal obstacles."

In 2017, Facebook, Inc. selected Eagle Theatre to be one of the official hosts of its #SheMeansBusiness 24 Hour Live event as part of International Women's Day. Eagle Theatre's was the only organization in New Jersey and one of only a select few in the world to participate.

Managing Director, Jim Donio said, "Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, worked diligently to assure the message #SheMeansBusiness was heard loud and clear. We are honored to have been selected to help give a voice to this monumental global event."

This event, along with its powerful themes, ran parallel with Eagle Theatre's Theatre Philadelphia Barrymore Nominated production of john & jen, a musical that highlights one woman's journey to independence as a single mother.

Now, South Jersey's only year-round professional equity theatre enters a new year with its sights set on honoring one of history's female literary leaders, Louisa May Alcott.

On January 24th, 2018 the Civil War story that swept the nation will be brought to life in the new musical phenomenon, Little Women: The Musical. Brimming with adventure and imagination, heartache and hope, Eagle Theatre's epic production is full of joyful melodies, unforgettable characters, and uplifting spirit. This classic coming of age story will enjoy a five week run, closing February 25th, 2018.

"I've been extremely fortunate to portray two women, [Jen, john & jen; Jo, Little Women: The Musical] consecutively, who are strong, determined and independent. Against all odds, these women pursue their passions and won't allow anyone or anything to hold them down. Some would call Jo the first feminist. I believe that to be true, as she has served as a feminist inspiration for women over the course of history. These two characters continue to motivate and empower women from all generations!" states Kimberly Suskind.

Standing the test of time, Alcott's enchanting story of our yesterdays, is six generations young. The semi-autobiographical classic shares themes that are as relevant today as when the book made its debut in 1868.

April Woodall (Marmee March), claims, "Little Women teaches us to never let the opinions of others, or the limitations placed upon us, dampen your commitment to the importance of your passion."

While Victoria Mozitis (Beth March), states, "No matter what is occurring in our world today, the story reminds us to always remain kind and generous towards those around you; and to work diligently to make it in a world where the odds of success seem insurmountable."

Wioncek concluded, "We are dedicated to shining the spotlight on the unique voice of women of the past, present, and future. What better way to inspire the next generation, than by celebrating the activist achievements of years past, through the arts."

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