SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN Returns to Ridgefield Playhouse in August

Bring the family for a free, outdoor day of fun! Casey Energy presents Shakespeare on the Green & Green Expo! More than 10 years ago The Ridgefield Playhouse decided to end the season (which runs from September through August) with a "thank you" to the community - and Shakespeare on the Green and Green Expo was born. It has now become a much loved, community event bringing in more than 500 attendees each year. This year's event will take place on Saturday, August 13, the "green living expo" runs from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. with Shakespeare's "So Please You", produced and performed by Hudson Valley Shakespeare, being performed under the tent at 2 p.m. This year is also the celebration of Shakespeare's 400-year legacy!

This mosaic of Shakespearean history and language has something for everyone to honor this big legacy year! Without the generous support of business partners such as Casey Energy and People's United Bank, plus many other sponsors who have been supporting this event over the years including the Carlson and O'Connell Families, Patricia Minskoff Breede and many others, it would not be possible to have families experience this amazing event for free.

People's United Bank, headquartered in Bridgeport and the largest regional bank based in New England, is an underwriter for this year's show. "Wherever we see need, we are there to help and we are proud to support this important event," said Laila Khouri, Vice President and Senior Market Manager. "Sponsoring Shakespeare on the Green and Green Expo allows us to give back to the community as well as our customers. The Ridgefield Playhouse has a great reputation and we're excited to be a part of an event that draws from all areas of Connecticut and beyond."

Additional partners making this year's event possible are underwriter Patricia Minskoff Breede, sponsors Ann & Steve Carlson, Peggy & Jim McMannis, Carol & Paul O'Connell, Pitney Bowes and All Season Party and Tent Rental. Additional support comes from City Steam Brewery, Mima's Meatballs and More, and Pepsi. At the Green Expo you can visit community sponsors Basil Yoga Center, BMW of Ridgefield, Connec-to-Talk, Eversource, Natural Awakenings, The Natural Scoop, The Toy Chest, Shine Enrichment Tutoring, Solar City, Vinylume and Way of the Sword.

"So Please You" a family-friendly comedy produced and performed by Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, tells the story of a servant named Dennis who appears only once in Shakespeare's As You Like It, to announce that, "so please you," there is a wrestler at the door! Inspired by one moment of mischief, HVSF's Conservatory Company has created a "tragical-comical, comical-tragical" tale of Dennis the servant, one of Shakespeare's (almost) silent heroes. Rejoice in the classic art of clowning in this delightful comedy that will showcase text from many of your favorite Shakespeare plays, in an homage to the life and dreams of a struggling Shakespearean actor.

Tickets for Shakespeare on the Green and Green Expo are free but must be reserved by calling the box office at 203-438-5795, with a limit of 6 tickets per family on a first come first served basis. Tickets will be held at the box office until 1 p.m. the day of the show. For more information, visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.