News From the Festival
The Festival Opens 63rd Season
The Utah Shakespeare Festival officially opened last week, and is celebrating its 63rd season in Cedar City, offering an enriching and fun cultural experience that captivates audiences of all ages. The Festival has become a cherished tradition for many theatre lovers, families, and newcomers alike. If you’ve never been, come and discover the magic this summer!
The play lineup in the Festival’s three theatres includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious comedy The 39 Steps, the moving and tender Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop. The latter two will open on July 15 and 16, respectively.
“The Festival’s 2024 Season focuses on history makers and extraordinary characters,” says Artistic Director John DiAntonio. “This dynamic line-up of plays invites audiences to explore the question: ‘Who can we trust?’ Living in an age of endless choices, updates, and opinions, it’s an important theme to explore.”
“Strong female characters are another theme this season,” comments Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr, “with Queen Katherine, Queen Hermione, ‘Kate the Cursed,’ and Beatrice teaming up to represent some of Shakespeare’s strongest women. They are not to be outdone, however; the women from The 39 Steps, Silent Sky, and The Mountaintop are all exceptional too!”
In addition to the mainstage productions, enjoy free family fun at The Greenshow every evening at 7:10 pm, Monday through Saturday. This year’s themes are Royals, featuring Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots (before performances of Henry VIII), Folk Festival (before performances of The Winter’s Tale), and Commedia (before performances of The Taming of the Shrew). These dynamic family-friendly outdoor shows feature singing, dancing, stories, music, and audience participation. Bring a blanket and stretch out on the grass or cozy up on a bench for these lively 30-minute pre-show performances. Also this season, the Festival again welcomes the Paiute Tribe of Utah with special Greenshow performances on July 8 and 23, and August 7 and 29.
What is affectionately known as the Festival Experience ensures that audiences’ participation goes beyond––and sometimes behind––the stage. An expansive array of seminars, orientations, Backstage Tours, Repertory Magic, classes, camps, and more aim to enhance patrons’ understanding of Shakespeare and other playwrights’ works and the process of repertory theatre. Some are free; others have an admission fee. Much of the Festival Experience is thoughtfully designed to demystify the Bard’s language and themes, making his works accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of prior exposure to Shakespeare.
For those interested in even more theatrical experiences, the Festival also hosts a new play reading series called Words Cubed in August where audience and actors come together with playwrights to experience and discuss their new works. Additionally, students from London’s renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) will present a condensed touring production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream July 30-August 3 in the Anes Studio Theatre.
We invite you to experience the magic of the Utah Shakespeare Festival this season. Whether you’re sharing the joy of Shakespeare with your family for the first time or rediscovering his or other playwrights’ genius, the Festival offers a welcoming, engaging, and unforgettable experience for everyone. Get your tickets today at bard.org, by calling 800-PLAYTIX, or visiting the Ticket Office near the clocktower.
Spotlight on Familiar Faces: Returning Actors Shine at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival kicks off its 63rd season on TONIGHT (on June 17) and invites audiences to experience a lineup of timeless classics and compelling new works through October 5. Celebrating the return of beloved patrons, the Festival is equally thrilled to welcome back many esteemed members of the seasonal company.
Each of the Festival’s productions listed below not only showcases the performing talents of returning actors, directors, and artists, but also underscores the Festival’s commitment to nurturing a community of artists who grow and evolve alongside their audience.
Henry VIII by William Shakespeare
Festival Director of New Plays/Artistic Associate Derek Charles Livingston is directing Shakespeare’s final history play, Henry VIII, which is rarely produced and last at the Festival nearly 30 years ago. Last season, Topher Embrey charmed Festival patrons as Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This year he leads Henry VIII in the title role, with Cassandra Bissell returning as Queen Katherine and Chris Mixon as Cardinal Wolsey. Other returning actors joining them on stage include: Evelyn Carol Case, Christopher Centinaro, Trent Dahlin, Darin F. Earl II, John Harrell, Geoffrey Kent, Marco Antonio Vega, Spencer Watson, Henry Woronicz, and Braedon Young.
The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare
Filled with contrast, one of Shakespeare’s later and lesser-known plays, The Winter’s Tale, balances themes of jealousy and love. Audiences will journey from conflict to reunion with returning actors Geoffrey Kent as Polixenes and Tracie Lane as Hermione. The cast also includes other familiar faces: Michael Doherty, Topher Embrey, John Harrell, Chris Mixon, Bailey Savage, Christopher Centinaro, and Kinsley Seegmiller.
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
After delivering a sparkling Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical in her Festival directorial debut last season, Valerie Rachelle returns to direct The Taming of the Shrew. Returning actors include: Chris Mixon as Baptista Minola, Blake Henri as Grumio, Cassandra Bissell as Tranio/Huntsman, Topher Embrey as Christopher Sly/Curtis, and Melinda Parrett as Josephina/Widow/Server. The cast also features returning actors John Harrell, Geoffrey Kent, and Christopher Centinaro.
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Beloved director Brad Carroll returns to direct Much Ado About Nothing. Returning actors bringing this romantic romp to life include Henry Woronicz as Leonato, Jimmy Nguyen as Claudio, Melinda Parrett as Beatrice, and Marco Antonio Vega as Don John. Additional familiar faces include: Ashley Aquino, Evelyn Carol Case, Trent Dahlin, Darin F. Earl II, Blake Henri, Matthew Wangemann, Spencer Watson, and Braedon Young.
The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow
Having played a clown in the Festival’s 2010 production of The 39 Steps, Aaron Galligan-Stierle is returning to the play, this time as the director. Audiences will laugh out loud with returning actors Michael Doherty as Clown #1, Tracie Lane as Annabella/Margaret/Pamela, and Bailey Savage as Clown #2.
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Festival veteran Melinda Pfundstein, Silent Sky features Katie Cunningham returning to the Festival to portray Henrietta Leavitt. Additional returning actors include Kat Lee as Margaret Leavitt and Sarah Shippobotham as Williamina Fleming.
The Mountaintop by Katori Hall
Cameron Knight is returning to direct The Mountaintop at the Festival, having directed The Tempest and Richard III in the past. Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., audience members watch as he confronts both his mortality and the future of his work. “It puts a human touch and human connection on the legend that is Martin Luther King Jr. and brings him back down to the people,” Knight said.
Tickets for Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, as well as The 39 Steps, Silent Sky and The Mountaintop can be found online at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.
Welcome 2024 Anes Company Members
As the curtains prepare to rise on the Festival’s 63rd season, beginning this week in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, and the following week in the Randall L. Jones Theatre, a delightful blend of returning and new artists arrived last week on Monday, June 10, to begin the process for two productions in our third space, the Anes Studio Theatre. These shows will open in mid-July and run through October 5.
The gathering was filled with anticipation, nostalgia, excitement, and some nervous energy. Artistic Director John DiAntonio gave a warm welcome by saying, “You are in an extraordinary place and it’s easy to take that for granted…but you are surrounded by some of the best artists in the country and in a community that is thrilled to have you…I hope you fill up your cup this summer through the art and through connections.” Featuring two captivating period pieces penned by esteemed contemporary playwrights, this group of theatre technicians have since jumped enthusiastically into their work.
Audiences can expect to be transported by these stories––Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Melinda Pfundstein, and The Mountaintop by Katori Hall, directed by Cameron Knight––that delve into the lives of some important historical trail blazers.
The inspiring narrative of Silent Sky tells a story of indomitable spirit about pioneering astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and truth weaves a tale not only about difficult challenges she faced but also of discovering light and love within.
The Mountaintop tells a fictional but powerful story of Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night on earth. While his legacy is full of potency and grace, this poignant story also serves as a reminder of his struggles, vulnerabilities, and pressures to be a leader in a pivotal time.
Both directors have a strong history with the Festival, and lead artistic teams and casts who are preparing extraordinary productions. One of the advantages of performing in the Anes Theatre is the opportunity to experience these stories in an intimate setting. With only 200 seats, audiences are very close to the action onstage. Another exciting element in this space this season is the use of projection to tell the stories. Without giving anything away, it will be something not to be missed.
Welcome to the 2024 Anes company!
Tickets and information for Silent Sky and The Mountaintop, along with the Festival’s other productions including Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, as well as the hilarious whodunit comedy The 39 Steps, can be found online at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.
The Greenshow: 10 Fun Facts
From the early years of the Festival, The Greenshow has always been an audience (and performer) favorite. First developed by the late Barbara Adams over sixty years ago, this free 30-minute family-friendly entertainment before the evening plays happens every Monday through Saturday at 7:10 p.m. beginning June 17 through September 7.
This season, returning director Britannia Howe has created three distinct and exciting themes which rotate in correspondence with the evening shows in the outdoor Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre: Royals Night, Folk Festival Night, and Commedia Night. In addition, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah returns as part of The Greenshow and will perform four special evenings throughout the season.
“I love the spirit of The Greenshow,” says Howe. “It invites audiences into our space to play. It is vital for our world-building, to create a joyful experience with our guests.”
Whether you are a first-comer to The Greenshow, or have attended for over sixty years, here are some fun things to know about this Festival staple held on the Ashton Family Greenshow Commons.
- Howe is returning for her fifth year as writer and director of The Greenshow, having also helmed it in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023. She has created 14 Greenshows for the Festival so far and is always looking for new stories, themes, and music, while striving to keep the nostalgia of the traditional Greenshow.
- Royals Night, which plays on the same night as Henry VIII, is inspired by the lineage of King Henry VIII with songs from English, Irish, and Scottish folk traditions. Special appearances include Queen Elizabeth I; Mary, Queen of Scots; and a couple members of a favorite Loch Ness family.
2024 Production Renderings: scenic designs by Ben Hohman. - Folk Night, which plays the same night as The Winter’s Tale, draws on those Shakespearean characters who live in the Bohemian wilderness. With themes of a summertime arts festival, there will be folk songs, lively stories, and artistic characters to enchant the audience.
- Commedia Night, which precedes performances of The Taming of the Shrew, is inspired by Italy and features stock characters from Commedia dell’Arte. There will be lots of fun tricks, jokes, and plenty of puns.
- Don’t miss our friends from the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah who will take the stage on July 8 and 23, and August 7 and 29 for their very own Greenshow performances, including traditional drumming, dances, music, and regalia.
- Many of the props used in The Greenshows have an important feel of nostalgia because they have been used in past seasons. One to look out for on Royals Night is the Mama Nessie puppet which was first used in The Greenshow and The Royal Feast over 25 years ago and requires two people to manipulate. Also, Mama Nessie appears during an original song composed by Festival Music Director Brandon Grayson with lyrics by Grayson and Howe. (BONUS FUN FACT: Grayson has either arranged, music directed, produced, or composed 100 songs exactly for The Greenshow in the past five years!)
- All The Greenshow performers this season are alumni or current students of Southern Utah University. (Go T-Birds!)
- This is Trey Plutnicki’s first year as a choreographer for the Festival and The Greenshow. He was a featured performer in The Greenshow in 2019 and 2021. Some may recognize him from the reality television show Squid Game: The Challenge.
Ashley Aquino (left) and Gracelyn Erickson as Featured Performers in The Greenshow, 2024. Photo by Karl Hugh. - When writing The Greenshow, Howe says she tries to include references to the history of the Festival. For example, one of the songs this season references the large sycamore trees that shade The Greenshow stage.
- This is the first time The Greenshow costumes have been co-designed by longtime Festival employees Diana Girtain and Jeff Lieder. They were especially excited about designing and crafting the gowns for the two queens on Royals Night. “I have wanted to have Queen Elizabeth appear on The Greenshow stage for years,” says Howe. “This year I thought it was the right opportunity because of the connection to Henry VIII, as she was his and Anne Boleyn’s daughter.” Girtain and Lieder designed her and Mary, Queen of Scots’ dresses in such a way that the actors could still dance and move about with ease.
The Greenshow is a perfect way for families and patrons of all ages to enjoy the Festival Experience. Don’t forget to book your tickets to the mainstage productions of Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, Much Ado About Nothing, The 39 Steps, Silent Sky, and The Mountaintop. Visit bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX for tickets and information.
The Greenshow Through the Years
The Greenshow was created in the early years of the Festival by the late Barbara Adams, wife of Festival founder Fred C. Adams. She was adamant that there be nightly pre-show entertainment that featured music, dancing, and––for many years––a Punch and Judy puppet show. Today the tradition of singing, storytelling, dancing, and audience participation on the green continues.
Enjoy these photos from previous productions of The Greenshow!
Silent Sky: 10 Fun Facts
Set in the intimate Eileen and Allen Anes Theatre, Silent Sky tells the true story of the unforgettable female scientist—Henrietta Leavitt––and her cohorts at the Harvard College Observatory who had an incredible impact on astronomy in the early 20th century.
“I am thrilled to explore this inspiring story of breaking barriers and the light in all of us, with a brilliant creative team of collaborators at the Festival,” Director Melinda Pfundstein said. “I can’t wait to begin.”
This is the first time the play has seen Festival stages, so enjoy these ten fun facts below to prepare you for the production. Visit our study guide to learn more about the characters to fully appreciate the facts listed below.
- Pfundstein is returning to the Festival, having directed The Book of Will, The Merchant of Venice, and All’s Well That Ends Well, among others. She has acted in over 30 Festival productions throughout the years, some of her favorites being Mother in Ragtime, Margaret in Richard III, and Constance in King John.
- Lauren Gunderson also wrote the play The Book of Will, so although this is Pfundstein’s first time directing Silent Sky, it isn’t her first Gunderson play.
- Gunderson isn’t only a playwright, but also a musical book writer, screenwriter, and short story/children’s author. She also writes for The Huffington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She has also been one of the most produced playwrights in America (American Theatre Magazine) since 2015, topping the list three times.
- Before devoting her studies to writing, Gunderson once dreamed of being a physics major. This makes sense as many of Gunderson’s works highlight scientific progress.
- Henrietta Leavitt made a scientific discovery that changed the world of astronomy forever. She is known for the discovery of the relationship between period and luminosity in Cepheid variable stars. This led to the first distance measurement for a galaxy outside the Milky Way. Ultimately, Leavitt’s discoveries made it possible to map out the universe. The pictures of stars on glass plates that Leavitt used to make her discoveries are still in the Harvard archives.
- Leavitt worked alongside the famous Scottish astronomer Williamina Fleming, who is known for her discovery of the Horsehead Nebula in 1888 and many other astronomical contributions. Leavitt’s coworker Annie Cannon’s work was also imperative to the development of stellar classification.
- Following her 1892 graduation from Radcliffe College, Leavitt lost most of her hearing after contracting a serious illness.
- Projections will be used in the Festival’s production to replicate and illuminate the starry sky. “Light and projection, designed for our play by Jaymi Smith and Joe Payne, will literally paint the picture of the galaxy and the various scene settings, as we navigate the characters’ journey to understanding the light of the stars,” Pfundstein said.
- Katie Cunningham, who is playing Henrietta Leavitt, was last at the Festival in 2019 and played roles in The Book of Will, Macbeth, and Twelfth Night.
- Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha is taking on the role of Peter Shaw in Silent Sky, alongside playing Martin Luther King Jr. in The Mountaintop.
Silent Sky previews on July 12 and runs until October 5. Visit bard.org/plays/silent-sky to purchase tickets.
Meet the Cast: Silent Sky
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to announce the cast of Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Melinda Pfundstein.
Telling the true story of nineteenth century scientist Henrietta Leavitt, the play is a celebration of science, family, discovery, female achievement, and the light in all of us.
“I hope this story inspires our audience to consider the wonder in their own lives. The relationships they hold dear, and the legacy they hope to leave through the expression of their own light in the world,” Pfundstein said. “I believe that this play is an invitation to do just that.”
The cast is as follows:
Katie Cunningham is returning to the Festival as Henrietta Leavitt in Silent Sky. Previous roles at the Festival include Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Rebecca Heminges in The Book of Will, Maria in Twelfth Night, and more. Off-Broadway credits include those at The Actors’ Company Theatre. Other credits include eleven seasons at Clarence Brown Theatre, Asolo Rep, PlayMakers Rep, and more. She received a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Florida State University and a bachelor of arts degree from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Cunningham is an Assistant Professor of Theatre and Head of Acting at University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Kat Lee is returning to the Festival as Margaret Leavitt in Silent Sky. Previous roles at the Festival include Mrs. Weston in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, Lady Montague in Romeo and Juliet, and Ensemble in Ragtime and The Greenshow. Other credits include A Christmas Carol at Denver Center, Clue at Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Into The Breeches at Lyric Repertory Theatre, and more. Lee received the Festival’s 2023 Michael and Jan Finlayson Actor Award. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Otterbein University.
Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha is debuting at the Festival as Peter Shaw in Silent Sky and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in The Mountaintop. He has performed at LaJolla Playhouse, Seattle Rep, and Asolo Rep, and many others. Television credits include Days of Our Lives, NCIS-LA, All My Children, and more. Film credits include Shirley (starring Regina King) and 8989 Redstone. Murtadha is a founding member of Africana Repertory Theatre of IU Indianapolis, an ensemble member of the Fonseca Theatre Company, and on the artistic board of Crescent City Stage in New Orleans. Awards include Best Actor at the New Orleans Short Film Festival and the NAACP Award for Best Ensemble at The Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. He is an Assistant Professor in the BFA Acting program and Co-Artistic Director of The Mosaic Theatre Company at Auburn University. Murtadha received a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University and Master of Fine Arts from University of California, San Diego. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Alia Shakira is debuting at the Festival as Annie Cannon in Silent Sky and Camae in The Mountaintop. Other credits include The House That Will Not Stand at Horizon Theater, A Lady and A Woman at Impact Theater, numerous plays at New Federal Theatre, and more. Television credits include The First Lady, The Come Up, Woke, and the film The Color Purple. Shakira received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Howard University and is thrilled to be making her Festival debut.
Sarah Shippobotham is returning to the Festival as Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky. She previously played Duchess of York in Richard III and multiple roles in Pericles, The Comedy of Errors, and The Conclusion of Henry VI: Parts Two and Three at the Festival. She recently wrote and performed in the world premiere of her one-woman show Can I Say Yes to That Dress at Salt Lake Acting Company. She has worked as a voice and dialect coach at the Shaw Festival for eighteen years and as a dialect coach at Pioneer Theatre Company. She received her education at the Royal Central School of Music and Drama in London and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales, and is thrilled to be back for another season.
Produced in the intimate Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre, Silent Sky previews July 12 and runs until October 5. Visit bard.org to purchase tickets.
Welcome to the 2024 Seasonal Company
The Utah Shakespeare Festival welcomed this summer’s seasonal company on Monday, May 6, with an opening meeting and a day full of first rehearsals, costume measurements, tours of the facilities and workspaces, and more for those working to put the 2024 season together.
While there have been some seasonal staff in Cedar City who started the build process earlier this year, the majority of the performing company, production artists, stage managers, and company management staff began on or around May 6. Additionally, the lead design teams, including directors, designers (scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and projection), choreographers, dramaturgs, music director, fight/intimacy directors, voice and text coaches, props, and hair and makeup artists began their work last fall, though most didn’t arrive on site until last week.
Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr and Artistic Director John DiAntonio enthusiastically welcomed all those in attendance at the opening meeting in the Randall L. Jones Theatre.
“You are in an extraordinary place,” said DiAntonio. “You’re at 6,000 feet elevation, in a rural mountain town––where it can snow at any instant [referencing the late spring snow storm the day before]––surrounded by national parks, some of the best artists in the nation, and a community that is thrilled to have you. I hope you fill your cup this season.”
That evening the Guild of the Utah Shakespeare Festival hosted a welcome dinner in the courtyard of the beloved retired Adams Memorial Theatre for all those artists spending their summer in Cedar City. Also in attendance were year-round staff, families and friends, and special guests.
Over 300 seasonal staff come to town, many of whom return year after year, calling the Festival their artistic home. They come from all over the country, including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Denver, among many other places. Later, closer to the shows’ openings, more staff will arrive, including house management/ushers, ticket office staff, and concessions personnel. In addition, volunteers from the local community fill out the ranks of people it requires to put on a successful season.
The casts and crews have approximately six weeks to rehearse and build five shows for the Engelstad and Randall Theatres, as well as three different Greenshows, with preview audiences arriving on June 17. The second wave of performing company members, lead design staff, and production artists arrive mid-June to prepare two more shows, these for the Anes Studio Theatre. These productions welcome audiences on July 12.
“It’s simply incredible the amount of work and artistry that goes into making sure the season is ready to welcome our guests––the audiences,” says Bahr. “Our 63rd season promises to be one celebrating history makers and extraordinary characters. Don’t miss it!”
Tickets are available by calling 800-PLAYTIX or visiting bard.org. The season runs through October 5.
Shelley Takes Helm as Education Director
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce that Stewart Shelley has been appointed as education director following Katherine Norman’s departure last month. He has been with the Festival for two years in other education roles and is excited to take on the position as director.
Education is a fundamental part of the Festival’s mission. Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr believes Shelley will carry on the educational legacy that has distinguished the Festival for decades and provide a vision for its continued growth.
“Stewart has such a love for the work of educating students, patrons, teachers, and anyone interested in learning more about the world of theatre and Shakespeare,” says Bahr.
Artistic Director John DiAntonio emphasizes Shelley’s influence on the Festival’s success in building connections through education: “He has played an essential role in the Education Department over the last two years, creating a major impact on the Festival’s renowned Shakespeare Competition, our audience engagement work in the Seminar Grove, the recent Bard’s Birthday Bash, and much more.”
Shelley attended Brigham Young University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts Education, and later earned a master’s degree in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University.
He spent 19 years as a high school theatre teacher. Stewart’s experience with the Festival runs deep, as he attended the Festival’s Shakespeare Competition as a teenager and later brought his own students to the competition as a teacher.
“The programming that Michael Bahr and Katherine Norman created as former education directors is really strong and rooted in the community,” says Shelley about the durability of the education program at the Festival.
DiAntonio adds, “Stewart, too, brings a wealth of experience and deep knowledge, especially of the Utah educational system. I cannot wait to see where he and the team take the Education Department in the years to come.”
Programs overseen by Shelley’s department throughout the year include the Shakespeare in the Schools tour, PlayTeam workshops, and Shakespeare Competition, among other things.
During the summer they manage the pre-show orientations and post-show play seminars in the Balcony Bards Seminar Grove. They are also responsible for Backstage Tours, Shakespearience, School Days, and summer camps and classes.
Speaking of which, now is the perfect time for anyone interested in participating in summer camps and classes to sign up! Shelley encourages students of all ages to dive in and learn more about the Bard.
“Playmakers Summer Day Camp is a perfect way for youth who are local to play on the stage,” says Shelley. Created for students ages five to seventeen, it’s perfect for those who have never been on a stage before to those who love to perform. It runs June 10-22, from 2-4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Students have the chance to build theatre skills through movement, voice, improv, and more, with a final Saturday performance for family and friends. Registration closes May 31.
Other youth camps include Junior Actor Training (for ages twelve to fourteen) on July 15-20 and Theatre Training (for ages fifteen to eighteen) on July 22-27, both of which are sleep-away camps where students get to work with professional Festival actors or production staff. Space in both is limited and registration closes July 5 and 12, respectively.
Teachers can also get in on fun summertime classes too. “Teaching Shakespeare” is specifically for English and Theatre educators and takes place July 15-18. “Tech for Teachers” is July 29-31 and is a great in-person professional development course for any educator or director, taught by Festival technicians and experts. Registration closes July 1 and 17, respectively.
For tuition costs or more information about these and other education offerings, please visit bard.org/about/education, call the Education Department at 435-865-8333, or email usfeducation@bard.org.
Meet the Cast: The Mountaintop
The Utah Shakespeare Festival excitedly announces the cast of The Mountaintop, directed by Cameron Knight. Knight is returning to direct at the Festival, having directed The Tempest and Richard III in the past.
Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., audience members watch as he confronts both his mortality and the future of his work.
“It puts a human touch and human connection on the legend that is Martin Luther King Jr. and brings him back down to the people,” Knight said.
Although fictional, the play shows themes of being a figurehead versus a private human.
“I love how bold the play is, and how bold Katori Hall was willing to tell some truths about Dr. King and race and race relations in this country,” Knight said. “I promise you’ll enjoy it.”
The cast is as follows:
Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha is debuting at the Festival as Martin Luther King Jr. in The Mountaintop and Peter Shaw in Silent Sky. He has performed at LaJolla Playhouse, Seattle Rep, and Asolo Rep, and many others. Television credits include Days of Our Lives, NCIS-LA, All My Children, and more. Film credits include Shirley (starring Regina King) and 8989 Redstone. Murtadha is a founding member of Africana Repertory Theatre of IU Indianapolis, an ensemble member of the Fonseca Theatre Company, and on the artistic board of Crescent City Stage in New Orleans. Awards include Best Actor at the New Orleans Short Film Festival and the NAACP Award for Best Ensemble at The Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles. He is an Assistant Professor in the BFA Acting program and Co-Artistic Director of The Mosaic Theatre Company at Auburn University. Murtadha received a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University and Master of Fine Arts from University of California, San Diego. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Alia Shakira is debuting at the Festival as Camae in The Mountaintop and Annie Cannon in Silent Sky. Other credits include The House That Will Not Stand at Horizon Theater, A Lady and A Woman at Impact Theater, numerous plays at New Federal Theatre, and more. Television credits include The First Lady, The Come Up, Woke, and the film The Color Purple. Shakira received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Howard University and is thrilled to be making her Festival debut.
Produced in the intimate Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre, The Mountaintop opens July 13 and runs until October 5. Visit bard.org to purchase tickets and to read the content advisory for the play.