Marin Shakespeare Company

King John, Liar Fill Out 2012 Schedule

Marin Shakespeare Company performs in the outdoor Forest Meadows Amphitheatre on the campus of Dominican University of California in San Rafael, Calif. Photo courtesy of Marin Shakespeare Company.

This summer the Marin Shakespeare Company in San Rafael, Calif., sets its outdoor stage for politics, enchantment, romance, and comedy, presenting King John, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the Bay Area premiere of The Liar. The season begins with previews on July 6 and continues with performances (presented in repertory) through Sept. 30.

The festival starts with a "Pay What You Will" preview July 6 of William Shakespeare's King John, directed by Lesley Schisgall Currier with Scott Coopwood in the title role. It officially opens July 13. A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Robert Currier, moves into the repertory next with "A Pay What You Will" preview performance July 20 and an official opening July 28. The production has cast Jarion Monroe as Bottom, Scott Coopwood as Oberon, Cat Thompson as Titania, and James Hiser as Puck.

The summer festival continues with The Liar, a David Ives adaptation of the farce by Pierre Corneille. Robert Currier directs this saucy, fast-paced romantic romp about a young man who cannot keep from telling lies (its premier at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., made the Shakespeareances.com's Top Ten non-Shakespearean theater moments). A "Pay What You Will" preview is set for Aug. 17. The production, featuring Darren Bridgett, Stephen Muterspaugh, Cat Thompson, and Elena Wright, opens Aug. 25.

Performances are presented 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and 4 p.m. Sundays at Dominican University of California's Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, 1475 Grand Ave., in San Rafael, Calif. The Amphitheatre opens one hour prior to show time for picnicking. Audiences are encouraged to bring picnics or purchase snacks at the Theatre Café.  Warm clothing, jackets, and blankets are recommended for evening performances. Campus parking is free. For more information, call 415-499-4488.

March 14, 2012

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