Merriam-Webster Dictionary may define tour de force as “a feat or display of strength, skill or ingenuity,” but if you want to see a tour de force in the flesh, go on out to the Black River Playhouse in Chester where Gloria Lamoureaux stars as Shirley Valentine in the acclaimed Chester Theatre Group’s winter production of Willy Russell’s bittersweet comedy of the same name.

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Gloria Lamoureaux … becomes Shirley Valentine, making Willy Russell’s eponymous heroine jump from the page to the stage in a convincing and natural manner. As a force to be reckoned with, Lamoureaux’s performance is a true tour de force! Her character’s bravado, her bravery, earned her a well-deserved brava from the entire audience (along with a standing ovation) at the end of the play. Add your applause; you’ll be glad you did.

You can read the full review at the Recorder Newspapers site.

Our production of “Shirley Valentine”, a comedy by Willy Russell (Blood Brothers and Educating Rita) opens March 6 and runs until the 21st.

We’ve reconfigured our theatre for this production, so our seating capacity is diminished.  Please make sure you reserve your tickets early!

Public performances are on March 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. the shows on the 14th and the 21st are matinees.  Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 pm, Sunday matinees start at 2 pm.  Due to the nature of the piece and the layout of the theatre, latecomers may not be able to be seated.

The piece, directed by Cindy Alexander, features Gloria Lamoureux as Shirley Valentine.

Ticket are $18,  Students and seniors discounts on Friday and Sunday performances $16. The CTG’s Black River Playhouse is located at the corner of Grove and Maple Streets in the borough of Chester.  Call 908-879-7304 for reservations.

About the show:

Inside Mrs. Joe Bradshaw is the former Shirley Valentine longing to get out. Her self- confidence badly shattered by school, marriage and life, she is reduced to talking to the kitchen wall whilst preparing her husband’s evening meal – to be on the table as he opens the front door every night.  As she sips a glass of wine, she dreams of drinking in a country where the grape is grown.  Her feminist friend offers her a holiday in Greece and, with great trepidation and a lot of forward planning; Shirley seizes the opportunity.  In Greece she encounters a totally different lifestyle, breaking out of the mold cast for her by society.

One last time, we had to shuffle the Shirley Valentine performance schedule a little bit, so may be a little off from what you’ve seen previously.

The show will open with a sold-out performance to benefit the Long Valley Women’s Club on March 5.  Public performances open up after that, with shows on March 6, 12, 13, 14*, 19, 20, and 21*. the shows on the 14th and the 21st are matinees.  Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 pm, Sunday matinees start at 2 pm.  Due to the nature of the piece and the layout of the theatre, latecomers may not be able to be seated.

The piece, directed by Cindy Alexander, features Gloria Lamoureux as Shirley Valentine.

About the show:

Inside Mrs. Joe Bradshaw is the former Shirley Valentine longing to get out. Her self- confidence badly shattered by school, marriage and life, she is reduced to talking to the kitchen wall whilst preparing her husband’s evening meal – to be on the table as he opens the front door every night.  As she sips a glass of wine, she dreams of drinking in a country where the grape is grown.  Her feminist friend offers her a holiday in Greece and, with great trepidation and a lot of forward planning; Shirley seizes the opportunity.  In Greece she encounters a totally different lifestyle, breaking out of the mold cast for her by society.

Auditions will be held on Sunday, 10/25/09 at 6:00 PM and Tuesday, 10/27/09 at 7:00 PM. Auditions will be held at the theatre which is located at the corner of Maple and Grove Streets in Chester, NJ. 

UPDATE: Auditioners are asked to familiarize themselves with these two excerpts: “Shirley Valentine – Side One“ and “Shirley Valentine – Side Two.”

Audition Requirements

One Actress to play 40-50 year-old working-class English mother of two grown children.

Actresses auditioning for the role must be adept at comedy, working class English accent (preferably Liverpudlian) and memorization. Readings will be from the script. 

About the Piece

Inside Mrs. Joe Bradshaw is the former Shirley Valentine longing to get out. Her self- confidence badly shattered by school, marriage and life, she is reduced to talking to the kitchen wall whilst preparing her husband’s evening meal – to be on the table as he opens the front door every night.  As she sips a glass of wine, she dreams of drinking in a country where the grape is grown.  Her feminist friend offers her a holiday in Greece and, with great trepidation and a lot of forward planning; Shirley seizes the opportunity.  In Greece she encounters a totally different lifestyle, breaking out of the mold cast for her by society. 

For more information, contact Cindy Alexander (908) 713-6207

A joyful and moving comedy about an unappreciated housewife determined to shake up her humdrum existence. It WILL make you feel good.  A Tony Award winner for best play.

Written by Willy Russel.

Directed by Cindy Alexander

Opens March 5, 2010