Moons, Stars, Valentines Over Luna Stage

There will be two Monday night moons over Luna Stage Theater Company this month. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. as part of the regular first Monday of the month "New Moon Reading Series" is Thom Molyneaux's "BOOTH, LINCOLN AND BOOTH." Next Monday, Feb.14, is what Luna is calling a twisted Valentine — a benefit reception at 7 p.m. with a reading following at 8 p.m. of "MURDER TOO" by David Wiltse.

The  murder-comedy benefits the not for profit Luna Stage and stars the actors equity company's  Artistic Director Jane Mandel, Board President Frankie Faison — her real life Valentine; they've been married since 1988 — and managing director Mona Hennessey — actors all.

 More about romantic mayhem in a moment.

Tonight's reading is on time for Lincoln's Birthday: It imagines the dynamic between two 19th-century Shakespearean actors, the famed tragedian Edwin Booth and his infamous brother, John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln's assassin.

Shakespeare and Shakespearean actors resonate through the multitalented Molyneaux's drama. Molyneaux been recognized for his acting, directing, playwriting and theater criticism.

"New Moon's" guiding star, dramaturg Cheryl Katz commented on the work: "Molyneaux's play melds Shakespeare and American history in a way that is extremely vibrant and provocative," Katz said.

Directed by Rachel Black-Spaulding, "BOOTH, LINCOLN, BOOTH"  illuminates connections among Lincoln, Shakespeare and American history. The play brings in renowned 19th-century African-American Shakespearean and abolitionist Ira Aldridge and a troupe of his fellow actors to tell the story of the brothers rent apart by different beliefs and  the Civil War.

The "New Moon Series"  allows audiences to hear bare stage readings of new works in Studio Luna's intimate, 50 seat setting and then exchange ideas with the playwright, director and actors. Katz reported that the series is a hit. "Audiences  continue to grow each month," Katz said. "Last month, Nicky Glossman's ‘WHAT ABOUT WALDORF' was read to a full house."

Nicky Glossman is the Montclair High School playwright phenomenon; his father, the established director James Glossman directed his son's work. James Glossman has worked frequently with Luna Stage over its 16 year history — the company was based in Montclair before relocating this past summer to its state of the art complex at 555 Valley Road, West Orange.

Glossman  senior is on hand to direct  the Valentine's Day special benefit reading of "MURDER TOO." Given the real life Luna connections of the cast, there's a special twist going on here: The play is about theater people, an artistic director played by Mandel, her best friend played by Hennessey, the best friend's husband played by Faison and a youthful, handsome actor played by David Mason. Faison is well known for his roles in comedy films such as "Coming to America" and dramas both on Broadway and television, including "The Wire."

Hennessey explained that each of the three Luna Stage principals have worked together before in different actor-director configurations, but this is the first time all three are performing together in a reading. "This comedy is broad and funny and we all felt it would be a quirky and enjoyable way to put a twist on a Valentine's Day celebration," Hennessey said. 

Reservations for the benefit reception and reading of "MURDER TOO" are advised. Tickets are $30. The suggested donation for the New Moon Reading Series is $5. More information at www.lunastage.org or call (973) 395-5551. Luna Stage is at 555 Valley Rd. in West Orange. Previews for the next main stage production, "Mercy and the Firefly" start Thursday.