The Alliance Theatre production of Shakespeare in Love, based on the 1998 Oscar-winning film, begins preview performances August 30.
Georgia Shakespeare Artistic Director Richard Garner directs the love letter to William Shakespeare in his company’s former home at Oglethorpe University’s Conant Performing Arts Center while the Alliance Theatre's primary venue undergoes renovation. Performances are scheduled through September 24 with an official opening set for September 6.
Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, the stage adaptation features a script by Lee Hall and music by Paddy Cunneen.
The all-Atlanta-based cast is headed by Thomas Azar as William Shakespeare and Bethany Anne Lind as Will's muse Viola. They are joined by Jeremy Aggers (Wabash/Frees/Heavy Two); Chase Steven Anderson (Tilney); Caleb Baumann (Webster); Scott E. DePoy (Musician); Barrett Doyle (Peter/Valentine/Barman/Guard Two); Allan Edwards (Sir Robert/ Boatman/ Ralph); Richard Garner (Henslow); Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant (Marlow/Robin (Act Two)); Devon Hales (Kate/Queen’s Attendant); Christopher Hampton (Guard One/Adam/Heavy One); Brian Hatch (Burbage); Tinashe Kajese-Bolden (Queen Elizabeth/Molly); Chris Kayser (Fennyman); Tess Malis Kincaid (Nurse); Joe Knezevich (Wessex); Meredith Myers (Mistress Quickly); Alexander Oakley (Abraham/Robin (Act One)); Gillian Rabin (Queen’s Attendant); Benedetto Robinson (Nol/Sampson); Stephen Ruffin (Sam); and Travis Smith (Ned Allyn/Lambert/Catling).
Shakespeare in Love, which tells the fictional story of young Will Shakespeare’s search for inspiration, has previously been seen in London and Ontario.
“I am excited to be returning to the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University, the home of so many great Shakespeare productions over the years, to bring to life the funny, romantic, and poignant story of Will Shakespeare,” said director Garner in an earlier statement. “This play is a joyous celebration of the creative force that fuels the artistic spirit, and I couldn't be happier to be telling this story with this group of Atlanta's best artists. For me and many in the cast this is a homecoming to a very special stage that has hosted many of our past collaborations, and we are all excited to be back here again.”
The creative team also includes sound designer Clay Benning, music director Brandon Bush, set and costume designer Angela Balogh Calin, dialect coach and assistant director Elisa Carlson, choreographer McCree O’Kelley, fight coach Scot J. Mann, and lighting designer Ken Yunker.
Tickets start at $20 and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets are also available online at AllianceTheatre.org/ShakespeareInLove.
(Updated August 30, 2017)
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