This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Audiences Can Get Passionate About 'Othello'

It's about jealousy and rage as the classic tragedy takes stage at Madison theater.

“Hamlet” and “King Lear” are among the greatest works of literature in history, but they don’t exactly have characters that are easy to relate to.

That’s what Bonnie J. Monte has been focusing on as she prepares to direct another of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, “Othello,” for a run starting Sept. 7 and continuing through Oct. 2 at the .

“I think the biggest thing is that unlike, for example, “Lear” or “Hamlet,” where an audience can certainly watch it and enjoy it for many, many reasons, it’s hard for us to relate individually to the dilemmas of Lear and Hamlet,” Monte said.

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For those unfamiliar with “Othello,” the title character is a Moor and a general in the Venetian army who has secretly married Desdemona (played by Victoria Mack), daughter of Brabantio, a Senator. Othello spurs on a vengeful Iago (one of the greatest villains of all time) by promoting Cassio over Iago (played by Shakespeare Theatre regular and Tony nominee Robert Cuccioli). Iago then schemes to convince Othello that Desdemona is being unfaithful with Cassio, leading to tragic results.

This production marks the Shakespeare Theatre’s first staging of the play since 2003, and the first time that Monte, the theater’s artistic director, has directed it.

Helming Othello is giving Monte the chance to take a different tack from the productions she’s seen, which she said have frustrated her because they don’t move her the way the play does when she reads it.

“I’ve always wondered, 'Well, does that have something to do with the fact that it’s directed by men and that they focus on different aspects than perhaps a woman would?'" she said. "I don’t know. That may just be a gross generalization or it may just be a false assumption, I’m not sure. And I’m not saying that it’s true, I’m just saying it’s something I’ve always wondered about.

“I do think a woman will certainly bring a different sensibility to it. And I don’t think it’s ever as visceral as it should be. I see productions where I think, that’s not how people would act then or there. So I’ve never been moved by it.”

The fun part of rehearsing the play, she said, has been giving the actors permission to go far in terms of the passion, love, sexual innuendo and violence.

“All of those things never have felt invested in enough in productions that I’ve seen thus far,” she said. “So we’re certainly pushing the envelope in all of those emotional areas.”

Lindsay Smiling is playing Othello for the first time in this production. Smiling played Polixenes in the Shakespeare Theatre’s 2008 staging of “The Winter’s Tale.” He’s performed off-Broadway in “Treasure Island” and “Charlotte’s Web” and at the Wima Theater and the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

Smiling’s road to “Othello” actually started with him auditioning for a role in the Shakespeare Theatre’s July production of “Timon of Athens.” Monte was at the auditions and asked him about auditioning for Othello. He got the part after three rounds of auditions, and then started researching.

It’s a part that he wanted to play someday, but he said it wasn’t necessarily on his mind at this time.

“I kind of put it on the backburner,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’ll deal with it when I have to deal with it.’ I’m 35, so I’m young for most productions of it, but Bonnie wanted to cast it a little bit younger, so I’m more than eager to jump in.”

Race inevitably comes up when talking about Othello, who has often been played by white actors, from Laurence Oliver to Anthony Hopkins, wearing blackface, both on stage and in film. Black actors, of course, have also played the part. Paul Robeson played Othello regularly for 20 years, including in a historic 1943 Broadway production featuring Uta Hagen as Desdemona and Jose Ferrer as Iago.

“It’s an interesting piece; there’s a lot of contention over it and it’s a delicate subject that I think has to deal with how we are dealing with race … that’s one component of it,” Smiling said. “I don’t know if that’s necessarily what the play’s about but it definitely adds to … what it means.”

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One book about playing the role he’s read is by James Earl Jones, who has played Othello several times, starting in 1955.

“It’s been a great help in kind of jump starting my concept of who this person is,” Smiling said. “I think it’s still a puzzle to me and to him, actually. He said in the book, it’s still a mystery to him. It’s a complex person, he has so much passion in leading him down this road and where he comes from. It’s a lot to deal with.”

The most recent productions on the Shakespeare Theatre’s stage have been obscure works, The Bard’s “Timon of Athens” and Dario Fo’s “Accidental Death of an Anarchist.” With “Othello,” the theater is switching gears with a run of three of the most well-known stories around. After “Othello,” the Shakespeare Theatre will wrap up its season with “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Part of the reason for that, Monte said, is to draw young audiences to the theater.

“Fall is when we can get the most students in and we have a very strong mission to make sure that kids are seeing great theater,” she said. “And (these are) stories that they need to hear to help them inform their lives.”

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will present “Othello” at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located on the campus of Drew University, 36 Madison Ave. in Madison. For tickets, call 973-408-5600 or go to ShakespeareNJ.org.

ON STAGE SCOOP

Audition Alert, “The Cocktail Hour:”
 The Chester Theatre Group is holding auditions for A.R. Gurney’s “The Cocktail Hour” on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Auditions will be held at the Black River Playhouse at the corner of Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester. Needed are two male actors and two female actors. Readings will be from the script. Performances are Nov. 4 through Nov. 20. NOTE: The auditions scheduled for Aug. 28 were canceled because of Hurricane Irene. An announcement will be made should additional auditions be necessary.  If you have any questions, please contact the director, Cindy Alexander at 908-713-6207. For information, including a character breakdown, go to ChesterTheatreGroup.org.

Audition Alert, “On Golden Pond:”  is holding auditions for “On Golden Pond” at the Players’ Playhouse, located at 689 Amwell Road in Hillsborough on Sept. 6, and at Neshanic Reformed Church, 715 Amwell Road, on Sept. 7. Auditions start at 7:30 p.m. on both dates. Performances are Oct. 18 through Nov. 13, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m. A synopsis and character breakdown can be found here. For further information, call 908-369-7469.

Audition Alert, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels:” theater group will host auditions for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, Sept. 6 and 8, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Callbacks will be held Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. For information, go to TheStrollers.org.

Who Wants Some Moor? The will present Shakespeare’s “Othello” Sept. 7 through Oct 2. This marks the theater’s first production of the classic tragedy since 2003. The cast includes Lindsay Smiling as the title character, the Moorish general who is deceived into a jealous rage by the villainess Iago, played by Robert Cuccioli. Bonnie J. Monte—artistic director at the Shakespeare Theatre—directs.

Jim Breuer Rescheduled for Sept. 8: Jim Breuer’s show at to , originally scheduled for Aug. 27, was postponed because of Hurricane Irene and has been rescheduled for Sept. 8. Breuer will talk about family and friends in a non-vulgar show for everyone ages 18 to 80. Vinnie Brand is the opening act. Tickets cost $32 to $67. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org. .

American Drama at the Barn: will open its 2011-12 season with Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” Sept. 9-Oct. 1. According to the theater’s website, “All My Sons” was Miller’s first successful play and is about a son who discovers the crimes of his father that have remained hidden. The Barn Theatre is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville. Tickets cost $15. For information, go to BarnTheatre.org.

It’s Not You, It’s Them: Nutley Little Theatre will raise the curtain on its new season with Michael Weller’s “Split,” opening Sept. 9 and continuing through Sept. 24. The 1978 comedy is about the breakup of a seemingly perfect couple. The theater’s website describes the play as an “offbeat mix of melancholy and hilarity.” This play contains adult language and themes, and is not suitable for children. Tickets cost $15. For tickets, call 877-238-5596 or click here. For information go to NutleyLittleTheatre.com.

Guitar Man: Blues rocker Kenny Wayne Shepherd will perform a concert at , Sept. 9, 8 p.m. Shepherd will perform music from his album, “How I Go.” Tickets cost $47-$67. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Remembering 9/11: On Sept. 10, will host a staged reading of “E-mail: 9/12,” a new play by Hillsborough resident Midge Guerrera. The play follows five characters who share their stories and thoughts about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 through email. The play may include real-life stories from Hillsborough residents, as Guerrera wrote the play so that stories from communities where the play is being performed can be included. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Donations are suggested. Call 908-369-7469 for reservations.


Romping Through the Bard: Dover Little Theatre will kick off its new season with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Sept. 10 through 24. This comedy favorite sees performers make their way through all of Shakespeare’s 37 plays, creating a lightning-fast night of laughter. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The theater is located at Elliott Street in Dover. For information, call 973-328-9202 or go to DoverLittleTheatre.org.

Telling Tales: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre will present “Once Upon a Time,” featuring three musical adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen tales, Sept. 10 through 24. The kid-friendly show will share the stories of “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Performances are Sept. 10, 17 and 24 at 11 a.m. and Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12. Call 973-691-2100 for reservations. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake.

Aarrgghh, Matey: Villagers Theatre in Somerset will present “How I Became a Pirate” as part of its KidsVill series, Sept. 10-18. The show is based on the book by Melinda Long and David Shannon and tells the story of Jeremy Jacob who while spending a day on the beach, is recruited by a band of pirates. Performances are Saturdays at 12 and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Call 732-873-2710 or go VillagersTheatre.com for tickets and information.

Audition Alert, “Side Man:” Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for Warren Leight’s “Side Man” on Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Nutley Little Theatre Barn, 47 Erie Place, Nutley. Spanning 30 years, the play follows the lives of a group of jazz musicians, from their peak years to the dawn of the rock ’n’ roll era. Actors are not required to play instruments. Five men and two women are being sought. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 4-19. For more information, including a character breakdown, go to NutleyLittleTheatre.com.

Read All About “Newsies:” in Millburn will open its 2011-12 season with the premiere of “Newsies,” a new musical based on the 1992 Disney movie, Sept. 15-Oct. 16. The show features a book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics by Jack Feldman and music by Alan Menken, and is based on a true story about a group of newsboys in 1899 who fight a vicious newspaper tycoon. For tickets and information, call 973-376-4343 or go to PaperMill.org.

One Funny Guy: The Centenary Stage Company will open its 2011-12 season with a Sept. 17 performance by comedian Larry Miller. Titled "Cocktails with Larry Miller: Little League, Adultery and Other Bad Ideas,” the performance will ring in the company’s second season at the Sitnik Theater of the David and Carol Lackland Center in Hackettstown. The evening will include options for a “Curtain Up Reception and Wine Tasting” and a post-performance meet-and-greet with Miller. Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance cost $40 on the day of performance ($35 in advance). Tickets including the pre-show reception cost $50 and tickets including the pre-show reception and the post-show meet-and-greet cost $100. The theater is located on the campus of Centenary College in Hackettstown. For tickets, call the box office at 908-979-0900 or go to CentenaryStageco.org.

Celebrating the Playwrights Theatre:  will host a benefit titled “25 Years of Creativity and Community” on Sept. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. The benefit will be held at Hartley-Dodge Memorial, 30 Kings Road in Madison. Honorees include Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive county superintendent for Essex County, Jeanni Tsukamoto, a member of the Madison Borough Council and Arthur Wilson, poet/playwright/teaching artist. New plays written by Jon M. Bramnick, New Jersey State assemblyman, and Mary-Anna Holden, mayor of Madison, will be presented. There will be live music, a silent auction, a collaborative play written by attendees and a menu of Hors d’oeuvres, wine, refreshments, dessert and coffee. Dress is business casual. Tickets cost $75. Call 973-514-1787, ext. 10. You can also book online at PTNJ25.eventbrite.com.

Express Your Artistic Side: Registration is open for fall classes at Kreative Kids Arts and Music Academy in Hillsborough. The school offers drama classes, such as puppetry, acting, musical theater and “No Fear Shakespeare” for kids from kindergarten to middle school. Music lessons (instruments and voice) are available for all ages. New classes include a “Glee”-inpsired class and Kids Voice, in which students will learn how to sing popular songs. The school offers art classes in drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media for preschool to high school students. The school is located at 4 Jill Court, Building 22, Unit 3 in Hillsborough. For information, call 908-431-4439 or go to KreativeKidsNJ.com.

Growing Theater Skills at Growing Stage: Registration is open for the Growing Stage Theatre’s Fall Creative Arts Program, running Sept. 24 through Dec. 17. Classes for kids in grades kindergarten through nine are offered Saturdays in the following areas: Creative Dramatics, Performing Arts Workshop, The Actor Speaks, and Musical Performance Lab. Click here for information. 

Get Schooled in the Performing Arts: ’s Brightest Star School of Performing Arts is offering fall classes in singing, public speaking, dancing, cabaret and production. Private lessons available for voice, piano and guitar. All ages. For information, call 973-971-3726 or click here

Registration for Fall Semester at Playwrights Theatre: Registration is open for the 26th annual Madison Young Playwrights Program, with classes starting in September and October and continuing through December at the . The program is offered to students in Grades 4 through 8. Information about classes and enrollment can be found here.

Next Season at Growing Stage: Season ticket plans for the 30th anniversary season at The Growing Stage Theatre in Netcong are on sale, with individual performance sales beginning Sept. 1. The season begins with “The Code Breaker” by Pauline C. Conley, Oct. 1 through 23, recommended for ages 8 and up. “Babes in Toyland” will run Nov. 25 through Dec. 18. Recommended for all ages, the original adaptation by The Growing Stage is loosely based on the operetta by Victor Herbert and the Laurel and Hardy film. Next up is “Mother Hicks,” for ages 7 and up, running Jan. 13 through Feb. 5, followed by the all-ages appropriate “Seussical” March 9 through April 1. The season will wrap up with “Diary of a Worm, A Spider, A Fly,” April 27 through May 20. Go to GrowingStage.com for more information.

Submissions for Villagers’ VIP Series: The Villagers Theatre in Somerset is seeking submissions for its 2011-12 Villagers Independent Producers (VIP) Series. Writers, directors and performers are encouraged to take creative control of their productions to a far greater extent than a more traditional setting might allow. The theater’s goal is to select a season of three shows to be performed in October 2011, January 2012 and May 2012. Please submit the titles and authors of the productions you would like to mount. Also include any and all staff you have on board or would like to ask to be on board. Include a brief description of the production, including number of cast members, and a brief concept or vision of production. It is always helpful if you submit a copy of the script (and cast recording for musicals) in electronic format with your submission, however, it is not required with your initial submission. All submissions for consideration must be received in the Villagers Main Office at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 no later than Aug. 10 or e-mailed toVIP@villagerstheatre.com.

Chatham Community Players Announce 2011-12 Season: Tracey Letts’ “Bug” will kick off new season with a run starting Oct. 14 and continuing through Oct. 29. The play from the writer of “August: Osage County” follows a middle-aged waitress with a terrible past and a Gulf War veteran who enters her life. Next up is Frank Galati’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,” March 2 through 17. The season will conclude with a run of the classic musical “Cabaret” May 4 through 19. For more information, go to ChathamPlayers.org.

Got news for On Stage? E-mail Louis@Patch.com.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?