Ohio Shakespeare back to two summer shows at Stan Hywet
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Ohio Shakespeare Festival has announced a seven-show season for 2023-2024, starting with the return of a two-show summer at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron.
The company, which produced one show with a longer run at the idyllic lagoon for the last three summers, last offered two shows at the outdoor venue in 2019, before the pandemic.
The Shakespearean summer comedies "Love's Labour's Lost" and "Twelfth Night" will run Thursdays through Sundays at Stan Hywet, 714 N. Portage Path, starting June 29. For both shows, gates open for picnicking at 6 p.m., the always-rowdy Greenshow follows at 7:30 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m.
Here's the full season.
‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ at Stan Hywet
Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost" will run June 29 through July 16.
In this whimsical comedy, directed by Tess Burgler, the King of Navarre and his three best friends swear off women and lock themselves within the castle gates to study and fast. In the meantime, the Princess of France and her ladies try to visit the king but must camp outside the court in the forest.
The comedy includes silly disguises, mistaken identities and a play-within-a-play.
Preview night is June 29, the pay-what-you-will performance is July 2 and free student night is July 2. A special event, Shakespeare + Dinner with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, is July 7.
‘Twelfth Night’ at Stan Hywet
"Twelfth Night," directed by Ernie Gonzalez Jr., will run July 27 through Aug. 13.
Viola is shipwrecked on the beaches of Ilyria and pretends to be a boy to protect herself. After she becomes a page to Count Orsino, a love triangle ensues. Added to the comedic mix are drunken uncles, fools, fops and pirates.
Preview night is July 27, the pay-what-you-will performance is July 30 and free student night is Aug. 3. Guests may also enjoy Shakespeare + Dinner with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Aug. 4,
‘Dracula’ at Greystone Hall
The season will moves indoors to Greystone Hall in downtown Akron for "Dracula" Oct. 5-22. The fan-favorite production, adapted by company member Joe Pine from the novel by Bram Stoker, has sold out for many years.
This year, the horror-adventure will be a main stage production with new sound, costume and set designs and surprising special effects. In this story, Johnathan Harker travels to Transylvania on real estate business to meet a mysterious count, setting a horror into motion.
The show will have a special performance in conjunction with the Dracula's Vampire Ball gala Oct. 14.
‘Shakespeare in Hollywood’
Ken Ludwig's comedy "Shakespeare in Hollywood" will run Nov. 30 through Dec. 17 at Greystone Hall.
It's 1934, the Golden Age of Hollywood, and Shakespeare's famous fairies Oberon and Puck have magically materialized on the Warner Bros. Hollywood set of Max Reinhardt's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." They end up playing themselves on the silver screen.
‘The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby’
David Edgar's "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby," adapted from the Charles Dickens novel, will run Feb. 29 through March 17, 2024, at Greystone Hall.
Nancy Cates will direct the saga of virtuous young Nicholas as he meets and masters the challenges of poverty and corruption in Victorian England.
‘The Wizard of Oz’
Tess Burgler will direct the musical "The Wizard of Oz," orchestrated by Larry Wilcox and adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company, April 5 through May 12, 2024, at Greystone Hall.
The stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale features the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The imaginative production will include puppetry and live actor-musicians from local English/Irish folk band The Rude Sea.
‘Romeo and Juliet’ bonus show
The bonus show "Romeo and Juliet" will run Jan. 19 through 28, 2024, including evening performances and student matinees. The tragedy’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers will include dazzling swordplay.
For season subscriptions, which cost $175 for six shows, see www.ohioshakespearefestival.com. The bonus show "Romeo and Juliet" is not part of the subscription. Single tickets go on sale May 1.
Arts writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or kclawson@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio Shakespeare Festival back to two shows at Stan Hywet
