Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park Presents OR

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents Liz Duffy Adams' playful comedy Or, based on the real life of Britain's first female playwright Aphra Behn. Directed by Laura Standley and featuring Artistic Director, Kathryn McGill, the production runs July 13 through July 23 at 2920 Paseo in the Paseo Arts District.

"The play is bittersweet," says Artistic Director Kathryn McGill. "We know that Aphra Behn would be forgotten and rediscovered many times in the more than 300 years since her death. And yet, the plot keeps moving, the world keeps spinning, and lovers will love. Or, is the story of one woman's artistic beginnings and a larger story of a permissive, exciting moment in history when the culture shifted an inch or two, and a woman slipped in the door."

"With Or, Liz Duffy Adams dusts off the story of the restoration era's Aphra Behn, the first professional woman playwright", said Or, director, Laura Standley. "Far from a typical costume drama, the play is a romantic and joyous celebration of freedom, where these fascinating historic figures, like Aphra herself, King Charles II, and actress Nell Gwynne, are given permission to unlace and come together as their authentic selves".

Aphra Behn, known to history as the first credited female playwright, has one opportunity to have her play produced and fulfill her desperate desire to leave the spy trade behind her. The catch? She must finish and deliver her play by morning all while fighting off distracting romantic temptations, attempting to win a pardon, and trying to save the life of royalty. Her hectic antics unfold into a night of hilarity, passion, and self discovery that tells a story that transcends time.

Stanley's production of Or, features Kathryn McGill as Aphra, with company veteran Wil Rogers as King Charles (among others) and Ashley Frisbee as Nell Gwynne (among others). The creative team includes Jeremy Winchester (Set Design), Robert Pittenridge (Costume Design) Joshua Robbins (Lighting Design), and Kaitlyn Souter (Props Design). Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets for Or, are available online at www.oklahomashakespeare.com or by calling (405) 235-3700.

THE 2017 OKLAHOMA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK SEASON:

The Taming of the Shrew

By William Shakespeare

June 1-24

Directed by Caprice Woosley

Myriad Gardens

In Shakespeare's most outrageous comedy, sweet tempered daddy's girl, Bianca, can have her pick of suitors- but not until her sister, the acid-tongued Kate can be married off. Rising to the challenge is new man in town, Petruchio, but can he match Kate jab for jab? A hilarious, delirious tangle of masquerades and misdirection plays out as Bianca finds herself with too many suitors and Kate and Petruchio seem hell-bent on outwitting each other and in the end this surprising love story dares to ask what roles we play...and underneath who we really are.

Or,

By Liz Duffy Adams

July 13-23

Directed by Laura Standley

Paseo

"All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn which is, most scandalously but rather appropriately, in Westminster Abbey, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds."- Virginia Woolf

Aphra Behn, known to history as the first credited female playwright, has one opportunity to have her play produced and fulfill her desperate desire to leave the spy trade behind her. The catch? She must finish and deliver her play by morning all while fighting off distracting romantic temptations, attempting to win a pardon, and trying to save the life of royalty. Her hectic antics unfold into a night of hilarity, passion and self discovery that transcends time.

Private Lives

By Noel Coward

August 17-27

Directed by Emily Heugatter

Paseo

Champagne and laughter will explode with Noel Coward's timeless comedy

Private Lives. Glamorous, rich and reckless, Elyot and Amanda have been divorced from each other for five years. Now both are honeymooning with their new spouses in the South of France. When by chance they meet again across adjoining hotel balconies, their romantic feelings for each other are immediately rekindled. Without a care for scandal, new partners or memories of what drove them apart in the first place, they hurl themselves headlong into love and lust. Private Lives is a dazzling witty masterpiece and considered to be one of the greatest comedies ever written.

Hamlet

By William Shakespeare

September 14-30

Directed by D. Lance Marsh

Myriad Gardens

An unrequited ghost, an indecisive prince, a kingdom in chaos: something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Shakespeare's dark tale of power, murder and vengeance is regarded by many as the most influential work ever written for the stage. This richly complex tragedy unfolds as the young prince of Denmark swears to avenge the untimely death of his beloved father and pulls his country into a maelstrom of madness and murder.

Tickets are available online at www.oklahomashakespeare.com.

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