John Keabler News

Free For All, one of the capital's cherished annual traditions, will return this summer to Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC), offering two weeks of free performances of the Company's 2016 production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul, whose hit production of Camelot has extended through July 8 due to popular demand, the production will run at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St NW) from August 21-September 2, providing more than 12,000 people the chance to see the play free of charge.

Known nationally and internationally for its professional cultivation of vibrant new plays, the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) at Shepherd University welcomes the 2018 company to Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Each July, artists from around the country, including cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, gather in historic Shepherdstown to create the future of American theater.

From the first swirl of the cape, Perseverance Theatre's world premier of the new adaption of Cyrano de Bergerac captures attention with its kinetic energy. Cyrano de Bergerac, originally written by Edmund Rostand in 1897, is newly translated and adapted by David Grimm and directed by Eleanor Holdridge. 

Perseverance Theatre is pleased to announce the world premiere of a new translation and adaptation of what has been called the best romantic play ever written: Edmond Rostand's classic, Cyrano de Bergerac. 'David Grimm's new work shines with the the poetry and musicality of the original French,' says Perseverance Theatre artistic director, Art Rotch. 'The actors are so funny and talented; you can tell they are loving every word.' 

Holiday theatergoers have something to celebrate. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is presenting their outstanding season finale, 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play' now through December 31. The beloved Christmas story is cleverly performed as a radio broadcast. Directed by Doug West and adapted by Joe Landry, the production features a superb cast and excellent staging. It is a marvelous show that will please the entire family.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey wraps its 2017 season with a delightful adaptation of a treasured holiday film, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. After a successful staged reading of the play in 2016, director Doug West returns to direct this new take on a beloved tale. Adapter Joe Landry has brought the 1946 film to the stage where he has gathered a troupe of radio actors and live Foley sound artists to perform It's a Wonderful Life in a 1940s radio station. Performances begin on November 30. Patrons can purchase tickets at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located at 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by going online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey wraps its 2017 season with a delightful adaptation of a treasured holiday film, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. After a successful staged reading of the play in 2016, director Doug West returns to direct this new take on a beloved tale. Adapter Joe Landry has brought the 1946 film to the stage where he has gathered a troupe of radio actors and live Foley sound artists to perform It's a Wonderful Life in a 1940s radio station. Performances begin on November 30. Patrons can purchase tickets at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located at 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by going online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

This swashbuckling romp abounds with comedy, danger, and romance. Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's production of Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers previews July 12 and 13, opens July 14, and continues through August 6 in repertory with Shakespeare's As You Like It at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University.

This swashbuckling romp abounds with comedy, danger, and romance. Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's production of Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers previews July 12 and 13, opens July 14, and continues through August 6 in repertory with Shakespeare's As You Like It at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) opens its 2017 season with a stunning production of William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, a show that has not been performed by the company in 17 years. Directed by Robert Cuccioli, the excellent staging and stellar cast makes this 16th century dark comedy enthralling.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey kicks off its 55th season with The Merchant of Venice, not seen at The Shakespeare Theatre since 2000. Acclaimed company member Robert Cuccioli returns to direct. Performances begin on May 17 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located at 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ. Patrons can purchase tickets by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

With its winter production of Joseph Kesselring's classic comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace, Portland Stage's serves up a delightful vintage cocktail - complete with more than one amusing twist. The 1947 play, people with a cast of loveable, zany misfits who cheerfully engage in murder and mayhem retains its appeal seven decades later in this stylishly directed and colorfully acted production.

An enthralling production of William Shakespeare's 'Richard III' is onstage at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Directed by Paul Mullins and featuring a stellar cast, the show will be performed through Sunday, November 6th.

Since the recent discovery of the remains of the real Richard III, both the real life monarch and Shakespeare's monstrous version of him have been much talked about - his arch-villain of all villains - the intense, discontented, crippled, larger than life "protagonist," Richard, Duke of Gloucester dominates this seething history from start to finish. Paul Mullins who played the title role ten years ago, directs. Running in conjunction with the First Folio exhibit in October.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be available through the month of October when The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, in partnership with Drew University, presents a "double-bill" experience for students and adults. From October 6th - 30th, a single copy of the original First Folio, one of the world's most valuable, rare and influential books will be on public display at Drew University's Mead Hall. The renowned Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. launched an historic tour of the book in early 2016 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

Harper Lee's classic American tale of courage and justice takes the stage as Syracuse Stage presents TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, February 24 - March 26, directed by producing artistic director Timothy Bond.

?Gulfshore Playhouse will close their 2014-2015 season with The Liar by David Ives, based on the comedy by Pierre Corneille, playing April 4th through 26th, with $30 preview performances on April 2nd and 3rd.

Nylon Fusion Theatre Company announces their Short Play Festival "This Round's On Us" on February 20-21, featuring eleven new plays in two sets. Guest writers include Michael Puzzo and Don Nigro. Gotham's John Doman plays President McKinley in Nigro's new play Front Porch. Hosted by Lori Kee.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's revival of Henry IV, Part 2 is a fine production filled with terrific acting and some wonderful ensemble moments. Nevertheless, that doesn't stop the play from failing to achieve the dramatic excellence of its prequel.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's well-crafted, well-acted and magnificently directed revival of William Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1 is an exciting production perfect for a novice theatergoer or the most seasoned Shakespearean veteran.