British Invasion Storms Monmouth with Variety Show

MONMOUTH — Theater at Monmouth will kick off its 45th anniversary season with the return of Black Fly Follies at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5. TAM’s annual variety show, which turns 15 this season, introduces audiences to the summer repertory plays and company members on the Jewel Box stage of Cumston Hall.

The 2014 Follies celebrates The British Invasion with improv, show tunes, Jimmy Fallon-style lip sync battles, parodies, and stage combat. This one-night-only extravaganza will be hosted by TAM funny-man, Mike Anthony. Black Fly Follies is a one-of-a-kind experience for new and returning audiences.

The season also includes Shakespeare’s most ardent lovers taking center stage through the iconic story of star-crossed lovers, “Romeo & Juliet,” and the whimsical, forest of Arden-bound soul-mates of “As You Like It.” We’ll revisit Oscar Wilde with “A Woman of No Importance” — surely the inspiration for Julian Fellowes’ “Downton Abbey.” And for those who think of the British Invasion as something with more 1960s swing we offer Joe Orton’s outrageous farce “What the Butler Saw.” And for families, a world-premiere adaptation of classic tales from Andrew Lang’s “Blue Fairy Book.”

Throughout the season, TAM will present other special events to complement the plays including:

Thursday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. The Making of “A Hard Day’s Night” with Mark S. Cartier

In late 1963, as Beatlemania blossomed in Britain, the Beatles were offered the chance to star in their own rock-and-roll film. Cartier traces how the group conquered America, unleashed the British Invasion, hosted their own television special, and launched their first world tour — all while simultaneously helping to create what Andrew Sarris of the Village Voice calls “the Citizen Kane of juke box movies.”

Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. “Point Last Seen” with Odelle Bowman

Hannah Nyala, search and rescue tracker, is so attuned to nature’s messages that she can read the history of a footprint and the secrets of desert sand. Adapted from the memoir of the same name, Hannah escapes an abusive marriage by teaching herself to track in the Mojave Desert. This multi-media performance explores finding one’s way in barren landscape.

Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. “Legends: The Music of Judy Garland” with Kelly Caufield

An engaging evening featuring many of Judy Garland’s most well-known songs and a few surprises. Highlights include beloved hits from her movies, the Gershwin recordings, Broadway and cabaret standards, and more. Directed and co-written by Brian P. Allen. Musical direction by Victoria Stubbs.

Tickets for Black Fly Follies and all other special events are $25.For more information and reservations, contact 207-933-9999 or visit www.theateratmonmouth.org.