Photo Flash: Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's A MOST DANGEROUS WOMAN, Now Playing

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will launch the Fall portion of its 2013 Season with the world premiere of A Most Dangerous Womanwritten by Cathy Tempelsman and directed by Tony-Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr. A Most Dangerous Woman, which explores the extraordinary life of Mary Ann Evans - better known by her pen name George Eliot - begins performances on September 18 at The Shakespeare Theatre's Main Stage - The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. Responding to the exceptional interest in this new play about the famed Victorian author, The Shakespeare Theatre has extended the run and added six performances to the schedule. Performances of A Most Dangerous Woman will now continue through October 12th. Check out a first look below!

Tickets range from $35 to $70; student rush tickets are available 30 minutes prior to curtain for $15. For tickets or more information, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts. The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison. Three-play discount ticket packages are also available.

An outcast, living a socially unconventional life, Mary Ann Evans was forced to write under the assumed name of George Eliot, not only to escape having her work judged by virtue of her gender, but to avoid having it judged by virtue of her scandalous life. Ironically, her success as George Eliot only led her deeper and deeper into a world of secrets and deception. Eliot's acclaimed novels include Adam Bede, Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss and Silas Marner.

"Out of the isolation she suffers - born of her own passion and need - she develops a preternatural insight into hidden and secret lives and the suffering of ordinary men and women, who, dramatically, are as rich and compelling as the kings and queens we find in Shakespeare," said playwright Cathy Tempelsman. "She was the most brilliant, fascinating person I had ever read about - her life was entirely modern and unconventional. I just felt that such a dramatic, controversial life belonged in the theatre."

Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets or more information, call the box office at 973-408-5600 or visitwww.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Photos by Gerry Goodstein

Mary Anne Evans also known as George Eliot, played by Aedin Moloney, is examined by famous phrenologist George Combe played by Andy Paterson

Mary Anne Evans also known as George Eliot, played by Aedin Moloney and George Henry Lewes, Eliotâ€s common-law husband played by Ames Adamson

Mary Anne Evans also known as George Eliot, played by Aedin Moloney

(center) Mary Anne Evans also known as George Eliot, played by Aedin Moloney

Mary Anne Evans also known as George Eliot, played by Aedin Moloney and George Henry Lewes played by Ames Adamson attend the Opera

(left) Deanne Lorette as Evans†best friend â€" the painter Barbara Bodichon â€" and Aedin Moloney as Mary Anne Evans also known as George Eliot