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[Center Valley, PA] \u2013October 17, 2023\u2013 Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to reveal its upcoming season following a summer filled with an impressive 145 performances of nine productions in just nine and a half weeks. Co-leaders Jason King Jones<\/strong> and Casey William Gallagher<\/strong> have carefully curated a compelling line-up centered around the theme of \u201cPersistence of Love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n \u201cWhether it\u2019s love for your family, your community, your partner, or an idea, love persists and always seeks to make the world a better place. This theme is reflected in each play or musical we\u2019ve selected,\u201d says Jones, Artistic Director. <\/span>\u201cWe hope the \u2018Persistence of Love\u2019 season fosters empathy and ignites meaningful conversations through the medium of theatre.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n The Festival\u2019s 33rd<\/sup> season will run May 29 to August 4 featuring\u00a0three Shakespeare plays The Comedy of Errors<\/em>,\u00a0The Merry Wives of Windsor<\/em>, and\u00a0Cymbeline<\/em>; along with two musicals,\u00a0The Color Purple<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0The Last Five Years<\/em>; and, in a new collaboration, PSF will present 1812\u2019s production of The Play That Goes Wrong.<\/em>\u00a0Additionally, there are two children’s theatre productions, <\/span>Winnie-the-Pooh<\/span><\/em> & Friends<\/em> and Shakespeare for Kids<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n \n The season subscription presale will begin in November, and <\/span>single tickets for the 2024 season will be available for purchase in February.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival performs on two stages at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. The Festival will also present a community tour throughout the Lehigh Valley region and will host a Community Day at DeSales on July 6.<\/span><\/p>\n \n The 2024 Summer Season\u2014<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cPlay On!\u201d Community Tour<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Comedy of Errors<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n By William Shakespeare<\/span><\/p>\n Directed by Jessica Bedford<\/span><\/p>\n \n Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival\u2019s \u201cPlay On!\u201d Community Tour brings free performances of William Shakespeare\u2019s The Comedy of Errors <\/em>to libraries, parks, and community centers all over the region. The inaugural tour launched during the summer of 2023 with A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream <\/em>and played to over 1100 attendees across 13 locations. With a goal of strengthening collaborative relationships with community partners, the tour\u00a0marked an important step in PSF\u2019s commitment to increase accessibility to theatre for under-resourced populations in the region.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Shakespeare\u2019s The Comedy of Errors<\/em> follows the entertaining escapades of two sets of identical twins separated at birth and residing in the same town. Mistaken identities make for hilarious complications until chaos gives way to clarity, and mayhem to mirth, when brother is reunited with brother and a town turned upside-down is turned right-side up again.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Jessica Bedford will direct following last season\u2019s Sense and Sensibility.<\/em> Bedford is a Philadelphia based actor, director, dramaturg, playwright, and an Assistant Professor of Theatre at DeSales University. As a writer, she recently received six Philadelphia Barrymore Award nominations for her co-written version of Jane Eyre<\/em> at Philadelphia Artists\u2019 Collective.<\/span><\/p>\n \n On the Main Stage<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n \n The Play That Goes Wrong<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, & Jonathan Sayer\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Directed by Jennifer Childs<\/span><\/p>\n \n Philadelphia\u2019s all comedy theatre company, 1812 Productions present their smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong <\/em>as the opener on PSF\u2019s Main Stage. <\/span>This comedic sensation captivated audiences on Broadway and in London’s West End with sold-out performances before making its regional debut at 1812 last year. Now <\/span>some of Philadelphia\u2019s finest and funniest performers will reunite to stage the revival, featuring Sean Close, Melanie Cotton, Scott Greer, Justin Jain, Tony Lawton, Eli Lynn, Karen Peakes, and Ian Merrill Peakes.\u00a0<\/span>In this Agatha Christie meets Monty Python farce, The Play That Goes Wrong<\/em> will have you laughing all the way to the final curtain call. <\/span>With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can\u2019t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it\u2019s \u201ca riotous explosion of comedy\u201d (The Daily Beast<\/em>) and \u201ctons of fun for all ages\u201d (HuffPost<\/em>).<\/span><\/p>\n \n Jennifer Childs (Director) is the Producing Artistic Director for 1812 Productions. For 1812 she has created over 25 original works of theatre including The Carols<\/em>, To the Moon<\/em>, It\u2019s My Party: The Women and Comedy Project<\/em>, and the annual political humor show This Is The Week That Is<\/em>. Her solo shows, Why I\u2019m Scared of Dance<\/em> and I Will Not Go Gently<\/em>have been performed across the country. <\/span><\/p>\n \n The Merry Wives of Windsor<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n By William Shakespeare<\/span><\/p>\n Directed by Matt Pfeiffer<\/span><\/p>\n \n In this merry romp, the irrepressible rogue Sir John Falstaff hatches a harebrained scheme to woo two wealthy wives in hopes to secure their fortunes. Unbeknownst to him, these merry wives craft clever retaliations to rebuke his advances. The result is a whirlwind of misadventures and bellyaching laughter. As the story unfolds, <\/span>we witness a colorful array of characters including a Welsh Priest, a zany French swordsman, and a jealous husband in disguise. <\/span>Shakespeare’s witty banter and comedic escapades shine through, making\u00a0The Merry Wives of Windsor\u00a0<\/em>a charming celebration of love, laughter, and the craft of clever deception.<\/span><\/p>\n \n The production will be directed by Barrymore Award\u2013winner Matt Pfeiffer, who has been directing at the Festival for 23 seasons, including The Complete Works of William Shakespeare<\/em> (abridged) [revised] [again] <\/em>(2023),<\/em> Much Ado About Nothing<\/em> (2022), A Midsummer Night\u2019s<\/em> Dream <\/em>(2021), and many more. Select credits include Arden Theatre, People\u2019s Light, Bristol Riverside, Lantern Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, 1812 Productions, Delaware Theatre Company, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and DeSales University.<\/span><\/p>\n \n The Color Purple<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Book by Marsha Norman\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Music & Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray<\/span><\/p>\n Directed by Amina Robinson<\/span><\/p>\n \n The epic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker comes to life in an emotional tour de force musical infused with a soul-stirring score of jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues. Set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century, the story follows the transformative journey of Celie, a young African American woman who courageously navigates a life marked by abuse, separation, and discrimination to discover the strength to break free from oppression and find her own voice. From the hauntingly beautiful “I’m Here” to the exuberant celebration of “The Color Purple,” this sensational Tony Award-winning musical is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Amina Robinson returns this summer to direct The Color Purple<\/em> following last season\u2019s Lady Day at Emerson\u2019s Bar & Grill<\/em>; and on the heels of winning a 2022 Barrymore Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for The Color Purple<\/em> at Theatre Horizon. <\/span>She <\/span>was recently nominated for a\u00a02023 Barrymore Award\u00a0for Outstanding Direction of The 25th<\/sup>Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee<\/em> at the Arden Theatre.<\/span><\/p>\n \n In the Schubert Theatre<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n \n The Last Five Years<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Written and Composed by Jason Robert Brown<\/span><\/p>\n Directed by Jason King Jones<\/span><\/p>\n \n There are two sides to every love story, and both will captivate you in this stirring musical following two aspiring artists in New York City who fall in and out of love over\u00a0the course of\u00a0five years. The show unfolds with Cathy reliving her story backwards from the end of their relationship, while Jamie experiences his chronologically from the beginning. With music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown, this almost entirely sung-through musical has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning a Drama Desk Award (music and lyrics), a film adaptation, and productions around\u00a0the world. The Last Five Years<\/em> will leave a lasting impression with anyone who has ever loved, lost, and yearned for something more. Don’t miss this intimate and beautifully crafted exploration of the human heart.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Jason King Jones directs following his PSF directorial debut of Shakespeare\u2019s The Tempest <\/em>last summer. Prior to his appointment as PSF\u2019s Artistic Director he spent ten years at Maryland\u2019s Olney Theatre Center, where he directed over twenty productions and served as Senior Associate Artistic Director and Artistic Director of National Players, America\u2019s longest-running touring theatre company. <\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Cymbeline<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n By William Shakespeare<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cExtreme Shakespeare\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n Shakespeare meets The Princess Bride<\/em> in this romantic adventure seamlessly weaving elements of the Bard\u2019s comedy, tragedy, and history into one epic fairy tale of magic and power. When Imogen’s father unjustly banishes her beloved, the princess embarks on a mythic quest to prove her loyalty, outwit her wicked stepmother, and reclaim her true love. In this captivating masterpiece, from the zenith of Shakespeare’s creativity, a courageous heroine, kind strangers, sinister adversaries, divine beings, poisoned potions, and forgotten princes all play a role in the path toward a happily ever after.<\/span><\/p>\n \n This production will be rehearsed akin to the way Shakespeare\u2019s company would have\u2014actors arrive with their lines learned, rehearse on their own, wear what they can find, and open in a matter of days. No directors, no designers. Just great actors, a brilliant play, pure adrenaline, spontaneity, and creativity.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Children\u2019s Theatre Productions<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Winnie-the-Pooh & Friends <\/span><\/em><\/strong>| Schubert Theatre<\/span><\/p>\n Based on the classic stories from A.A. Milne<\/span><\/p>\n By Jason King Jones | Directed by Jenna Place<\/span><\/p>\n \n Step into the enchanting world of the Hundred Acre Wood in this heartwarming story inspired by A.A. Milne\u2019s timeless tales. Join Christopher Robin and his beloved pals Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and others as they set out on a whimsical journey filled with joy, camaraderie, and, of course, honey! Whether you’re a youngster or young at heart,Winnie-the-Pooh & Friends<\/em> will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonder of imagination and the bonds of friendship.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Shakespeare for Kids presents Twelfth Night <\/em><\/span><\/strong>| Main Stage<\/span><\/p>\n By Erin Sheffield | Directed by Matt Pfeiffer<\/span><\/p>\n \n A high energy one-hour production designed for children ages 4 to 10 to actively experience Shakespeare\u2019s vibrant language and characters. S4K <\/em>activates imaginations and generates laughs for the entire family. Using a combination of songs, puppets, and scenes from William Shakespeare\u2019s Twelfth Night<\/em>, S4K <\/em>provides families with the opportunity to introduce children to Shakespeare in a welcoming, super kid-friendly environment.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Visit pashakespeare.org<\/a> for the most current information and to sign-up to receive emails for future announcements.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Artistic Leadership<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Jason King Jones<\/a>, Artistic Director<\/span><\/p>\n Casey William Gallagher<\/a>, Managing Director<\/span><\/p>\n \nAbout Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n \n Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is the only professional Equity theatre of its scope and scale within a 50-mile radius. PSF is one of only a handful of theatres on the continent producing Shakespeare, musicals, classics, and contemporary plays, all of which can normally be seen in repertory and in multiple spaces within a few visits in a single summer season. Similarly, PSF was among just a handful of theatres on the continent in recent summers to produce three Shakespeare plays in a single summer season. A patron would have to travel seven to nine hours from PSF to find a comparable range of offerings at a single theatre within a few weeks\u2019 time.<\/p>\n The Festival\u2019s award-winning company of many world-class artists includes Broadway, film, and television veterans, and winners and nominees of the Tony, Emmy, Obie, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Jefferson, Hayes, Lortel, and Barrymore Awards. A leading Shakespeare theatre with a national reputation for excellence, PSF has received coverage in\u00a0The Washington Post<\/em>,\u00a0NPR<\/em>,\u00a0American Theatre Magazine<\/em>, Playbill.com,\u00a0The Philadelphia Inquirer<\/em>, and in recent seasons\u00a0The New York<\/em>\u00a0Times\u00a0<\/em>has identified PSF as one of the leading summer theatre festivals in the nation. \u201cA world-class theater experience on a par with the top Bard fests,\u201d is how one New York Drama Desk reviewer characterized PSF.<\/p>\n Founded in 1992 and the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PSF\u2019s mission is to enrich, inspire, engage, and entertain the widest possible audience through first-rate productions of classical and contemporary plays, with a core commitment to Shakespeare and other master dramatists, and through an array of education and mentorship programs. A not-for-profit theatre, PSF receives significant support from its host, DeSales University, from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Traditionally, with 150 performances over ten weeks, the Festival attracts patrons each summer from 30+ states. In 32 years, PSF has offered 200+ total productions (82 Shakespeare), and entertained 1,000,000+ patrons from 50 states, now averaging 34,000-40,000 in attendance each summer season, plus another 13,000 students each year through its WillPower Tour to schools. PSF is a multi-year recipient of awards from the National Endowment for the Arts:\u00a0Shakespeare in<\/em>\u00a0American Communities<\/em>, and is a constituent of Theatre Communications Group, and the Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA). In 2013, leaders of the world\u2019s premiere Shakespeare theatres gathered at PSF as the Festival hosted the international STA Conference. The Festival\u2019s vision is for world-class theatre.<\/span><\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: [Center Valley, PA] \u2013October 17, 2023\u2013 Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to reveal its upcoming season following a summer filled with an impressive 145 performances of nine productions in just … Continue reading Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Is Thrilled To Announce the 2024 Summer Season<\/span>
\nTina Slak<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"