California Shakespeare Theater

Wilde, Montoya Join Bard
In Cal Shakes 2013 Lineup

California Shakespeare Theater in Berkeley has scheduled the newest comedy from Richard James Montoya of Culture Clash and Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan in its 2013 lineup, which will also feature William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and The Winter's Tale.

Opening the season May 29 at the company's Bruns Theater will be Montoya's American Night: The Ballad of Juan José, directed by Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone. Developed as part of Oregon Shakespeare Festival's (OSF) “American Histories” cycle in 2010 in collaboration with the legendary Chicano performance troupe Culture Clash, American Night draws equally from pop culture and Shakespeare to mint a new kind of history play. It will run until June 23.

Next up, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet returns to the Bruns July 3–July 28. It will be directed by Amanda Dehnert, whose 2011 production of Julius Caesar at OSF was hailed as the “best Julius Caesar I have ever seen” by Wall Street Journal's Terry Teachout.

Director and actor Christopher Liam Moore (who portrayed Jon in Ghost Light at OSF and Berkeley Rep) makes his Cal Shakes' debut with Oscar Wilde's early comedy skewering Victorian morals, Lady Windermere's Fan, which plays from August 14–September 18. This is Cal Shakes' first Oscar Wilde play since 2008's An Ideal Husband.

The company will conclude the season with Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale, from September 25–October 20. Director Patricia McGregor and choreographer Paloma McGregor, whose production of Spunk earlier this year drew critical and audience raves, return to helm Cal Shakes' final 2013 production.

“There is not a more supportive, challenging, intelligent and adventurous community of theater-goers around,” Moscone said in a press release. “Every year, as we figure out a new season of work up at the Bruns, I want to provide as surprising and dynamic a roster of works of theater for as many people as possible—from long-time subscribers, to new audiences who are just getting to know the gem that is Cal Shakes. I'm thrilled to present this eclectic and varied slate of plays as we move forward with our commitment to making theater that resonates with the broad community of diverse audiences throughout the Bay Area.”

Cal Shakes has several complimentary audience-enrichment events scheduled throughout the season:

The nightly Grove Talks provide valuable insight into the work as members of the artistic staff discuss the relationship between the play and the production;

Inside Scoop allows audience members to meet directors and designers during the rehearsal process to learn about directorial points of view and design ideas;

Insight Matinees explore the world of the play through an informal dialogue with the production's dramaturg following the 4 p.m. performance;

Meet the Artists Matinees provide the audience an opportunity to discuss the production with cast members after the performances.

Season packages and group tickets for parties of 10 or more are available now; single tickets go on sale April 29. Prices start at $124 for a four-play subscription, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and full-time K–12 educators. For information or to charge tickets by phone with VISA, MasterCard or American Express, call the Cal Shakes Box Office at 510-548-9666. Additional information and online ticketing is available at www.calshakes.org.

October 14, 2012

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