The Fools & Kings Project Presents THE WINTER'S TALE

The Fools & Kings Project in collaboration with Riverbank State Park opens its free outdoor production of The Winter's Tale on Saturday, May 5th at Summit Rock at 6:00 PM (entrance at W. 81st St and Central Park West). This marks the first production of the company's fifth season of free, outdoor Shakespeare.

The production, directed by Melissa Meli, combines Shakespeare's words with original music (composed by Kristen Penner and Lorelei Mackenzie) and movement (directed by Vanessa Wendt) to breathe new life into the Bard's text.

The production team is rounded out by Tristan Miller (Assistant Director), Melanie Rose Magri (Performance Stage Manager), Liz Penney (Production Assistant), and Shann Smith (Director of Social Media and Marketing).

The Winter's Tale features Eric Dexter Brown (Leontes), Laura Vogels (Hermione), Liz Tancredi (Paulina/Dorcas), R0bert Bradvica (Polixenes), Kenneth Dowling Jr. (Camillo), Mackenzie Drae (Florizel/Officer/Mariner), Helen G. McMillan (Perdita/Mamillius/Dion), Tucker Dally Johnston (Antigonus/Autolycus), Ian Fraser (Clown/Servant/Gentleman), Matthew Dean Wood (Shepherd/Cleomenes), and Kate Hopkins (Mopsa/Emilia/Lord).

Performances at Summit Rock are Saturdays and Sundays May 5th at 6:00 PM, May 6th and May 13th at 1:30 PM. Performances at Riverbank State Park Amphitheatre are Saturdays and Sundays May 12th, 19th, 26th, and 27th at 6:00 PM and May 20th at 1:30 PM. All performances are free and open to the public.

The Fools & Kings Project is dedicated to bringing accessible, engaging theatre to New York City and its surrounding areas, with an emphasis on Shakespeare and other classical texts. Simple yet compelling design, combined with a fast-paced, high-stakes approach creates powerful, enticing productions which attract the expert and novice alike. Co-founded by Melissa Meli (Artistic Director) and Vanessa Wendt (Managing Director).

For more information about the company, and the cast and crew of The Winter's Tale, as well as directions to the venues, please visit www.thefoolsandkingsproject.com.