Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Carole Mikita ReportingThey're speaking the Bard's language once again in Cedar City. The opening of the Utah Shakespearean Festival brings six plays in three days.
The words of William Shakespeare echo through the ages and across the stage, as the Utah Shakespearean Festival opens its 46th season. Festival Founder Fred Adams says, "We go from towering, majestic tragedy, to absolutely impelling roman drama with all the sword-play in the world, to all the way to absolutely, uproarious farce."
In the spirit of the Bard, the festival encourages new playwrights. This year, the festival will hold a world premiere of "Lend Me a Tenor, the Musical." Peter Sham, wrote the book and lyrics for "Lend Me a Tenor, The Musical." He says, "The play is probably one of the most produced comedies in the last 20 years. Huge, huge hit. There's not a theater in the world that is not producing it in one day. Right now, someone's doing ‘Lend Me A Tenor.'" Composer Brad Carroll says, "It's been translated into 20 languages or something. It's insane."
And another production, festival organizers hope will attract an audience is Shakespeare's "Coriolanus," which was not produced at the festival since 1977. Set in ancient Rome, the story focuses on class struggle.
The festival has something for everyone.
Today, tomorrow and Saturday are actually preview performances. The Utah Shakespearean Festival officially opens Monday, June 25, and runs through September 1 in Cedar City.
