Expands Main Stage Season to Seven productions

Madison , NJ – The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, celebrating its 45 th Anniversary Sapphire Season in 2007, has announced it will expand its Main Stage season from six productions to seven as well as continue its highly popular Outdoor Stage production in Morris Township . “Our audiences continue to grow, encouraging our season to grow as well,” said Shakespeare Theatre Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte. “Our season expansion began in 1998 with the opening of the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, and now, in celebration of our Sapphire Anniversary Season, our season will begin in May, continue through December and will offer eight extraordinary productions.”

Leading off the 2007 Season will be one of Shakespeare's greatest history plays, HENRY V . Not seen at The Shakespeare Theatre in a decade, Shakespeare's tale of war between England and France , and the newly anointed young King Henry who leads England to victory, will be directed by Bonnie J. Monte. The production will run May 1 thru 27 th .

Ferenc Molnar's stylish theatrical farce THE PLAY'S THE THING follows and will run June 5 thru July 1. Associate Artistic Director Joe Discher will direct.

Shakespeare's dark comedy MEASURE FOR MEASURE continues the Main Stage season. Not seen at The Shakespeare Theatre since 1999, the production will run July 10 – 29.

The wildly funny absurdist comedy THE BALD SOPRANO by Eugene Ionesco is next on the Main Stage running August 7 thru 26 th .

William Saroyan's 1940 Pulitzer Prize-winning THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE – a haunting ode to American life and the American dream - will run September 4 thru 30 th , directed by company member Paul Mullins.

BLOOD & ROSES: Shakespeare's Henry VI will run Oct. 9 thru November 11. Created and directed by resident director Brian B. Crowe, this fusion of HENRY VI, Parts 1, 2 and 3 into one highly charged evening of theatre begins with the funeral of King Henry V; his young son now King. With HENRY V leading off the season combined with this production, The Shakespeare Theatre audiences will experience the rise and fall of England during a time of devastating wars, spanning nearly 60 years.

To conclude the Sapphire Anniversary Season, The Shakespeare Theatre will once again present a holiday offering perfect for family audiences. THE BLUE BIRD by Maurice Maeterlinck and adapted by Bonnie J. Monte will run November 27 thru December 30. Last seen at the Shakespeare Theatre in 2000, this epic tale of two children on a quest to capture the blue bird of happiness is being revived in a new re-working by Ms. Monte.

The summer season will also feature Shakespeare under the stars at the Shakespeare Theatre's Outdoor Stage – the Greek Theatre on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth 's in Morris Township . The Bard's most popular and beloved comedy, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM , will run June 19 thru July 22. Perfect for the entire family, this romp through Shakespeare's magical forest is perfectly suited for the theatre's spectacular outdoor venue.

Advance orders for Complete Works subscriptions, featuring tickets to all seven Main Stage productions, are now being taken. Complete Works subscriptions range in price from $175 to $346. Student subscriptions are available for $70. Call The Shakespeare Theatre Box Office at 973-408-5600. The Complete Works subscription features 20 percent savings off the cost of regular tickets, the best seats to all seven Main Stage productions; free, easy and unlimited ticket exchanges should your schedule change; discounts on additional tickets; and the convenience of having your tickets in hand and dates scheduled in advance. Gift certificates, redeemable for subscriptions and/or tickets to the 2007 season are now available. Gift certificates are available in any denomination. Call the box office at 973-408-5600 . Look for more information at www.ShakespeareNJ.org

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Main Stage , the 308-seat F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, is conveniently located in Madison at 36 Madison Avenue (Route 124) at Lancaster Road (on the scenic

Drew University campus), just minutes from routes 287, 78 and 10. Parking is free. For additional information call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org .

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus.

The Shakespeare Theatre's programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.  Additional major support is received from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the F. M. Kirby Foundation, The Edward T. Cone Foundation, The Shubert Foundation and Drew University , as well as contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, government agencies and individuals.  American Airlines is the official airline of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.  New Jersey Monthly is an official Media Partner.  Barefoot Wine is the official wine supplier. Crystal Rock Water is the official water provider.