TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Shakespeare Festival returns for a third season this August with Measure For Measure, directed by TRSF Producing Artistic Director and Founder, Lori Garrabrant.
“Our doubts are traitors and make(s) us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.”
The story of Measure For Measure follows that of a young novice nun who must persuade the Duke of Vienna’s corrupt deputy, Angelo, to spare her brother’s life. But, when Angelo proposes a salacious bargain to redeem him, where will she turn…
Come out for a preview performance of the iconic and classic Shakespeare play on August 7 at the St. Elisabeth’s Chapel on 3rd Avenue at Ortley Beach. The show will run regularly from August 8-11 at Huddy Park, 39 E. Water Street, Toms River, NJ. Show times are 7 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5. Don’t forget your beach chair or a blanket to enjoy the outdoor seating! Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase from local food vendor, Thyme for All Seasons.
Something new for this year is the Toms River Shakespeare Festival’s rain policy. Should the performance be threatened by inclement weather, performances will be moved indoors. At Ortley Beach, the performance will move indoors at St. Elisabeth’s Chapel. At Huddy Park, shows will move to Christ Episcopal Church.
If it looks like the weather won’t hold out, a decision will be announced at trshakespeare.org as to whether performances will be moved.
This year marks Toms River Shakespeare Festival’s third season. In 2018, festival attendees got to see a rousing rendition of Shakespeare’s classic tale of love and mix-ups, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In 2017 was the festival’s inaugural production of The Tempest.
TRSF performances are comprised of a mix of local and New York talent, showcasing the skills of some of our very own Toms River OCVTS Performing Arts Academy graduates and interns.
“We’re thrilled to return to Toms River for our 3rd season,” said Garrabrant. “Our great hope is to be able to continue to bring these timeless texts and stories to life and to create theatre that is inclusive, accessible and FREE for all! Your belief in our Festival and your enduring support serve to counter any doubts that Shakespeare is alive and well and thriving in 2019 (and indeed, for all time).”
Garrabrant is a Toms River native who earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and did her post-graduate training in Classical Acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art [LAMDA]. Although she now lives in Manhattan with her family, Toms River was her first home. In 2016, she proposed the idea for the Shakespeare Festival to Mayor Kelaher and the Board of Directors for the Downtown Business Improvement District. Ever since, the festival has been a big hit with locals, receiving much positive feedback.
