The several intertwined stories about characters motivated by the seven deadly sins and shocking scenes of excessive cruelty and suffering (especially the violent blinding of Gloucester, Lear's descent into madness, the raging storm, and the tragic death of Cordelia), make KING LEAR a profound exploration of the human condition in all its extremes and complexities. And when well performed by actors who fully comprehend the psyche of their character as well as the meaning of Shakespeare's vocabulary, brilliance happens.
Joseph Marcell is best known for his role on the hit '90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, in which he played Geoffrey, the butler. Since then, this former comedy star has taken up Shakespeare and is now on an international tour as the title character in The Globe Theatre's production of KING LEAR. He took the time to speak with BroadwayWorld about the Shakespearean experience, audiences' reactions around the world, and the challenges of such a role.
Along with producing powerful Shakespeare plays like Julius Caesar (Oct. 28 - Dec. 7), Folger Theatre joins with Promundo-US to offer a special performance of Cry 'Havoc!' tonight, November 4 at 7pm. This dramatic evening draws meaningful connections between soldiers and military personnel of our day with those of Shakespeare's works. It is written and performed by US military veteran Stephan Wolfert.
Folger Theatre launches its 2014/15 season in Rome with William Shakespeare's enduring political tragedy, Julius Caesar from tonight, October 28 - December 7, 2014.
Along with producing powerful Shakespeare plays like Julius Caesar (Oct. 28 - Dec. 7), Folger Theatre joins with Promundo-US to offer a special performance of Cry 'Havoc!' on Tuesday, November 4 at 7pm. This dramatic evening draws meaningful connections between soldiers and military personnel of our day with those of Shakespeare's works. It is written and performed by US military veteran Stephan Wolfert.
NYU Skirball presents Shakespeare's Globe's acclaimed production of William Shakespeare's KING LEAR. Directed by Bill Buckhurst and starring Joseph Marcell in the title role, KING LEAR begins performances at NYU Skirball (566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square, New York, NY, 10012) tonight, September 30, 2014, with opening night set for Wednesday, October 1, 2014, and running through Sunday, October 12, 2014.
Annenberg Center Live kicks off its fall season with the U.S. tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Company's King Lear. Direct from London, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre presents a faithful restaging of King Lear that's filled with tempestuous poetry, touches of humor and moments of heart-rending simplicity. This production of what is considered Shakespeare's greatest tragedy features stage and screen actor Joseph Marcell, known for his role as Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show runs today, September 24-27 at the Annenberg Center at 3680 Walnut Street.
Folger Theatre launches its 2014/15 season in Rome with William Shakespeare's enduring political tragedy, Julius Caesar from October 28 - December 7, 2014. Robert Richmond (Richard III and Henry V at Folger) directs the epic portrait of the battle between ambition and honor, conspiracy and loyalty, leading an outstanding ensemble including Anthony Cochrane (Broadway's War Horse and Folger's Henry VIII) as the honorable Marcus Brutus, and Maurice Jones, making his Folger Theatre debut as Caesar's closest ally, Mark Antony.
Annenberg Center Live kicks off its fall season with the U.S. tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Company's King Lear. Direct from London, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre presents a faithful restaging of King Lear that's filled with tempestuous poetry, touches of humor and moments of heart-rending simplicity. This production of what is considered Shakespeare's greatest tragedy features stage and screen actor Joseph Marcell, known for his role as Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show runs September 24-27 at the Annenberg Center at 3680 Walnut Street. Tickets cost $20-$65 and are available online at Annenbergcenter.org, at the Box Office, or by phone at 215.898.3900.
Folger Theatre continues its relationship with Shakespeare's Globe in London with the touring production of KING LEAR, continuing in D.C. for a limited engagement through September 21. Directed by Bill Buckhurst, the acclaimed production has toured for months in the UK, Europe, and Asia. The Folger will be its debut here in the States. Check out a first look at the production below!
Annenberg Center Live kicks off its fall season with the U.S. tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Company's King Lear. Direct from London, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre presents a faithful restaging of King Lear that's filled with tempestuous poetry, touches of humor and moments of heart-rending simplicity. This production of what is considered Shakespeare's greatest tragedy features stage and screen actor Joseph Marcell, known for his role as Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show runs September 24-27 at the Annenberg Center at 3680 Walnut Street. Tickets cost $20-$65 and are available online at Annenbergcenter.org, at the Box Office, or by phone at 215.898.3900.
NYU Skirball will present Shakespeare's Globe's acclaimed production of William Shakespeare's KING LEAR. Directed by Bill Buckhurst and starring Joseph Marcell in the title role, KING LEAR begins performances at NYU Skirball (566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square, New York, NY, 10012) on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, with opening night set for Wednesday, October 1, 2014, and running through Sunday, October 12, 2014. Tickets are on sale now at www.nyuskirball.org , or by phone at 888.611.8183.
Folger Theatre continues its relationship with Shakespeare's Globe in London with the touring production of KING LEAR, coming to D.C. for a limited engagement of 18 performances, September 5 - 21. Directed by Bill Buckhurst, the acclaimed production has toured for months in the UK, Europe, and Asia. The Folger will be its debut here in the States. Click below to go behind the scenes with the cast and creative team!
The London-based Shakespeare's Globe will bring their global touring production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet to Folger Theatre for three performances only this weekend, July 25 and 26, 2014, making it the only east coast stop for the company in the United States. Directed by Dominic Dromgoole and Bill Buckhurst, the production is a fresh, pared-down version of the classic tragedy of deferred revenge.
The London-based Shakespeare's Globe will bring their global touring production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet to Folger Theatre for three performances only on July 25 and 26, 2014, making it the only east coast stop for the company in the United States. Directed by Dominic Dromgoole and Bill Buckhurst, the production is a fresh, pared-down version of the classic tragedy of deferred revenge.
NYU SKIRBALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS has announced its 2014/2015 season. Continuing its mission to showcase and support diverse and eclectic talent from around the world, all while cultivating audiences for live performance through deeper engagement opportunities, NYU Skirball's eleventh season will feature mainstage productions ranging from classic Shakespeare to cutting-edge circus to a rock & roll light show, hailing from London, Germany, Quebec and everywhere in between.
Folger Theatre Artistic Producer Janet Alexander Griffin today announced the 2014/15 season. With six full Shakespeare productions on stage at the Folger to celebrate the Bard's 450th, Folger Theatre will start the upcoming season with two special, limited engagements by London's Shakespeare's Globe. First, the acclaimed staging of Hamlet, seen at the Folger in 2012, returns in late July for just three performances as part of their Globe to Globe Hamlet, the ambitious two-year tour bringing the Danish prince to every country in the world. Then, once again in a September residency, Shakespeare's Globe will perform King Lear for eighteen shows. Joseph Marcell (TV's The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Jacques in Folger Theatre's 2007 As You Like It) plays the title role.