SEATTLE - Coming off of a remarkable year that saw a 15% growth in subscription ticket sales and where each production exceeded single ticket goals, Seattle Shakespeare Company announces plans for the theatre's 20th anniversary season. In October, director John Langs returns after his smash hit ofThe Merchant of Venice in 2009 to stage Hamlet for a six week run. Running in repertory during the latter weeks of Hamlet will be Wittenberg, a hyper-literate four-actor comedy about the Danish prince's years at university. The former artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Henry Woronicz, makes his Seattle Shakespeare Company debut with his fairy tale staging of Chamber Cymbeline in January. In February Artistic Director Stephanie Shine will stage the Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill masterpiece of musical theatre The Threepenny Opera. The 20th anniversary season wraps up in mid-April withShakespeare's frothy comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Quickly becoming a mainstay of many school curriculums and performing arts venues across the state, Seattle Shakespeare Company will again mount two touring productions for Spring of 2011: a six-actor production of Macbeth and the company's popular 5-actor Romeo and Juliet.
"It's so hard to believe we're going to be marking 20 years of this company," says Artistic Director Stephanie Shine. "We've spiced the season with artistic challenges that speak to our future, and surprising fun that celebrates our past. We're fulfilling the promise we made last year to stage John Lang's Hamletand our dear friend Rita Giomi directs the devilish new comedy Wittenberg - we've even set up a weekend where folks can see both shows in one day; a veritable Hamlet marathon!"
"I'm thrilled that Henry Woronicz is returning to the Northwest. He's an exquisite artist, and I can't wait for our audiences to get to know him and his work. The Threepenny Opera hasn't been professionally produced in our city in decades, so I'm excited to take on that musical challenge and we've company actors who are ready to take our patrons on this Brechtian journey."
2010-2011 INDOOR SEASON
Hamlet
By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by John Langs
October 27-December 5, 2010
After prince Hamlet hears his father's otherworldly voice demanding revenge, thus begins an intense whirlwind of intrigue in Shakespeare's most complex and emotional drama. Pulled apart by love and duty, Hamlet struggles to make sense of his upended world while attempting to pursue justice. Director John Langs returns after his much lauded production of The Merchant of Venice to stage and rediscover this towering masterpiece.
Wittenberg
By David Davalos Ÿ Directed by Rita Giomi
November 15-December 5, 2010
What was Hamlet like before he returned to Elsinore from school? Find out in this smart, sprightly and audacious battle of wits. University colleagues Dr. Faustus and Martin Luther hold court while their student, Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, faces the quandary of who to study with (while also struggling with his tennis game). This hyper-literate new comedy brings us the story behind the stories in a hilarious, highly entertaining and accessible exploration of reason versus faith.
Chamber Cymbeline
By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by Henry Woronicz
January 5-30, 2011
One of Shakespeare's last plays, Cymbeline is fairytale come to life. A banished princess, a wicked stepmother, a faithful servant, and long lost brothers all inhabit this storybook adventure. After brave princess Imogen is exiled from her father's court and falsely accused of adultery, she sets forth on a treacherous and miraculous journey to reclaim her place in society and reunite with her true love.
The Threepenny Opera
By Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill Ÿ Directed by Stephanie Shine
February 9-27, 2011
Who is the greater criminal: he who robs a bank or he who founds one? Enter the seedy underworld of Mac the Knife, a dapper criminal who leaves a trail of broken hearts and slashed throats wherever he roams. In this dark musical satire of "respectable" society, every character would sell out any other if there's an advantage to be gained. Among the shadows, betrayals abound while new alliances form between the dashing thieves, saucy prostitutes, and scheming entrepreneurs in this crowning achievement of musical theatre.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
By William Shakespeare
April 19-May 15, 2011
That lovable rogue John Falstaff has decided to take up residence in the country town of Windsor, but negotiating the intrigues of this sleepy burg are more than he can handle! When he attempts to seduce and swindle Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, these original desperate housewives catch wind of Falstaff's plan, and decide to have a laugh at his expense. Now the game's afoot! This bright and bouncy comic gift features sly wit and clever pranks wrapped around a tender young romance.
On Tour across Washington in Spring 2011
Macbeth
By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by George Mount
A ruthless lord seizes power with the help of his scheming wife and a trio of other-worldly witches. Urged on by eerie prophesies and ambitious desire, Macbeth slices through kinsmen, friend and foe in a bloody climb to power at whatever cost. Six actors playing multiple roles create a tight, emotion-packed production that is sure to thrill.
Romeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare
In the midst of an historical bitter feud, passionate young love emerges. Defying their parents' wishes Romeo and Juliet marry and plot to run away together, only to be thwarted at every turn. With five actors brandishing swords poised for actions, this 90 minute drama is a swashbuckling romance and the greatest love story ever told.
All dates, plays and artists are subject to change.
Season Ticket Packages and Single Tickets
Season tickets subscription packages are now on sale and range from $82 to $180 for all five main stage productions. Season ticket subscription packages can be purchased by calling the ticket office at (206) 733-8222. Single tickets will be on sale in September. Seattle Shakespeare Company performs at Center House Theatre at Seattle Center .
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