MONMOUTH — The Theater At Monmouth’s 43rd season, themed “A Season of Family,” will present classic stories focusing on family, community and a sense of coming into one’s own.
For some, this journey of discovery works out well; for others, it is disastrous.
The season’s four mainstage plays are Richard Wilbur’s translation of Moliere’s masterpiece, “Tartuffe;” Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona” and “Henry IV, Part 1” and Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.”
The summer children’s show is the heartwarming adventure “The Little Prince,” adapted by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar.
The fall musical, opening Sept. 20, is the election-themed “Of Thee I Sing,” by George & Ira Gershwin, George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind.
Since its founding, the theater has rehearsed and performed in rotating repertory, meaning theater-goers can see actors in different roles in four different shows in one weekend. Each of this season’s six productions features newcomers as well as TAM favorites, including Mark S. Cartier, Bill Van Horn, Janis Stevens and Dustin Tucker.
Summer productions are as follows:
* “Tartuffe,” July 5 – Aug. 19
Orgon has given everything— his estate, daughter and wife (well, almost) to Tartuffe, a swindler masquerading as a holy man. His family goes to outrageous lengths to unmask the imposter. Hijinks and physical comedy ensue as they hatch a plan to catch the rat before he brings the house down.
* “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” July 12 – Aug. 17
When two dapper young men from Verona head to Milan to broaden their horizons, they fall hopelessly in love with the same girl, throwing their worlds into chaos as they learn a little bit about friendship, loyalty and dating.
* “The Glass Menagerie,” July 19 – Aug. 18
Tennessee Williams’ classic American drama explores the bonds of family, the weight of memory and the force of loss. Portrayed is the Wingfields’ struggle to maintain the precarious balance between a difficult past and an uncertain future.
* “King Henry IV, Part 1,” July 26 – Aug. 18
King Henry faces rebellion from the very nobles who helped him seize the crown. The insurgents boast the daring warrior Hotspur, while Prince Hal, the King’s son and England’s greatest hope, carouses in the Boar’s Head Tavern with Shakespeare’s greatest comic creation, Sir John Falstaff.
Children’s show: “The Little Prince,” June 23 – Aug.17
When a world-weary aviator’s sputtering plane strands him in the Sahara Desert, he encounters a mysterious little boy. As the Little Prince shares his adventures through the galaxy, he helps the aviator understand that “it is only with the heart that one can see rightly.”
In past seasons, TAM has presented its children’s shows only in August. This year, it will have a longer run.
Fall musical: “Of Thee I Sing,” Sept. 20 – 30
With no viable platform, presidential candidate John P. Wintergreen runs simply on love. If elected, he promises to marry the Atlantic City beauty pageant winner. Trouble begins when he falls for his campaign secretary instead.
Special event: 13th annual Black Fly Follies, June 30
Part improv, part cabaret and part hijinks, TAM’s annual variety show is all about fun.
Special event: “The Beatlemania Years: 1962-1966,” Aug. 7
TAM favorite Mark S. Cartier will recount the first half of the Fab Four’s career, from their first recording of “Love Me Do” to the rise of Beatlemania in Britain, their conquest of America, their first two films, the historic concert at Shea Stadium, their growth as singer-songwriters and recording artists, and the growing discontent and constraints that resulted in the end of touring. The show will be followed by an evening of Beatles-themed trivia and karaoke in the Helen Melledy Grange; Fab Four costumes optional.
About admission: Tickets for mainstage shows and the fall musical are $28 for opening night, $26 for adults, $24 for senior citizens, $24 for matinees and $20 for students. “The Little Prince” tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for children. For showtimes and to reserve tickets, visit www.theateratmonmouth.org or call (207) 933-9999.
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