London’s award winning director, Michael Walling is heading stateside to act as guest director for this summer’s presentation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at the 36th annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
This theatrical event, which attracts more than 35,000 people every year, celebrates the work of the literature great and includes two live performances of Shakespeare’s classic plays and a contemporary musical performance in the most scenic venue in the world - against the spectacular backdrop of scenic Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Mountains.
Brits looking for somewhere cheaper to holiday in 2008 are being encouraged to take advantage of the weak dollar on the warm, sandy beaches of Sand Harbor State Park, to experience the 36th annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, July 10 – Aug 17, 2008.
This season, the Festival will be showcasing Shakespeare’s tale of “Richard III” alongside “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” A new romantic musical titled “CAMBIO,” based on Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” also takes centre stage on Monday nights.
Michael Walling is currently the artistic director of Border Crossings in London and has directed numerous productions across four continents, winning awards for Two Gentlemen of Verona in the US and Paul & Virginie in Mauritius. He also directed the English National Opera's acclaimed productions of Wagner's Ring at the Coliseum and Barbican theatres. “For a play set in an enchanted forest, there really could be no greater gift to a director than the sublime setting of Lake Tahoe”, says Walling.
Alongside the theatricals, guests will be able to enjoy dinner at the venue on the beach at Shakespeare’s Kitchen, experiencing a blend of traditional and gourmet American cooking with a fresh, organic, Californian twist. Shakespeare’s Vineyard also offers visitors the chance to sample Californian wines along with a full bar.
Catherine Atack, Executive Director for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and ex-pat comments: “Year after year, fans of the event continue to come to enjoy the festival. With the value of the dollar being so low against the pound, and the slide of the Euro, British holiday makers are flocking to the states. The event offers them a chance to take in the marvellous views of Lake Tahoe alongside some great culture from Britain’s own Shakespeare. The Festival has a great atmosphere which, for many visitors, is the major reason for attending as well as the attraction for first-time attendees.”
Tickets and further information are now available online at www.LakeTahoeShakespeare.com with reduced costs for online purchases. Tickets start at $22 for open seating tiers.
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Notes to editor:
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit organisation established for the cultural benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors to Lake Tahoe and Reno. Through its in-house artistic direction, the Festival produces three plays each summer, creating original costuming, set design and choreography, and attracting a team of national and international stage talent. The Festival’s community outreach includes an annual program, InterACT, designed to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, theatre and music.
Michael Walling was an associate director to Peter Sellars on Nixon in China, and to Phyllida Lloyd on The Handmaid's Tale (Canada).
For more information or to request photography, please contact Beth Kay on 0113 3947960 or bethk@wolfstarconsultancy.com
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