LANESBORO, MN – Following a successful reopening to limited capacity amidst several safety restrictions in mid-April and opening to full capacity audiences at the end of May, the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro is pleased to announce its third production of the 2021 season. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) begins discounted preview performances on July 2 with opening night set for July 10. For more production details and the full performance calendar, please visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org or call the Box Office at 800-657-7025.
As Shakespeare said, “The play’s the thing!” and in this wildly funny production, 37 of Shakespeare’s plays get a whimsical treatment in 95 minutes. The result is an irreverent, entertaining ride that will leave you breathless with laughter. Both a “best of” and a “blooper reel,” you won’t want to miss out on the hilarity when this comic gem returns to our stage. If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll LOVE this show!
Leading the creative team as the director for the production is professional resident ensemble member Jaclyn Johnson. “At the heart of an off-the-wall comedy like The Complete Works is honesty,” says Johnson. “Things make us laugh because they strike us as true and real. With a show like this, one that is packed full of zany bits and slapstick antics, the challenge is finding the truth inside each gag. It’s a really fun challenge and it all starts with each of the actors being totally present and in the moment on stage.” Those actors include Commonweal professional resident ensemble members Elizabeth Dunn, Ben Gorman, and Brandt Roberts.
Stage Manager Rivka Kelly leads the production team consisting of designers Kelsey Heathcote (sets), Jodi Rushing (costumes), Lizzy Andretta and Rachel Kuhnle (props), and Thomas White (lights). Additional creative assistance is being provided by guest artist Dominique Jones.
Discounted ticket price preview performances begin on July 2 and the official opening of the play is July 10. The production will play in both the spring, summer, and fall repertory schedules and close on Sunday, October 24.
The Commonweal Theatre is now open to full capacity audiences with no restrictions in place. The company’s mask policy is to allow fully vaccinated patrons enjoyment of the performance without wearing a mask while non-vaccinated patrons will be strongly encouraged to keep a mask in place. More of these details plus a full performance calendar is now available at www.CommonwealTheatre.org.
For any and all patrons unable or unwilling to attend in person, the production will be made available for viewing via streaming Saturday evenings throughout the run. Streaming of the production will also be available free of charge on July 23 to residents of Fillmore and Houston counties in Minnesota as a part of the company’s popular County Free Night Program. For more information on how to take advantage of the streaming opportunities, please phone the Box Office at (800) 657-7025 or email tickets@CommonwealTheatre.org.
Funding for Commonweal Theatre’s 2021 programming is provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant from the McKnight Foundation, and private funders.
Leave a Reply