The Wicked Folly Tour features performances of Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, and a world-premiere adaptation of Sense and Sensibility
American Shakespeare Center (ASC) will present sneak-peek performances of the 2017/18 Wicked Folly Tour productions of Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, and a world-premiere adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility during the annual “Tour Takeover Week” August 30 through September 3 at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton.
Tour Takeover Week begins with Macbeth on August 30. From the first words of the play until the title character loses his head, Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy is also his most unrelenting examination of the dark side of humanity. Driven to bloody deeds by their lust for power and supernatural predictions, Macbeth and his Lady fight to hold on to their ill-gotten throne, their sanity, and each other by any means necessary. Audiences can catch Macbeth on August 30 (pay-what-you-will) at 7:30pm or September 2 and 2:00pm.
The Taming of the Shrew follows on August 31. This hilarious comedy is much more than a battle of the sexes; it is also a profound look at the necessity of play in our lives. This production includes Shakespeare’s Induction, which presents the Kate and Petruchio story as a play within the play. Blending romantic comedy and outlandish farce, Shakespeare gives us a love story of psychological liberation and the mysteries of being married. Performances are August 31 (pay-what-you-will) and September 2 at 7:30pm.
Emma Whipday’s world-premiere adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, written exclusively for Shakespeare’s Staging Conditions, performs September 1 (pay-what-you-will) at 7:30pm and September 3 at 2:00pm. After their father dies, the Dashwood women must learn to embrace a new life, for better or for worse. Sisters Marianne (a hopeless romantic) and Elinor (a stoic realist) experience the pitfalls of society, the generosity of new friends, and the passion of unexpected love in this world-premiere adaptation of Jane Austen’s exquisite early work. By battling through vicious gossip, relative poverty, and silly characters, these sisters learn the importance of both sense and sensibility.
The 2017/18 Wicked Folly Tour is the ASC’s 29th annual tour. The tour brings a unique performance style to venues across the country by blending Shakespeare’s stagecraft with modern sensibility. The company uses Shakespeare’s Staging Conditions: universal lighting, minimal sets, character doubling, cross-gender casting, and live music. ASC on Tour has performed in 46 US states, one US territory, and five other countries.
The Wicked Folly Tour features Hilary Caldwell, Josh Clark, Topher Embrey, Ally Farzetta, J.C. Long, Mitchell McCollum, Kyle Powell, Annabelle Rollison, Ronald Román-Meléndez, Calder Shilling, and Constance Swain.
Best seats start at $54 on weekends. Residents of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County can take advantage of $18 mid-week local rush tickets on Wednesday and Thursday night performances. Military, AAA, senior, and student discounts are available. Tickets and more information are available at www.americanshakespearecenter.com or by calling the box office at 1.877.MUCH.ADO.