Shakespeare at the Old York Cellars: Culture and Your Own Dinner from Home

Aug 18, 2020 by Susan Rosenbluth

By Susan L. Rosenbluth

All those who thought dreamy summer evenings devoted to the Bard of Avon surrounded by outdoor greenery would be little more than a fond memory this year are in for a pleasant surprise. Thanks to timely and welcome artistic teamwork by the Englewood-based Black Box Performing Arts Center and the Old York Cellars winery in Ringoes, NJ, Shakespeare will be alive and well in a setting of lush farmland surrounded by a verdant vineyard. 

A little more than an hour from Bergen and Passaic Counties and less than an hour from Essex and Middlesex communities, the Old York Cellars, with its scenic views of the Sourland Mountain range, will showcase “The Tempest” on Sunday, August 23, and “Measure for Measure” on Sunday, August 30. Check-in for both performances begins at 7pm, and the shows start at 7:30 and end at about 9:30.

While the winery’s on-site restaurant offers no kosher dishes or drinks, for these performances, the management is inviting all patrons to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Bringing alcoholic beverages into the winery is prohibited.

“We want everyone to be able to come and enjoy Shakespeare in this beautiful atmosphere, and the kosher community is more than welcome,” said Marc Goldstein, Old York Cellars co-manager and director of hospitality.

Professional Productions

The shows, directed by the Black Box PAC’s artistic director, Matt Okin, and director of Shakespeare programming, Michael Gardiner, feature the talents of professional actors from the New York metropolitan area, including Christina Cruz, Allen Garcia, Michael Gardiner, Cassandra Guglielmo, Kentrell Loftin, Danielle MacMath, Sean Mannix, Rachel Matusewicz, Bess Miller, Arthur Gregory Pugh, Ilana Schimmel, and Jacey Schult.

Thought to be one of the last plays Shakespeare wrote alone, “The Tempest,” with its exotic shipside and remote island setting, evokes the spirit of enchantment and explores many themes, including magic, betrayal, revenge, and family ties. This new production features a surprising “James Bond” style reimagine directed by Mr. Gardiner.

While “Measure for Measure” is usually characterized as a comedy, scholars see it as a much more complex examination of justice, morality, and mercy in which the dichotomy between corruption and purity is not always clear-cut. As directed by Mr. Okin, humor is indeed the focus in this fast-paced Southern rock-and-pop-laced version.

Tickets for the shows are $25, and reservations are required. At the Old York Winery, all the outdoor tables and chairs have been placed in accordance with social distancing and state-mandated requirements, and the management insists they must remain in place.

Safety Guidelines Enforced – Face Masks are Required

Upon arrival, guests will be escorted to their seating areas located in the winery’s open-air tented patio and terrace area. Groups of two to six can be accommodated, and children are welcome, but, like the adults, they must wear masks.

For reservations and further information, contact the Old York Cellars, 80 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ 08551, at 908-284-9463.

“Make your reservations early and enjoy a relaxing evening of safe, social-distanced, outdoor professional theater,” said Mr. Goldstein.