Theater News

OR-Based Metal Shakespeare Company Brings Blend of Heavy-Metal Rock and Bard to CA

Los Angeles
The Oregon-based Metal Shakespeare Company will be bringing its fusion of the Bard’s work and heavy-metal rock to the Los Angeles area this weekend, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times Culture Monster blog. On Sunday the company will perform a set of their unique blend of contemporary and Elizabethan styles at Spaceland in Silverlake. On Monday, they’ll be performing at the Sandpiper in Laguna Beach.

Scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and Measure for Measure, all of which will be set to original heavy-metal music, are expected to be part of the group’s performances in California. While some of Shakespeare’s poetry will be condensed or altered in joking ways, the essence of the Bard’s verse will remain intact.

Each band member has also adopted an Elizabethan-sounding stage name: Lord Simms (Jason Simms, vocals and guitar), Viceroy Matthew (Matt Stikker, guitar and vocals), William Sly (Randy Bemrose, drums), Bottom (Luke Dennis, bass) and Sir Riley (Riley Geare, keyboard). The group has performed for audiences at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and one day hopes to stage a complete Shakespeare play set to heavy-metal music.

For further information, visit: www.metalshakespeare.com.