Photo Flash: First Look at Dan Kremer, Michael Winters & More in Seattle Shakespeare Company's KING LEAR, Opening Tonight

Following a sold-out run of The Importance of Being Earnest, Seattle Shakespeare Company announced today that it will extend its production of King Lear through May 17 with four additional performances at the Cornish Playhouse. Below, BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production, which began previews last night - and opens tonight, Friday, April 25.

"So many of our shows this season have been bursting at the seams," said Managing Director John Bradshaw. "Both Much Ado About Nothing and Richard II far exceeded our expectations, and we had a wait list for every performance of our sold-out run of The Importance of Being Earnest. We are happy to add performances to King Lear to accommodate the demand and allow more people to see the fine work of Sheila and her cast." This is the second time Seattle Shakespeare Company has produced King Lear in its 23 year history. The previous production was in 2004.

"We've been stretching ourselves in several ways this season," said Artistic Director George Mount. "A co-production with Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, two run-outs of our shows for a week each of performances in Walla Walla, and now this extension of King Lear. The enthusiasm and demand for Seattle Shakespeare Company's work just seems to be growing each year." Next season, Seattle Shakespeare Company expands to a five-play indoor season, in addition to its free summer Wooden O performances and two state-wide touring productions.

Tickets to King Lear are available now through the Seattle Shakespeare Company Box Office at 206-733-8222 as well as online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

Photos by John Ullman