Each year, and this is their 21st, Shakespeare by the Sea literally begins, and ends, by the sea, at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. Then, like the troupers and troubadours they are, they take their productions up and down the coast and inland to such cities as Whittier and South Pasadena. By now the company has attempted all but one or two of the Bard’s plays, and the annual repertoire almost always features one comedy and one drama, or something light and something sobering. And this year?
The ensemble begins with “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” which is being described as “a rollicking romantic comedy that tells of Falstaff’s folly: courting two married women at the same time. It’s mischief and mayhem galore.”
The play is being directed by long-time company member (director and actor) Cylan Brown. This is what he says about tackling it:
“I am fascinated with ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’ because it is Shakespeare’s only portrayal of the Elizabethan middle class. It’s also the only play he named solely after his female characters, which is fitting as it is a sheer delight to watch the two wives of Windsor pull their delicious pranks on the overconfident Falstaff. With colorful characters including bombastic French doctors, secret young lovers, jealous husbands and comically awkward suitors, we are treated to lighthearted shenanigans as the denizens of this small borough gossip, hatch plans and plot revenges against one another.”
Opening a week later and then running in tandem with “Windsor” is “The Winter’s Tale,” this being “the story of Leontes, a King who banished his family wrongfully, only to be taught the meaning of forgiveness through the inspired plan of a wise, loyal woman.”
Stephanie Coltrin directs this one, and like Cylan Brown she’s been with Shakespeare by the Sea for many years. She begins with a direct quote: “It is required you do awake your faith.”
“‘The Winter’s Tale’ is one of Shakespeare’s final and finest creations and I am thrilled to be directing it for our 21st season,” she says. “The story illustrates the epic, heartbreaking, tragic consequences of jealousy, but, unlike Shakespeare’s tragedies, provides redemption and forgiveness in the form of a miracle. Filled with extraordinary language, its drama is matched by its comedy, and throughout there is a sense of the magical power of grace. When what’s gone and what’s past help is not past grief, the story reminds us that what was lost can indeed be found.”
All events are free (but you can donate). Bring food, blankets, and comfortable clothes. These are the various South Bay locations:
San Pedro – Point Fermin Park
807 Paseo del Mar
8 p.m.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
June 14, 15, 16, 28, 30, July 6, August 18
The Winter’s Tale
June 21, 22, 23, 29, July 5, 7, August 17
Rancho Palos Verdes – Hesse Park
29301 Hawthorne Blvd.
7 p.m.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
July 9
Hermosa Beach – Valley Park
Valley & Gould
2521 Valley Dr.
7 p.m.
The Winter’s Tale
July 11
The Merry Wives of Windsor
July 12
San Pedro – Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles
3601 S. Gaffey St.
7 p.m.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
July 20
Torrance – Charles H. Wilson Park
2200 Crenshaw Blvd.
7 p.m.
The Winter’s Tale
July 27
The Merry Wives of Windsor
July 28
Rancho Palos Verdes – Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way
7 p.m.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
July 29
($10 parking; not outside food allowed, but cash bar and picnic cuisine available onsite)
Manhattan Beach – Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
7 p.m.
The Winter’s Tale
August 10
The Merry Wives of Windsor
August 11
For more information, call (310) 217-7596
shakespearebythesea.org
