Review: SHAKESBEER-The Popular Pub Crawl Captivates and Entertains

The ShakesBEER pub-crawl is a fall happening, and like the other programs by New York Shakespeare Exchange, it is entertaining and captivating. The presentations were held on three consecutive Saturday afternoons on 9/15, 9/22, and 9/29. We couldn't miss the opportunity to be a part of the inventive theatrical experience that is both accessible and enjoyable. The classic vignettes that were selected had the timely theme of "midterm elections."

We attended the ShakesBeer pub-crawl on September 29th. It lasted from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and visited four different pub venues in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. A vibrant scene was presented from some of William Shakespeare's most renowned works. They included Coriolaus at Jasper's Taphouse directed by Ross Williams; Titus Andronicus at The Gaf directed by Cristina Lundy; Fuente Ovejuna by Lope De Vega at The Waylon directed by Katie Kay Chelena; and A ShakesBEER Mash-Up: Julius Caesar + Henry VI, Part 2 directed by Brian Demar Jones. With top direction, clever staging, and excellent acting, guests enjoyed the provocative entertainment laced with humor.

The admission price for ShakesBeer comes with four drink tickets allowing guests to enjoy beer, well drinks or wine at each of the pubs. The restaurants also make food available for an additional cost.

The talented actors included Ariel Neema Blake, Kim Krane, Chris White, Cody LeRoy Wilson, Giordano Cruz, Cherrye J. Davis, Julie DeLaurier, Kelly M. Johnston, Joel Oramas, and Julie DeLaurier.

The work of New York Shakespeare Exchange is one that we hope our readers will follow. They succeed in making the Bard's work available to a contemporary audience through education and performances that include their full productions; ShakesBeer; The Sonnet Project; Freestyle Labs; and Intersections, Immersive Community Tours in Your Hometown .

Ross Williams is the Artistic Director of NY Shakespeare Exchange. He is joined by staff members Charles Graytok, Executive Director; Cristina Lundy, Associate Artistic Director; Shane Breaux, Resident Dramaturg; Kevin Brewer, Resident Playwright, Alfredo Macias, Associate Producer of The Sonnet Project; and Leslie Gray, Grant Writer.

For information on their upcoming events, visit https://nysx.org/. Follow them on social media: @shakesexchange. Use the hashtags, #shakesbeer #huzzah

Photo Credit: Martin Harris

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