BPA Shakespeare Society to Bring the Bard to Bloedel with TWELFE NIGHT, 7/11-26

Bainbridge Performing Arts is partnering with the Bloedel Reserve to present an outdoor summertime performance. The BPA Shakespeare Society will perform Twelfe Night, or What You Will July 11 - 26 in the meadow at Bloedel Reserve.

In the heart of summer, the Bloedel Reserve offers the ideal backdrop for Twelfe Night, or What You Will. In the exotic Mediterranean dukedom of Illyria, there is a plague upon the land. Everyone is in love-with the wrong person. Disguise and deceit are the order of the day as a love triangle entangles an ever-widening circle. Only music has the power to cure the madness of love.

Asked "why did you want to bring Shakespeare to Bainbridge Island?" by Channie Peters of Bainbridge Island Broadcasting, the BPA Shakespeare Society's Director Tom Challinor told listeners:"The themes in his plays are universal - they cut through geneder age, class, race, and deliver messages about what it means to simply be a human being." Hear the full interview here: www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org/collections/2013-2014-season/products/twelfe-night.

Supported by Assistant Director Lee Ann Hittenberger, Director Tom Challinor leads an experienced cast featuring Tony Gasbarri as ORSINO, Luc Rosenthal as SEBASTIAN, Tres Cozine as ANTONIO, Charlie Hamilton as SEA CAPTAIN / PRIEST, Paul Leonetti as VALENTINE, Gary Fetterplace as SIR TOBY BELCH, Brace Evans as SIR ANDREW AGUECHEEK, Matt Eldridge as MALVOLIO, Peter Denis as FABIAN, Joel Underwood as FESTE, Jenny Crooks as OLIVIA, Zenaida Smith as VIOLA, Kristi Ann Jacobson as MARIA, Tyler Weaver as OFFICER / LORD, Ben Eldridge as LORD, Zac Norberg as LORD, and Sophie Eldridge as LADY.

The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island is an internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve whose mission is to "enrich people's lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes." The BPA Shakespeare Society's summertime performance aligns seamlessly with the founder's vision "to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty." Korum Bischoff, Director of Communications & Events says, "Bloedel Reserve is excited to collaborate with BPA, as they are experts in producing high-quality entertainment. Their superb performance, coupled with the Reserve's inspiring landscape, promises a memorable outdoor show for theater-goers."

Audience members should be prepared for a breathtakingly-beautiful 5-minute walk between the parking area and meadow. Just over two hours, the production has one intermission. Seating is limited, and those attending may bring lawn chairs or blankets. The BPA Shakespeare Society's 2013 production of The Tempest was met with rave reviews and sold out quickly; patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.

Twelfe Night, or What You Will appears July 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, and 26 at the Bloedel Reserve, 7571 NE Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island. All performances are at 7:00 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Patrons may enter the grounds earlier in the day by paying a reduced admission fee to Bloedel.

Tickets, $25 for adults, and $20 for seniors, students, youth, military, and teachers, may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206.842.8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance. Contact Siobhan Maguire at 206.842.8569 for additional information.

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