Above: Billie Wyatt and René Thornton Jr. in A Midwinter Night’s Dream, 2023 (Photo credit: Avery Brunkus). Right panel: The Learned Ladies, 2014 (Photo credit: Jerry Dalia) • Roger Clark and Thomas Michael Hammond in A Man for All Seasons, 2023 (Photo credit: Avery Brunkus) • Antoinette LaVecchia and Anthony Marble in The Rose Tattoo, 2023 (Photo credit: Sarah Haley) • Victoria Mack and Vivian Reed inTartuffe, 2018 (Photo credit: Samantha Gordon).
Welcome to the 2024 season! In this first year as Artistic Director, I have some clear goals in mind: celebrate and uphold the incredible legacy of excellence that Bonnie built during her 34-year tenure; welcome a new generation into our theatre — especially those who may have mistakenly thought that this was not a place for them; and see patrons of all ages find joy, magic, and connection at The Shakespeare Theatre.
From our five-play Main Stage season to Shakespeare under the stars, from Shakespeare masterworks to a Tony Award-winning musical, from beloved classics to new programming for kids, there is something for everyone ages 5 to 105 this year. The Shakespeare Theatre is so much more than just Shakespeare, and we are eager for new and returning audiences to experience the full range of our dynamic programs.
If you love Shakespeare, we have plenty to offer you this season — epic tragedy on the Main Stage and joyous comedy under the stars; the return of the Lend Us Your Ears play reading series; as well as our Short Shakespeare family programming in the spring.
If Shakespeare’s not your thing, we have plenty to offer you as well: musical comedy, romance, hijinks, and redemption abound this season. And if you’re feeling adventurous or curious, perhaps it’s time you give Shakespeare another try. I believe you’ll find our vibrant productions far from the dusty tomes that many of us experienced as kids. And speaking of kids, we are thrilled to expand our Classics for Kids! program, celebrating children’s literature and live theatre.
If you’ve been a longtime patron, you’ll continue to see the exceptional productions you’ve come to expect here. If you’ve never been to our theatre before or haven’t been in a while, I invite you to take a closer look at the wonderful offerings we have in store for you: New York-caliber theatre without the bridge or tunnel and without the New York-level prices.
Whether you are a proud Bard-ophile or feel a little Shakes-fear, there is something for you here! I hope you will join us for this exciting new season at YOUR Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. I know you’ll be glad you came.
Artistic Director
Dear Friends,
A KNOCK-’EM DEAD, UPROARIOUS MUSICAL COMEDY
A Christmas Carol
Capture the Magic of the Season
CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Neil Bartlett
Directed by Paul Mullins
A CHRISTMAS CAROL IS SPONSORED IN PART BY
Scrooge’s iconic journey from miser to humanitarian appears fresh and new in Neil Bartlett’s bold and highly-theatrical adaptation. Using a small ensemble of actors to bring the vast inhabitants of Dickens’ world to life (animate and inanimate alike) — everything from the merry Fezziwigs to Scrooge’s complaining lightbulb — this inventive production is sure to capture the imaginations of the entire family and fill audiences with the magical spirit of the season.
“It is required of every man that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow men, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death.”
4 - 29
DECEMBER
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT!
KNOW-THE-SHOW Pre-Show Talk
Join us on select Thursday nights for an insightful preshow talk with a member of our artistic staff. History, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and fun facts about the production will be revealed.
SYMPOSIA Post-Show Q&A
Following select Tuesday evening and Saturday matinee performances, members of the cast and artistic team gather on stage to talk with the audience, answer and ask questions, and engage in lively conversation about the play.
OPENING NIGHTS
Experience the excitement of an official opening night performance! The evening includes complimentary champagne at intermission, a post-performance reception including show inspired treats, and a chance to mingle with press, guest artists, and company members.
ACCESSIBILITY RELAXED PERFORMANCES
RP
Relaxed Performances offer accomodations for individuals who benefit from a more relaxed theatregoing environment, including but not limited to those with autism, sensory or communication disabilities, or developmental disabilities. Visit our website for specific offerings.
CLOSED-CAPTIONED
For patrons wishing to view the text of the onstage dialogue and sound effects, Captioned Performances will be held once per production run. Captions are transmitted to the patrons’ web-enabled smart device.
AUDIO-DESCRIBED
At these performances, visually impaired patrons can listen to live descriptions of the action on stage via a provided transmitter. Pre-performance sensory seminars are also available and allow patrons to handle props and costumes prior to the show.
For more information about accessibility at the theatre, please visit our website or contact the Box Office.
Ty Lane and Christian Frost in The Metromaniacs, 2022
(Photo credit: Sarah Haley).
The 2022 Outdoor Stage production of Much Ado About Nothing (Photo credit: Sarah Haley).
SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS
• Secure your seats and get the best deals available, receiving substantial discounts on all ticket packages.
• Free and Flexible Exchanges — Subscribers are entitled to free ticket exchanges for the same production, subject to availability. Upcharges may apply.
• Additional Tickets — $5 off for additional tickets for family, friends, and guests.
• Discounted Outdoor Stage Tickets — only $35 per ticket!
• Ticket Insurance — Lost, stolen, or damaged tickets are replaced free of charge.
All subscriptions are subject to $7.50 handling fee for the entire order, not per ticket. • Show titles, pricing, and dates are subject to change. • A valid, fulltime student ID is required for student subscriptions. • Packages cannot be combined with any other discount or offer.
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.
SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES
COMPLETE WORKS MAIN STAGE PACKAGE
Saturday Openings (7:30 pm) M
T/W/Th/Sun
Fri/Sat
All prices listed reflect orchestra subscriptions. Balcony subscriptions range between $45 to $365 depending on the performance package.
BECOME A MEMBER Our Best
Purchase a $50 Membership and get $40 tickets to any production, based on availability.
$220 $365 $365 $315 $340 $75
SUBSCRIBE NOW AND SAVE!
Previews
Evenings
Evenings
Student $168 $284 $284 $244 $264 $60 4 PLAY MAIN STAGE PACKAGE Previews Saturday Openings (7:30 pm) M atinees Evenings T/W/Th/Sun Evenings Fri/Sat Student $132 $219 $219 $189 $204 $45 3 PLAY MAIN STAGE PACKAGE Previews Saturday Openings (7:30 pm) M atinees Evenings T/W/Th/Sun Evenings Fri/Sat Student
atinees
Bargain!
Call our Box Office at 973-408-5600. Media Partner
The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.
EVEN MORE TO LOVE!
LEND US YOUR EARS Play-Reading Series
Our popular one-night-only play readings return this year with a focus on Shakespeare and Shakespeare-inspired works. See these dynamic stories leap to life with some of STNJ’s finest artists.
CYMBELINE by William Shakespeare
Monday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.
INTO THE BREECHES! by George Brant
Monday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m.
HENRY V by William Shakespeare
Monday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m.
SOMETHING MERRY THIS WAY COMES
Something Merry This Way Comes, 2018 (Photo credit: Joe Guerin).
Get into the holiday spirit with a collection of seasonal stories, songs, and poems presented on our Main Stage. Monday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS
The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory
- Where the magic is created: Peek behind the scenes at our one-of-a-kind facility: part costume and scene shop, part office space, part interactive museum.
The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
- Go behind-the-scenes of our Main Stage productions and discover the magic behind our performances. For more information, or to book your tour, please call 973-845-6742.
THE SHAKESPEARE BOOK CLUB
INTO THE WOODS: Cymbeline, As You Like It, and The Crucible Wednesdays, April 3 - May 8 via Zoom
WYRD MACBETH: Macbeth and derivative works
Tuesdays, October 1 - November 26 via Zoom
In-person dates also available!
The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory
