“The course of true love never did run smooth.”—A Midsummer Night’s Dream
(Lenox, MA) – Shakespeare & Company is pleased to announce the return of their valentines weekend programming, this year with a new twist. Shakespeare scenes will be intermingled with scenes from movies inspired by the Bard in a game show fashion. By popular demand the performance will once again be hosted by acclaimed comedian Kevin Bartini who will spin the wheel to set the scene. Company actors and guest musicians explore the complexities of love in staged readings featuring the most notorious couples’ loving, fighting, scheming and wooing. Shakespeare’s Valentine Surprise is co-directed by Artistic Director Allyn Burrows and Michelle Joyner, and will be performed in the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre on Saturday, February 16 at 7:00pm and Sunday, February 17 at 2:00pm.
“In a Wheel of Fortune meets Family Feud meets Shakespeare mashup the Valentine Surprise weekend is going to be a ball, complete with music and prizes,” said Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. “Come out and snuggle with your date while Kevin Bartini and our company actors take you on a wild ride of scenes that will touch your heart and make you laugh your head off.”
As a classically trained stage actor, Kevin Bartini got his start in theater in Berkshire County, working with Shakespeare and Company where he also serves as an advisory board member. Kevin can currently be seen warming up audiences for Comedy Central’s The Opposition with Jordan Klepper and ABC’s Match Game with Alec Baldwin, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, The President Show, Bunk, Debate Wars and Tru TV’s Comedy Knockout.
Company artists include: Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Ariel Bock, Gregory Boover, Dara Brown, Allyn Burrows, MaConnia Chesser, Rory Hammond, David Joseph, Caitlin Kraft, Daniel Light, Madeleine Maggio, Jordan Mann, and Nick Nudler and Kirsten Peacock.
Tickets are $25 and $10 student tickets are also available for both performances. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at www.shakespeare.org or by calling the Shakespeare & Company box office at (413) 637-3353. The Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Shakespeare & Company is located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox, Massachusetts. The performance runs two hours with a fifteen minute intermission, and is generously sponsored by Gretchen DeKalb.
For tickets or more information visit shakespeare.org.
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 40,000 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.
