Cast and crew will be comprised of Drew theatre students
February 2026 – A monumental moment in their decades-long relationship, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) and Drew University have announced their first-ever joint production — Henry VI: The Rise of Richard, running March 26–28 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
While STNJ and Drew have shared the same grounds since February 1972, they have remained two distinct and separate institutions. This production marks the first theatrical collaboration of its kind between the two institutions. The Drew University Theatre and Dance Department, in partnership with STNJ, will present the production under the direction of STNJ Artistic Director Brian B. Crowe. The cast and crew will be made up completely of Drew theatre students. The artistic team will unite members of The Shakespeare Theatre’s professional staff and Drew University’s faculty members.
“It is a privilege for Drew University to have the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey located on our campus. We are excited about the evolution of our long-time partnership to open opportunities for Drew students to work alongside theatre professionals on stage and behind the scenes,” said Dr. Hilary Link, Drew University President. “This innovative approach brings together our institutions through a shared mission of education.”
Artistic Director of STNJ, Brian Crowe added, “Education is a core pillar of the work we do here at The Shakespeare Theatre, and this new collaboration with Drew Theatre feels like the natural next step as we continue to strengthen our long-standing partnership. Like STNJ’s summer college program that welcomes students from across the country, this new partnership offers a unique bridge between the collegiate and professional worlds. It is a vital experience for early career theatre artists, from actors and stage managers to designers and administrators. We have very high expectations of the students, and they have a wealth of enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. It’s an exciting combination.”
Shakespeare’s explosive history depicts a war-torn England as the rival houses of Lancaster and York battle for control of the throne. Whether audiences are longtime fans of Shakespeare’s histories or drawn to epic tales of power and rivalry like Game of Thrones, this production promises a thrilling theatrical experience.
“The collaboration with STNJ on this show, together with our recent fellowship arrangement, represents a great enrichment to our Theatre and Dance program, and a long-sought-after alliance between our two institutions which we expect to be mutually and richly beneficial,” said Christopher Ceraso, Interim Chair of Drew University’s Theatre and Dance Department and Professor of Theatre Arts. “It is, to my knowledge, unique in undergraduate Theatre programs of any sort that students are able to work directly with senior artistic staff of a major regional theatre, together with their own faculty, on the full production of a Shakespearean drama. This is yet another aspect of Drew’s nationally-recognized Theatre and Dance Program that sets us apart. It also continues to demonstrate STNJ’s historic commitment to educating and training the next generation of impassioned Shakespeareans.”
The Drew student cast features Gin Mitchell, who was an Acting Apprenticeship with STNJ this past summer, as the titular role of King Henry VI; Natalia Rakviashvili as Queen Margaret; Maria Quintiliana as Prince Edward; Jennifer Velasquez Santos as Exeter; Kayla Rose as Clifford; Joey Ochs as Westmoreland; Giovanni Orengo as Northumberland; Halie Benway as York and 2nd Keeper; Grady Cummings as Edward; Johnny Fitzgibbon as George; Corrine Iacobucci as Richard; Sophia Taylor as Warwick; Abbie Moraschinelli as Elizabeth; Juliane Magistrado as Norfolk; Stephanie Yanes as Son and Lady Bona; Casey Cornwell as Montague and Father; Troy Larkins-Johnson as Rutland, 1st Keeper, and Hastings; Noah Hornberger as King Lewis; and Caroline Danner, Diana Luba, Samy Monroy, Ava Reitano, and Jonni Williams as Soldiers, Messengers, and Guards.
The creative team for the production includes set designer Jim Bazewicz (Drew Professor of Theatre Arts) with assistant student designer Kay Aguirre C‘27; costume designer Daniel Ciba (STNJ and Drew Costume Shop Manager) with assistant costume designer Stephanie Yanes C‘27; lighting designer Kevin Gartley (STNJ Lighting Technician); and sound designer Steven Beckel (STNJ Director of Production/ Lighting and Sound Supervisor) with assistant student designer Adrian Wood C‘27; hair and makeup design by Matt Cutler C‘28; props design by Janae Ellis C‘27; Emily Burk C‘27 stage manages alongside assistant stage managers Alyssa Cifelli C‘28 and Sandy Mondragon C‘28. The team is rounded out with two STNJ/Drew Shakespeare Fellows: dramaturg Lexi DeRonde C‘26 and assistant director Caroline Danner C‘26.
Performance Details:
Dates: March 26-28, 2026
Times:
3/26, 3/27, 3/28: 7:30 p.m.
3/28: 2 p.m.
Location:
The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University
36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Tickets: Drew Students/Faculty: $10 | General Admission: $20. Available now at ShakespeareNJ.org or by calling 973-408-5600.
