Summer Theater Classics Feature Comedy, Myth, History

MADISON, Wis. - EntSun -- Madison Shakespeare Company today announced the details of a packed summer of programming, featuring works by William Shakespeare, Thomas Heywood, and Edmond Rostand, as well as the folk history of Eastern Europe. This international tour of comedy, myth, and history spans several venues, from the Madison Children's Museum Wonderground and Madison Country Day School's amphitheater to a new suburban venue and a comfortable beer garden.

Edward the Fourth, presented June 19-28 at the Madison Children's Museum Wonderground, brings the comedic history of England's greatest party king to Wisconsin audiences for the first time. Written by Shakespeare contemporary Thomas Heywood, this play zooms in on the brother of future King Richard III. Edward drives his courtiers to distraction, his mother to fits, and his mistress' husband to a life of piracy on the high seas. Edward is presented in the heart of Madison's downtown for two weekends only, with tickets available through the museum.

Boris Borisovich's Wonder Tales, presented July 24 - August 2 at Madison Country Day School, is a fresh take on classic Eastern European myth and folklore centered around the wily and unpredictable Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga herself is sometimes helpful, sometimes harmful, but always unexpected. The production shows her interference with the adventures and misadventures of the lovely Vasilisa, the robust Prince, the wise Tsar, and the dreaded stepmother against the beautiful backdrop of the Yahara River. Shakespearean actors meet Old World mythology in this fast-paced and fanciful production. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite for this production, with text newly translated, adapted, and directed by Brian R. Johnson.

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Shakespeare's August Lovers, presented August 20 at Middleton's Stone Horse Green, brings eight classic love stories to the great outdoors for the dog days of summer. A veteran cast breathes life into essential moments of Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and more.

And finally, the Romeo and Juliet Balcony Battle travels to Tyranena Brewing Company's beer garden in Lake Mills on August 22 and 23. This collection of heartwarming love scenes and audience participation games brings the classics up close and personal in a fun, casual environment. An "Instant Juliet" chosen from the audience will select the winner among four castmates competing for her attention and will win the right to play a crucial Romeo scene.

Madison Shakespeare Company has produced engaging and accessible classic theater in south-central Wisconsin since 2012. See https://madisonshakespeare.org for more details.