Artwork by Scott McKowen

MADISON, NJ — The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s summer of comedy continues with Noël Coward’s frothy delight Fallen Angels. Fallen Angels begins performances on July 3 and continues through July 28^th at The Shakespeare Theatre’s Main Stage – The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre.   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 visitwww.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.

Individual tickets and choose-your own 5-play and 4-play discount ticket packages can be purchased by calling the box office at 973-408-5600 or by visiting www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. 

Noël Coward, Britain’s popular master of wit, has created a delightful comedy about the seven-year itch featuring tour-de-force roles for two leading ladies.  The sophisticated “bubbles” of this vintage Coward are popped throughout by sharp and wickedly-funny barbs about the perils of marital bliss. The original production of Fallen Angelsopened at London’s Globe Theatre in 1925 and starred Tallulah Bankhead. 

 GRAPHIC :Artwork by Scott McKowen

The Cast

Leading ladies Julie Jesneck and Melissa Miller play close friends Julia and Jane who are seeking adventure. Jesneck, making her Shakespeare Theatre debut in Fallen Angels, has appeared on Broadway in Rock ‘N Roll and in productions at The Mint Theatre, The Minetta Lane, Roundabout Theatre, and Denver Center Theatre among others.  She is a graduate of The Julliard School.  Melissa Miller, a native of Westfield, NJ, appeared at The Shakespeare Theatre in Macbeth.  She made her Broadway debut in Tartuffe and has appeared at The Pittsburgh Public Theatre in Born Yesterday, at Long Wharf Theatre, Theatre for a New Audience, Hartford Stage and the Alley Theater among others. 

Allison Mackie returns to The Shakespeare Theatre after a 15-year hiatus to play Saunders, the enigmatic and musical maid.  Mackie last appeared at The Shakespeare Theatre in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  On Broadway, she played Roxane opposite Frank Langella inCyrano de Bergerac and in Candida with Joanne Woodward.  She has appeared in productions at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Westport Country Playhouse and the Lucille Lortel in New York City.  Her film credits include Lucky, Almost Perfect, Our Very Own with Allison Janney, Pretty Ugly People, and Rear Window among many others. 

Playing the husbands to Julia and Jane are Jeffrey M. Bender as Frederick and Ned Noyes as Willy.  In his 14^th Season with The Shakespeare Theatre, Bender has appeared in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, Henry IV, Part One, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) among many others. He has appeared in Reckless at The Denver Center Theatre, and A Time to Kill at Arena Stage, as well as productions at the Old Globe in San Diego, Seattle Rep and Lincoln Center.   Noyes appeared in The Shakespeare Theatre’s production of The Time of Your Life.  He has appeared off-Broadway and at theatre across the nation including Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Court Theatre, and Geva Theatre. 

 Michael Sharon makes his Shakespeare Theatre debut in the role of the charming and sophisticated Frenchman, Maurice.  Sharon has appeared at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, GBS Theatre in London, Portland Center Stage and Pioneer Theatre Company among many others.

About the Director

Director Matthew Arbour returns to The Shakespeare Theatre for his 4^th season.  His Shakespeare Theatre directing credits include Little Foxes, The Bald Soprano and The Rivals.  He has directed at theatres across the country including Chautauqua Theater Company, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, Two River Theatre Company and many more.  He regularly serves as a script judge for The Princess Grace Award for New Dramatists and is a Drama League Directing Fellow. 

 The Artistic Staff

Creating the world of Fallen Angels are set designer Charles Corcoran, lighting designer Tony Galaska, and costume designer Martha Bromelmeier.  Christine Whalen is the production stage manager. 

Special Performances

The first preview performance of Fallen Angels on Wednesday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. offers opportunities for reduced-price tickets, as an incentive to first-time theatergoers.  For those who would otherwise not be able to afford a night at the theatre, the first preview performance is Pay What You Can night – pay what you are able for that evening’s 7:30 p.m. preview performance.  Offer is subject to availability.  Call the box office at 973-408-5600 for details. 

 For no more than the cost of a regular ticket, Symposium Seriesperformances include the addition of a free post-play discussion with the cast and artistic staff, on Tuesday, July 9^th at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday July 13^th; and Saturday July 20^th at 2:00 p.m.

 On Thursday, July 11^th, The Shakespeare Theatre presents the popular education program Know the Show. From 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., members of the artistic staff will present a pre-performance talk that provides background information and an insider’s perspective onFallen Angels.

 General admission to Know the Show is $5 for the general public, $4 for subscribers and ticket package holders. Tickets to that evening’s 8:00 p.m. performance may be purchased separately.

 The 2:00 p.m. performance on July 20^th will be audio described for those who are blind or have visual impairments.  Audio description enables patrons to hear, through an FM transmitter, a live description of the action on the stage.  A pre-performance sensory seminar is offered that allows patrons to explore props, costumes and set pieces to further enhance their live theatrical experience. The service is offered free of charge.

 Tickets & General Information

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 visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.  

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Main Stage, the 308-seat F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, is conveniently located in Madison at 36 Madison Avenue (Route 124) at Lancaster Road (on the Drew University campus), just minutes from routes 287, 78 and 10. Parking is free. The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is barrier free with access into the Theatre via a ramp and elevator access to all floors.   Wheelchair seating and transfer seating is available.  Braille and large print programs are available.   Infrared listening devices are available free of charge.  Some performances are audio described.  Contact the theatre for more information.   For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-5600 or visitwww.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey’s largest professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare’s canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

MACA is excited to once again present the Madison Artist Tour on Sunday, June 9th 2013 from 11 am to 5 pm in Madison.  The annual event, developed by MACA to introduce and promote visual artists in the borough, will feature the participating artists’ work in exclusive and unique “pop-up galleries” throughout the Rose City including a realty office, the town hall, shops and more.   Beginning June 1, maps showing the location of each artist’s work are available for $5 at Drip Coffee, 34 Main Street and at Rose City Framemakers, 20 Waverly Place.

Maps will also be available on the day of the tour beginning at 10 am at the MACA Artist Tour booth on Waverly Place.   Waverly Place will also be the site of a community-based art project  with local artist Kris Pfeifer to encourage children, adults and families to express their creativity.  The art project will begin at 10 am and continue throughout the day.

Participating artists live and/or work in the Madison area and include Madison residents Dennis McKee, Sally Lebwohl, Monika Stebbins, Nancy Sargent,  Ian Thompson, Anjali Srivastava, Eric Kazmirek, Paul Mueller, Elizabeth Hammonds, Debra Petitti Saffron and Sandra McBryan.  Also participating in the Tour are Jinnie May of Randolph, Priscilla Petitti Flores of Somerville, Medy Bozkurtain of East Hanover, Maria Lupo of Roseland and Rosemary Cunningham of New York.  Additional artists and venues may be added.

The Tour is also a perfect opportunity for participants to explore the new Madison Sidewalk Gallery, a collaborative project of The Madison Arts and Cultural Alliance (MACA) and the Downtown Development Commission (DDC).  The Sidewalk Gallery features one-of-a-kind banners designed and crafted by Madison artists.

The Artist Tour will conclude with a post-tour reception with the artists beginning at 5:30 p.m. at The Hartley Dodge Memorial.  Attendance is free for tour attendees with maps.

Click to learn more about the Madison Artist Tour 2013 Artists!

Madison and Red Bank, NJ — The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and Two River Theater announce a unique partnership celebrating two of Noël Coward’s delightful comedies being presented this spring at their respective theatres.  With the two companies collaborating and promoting each other’s productions, patrons can purchase discount tickets to see both comedies by contacting the box office at either theater.  For the low price of $75 for Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings or Saturday matinees, patrons will receive a ticket to see Present Laughter at Two River Theater in Red Bank and Fallen Angels at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison.  For the discounted price of $90, patrons may attend a Friday or Saturday evening or Sunday matinee of both shows.   

This unprecedented offer provides New Jersey theatregoers with the rare opportunity to see two great plays by Coward, one of the foremost masters of wit and high style comedy in theatre history.  To reach the Two River Theater box office, call 732-345-1400 or visit TRTC.org.  For The Shakespeare Theatre box office, call 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.   

“Two River Theater is very pleased to join with our colleagues at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey to make this ticket package available,” Managing Director Michael Hurst noted.  “Opportunities to draw organizations from across the state into partnerships like this one serve both artists and audiences.”

“That two comedies by the genius Noël Coward are being produced in New Jersey back to back is exciting.  That our two theaters are joining forces in an unprecedented partnership that makes it possible for patrons to buy tickets to both shows at either box office at a discounted price is tremendous,” said Rick Engler, Director of Marketing at The Shakespeare Theatre.   

Two River Theater’s production of Present Laughter begins performances on June 1 and continues through June 23, 2013. To reach the Two River Theatre box office, call 732-345-1400.  

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s production of Fallen Angels runs from July 3 through July 28, 2013.  To reach The Shakespeare Theatre box office, call 973-408-5600.   

About the Plays

Present Laughter directed by David Lee

In 1930s London, Garry Essendine, a debonair matinee idol, is one of the world’s most famous actors.  Garry sees his life as an eternal performance—one in which the spotlight never goes out.  But can the man who can’t say “no” juggle an ambitious debutante, an aspiring playwright, a secret affair, his tart-tongued secretary, and his ex-wife, all in one morning?  Present Laughter is a sparkling blend of bravura acting, elegant designs and witty dialogue.   The cast features Leighton Bryan, Mark Capri, Veanne Cox, Michael Cumpsty, Cole Escola, Richard Hollis, Kaitlin Hopkins, Robin Moseley, James Riordan, Camille Saviola, and Hayley Treider. 

Fallen Angels directed by Matthew Arbour

Britain’s master of wit has created tour de force roles for two leading ladies in this delightful comedy about the seven-year itch.  The sophisticated “bubbles” of this frothy, vintage Coward are popped throughout by sharp and wickedly-funny barbs about the perils of marital bliss.  The cast features Jeffrey M.  Bender, Julie Jesneck, Allison Mackie, Melissa Miller, Ned Noyes, and Michael Sharon. 

About the Theatres

Two River Theater, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst, is dedicated to producing great classics from the American and world stage, creating new plays and musicals for the American theater, and serving its diverse and multigenerational community through unique partnerships and education programs.  Founded in 1994 by Joan and Dr.  Robert M.  Rechnitz, the theater supports the most exceptional and adventurous artists in the American theater and provides opportunities for its audiences to be part of the creative process.  Two River Theater is a member of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT), Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and ArtPride New Jersey, and has been designated a Major Arts Institution by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Two River Theater is conveniently located in Red Bank, NJ, at 21 Bridge Avenue, just minutes from the GSP.  Free parking is available.  Wheelchair seating and transfer seating is available.  Large print programs are available.  Infrared listening devices are available free of charge.  Some performances are audio described and open captioned. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 732-345-1400 or visit TRTC.org.

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus.  Under the leadership of Artistic Director Bonnie J.  Monte and Managing Director Jeanne Barrett, the Theatre is one of the leading Shakespeare theatre’s in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually.  It is the state’s largest professional theatre company dedicated to the presentation of Shakespeare’s canon and other classics.  The Theatre’s mission places an equal focus on education—both for young artists and young audiences.  Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences. 

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Main Stage, the 308-seat F.M.  Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, is conveniently located in Madison at 36 Madison Avenue (Route 124) at Lancaster Road (on the Drew University campus), just minutes from routes 287, 78 and 10.  Parking is free.   Wheelchair seating and transfer seating is available.  Braille and large print programs are available.  Infrared listening devices are available free of charge.  Some performances are audio described.  Contact the theatre for more information.  For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-5600 or visitwww.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Enjoy a FREE, family-friendly outdoor concert on the lawn of the Museum featuring the 18 piece swing band Reeds, Rhythm and All that Brass.  Bring a blanket/chair and sit back and relax with a pleasant evening of music.  Picnicking welcome.  For more information call 973-377-2982 x14 or visit our website at www.metc.org.  Rain or Shine!  In case of inclement weather concert will be held inside the Museum with first come first serve seating.  FREE!