2017 Archway Season to Open with Shakespeare's THE WINTER'S TALE

Shakespeare's magical story of suspicion, condemnation, deceit, revelation, and redemption will come to life in grand fairytale fashion when the Archway Theatre opens its 2017 season with "The Winter's Tale." Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 6 through Feb. 11. Tickets are $28.

This magical production - a predecessor to contemporary fairytale based productions such as "Into The Woods" or "Wicked" - will take audiences to a realm of imagination where oracles reveal secret truths, giant bears chase unwitting characters, and statues come to life under the direction of Michael Shane Eastman.

"We are thrilled to have Mike (Eastman) return to the Archway to open another season for us. His imaginative concepts always bring new energy and magic to Shakespearean productions," said Archway producing artistic director Steven Sabel.

Eastman directed Archway's season opening production of "Twelfth Night" last year. The Golden Age of Hollywood 1930s themed production was a huge hit with audiences, and a concept that was later replicated by the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

"Mike is always right on the cutting edge with concept work," Sabel said.

Eastman's version of "The Winter's Tale" follows his concept of paying homage to classic fairytales, wherein the world they are set is magical in essence, and the morals and messages taught within are both entertaining and revelatory.

"The joys of a happy ending can only be truly realized through immense strife and turmoil first. Shakespeare understood this, and he crafted a perfect tale designed to immerse audiences into a fantastical world full of dramatic conflict, followed by wonderful revelation and reunion," said Eastman.

The cast of "The Winter's Tale" includes an eclectic ensemble of talented actors led by Archway resident company member Erika Godwin as Hermione. Godwin was last seen in the Archway production of "The Importance of Being Earnest." Also returning to the Archway stage is Bree Wernicke, who recently played the title role in the acclaimed Archway production of "Major Barbara." They are surrounded by the talents of John Eisen, David D'Amico, Melvin Caldwell, Shea Donovan, Christian Blake Splitt, David Fetterman, Matt Bartsch, Logan Chase, Clare Lahey, Margaret Kelly, Calvin Deveraux, Mic-L Hylu, and LaRose Washington.

"So many talented actors always want to work under Mike's direction, and the way he inspires them explore the extents of their skills and enhance their craft," said Sabel.

The Archway Studio/Theatre is located where the NoHo Arts District meets the Burbank Studio District at 10509 Burbank blvd., North Hollywood, CA. For additional information, visit www.archwayla.com or call (818)980-PLAY (7529).