(Photo by Alan Carey)
A jealous king, an abandoned child, a message from the Delphic oracle, and a princess ignorant of her royalty are the elements at the core of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, to be presented by the Bird-On-A-Cliff Theatre Company from July 12 through August 4. As usual, the Woodstock Shakespeare Festival shows are held on their outdoor stage at the Comeau Property in the center of Woodstock, starting at 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and admission is free.
The play is one of Shakespeare’s late works. Although it contains comedic moments, it’s often referred to as a romance, with intense psychological drama and fantastical elements, leading to a happy ending.
Producer and Bird-On-A-Cliff co-founder Elli Michaels says, “It’s different. It’s intriguing. The language is tougher, more sophisticated, and there’s a lot of stuff going on. It’s almost like two plays, the first part dark, the second part more fluffy and light.”
Veteran director and actress Nicola Sheara is directing. “Nicola makes it subtle,” says Michaels, “as in ‘Less is better’ and ‘Make sure you know what you’re saying.’ It’s a joy to work with her.”
David Aston-Reese, the company’s other co-founder, plays the lead, King Leontes. Woodstock Shakespeare Festival regulars have joined the cast, which includes Chris Bailey, Michael DaTorre, Bethany Goldpaugh, Elli Michaels, Christina Reeves, and Bob Sheridan, among others.
“Leontes is challenging,” says Aston-Reese, “because he opens the play with his best pal, Polixenes, who’s been his guest for nine months. It starts out buddy-buddy, he wants Polixenes to stay longer, and within four lines, Shakespeare has Leontes suspecting his best friend of having an adulterous affair with his wife. ‘Too hot, too hot! To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods. ‘”
The performances mark Woodstock Shakespeare Festival’s 18th summer season. The four weekends of Shakespeare will be followed with a play by Andre Gregory (My Dinner with Andre) — his dark version of Alice in Wonderland, running August 9 through September 1 and directed by Aston-Reese.
Bird-On-A-Cliff Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, directed by Nicola Sheara, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 5:00 p.m., July 12 through August 4, at the outdoor stage on the Comeau Property, Comeau Drive (off Tinker Street), Woodstock. Bring a blanket or folding chair, bring a picnic, bring the kids! Admission is free, although donations of $5 or even more are gratefully accepted. See http://www.birdonacliff.org/.