Harrisburg Shakespeare Company to Present ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA in Reservoir Park, 5/30-6/14

Harrisburg Shakespeare Company is celebrating its twenty-first year performing in Reservoir Park, and is bringing to the stage, William Shakespeare's ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Performances will be held at the Levitt Pavilion in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, May 30-31, June 4-7, and 11-14 at 7:30 p.m.

New to the 'Free Shakespeare in the Park' event this year, FOOD VENDORS. The Manna Café, Uptown Spice Grill, and Dog On Good Dogs will be selling food and beverage concessions nightly. As always, picnics are welcome.

Passion, war, and betrayal erupt in this rich romantic tragedy. Although the sensual Cleopatra has conquered the heart of Rome's greatest soldier, Marc Antony must choose between duty and desire. When Antony is recalled by Rome and duty, the trajectory of the play is set in motion: furious jealousy, betrayal, humiliation, reconciliation, and a love that sets the paradigm for all romantic love.

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA will be directed by local director/stage manager/actor and longtime Gamut affiliate, Karen Ruch. Ruch has worked on over a dozen of HSC's Free Shakespeare in the Park productions, and has directed HSC's mainstage productions of THE TEMPEST, LYSISTRATA, and ROMEO AND JULIET.

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA will be placing the play it's historical context with some twists. Ruch explains, "Both costume design (by Jen Dasher) and scenic design (by Ian Potter) have been stylized to suggest the ancient period of our setting and support the fluid change between scenes and characters without getting bogged down in historical accuracy and detail. Fights choreographed by Dan Burke and movement choreographed by David Zayas will enhance the text and help illustrate to the audience some of the things that Shakespeare wrote for us. The play will be a sensual feast for the ears and eyes."

"You don't have to know ancient history to enjoy this play." Noted Ruch. "It is fast paced and energetic, and sometimes very funny. And... thanks to the City of Harrisburg, Reservoir Park has never been more beautiful! The grassy hill is lush and comfortable. The gardens and landscaping are in tip-top shape."

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA is co-hosted by The City of Harrisburg and the A.C.T. Program.