Dear Friends,
Star-crossed lovers, mad-capp’d adventures, and romance in the forest of Arden are all on tap this summer, along with a host of fantastic new works and some of Shakespeare’s best loved characters.
We are very excited to have you with us celebrating our 34th Performance Season here in historic Lenox. Along with the rest of America, Shakespeare & Company has come through some challenging times over the past few years. Thankfully, we are stronger than ever, both financially and artistically, as we look forward to this spirited and ambitious season. We have three premieres on the boards this summer with Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins,The Hollow Crown, and Everyman/EveryActor, along with two of Shakespeare’s best loved tales, As You Like It and The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Due to popular demand, we’re bringing back the side-splittingly funny The Hound of the Baskervilles and Tina Packer’s expanded, five-part version of her spectacular Women of Will masterpiece titled Women of Will, The Complete Journey: Parts I-V.
In the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, we’re presenting one of our finest casts in The Memory of Water, a beautiful story that’s both funny and profound. We’re also hosting the New England premiere of Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins by Margaret and Allison Engel. Tina Packer tackles one of America’s most outrageous political voices in this hilarious one-woman show. And, of course, the EBT season wouldn’t be complete without our highly successful Lunch Box Shakespeare featuring our very talented Performance Intern Company in The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Founders’ Theatre is set to bustle with sword fights, soaring poetry, and complex characters that have stood the test of time. With Daniela Varon at the helm of Romeo and Juliet, I know this production will set the standard for many years to come. Taking place in Paris after The Great War, my As You Like It brings music, dance, and song to this delightful comedy of true romance—a perfect complement to any summer’s day or eve.
Our outdoor Rose Footprint Theatre includes the hysterical The Venetian Twins (a brilliant example of commedia dell’arte by Goldoni), the world-premiere of Everyman/EveryActor, and a cornucopia of lectures, tours, FREE theatre, cabarets, and special events for you and your family to enjoy. Phew, I’m exhausted just telling you about all that is going on—and this is just during the summer months!
Our Fall and Winter Season also includes ambitious and insightful works that are filled with fun and surprises! So please join me in celebrating the best of what our Company has to offer this summer and beyond, as we look forward to an eleven-month season filled with love, passion, hope and the unbridled human spirit.
Thank you all again for helping to make last year one of spectacular growth both creatively and financially. On behalf of the entire Company and our Board of Trustees, we appreciate your passion for great theatre!
All my best,
Tony Simotes
Artistic Director
