AREA – Premiere Stages at Kean University will present the premiere production of Still by Benjamin V. Marshall, the recipient of the 2023/24 Liberty Live Commission, July 11-28 in Kean University’s Bauer Boucher Theatre Center (Vaughn Eames Hall, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, N.J.).
Directed by Marshall Jones III, Still will feature actors Ashley Nicole Baptiste, D. Malik Beckford, Brian D. Coats, Perri Gaffney, Carl Hendrick Louis, and Nafeesa Monroe.
In this new play based on true events in 1850s New Jersey, Peter has arrived at an abolitionist office seeking help from its director, William, an African American leader in the Underground Railroad. As the two men learn more about each other’s lives, they realize their vastly different pasts will lead them to a deeply connected future.
“When I first read about the life of William Still, I was not only struck by the power of his story but also the deeply dramatic encounter with a man comingtohimforhelp,”JohnJ.Wooten, Premiere Stages Producing Artistic Director said. “Ben’s moving and thought-provoking play provides an important study about one of New Jersey’s most consequential figures.”
Understudies for the production are Kean Theatre Conservatory alum Lucien Edme and current KeanTheatre Conservatory student Nijah Muhammad.
The professional design team includes Set Designer David Barber, Costume Designer Ali Turns, Lighting Designer Zack Gage, Projection Designer Taj Rauch, Sound Designer David Wright, Hair and Make-up Designer Rachelle Dorce, Mask Designer Marlon Campbell and Props Master JenniferBonilla.CastingisbyStephanie Klapper, CSA. Dale Smallwood is the Production Stage Manager.
Still runs July 11-July 28 in the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center on the Kean University main campus in Union, N.J. The performance schedule is Thursday, July 11 at 7:30pm, Thursdays, July 18 and 25 at 1:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.
Celebrate Premiere Stages’ 19th Season at the Opening Night of Still on Friday, July 12. Join Premiere Stages for a pre-show cocktail party with live music at the Liberty Hall Museum in Union, across the street from Kean University’s main campus. Step back in time with a guided candlelight tour of Liberty Hall before heading to the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center for the show. Following the performance, mingle with the cast in the theatre lobby while enjoying champagne and dessert.
Tickets for the Opening Night of Still are $100. Tickets for all other performances are $35 standard, $25 for senior citizens and Kean alumni and staff, $20 for patrons with disabilities and $15 for students. Significant discounts for groups of ten or more apply. To purchase tickets, please call the box office at (908) 737-7469 or visit premierestagesatkean.com.
