Theater News

Shakespeare Society Celebrates the Birth of the Bard

The Shakespeare Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the enjoyment and understanding of the works of William Shakespeare, will present its annual birthday celebration for the Bard this Monday, April 24, at 12:30pm, in front of Shakespeare’s statue located on the mall in Central Park at 66th Street.

The event will kick off with the cast of the Off-Broadway hit The Bomb-itty of Errors performing the prologue of their hip-hop retelling of The Comedy of Errors. Following that, the actors of Gorilla Repertory Theatre will enact a scene from their acclaimed version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, now in its eleventh season of free performances in Washington Square Park.

In what is becoming a yearly tradition, The Shakespeare Society will honor the 436th birthday of the great dramatist by laying a wreath at the foot of the Bard’s memorial. Members of the Society and the public are invited to join in the festivities, and to bring a favorite quote or sonnet to recite as a toast. Noted Shakespearean actor Roger Rees, currently appearing in Uncle Vanya on Broadway, will make an appearance.

The event will be an hour long, and will take place rain or shine. For more information, call the Society at 212-327-3399 or visit their website at www.shakespearesociety.org.