Town Hall Theater to Screen KING LEAR Live from London, 5/8

An aged king decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, according to how much each of them sings his praises. His favorite, Cordelia, stays silent - and the king's world descends into chaos.

Perhaps Shakespeare's greatest tragedy, King Lear will be shown at Town Hall Theater in a broadcast direct from the National Theatre, London, on Thursday, May 8.

The production is directed by Sam Mendes, known for film direction (American Beauty) and dozens of stage plays and musicals, including the recent Gypsy on Broadway. This Lear scored a solid hit with the critics. "Simon Russell Beale is magnetic. An exceptional production," raves The Guardian. Time Out calls it "a literally awe-inspiring production."

The production scored a solid hit with audiences as well, completely selling-out the run in the large Olivier Theatre.

Simon Russell Beale plays the title role. He's recently been called the greatest living Shakespearean actor, and he has regularly appeared in the HD broadcasts from London that have been a major part of recent Town Hall Theater seasons.

"It's always astonishing to realize that we're seeing productions that have taken place that very day in London, captured perfectly on camera. This is some of the best theater in the world, and we don't have to leave our tiny Vermont town to see it."

King Lear will be screened on Thursday, May 8, at 7 pm at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater. Tickets are $17/$10 students, and may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sat, noon-5 pm) or at the door.