Shakespeare by the Sea to Host TEA & SONNETS Party at MaGriffe Galerie, 4/27

Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) presents its fourth annual garden tea party at MaGriffe Galerie in San Pedro on Saturday, April 27th at 2 p.m. The public is invited to this lovely setting to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, providing several opportunities to contribute to the touring theatre company's sixteenth season. The event is a fundraiser to support the non-profit organization that provides admission-free, professional Shakespeare in communities from Ventura to Orange County each summer. 40 performances are planned for the upcoming season that will mark the company's 16th year.

Guests enjoy ocean views while actors from the SBTS Company stroll through the garden, reading their favorite sonnets. An eclectic selection of prizes will be offered at the ever-popular opportunity drawing. Party goers are also encouraged to wear their favorite tea party hat to be eligible to win two VIP Decadent Dining tickets to the Opening Toast of the SBTS 2013 Season on Saturday, June 8th at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.

"It's a really great time," said Lisa Coffi, SBTS founder and Producing Artistic Director. "The gardens are lovely, and the actors and production crew really enjoy the opportunity to hob-nob with people who are helping to make the coming season possible."

For its sixteenth season, SBTS will showcase two plays it has never before produced, King John, a quasi-historical tale of Medieval contest and conquest - and All's Well that Ends Well, a cautionary story of a young woman whose love knows no bounds. Both plays shine a spotlight on ambition and its consequences, throwing in a characteristic measure of Shakespearean humor.The touring company will present them in repertory for four weeks in San Pedro before performing in 19 other locations throughout LA, Orange and Ventura Counties - all admission free.For the complete summer schedule and more information please visit www.shakespearebythesea.org.

Shakespeare by the Sea's "Tea & Sonnets" will be held on Saturday, April 27 - 2 p.m. in the garden at MaGriffe Gallerie, 3624 S Gaffey St, San Pedro. Tickets: $40 in advance ($45 at the door). For tickets and more information about SBTS and the fourth annual Tea & Sonnets , visit www.shakespearebythesea.org or call 310.217.7596.

Shakespeare by the Sea's mission is to bring new contemporary and classic works to an underserved, culturally diverse audience in order to ignite imagination, promote literacy and encourage artistic expression.This season's San Pedro performances are made possible in part by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, and funds to support the tour have been committed from the Orange County Community Foundation, Union Pacific Railroad, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Supervisor Don Knabe, and The Norris Foundation.Associate Sponsor, PBS SoCaL, is generously partnering with SBTS to promote the season in conjunction with their Shakespeare Uncovered National Community Outreach initiative.More sponsors will be needed to complete the funding to produce this season's offerings.