Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Free Outdoor Performances of "King Lear" begin Saturday
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks' annual production kicks off with two afternoon shows this weekend in Frick Park.
Veteran actor Ron Siebert, a local favorite with Broadway credits, takes the title role, the aging monarch who unwisely divides his kingdom among his three daughters.
In an unusual move, the tragedy’s large cast of supporting characters is portrayed by just seven other actors, with PSIP artistic director Jennifer Tober as Edmund and Oswald and other performers as Lear’s daughters, the Fool and more.
According to a press release, the actors “are present onstage throughout the show, creating the mise en scene with their bodies and voices.”
The show — Pittsburgh's first staging of Lear since 2008 — is directed by Jeffrey Chips.
PSIP will perform King Lear every Saturday and Sunday afternoon throughout September. All performances are at 2 p.m., rain or shine. Bring a blanket or chair, and be prepared to change locations with the scenes.
This Saturday and Sunday's performances are near Blue Slide Park, on Beechwood Boulevard at Nicholson Street, in Squirrel Hill.
On Sept. 12 and 13, the show’s in Arsenal Park, in Lawrenceville. It moves to Schenley Park (Sept. 19 and 20) and then back to Frick (Sept. 26-27).
Arrive half-an-hour early for pre-show storytelling and other entertainments.
This is PSIP’s 11th season, and the troupe does a good job bringing Shakespeare to the masses. Here’s my review of last year’s show, As You Like It.
For more information, see here.
Photo courtesy of Catherine Aceto
From left: Nick Benninger, Jessica Moore, Ronald Siebert and Madleyn Tomko in rehearsal for "King Lear"
In an unusual move, the tragedy’s large cast of supporting characters is portrayed by just seven other actors, with PSIP artistic director Jennifer Tober as Edmund and Oswald and other performers as Lear’s daughters, the Fool and more.
According to a press release, the actors “are present onstage throughout the show, creating the mise en scene with their bodies and voices.”
The show — Pittsburgh's first staging of Lear since 2008 — is directed by Jeffrey Chips.
PSIP will perform King Lear every Saturday and Sunday afternoon throughout September. All performances are at 2 p.m., rain or shine. Bring a blanket or chair, and be prepared to change locations with the scenes.
This Saturday and Sunday's performances are near Blue Slide Park, on Beechwood Boulevard at Nicholson Street, in Squirrel Hill.
On Sept. 12 and 13, the show’s in Arsenal Park, in Lawrenceville. It moves to Schenley Park (Sept. 19 and 20) and then back to Frick (Sept. 26-27).
Arrive half-an-hour early for pre-show storytelling and other entertainments.
This is PSIP’s 11th season, and the troupe does a good job bringing Shakespeare to the masses. Here’s my review of last year’s show, As You Like It.
For more information, see here.
Tags: Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks , King Lear , Ron Siebert , Frick Park , Image
