Desert Rose Theatre Returns with SHAKESPEARE IN SHORTS, 10/21-11/6

The award-winning Desert Rose Theatre triumphantly returns to Mesa this fall with a duet of one-act plays inspired by William Shakespeare and directed by DRT founder, Katherine Stewart. The collection is being called ‘Shakespeare in Shorts' and features George Bernard Shaw's witty ‘Dark Lady of the Sonnets' and the totally irreverent ‘Roadhouse in Arden' by Philip Moeller.

"Dark Lady of the Sonnets" brings together a Beefeater, a brash, young William Shakespeare, the mysterious ‘Dark Lady' portrayed in many of his sonnets, and an aging, yet lustful virgin queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I in a fictional account one fated evening in London.

"Roadhouse in Arden" takes us to the fictional Forest of Arden where we find Hamlet, Cleopatra, and Shakespearean character, Puck, living as a family and running a roadside retreat...Shakespeare and other characters show up to make merry and add to the madness.

Director Katie Stewart is more than excited about bringing these plays to life, "These shows grabbed my imagination, probably because nobody is sure of Shakespeare's life... or even his existence. But what if he and Bess (Queen Elizabeth I) actually knew each other? The mind boggles. And to stretch reality even further, what if Puck was real? And hung out at a country inn?"

Christopher Makai Dennis plays William Shakespeare in both plays. Originally an award-winning Chicago actor, he is thrilled to be on the stage at Desert Rose and thinks audiences will love these two pieces.

"Will Shakespeare is an iconic literary figure whose biography is steeped in mystery. As an actor, I am honored to be playing this romantic poet with a flair for the dramatic. It's really exciting to find the humanity and humor in this old poetic juggernaut. His message is clear and as important as ever. What we wants most of all is for his government and community to support the theatre and to recognize its importance in the world, which is but a larger stage!"

In 2008, Desert Rose Theatre lost its space on the corner of University and Alma School due to restrictive rental fees. This season marks its return from hiatus and to award-winning, crowd-pleasing classical fare. Today they urge their audiences to "Come see the classics - in 3-D!"

Performances are October 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th,,30th, November 4th, 5th, 6th at 7:30pm and October 30th, and November 6th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for students, seniors (55+), teachers, military, and first responders and $14 for children 12 and younger. Tickets may be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com POOL Together is located at 1240 E. Main St. in Mesa.

Photo Credit: Justin Harris Photography

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