“We that are true lovers run into strange capers.” And this caper is definitely one of Shakespeare's strangest.
Welcome to the start of a new season!!! And of course we will do it the way we always do, "Shakespeare Raw".
How does it work? I'm glad you asked.
A group of actors arrive the day of the show having read (or at least skimmed) the script so they are at passingly familiar with the text. Then, they pull a character name from the casting director (aka the Hat) to learn who they will be playing that night. They then have approximately 10 minutes to get into character (read: grab a drink) and get ready for their first scene. And the next one. And the one after that. You get the idea.
"But I'm not familiar with the play" you say, well, here's the gist:
Rosalind, the daughter of Duke Senior (the banished duke), is raised at the court of Duke Frederick (who is younger brother to Duke Senior and took over his dukedom), with her cousin Celia (daughter to Duke Frederick). She falls in love with a young man named Orlando, but before she can even think twice about it, she is banished by Duke Frederick, who threatens death if she comes near the court again. Celia, being Rosalind's best friend, goes with Rosalind (who is disguised as a boy, Ganymede) and Touchstone, the court's fool, to the forest of Arden. Upon their arrival in the forest, they happen upon Orlando and his manservant, who are fleeing the wrath of Orlando's eldest brother. What follows is an elaborate scheme devised by the cross-dressing Rosalind to find out the verity of Orlando's supposed passion for her, and to further capture his heart, through the witty and mischievous façade of Ganymede.
Totally straight forward and not complicated at all. Easy peasy.
You'll have three opportunities to catch this spectacle, March 9th, 10th and 11th all at 7:30pm. Doors officially open at 7pm.
The location? Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery. Yeah, the one that looks like a castle. We're doing Shakespeare in a CASTLE!!! A castle with on-street parking. When there isn’t a nearby concert or Bucks game anyway.
Cost is $10 at the door or $5 if you're in Drag. Because of the show. Because it’s a comedic tradition type thing. Totally not a way to annoy people who lack a sense of humour about this type of thing at all. Of course not. So ladies, grab a suit and fake mustache! Dudes, remember that your ladies shoe size is two up from your male one. So, you know, something like this gets you $5 off. That's another $5 you can spend at the bar.
Can you dig it??? Oooooooooooh yeeeeeah!!!
Also check out other Entertainment events in Milwaukee, Workshops in Milwaukee, Concerts in Milwaukee.
