Cal Shakes' 2016 Season to Feature 'MUCH ADO,' FENCES & More

California Shakespeare Theater today announced plans for its 2016 season, which will feature one of Shakespeare's sassiest romantic comedies, a Pulitzer Prize-winning story of one family's struggle to achieve the American Dream, and an outrageously funny comedy of manners by George Bernard Shaw. The season, which was selected by outgoing Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone, will include one final Shakespearean title to be selected by incoming Artistic Director Eric Ting later this fall.

Opening the season at the Bruns will be Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Jackson Gay. Beatrice and Benedick are content that love has passed each of them by; their seeming incompatibility, coupled with the alleged infidelity and outright villainy of those around them, creates a deeply passionate tale of love for those who either don't recognize it when it finds them or who take love for granted until it's nearly gone. Ms. Gay, named by the New York Times as one of the "power players of off-Broadway" makes her Cal Shakes debut with this production, which plays May 25 through June 19.

Next up, Raelle Myrick-Hodges, former Artistic Director of Brava Center, also makes her Cal Shakes debut with Fences, by August Wilson, from July 6-31. Set in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Fences is the powerful, stunning story of Troy Maxson, former Negro League ballplayer turned sanitation worker, whose inability to come to terms with his fall from grace nearly destroys his family. Winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Fences marks the first time August Wilson's work has appeared on the Bruns stage.

Opening in August is George Bernard Shaw's keenly witty take on marriage and the modern woman, You Never Can Tell, helmed by Lisa Peterson,whose previous Cal Shakes outings include King Lear (2007) and The Winter's Tale (2002), among others. Feminist author and lecturer Mrs. Clandon and her adult children return to England where she is accidentally reunited with her husband, and the children meet their father for the first time. Sparks fly as old grudges clash with contemporary ideals in this brilliant comedy, playing at the Bruns from August 10-September 4.

Managing Director Susie Falk commented, "The 2016 season features an exciting mix of Cal Shakes debuts-including those of directors Jackson Gay and Raelle Myrick-Hodges, and playwright August Wilson-along with the return of director Lisa Peterson, and our return to the great wells of Shakespeare and Shaw. And of course we will have a new artistic director, Eric Ting, at the helm, who will be selecting the final title of our season."

Season packages for the four-play season and group tickets for parties of 10 or more are available now; single tickets go on sale April 4, 2016. Prices start at $124 for a four-play subscription, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and full-time K-12 educators.

For information or to charge tickets by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call the Cal Shakes Box Office at 510.548.9666. Additional information and online ticketing is available at www.calshakes.org.

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