The weather has given us only hints of spring, but here’s some news to warm you up.
The 19th season of Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks gets under way next month with the 10th annual Week of Will, featuring the comedies Twelfth Night and the premiere of Shakespeare: First Drafts by Charles David “Stoney” Richards.
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks’ 19th season is dedicated to the late actor Ronald Siebert, seen here as King Lear in 2015, with Nick Benninger. (Image: PSiP)
Twelfth Night was last performed by PSiP in 2008. It is the company’s second indoor production as the season has expanded its programming beyond its traditional September shows. A cast of nine portrays more than 30 roles in the two one-act plays, running Sunday, April 23 through Wednesday, April 26 at Soluna in the Strip District.
The Bard’s 459th birthday celebration will begin with a tribute by Mrs. Shakespeare at the Shakespeare statue in Oakland on Sunday, April 23. The Week of Will wraps with an international online puppet slam on Saturday, April 29.
The season continues in September with an all-female cast in Cleopatra and Antony. Founding artistic director Jennifer Tober will direct the company’s first production of the history play in City of Pittsburgh parks on weekends in September 2023.
The season will pay tribute to the late actor Ronald H. Siebert, who performed in many PSiP shows and events, who died in December 2022.
“Ron graced our stage many times, most notably as King Cymbeline, King Lear, and the Friar in Romeo and Juliet,” Tober said. “Ron was a wonderful actor, a great mentor, and a gentle friend to all.”
PITTSBURGH SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS
19th SEASON SCHEDULE
April 23 at noon – Statue Tribute by Mrs. Shakespeare, on the steps of Carnegie Music Hall, Forbes Ave., Oakland
April 23-26 at 7:30 pm – Staged readings of Twelfth Night and First Drafts at Soluna, 1601 Penn Ave., Strip District. Doors open at 7 p.m.
April 28-30 – Pittsburgh Fringe Festival; Brawling Bard’s Vendetta in Verona at Bantha Tea Bar. Curtain times vary. Festival website.
April 29 at 3 p.m. – Ciphers to this Great Accompt; An Annual Shakespeare Puppet Slam. Online celebration of international puppeteers inspired by Shakespeare. Reserve Zoom link via Eventbrite.
For tickets and further details, visit www.pittsburghshakespeare.com.
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Preview, Season Listings
Double Bill for the Week of Will! I can’t wait!