Classic Conversations with Michael Kahn to Welcome Patti LuPone, Phylicia Rashad & Richard Thomas

The Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced that three renowned actors will join STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn for separate installments of the Classic Conversations series. Tony Award-winning actresses Patti LuPone and Phylicia Rashad as well as Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas will sit down with Kahn to discuss all aspects of classical theatre, from its influence on their past to its role in the present.

The events will take place as follows:

Patti LuPone - Monday, February 17 at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW)
Phylicia Rashad - Sunday, March 9 at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street NW)
Richard Thomas - Monday, March 31 at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street NW)

Previous Classic Conversations have been held with Stacy Keach (currently in rehearsals for STC's repertory productions of Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2) as well as Kevin Kline, Christopher Plummer and Patrick Stewart. "The Shakespeare Theatre Company is honored to host such esteemed actors and to hear their thoughts on their role in classical theatre and how it has helped them shape their craft. It is a tremendous opportunity for our patrons and I have a great time as well," says Kahn.

Classic Conversations with Michael Kahn is a series of discussions with esteemed classical actors who share highlights of their careers including anecdotes of their lives on the stage and behind the scenes. During Patrick Stewart's Conversation he included a story about his audition for the role of Captain Picard on Star Trek while "wearing a toupee and speaking in a French accent."

"Patti LuPone is one of the great figures in today's theatre," says Kahn, "performing not only in musicals from Evita to Gypsy, but as a stalwart in dramatic roles including Mamet's The Anarchist." Kahn shares about Phylicia Rashad that "while many people were introduced to Phylicia through her long-running role as mother and wife on The Cosby Show, she has distinguished herself in recent years by superb performances in Shakespeare and in some of the most iconic roles in Modern American Theatre, including Violet in August, Osage County." And finally, Kahn welcomes Richard Thomas back to STC; "Richard's performance in Richard II was a high mark in STC's history. I am looking forward to talking to him about his experience performing in a myriad of classical roles, which have included Timon of Athens at New York's Public Theater."

Audiences are invited to join Kahn in this season's Classic Conversations Series for an evening of in-depth discussions on classical theatre. Kahn, known not only for his rigorous and ingenious presentation of classical works but also for his expansive knowledge of the theatrical canon and his signature charm and wit, welcomes these distinguished actors to STC for a chance to analyze and discuss the importance of classical theatre in today's society.

Tickets for this event start at $35. To reserve tickets or for more information, patrons can call the box office at 202.547.1122, or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org.

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