Shakespeare In The Park's 22nd Season Kicks Off With 'SHREW' 8/13

Nashville Shakespeare Festival's 22^nd annual Shakespeare in the Park-featuring two productions this year--runs August 13-September 13 in Nashville's historic Centennial Park, including a special show on Labor Day Monday.

The Taming of the Shrew, featuring members of the 2009 Byron and Beth Smith Apprentice Company, plays August 13-23. Directed by Brenda Sparks, The Taming of the Shrew is presented in a colorful 1960s-inspired production.

Apprentice company members featured in the production are Ricardo Beaird, David Corlew, Lee Daniel, Kylie Davis, Miranda Fisher, Diego Gomez, Denmark Grant, Paige Gober, Caitlin Kelly, John Ryan Knowles, Meredith Locke, Veronica Longo, Markus McClain, Lindsey Myrick, Haley Oldham, Mariah Parris, Alex Spieth, Joseph Stanley and Cody Woodside.

Opening August 27 and continuing through September 13, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, is directed by Denice Hicks, the company's artistic director.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is described as "a hysterical exploration of the Bard's great works performed by three frantic men as they attempt to perform all 37 plays in 90 minutes. This classic work is a sheer delight, but leaves the audience with a great appreciation for the fun everybody can have with what is usually thought of as the 'stuffy' poetry of the world's greatest playwright."

Bradley Brown, Christopher Cambell and Benjamin Reed star in the production.

Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. (CDT) each evening, with pre-show entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages are available onsite and there is no charge for admission, but a $5 donation per person is requested.

For details, visit the Nashville Shakespeare Festival's webwite at www.nashvilleshakes.org.