"If music be the food of love, play on..." and so they did at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ). The show company ended the year and started the new one in great Shakespearean style with the production of Twelfth Night, one of the Bard's most celebrated comedies. We were fortunate to catch a performance by this passionate group of talented actors.
Twelfth Night is one of the most musical of Shakespeare’s plays, and virtually all of the songs in this production are performed by the actor playing Feste, musician and composer Cedric Lamar, who also composed the melodies.
Like most Shakespeare plays, Twelfth Night has a lot of depth and layers. STNJ gives guidance to newbies and long-time aficionados by providing a summary of the play in advance so you can familiarize yourself with the plot and cast of characters. Then, when STNJ’s talented actors hit the stage, you’ll be able to better understand and appreciate how their skill and personalities shine through and take audience members for a ride filled with prose, music, wit, and clever adaptation.
We enjoyed Twelfth Night by STNJ thoroughly and we congratulate the Theatre group on a successful production — another feather in its cap for this 60-year-old show company. In today’s time, six decades is no small feat, especially as one of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation.
When you visit the STNJ, make time for some shopping in the charming downtown of Chatham, or visit the Short Hills Mall with its artistic displays. Get in touch with nature by venturing out on one of the many hiking trails at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is located at the center of Drew University, a private university nicknamed the "University in the Forest" because of its wooded 186-acre campus.
The Theatre makes it easy — and affordable — to enjoy the arts. Student rush tickets are available for $15, and there are a limited number of pay-what-you-can tickets for every performance on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Theatre also offers a $30 Under 30 Ticket option: if you’re under 30 years old, you can get a ticket for $30. Other discounts include a 10% discount for customers and employees of Bank of America, members of television’s THIRTEEN, and AAA members.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ShakespeareNJ.org.
Until next time, peace!