Ophelia's Jump to Launch Midsummer Shakespeare Festival in July

Ophelia's Jump Productions presents the Annual Midsummer Shakespeare Festival with A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and OTHELLO. The productions will run July 14-24, 2016 at Sontag Greek Theatre at Pomona College in Claremont. The festival, co-sponsored by Pomona College, includes exhibits, arts and crafts by community businesses and organizations. Tickets are available at opheliasjump.org, or by calling 909-541-5850.

This year's Annual Midsummer Shakespeare Festival marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death with a comedy celebrating the confusion and magic of love and a tale of passion and jealousy when these Shakespearian plays are presented at Pomona College's beautiful Sontag Greek Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater originally built in 1910 and renovated in 1997. The productions will be performed in repertory, alternating each night.

ABOUT OTHELLO Othello, a decorated and revered soldier, marries Desdemona, the daughter of a local aristocrat. This unexpected pairing serves as the catalyst for the scheming Iago to wreak his vengeance upon the woman he abhors...Othello.

ABOUT A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAMHelena loves Demetrius, Demetrius loves Hermia and Hermia loves Lysander. Luckily, with a little help from some forest spirits, and wedding entertainment provided by an amateur bunch of actors, these young Athenians are sure to find their hearts contented over the course of one magical midsummer evening - as long as they steer clear of the warring King and Queen of the Fairies.

Now a Claremont tradition, Ophelia's Jump's Midsummer Shakespeare Festival artfully presents tragedy and comedy under the stars in a beautiful outdoor setting. Each performance opens nightly with a 30-minute Green Show - an entertaining prelude to the evening's main performance. We invite you to bring your own picnic and don't forget a small blanket or cushion for added comfort.

Weekend FestivalOn Saturdays and Sundays, arrive early and enjoy local musicians, artists, and crafts before settling in for an evening of timeless Shakespearean classics. Enjoy festival booths, crafts, and vendors starting at 5:30 p.m. Coinciding with Claremont's Restaurant Week, local restaurants and businesses will be offering special in-restaurant dining menus and selected take-out options to enjoy prior to the performances.

• Title: OTHELLO and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
• Directors: Founding Associate Artistic Director Caitlin Lopez (OTHELLO) and Dexter Rogers (A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM)
• Location: Sontag Greek Theatre, Pomona College, 300 East Bonita Ave., Claremont (located behind Seaver Theatre)
• Opening: Thursday, July 14 (A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM) & Friday July 15 (OTHELLO)
• Regular Run: July 14-July 24, 2016

Specific Show Schedule: OTHELLO - July 15,17,21,23 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - July 14,16, 22, 24Curtain Times:

• Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 8 p.m.
• Ticket prices: $25 General Admission, $22 Student/Seniors,
• Group tickets available, contact info@opheliasjump.org or call 909-541-5850 for info

About Ophelia's JumpBased in Claremont, California, Ophelia's Jump is a theatre company focusing on producing highly-regarded, award-winning works that leave audiences asking questions and discussing big ideas - theatre that invites you to leap into the drama. Our mission is to produce both creative new interpretations of classical and award-winning works, and also new works by talented local and regional artists.

Additional information available at opheliasjump.org.

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