Guthrie's Shakespeare Classic Celebrates Its 10th Year

Now in its 10th year, the Guthrie's annual Shakespeare Classic returns on Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m., offering young people (ages 8 to 15) an opportunity to share in the entertainingly retro world of Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona. This special event, tailored specifically for young audiences, features a specially prepared play program, subsidized $10 tickets to the performance and a post-play reception where costumed actors from the show engage with the audience to answer questions and sign autographs.

The Shakespeare Classic began in 1999, after Guthrie Director Joe Dowling honored longtime staff member Sheila Livingston and her husband Ken in establishing the Livingston Education Fund. "We wanted to use the fund to provide a gift of theater to children across the community," said Livingston. "It is a fitting extension of our family's tradition as Ken and I exposed our three daughters to the Bard's work as they grew up." A magical tradition developed over the years, as the program captivated young people with the enduring power of William Shakespeare, an event that is deeply moving to Livingston. "Seeing the joy it brings to multi-generational audience as they come together and bond over the communal experience of live theater is simply astonishing."

Tickets to the popular annual event are just $10 - all adults must be accompanied by a young person - and are available through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE. This event is not available for purchase online.

Lights! Camera! Action! Shakespeare's romantic comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona receives a retro rendition by director Joe Dowling, as the story is "taped" on the set of a '50s television studio in front of a live Guthrie audience. It's the same familiar story, an oldie but goodie, where four young lovers hit the road to romance and find their bonds of friendship are tested along the way. Don't miss the director's cut: a no holds "bard" pop culture explosion of comedy, song and dance, showcasing the triumphs of young love, an adorable sidekick dog named Crab, and everything in between.

Photos by T. Charles Erickson

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