Manhattan Shakespeare Project Celebrates the Bard's 450th Birthday, 4/20

New York--Manhattan Shakespeare Project (MSP), an all-female Shakespeare theater company, will celebrate its "patron saint" William Shakespeare's 450th birthday by blowing out birthday candles and reading bawdy writings penned by the master playwright at The Thirst Fan Bar (254 W 31st St.) on Sunday, April 20, at 7 p.m.

The event is open to the public; guests are even encouraged to bring their favorite Shakespeare readings for an open mic night.

MSP explores ways to re-envision Shakespeare's works and to communicate to new generations and communities. It wants to create vital and currently viable theater focusing on gender constructs, and develop its members' passion for theater not only as an art form, but also as an educational tool.

The theater company also provides the opportunity for female actors to play traditionally male roles as well as break into the world of directing, producing, and writing stage productions, which has been a predominantly male dominated industry.

For its FREE Shakespeare in the Parks 2014 summer season, MSP presents the timeless tale of "Romeo and Juliet," directed by Reesa Graham, and stars Amanda Boekelheide, Angela Church*, Sarah Eismann, Caroline Lyons, Leah Reddy, and Folami Williams.

Schedule of "Romeo and Juliet" Performances:

>May 29, 30, 31 & June 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 - Central Park, Summit Rock

>June 11, 12, 18, 19 - Harlem, St. Nicholas Park

>June 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 - Brooklyn, Sunset Park

> June 26, 27, 28, 29 - Manhattan, Morningside Park

> July 4 - Lower Manhattan Cultural Council 4th of July Festival

All performances are at 6 p.m.

MSP is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization.

For more information, visit manhattanshakes.org.

*Ms. Church is appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.