Celebrate the Fourth of July with Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare & Company is pleased to invite the Berkshire community to a blowout July Fourth Celebration. This lively and family-friendly day is a FREE event, open to the public. Attendance at past Fourth celebrations has included over 800 artists, celebrities, company members, and members of the Berkshire community. So break out the blankets, Frisbees and sunscreen, and enjoy a fun-filled day of music, song, a classic all American barbeque and an awe-inspiring reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Come join together to share in exciting events: festivities begin at 1:00pm with The Eagles Band Brass band playing at the Lenox Farmers' Market on the front lawn and an All-American Barbeque (à la cartepricing) behind the Tina Packer Playhouse, and The Eagles Trombone Band at 2pm, followed by the historic reading at 3:00pm at Shakespeare & Company's 70 Kemble Street property. At the community barbeque enjoy a variety of palate-pleasing treats, ranging from grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, to salads, desserts and more. Josie's Place will also be open serving up some great spirits and a wide selection of ice-cold beverages, sodas, beer and wine

"Shakespeare & Company has always been committed to bringing bold ideas forward to be explored in unique ways," says Artistic Director Tony Simotes. "We are inspired to speak aloud the Declaration of Independence much like we do the language of Shakespeare- openly and with full voice, truthfully and with the commitment of our convictions! We welcome the Berkshire community as well as travelers and tourists from around the globe to join us in celebrating freedom and creating a better world through the discipline of theater."

Shakespeare & Company presents a remarkable reading of The Declaration of Independence. Written in 1776, The Declaration is a vital part of our shared legacy and possibly the most historically significant text ever penned. The Declaration of Independence features some of the most stirring words of political rhetoric ever written, spoken out loud by Company actors, community members and state and local dignitaries. Artistic Director Tony Simotes welcomes back many special guests to join in on the readings including Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, State Senator Benjamin Downing, and Massachusetts State Representative Smitty Pignatelli. Make a day of it! Later that evening, attend Shakespeare & Company performances: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) in the Tina Packer Playhouse at 7:00 PM or Julius Caesar in the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre at 8:00 PM.

Fourth of July Schedule of Events:
1:00 - Music by The Eagles Brass Band
1:15 - Community Barbecue (à la carte pricing)
2:00 - Music by The Eagles Trombone Band
2:45 - Music performed by Alexander Sovronsky and other Company musicians
3:00 - 4:30: Reading of The Declaration of Independence
7:00 - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - Tina Packer Playhouse
8:00 - Julius Caesar - Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

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