Photo Flash: Connecticut Repertory Theatre Presents WINTER'S TALE

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) will present William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, March 22 - April 1 in the Studio Theatre, Storrs. For tickets and information, call 860-486-4226 or visit www.crt.uconn.edu.

Check out the production photos below! 

Jealousy, rage, intrigue, love, revenge and comic mishaps abound in one of Shakespeare's most intriguingly plotted plays. The king of Sicily suspects his best friend of having an illicit love affair with his wife, the queen. In a fit of jealous revenge, the king orders his wife to prison and sends his infant daughter far from home into exile in Bohemia. Covering a span of 16 years and culminating with one of the most stunning and surprising endings in all of Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale - with its unique blend of tragedy, farce, fairy tale, and romance - is ultimately the Bard's timeless affirmation of the power of forgiveness, love and redemption.

The play opens with King Leontes of Sicilia begging his childhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia, to extend his nine month visit. When he fails, Leontes' pregnant wife Hermione steps in and successfully convinces Polixenes to stay. Suspecting they are lovers and consumed by jealousy, Leontes orders his loyal retainer, Camillo, to poison the Bohemian king. Instead, Camillo warns Polixenes of the danger and they both flee to Bohemia. 

When Leontes discovers their escape, he furiously accuses his wife of infidelity and treason. Hermione is sent to prison where she gives birth to a girl she names Perdita.  Lady Paulina brings the child to Leontes hoping he will have a change of heart but, infuriated, he orders Paulina's husband Antigonus to take the child away and abandon it. The Oracle at Delphi declares that Hermione and Polixenes are innocent and that until Leontes' lost daughter is found he will have no heir. Leontes ignores the Oracle and soon discovers that Leontes' son Mamillius is dead. Upon hearing the news, Hermione dies of a broken heart.

Meanwhile, Antigonus abandons the baby on the Bohemian coast and is then killed by a bear. Sixteen years pass and Polixenes' son, Prince Florizel, falls in love with Perdita who has been raised as a Shepherdess. The king forbids the union and they escape to Sicilia with the aid of Camillo with Polixenes hot on their heels. In Sicilia, the still-mourning Leontes is reunited with his daughter. The show concludes with one of the most miraculous endings in all of Shakespeare's plays.

Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal said, "The Winter's Tale offers CRT audiences a unique opportunity to be part of an epic romance set in the intimacy of the Studio Theater."

The Creative/Design team includes: Dale AJ Rose (Associate Artistic Director, Director), Sara Ewing, Scenic Designer; Tiffany Delligatti, Costume Designer; Kailey Hays-Lenihan, Lighting Designer; and Evan Fulton, Sound Designer.

Please call 860-486-4226 for tickets or for more information. Please call or visit the box office for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.  Tickets available online at www.crt.uconn.edu. 

Photo Credit: Gerry Goodstein

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