Charlotte Shakespeare Festival Gets Underway

William Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers ever. As a poet, playwright, and more, his work continues to be ("To be, or not to be...") revered nearly 400 years after his death. (I believe the recently passed away Dr. Maya Angelou will be remembered for eternity as well.) Each year, a local arts group gets together to celebrate the Bard, therefore the Ninth Annual Charlotte Shakespeare Festival is getting underway, running Thursdays to Sundays, from this evening (May 29) to June 15 at The Green in Uptown (400 S. Tryon Street).

Photo credit: PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com

The show is a 1960s music-inspired version of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labor’s Lost. Here's the synopsis:

Four best friends attempt to swear off women and devote themselves to study for three years, but when a princess and her hot friends show up at their doorstep, will they be able to keep their vow, or will they jump head over heels in love? Directed by Charlotte Shakespeare founder Elise Wilkinson, this hilarious, Beatles-inspired musical romp is set in the 1960s.

Local musicians, performing artists, storytellers, and poets will entertain audiences beginning 45 minutes prior to each performance. All performances and workshops are free, but donations are encouraged ($5 minimum suggested). Seating is first-come, first-served and opens 90 minutes prior to show time. You're welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and picnics are allowed.

Charlotte Shakespeare Festival - Love’s Labor’s Lost Schedule

Thursday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. | Friday, May 30, 8 p.m. | Saturday, May 31, 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 1, 5 p.m. workshop | Sunday, June 1, 6:30 p.m. show

Thursday, June 5, 7:30 p.m. | Friday, June 6, 8 p.m. | Saturday, June 7, 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 8, 5 p.m. workshop | Sunday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. show

Thursday, June 12, 7:30 p.m. | Friday, June 13, 8 p.m. | Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 15, 5 p.m. workshop | Sunday, June 15, 6:30 p.m. show

Then later this summer, the festival recommences and moves indoors to Booth Playhouse for Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Inspired by the exploitation films of the 1970s, Los Angeles-based director Tiger Reel brings a fun and funky vibe to one of the Bard's darkest and most modern comedies. Runs Thursdays to Sundays, August 7-24.

For complete details, visit charlotteshakespeare.com and facebook.com/CLTShakespeare.