Estimated read time: 2-3 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
Shelley Osterloh ReportingA true Shakesperarian classic, a modern musical about the old west and a tender love story set during the depression -- the Tony award winning, Utah Shakespearean Festival kicks off its Fall season this Friday and promises a variety of theatrical experiences.
The Merchant of Venice is a story of love and humor, racism and greed. It is perhaps Shakespeare's most controversial comedy with one of his most memorial characters, Shylock.
The struggle for justice and mercy, the complexity of humankind, and the nature of forgiveness and love are themes the show's director says are as relevant today as they were 400 years ago.
J.R. Sullivan, Director, Merchant of Venice: "But the plays passions are what touch people right now and frighten us too, and given the political and social atmosphere we live in today. It can't help but strike us and shatter us a new with the great truths of human behavior."
Both the best and worst of human behavior.
Also playing is a regional premier of a hit new musical, Johnny Guitar. It's about two determined, pistol-packin' women who face off over men, land, and just plain cussedness. It's a comic look at the 50's westerns.
R. Scott Phillips, Festival Director: "Where we sort of take and we put a spin and spoof on the American western, but it's a musical. And people need to come and sit back and relax and have a very good and funny time with Johnny Guitar."
The third show in the repertoire is "Peg O My Heart," a rarely performed play about a depression-era Irish-American waif who is sent to England to be trained in the proper social graces.
The plays are designed so you can see all three in a couple of days, with plenty of other things to see and do too.
R. Scott Phillips, Festival Director: "We have backstage tours, we have acting seminars, we have prop seminars, we really have tried to replicate very much what people have come to expect in the summer time only in more intimate fashion."
The fall season opens Friday and continues through October 28th.
