Kentucky Shakespeare Sets 56th Summer Season of Free Shakespeare in Central Park

Kentucky Shakespeare announces the 56th summer season of free Shakespeare in Central Park featuring 7 productions over 11 weeks totaling 60 performances. This season will include productions in Central Park by Louisville Ballet and the Jewish Community Center's CenterStage.

Kentucky Shakespeare will open the season with professional productions of The Two Gentlemen of Verona starting June 1, then The Winter's Tale beginning June 16, followed by Romeo & Juliet beginning July 30.

The three productions will then run in rotating repertory from July 12 to July 24 with all three productions being performed in a single night on July 25.

"This season, as we celebrate 400 years of William Shakespeare's legacy, Kentucky Shakespeare is proud to present the longest season in our history for a total of 11 weeks, 7 productions, and 60 performances! We'll also welcome nightly pre-show performances showcasing our community," says Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director.

Kentucky Shakespeare will also present As You Like It by their Globe Players Conservatory, which opens on July 27 and is directed by Kyle Ware.

Kentucky Shakespeare continues with Community Partners Weeks. This two-week run will showcase two companies performing on the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheatre stage. Companies and productions include: CenterStage at the Jewish Community Center presenting the first ever musical in Central Park, West Side Story and the Louisville Ballet presenting the Shakespeare in Dance.

The Louisville Improvisors will perform Late Night Shakes select evenings following the production on June 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 10:30 pm.

The season runs June 1 - August 14 in Old Louisville's Central Park. Tuesday - Sunday each week.

"Last summer we served over 25,000 audience members through Free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park, from every Louisville zip code, and this season we look to surpass that reach. Providing access to quality arts experiences is our goal, and we invite the community and region to join us to share in the magic of 'Free Will' the whole summer long," Wallace explains.

There will be pre-show entertainment beginning at 7:15 p.m. before the 8:00 p.m. curtain.

Will's Tavern will be serving up libations from Brown-Forman, and 502 Winery as well as beer and hard cider. Food will be available for purchase each night by the Louisville Food Truck Association. Will's Gift Shop will be open nightly as well, selling Kentucky Shakespeare merchandise.

If you would like to schedule an interview with Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director, or Amy Attaway, Director of The Winter's Tale, or learn more about the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival please contact Robert Silverthorn III at 574-9900 or rob@kyshakespeare.com.

ABOUT KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE

Kentucky Shakespeare presents the oldest free Shakespeare festival in the United States and is the largest, in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth. Mission: Grounded in the works of Shakespeare, we enrich our community by presenting accessible, professional theatre experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain people of all ages.

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