This summer will contain some unforgettable experiences at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, as we gather from Wednesday July 31st to Sunday August 4th.
First will be the warm feelings and wonderful conversations as we experience the greatest treasures of Western Civilization together. Classics scholar Mortimer Adler of Aspen frequently said, “You should never read the Great Books alone.” We believe “You should never Shakespeare alone.”
Second, this summer will feature a radically new and amazingly relevant treatment of Hamlet, though done in olden garb, that Brian Vaughn and Frank Mack, along with fellow Aspen Bardophile Jerry Murdock, have worked on for the past year. There may be something of a “Hamlet Festival” accompanying the stunning production.
Third, this season can be summed up as: USF’s Greatest Hits. It includes favorites of former years – like Hamlet, Macbeth, Twelfth Night,Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and a play Brian says we’ll never forget, Every Brilliant Thing. There’s never been a better play selection, at least in our 29 years of making the pilgrimage.
Fourth, Frank now says there’s a likelihood of ELLEN’S SWEET SHOPPE being up and running by our visit. It will furnish refreshments and sweets in a spot which Frank calls “the outdoor living room” of the Festival. It’s where folks will sit and chat during the day over coffee, sandwiches, and wonderful sweets. It promises to be at the heart and soul of USF, which is fitting for Ellen’s memory – and for the generosity of the Balcony Bards who supported this living, sweet memorial to a great lady.
Last, the Balcony Bards will, alas, have their choice of balconies. Some might stay in the beloved El Rey, while others will mosey down the street to stay in the nearby new digs of The Cottages at Shakespeare Lane. (See the attached sheet for more information on the Cottages.) Either way, please call soon to reserve your rooms in the block Carol has reserved – with Daye at the El Rey (435-586-6518) or Clay Christiansen at the Cottages (435-592-6942).
Next month, we’ll send out Jimmy’s first questionnaire asking the dates of your stay and desired group meals. Please fill it out so we can proceed with arrangements. Later, we will send a second questionnaire to see who wants how many close-up tickets in our block of special seats for:
- Wednesday, July 31st 8:00 PM Twelfth Night
- Thursday, August 1st
- 2:00 PM Every Brilliant Thing
- 8:00 PM The Book of Will
- Friday, August 2nd
- 8:00 PM Macbeth
- 11:30 PM Bardway, Baby
- Saturday, August 3
- 2:00 PM Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
- 8:00 PM Hamlet