Fast-moving—the shortest and one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays for modern audiences—Macbeth is action-packed with sword fights, wierd sisters bubbling up trouble, and one couple's bloody thirst for power. Set in 11th century Scotland, the set is designed by J. David Blatt, who designed last season’s stunning, revolving, magical island for The Tempest. The 11th century costumes and setting, with its Stonehenge-like monuments, transport the audience to Macbeth’s dark, bloody world of murder and sorcery. Sounds like it's gonna be like an old school horror movie, mwah ha ha. Macbeth will run from Wednesday, June 28th through Sunday, July 9th.

Illyria, a musical comedy by John R. Briggs and Eric Frampton, based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, will play from Thursday, July 13th through Sunday, July 30th. The musical is set on the enchanted island of Illyria, upon which a twin brother and sister are shipwrecked and separated, and the Duke proclaims

“If music be the food, of love, play on.”

“If music be the food, of love, play on.” And the music does play on—with seventeen songs of comedy and romance ranging from classical to country-western. Illyria, which premiered six years ago at the Georgia Shakespeare Festival in Atlanta—where it was extended due to popular demand—is directed by Mr. Briggs, who directed last summer’s smash hit production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. Now, musicals are my specialty and I truly, truly love them, but I always worry a little when people go crazy places with Sir Willy. But I've come to trust Virginia Shakes, so I'll reserve my opinions for now.

The third Virginia Shakespeare play is the Wedgewood Renaissance production of Edward Albee’s 1994 Pulitzer Prize winning drama Three Tall Women. From the playwright who gave us Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? comes this piercing story of a powerful, regal widow who questioningly reflects back upon her life. Three Tall Women had its world premiere in Vienna and ran for two years in New York to critical acclaim. I am ashamed to admit I don't actually know this classic. I know that condemns me forever from the Good Theatre Major Hall of Fame, but that's just the way it is, I suppose. Three Tall Women runs from Thursday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 13th.

Box Office for the Virginia Shakespeare Festival is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 6pm and Sundays from 12 noon to 4pm at Phi Beta Kappa Hall - 601 Jamestown Road in Williamsburg.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $25 for groups of twenty or more, $10 for students, and a season ticket for all three productions is onlt $45.

Reservations may also be made by phone by calling (757) 221 – 2674 during those hours listed.

For more information contact:
Bodde Bauer, Promotions Manager
Virginia Shakespeare Festival
757) 221 – 2683