The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

Address:	36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ 07940, USA
Phone:	+1 973-408-5600
Site:	shakespearenj.org
Rating:	4.8

Location

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Leaflet

Photos 54

Reviews 12

Victoria Weisfeld

You might think Ben Jonson doesn’t have anything to say to modern audiences, and that whatever he did have to say, he said 400 years ago. In the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s production of his “satiric masterwork” The Alchemist, the audience finds, as director Bonnie Monte says, “the one thing that hasn’t changed is human nature.” In a talkback after the show, a director who’d put on this rarely-produced play free outdoors in Manhattan in 2008 said it made an almost painfully apt commentary on 21st century greed in the midst of the economic crisis. Every variation on wanting something for nothing is displayed by the Londoners who visit the den of the Alchemist and his confederates. The marks are blinded by their fantasies, their lust for gold and, while they’re at it, the favors of one particularly comely young widow. We laugh out loud at their ridiculous and sybaritic pretensions, mainly because we recognize them. For this production, much of the language was updated so modern ears could catch the lightning-fast and witty dialog, and the whole play was cut in about half by eliminating secondary characters and scenes, for modern attention spans (and bladders). It’s still two and a half fast-moving hours. All the acting is excellent, but special mention should be made of the three principal actors: Jon Barker (Face), Bruce Cromer (Subtle: the Alchemist), and Aedin Moloney (Dol Common). Brilliant. In Madison through August 31.

Anne Langan

I just saw Much Ado About Nothing. I thought the theater and the whole production were great and I would love to go back soon for another play. The theater is a bit smaller than the online seating chart led me to believe, so I think just about any seat is good. Whether you know a lot or a little about Shakespeares works I think youll have a good time.

Sue Covert

LOVE IT!!! 1 of main reasons I stay in NJ...great, varied selections of plays, etc.; Affordable, easy to get to!! EXCELLENT ACTORS , especially KEVIN ISOLA, now in THE BUNGLER ! THANK YOU BONNIE J. MONTE, et al.

Jessica McA

Great theater, every seat had a clear view! Acting company is superb. Great stage settings. I adore their directors.

Brian Mortensen

The best anywhere, also there is one performance per season in the outdoor theatre that is not to be missed.

Dennis Kennedy

Quality performances. Small theater. Easy parking. Economical.

Jason Colby

Beautiful intimate theater with talented actors and designers.

Naomi Freeman

Such a nice theatre and they put on great performances!

M Magnus

Great show, comfy seats, excellent actors