2019 Performances

The Rivals & Macbeth

The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Lucy seems a simpleton, but in fact is making money off of everyone as she carries letters back and forth. Indeed, Lydia Languish has many suitors that require careful attention. Mr. Acres pays Lucy as his courtier, but she never shows his letters to Lydia. Mr. Lucius O'Trigger also has Lucy in his pay to deliver letters to Ms. Languish, but all those letter have been delivered to Ms. Malaprop, who corresponds with Sir Lucius under the assumed name of Deliah!  This non-Shakespearan play is the must-see play of the summer.

Macbeth’s taste for murder and surety are unleashed all over Scotland  as the thanes try to sort out the truth— bloody Macbeth is behind it all. Ross follows Macduff all the way to England, only to find that Malcolm has raised an army of 10,000 men with the help of Edward (the Confessor), who is a Christian king. Macbeth still seeks the witches’ council. The price Macduff must pay for bringing down the tyrant is too high. How will the battle for the soul of Scotland end?

Past Seasons

How should I prepare to watch a performance?

Becoming a Good Audience Member

Make time to read the play before you attend. Spoiler alert, but it will give you a robust experience as an audience member.

 

Arrive early and read the Director's synopsis in your program before the show starts. This will clue you in to what the Director's particular thoughts are on the play, and perhaps highlight what is important in the particular production you are about to watch. Read through the cast of characters so you are familiar with the character names.

 

As the play unfolds, listen to the language carefully: listen for the rhythm of iambic pentameter and the beauty of the bardic prose. Shakespeare characters say what they mean at the time they speak, so do not look for subtext.

 

Listen for rhymes as rhyming usually means something. It connects characters (BFFs, lovers, soon-to-be-lovers), and satisfies your ear. Rhymes end most scenes in comedies or herald character exits or ends of arguments.

 

Let the play take you to another place. Indulge in the timeless and profoundly human experiences that Shakespeare projects through the actors. Do not be worried about getting it all. There is something in every production for both new and experienced Shakespeare watchers.

The Rivals Synopsis

​Lucy seems a simpleton, but in fact is making money off of everyone as she carries letters back and forth. Indeed, Lydia Languish has many suitors that require careful attention. Mr. Acres pays Lucy as his courtier, but she never shows his letters to Lydia. Mr. Lucius O'Trigger also has Lucy in his pay to deliver letters to Ms. Languish, but all those letter have been delivered to Ms. Malaprop, who corresponds with Sir Lucius under the assumed name of Deliah!  This non-Shakespearan play is the must-see play of the summer.

 

Macbeth Synopsis

The King of Navarre embarks on a course of study with his three companions and a pretty tough list of Do's and Don'ts. One item on the list is NO WOMEN, but the Princess of France is on her way with three of her lady companions to take up a state matter with him. Afraid of being mocked for breaking rules, the King houses her and her entourage in a field outside the castle. The four men proceed to individually woo their ladies while maintaining their reputations. Trouble is ahead here too!

@backyardshakespeare