Shakespeare Sedona debuts 11th season at Tlaquepaque

Sedona, AZ - June 21, 2008 - Imagine sitting under the stars in a stone courtyard reminiscent of an old Spanish villa with ivy covered stucco balconies and parapet walls; then suddenly bursting onto a stage, period-clad, larger-than-life personalities begin reciting Shakespeare.

Welcome to Shakespeare Sedona in the beautiful Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, perfectly transformed for the musings of the Bard.

Now in its eleventh season, Shakespeare Sedona, sponsored by Tlaquepaque, is once again pleased to offer Northern Arizona the finest in professional classical theatre.

The Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances will run for three consecutive weekends beginning Friday, June 27th. All performances begin at 8:00 PM.

Each weekend there are three performances of the three selected plays for the season: the hysterical farce, The Merry Wives of Windsor on Friday, followed by the political thriller, Richard II on Saturday and finally the romantic comedy The Taming of the Shrew, on Sunday.

Opening night for this run is Friday, June 27th, 2008 presenting Shakespeare’s hysterical farce, The Merry Wives of Windsor.  Often called "Shakespeare's Sit-Com," The Merry Wives of Windsor is one of the funniest of Shakespeare's comedies, peopled with riotous characters and zany situations -- Sir John Falstaff needs money and he needs it fast! Get Out Magazine wrote: “Director Jared Sakren’s broad and joyously silly take on Shakespeare’s comedy of courtly comeuppance. The only serious thing in this staging is the quality of local acting talent on display.”

Richard II tells the story that begins the cycle of history plays known as the "War of the Roses", this politically charged thriller starring AriZoni Best-Actor Richard Baird as Bolingbroke and Company Associate Artist Jason Barth in the title role, is timely given the current political season.

The Taming of the Shrew is a rollicking romantic comedy from beginning to end. The play formed the basis for the musical “Kiss Me Kate” and this saga of two misfits  who find each other has pleased audiences throughout the ages as it reveals universal truths about the battle of the sexes. The Arizona Republic wrote: “Sakren has assembled some great talent to deliver the humor…the entire cast clicks in this production.”

Productions will take place at the Tlaquepaque, the Art and Soul of Sedona and are fully professional.

Seating is limited. Besides the restaurant specials, tickets are available for $25 per person, $10 for students, for each show or a special value package (an $80 value specially priced at $65) is also available. To order tickets, please call 800-768-9286 go to www.shakespearesedona.com.