CEDAR CITY — The Utah Shakespeare Festival will say a fond farewell to the historic Adams Shakespearean Theatre at the end of the summer, looking forward to the 2016 season where audiences will experience the festival with the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center of the Arts at Southern Utah University and the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre.
Before the lights dim forever in the Adams Theatre, the festival has planned activities throughout the season. Patrons can come and experience all the magic the Adams has to offer as well as say goodbye.
“For over forty years this wonderful ‘wooden O’ has provided the blank page for us to tell a thousand dreams,” Fred C. Adams, festival founder, said. “She has sat through snow storms, wild winds and pelting rains, waiting patiently for world class directors and designers to bring her to life each spring with creative ideas and just the right amount of magic.
“She now serves as the inspiration for a new and exciting youngster to pick up the torch and carry the festival to new and brighter heights.”
Read and see more: Call for submissions: Farewell old friend, Adams Shakespearean Theatre | Photos and Videocast
Exhibits
- Adams Farewell Art Exhibit | This exhibit in the Randall L. Jones Lobby celebrates the architecture, spirit and history of the Adams Shakespeare Theatre, the symbol of the Utah Shakespeare Festival since 1977. Over 90 artists from the western United States and as far away as Beijing, China, submitted work, presenting the Adams Theatre in oils, watercolors, quilts, sculpture and drawings. Most pieces are on sale, with proceeds going to the artist and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
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Video tribute to the Adams Theatre | A video tribute has been commissioned to highlight the memories and history of the Adams Shakespearean Theatre. The video can be seen in the Auditorium Theatre lobby and online.
- “The Greenshow” | The festival will once again have three different “Greenshow” nights: Irish night, English night and Italian night. English night will conclude with a touching song about the Adams Shakespearean Theatre and the stories many have shared inside the “wooden O.” “The Greenshow” is free and is held Monday through Saturday at 7:10 p.m. on the Greenshow stage.
- Special Adams Theatre backstage tour | The backstage tour will focus more on the Adams Theatre and the technology that is used to create the magic onstage. Call for tickets, or visit the Utah Shakespeare Festival website.
- Reunion weekend | All past employees of the Utah Shakespeare Festival are invited for a special reunion weekend, Aug. 13-15, to celebrate the closing of the Adams Theatre. There will also be a reception in the Adams Courtyard on Aug. 15 after the evening shows.
- Photo opps | Around the Adams Theatre will be designated photo opportunities so audience members can document and share their last time at the theatre. Share these photos to the festival Instagram or Facebook.
Closing night celebrations
Sept. 3-5 will be closing nights in the Adams Theatre and will feature “The Taming of the Shrew,” “King Lear” and “Henry IV Part Two.” There will be a special commemoration highlighting the many memories and shows that have been produced in the theatre.
Tickets are on sale for the festival’s 54th season, which runs from June 25 to Oct. 31. The eight-play season includes Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Henry IV Part Two” and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.”
The season will also include Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus,” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific,” “Charley’s Aunt” by Brandon Thomas and Steven Dietz’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”
Resources
- Utah Shakespeare Festival website | Instagram | Facebook
- For tickets go online or call 1-800-PLAYTIX
Related posts
- Call for submissions: Farewell old friend, Adams Shakespearean Theatre
- Shakespeare festival receives $35,000 grant to produce ‘Henry IV Part Two’
- Utah Shakespeare Festival offers low-cost student pass for 2015 shows
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