I've been to three productions presented by The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. As far as I know, this is the only theatre in this state primarily dedicated to Shakespeare’s plays as well as his contemporaries, in addition to some modern productions. The first play I saw there was A Comedy of Errors, which was performed outside at their beautiful stone and grass covered amphitheater. The other two productions I've seen, The Alchemist, and Wittenberg, were nothing short of brilliant. To have a regional theatre with such affordable professional performances is something to be treasured. I'm looking forward to seeing more in the future!
The productions and staging at STNJ are incrediby imaginative and exciting.
It is no wonder that it has been reviewed as one of the best regional theatres in the US.
We have been subscribers to the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ for many years. Each performance is masterful and we always come away with discussions of the topic, staging, costumes. Every production is professional and we always get a "lift". This organization deserves all the wonderful reviews from the Wall Street Journal and New York Times as well as the local news media. Besides the theatrical productions, there are readings, events, education programs and community outreach. From someone who appreciates the arts and its contributions to our society and culture.
The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ (STNJ) continues to produce world-class theatrical productions that range from time-honored classics by Shakespeare and other well-known playwrights to undiscovered gems. Every play I have seen at STNJ has rivaled or exceeded in quality much larger scale productions 30 miles away in NYC, at a fraction of the cost and amid much more intimate surroundings. Located in a region where cultural/arts organizations can easily by overshadowed by those in nearby NYC, the STNJ is a non-profit organization very worthy of our support!
This is a great organization which does world class productions of the Shakespeare canon and other classical theatrical works. It also has extensive educational and theater arts programs and is increasingly a resouce for schools and other theater groups I became a board member after subscribing for years and seeing its activities grow and many members of its repertory company blossom over time.
I've been a fan of Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) for years. Living so close to Manhattan, a lot of people seem to think that anything that's not Broadway is just "community theatre," but STNJ is a professional Equity company - so they're producing Broadway-quality work - they just do it more affordably, within walking distance to great restaurants, and with free parking.
The productions at STNJ are always amazing; they attract fabulous professional talent - on-stage and behind the scenes, and they're not recycling things you've seen for years. (and when they *do* produce a classic that you might have seen before, they'll put a new spin on it in a way that it feels fresh and new - case and point: their 'christmas carol,' 'amadeus' and 'to kill a mockingbird" in the last few years: all amazing shows with stellar production values.)
They're also committed to education, so they offer wonderful pre-show conversations with members of the creative team, as well as post-show conversations, and their touring company brings high-quality productions of the classics to schools.
They're the BEST.
For years I would pass the sign on the front lawn of Drew University that said, "The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey." I would say to myself, "Who wants to go see Shakespeare??" Fast forward; I will tell you who…ME!! After all the years I drove by the sign, and gasped, which I attribute to a poor introduction in my youth, I had the fortunate opportunity to meet an employee at the theatre. I told her my story; she explained to me that they don't just do Shakespeare and I should try one of the plays. I surrendered, and took my little boy to see "A Childs Christmas in Wales." My son's response to the play was incredible! The play takes place in a seaport town in Wales. You can imagine my amazement when my son yelled, "Mom, I can smell the salt air!" That is a clear sign of a great production coupled with excellent acting! I WAS HOOKED!! I loved the production, and I loved the facility! They left me with a deep desire for more! I could not believe this level of theatre was going on in my own back yard. The cost is very reasonable, much more than a Broadway Show, with the same quality of production and performance. It didn't take me long to go see a Shakespeare Performance, and yes, that too, impressed me and I have been to see many more performances of both Shakespeare and the classic plays they do each season. The outdoor theatre is a summer treat to share with family and it has now now part of our summer tradition. I cannot recommend this theatre enough; it is a gem!!
The first play we saw as subscribers was Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie." Our daughters were 7 and 9 years old. As we drove toward Madison with anticipation we spoke about theater in general: what is comedy? what is tragedy? The easy answers for kids were, "comedy has a happy ending," and "tragedy is when people die." At the end of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's heart wrenching and inspired production our younger turned to us and said, "You know, nobody died. But that was a tragedy." And so it was. That began an ongoing education for all of us in how the human spirit is unbound on the stage in live performance. Whether from the 20th century or the 17th, the variety at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey fascinates; the ensemble work always dazzles. What a treasure ... so close to home.
I spent May- December of 2013 with the Shakespeare Theatre as part of the Summer Professional Training Program, and stayed on in the fall as the Artistic/Casting Intern. The atmosphere of the office building, as well as all SPTP endeavors, were warming and comfortable, yet extremely challenging, forcing me to grow exponentially. I became familiar with both of my bosses as professionals and friends. This company adheres to family values and works as a cohesive group at all times, valuing communication and positive attitudes in the work place. As for the work they produce, I was enraptured by every performance I saw that summer, and continued to bring myself and others to every performance, staged reading, and theatrical event they had in the fall. I hope to return there many times for more training, and as a professional, in the future.