Monte said in a March 10 statement, "In the last few weeks, like many non-profits, we've been informed of the loss of several grants from the corporate sector. We are committed to controlling costs and securing our future in these tough times, and therefore, we have made the decision to replace Shakespeare's Timon of Athens with Molière's The School for Wives. It has been many years since we've presented a Molière comedy, and I know it will be a wonderful addition to our summer season. Given the extraordinary cost of producing a Shakespeare play, this change will help us maintain our fiscal health this season." The Molière comedy will run during the previously announced dates for Timon of Athens, July 8-26 at The Shakespeare Theatre's Main Stage, The F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, NJ.

Translated by Richard Wilbur, the comedy will be directed by Shakespeare Theatre resident director Brian B. Crowe. According the production notes, "In The School for Wives, a pompous, middle-aged bachelor attempts to mold his ward into the perfect bride, but it is he who gets the true education as best laid plans fall prey to a determined rival suitor, a pair of inept servants and true love. Molière’s celebrated comedy never fails to delight audiences."

For information about the 2009 season, call The Shakespeare Theatre box office at (973) 408-5600, or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.