THE ROYAL FAMILY
by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber
directed by Bonnie J. Monteiv
on the main stage at the F.M. Shakespeare Theatre
THE ROYAL FAMILY is a fast paced, richly complex story that weaves the tale of a fictional theatrical family anchored by the matriarch, Fanny Cavendish (Elizabeth Shepherd), whose ambition cannot be contained in spite of her advanced age and health. From the opening scene, you feel the bustle of this household with all its characters in perfect sync delivering witty, comedic remarks and banter.
directed by Bonnie J. Monteiv
on the main stage at the F.M. Shakespeare Theatre
THE ROYAL FAMILY is a fast paced, richly complex story that weaves the tale of a fictional theatrical family anchored by the matriarch, Fanny Cavendish (Elizabeth Shepherd), whose ambition cannot be contained in spite of her advanced age and health. From the opening scene, you feel the bustle of this household with all its characters in perfect sync delivering witty, comedic remarks and banter.
The set provides the grandiose nostalgia of a turn of the century household.
In the opening scene, the maid, Della (Emma O'Donnell) and butler, Jo (Patrick Toon), anchor the story by setting the pace and providing a fair share of sarcasm. Simultaneous conflicts devise the excitement of this production as Julie Cavendish, (Roxanna Hope) teters between marrying a past suitor and continuing her stage career. Gwen Cavendish (Samantha Bruce), Julie's daughter, struggles in a tug of war between a domestic life with the man she loves, Perry Stweart (Tug Rice), and the theatre life of her mother and grandmother before her. Julie's brother, Tony Cavendish (Benjamin Sterling), doses the play with humor using his jaunty confidence and inflated character as he spends his time in the Cavendish house eluding the press. Julie's uncle, Herbert Dean (Matt Sullivan) aspired to produce his next big flop while his wife, Kitty (Allison Mackie), deficient in talent and youth, is ready to insert herself into the leading role.
In the opening scene, the maid, Della (Emma O'Donnell) and butler, Jo (Patrick Toon), anchor the story by setting the pace and providing a fair share of sarcasm. Simultaneous conflicts devise the excitement of this production as Julie Cavendish, (Roxanna Hope) teters between marrying a past suitor and continuing her stage career. Gwen Cavendish (Samantha Bruce), Julie's daughter, struggles in a tug of war between a domestic life with the man she loves, Perry Stweart (Tug Rice), and the theatre life of her mother and grandmother before her. Julie's brother, Tony Cavendish (Benjamin Sterling), doses the play with humor using his jaunty confidence and inflated character as he spends his time in the Cavendish house eluding the press. Julie's uncle, Herbert Dean (Matt Sullivan) aspired to produce his next big flop while his wife, Kitty (Allison Mackie), deficient in talent and youth, is ready to insert herself into the leading role.
Once again, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey offers patrons an unforgettable and fun-filled evening. Fabulous!
The Royal Family at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, New Jersey through May 27, 2015 through June 21, 2015 with performances from Tuesday to Sunday. For tickets or more information, call 973-408-5600 or visit http://www.shakespearenj.org.
