Marin Shakespeare Company Announces 2017 Festival Season

 

Marin Shakespeare Company, Marin County's professional and award-winning outdoor summer Shakespeare festival, announces its 2017 season. Presented under the summer stars at Forest Meadows in San Rafael from June 23 to Sept. 24, Marin Shakespeare Company's 28th season features "Much Ado About Nothing," "The Three Musketeers" and "Love's Labour's Lost." The summer season will feature a non-repertory schedule, with designated performance runs for each production with shows at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 p.m. Sundays; and 8 p.m. on select Sundays.

Robert Currier directs Marin Shakespeare's first presentation "Much Ado About Nothing." Shakespeare's perennially popular romantic comedy proves love really does triumph over all. Award-winning actors Dameion Brown and ELena Wright star as Shakespeare's romantic misfits in this southern rural rendering, featuring original bluegrass and jug band music by Billie Cox. "Much Ado About Nothing" performances are June 23 to July 23. Opening night is 8 p.m. Friday, June 30.

The season continues with "The Three Musketeers." Ken Ludwig's adaptation of the classic novel by Alexander Dumas is a comic, swashbuckling adventure for both sexes and all ages. This new version introduces Sabine, D'Artagnan's sister. Posing as a man, Sabine is entangled in the adventures of D'Artagnan and his misfit Musketeers as they fight foes and defend the honor of their Queen. Robert Currier directs this production, featuring fight direction by Richard Pallaziol. "The Three Musketeers" performances are July 28 to Aug. 27. Opening night is 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4.

Marin Shakespeare presents its first production of "Love's Labour's Lost," directed by British Shakespeare scholar Rob Clare. William Shakespeare's witty wordplay highlights the follies of the King of Navarre and his three friends when they agree to forsake the company of women for three years in order to pursue learning. Their pledge is put to the test with the arrival of the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting. "Love's Labour's Lost" performances are Sept. 1 to Sept. 24. Opening night is 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2.

Performances are presented outdoors Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, located on the campus of Dominican University of California, 890 Belle Avenue, San Rafael, Calif.

The amphitheater opens one hour prior to show time for picnicking. Audiences are encouraged to bring picnics or purchase snacks at the Theatre Cafe. Warm clothing, jackets and blankets are recommended for evening performances. Parking is free.

Season tickets are $87 general; $81 senior; and $30 youth (25 and under) and includes admission to one performance of each play, reserved seating and complimentary seat cushion.

Admission at the door is $37 general; $34 senior; and $12 youth (25 and under). Preview performances are $15 general and seniors; $10 youth. "Pay Your Age" is offered to audience members between the ages of 26 and 34 when purchasing tickets at the Box Office on the day of any performance, with valid identification. Marin Shakespeare Company also offers those 65 and over half-price tickets at Senior Matinees and those ages 18 and under admitted free at Family Matinee performances.

Free pre-show and post-show conversations with a company artist or scholar are presented on select performance dates. Shakespeare Dinners are presented at 6:30 p.m. on select Saturdays for an additional $35 for a gourmet picnic and intimate pre-show talk. Wine, beer and soft drinks are available for sale, or bring your own. Shakespeare Dinner reservations are required at least two hours in advance.

Reserve tickets at www.marinshakespeare.org/tickets/

For more information call 415-499-4488 or visit the Marin Shakespeare Company website at www.marinshakespeare.org