25th Annual Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Staff | April 11, 2011 | Comment
Online Ordering begins April 11th for Performances Starting June 14th
If you’ve never experienced the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival under the big tent at Boscobel in Garrison – You just don’t know what you’re missing! There is an excitement in the air from this unique destination, as well as the performers. Combine that with fantastic views overlooking the Hudson River and some pre-show picnicking, and it’s easy to see why this festival has become a tradition attracting audiences from the tri-state area and beyond.
This year Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival celebrates their 25th season! Performances are “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare. “The Comedy of Errors” by William Shakespeare and “Around the World in 80 Days” based on the novel by Jules Verne.
25 Years of Living Art
A special event to attend is Saturday, June 25th when the festival celebrates a reprise of the festivals greatest moments, including by popular demand; a live auction performed “HVSF Style” by the 2011 acting company with fabulous items for everyone. Festivities continue on the great lawn with tasty fair, friends and family under the stars.
2011 Season Ticket Sales
Online ordering for all shows begins Monday, April 11th at www.HVShakespeare.org. Tickets are available through the box office beginning Monday, May 2nd. Box Office Hours are Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm. You may also purchase tickets at the performance but check online to make sure the performance you wish to see has not sold out. Note: There are 10 Preview performances starting the season with specially priced ticket prices.
The Shows
“Hamlet” is a tale of revenge and renowned for its exquisite poetry and spellbinding plot. Revenge, madness and murder abound in psychological thriller.
“The Comedy of Errors” What happens when 2 sets of identical twins, separated from birth, unknowingly arrive in the same town. Hilarious mishaps ensue in this bittersweet tale of mistaken identities. Shakespeare’s beloved comedy filled with side splitting fun as the twins unravel the truth.
“Around the World in 80 Days” Takes you on a trip around the globe in 90 minutes in Mark Brown’s madcap adaption of Jules Verne’s novel. Five actors play 39 parts with lightening speed as our hero Phileas Fog tries to win a bet and save his fortunes. A fun night out for the whole family!
History
HVSF began in 1987 with a modest production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performed under the stars in a meadow at Manitoga, industrial designer Russell Wrights home in Garrison. Although some of the performances were rained out; the show enchanted those that saw it, including the late Actress, Helen Hayes, as well as a group of other fans that became part of the festivals organizing committee. The group grew and the following year HVSF was born! Boscobel, a Hudson River estate in Garrison became the festivals new site. Offering a magnificent setting, ample parking, grounds personnel and an established reputation as a tourist attraction. The festivals new home under a big tent grew dramatically from its first audience of 230 to over 32,000 in 2009! Today, HVSF is a critically acclaimed regional theatre and in addition to its Summer productions, the festival sponsors year-round education programs that teaches over 22,000 students a year from elementary school through college.
By: Melissa Tyler