A Perfect Pair of Wharton Comedies Come to Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare & Company presents A Perfect Pair of Wharton Comedies. Based on short stories originally penned by the Berkshires' legendary Edith Wharton, Roman Fever and The Fullness of Life have been adapted by Shakespeare & Company Founding Member and Training Director Dennis Krausnick. The Wharton Comedies will run at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre as part of their 2017 season August 17 through September 10.

"In years past, performing Edith Wharton's adapted short stories at The Mount, followed by afternoon tea on her sun drenched terrace, was its own kind of magic." Director Normi Noel reminisced. "This summer, we are inviting you back, this time to another intimate theatre space, just down the road from The Mount at our 70 Kemble Street property as we celebrate our 40th Season."

Roman Fever and The Fullness of Life, penned at the beginning and the end of Wharton's career, demonstrate both the early voice and the finely honed craft of this beloved American author and Berkshire native. Roman Fever follows two middle aged women, long term friends and former romantic rivals on holiday in Rome locked in a fierce debate about the merits of their respective daughters. Their friendly(ish) debate turns to reminiscing about a previous mutual love interest, which in turn leads to shocking revelations about what exactly is fair in love and war. The Fullness of Life reveals, quite charmingly, that the afterlife, as perfectly enchanting as it may seem, may not be all it's cracked up to be.

These Wharton Comedies features veteran Shakespeare & Company members Corinna May, Diane Prusha, and David Joseph under the guidance of Long-time Company Director, Normi Noel. The creative team includes Stephen Ball (Lighting Designer), Patrick Brennan (Set Designer), Kiki Smith (Costume Designer), Amy Altadonna (Sound Designer), and Fran Rubenstein (Stage Manager).

Tickets for The Wharton Comedies are available online at shakespeare.org, or by calling Shakespeare & Company's box office at (413) 637-3353. The Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Shakespeare & Company is located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox, Massachusetts. This production is generously sponsored by Natalie & Howard Shawn and Eleanor Lord & Margaret Wheeler.

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