Allentown Shakespeare in the Park

August 10-11, 2012

Joseph S. Daddona Lake and Terrace

 

Following its crowd-pleasing productions of “Romeo and Juliet”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “As You Like It” and “Much Ado About Nothing”, Allentown Shakespeare in the Park returns to the Lehigh Valley this summer with three free performances of Shakespeare’s great tragedy “Macbeth.” The free performances will be held Friday, August 10th at 8pm; and Saturday, August 11th at 2pm and 8pm in Allentown’s scenic Joseph S. Daddona Lake and Terrace on St. Elmo and Union Streets.

Area residents of all ages are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park to enjoy the classic Shakespeare drama performed by a troupe of professional actors. An hour of live music from local musicians will precede each performance. Picnic dinners are welcome though food and beverages will also be available for purchase in the park. To date, more than 4,000 residents have enjoyed an Allentown Shakespeare in the Park performance with friends and families against a natural backdrop under the stars.

For more information, contact Producer Sarah Steele at atownshakes@gmail.com

more information below:

 

Allentown Shakespeare in the Park Presents

“Macbeth”

 

 Following its crowd-pleasing productions of “Romeo and Juliet” (2006), “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (2007), “As You Like It” (2009) and “Much Ado About Nothing” (2010), Allentown Shakespeare in the Park returns to the Lehigh Valley this summer with three free performances of Shakespeare’s great tragedy “Macbeth,” directed by award-winning New York director Moritz von Stuelpnagel, announced founder and producer Sarah Steele.  The company took a one year hiatus in 2011 when Steele had a baby last summer and are thrilled to be back. The free performances are Friday, August 10 at 8pm; and Saturday, August 11 at 2pm and 8pm.

 

The play’s the thing and it’s free!

 

Now in its fifth season, Allentown Shakespeare in the Park is a free community arts event held in Allentown’s scenic Joseph S. Daddona Lake and Terrace on St. Elmo and Union Streets. Area residents of all ages bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park to enjoy a classic Shakespeare play performed by a troupe of professional New York City actors and local high school students.

 

An hour of live music from local musicians precedes each performance. Kremer’s Café will sell an assortment of grilled food and beverages in the park, although picnic dinners are always encouraged. To date, more than 4,000 residents have enjoyed an Allentown Shakespeare in the Park performance with friends and families against a natural backdrop under the stars. 

 

“Macbeth”

 

A haunting tale of ambition and madness, “Macbeth” tells the story of a man who, tempted by the prophesies of three mysterious witches and urged on by his power-hungry wife, stops at nothing in his quest to become king of Scotland.

 

Moritz von Stuelpnagel (director) is the Artistic Director of off-Broadway theater company Studio 42. For Allentown Shakespeare in the Park he directed the acclaimed productions of “As You Like It” and “Much Ado About Nothing”. His production of Rob Askins’ “Hand to God” at Ensemble Studio Theatre was named one of the best shows of 2011 by New York Magazine, Time Out New York, and The Huffington Post. He has been in residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Acting Company, the Huntington Theatre, and Playwrights Horizons.

 

A company of ten professional actors will play multiple roles in the production. The cast of “Macbeth” is Adam Blodgett, David Gautschy, Kristen Harlow, Michael Irish, Oliver Lehne, Alex Mandell, Christopher Raines, Haley Rawson, Kate Villanova and Sam Warren. The creative team includes Sarah Dowling (sets), Rebecca Freund (costumes), Emily Auciello (sound) and Brian Belcinski (fight choreography). The production will include original music by Matt Bitner Christopher Raines.

 

 

Actor Apprentice Program

Launched in 2007, Allentown Shakespeare in the Park’s Actor Apprentice Program teams local high school students with the cast of professional actors. This summer four students are participating in the program, two from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts (Aidan Newell ‘14 and Elizabeth Tumbleson ‘15) and for the first time, two from William Allen High School (Christopher Mychajluk ’14 and Kimberlyn Oreguela ’15).  Students from both schools will perform in “Macbeth” and attend weekend rehearsals held in Allentown.