Syracuse Shakespeare Festival
April 4 – April 14, 2014
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Our second plunge into 17th century French comedy gives us even more laughs than last year’s Molierean tickler. It’s another comedy by a French icon, The Suitors, by Jean Racine, Judith Harris directing; one of the most hilarious French plays ever written, Racine’s only comedy (1688), tells of a judge named Nigaud who has lost his mind from overwork but is still possessed with the desire to go to court and try cases day and night. After a brief intermission the second half of this double bill gives you, Commedia dell’Arte, Lynn Barbato directing; the roots of improvisation date back to 16th century Italy where “stock” character types mocked social conventions and they’ll be mocking unconventionally for your laughter and delight.
Seattle Shakespeare Company
Apr. 24-May 11, 2014
Directed by Sheila Daniels
Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center
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The ultimate family drama matched by intense political intrigue, King Lear traces an aging monarch’s descent into madness. Weary of his royal duties, King Lear elects to distribute his lands among his three daughters. But sweet falsities and hubris blind Lear to the true motives of those around him, scorching king and kingdom to ashes with consequences that unearth the worst and best in human nature.
The Shakespeare Theater Company
Sidney Harman Hall
Henry IV, Part 1
Directed by Michael Kahn
March 25 – June 7, 2014
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“The better part of valor is, discretion.”
A young prince must decide between tavern roughhousing and the burden of his father’s legacy, in the coming-of-age story of heroism, corruption and war. STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn directs the masterful Stacy Keach (King Lear, Macbeth) who plays Shakespeare’s beloved character, Falstaff.
The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
Begins May 28
Directed by Bonnie J. Monte
[button url=”http://www.shakespearenj.org/OnStage/PurchaseTickets.html” target=”blank”]Buy Tickets[/button]Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte directs The Tempest for the first time since 1991, her inaugural production at The Shakespeare Theatre. Prestigious company veteran Sherman Howard, an actor Ms. Monte describes as “a force of nature in himself,” will portray Prospero, the powerful magician who rules over his enchanted island home.
The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
Begins October 15
Directed by Paul Mullins
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Longtime company director Paul Mullins returns to direct Shakespeare’s final play, the rarely produced historical epic about the young King Henry and the first two of his six wives.
Begins December 4
Directed by Scott Wentworth
[button url=”http://www.shakespearenj.org/OnStage/PurchaseTickets.html” target=”blank”]Buy Tickets[/button]The 2014 season concludes with the of Shakespeare’s delightful comedy Much Ado About Nothing, which has not been seen at the Theatre in over a decade. Renowned actor and director Scott Wentworth sets the play post-World War II, à la “White Christmas,” and will appear on stage alongside his wife, Marion Adler (last seen in Our Town).