(Lenox, MA) – Shakespeare & Company host its annual Fourth of July Community Celebration “We Hold These Truths” on their property at 70 Kemble Street, Lenox MA. This yearly event is an all-American Independence Day celebration with music, food, children’s crafts and activities, and a public reading of one of the most stirring, and influential documents in our country’s history, The Declaration of Independence.
“Much like Shakespeare’s words, the Declaration of Independence resonates with truths regarding basic human rights to freedom and self- determination,” said Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. “In these divisive times, the words of our founding fathers acutely remind us that respect for all people is paramount if we are to call ourselves human beings. We are honored to be able to host this event every year as an opportunity for the community to come together and collectively appreciate who we are and how important it is to treat each other with dignity.”
The event will run from 1:30-5:00pm on Wednesday, July 4 with ongoing activities for the whole family including a children’s crafts table, face painting, and a photo booth. The Amy Ryan Band returns to perform a unique mix of country/rock blues. Company artists and special guests from the community, including Senator Adam G. Hinds and Massachusetts Representative William Pignatelli, will read the Declaration of Independence beginning at 3:00pm. Back by popular demand, Artistic Director Allyn Burrows will indulge guests with the rousing reading of the Gettysburg Address. Food is available for purchase (credit cards will be accepted) on site from Firefly Gastropub & Catering Co. The Fourth of July Community Celebration will happen rain or shine, and is generously sponsored by David and Natalie Johnsonius Neubert.
The celebration will be followed by a preview performance of Macbeth at 6pm in the Tina Packer Playhouse. A gripping tale of blind ambition and vile plotting by two of Shakespeare’s most notorious anti-heroes, Macbeth, directed by Obie Award winner Melia Bensussen, is a deliciously shadowy thrill ride. Tickets for Macbeth are available online at shakespeare.org or by calling Shakespeare & Company’s box office at (413) 637-3353. In addition to Macbeth, the Company’s 2018 Summer Season includes two other Shakespeare plays: As You Like It, and Love’s Labor’s Lost; plus the New England Premiere of Morning After Grace by Carey Crim; Creditors by August Strindberg, adapted by David Greig; Heisenberg by Laurence Olivier Award winner Simon Stephens; Mothers and Sons by Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally; and HIR by Pulitzer Prize finalist Taylor Mac.
About the Amy Ryan Band:
Witnessing Amy’s solo performances at open mic sessions in New York’s Capital Region, guitarist Richard Green saw an opportunity to combine his own blues guitar chops with a gutsy female singer with the potential to lead a great blues band. The Amy Ryan Band was soon born. Melding together Amy’s country blues mojo and Richard’s urban blues and rock sensibilities, this musical partnership is rounded out by bassist Steve Dietemann and new drummer Al Bauman. With a repertoire that includes band adaptations of Amy’s self-penned solo tunes, newly minted originals, and select covers, the Amy Ryan Band rocks the blues.
About Firefly Gastropub & Catering Co.
Firefly Gastropub & Catering Co. offers up the relaxed, gastropub concept, which focuses on high-quality comfort food and a commitment to serving both loyal and local customers, in an open and welcoming atmosphere. Offerings include a craft beer menu, creative cocktail selections, and their signature, fresh take on pub fare in addition to seasonally curated specials to enhance Firefly’s primary menu. The venue hosts live music and entertaining events, and is one of the few restaurants in the area catering to a late-night clientele with extended kitchen hours to 11pm.
About Shakespeare & Company
Located in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the leading Shakespeare festivals of the world. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts over 30,000 patrons annually. The Company is also home to an internationally renowned Center for Actor Training and award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.
