Georgia Shakespeare Begins 2009 Season With A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM 6/12

Georgia Shakespeare kicks off its 2009 Season on Friday, June 12 with Shakespeare's beloved comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed at the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University (4484 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30319). A Midsummer Night's Dream runs in rotating repertory with Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus through July 31.

Tickets to A Midsummer Night's Dream range from $15 - $45 with discount preview performance tickets ($12) on June 10 and 11. For tickets or specific performance dates, call 404.264.0020 or visit www.gashakespeare.org.

One of Shakespeare's most accessible comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream tells the tale of two sets of mismatched lovers and the mischievous fairies that inhabit a moonlit forest.

"We're excited to open our 24th Anniversary Season with Shakespeare's audience favorite, A Midsummer Night's Dream," said Producing Artistic Director Richard Garner. "John Dillon and his cast and designers have breathed new life into this timeless tale of lovers, fairies and bumbling thespians. It's a perfect summer getaway for a couple, a group of friends, or the entire family. Plus, this year we are offering special ticket deals and added values to every performance."

Directed by award-winning director John Dillon (Coriolanus, Julius Caesar) A Midsummer Night's Dream features Georgia Shakespeare Associate Artists Brad Sherrill (Oberon), Tess Malis Kincaid (Titania), Chris Kayser (Nick Bottom), Joe Knezevich (Demetrius), Daniel Thomas May (Lysander), Courtney Patterson (Peaseblossom), Neal A. Ghant (Frances Flute), Tim McDonough (Tom Snout), Megan McFarland (Philostrate), and Chris Ensweiler (Peter Quince). The cast also includes Georgia Shakespeare newcomers Michael Bradley Cohen (Puck), Alison Leigh Corke (Helena), Sarah M. Johnson (Hermia), Brian Harrison (Snug), Max Flick (Cobweb), and Casey Hoekstra (Mustardseed).

A Midsummer Night's Dream's design team includes Tom Lee (scenic design), Mike Post (lighting design), and Sydney Roberts (costume design). Original music for this production has been composed by Klimchak, a recipient of the 2009 Loridans Arts Award.
In addition to award-winning theatre, Georgia Shakespeare offers an experience like none other in Atlanta. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy al fresco dining on the theatre's furnished picnic grounds. Guests may bring their own meals or have their dinners waiting when they order in advance from Terra Terroir, Georgia Shakespeare's official 2009 caterer. Visit www.gashakespeare.org for more information.

Thirty minutes prior to every performance, guests are invited to attend Terrace Talks, a free pre-show orientation with members of Georgia Shakespeare's artistic staff. Terrace Talks take place on the picnic grounds.

SUMMER FESTIVAL STEALS AND DEALS
Beginning with A Midsummer Night's Dream, Georgia Shakespeare will offer the following discounts and added value incentives throughout the summer festival season (June 10 - August 2, 2009):

TUESDAY NIGHTS - Cheap Date Night
Receive two tickets for the price of one to any Tuesday night performance plus two complimentary drink coupons. Patrons must mention Cheap Date Night to the box office when ordering tickets. Not valid for online orders.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS - GNO Wednesdays
Celebrate Girls Night Out with Georgia Shakespeare. All female groups of five or more receive 20% off the cost of every ticket. Patrons must mention GNO night to the box office when ordering tickets. Not valid for online orders or for preview performance on June 10.

THURSDAY NIGHTS - Fans Only Deal
Become a fan of Georgia Shakespeare on Facebook and receive discount offers every week.

FRIDAY NIGHTS - Casual Fridays
Patrons are encouraged to relax on Georgia Shakespeare's furnished picnic grounds with a complimentary coffee or soda after every Friday night performance.

SATURDAY MATINEES - Saturday Sundaes
Patrons enjoy free ice cream after every 2 p.m. performance.

SUNDAY PERFORMANCES - Staycation Rewards Program
Patrons who tell the box office staff they are enjoying a summer staycation receive 15% off all tickets to Sunday performances. Patrons must mention Georgia Shakespeare's Staycation package to the box office when ordering tickets. Not valid via internet orders.

Georgia Shakespeare Box Office: 404.264.0020