A MOST DANGEROUS WOMAN
By Cathy Tempelsman
Directed by Tony Award-winner Richard Maltby, Jr.
WHEN: September 18 through October 12; Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 PM; Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.
WHERE: The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison (on the campus of Drew University)
TICKETS: $35 to $70; student rush tickets are available 30 minutes prior to curtain for $15.
For tickets or more information, call 973.408.5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.
Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts. Three-play discount ticket packages are also available.
An outcast, living a socially unconventional life, Mary Ann Evans was forced to write under the assumed name of George Eliot, not only to escape having her work judged by virtue of her gender but to avoid having it judged by virtue of her scandalous life. Ironically, her success as George Eliot only led her deeper and deeper into a world of secrets and deception. Eliot’s acclaimed novels include Adam Bede, Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss and Silas Marner. (Above: Artwork by Scott McKowen)
“Out of the isolation she suffers—born of her own passion and need—she develops a preternatural insight into hidden and secret lives and the suffering of ordinary men and women, who, dramatically, are as rich and compelling as the kings and queens we find in Shakespeare,” said playwright Cathy Tempelsman. “She was the most brilliant, fascinating person I had ever read about—her life was entirely modern and unconventional. I just felt that such a dramatic, controversial life belonged in the theatre.”
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:
The first preview performance of A Most Dangerous Woman on Wednesday, September 18th at 7:30 PM offers opportunities for reduced-price tickets, as an incentive to first-time theatergoers. For those who would otherwise not be able to afford a night at the theatre, the first preview performance is Pay What You Can night – pay what you are able for that evening’s 7:30 PM preview performance. Offer is subject to availability. Call the box office at 973.408.5600 for details.
For no more than the cost of a regular ticket, Symposium Series performances include the addition of a free post-play discussion with the cast and artistic staff, on Tuesday, September 24th at 7:30 PM; and Saturday, September 28th; and Saturday, October 5th at 2:00 PM.
On Thursday, September 26th, The Shakespeare Theatre presents the popular education program Know the Show. From 7:00 to 7:30 PM, members of the artistic staff will present a pre-performance talk that provides background information and an insider’s perspective on A Most Dangerous Woman.
General admission to Know the Show is $5 for the general public, $4 for subscribers and ticket package holders. Tickets to that evening’s 8:00 PM performance may be purchased separately.
The 2:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, October 5th will be audio described for those who are blind or have visual impairments. Audio description enables patrons to hear, through an FM transmitter, a live description of the action on the stage. A pre-performance sensory seminar is offered that allows patrons to explore props, costumes and set pieces to further enhance their live theatrical experience. The service is offered free of charge.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
- Winner of Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics awards, director Richard Maltby, Jr. directs A Most Dangerous Woman.
- Academy Award and Grammy Award—winning composer David Shire will provide original incidental music for the production.
- Playwright Cathy Tempelsman worked for the Wall Street Journal and is the author of the book Child-Wise published by William Morrow. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe and Coastal Living, among others.
THE CAST
- Aedin Moloney makes her Shakespeare Theatre debut in the role of George Eliot.
- Shakespeare Theatre veteran Ames Adamson plays George Henry Lewes, with whom George Eliot has a longtime relationship.
- John Little plays John Blackwood, Eliot’s publisher.
- Eliot’s best friend is played by Deanne Lorette who appeared in The Shakespeare Theatre’s production of The Little Foxes.
- The role of Isaac Evans, George Eliot’s brother, is played by Shakespeare Theatre veteran Rob Krakovski.
- Sheffield Chastain plays Herbert Spencer, a writer.
- Returning for his 10th season at The Shakespeare Theatre to play George Combe, the phrenologist, is Andy Paterson.
- Devin Norik plays Edward, a publishing house clerk.
THE CREATIVE STAFF
Creating the world of A Most Dangerous Woman are set designer Nicholas Dorr, costume designer Hugh Hanson, sound designer Rich Dionne, and lighting designer Tony Galaska. Kathy Snyder serves as production stage manager.
The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey’s largest professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare’s canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.
