Kentucky Shakespeare to Present MACBETH on 'Shakespeare in the Parks' Tour, 3/28-5/17

Kentucky Shakespeare is proud to announce the second annual -- Shakespeare in the Parks Tour. The seven-actor, 90-minute Macbeth will tour to 18 area parks and bring free Shakespeare to various neighborhoods from March 28-May 17, 2015. It is the kick-off to the summer Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park.

The transformation to a year round theatre company continues for Kentucky Shakespeare. "Last year Kentucky Shakespeare visited 9 area parks, this year we are thrilled to double that amount to 18 neighborhoods," says Matt Wallace. He further added, "We thank the Gheens Foundation, the members of the Louisville Metro Council, the Mayors of Lyndon, New Albany, Jeffersonville and Jeffersontown, White Clay, and other generous individuals who have helped us put together this special event for the families of Kentuckiana."

The production is directed by Wallace and features an ensemble cast of seven professional, Louisville-based actors. Jonathan O'Brien plays the title role of Macbeth, with the following actors doubling parts within the production: Abigail Bailey Maupin, Jeremy Sapp, Renea Brown, Gregory Maupin, Jacob Endris and Zachary Burrell. The production also features costumes by Donna Lawrence Downs; scenic design by Charles Nasby; Sound Engineering by Alex Cooper and Fight Choreography by Eric Frantz.

Synopsis of Macbeth: Set in medieval Scotland and partly based on a true historical account, Macbeth charts the bloody rise to power and tragic downfall of the warrior Macbeth. Already a successful soldier in the army of King Duncan, Macbeth is informed by Three Witches that he is to become king. As part of the same prophecy, the Witches predict that future Scottish kings will be descended not from Macbeth but from his fellow army captain, Banquo. Although initially prepared to wait for Fate to take its course, Macbeth is stung by ambition and confusion when King Duncan nominates his son Malcolm as his heir.

Dates, Places and Times of the productions are as follows:

Weekends March 28th - May 17th

March 28, 2015- 6:00PM

Iroquois Park Amphitheater

April 10, 2015 - 6:00PM

Emerson Park

April 11, 2015 - 12:00PM

South Central Park

April 11, 2015 - 6:00PM

Shawnee Park

April 12, 2015 - 6:00PM

Riverside Gardens Park

April 19, 2015 - 12:00PM

Riverview Park

April 19, 2015 - 6:00PM

Petersburg Park

April 24, 6:00PM

Bicentennial Park (New Albany)

April 25, 2015 - 6:00PM

Sun Valley Park

April 26, 12:00PM

Victory Park

April 26, 2015 - 6:00PM

Tyler Park

May 3, 2015, 6:00PM

Hounz Lane Park

May 8, 6:30PM

Veterans Memorial Park (Jeffersontown)

May 9, 2015 - 6:00PM

Highview Park

May 10, 2015 - 6:00PM

Story Avenue Park

May 15, 2015 - 6:00PM

Big Four Station Park (Jeffersonville)

May 16, 2015 - 6:00PM

Robsion Park (Lyndon)

May 17, 2015 - 6:00PM

Locust Grove

Kentucky Shakespeare presents the oldest free Shakespeare festival in the United States and is the largest, in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth. Mission: Grounded in the works of Shakespeare, we enrich our community by presenting accessible, professional theatre experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain people of all ages. For more information about Kentucky Shakespeare visit www.kyshakespeare.com.