Shakespeare Project of Chicago to Stage Free Readings of LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago wraps up its 22nd Theatrical Reading Season with free performances of Shakespeare's comedy of young love coming of age, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, running May 5-9, 2017, at six Chicago-area venues.

The King of Navarre and his three loyal subjects decide to retire from the world to study and swear an oath to forsake the company of women for three years. Immediately, the Princess of France and her three lovely waiting women arrive on a diplomatic mission. Will the King and his followers remain true to their oaths?

Barbara Zahora, the Shakespeare Project's associate artistic director, directs a cast that includes Brynne Barnard (Katherine/Jacquenetta), Jose Antonio Garcia (Don Armado), Peter Garino (Boyet/Dull), Brian J. Gill (King of Navarre), Lydia Berger Gray (Princess of France), Jack Hickey (Holofernes), Peter Eli Johnson (Moth), Robert McLean (Longaville), Kim Richard Mowrey (Sir Nathaniel), Christopher Prentice (Berowne), David Skidmore (Costard), Grace Smith (Maria), Amanda Tanguay (Rosaline) and Tristien Marcellous Winfree (Dumaine).

Music and sound design are by George Zahora and Michelle Shupe is the assistant director.

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:

Fri, May 5 at 7 p.m., Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles (registration required, 847-663-1234)

Sat, May 6 at 10 a.m., The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago

Sat, May 6 at 2 p.m., Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette

Sun, May 7 at 2 p.m., Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park

Mon, May 8 at 6:30 p.m., Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire (registration required, 847-634-3650)

Tue, May 9 at 7:15 p.m., Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect (registration required, 847-253-5675)

The Shakespeare Projects's 2016/17 Theatrical Reading Season kicked off in September with HENRY V, directed by J.R. Sullivan, followed by KING JOHN, directed by Peter Garino, and Thomas Middleton and William Rowley's THE CHANGELING, directed by Steve Scott.

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago's Theatrical Readings are fully staged performances featuring members of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

For more information, visit www.shakespeareprojectchicago.org and www.facebook.com/shakespeareprojectchicago.