The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA), under the artistic direction of
Ben Donenberg, returns after 16 years to The Japanese Garden on the grounds of the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center Campus with a summer production of
William Shakespeare's romantic comedy "As You Like It," directed by
Royal Shakespeare Company artist
Kenn Sabberton, now through July 29.
Tom Hanks and his wife actress
Rita Wilson were spotted at the July 18th performance. Check out the photos from the evening's arrivals below!
The cast is led by
Tessa Thompson as Rosalind; she is known for roles on "Veronica Mars," "Grey's Anatomy," "Heroes" and upcoming BBC America "Copper," as well as Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet" and Cordelia in "King Lear" here in Los Angeles. Peter Cambor, who played Nate Getz on "NCIS: Los Angeles" plays Orlando;
Michael Dorn, well known as the Klingon Lt. Commander Worf from "Star Trek," plays both Duke Frederick and Duke Senior;
Diane Venora, who played Hamlet for the New York Shakespeare Festival, as Jacques;
John Lavelle, who played Ben in "The Graduate" on Broadway, as Touchstone; and veteran Los Angeles stage actor
Tony Abatemarco as Adam and Corin. The cast also features McKinley Belcher,
Kendra Chell,
Brian Joseph, Gabriella Rhodeen,
Andrew Schwartz, and
Lindsay Rae Taylor.
The production features original music by
Brian Joseph, who wrote original music for the Shakespeare Center's 2010 production of "Much Ado About Nothing," featuring
Lyle Lovett and
Helen Hunt. The scenery is by
Gary Wissmann, costumes by Holly Poe Durbin, and the lighting by Trevor Norton.
Director
Kenn Sabberton has set the play in present day Los Angeles, where Shakespeare's court is likened to the corridors of governmental and corporate power and financial influence, and where the events of the day have brought about a sorry and sour state of affairs, stemming from family strife and political maneuverings among the characters.
This production brings the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles back to the VA grounds for the first time since 1992. The VA location speaks to many long-time themes of the Shakespeare Center – including presenting Shakespeare in a relevant way through settings that speak to present-day Angelenos, working with veterans, and using theatre as a tool for personal and community transformation.
Since 1985, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles has been a cherished community resource committed to making Shakespeare accessible, relevant and enriching for students, educators, artists and audiences from all walks of life.
For tickets, scheduling and more information, visit
www.shakespearecenter.org.
Photo credit:
Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging
The stage before the performance of William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" by the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center Campus
The gardens during a performance of William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" by the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center Campus
Actor Tom Hanks and wife actress Rita Wilson watch the performance
Actor Tom Hanks and wife actress Rita Wilson
Ben Donenberg, Artistic Director Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles with Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks
Ben Donenberg, Artistic Director Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, with Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks
Rita Wilson and Patrick Stansfield, Board Member Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles
U.S. Marines pose with Harry Pregerson, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Harry Pregerson, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; Ben Donenberg, Artistic Director Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles; Dominique B. Neal, Major RS Commanding Officer Marines; Lou Koff, California Vetrans Home and wife
Harry Pregerson, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Ben Donenberg, Artistic Director Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles
Dominique B. Neal, Major RS Commanding Officer Marines and Ben Donenberg, Artistic Director Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles