TWELFTH NIGHT Kicks Off Seattle Shakespeare's Season Of Indoor Plays In 2009-10

Seattle Shakespeare Company announced plans for the theatre's 2009-2010 indoor season of plays as well as for a state-wide tour to schools and performing arts centers. The theatre's indoor season at the Center House Theatre at Seattle Center begins in December with a holiday-themed production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. In January the theatre will continue the saga of Prince Hal and the making of a king in Henry V directed by Russ Banham. Director John Langs returns after his smash hit of The Merchant of Venice to stage Hamlet in March. The indoor season wraps up in April with a comedy of wandering hearts The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

After traveling to nearly 30 schools across the state with its tour of Othello and playing to more than 6000 students, Seattle Shakespeare Company will mount a new 7-actor touring production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and re-mount the company's popular 5-actor Romeo and Juliet for spring 2010.

Seattle Shakespeare Company will workshop a new musical based upon Shakespeare's sonnets and excerpted text from the canon featuring music by composer David Duvall. Tentatively titled I Always Write of You, the workshop will be open to the public for three performances (dates to be announced).

"With all of the 'interesting' changes in our world right now, we've met the challenge by exploring a new schedule and new programming for our 2009-2010 season," says Artistic Director Stephanie Shine. "We'll start the indoor season in December and present our productions closer together on the calendar. We'll also have actors performing wildly different roles in back-to-back repertory fashion. This lets us be more efficient with our resources and balances our calendar better now that we share in the joy of Shakespeare outdoors during the summer with Wooden O."

2008-2009 INDOOR SEASON

Twelfth Night

By William ShakespeareŸ Directed by Stephanie Shine

December 3-27, 2009

And you thought your household was crazy at the holidays! After surviving a shipwreck and washing up in Illyria, Viola lands a job, disguised as a boy, in Duke Orsino's court. The Duke is pining for Lady Olivia, but she's too consumed with mourning her dead brother to bother. While a randy uncle chases after the maid, a snooty butler scrambles to keep control, and oddball houseguests hatch secret plans behind closet doors. Into this madness drops Sebastian, Viola's twin brother who was thought to be lost at sea. Shakespeare's beguiling comedy of romantic adventures and misdirected love is an enchanting holiday treat for the whole family

Henry V

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by Russ Banham

January 7-31, 2010

Henry V is the quintessential saga about inspired leadership and a band of brothers who triumph against all odds. Newly crowned, King Henry faces his first major challenge against the mighty French army. A hasty invasion leads to a long hard siege. Trapped and at the point of near disaster, Henry rallies his troops with his St. Crispin's Day speech to prepare for one last heroic battle. Henry V follows the epic tale of Prince Hal started in Henry IV (Seattle Shakespeare Company Fall 2008).

Hamlet

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by John Langs

March 18-April 11, 2010

When a young prince hears his father's otherworldly voice demanding revenge, it begins the intense whirlwind of Shakespeare's most complex and emotional work. Pulled apart by love and duty, Hamlet struggles with the human and spiritual costs of pursuing justice. Featuring some of the most beautiful language ever written, Hamlet challenges us to peer deeper into the heart of what makes someone a hero or a villain.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

By William Shakespeare

April 15-May 9, 2010

Everything you want in a romantic comedy: moony and misguided guys, smart and resourceful gals, a road trip, and a funny bit with a dog. Fickle Proteus has dropped his gal, and he and Valentine stumble over themselves trying to court the beautiful Sylvia. Now it's up to plucky Julia to plot a plan to win back her wayward beau. This comic tale of wandering hearts will surely capture yours!

Fall Workshop Presentation

I Always Write of You

Music by David Duvall

Dates to be announced

Taking inspiration from Shakespeare's sonnets, this eclectic cabaret runs the gamut of musical styles from Big Band Swing to Brazilian Bossa Nova and everything in between. Seattle Shakespeare Company will develop this new musical piece in workshop form and then present three public performances.

 

On Tour Spring 2010

A Midsummer Night's Dream

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by George Mount

Fly off to the fairy kingdom for a romantic adventure. Two pairs of mixed up lovers find their way through the forest while the fairy queen's heart is captured by an unlikely suitor. Utilizing seven actors and puppets, this production of Shakespeare's most popular comedy muddles love and magic to create a delightful 90 minute confection for all.

Romeo and Juliet

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by George Mount

In the midst of an historical bitter feud, passionate young love emerges. Defying their parents' wishes Romeo and Juliet marry and plot to run away together, only to be thwarted at every turn. With five actors brandishing swords poised for actions, this 90 minute drama is a swashbuckling romance and the greatest love story ever told.

All dates, plays and artists are subject to change.

Season Ticket Packages and Single Tickets

Season tickets subscription packages are now on sale and range from $72 to $160 for all five main stage productions. Season ticket subscription packages can be purchased by calling the ticket office at (206) 733-8222. Single tickets will be on sale in September. Seattle Shakespeare Company performs at Center House Theatre at Seattle Center.

 

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