Shakespeare’s Will starts previews

Popular show has Seana McKenna revisit the role of Anne Hathaway

June 30, 2011…Seana McKenna plays Anne Hathaway in the one-woman show Shakespeare’s Will, an imaginative portrait of one of history’s most famous women. First staged at the Festival in 2007, this revival begins previews on Thursday, June 30, at the Studio Theatre.

Directed by Miles Potter, Shakespeare’s Will tells the enthralling life story of Shakespeare’s widow, as imagined by Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen.

On the eve of Shakespeare’s funeral, Anne Hathaway recalls her life with – and without – the enigmatic poet. As she prepares to read her husband’s will, she reveals the enthralling story of a wife and mother who has made tremendous sacrifices for love, and who still grieves over an event of the more distant past.

“Miles and Seana consistently produce intelligent and thoughtful work when they collaborate,” says Artistic Director Des McAnuff. “We eagerly anticipate Seana’s transformation into one of history’s most mysterious and interesting women, in a season in which she also transforms into one of Shakespeare’s most evil villains, King Richard III.”

“Seana gives a tour-de-force performance as Anne Hathaway, breathing life into a figure about whom we know so little,” says General Director Antoni Cimolino. “This was a very hot ticket during our 2007 season, so I urge patrons to include the production in their theatre plans for this summer.”

Artistic credits for this production include Designer Peter Hartwell, Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser, Composer Marc Desormeaux and Sound Designer Peter McBoyle.

Production support provided by Alice and Tim Thornton.

Shakespeare’s Will opens officially on July 13 and runs until September 2.

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s 2011 season runs until October 30, featuring The Merry Wives of Windsor, Camelot, Twelfth Night, The Misanthrope, The Grapes of Wrath, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Homecoming, Richard III, Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare’s Will, The Little Years and Hosanna.

 

Cast   

Anne Hathaway....................................................................... Seana McKenna

           

Artistic credits           

Director................................................................................... Miles Potter

Designer.................................................................................. Peter Hartwell

Lighting Designer..................................................................... Kevin Fraser

Composer............................................................................... Marc Desormeaux

Sound Designer....................................................................... Peter McBoyle

Assistant Lighting Designer....................................................... Jareth Li

Stage Manager........................................................................ Marylu Moyer

Assistant Stage Manager.......................................................... Martine Beland

Produced by............................................................................ Marquis Entertainment Inc. & Theatre dot.calm

Production Manager................................................................ Ray Salverda

Production Assistant................................................................ Joyce Zogos

Production Stage Manager....................................................... Marylu Moyer

Technical Director................................................................... Robbin Cheesman

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