Drama
Free Shakespeare on stage in Stamford
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Jun 24, 2010 - 9:28 AM

The cast and crew of Macbeth work to build thier Globe Theatre Stage from the ground up! Reminiscent of an old-fashioned barn-raising that may have occurred at Sterling Farms 125 years ago.

An unearthly prophecy. A plot to kill a head of state. Obsession, deception, witches and warriors...and that's just in the first 15 minutes of Shakespeare's Macbeth! One of the best-known works of Shakespeare - and certainly his shortest tragedy - Macbeth is Curtain Call's 7th annual Shakespeare on the Green production, playing outdoors at Sterling Farms in Stamford, July 9 - 17. Performances are held nightly at 7:30pm on the great lawn alongside The Royal Green Restaurant at Sterling Farms on Newfield Avenue. Direction is by Curtain Call's Associate Artistic Director, Peter Barbieri, Jr.

The cast of 31, lead by J. Kevin Smith (Norwalk) in the title role, includes, from Stamford: Kari Ann Sweeney as Lady Macbeth, as well as Tommy DeSalvo, Brad Eaton, Michael Limone, Julia Maggiola, David Pollard, Jim Ringel, Kevin Thompson and John Zimmerman; from Darien: Kathleen Cameron, Ali Prince, Amy Wade, Cecil Wade and Thomas Wade; from Norwalk: Donna Glen, Andrew Harrington, Kyle Runestad, Smith and Debbie Vingo; Easton: Abigail Hubbard; from Greenwich: Brian Borowka; New Canaan: Thomas Nailor; Westport: Judith Kealey and Manny Lieberman; Madison: Dana Della Monica; and from New York State - Carmel: Joe Efferen; Mamaroneck: Rob Nichols and Jessica Pilcher; NYC: Rebecca Judelson; Port Chester: Larry Reina; White Plains: Bill Warncke.

A scene from Curtain Call's Shakespeare on the Green presentation of Romeo & Juliet, July 2008

This year's free (contributions appreciated) outdoor production will play on Curtain Call's own version of the Globe Theatre stage (designed by Barbieri), July 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17. The park will open to patrons at 6:00 pm each day. Food and beverages will be available in the adjoining tent or may be pre-ordered through The Royal Green Restaurant - 203-322-6244. (Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the park.). Parking is available across the street at Davenport Ridge School.

"Outdoor Shakespeare is a terrific way to introduce audiences to the works of Shakespeare," Ursone said. "The casual atmosphere makes the entire event less intimidating - more accessible - and ultimately more enjoyable," he added. "From Shakespeare aficionados to those hearing his words for the first time, young and old alike will enjoy this production," he said. "This is a truly terrific, full-family event," Ursone said, noting the many families in attendance over the past six years. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets and/or chairs.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (commonly called Macbeth) is believed to have been written sometime between 1603 and 1607. The earliest account of a performance of what was likely Shakespeare's April 1611, when Simon Forman recorded seeing such a play at the Globe Theatre. It was first published in the Folio of 1623, possibly from a prompt book for a specific performance.

Shakespeare's sources for the tragedy are the accounts of King Macbeth of Scotland, Macduff, and Duncan in Holinshed's Chronicles (1587), a history of England, Scotland and Ireland familiar to Shakespeare and his contemporaries. However, the story of Macbeth as told by Shakespeare bears no relation to real events in Scottish history as Macbeth was an admired and able monarch.

Over the past 400 years, the play has attracted some of the greatest actors in the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The play has been adapted to film, television, opera, novels, comic books, and other media. And for those not able to attend Macbeth while it is currently playing in London at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, this is a perfect opportunity to see this magnificent play.

Free outdoor Shakespeare is a summer ritual all around the world, but hadn't been a part of the Stamford cultural landscape until Curtain Call launched this program in 2004. "We're thrilled to be joining other great area presenters in adding to the wonderful opportunities in the arts that Fairfield County is known for. As Stamford's longest-running and only year-round, non-profit producing theatre organization, this program was a natural extension of our expanding base of programs" Ursone said. Barbieri added "I cannot believe that this is our seventh year. It seems like only yesterday that we were building the actual pieces of The Globe. Our audiences have continually grown with many new people showing up each year to enjoy the experience."

Julia Maggiola, Fred Tisch and Julia Robertson in a scene form 2009's The Tempest

This program, the brainchild of Barbieri, is the result of a major collaboration on the part of Curtain Call, The Stamford Golf Authority and The Royal Green Restaurant. "It's an absolutely amazing time for all of us here at Sterling Farms," Ursone noted, adding that for many years people talked about having free Shakespeare in Stamford and now, seven years into it, it's a summer tradition for many. "We are thrilled to be able to provide this annual event free to area residents through the generous financial support of several sponsors like The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, The Garden Homes Foundation, The Fairfield County Weekly, NewAlliance Foundation, The Royal Green Restaurant, Stamford Gives Back, The Stamford Golf Authority, The City of Stamford,The Xerox Foundation and many individuals," he said.

More information is available at www.curtaincallinc.com or by calling 203-329-8207. Curtain Call is the non-profit community-based theatre company in residence at The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Avenue in Stamford. Year-round productions and workshops are presented by and for area residents in The Kweskin Theatre and The Dressing Room Theatre. It was voted Fairfield County's BEST LOCAL THEATRE GROUP 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 in the Annual Readers' Poll of The Fairfield County Weekly and BEST LIVE THEATRE by the readers of Stamford Plus magazine for 2008, 2009 and 2010.

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