Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater Will Lead RICHARD III at Shakespeare & Company This Fall

Fresh from their starring roles in "Cymbeline" at the Delacorte Theater in New York, real life couple Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater will appear together at Shakespeare & Company in a special Staged Reading of Shakespeare's great historical tragedy Richard III, to benefit the Company's performance, training, and education programs. This special event is scheduled for Saturday, October 10 at 2 p.m. in the Tina Packer Playhouse. Ms. Rabe will portray Queen Elizabeth, opposite Mr. Linklater who is cast in the title role. The reading will also feature Tina Packer, Annette Miller and other special guests, and will be directed by Co-Artistic Director Jonathan Croy.

Lily Rabe was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance opposite Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice on Broadway, and is also a highly-regarded star of stage, film, and television (American Horror Story). Hamish Linklater is the son of Company founding member Kristin Linklater and made his first theatrical appearance on stage at Shakespeare & Company. He is also a popular star of stage, film and television (The New Adventures of Old Christine, The Crazy Ones), and is starring in a new comedy series on TV Land this fall.

A recent profile in The New York Times praised Hamish and Lily as "two of the most captivating and spirited Shakespearean actors of their generation."

"We are delighted to welcome Hamish back to our stage - and to welcome Lily for the first time for this special production," said Co-Artistic Director Jonathan Croy. "In addition to these special guests, two leading members of the Company - Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer and Annette Miller - will be playing pivotal roles."

Packer will portray the deposed Queen Margaret, and Miller will reprise her role from the 2010 season production as the Duchess of Gloucester.

Tickets for this special benefit are on sale now; proceeds will provide much-needed support for Shakespeare & Company's performance, training and education programs. All tickets include the 90-minute reading and a champagne toast. VIP tickets also include prime seating and an exclusive post-performance cocktail reception with the cast.

To purchase tickets, please call the Box Office at 413-637-3353. For more information, visit shakespeare.org. This production has been sponsored in part through a generous gift from Sandra Urie and Frank Herron.

Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978 by Tina Packer, the organization attracts more than 60,000 patrons annually. The Company is also home to a renowned Center for Actor Training, as well as an award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.www.shakespeare.org.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski