Performances begin July 15 and run throughAugust 20
(Lenox, MA) – Shakespeare & Company’s Rose Footprint Theatre presents a world premiere adaption of The Emperor of the Moon by Aphra Behn. Directed by Companyveteran Jenna Ware, the uproarious and musically jam-packed comedy opens on Friday, July 15 and runs through August 20, 2016.
When love strikes, chaos ensues and a coup of astronomic proportions results. Sisters, suitors, servants, and a father obsessed with the moon set the stage for a stellar farce performed under the open-air tent. Ware’s fast-paced family-friendly adaptation of Aphra Behn’s Restoration comedy, based in Commedia dell’Arte, offers audiences of every age a hearty dose of mayhem, music, and merriment.
“Emperor gives us the joyous desperation of thwarted love, sword fights with flourish, disguises and imaginary accents,” says Director and Adapter Jenna Ware. “The random chase scenes and intentional silliness fills the stage and spills over into the audience and the surrounding fields. The energy of the actors, experience of outdoor theatre and triumph of true love is pure delight.”
The cast of The Emperor of the Moon features a host of Shakespeare & Companyveterans: Greg Boover, Caroline Calkins, Lori Evans, Colin Gold, Kaileela Hobby, Marcus Kearns, Caitlin Kraft, Zoe Laiz, Conor Seamus Moroney, and Concetta Russo. Newcomers to the Rose Footprint include Dara Silverman and Ashton Muniz. The creative team includes Emma Ayres (Composer), Brianna Wells (Costume Design), and Jonathan Croy (Fight Choreography).
With a running time of 75 minutes, tickets for The Emperor of the Moon are available online at www.shakespeare.org, or by calling Shakespeare & Company at (413) 637-3353 during box office hours. The Rose Footprint Theatre is outdoors and wheelchair accessible. Shakespeare & Company is located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox, Massachusetts.
AT A GLANCE
Production: The Emperor of the Moon
Playwright: Aphra Behn
Director: Jenna Ware
Composer: Emma Ayres
Costume Design: Brianna Wells
Fight Choreographer: Jonathan Croy
Wardrobe: Emma Castle
Stage Manager: Shannon McManus
Cast:
Scaramouch: Greg Boover
Elaria: Caroline Calkins
Doctor: Lori Evans
Don Charmonte: Colin Gold
Peter: Kaileela Hobby
Harlequin: Marcus Kearns
Mopsophil: Caitlin Kraft
Bellemante: Zoe Laiz
Don Cinthio: Conor Seamus Moroney
Florinda: Concetta Russo
Dara: Dara Silverman
Ferdinand: Ashton Muniz
THE EMPEROR OF THE MOON SCHEDULE:
JULY
15 – 5:30 – OPENING
16 – 5:30
20 – 5:30
22 – 5:30
23 – 5:30
27 – 5:30
29 – 5:30
30 – 5:30
AUGUST
3 – 5:30
5 – 5:30
6 – 5:30
10 – 5:30
12 – 5:30
13 – 5:30
17 – 5:30
20 – 5:30 – CLOSING
About Shakespeare & Company
Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978 by Tina Packer, the organization attracts tens of thousands of patrons annually. The Company is also home to a renowned Center for Actor Training, as well as an award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.
