Shakespeare Project of Chicago to Host Theatrical Reading of THE WINTER'S TALE

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago continues its 21st Theatrical Reading Season with free performances of Shakespeare's THE WINTER'S TALE, running Jan. 15-19, 2016, at six Chicago-area venues.

Shakespeare's romance not only contains the playwright's most famous stage direction ("Exit, pursued by a bear") but is a story that goes to the deepest side of tragedy before finding its triumphant redemption. A Sicilian king becomes consumed by the belief that his best friend has committed adultery with his wife, and this passionate jealousy ignites a series of events that takes us on an adventure where we witness several miracles. That which is "lost" is found, and that which is "dead" comes to life in this beautiful play.

Barbara Zahora, the Shakespeare Project associate artistic director, directs a cast that includes Gary Alexander as Autolycus, Morgan DiFonzo as Emilia and Dion, Matthew Fahey as Polixenes, Peter Garino as Camillo, Peter Eli Johnson as Cleomenes, Chris Landis as Florizel, Kim Richard Mowrey as the Shepherd, Carrie Lee Patterson as Hermione, Christopher Prentice as Leontes, Julie Proudfoot as Paulina, Charles Stransky as Antigonus and Amanda Tanguay as Perdita.

Music and sound design is by George Zahora, Michelle Shupe is the assistant director and John Nygro is the production dramaturg.

Admission is free and seating is limited. All performances are preceded by an introduction to the play that commences 15 minutes prior to curtain.

Performance schedule

THE WINTER'S TALE will be performed at six venues in the Chicago area, including for the first time at the Mount Prospect Public Library.

- Fri., Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles, IL (registration required, call 8476631234)

- Sat., Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago

- Sat., Jan. 16, 2 p.m., Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL

- Sun., Jan. 17, 2 p.m., Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park, IL

- Mon., Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m., Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, IL (pre-registration required, call 8476343650)

- Tue., Jan. 19, 7:15 p.m., Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect, IL (pre-registration required, call 8472535675)

The Shakespeare Project's 2015-16 season will continue with Shakespeare's CYMBELINE and an adaptation of Shakespeare and John Fletcher's CARDENIO by Stephen Greenblatt and Charles Mee.

For more information, visit www.shakespeareprojectchicago.org.