Shakespeare & Company at age 35

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Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA

www.shakespeare.org

by Shera Cohen

The following are 35 reasons to love Shakespeare & Company.

1. Tina Packer – the dynamic founder of S&Co.
2. Tony Simotes, who has taken the helm as Tina slows down
3. “The Tempest” – with a new, feminine take (thru 9/12)
4. Ensemble acting at its best
5. Elizabethan language made understandable
6. Modern plays (even world premiers) are produced
7. Theatre adaptations of stories and novels
8. “Tartuffe” – a rollicking Moliere under a tent (thru 8/25)
9. The kids in the audience who “get” Shakespeare
10. At least four plays/ activities in a single day
11. “Cassandra Speaks” – story of Dorothy Thompson (thru. 9/2)
12. The Studio Series – weekly staged play readings
13. The same actors who spout “Tempest” character’s words in the matinee and “Lear” in the evening performance, and they never get mixed up
14. “Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” – an irreverent comedy (thru  9/1)
15. Friendly cast who honestly appreciate audience comments
16. Wednesday Q&As – after the plays with actors & directors
17. The lovely indoor, air-conditioned Founders Theatre
18. The cozy, also air-conditioned Bernstein Theatre
19. Parasite Drag” – a gripping drama (thru. 9/2)
20. The actors applaud the audience
21. Behind the Scenes Tours – see costume & scene shop & more
22. Great gal actors: Merritt Janson, Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Kristin Wold & more
23. Great guy actors: Jonathan Croy, Kevin Coleman, Jonathan Epstein & more
24. Up & coming actors: Ryan Winkles, David Joseph, and more
25. Author! Author! – Sunday morning series by well-known authors
26. “Satchmo at the Waldorf” – Louis Armstrong comes to life (8/22 – 9/16)
27. Founders’ Talks – world-class thespians impart their knowledge
28. Free Stuff – Preludes & Riotous Youth by acting students
29. Josie’s Tavern – quick goodies & drinks at Founders
30. Volunteers – top notch, polite, and they even act
31. Costumes & coifs for all eras
32. Music –Shakespeare didn’t write it, but would love
33. Fall Season – this venue does not close up after Labor Day
34. Winter Season – this venue doesn’t even close up after Christmas
35. Website – and a great, colorful website to learn a whole lot more