Southwest Shakespeare Company announces Season 17

Southwest Shakespeare, Arizona's largest classical theater, just finished up their season with a well-received RICHARD III and used the opportunity to announce season 17.

Most interesting is the season opener, BLOOD ROYAL, an original adaptation of the Henry VI trilogy by Utah Shakespeare Festival's Michael Flachmann. Usually, the three parts of Henry VI is each a full evening on its own, making them difficult to produce and among the least performed of Shakespeare's plays. Flachmann, a noted Shakespearean dramaturg, has crafted an adaptation that boils the three parts into one evening (or matinee). Perhaps BLOOD ROYAL will help bring Henry VI out of hiding. It runs September 9th through the 25th.

The reminder of the season is more mainstream. TWELFTH NIGHT plays throughout the holidays, followed by A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM in January. In March, they present Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. And in April, they close the season returning to the more obscure with ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA.

Southwest Shakespeare's 2010-2011 season is a fine mix of cherished favorites and rarely produced gems. Kudos to them for finding that balance.

All these shows perform at the Mesa Arts Center. Subscription/ticketing information is available at www.swshakespeare.org.

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