“NEXT STAGE ENSEMBLE” brings "Love's Labour's Lost" to the Library

On Wednesday, July 20, 2001 the Washington Twp. Public Library, 37 E. Springtown Rd., Long Valley, NJ will present Love’s Labour’s Lost, performed by The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble summer touring program.

Shakespeare’s delightful coming-of-age comedy is a witty and hilarious ode to youthful aspirations, infatuations and follies.  The young King of Navarre, along with three of his loyal friends, decide to dedicate themselves to the “noble pursuit of knowledge” for three full years, locking themselves away from all distractions…especially women.  Their ambitious “ivory tower” is soon shaken, with the arrival of the lovely Princess of France and her three gamesome ladies-in-waiting.  Filled with dazzling wordplay, strong comic characters and a few unexpected twists, LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST not only charms, but also touches the heartstrings of young and old alike.  Director Abigail Isaac (“As You Like It” tour, 2010) returns with an exciting new staging of this delicious Shakespeare confection.

For additional information about this performance, please contact the Library at 908-876-3596.

The Next Stage Ensemble, now in its 19th year, was created in 1992 as part of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Summer Professional Training Program, to foster the work of early-career actors and directors. One of several outreach programs offered by The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, the Next Stage Ensemble brings the thrill of a live performance to audiences of all ages throughout New Jersey each summer, while enabling young performers to gain valuable experience in classical theatre and ensemble work. 

The Next Stage Ensemble upholds the Shakespearean tradition of a traveling company of actors bringing its theatrical repertory into the community, by performing at hospitals, retirement communities, libraries, camps, schools and community centers. Much as an Elizabethan traveling company would have done, the troupe tours with only minimal sets and without lighting equipment. In traditional fashion, actors typically perform in multiple roles. The performers rely upon the text and their craft, rather than on elaborate sets, costumes and special effects, to create theatrical "magic." For more information about the Next Stage Ensemble, call 973-408-3806.