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Arts & Entertainment

Maybe Honesty Isn't Always the Best Policy

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey opens its season with Moliere's 'The Misanthrope.'

There must have been a lot of phonies walking around in 17th-century Paris because the main character in Moliere’s “The Misanthrope” is fed up with them.

Alceste has had enough of people who act all friendly in front of others, only to criticize and gossip about them behind their backs. He hates insincerity, and as the play opens, he’s admonishing his friend Philinte for the warm greeting he extends to someone he barely knows. Soon he’s eschewing an offer of friendship from Oronte and telling Oronte that the poem he’s so proud of is trash.

What would Alceste and Moliere make of today’s world, where we declare friendship with anyone who requests it on Facebook, and mediocre movies get billed as the event of the season?

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The relevance of “The Misanthrope,” written by Moliere in 1666, is one of the reasons Bonnie J. Monte, artistic director at the , chose it as the opening play of the Shakespeare Theatre’s 2011 season. The show will run June 1-26, with the June 4 official opening coinciding with the 345th anniversary of the play’s premiere.

“I have been struggling with my own growing misanthropy over the past decade,” Monte says. “I think one has to start out as a grand idealist in order to become as grand a misanthrope as the lead character in the play. I see this happening to myself and I see the dangers of what that can produce. It’s a very personal choice in some ways. The play has been extremely enlightening for me just exploring it.”

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Moliere wrote “The Misanthrope” after two of his plays, “Tartuffe,” and “Don Juan” were banned. It turned out to be a major success, and while many of Moliere’s plays venture into slapstick, Ms. Monte says she’s not doing that with “The Misanthrope.”

“I don’t think that’s the kind of play it is,” she says. “There are certainly Moliere plays that lean more towards that position but this is not one of them. This is his deepest, I think, most real play. And I think these are the most complex characters that he’s drawn in any of his plays.

“While it’s very funny and there are dollops of physical humor here and there, for the most part, the play’s comedy relies on the emotional responses the characters are having (toward) each other.”

Much of the play’s comedy stems from Alceste’s brutal honesty, his frustration with hypocrisy, and his love for Celimene, who is an expert at the very behavior Alceste abhors. As outrageous as Alceste behaves, he’s actually right, gossiping and talking badly about people when they’re not around is, indeed, wrong (although often quite fun). But as Monte notes, the question is how much should we rail against society’s shortcomings and when does the railing become destructive?

“I think there’s a tremendously deep, rich play in there,” Monte says. “It’s hilariously funny, it’s filled with wit and irony and social comment, but there’s a much darker, kind of wonderful strain in it that I think each person will find very personally affecting. And of course it’s brilliant language, which is something we look for in all of the plays that we do.”

The production will use Richard Wilbur’s 1955 translation. Wilbur is often cited as the master of English translations of Moliere’s work. His version is written in rhyming verse, which makes for wonderful language, but can be difficult for actors. Take these lines from Alceste in response to Oronte’s poem: “There’s no excuse for printing tedious rot/ Unless one writes for bread, as you do not/ Resist temptation then, I beg of you/ Conceal your pastimes from the public view.”

As pretty as the poetry is, the actors need to act and not recite, which Monte says they’re doing.

“This is really tricky language because how do you make it sound real when it rhymes?” Monte says. “And I have to say it’s been an utter delight watching these guys make that happen.”

Achieving that means delving into lines and exploring individual words and how they should be emphasized.

“There’s a lot of experimentation going on in terms of how each line is being delivered and where the emphasis should be, when to absolutely enhance the rhyme and stress and when to play against it. That’s been a continual process of really exciting discovery because it works, it really works, it’s amazing.”

The cast includes John Patrick Hayden as Alceste and Elizabeth A. Davis as Celimene. Both are making their Shakespeare Theatre debuts with “The Misanthrope.” Joining them are Shakespeare veterans Jon Barker as Philinte and Marcus Dean Fuller as Oronte.

Davis had auditioned last year but wasn’t available because she was working in “The 39 Steps” on Broadway.

“I knew she was absolutely perfect for Celimene and she is,” Monte says. “She just inhabits that character so sublimely, and of course (Hayden and Davis) are surrounded by a lot of people that I have worked with before, so it’s a wonderful mix of old blood and new blood. It’s a great ensemble.”

And considering the theme of “The Misanthrope,” you have to think she’s being sincere.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will perform The Misanthrope at the F.M.  on the campus of Drew University June 1-26. For information and tickets, call 973-408-5600, e-mail boxoffice@shakespearenj.org or go towww.shakespearenj.org

THE ON STAGE SCOOP

Dinner and a Show: and  are teaming up to offer entertainment and dinner at a discount. Bring your SVP ticket to the restaurant and get 10 percent off your dinner, then bring your dinner receipt to the Playhouse and get a $2 refund on your show ticket. Dinner and performance must be on the same date to receive discount and refund. Valid SVP ticket must be presented at Caffé Piazza to receive dinner discount. Discount available prior to the show on Friday and Saturday, and after the show on Sunday. Valid dinner receipt must be presented at SVP box office to receive ticket refund. SVP ticket refund offer valid only Friday and Saturday. Ticket refund is not available for Sunday performances.

Mystery, Meat: Omicron Theatre Productions will present its Murder Mystery Dinner featuring audience participation through May 28, at  on Amwell Road in Hillsborough. Admission costs $49 and includes dinner, the show, tax and gratuity. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required: Call 609-443-5598.

From the Ground Up: New York City-based theater group Ground Up Productions is presenting “The Importance of Being Earnest” at  through June 5. The cast includes Kate Middleton, Josh Evans, Sarah Berk and Mark Thornton. Special events tied to production include the opening night gala on May 21, including food and drinks and post-show cocktails with the cast; and educational workshops for drama students on May 22 and June 5, Summit Hill School Night is on May 26, when tickets will be $10 for Summit High School students. Tickets cost $20, or $12 for students with I.D. The Summit Playhouse is located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit. For tickets and information, go to GroundUpProductions.org.

Meet the Artist and Watch a Play:  is hosting a free, staged reading of Suzanne Bradbeer’s “Shakespeare in Vegas” on May 25 at 7:30 p.m. The comedy is about a frustrated New York actress who takes a job with a classical theater company in Vegas. The reading will be followed by an open discussion between the playwright, director, actors and audience. The reading will take place at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Ave., Summit. For information, call 973-378-7754, ext. 2228 or go toDreamcatcherRep.org.

You’ll Want to Stay Awake For This: Tony-winning musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” will take stage at  in Montville May 27 through June 11. The show by Bob Marin and Don McKellar (book) and Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison (music and lyrics) is about a musical coming to life in the home of a theater lover when he plays the cast recording. The cast includes Lynn Hart, Kate Weigl and Billy Brisley. Scott Hart directs. The theater is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville. Tickets cost $20, discounts for seniors and students are available for Sunday matinees. For information, call 973-334-9320, e-mailboxoffice@barntheatre.org or go to BarnTheatre.org.

Beastly Behavior: The Grownig Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is hosting performances of “Lord of the Flies” through May 28. Nigel Williams wrote this adaptation of William Golding’s legendary tale of a group of school boys on a deserted island who descend to savage behavior. Show times are May 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Go to GrowingStage.Goes.com for more information.
 

If the Slipper Fits: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is presenting “Cinderella,” through July 23. Performances for the family show are Saturdays through June 4, at 11 a.m. Performances are also scheduled for the following dates: July 12 and 14 at 10 a.m., July 20 through 22 at 10 a.m., and July 23 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $12. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

Keeping it Real with ‘The Misanthrope:”  will open its 2011-12 season with Moliere’s “The Misanthrope,” June 1 through 26. John Patrick Hayden stars as Alceste, whose disdain for hypocracy doesn’t keep him from falling in love with Celimente (Elizabeth Ann Davis), who exhibits the very behavior Alceste despises. Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte directs. Tickets start at $32. For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or go to ShaksepeareNJ.org.

They Got the Beat: The Go Go’s will play a concert at  on June 1 at 8 p.m. The all-female band will play new renditions of their ’80s hits, including “Our Lips are Sealed,” “We’ve Got the Beat,” “Vacation,” and “Head Over Heals.” Tickets cost $57-$95. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Music of Dance: New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will perform “Best of Ballet,” conducted by Jacques Lacombe on June 2 at 7:30 p.m. at . The program brings together an alluring selection of choreographic favorites, including excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” “The Firebird,” “Appalachian Spring,” “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” and “Fancy Free.” The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

From Conan to Morris: LaBamba and the Hubcaps will perform at  on June 3, 7:30 p.m. Trombonist LaBamba is a prominent member of Conan O’Brien’s Basic Cable Band and is a former member of Southside Johnny’s Asbury Jukes. Acapella group Quiet Storm will open. The concert is tied to the museum’s exhibit “Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock & Roll in the Garden State on view though Sept. 5. Tickets cost $45. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Laughing With a Legend: Comedy icon Bill Cosby is coming to  on June 4 for two shows, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cosby starred on several television shows, including “The Cosby Show,” and has written best-selling books. He is known for his non-vulgar humor that transcends age, gender and cultural barriers. Tickets cost $52-$107. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Laughing Matters: The Black River Playhouse will host its second annual comedy fundraiser night for the Chester Theatre Group on June 4 at 8 p.m. Featured comedians Katherine Brower, Dan Hoffman, Fred Holzapfel, Julie McCormick, Karen Muha, Peggy Robinson, and Phil Sweet, are alumni of the Humor in the Midst Comedy Workshops conducted by comic Kate Lyn Reiter. Last year's comedy night was a sold-out hit. Suggested donation is $15. The Black River Playhouse is located at the corner of Maple And Grove in Chester Borough. For tickets and information, call 908-879-7304 or go towww.chestertheatregroup.org.

Bear Essentials: “The Berenstain Bears in Family Matters” by Theatreworks USA/Matt Murphy Productions will take stage at  on June 4 at 10 a.m. The family show is based on three of Stan and Jan Berenstain's popular books: “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers,” “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food” and “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble at School.” For kids ages 3 to 10 (and their parents). The Playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn. Call 973-376-4343 or go towww.papermill.org for ticket information.

Getting Jazzy for the Summer:  Jazz Summerfest will begin with a concert by pianist Derek Smith on June 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $18 at the door, $15 in advance. The theater is located at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-971-3706 or go here (www.morrismuseum.org/static/bickford/bickford.html.)

Play Time For Adults: ’s Adult Playwriting Workshop Summer Session 1 will be held Mondays starting June 6 through Aug. 15, 7 to 10 p.m. This will be a basic workshop class where students share work in a supportive environment. Enrollment is open to students of all levels of experience. Classes will provide exercises to beginners working on their first plays as well as experienced writers who are further down the road. John Pietrowski is the instructor. The registration deadline is May 30. Classes will be canceled if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines. The cost is $275, or $250 for returning students (prorated options are available). Click here for more information.

Audition Alert, “Godspell:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Laske will hold open cast calls for “Godspell” on June 7 at 7 p.m. and June 11 at 1 p.m. Seeking adults and teens over 16 who are exuberant, high-energy performers. Prepare a song from the show. Everyone, including beginners, is welcome to audition, have fun and meet people. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Call 973-691-2100 for more information.

Audition Alert: “Meet Me in St. Louis:” Summit Playhouse will hold auditions for “Meet Me in St. Louis June 7 and 9 at 7 p.m. with callbacks on June 12 at 7 p.m. Bring sheet music of your choice, sides will be provided. “Meet Me in St Louis” is an adaptation of the movie musical that starred Judy Garland. Set in the early 1900s it is the story of the Smith family and their joys and tribulations in a time when things were simpler — or were they? Humor, love and respect tell the family story enhanced by memorable musical numbers, “The Boy Next Door,” “The Trolley Song,” “Whenever I'm With You” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” among others. Performances are Nov. 4-19. Auditions are at the Playhouse, located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit. Click here for more information, including a character breakdown and here for directions.

Inspiring Sounds: The Choir of the Pope’s Diocese of Rome will perform at  on June 8 as part of its first U.S. tour. The program will feature classical pieces and original works by the Choir’s founder, Don Marco Frisina that are both spiritual and inspirational. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $27-$77. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Auditions at the Women’s Theatre Co.: The Women’s Theatre Co. in Parsippany will hold auditions for two musicals, “They’re Playing Our Song” and “Baby” on June 9, 11a.m.-3 p.m. Prepare a short song in the style of the musical you are auditioning for, and a short monologue. Rehearsals will be days with some nights, 20 hours a week. Please bring a picture and resume, stapled together. E-mail info@womenstheater.org to schedule an audition time. Show dates for “They Playing Our Song” are in September and October. “Baby” runs in March 2012. Auditions are at the Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road in Lake Hiawatha. Go to www.womenstheater.org for more information.

Doo the Doo Wop:  will present a lecture about doo wop music by Charlie Horner, as part of the exhibit, “Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock & Roll in the State.” Horner has been described as “one of the foremost authorities on early rhythm & blues and vocal group music” by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland. He’ll present a history of doo wop and R&B vocal group music. These multi-media programs include rare photographs of singers, record labels, sheet music, and memorabilia. Part I is on June 8 at 6:30 p.m., Part 2 is on June 15 at 6:30 p.m. Admission costs $20, $15 museum members ($35, $25 members for both lectures). Arrive between 5 and 5:30 p.m. to meet members of well-known New Jersey doo wop groups who will be greeting attendees and signing autographs. Tickets to this event includes admission to the “Jersey Rocks” exhibition prior to the presentations.

One view through Sept. 5, “Jersey Rocks” explores rock & roll’s history in the Garden State, where performers, technology and talent created sounds that dominated radio airwaves. The exhibit includes displays devoted to Les Paul, The Young Rascals, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Bill Haley and His Comets (who debuted “Rock Around the Clock” in Wildwood) and others. Call 973-538-0154 or go to www.morrismuseum.org for more information.

Summer Camp at Growing Stage: Registration is open for Growing Stage Theatre in Netcong’s Summer Arts Day Camp beginning July 11 and continuing for five weeks through Aug. 12. Weekly sessions run Monday to Friday form 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and ends with a Camp Show at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Tuition begins at $250 per week. Complete information can be found here.

A Season of Music and Laughter: The Women’s Theatre Co. in Parsippany has announced its 2011-12 season. The musical “They’re Playing Our Song” will open the season in September. The show features music by Marvin Hamlisch and Carol Bayer Sager, and a book by Neil Simon. Next up is Beth Henley’s comedy “Crimes of the Heart” in November. David Shire's, Richard Malby Jr.’s and Sybille Pearson’s musical "Baby" will take stage in March of 2012, followed by “Southern Comforts,” a comedy by Kathleen Clark. A bonus production, “A Person of Interest” will take stage next June. Click here for information.

Camp Shakespeare:  has started enrollment for its summer educational programs, which offer training in classical theater by professional theater artists for middle- and high school-aged students. Applications for the Junior and Senior Corps are now being accepted. Returning students or children of 2011 season subscribers receive a $100 discount. To sign up for an audition slot, or for more information, call 973-408-3980 or email Classes@shakespearenj.org.

Working For Those Laughs: Tickets for Bill Engvall’s Aug. 17 comedy concert at the  in Morristown are on sale now. Engvall stars in his own sitcom on TBS and hosts Country Fried Home Videos on CMT. Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Bickford Theatre announces its 2011-2012 season: Eric Hafen, artistic director at the  in Morris Township, announced his 10th anniversary season with four plays by writers whose works have previously been performed at the theater. The season will open with the New Jersey premiere of Richard Dresser’s comedy “The Last Days of Mickey & Jean,” directed by John Pietrowski, Sept. 22 through Oct. 9. Next up is “Over the River and Through the Woods,” directed by Hafen, Nov. 17 through Dec. 4. The comedy by Joe DiPietro (“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) is a “heartwarming and hilarious funny comedy… filled with love, laughter and lasagna,” according to the Bickford. Things will get scary in 2012 with Ira Levin’s “Veronica’s Room,” directed by Daniel LaPenta, Jan 26 through Feb. 12. The season will wind up with “I Do! I Do!” the Tony-winning hit by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. Four-play subscriptions include tickets to one of the Bickford’s “A La Carte Series” of concerts. Those are pianist Vladimir Zaitsev on March 4, a performance of Avi Hoffman in “Still Jewish After All Those Years” on March 11, and an evening of opera and popular song, “Italian Giants and American Icons” on March 18. Season subscriptions are on sale now and cost $115-$150. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 1. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to BickfordTheatre.org.

Playwrights Theatre Summer Programs: Registration is open for summer programs at the . Acting Lab for grades four through six allows kids to act, play and be creative in a supportive, process-oriented class with an emphasis on play-building skills through improvisation, theater exercises and group collaboration. Five sessions will take place over the summer, with the first session starting June 20. Playwrights will also hold the Full Day Theatre Camp for grades seven through nine, offering daily classes in acting technique, play production, musical performance and playwriting. Sessions will start July 5 and July 18. The theater’s website notes that if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines, classes will be canceled. Click here for more information about the full-day camp and here for more information about the acting lab.

Registration for Summer Theater Camps: Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph has announced its 30th season of summer performing arts education with the return of three programs. Summer Stages is a workshop for young performers ages 8 through 14 who have completed second grade or higher during the 2010-11 school year; staff instructs students in acting, music and dance, and each two-week session will end with a production for audiences of parents, relatives and friends. The Advanced Performers Workshop is open to students who are already at least 12 and will be entering seventh through 11th grades in the 2011-2012 season. Admission is by audition and interview. Students will spend part of their time in rehearsal for whatever show they are working on, and part of their time in workshops on various aspects of theater arts. The Budding Stars program is designed for children ages 5 to 7. Students will also create simple props and costumes for skits, fairy tales and children’s stories they perform. For pricing, schedules and registration, go to RandolphNJ.org, click on “Parks and Recreation,” and click on “Online Registration.” You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in the Senior Community Center on Calais Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-989-7092.

Registration Open for Villagers Summer Theater Programs: The Villagers Theatre in Somerset has announced its summer programs for training in theater arts, preparing young performers for the stage. Actors ages 9 to 12 who have demonstrated desire and talent for the performing arts will discover many aspects of theater, including acting, dance, voice, and musical theater, and production arts through both instruction and experience. The program will begin June 28 with two 3-week sessions, Monday through Friday. Li’l Villagers half-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to noon for younger performers, 6 to 8 years old; Villagers Apprentice full-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each session will culminate in a performance on the Villagers Main Stage on the final Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Overture care and encore care are available for an additional fee. Students will be grouped for instruction by age, ability or experience. Arts educators will be assisted by college interns and high school counselors. Students are required to provide their own transportation and brown bag lunches. Session 1 will take place July 5 to 23. Session II: July to 23-Aug. 13. For more information, go to Villagerstheatre.com.

Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of , Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar through June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

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