As I mentioned back in May, I will be performing in Shakespeare & Company’s repertory season this summer. In Richard II I’ll be appearing as the traitorous Henry Bolingbroke. And in As You Like It I’ll be appearing as Oliver Du Boys, the villainous elder brother.
Both shows are being performed, along with Servant of Two Masters (which I am not appearing in), by Shakespeare & Company on their permanent outdoor stage from June 28th through August 3rd. Bring a blanket. Bring chairs. Bring a picnic basket. I understand some people are even bringing bottles of wine.
FUN FACTS
Stu Naber, who’s playing Mowbray in Richard II and directing As You Like It, killed me onstage in Theater in the Round’s production of Henry V. In Richard II, we’re reprising the locking of our swords with a massive duel that roams all over the stage and frights the ladies in their fineries.
Richard II and As You Like It will be my third and fourth consecutive shows with Lucas Gerstner, who also appeared as Orleans in Henry V (TRP) and as Edward in The Hollow (Starting Gate). Lucas is appearing as Richard in Richard II and as Orlando du Boys in As You Like It. As Lucas notes, our theatrical relationship appears be to deteriorating. We started on the same team (the French in Henry V); then I suspected him of murder (in The Hollow); and now I’m trying to and/or killing him. This bodes ill for a 5th show.
This is the second time I’ve done As You Like It. In college I played Jacques du Boys, the youngest son of old Sir Rowland. Now I’m playing Oliver du Boys, the eldest son. So if I ever do the play again, I figure I’m a shoo-in for Orlando, the second son.
Shakespeare & Company has now become a family tradition. My mother, the historical mystery author Margaret Frazer, previously performed with Shakespeare & Company in the mid-’90s. Her Joliffe mysteries, set around a traveling theater company in 15th century England, are inspired in part by her many years as an actress.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, June 28th – Richard II
Sunday, June 29th – Richard II
Friday, July 4th – As You Like It
Saturday, July 5th – Richard II
Sunday, July 6th – As You Like It
Friday, July 11th – Servant of Two Masters
Saturday, July 12th – As You Like It
Sunday, July 13th – Servant of Two Masters
Friday, July 18th – Richard II
Saturday, July 19th – Servant of Two Masters
Sunday, July 20th – As You Like It
Friday, July 25th – As You Like It
Saturday, July 26th – Richard II
Sunday, July 27th – Servant of Two Masters
Friday, August 1st – Servant of Two Masters
Saturday, August 2nd – As You Like It
Sunday, August 3rd – Richard II
Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:00 PM. Sunday shows are at 6:00 PM.
