St. Louis Shakespeare Announces Its 26th Season

St. Louis Shakespeare begins its' 26th season in July with THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, followed by Jane Martin's ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS in August and THE TEMPEST in October, at the Grandel Theatre in the Grand Center Arts District. In March, SLS returns with CYRANO DE BERGERAC, presented at the Missouri History Museum as part of their Performing Arts Series.

Making his St. Louis directing debut former New York actor/director Todd Pieper takes on the titanic battling wills of Kate and Petruchio (Suki Peters and Andrew Keller) as he helms St. Louis Shakespeare's 26th Season opener, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (July 16-25).

SHREW is closely followed by Jane Martin's, ANTON IN SHOW BUSINES (August 6-15), a hit at the 24th Humana Festival of New American Plays and winner of the American Theatre Critics/Steinberg New Play Award. Carolyne Hood directs an all female cast in this fast-paced comedy about 3 actresses (Sabra Sellers, Gabby Greer and Amy Kelly) at different stages in their careers brought together for an ill-fated production of Anton Chekhov's THREE SISTERS.

The magic continues October 1-10 with THE TEMPEST directed by Jerry Vogel and starring Robert Mitchell as Prospero. Deposed and marooned on an island with his daughter Miranda (Betsy Bowman) for 12 years, Prospero has perfected his skills at magic with one purpose in mind. But will he carry out his planned vengeance? Mr. Vogel directed SLS' critically acclaimed productions of MERCHANT OF VENICE and TREASURE ISLAND in the Company's 2009 Season.

The season concludes with Edmond Rostand's CYRANO DE BERGERAC (March 11-20), directed by Artistic Director Donna Northcott and starring Todd Gillenardo as the rapier-witted, sword-wielding Cyrano. In love with the beautiful Roxane (Andrea Purnell) Cyrano's larger-than-life nose prevents him from revealing his affection. So he pours out his love through the handsome but inarticulate Christian (Casey Boland) who woos her. A wildly romantic story laced with swagger, gallantry and sacrifice.
For more information about the 26th Season productions, or for tickets, visit the SLS website at www.stlshakespeare.org or call 314.361.5664.