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By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

LENOX, Mass. – As the summer heats up the picturesque grounds of Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Massachusetts are set to come alive with a dynamic lineup for the 2024 festival season, promising an engaging blend of classic and contemporary theater.

Yes, you can come to “Find the Bard in the Berkshires,” as the festival’s tagline suggests, but that is far from all.

A walk around the 33-acre grounds that host the company’s works on a sunny day offers a feast for the senses. Joggers and dog walkers pass by actors honing their crafts under swaying trees, stagehands work on sets amongst glorious gardens and works of sculpture.

The philosophy at Shakespeare & Company is one of inclusion—inclusion in the way that we think of it these days, as in adding diversity to our workforce, which, by the way, Shakespeare & Company is pretty good at and has been for years, but also inclusion in that all are welcome to come and experience the magic of their idyllic grounds. 

Whether you are coming for a show or not, you are invited to come and have a drink and a meal on the patio of the Tina Packer Playhouse or have a luncheon picnic on the grounds. It’s all part of the experience.

Artistic Director Allyn Burrows and Director of Marketing and Communications Jaclyn Stevenson provide a tantalizing preview of what’s in store. In an interview they underscored their commitment to diverse, thought-provoking and entertaining performance, and an invitation to all.

“We’re starting with a play by the extraordinary playwright Lee Blessing,” said Burrows. “His work, ‘A Walk in the Woods,’ was a hit here a few years ago, and now we’re excited to present his comedic and absurdist play, “A Body of Water” directed by James Warwick.” Set in the Roman Garden Theatre, the play runs from June 21 to July 21 and promises an immersive experience in an outdoor setting, ideal for a summer evening.

The season continues with “Shake It Up: A Shakespeare Cabaret,” a unique fusion of Shakespearean texts and rock and roll music. Featuring local musicians like Johnny Irion and Jaclyn Stevenson (yes, Jaclyn Stevenson, the company’s marketing director), the cabaret will explore the intersection of Shakespeare’s influence on rock music.

“It’s going to be a raucous show with performances that draw surprising connections between Shakespeare and rock lyrics,” said Burrows.

This production will take place at the Tina Packer Playhouse, which will be outfitted cabaret-style, adding to the immersive experience.

One of the season’s highlights is undoubtedly the vaudevillian interpretation of “Comedy of Errors,” directed by Kate Kohler Amory. Set in the newly renamed Arthur Waldstein Amphitheater under the great pines, this evening performance aims to enchant audiences as the sun sets, creating a magical backdrop for Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identities and comedic chaos.

Following the summer’s mainstays, the season includes the world premiere of “The Islanders” by Carey Crim. Running from July 25 to Aug. 25, the comedy explores the unexpected romance between two late-in-life individuals. Directed by Reggie Life, the play is touted as a testament to human connection and resilience.

Adding to the season’s allure, Shakespeare and Company will host a regional premiere of a new family drama “Flight of the Monarch,” written by Jim Frangione. This production features Burrows himself, reuniting on stage with long-time collaborator Corinna May after 22 years.

“It’s a family drama with a twist, and we’re keeping some surprises under wraps,” hinted Burrows.

The season also features enhanced staged readings, such as “The Winter’s Tale,” directed by the company’s founding artistic director, Tina Packer, offering a focused exploration of Shakespeare’s rich text in a more intimate format. Additionally, the theater will present the world premiere of “Three Tall Persian Women” by Awni Abdi-Bahri, a poignant and humorous portrayal of an Iranian family navigating life in America.

Aside from staging world class productions, Shakespeare and Company’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement shines through in their educational initiatives. Their programs reach into regional high schools, offering students immersive experiences with Shakespeare’s works, and they also conduct extensive training programs for young and mid-career actors.

As the company prepares for the new season, they invite audiences to join them in celebrating the enduring power of live theater. From engaging with Shakespeare’s timeless works to discovering new voices, Shakespeare and Company’s 2024 season promises to be a memorable journey through the magic of performance. And you are invited to experience it all.

“It’s about making the work accessible and seeing the transformative power of live theater,” emphasized Burrows.

The company’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is woven into the fabric of their operations.

“We want everyone who steps onto this property to feel welcome and represented,” said Stevenson. “It’s about creating a brave and safe space for all walks of life.”

For tickets and more information, visit Shakespeare and Company at https://www.shakespeare.org.