Now celebrating its ninth year at the ruins in Ellicott City, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC) will present two popular plays in repertory, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).”
Back by popular demand, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will open the summer season on June 10 at 8 p.m. The excitement of a royal wedding in Athens sends a quartet of lovers and a motley group of amateur actors into a magical fairy-filled forest. Staged by founding Artistic Director Ian Gallanar as a carnival, the romantic comedy will play out against the natural background of trees, stone-wall remnants of the Patuxent Female Institute (PFI), and twinkling stars of the Ellicott City night sky. This Shakespearean classic provides a cavalcade of fun for audiences of all ages.
Audiences will recognize many of CSC’s resident acting company: Jose Guzman (Theseus/Oberon), Shannon Listol (Hermia), Jamie Jager (Puck), Vince Eisenson (Starveling), Steven Hoochuk (Quince), Gregory Burgess (Flute) and David Tabish (Bottom).
Newer faces to the cast include: Molly Moores (Hippolyta/Titania), Matthew Ancarrow (Demetrius), Kathryn Kelly (Helena), Julian Martinez (Lysander), Robby Rose (Snout) and Scott Farquhar (Snug).
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” will join the performance roster on Friday, June 24, at 8 p.m. Three of CSC’s most hilarious comic actors — Scott Graham, Frank B. Moorman and John Miller — perform a two-hour version of Shakespeare’s greatest hits. Directed by Scott Alan Small, this is a laugh-out-loud comedy sure to please.
To enhance its performances, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company In-The-Ruins features pre-show entertainment that includes musicians, jugglers and stage combat demonstrations. The gates open 90 minutes before showtime for picnicking.
The summer season features other special events and activities, including:
• Free admission for all children under 18 (limit two children per one paying adult)
• Free admission for all active military
• Family Friendly Sundays with interactive activities especially designed for children
• Fun Formal Fridays, where couples can rent a private candlelit table
Tickets ($15–$36) can be purchased online at www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com or call 410-313-8661.
