Pennsylvania Shakespeare Fest Presents 1776 6/17-7/5, Events Accompany Opening

With the nation's history written in the hills and valleys surrounding The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the company offers a variety of programming in association with its production of the Tony Award winning musical 1776, which runs June 17 through July 5.

"We saw a great opportunity to offer the community unique experiences on location at PSF and with area organizations we've collectively titled our "Partners in Revolution," says Patrick Mulcahy, producing artistic director.

The following is a summary of events and programs.

On location at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Live Reading of The Declaration of Independence. PSF's Main Stage. Sat., July 4, at 5pm, after the 2pm show of 1776. Attendance at performance not required.) Free.

Notes on a Revolution. Humanities professor Dr. Ken Nivison gives a historical view. Sat., June 20, 6:00pm. Main Stage. Free.

Meet the Actors. Following the 8pm performances on Thu., June 25 & Thu., July 2. Free.

Sign the Declaration. Patrons attending every performance of 1776 will have an opportunity to add their signature to history. Free.

Partners in Revolution [at sites throughout the Lehigh Valley]

Historic Bethlehem John Adams Walking Tour. See Bethlehem through the eyes of this great patriot, who was impressed with what he saw. All PSF patrons attending 1776 receive 15% off with their ticket stub. Saturdays in July at 2:30pm. Tours start at the Welcome Center, 505 Main St., Bethlehem and last about an hour. $10 for adult and $5 for children (ages 6 to 12), less 15%. Reservations are encouraged. Call 610.691.6055 or 1.800.360.8687.

The Allentown Art Museum "Fashion in Film" exhibit showcases 36 period costumes worn by high-profile celebrities in film classics. Four centuries of style are featured, including reproductions of colonial era costumes for Jefferson in Paris, as well as historical textiles from the Allentown Art Museum's own collection. Through August 9. For information, call 610.432.4333 or visit www.allentownartmuseum.org.

The 2009 Festival also features The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (on stage through June 28), Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (July 8-August 2 in the Schubert), Antony and Cleopatra (July 15-August 2, on the Main Stage) and Cinderella (through August 1, in the Schubert Theatre). A new production , Shakespeare for Kids, runs on the Main Stage with performances July 22-25 and July 28-August 1 at 10am.
The free outdoor Green Show completes the season's offerings and is performed one hour prior to each evening performance.
Single ticket prices range from $25 to $52 for main productions, $11-15 for Cinderella, and $9 for Shakespeare for Kids. Discounts are available for subscribers, seniors, students, and groups. Season tickets are still available and offer patrons the greatest discounts and flexibility. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-282 WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org <http://www.pashakespeare.org> .

Dr. and Mrs. Frank J. Szarko are the 2009 Season Sponsors. Associate Season Sponsors are the Harry C. Trexler Trust, The Morning Call and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications. Director Sponsors are Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth and a professional, not-for-profit theatre company. An independent 501 c 3 organization, PSF receives support from DeSales University and relies on contributions from individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations. PSF is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America.

For ticket information, contact PSF at 610-282-WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

 

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