49th Season of USF (Cedar City: June 28 - Sept 4)

Utah Shakespearean Festival Opens a Season of Classics

CEDAR CITY, UT —Ignite your passion with William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Alfred Hitchcock, and Charles Dickens – all featured in the 2010 summer season at the Utah Shakespearean Festival (300 W. Center Street, Cedar City, UT).

The 49th season at the Festival will be one to remember, and tickets are on sale now at 1-800-PLAYTIX and www.bard.org. Tickets range from $21-$68. The Festival website also contains ratings to help patrons make selections that are best for their families.

"The 2010 season offers something for every member of the family,” said Executive Director R. Scott Phillips. “We have built a slate of productions that can keep us current with the themes and issues of the 21st century, and yet remain true to the mission and values that have guided this Festival for the past 48 years.”

Presented in the Adams Shakespearean Theatre from June 28 through September 4 will be three plays by Shakespeare. The romantic comedy “Much Ado about Nothing,” the sometimes controversial tragicomedy “The Merchant of Venice,” and the haunting “Macbeth.” Three additional plays will be presented in the Randall L. Jones Theatre from June 28 through August 28. A compelling adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” the hilarious mystery spoof “The 39 Steps,” and the world premier of “Great Expectations,” a new musical based on the novel by Charles Dickens.

“This is truly a season of classics. Everything from Charles Dickens to William Shakespeare to Alfred Hitchcock!” said Phillips. “The creative imagination is an amazing thing, and working with literature by some of the greatest writers in the English speaking world should generate some spectacular results. I feel as though this will be a season to remember."

“The 2010 season concentrates on new adaptations of literary classics, film classics, and four of Shakespeare's magnificently complex plays which are genuine audience favorites,” added Kathleen F. Conlin, Festival associate artistic director. “Audience members will find witty and sensitive plays that entertain and enlighten in profound ways. Personally, I am thrilled by the overall ‘heft’ of these plays and how audience-friendly each of them is.”

Media Contact: Amanda Caraway, 435-586-1969, Caraway@bard.org
Photos are available at http://bard.org/news/photos.html
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