Wednesday, June 9, 2004

Shakespeare festival begins

A rarely produced Shakespeare tragedy, a bawdy British farce, and a beloved romantic classic featuring one of Atlanta's best-known actors are among the highlights of Georgia Shakespeare Festival's 2004 summer season, Producing Artistic Director Richard Garner announced today. The summer season includes a three-play repertory featuring a single company of actors and takes place June 11 - August 8 at the Conant Performing Arts Center (4484 Peachtree Rd. NE). The 2004 Season marks the award-winning theater's nineteenth season of producing professional theater on the campus of Oglethorpe University.

“This season includes something for everyone,” said Garner. “’Cyrano de Bergerac’ is a classic romance and Atlanta audiences will love watching showman Chris Kayser wield a sword in the title role. GSF favorite Saxon Palmer returns to play one of Shakespeare's greatest warriors, Coriolanus. And, for something completely different, we'll have naughty fun with ‘What the Butler Saw.’”

Patrons are encouraged to arrive early and picnic on Georgia Shakespeare Festival's scenic picnic grounds. Audience members may bring their own picnics, or they may order from Proof of the Pudding, the official caterer of Georgia Shakespeare Festival, and have their meals waiting for them when they arrive.

“Our summer season is your cue to restock your picnic basket,” Garner said. “It’s become a tradition to arrive early and relax over dinner before heading into the theater for the performance. In addition to spending time with friends and loved ones, patrons enjoy the show before the show performed by our professional acting intern company.”

For more information, call the Georgia Shakespeare Festival box office at 404.264.0020 or visit www.gashakespeare.org.

Georgia Shakespeare Festival performs in the 509-seat, state-of-the-art Conant Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree Rd., in Atlanta. The Conant Performing Arts Center is accessible to persons with disabilities and GSF offers sign language interpreted and audio described performances for patrons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or visually impaired. GSF also offers performances that encourage audience and artist discussions before or after the performance. Actor Chat Saturdays and Wednesdays include a post-play question and answer session with the cast and Barnes & Noble Book Club Fridays provide the opportunity to discuss the play with members of the GSF artistic staff prior to the performances.

Subscriptions range from $40 - $116. Single tickets range from $10 - $35. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available.