Meet the Cast: The Taming of the Shrew

March 26, 2024

The Festival is thrilled to announce the performing company for this season’s production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, welcoming a mix of returning and new-to-the-Festival actors.

Last season, Valerie Rachelle directed Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical. This year, she’s shifting gears to take on one of Shakespeare’s most complicated comedies.

“It’s a very different story and very different style of play [than Emma], but it’s still about being a better person, finding love, listening and changing, and following your heart,” Rachelle said.

This is the Festival’s 11th production of the play. It was first produced in 1962 and most recently in 2015.

The lead cast for 2024 is as follows:

Cassandra Bissell is returning to the Festival as Tranio/Huntsman in The Taming of the Shrew and Queen Katherine in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, and Rosalind in As You Like It to name a few. She has also performed at Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Arizona Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and many more. Bissell received a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Chicago. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

John DiAntonio is making his Festival debut as Petruchio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. He has recently filled the role of Artistic Director of the Utah Shakespeare Festival after serving as Producing Artistic Director at Creede Repertory Theatre for over 13 years. He has acting and directing credits from Denver Center Theatre Company, Theatreworks, New Dramatists, and more. DiAntonio received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the National Theatre Conservatory. He also boasts training in Classical Acting from the British American Drama Academy in London. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

John Harrell is returning to the Festival as Hortensio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew, Guilford/Cromwell in Henry VIII, and Autolycus in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include the 2017 productions of Treasure Island, As You Like It, and Shakespeare In Love. He was also the title characters in Hamlet, Cyrano, Richard II, and more at the American Shakespeare Center. Harrell received a Bachelor of Arts in English from James Madison University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Blake Henri is returning to the Festival as Grumio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Robert in last season’s The Play That Goes Wrong and Karl Lindner in A Raisin in the Sun. Other roles include those at Cleveland Playhouse, Dallas Theatre Center, and Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival to name a few. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at The University of Oklahoma.

Rodney Lizcano is debuting at the Festival as Gremio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing. Other roles include those at Denver Center Theatre Company, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Lizcano received a Master of Fine Arts from the National Theatre Conservatory and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Valerie Martire is making her debut at the Festival as Bianca/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing. She has been in productions of Mauritius, The Wolves, and Appropriate at Illinois Wesleyan University, where Martire also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She also has teaching credits at Actors Garden.

James Carlos Lacey is debuting at the Festival as Lucentio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing. He has been in off–Broadway productions of Trapped and in roles at The Kennedy Center, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Solas Nua, and more. Lacey received a Master of Arts from The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and a Master of Fine Arts from STC Academy at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Chris Mixon is returning to the Festival as Baptista Minola/Player in The Taming of the Shrew, Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII, and Old Shepherd/Jailer in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Dennis in The Play That Goes Wrong, Mr. Woodhouse in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, and Earl of Gloucester in King Lear. He’s been in the national Broadway tour of How to Succeed in Business Without Trying, world and NYC premieres at Pearl Theatre Company, and productions at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Caitlin Wise is debuting at the Festival as Kate/Lady in The Taming of the Shrew and Emilia/Shepherdess in The Winter’s Tale. She’s been in The Christians at Denver Center Performing Arts, The Importance of Being Earnest at Arvada Center, Wild Honey at Theatreworks, and more. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University and a Master of Fine Arts from National Theatre Conservatory. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Supporting roles are as follows:

Christopher Centinaro is returning to the Festival as Nicholas/other roles in The Taming of the Shrew, Florizel in The Winter’s Tale, and Surveyor/Capuchius/Cranmer in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Sempronius in Timon of Athens and Adrien in Coriolanus. Centinaro has also been in Mojada at the Indiana Shakespeare Festival and has received the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award.

Alaysia Renay Duncan is making her Festival debut as Petra/other roles in The Taming of the Shrew, Anne Bullen in Henry VIII, and Perdita in The Winter’s Tale. She has also been in productions of Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at Engeman Theater, Dorian Gray at The Tank, Strange and Splendid at Chain Theatre, and more. Duncan received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Ithaca College.

Topher Embrey is returning to the Festival as Christopher Sly/Curtis in The Taming of the Shrew, King Henry in Henry VIII, and Shepherd’s Son/Officer in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Bobo in A Raisin in the Sun. He has been in various productions Off-Broadway with Red Bull Theater and has performed for five seasons at American Shakespeare Center, as well as Colorado Shakespeare Festival and Denver Center for the Performing Arts, to name a few. Embrey received a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from Christopher Newport University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Geoffrey Kent is returning to the Festival as Vincentio/other roles in The Taming of the Shrew, Buckingham/Lord Chancellor in Henry VIII, and Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale. He directed The Play That Goes Wrong last season and has been in the Festival’s productions of Treasure Island, As You Like It, Shakespeare in Love, and more. Kent received a Henry Award for Excellence in Fight Direction and teaching credits include University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, and Asolo Conservatory. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Chloe McLeod is debuting at the Festival as Biondello/Huntsman/Server in The Taming of the Shrew, Dorcas/Lady in The Winter’s Tale, and Lady in Waiting/Working Woman/Party Guest in Henry VIII. She has performed in The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Anna Karenina at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Fun Home at Miners Alley Playhouse and more. McLeod trained at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Trenell Mooring is debuting at the Festival as Hostess/Phillipa/Merchant in The Taming of the Shrew, Margaret in Henry VIII, and Paulina in The Winter’s Tale. She has been Belinda in Noises Off and Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing at Orlando Shakes, Salima in Ruined at GableStage, and more. Mooring received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Melinda Parrett is returning to the Festival as Josephina/Widow/other in The Taming of the Shrew and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Miss Bates in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, Mrs. White in Clue, and Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music, among many others. Parrett has also performed at The Denver Center, Goodspeed Opera House, Geva Theatre, and more. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

It’s not too early to purchase tickets! The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.

The season runs June 17 through October 5.

Don’t miss out on our study guide, where you can find a synopsis, character summaries, and several articles on the play.

Meet the Cast: The 39 Steps

March 22, 2024

The Utah Shakespeare Festival announces the cast members for this summer’s production of The 39 Steps, directed by Aaron Galligan-Stierle. A thrilling comedy that blends farce, suspense, and romance, this play is a must-see for patrons in the upcoming season.

“The 39 Steps is hilarious, but it also has this focus on a character that starts the play lost, unsure of his meaning in the world, with a lack of community and connection, who then discovers his purpose,” Galligan-Stierle said.

“That to me speaks to our world and who we are as humans, and the need for everyone to get up off the couch and have these extraordinary moments and find connection with other people in this world.”

This is the second time the Festival has produced this play. Galligan-Stierle was in the Festival’s 2010 production. Fourteen years later, he is pivoting from acting to directing the very same play.

Galligan-Stierle continues, “Having performed in the [last] production of The 39 Steps, I am honored and excited to re-imagine the show for today’s audience by focusing on four storytellers who use their boundless imagination to tell a highly theatrical story full of thrills, romance and comedy. I am incredibly excited to return to my ’theatrical home’ for this production!”

The 2024 cast is as follows:

Tom Coiner is making his debut at the Festival as Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps and Camilo in The Winter’s Tale. He has been in A Christmas Carol and Gaslight at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, The Daughter in Law at Mint Theatre Company, and God Said This at Primary Stages to name a few. Television credits include The Good Fight, Law and Order: SVU, and It’s Bruno. Coiner received an MFA from National Theatre Conservatory and a BA from Kenyon College. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Michael Doherty is returning to the Festival as Clown #1 in The 39 Steps and Antigonus/Time in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Mr. Green in Clue, Narrator in Every Brilliant Thing, Charlie Baker in The Foreigner, and more. He has also appeared Off-Broadway as Jimmy in Dublin by Lamplight and on television in Wu Tang: An American Saga. Other roles include productions at Guthrie Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Play House, and the Denver Center. He received a BFA in Theatre Arts from the University of the Arts and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Tracie Lane is returning to the Festival as Annabella/Margaret/Pamela in The 39 Steps and Hermione in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Joan de Pucelle in Henry VI Part One and others in The Merchant of Venice; Boeing, Boeing; Measure for Measure; and Twelfth Night. Other credits include the Play On! Festival at Off-Broadway’s Classic Stage Company, The Three Musketeers at Asolo Rep, Venus in Fur at Orlando Shakes, and numerous roles at American Shakespeare Center and Houston Shakespeare Festival. She earned her MFA at The Juilliard School and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Bailey Savage is returning to Festival stages as Clown #2 in The 39 Steps and Cleomenes/Rustic in The Winter’s Tale. She was in the Festival’s Shakespeare in the Schools productions of Julius Caesar as Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet as Lord Capulet. Other credits include roles in Drunk Shakespeare Chicago, Twelfth Night at Midsommer Flight, and Peter and the Starcatcher at Lyric Repertory Company. Savage was Assistant Director for Guys and Dolls and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and served as Literary Seminar Manager at the Festival, and received a BIS from Southern Utah University.

Purchase your tickets now! The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.

The season runs June 17 through October 5.

Every Brilliant Thing Comes to a Close: The Tour in Review

March 15, 2024

The Festival is extremely proud of the inspiring production Every Brilliant Thing, which for the second year traveled all across the state of Utah, with over forty performances in schools and communities in 2024.

With the intention of “cultivating the use of proactive, life-affirming communication when you or those you love are confronted with depression,” this is one of the most critical pieces of work the Festival has ever produced, according to Director of Development and Communications Donn Jersey.

“Young people need the affirmation that they are not alone. Each and every student that will watch this production will be reminded that they are needed, they are loved, and they belong here,” Governor Spencer J. Cox said.

The tour was funded by the Utah State Legislature and recently received formal recognition for their work in collaboration with SafeUT from the legislature.

“This tour is about saving lives,” Tour Manager Jordan Simmons said.

Simmons noted that the project had five goals, the first being to create an active dialogue between all stakeholders about emotional and mental well-being in regards to depression and suicide.

Another goal was increasing awareness in Utah schools of mental health resources available for students and to find applicable ways to use these resources. The tour also strived to provide an artistic experience that enabled young people to see things from a new and positive perspective, provided opportunities for students to both practice and participate in a number of skills related to Utah Core standards, and inspired people to see the beauty in life.

The tour began January 4 and will conclude March 23, with two free public performances in Cedar City at Southern Utah University’s Auditorium Theatre. The public is invited to attend on Friday, March 22 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm. These performances are in collaboration with SUU’s Storytelling Festival, Creative Outreach Collaboratory, and SUU Health and Wellness.

The tour was directed by Britannia Howe, who will also be writing and directing this season’s Greenshow. The traveling company consisted of Tour Manager Jordan Simmons, Stage Manager Kathryn Whilden, and actors Angelique Archer and Marco Antonio Vega.

The Creative Process: Festival Reveals 2024 Show Art

March 15, 2024

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is delighted to share this season’s show art. We’ve officially pulled back the curtain to give you a sneak peek of what to expect visually from our upcoming season, so enjoy the reveal!

For Creative Director Clare Campbell, this is one of her biggest––and most rewarding––projects of the year.

However, the job isn’t without its challenges, and Campbell explained that each year requires an immense amount of collaboration and research.

The process of designing show art is a big one, and it begins with Campbell studying the scripts and attending designer meetings to gain insight about the directors’ and designers’ ideas for each play. But it’s also important to note that the art doesn’t necessarily represent each of the productions literally.

“The goal [for the show art] is for anyone to look at the graphic and get the concept and tone of the play, as well as be intrigued at the same time,” Campbell said. “We don’t want to give anything away, but still include subtle hints and Easter eggs.”

Campbell creates individual designs for each play with the entirety of the season lineup in mind.

“It’s kind of a puzzle, you’re working on one play graphic, but you have the other six or seven plays you have to match, including the Greenshow,” Campbell said. “They all have to have a cohesive look.”

After months of work, the Festival is proud and excited to share the first reveal of the Show Art and hope that it does just as Campbell hopes––to intrigue and encourage our patrons to join us for the 2024 season.

It’s not too early to purchase tickets. The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.

The season runs June 17 through October 5.

The Taming of the Shrew: 10 Fun Facts

March 11, 2024

One of Shakespeare’s first comedies, The Taming of the Shrew is one of his most famous—and deemed one of his most problematic—plays. Although difficult themes are discussed, Director Valerie Rachelle is approaching the play with color, fun, and comedy. Ultimately, this Festival production will use farce and slapstick comedy, and focus on how to treat others better.

1. Did you know The Taming of the Shrew is actually a play-within-a-play? Although most productions don’t include the induction at the beginning that creates this metadrama, Rachelle will be including it this season.

2. Rachelle is also taking the liberty to book-end the play with a more complete ending and bring the induction full-circle, as many claim this play by Shakespeare was unfinished because he left off the epilogue.

3. A lot of contemporary theatres choose to not produce this play because of its difficult themes. Rachelle, however, believes it teaches an important lesson if approached correctly. “It’s showing us what not to do, rather than what to do,” Rachelle said.

   

4. The play was popular during Shakespeare’s time, and a response to The Taming of the Shrew was written in 1611, nearly 20 years later. John Fletcher wrote The Woman’s Prize, or The Tamer Tamed, which tells the story of Petruchio marrying again, only to find the roles reversed as his new wife takes control of their marriage. In 1633, both plays were performed for King Charles I and were well-liked.

5. Unfortunately, Shakespeare gained inspiration for the play from popular folktales and ballads in England about wives being tamed by their aggressive husbands, which was a common practice in Elizabethan England.

6. The playwright may have also gained inspiration from Ludovico Ariosto’s Suppositi (1509) and George Gascoigne’s Supposes (1566).

7. Although not a musical, Sound Designer Lindsay Jones is creating new music for the production—a new addition that patrons familiar with the play can look forward to.

   

8. The play has been adapted many times. Some of the most well-known adaptations include Cole Porter’s musical Kiss Me, Kate!; McLintock!, a western starring John Wayne, and the 1967 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

9. Rachelle can do it all! Last season, she directed the immensely sweet and clever Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. This season, she’s pivoting to a Shakespeare comedy and is producing in the outdoor space of the Engelstad Shakespeare Theare.

10. This is the Festival’s 11th production of the play, with the first being in 1962 and the most recent prior to this season in 2015.

Remember, it’s not too early to purchase tickets! Visit bard.org for tickets and more information about the play. Don’t miss out on our study guide, where you can find a synopsis, character summaries, and several articles on the play.

The Taming of the Shrew Through the Years

March 11, 2024

This is the 11th Utah Shakespeare Festival production of The Taming of the Shrew.

Shakespeare’s play was part of the very first season in 1962, and then hit the Festival stages again in 1966, 1971, 1977, 1984, 1991, 1998, 2004, 2008, and most recently in 2015. Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy these pictures of some of our past productions!

And don’t forget to purchase tickets to our 2024 production by visiting bard.org.

Educational Offerings for School Groups: Shakespearience and Free USF School Days

March 6, 2024

Educating and inspiring theatre lovers is a huge part of the Festival’s mission, and this often begins with young thespians. Shakespearience and USF School Days are a must!

Education Director Katherine Norman explains the differences between the two offerings.

“Shakespearience offers discounted tickets for any Monday through Friday matinee in August and September. The tickets include awesome extras like workshops, tours, and talkbacks just for your students,” Norman said.

USF School Days, on the other hand, are two specific free performances set aside for Utah public and public charter school groups.

Shakespearience
Monday through Friday Matinees, August and September, 2024

Schools and education groups can enjoy a professional play, orientation, and other experiences with the Festival’s Shakespearience program for just $10 a person.

The experience offers access to study guide materials that extend learning in classrooms, and the option to schedule personalized talkbacks, workshops, or art center tours for schools. For more information, click here.

USF School Days - FREE!
September 5, 2024 - Much Ado About Nothing at 2 p.m.
September 11, 2024 - Silent Sky at 2 p.m.

Utah public and public charter school groups can attend these matinees of Much Ado About Nothing and Silent Sky for free thanks to funding from the state’s POPS program. For more information, click here.

To book Shakespearience and USF School Days tickets, call the ticket office at 800-PLAYTIX. Questions for the Education Department? Call 435-865-8333 or email usfeducation@bard.org.

It’s not too early to purchase tickets for the 2024 season of the Utah Shakespeare Festival. The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop. The season runs June 17 through October 5.

What to Know About The 39 Steps: 10 Fun Facts About the Comedy

February 29, 2024

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to have The 39 Steps in our 2024 play lineup. A thrilling comedy that blends farce, suspense, and romance, this play is a must-see for patrons in the upcoming season. Before you attend the theatre, here are some fun things you may want to know about this show.

1. Director Aaron Galligan-Stierle was in the Festival’s first and most recent production of The 39 Steps. This season, he will be directing the play. In 2010, he played the role of one of the two clowns.

   “I am thrilled to bring with me many lessons from that production as well as rediscover, reinvent, and reconsider many of the elements with a new team of collaborators,” Galligan-Stierle recently said.

2. The 39 Steps started as a novel written in 1915 by John Buchan and has since inspired many a mystery story. Later, it became an Alfred Hitchcock film in 1935, and the British Film Institute named it the fourth greatest British film of all time.

3. The play has been adapted for the screen three times, and, announced in 2021, is set to be adapted as a limited series on Netflix starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

   

4. Because the play follows an innocent man accused of a crime, this was the first of many of Hitchcock’s films that followed the “wrong man” theme.

5. Galligan-Stierle is using the inspiration of film noir, and hopes audience members will feel as if they’re in a movie theatre, “but somehow experiencing something so much better than a movie by using theatrical conventions and stage magic to consistently delight and surprise.”

6. The call for a small cast requires that each actor play a plethora of characters onstage, which is where the comedy finds its place. In fact, the cast of four actors play over 150 characters(!) and they reenact all of the characters, locations, and famous scenes in Hitchcock’s 1935 film with only a few props and a ton of theatrical ingenuity and split-second quick changes.

7. The first version of this play was funded by Yorkshire Arts Grant for only 1,000 euros.

8. The production hit London’s West End in 2006 and closed in 2015, making it the fifth longest running play in West End history.

   

9. The 39 Steps won the 2007 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and two Tony Awards in 2008.

10. Surprisingly, it’s been speculated that parts of The 39 Steps are autobiographical. Richard Hannay is said to have similar qualities to one of Buchan’s friends.

For those that are new to theatre, longtime theatre-goers, or families, The 39 Steps is sure to entertain a variety of audience members. It’s not too early to purchase tickets. Don’t wait! Visit bard.org for more information.

Festival Congratulates LeGrand Andersen on Utah Theatre Association Award

February 22, 2024

The Utah Shakespeare Festival would like to personally congratulate Dr. LeGrand Andersen for receiving the Utah Theatre Association Lifetime Service to the Community Award, which was presented in January. Andersen was an integral part of the Festival for many years, specifically with past Playmakers productions, full-scale theatrical educational productions for children aged 5-17.

Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr worked closely with Andersen for nearly 20 years when he served as the Festival’s Education Director.

“As musical director––he was yin to my yang––‘Doc’ provided a rigor and structure to musical training. He is demanding and cultivated a high standard of performance with all students,” Bahr said.

Andersen has worked for the Festival as a performer, musical director, and a member of pit orchestras. Bahr noted that it has been a gift learning from and teaching with the “maestro extraordinaire.”

“Both Dr. Andersen and I believe that a ‘live orchestra’ is essential in theatre training,” Bahr continued. “Students who have performed under Dr. Anderson’s baton now understand how to gauge pitch, tempo, and the art of breathing with the orchestra and the audience as one group.”

About Andersen

Andersen has been involved with and passionate about theatre since he was in eighth grade. He pursued a career in music and education, teaching at Fresno City College.

“I was involved in theater in California, although my primary responsibility was with the choirs,” Andersen said.

He retired in 2000 and moved to Cedar City with his wife Mary Anne to be near the Festival and said that as theatre lovers, they couldn’t ask for anything more than living down the street from the Festival.

“My wife and I haven’t missed a play at the Festival in 30 years,” Andersen said. “My favorite play is the one I’m currently seeing, but the [2021 production] of The Pirates of Penzance was really good. I saw it five times.”

About Playmakers

Andersen was working on a show for Southern Utah University when Bahr discovered his work.

“Michael saw me and picked up a partnership that has been ongoing for 19 years,” Andersen said. “With Playmakers, Michael did the drama part and I did the music part. When we would choose a musical, I would conduct the orchestra or rescore the music to fit the voices that we had.”

As a former educator, the Playmakers program is important to Andersen for several reasons.

“We have to make new audiences, and have people that know what’s expected in theatre. . . so we can count on building audiences [with] Playmakers,” Andersen said. “But there’s also individual growth and learning by the kids, learning [valuable things] like to be on time and there are people counting on you, and that the audience is enjoying what you do.”

For 19 years, Andersen returned year after year because he enjoyed working with the kids.

“It was exciting to watch them learn and grow into their parts . . . it’s an important experience for a young person,” Andersen said.

Andersen’s daughter, Amy Morrey, is proud of her fathers work with Playmakers.

“He has helped countless schools with arranging music, creating minus tracks, and encouraging kids to be their best and achieve high levels of excellence,” Morrey said.

UTA Lifetime Service to the Community Award

Andersen was thrilled to receive the Utah Theatre Association award.

“My daughter Amy presented the award, as she has gone back through my life and had found things that were pertinent to the award. It’s always nice to have people say nice things about you,” Andersen said.

He was chosen to receive the award because of his commitment to the community and his years of service with Playmakers, along with his support of educators statewide.

“He can also be seen at many Festival rehearsals, sitting in the back eating ice cream and chatting with some of his biggest fans,” Morrey said.

Whether it’s eating ice cream at rehearsal, educating at summer camps, scoring music, or watching The Pirates of Penzance for the fifth time in a row, Andersen’s presence and work at the Festival has not gone unnoticed. The Festival would like to sincerely thank Andersen for his years of service to the organization and congratulate him on his recent award.

To enjoy the 2024 play lineup with Andersen and his wife this season, visit bard.org to purchase tickets.

The Month of Love: Romance in the 2024 Season

February 22, 2024

Our dear Festival patrons, happy February. In light of Valentine’s Day this month, we thought we’d highlight all things “love” and drama in our 2024 play lineup.

Ranging from the forbidden love of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, to the witty verbal sparring of fan favorites Beatrice and Benedick, to the all-encompassing love Henrietta presents in Silent Sky, our lineup features a variety of romance that everyone can relate to in some form.

The Taming of the Shrew
“I burn, I pine, I perish.” - Act 1, Scene 1

Tackling complicated themes on the social constructs of marriage and the patriarchy, Director Valerie Rachelle is returning to the Festival after directing the tooth-achingly sweet romance of Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical last season.

Following the storyline of complicated relationships, The Taming of the Shrew is teeming with the concept of love and its pursuits. In Rachelle’s director vision statement, she notes that the play can seem problematic for a contemporary audience, but “ultimately it is a comedy that can show us the flaws in the social construct that we still have today about gender roles within the institution of marriage.”

In regards to navigating the difficulty of these topics, Rachelle will use satire.

“We can laugh at the power struggle as long as we are all in on the joke together and the audience and [actors] of the play know this is a satirical comment on the flaws of the system,” Rachelle said.

On a lighter note, perhaps a viewing of 10 Things I Hate About You, the 1999 romantic comedy starring Heath Ledger, would be a fun way to prepare for the 2024 production of The Taming of the Shrew, as the movie is based off of the play.

The Winter’s Tale
“There rooted betwixt them then such an affection, which cannot choose but branch now.” - Act 1, Scene 1

This play explores different kinds of love, such as that between lovers, friends, and family members. The main romantic relationship in this Shakespeare play is between King Leontes and his wife Hermione, which tows the line between love and tragedy. Another important relationship is the friendship between Paulina and Hermione.

Full of extreme passion and jealousy, this play is a fiery representation of the madness into which love sometimes drives us. The complex story also tells of forgiveness, redemption, and ultimate sacrifice.

Henry VIII
“I beseech you now with all my heart, definitely to let me know your whole mind as to the love between us.” - Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn

The love in Henry VIII is tumultuous. Divorcing Catherine of Aragon and then marrying the younger Anne Boleyn, Henry and Anne’s love was taboo. However, it’s speculated that Boleyn’s wit drew the king to her, suggesting a genuine affection and love between the pairing.

After a string of divorces, is Henry VIII really a hopeless romantic or a politcal player? Perhaps he had six wives . . . but one true love.

The Mountaintop
“Shuga, shush. You just a man. If I was a man, I’d be starin’ at me too.” - Camae to MLK

While we find that Camae is much more than just a sassy hotel maid and fictional object of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s current attention, the flirting between the two serves to examine themes of mortality and duality. Camae’s self-confidence and humor is loveable. But ultimately, their interaction allows audience members to delve deeper into the complicated psyche and struggle of one of America’s best known leaders.

Much Ado About Nothing
“I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.” - Act IV, scene 1

In our recent fun facts article on Much Ado About Nothing, we discussed how the characters Beatrice and Benedick have inspired many a couple. Some say Jane Austen took inspiration for her characters of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Similarities between Shakespeare’s couple and Scarlett and Rhett in Gone With the Wind can also be seen in their fire and wit.

But, all is not fair in love and war, and much of the romance is twisted with confusion, miscommunication, and masquerading. What’s real and what isn’t? Come see this summer!

Silent Sky
“My heart is beating like a train. That’s your fault.” - Peter Shaw

Perhaps the most obvious romance in Lauren Gunderson’s play is the budding romance between Peter and Henrietta, although we won’t reveal how their relationship plays out. Peter’s exclamation of love is quite swoon-worthy:

“Your mind and spirit . . . I quite adore those things about you. And I don’t expect you to reciprocate immediately or at all, but I feared combusting if I didn’t tell you that you’ve been the brightest object in my day since we met. And we work with stars.”

But perhaps even more profound is Henrietta’s love for her work. Her deep desire to ask and seek the answers to the universe is moving and inspiring. Ultimately, Henrietta’s true love is the stars, and what an extraordinary love it is.

It’s not too early to get your tickets to join us for a season of love. Visit bard.org to purchase tickets and for more information about the plays.