Bender et al. Star in SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS for Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, 6/23-8/1

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues its popular annual summer tradition of family theatre under the stars with a new translation/adaptation of Carlo Goldoni's comedy The Servant of Two Masters. Performances begin on June 23 and continue through August 1. Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays at 8:15pm at the outdoor amphitheatre on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road in Morris Township. 

The Outdoor Stage is generously sponsored by Bank of America, which has been a sponsor of The Outdoor Stage since 2004.

This new translation and adaptation of the "Moliere of Italy's" popular comedy will delight audiences of all ages. Patrons are invited to picnic before and during the performance on the lawn overlooking the amphitheatre. The grass-and-stone amphitheatre - inspired by the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, and one of the only theatres of its kind in the United States - debuted as The Shakespeare Theatre's Outdoor Stage in 2002.

Audience members may bring their own food and beverages, or purchase fresh popcorn, Italian Ice, cotton candy snacks and soft drinks on-site. Patrons can bring a blanket or low beach chair, or rent a stadium seat for $3.00. Complimentary hand-held fans will be provided courtesy of Air Group Heating and Air Conditioning Co., while supplies last. Seating is general admission.

Carlo Goldoni's zany comedic masterpiece has kept audiences in stitches for more than 250 years. Considered by many to be one of the great European playwrights of his era, Goldoni took the popular commedia dell'arte form and elevated it to a new level, creating a bridge between the rowdy improvisational style of commedia with the growing popularity of the comedy of manners of the Restoration. The insane hijinks of Truffaldino, the servant of two masters, are brought to life in this new adaptation created especially for The Shakespeare Theatre by artistic director Bonnie J. Monte.

Shakespeare Theatre favorites Jeffrey M. Bender, Jordan Coughtry and Caralyn Kozlowski lead the ensemble cast.

Bender has been with The Shakespeare Theatre for 11 seasons and most recently appeared on the Outdoor Stage in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). On the Main Stage he appeared in The Rivals, The Life of Galileo and The Tempest among others. At The Old Globe in San Diego, he appeared in Opus, The Mystery of Irma Vep and Lost in Yonkers.

Jordan Coughtry most recently appeared in the title roles of Romeo and Juliet and Amadeus at The Shakespeare Theatre. For the Looking Glass Theatre in NYC, he appeared in The Busybody and at The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC he appeared in Othello, The Comedy of Errors, Don Juan and Love's Labour's Lost.

Caralyn Kozlowski returns for her 8th Season at The Shakespeare Theatre where she has appeared in Private Lives, The Play's The Thing and The Importance of Being Earnest among many others. At The Old Globe, she appeared in Secrets of a Soccer Mom and Restoration Comedy, and she appeared in The Milliner at Classic Stage Company.

Other Shakespeare Theatre veterans joining the cast are Colin McPhillamy (Amadeus, The Play's The Thing and Broadway's Waiting in the Wings); William Metzo (Henry VI: Blood and Roses, Julius Caesar and Broadway's Cyrano); Amanda Duffy, Susan Maris, and Matthew Simpson.

Making his Shakespeare Theatre debut in the role of Truffaldino, the servant who manages to serve two masters, is Alex Morf. Morf most recently appeared at The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC in The Alchemist. He has also appeared at The California Shakespeare Theater, American Conservatory Theatre and in Women Beware Women at the Red Bull Theater.

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