Shakespeare On The Sound To Release Recording Of Stew's Music For 'A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM'

Shakespeare on the Sound, Connecticut's premier outdoor summer theatre company presenting free Shakespeare in the park, has announced that it will release a studio recording of the brand new, specially commissioned music by 2008 Tony Award-winning singer-songwriter Stew for Artistic Director Joanna Settle's inaugural production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The recording is expected to have 15 tracks, featuring 5 all new songs by Stew. The CD will be available for pre-sale at all performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Release date is scheduled for July 21, 2009.

"My music is there to serve Shake's work and Joanna's work and to support their profound magic," commented Stew. "I'd like the audience to feel like this work is somehow relevant to their lives and not some fanciful bit of theatrical whimsy. I think this is what any artist wants an audience member to feel about their work: its relevance." Artistic Director Settle added, "Stew is a dream to collaborate with! The music he's composed weaves through the evening with heart-opening beauty and intelligence. Shakespeare on the Sound is thrilled to be able to offer our audience a bit of the summer night's magic to take home with them."

Settle's site-specific production will be presented at two beautiful locations on the Long Island Sound: June 16-28 in Pinkney Park, Rowayton and July 4-12 in Baldwin Park, Greenwich. Audiences are invited to arrive early and picnic in the park before the performance. There is no admission fee, but a donation of $20 ($10 for students and seniors) is suggested. In Rowayton, parking is limited and early arrival is suggested. In Greenwich, the production is less than a five minute walk from the Greenwich Metro-North stop. Ample parking is available.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is choreographed by David Neumann and is designed by Andrew Lieberman, with sound design by Obadiah Eaves and lighting design by Adam Silverman.

A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed Tuesdays - Sundays at 7:30 p.m. For rail and road directions, visit www.shakespeareonthesound.org. This production is being presented with the support of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism.