Photo Flash: First Look at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ's THE ROYAL FAMILY

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's 53rd Season opens with The Royal Family, the Tony Award-winning American classic by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber. Performances began this week on May 27th and continue through Sunday, June 21st at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue (at Lancaster Road) in Madison. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Inspired by the Barrymore theatrical dynasty, three generations take center stage in this lavish, outrageously funny, and touching portrayal of the Cavendish family as they struggle to balance the demands of family life with the bonds of their artistic calling. Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte- celebrating her 25th Season at the Theatre- will direct the season opener. "All of our selections this season present extraordinary tales of kith and kin," said Monte. "This Theatre is home to a diverse, lively family of artists and audience members, who make working at the Theatre feel like a family adventure."

In her sixth season with the Theatre, Elizabeth Shepherd returns to portray Fanny Cavendish, Grand Dame of the Cavendish clan. Roxanna Hope plays reigning Broadway star Julie Cavendish in her fourth season with the Theatre. Benjamin Sterling returns to the Theatre for his fifth season, taking on the role of the dashing Tony Cavendish. In her Shakespeare Theatre debut, Samantha Bruce joins the cast to play Gwen Cavendish. Last seen at the Theatre in Shakespeare's Henry VIII, Matt Sullivan plays Herbert Dean, Fanny's decidedly less talented brother. As Herbert's wife Kittie Dean, Allison Mackie returns for her third season at the Theatre. Company veteran Edmond Genest returns to the Theatre for his twentieth season to play Oscar Wolfe, longtime agent of the Cavendish Family. Patrick Boll returns to the Theatre in his third season playing Gil Marshall. Emma O'Donnell returns for her second season with the Theatre as Della. In his ninth season with the Theatre, Patrick Toon returns to play Jo. Jordan Buhat, Louise Heller, Ryan McCarthy, and Tug Rice round out the cast.

2015 marks director Bonnie J. Monte's landmark 25th season as Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. The world of the Cavendish family comes to life with the help of scenic designer Charles Murdock Lucas, costume designer Maggie Dick, lighting designer Anthony Galaska, sound designer Karin Graybash, and fight director Rick Sordelet. Denise Cardarelli serves as production stage manager.

Individual tickets and subscriptions can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by visiting ShakespeareNJ.org.

Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.