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Press ReleasesFor Immediate Release Contact: Lisa@ShakespearesAssociates.org Livermore Shakespeare Festival Moves Livermore - Livermore Shakespeare Festival has found a new home in the Livermore Valley wine country. The historic Concannon Vineyard has invited the company to make use of a handsome Victorian home on its Tesla Road property east of the City of Livermore. The stately home, unmistakably Victorian with wide porches and a graceful cupola, was originally located at Fourth and K streets in downtown Livermore. It was built in 1895 for Dr. Cameron Gordon and originally boasted 32 chandeliers and a 48-foot chimney. It was first moved to Tesla Road in 1966 to begin a new life as a bed and breakfast, but instead stood empty for decades. Then it recently was relocated from nearby property to free up land for a new $20 million winemaking facility. Surprisingly, this impressive turn-of-the-century relic offers aspects akin to Shakespeare’s Elizabethan stage. Its two graceful porches, one above the other, echo the multilevel playing areas of London’s 16th century Globe and Rose theatres. “The Victorian house will be the equivalent of Shakespeare’s tiring house,” explained Lisa Tromovitch, the Festival’s artistic director. “It won’t just be a backdrop to the show, but also serve as part of the stage itself.” Two productions are scheduled to run in repertory for the 2008 Festival season: Concannon continues to make improvements to increase visitors’ comfort. They include paving the once dusty driveways, providing an accessible parking lot and creating pathways to an enlarged picnic area and seating area. The interior of the Victorian home will be restored, providing guest facilities for Concannon’s business visitors. For more information go to www.LivermoreShakes.org or call 925-443-BARD (2273). Tickets go on sale June 1 for performances at 7:30 PM Thursday through Sunday, July 10 – August 2. -end-
Livermore Shakespeare Festival presents two shows outdoors at Concannon Vineyard, in repertory July 10 – August 2: Twelfth Night directed by Lisa Tromovitch and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, directed by Leslie Martinson. Information: www.LivermoreShakes.org or call 925-443-BARD (2273). Tickets at 1-800-838-3006. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE College and Shakespeare Festival Collaborate Contact: Lisa Tromovitch College and Shakespeare Festival Collaborate Livermore - The more you know the more you’ll enjoy Livermore Shakespeare Festival’s summer productions of “Twelfth Night” and “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised)," opening in July at beautiful Concannon Vineyard, Livermore. That’s the idea behind “Previewing Summer Shakespeare,” the two-part class at Las Positas College featuring a panel of experts on Shakespeare’s life and times and the joys and challenges of producing his plays for modern audiences. Part I Is scheduled for 7-8:30 pm Tuesday, May 20. The Festival’s producing artistic director, Lisa A. Tromovitch, will discuss these comedies, one a hit since the 16th century, the other a mischievous modern spoof. She’ll be assisted by costume designer Jonathan Singer, discussing Shakespeare’s settings and locales; and by Peggy Riley, company dramaturg, who will share insights into the playwright’s life and Elizabethan culture. In addition, local historian Gary Drummond will take participants back to the Victorian era in Livermore, when the picturesque home that serves as a backdrop for the Festival’s outdoor productions was in the height of fashion. Part II of “Previewing Summer Shakespeare” is scheduled for 7-8:30 pm Monday, June 30. Presenters will focus on the upcoming productions. Participants will meet directors, actors and designers, and enjoy previews of scenes from the plays. Presenters will be available after both sessions for discussion, questions and conversation. This collaborative effort between the college and local arts organizations is hosted by Dean of Academic Services Dr. Philip Manwell and designed for accessibility: the cost is only $10 per class. Look for these course listings in the Spring and Summer Community Education Bulletins. To register, go to www.laspositascollege.edu/communityed, call (925) 424-1467, or mail in the form in the bulletin. The classes will be held in the 2400 building - room 2470. Students should park in lot E. While pre-registration is helpful, students may register the night of the class. For more information about the shows go to www.LivermoreShakes.org or call 925-443-BARD (2273). -end- For Immediate Release Livermore – The elements of mystery, surprise and old-fashioned storytelling combine in the critically acclaimed, exhilarating and witty drama, Proof, by David Auburn. Shakespeare’s Associates is producing the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner as part of their 2008 Season. Proof will run March 28-30, April 4-6 and 11-13; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore. Proof is the story of Catherine, a troubled young woman,
who has spent the previous years caring for her brilliant but unstable
father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must
cope with her own emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire;
and the attentions of Hal, her father's former student. Over the long
weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious
notebook force Catherine to face her most daunting uncertainty: has
she inherited only her father’s genius or his madness as well? Critics have remarked that, “in a play featuring insanity there
is a warm and infectious humanizing perspective that can help keep
anyone’s demons at bay.” Shakespeare’s Associates
hopes that this humanizing perspective will speak to its audience and
that this personal four-player show will suit the intimate space at
the Bothwell center to further draw the audience into the environment
of this smart and compassionate play. For Immediate Release Proof Fact Sheet Contact: Lisa A. Tromovitch (Shakespeare’s Associates Inc. is a non-profit corporation) What: Proof by David Auburn Who: Shakespeare’s Associates, producers of Livermore Shakespeare Festival Where: Bothwell Arts Center's "West End Theatre" at 2466 Eighth Street, Livermore When: Fri. April 4 – 8:00 p.m. Fri. April 11 – 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices: Preview: $20 Adults/Seniors, $15 Students Reserved Seating Tickets go on sale February 1, 2008. For Immediate Release Shakespeare's
Associates Welcomes New Chairman of the Board lisa@shakespearesassociates.org (Livermore) - Shakespeare's Associates, producers of Livermore Shakespeare Festival, are proud to announce Dr. Philip Manwell as the new Chairman of the Board. Not only is Manwell a skilled musician, he also is a valued member of the community serving on several local boards. Manwell earned a Bachelor of Music, Masters of Science and Doctoral Studies from the Julliard School, as well as a Doctor of Education from the University of San Francisco. He garnered diplomas from the Paris Conservatory, performed as a soloist and chamber player, and conducted throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, and the Far East. Since 1986, Manwell serves as a music and humanities faculty member at Las Positas College and as an administrator since 1962. Though not new to the board, having served last year, Manwell is welcomed as Chairman by current board members: Lisa A. Tromovitch, Peggy Riley, Russ Marcel, Elizabeth E. Trutner, and Katie Marcel. All members are thrilled for Manwell to be taking over after a successful season. As treasurer Katie Marcel notes, "We have just ended our first fiscal year and we ended it firmly in the black!" Shakespeare's Associates looks forward to Manwell's leadership as they launch into the next season, beginning with a production of Proof opening March at the Bothwell Arts Center. "Philip's vision for the company includes our collaborating with others, as was evident in his involvement in our recent collaborative project at the new Bankhead Theater," stated Tromovitch. "I trust that the college as well as the Opera, Shakespeare's Associates and the other groups that he is involved with will all be stronger for his leadership." - end - Available for Comment: Mission: For Immediate Release The Arts Re-Envision Downtown Livermore AVAILABLE FOR CONTACT Jean King, Livermore-Amador Symphony Livermore – “All the arts in one day in downtown Livermore!” was the cry of the volunteers handing out flyers for the upcoming celebration of the arts, Saturday, October 13th. “With the final Tuesday Tunes behind us, we’re looking forward to the celebration of the new Bankhead Theater,” explained Livermore Downtown executive director Rachael Snedecor. Based on the size of the crowd Tuesday evening, arts and downtown is a popular pairing in Livermore. During the day on Saturday the 13th, ArtWalk turns downtown into a gallery district, with local businesses hosting a variety of art and artists on a walking tour. Then in the evening, three of the community’s performing arts groups are collaborating on a one-night-only production featuring the Livermore-Amador Symphony, Livermore Valley Opera, and Shakespeare’s Associates to celebrate the opening of the new Bankhead Theater. The evening closes with culinary arts and of course, local wines, in a reception featuring the visual arts again with the 2007 Art Banner Auction sponsored by Livermore Downtown. The show, entitled “All the World’s a Stage: The Bard, Baritones and Bassoons,” is a sampler of sorts, with music, arias, scenes and monologues from past and upcoming productions. “If you missed this summer’s hit A Comedy of Errors, you can catch two of the funniest scenes on the 13th,” added Tromovitch. A special feature is a newly commissioned work by Thomas Darter. LVPAC commissioned the work, One Step (at a time) Rag, to be performed by LAS with Mr. Darter on piano. Jim Ott, a well-known local arts supporter, will emcee. “People will come downtown, browse the local art, maybe pick up some early holiday gifts, then grab dinner before the show at the Bankhead,” stated Shakespeare’s Associates artistic director Lisa Tromovitch. “The motto is ‘Arts Live Here’ and collaborating with not only the opera and the Livermore Shakespeare group, but also with the visual artists really gives the symphony members a chance to demonstrate their commitment to the whole artistic community. We love music, but also other art forms,” added Livermore-Amador Symphony president Jean King. One could get confused as to who represented which group as each of the leaders of all six organizations involved seemed to be promoting the other. Linda Ryan, who works for Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, the group responsible for the new theater, and is a leader of the Tri-Valley Artists, the producers of ArtWalk, talked enthusiastically about the synergy created with so many artists working closely together on one day. Livermore Valley Opera Managing Director Jim Schmidt pointed out that though opera and theater are already collaborative art forms, with performers working with designers and directors to produce the show, coming together as a broader artist community has given everyone new vision. “There have already been stimulating discussions as we share ‘best practices’ in the hopes of helping each other grow.” A new cultural identity appears to be blossoming in Livermore. Tickets range from $28 - $36 and include the show, art banner auction and food and wine reception. “The food and wine alone is a $30 value,” added Snedecor. Tickets are available at the box office at 2400 First Street, at 925-373-6800 or online at LivermorePerformingArts.org. More information can be found on all the groups’ web sites, with the list of numbers to be performed posted at www.LivermoreShakes.org and detailed information on ArtWalk at www.TriValleyArtists.com Calendar Listing Saturday, October 13th, 8:00 pm All the World's a Stage: The Bard, Baritones and Bassoons. A sampler of the performing arts with Shakespeare's Associates/Livermore Shakespeare Festival, Livermore Valley Opera, and Livermore-Amador Symphony celebrating the opening of the new Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street Livermore. Tickets at $28 - $36 are available at the theater’s box office, at 925-373-6800 and online at LivermorePerformingArts.org Saturday, October 13th, 11:00 – 5:00 pm ArtWalk 2007 in Downtown Livermore. Sponsored by the Tri-Valley Artists Guild. Free walking tours feature area artists housed in local businesses. Bands at The Flagpole Stage, corner of S. Livermore and First Streets, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm. Free of charge. Info at trivalleyartists.com. For Immediate Release It’s Fiesta Day with The Comedy of Errors Livermore – A repeated series of mistaken identities within a dynamic plot of personal and marital debts owed sets the stage for William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. Livermore Shakespeare Festival will present Comedy outdoors at the idyllic Retzlaff Estate Winery. The show runs weekends, July 13th to Aug. 4th with a half priced preview on Thursday, July 12th and family nights on July 12, 22, and 29. Comedy tells the hilarious story of two identical twin brothers and their identical twin servants, all of whom were separated at sea during their infancy until rediscovering each other through a series of madcap mix-ups and mayhem. As well as containing ample slapstick and physical humor, the play also abounds in Shakespeare’s trademark conceits, puns, and other forms of fanciful word and sword play. This summer, Livermore Shakespeare Festival is working in association with the University of the Pacific Theatre Arts to produce the show. Director Lisa A. Tromovitch is working with fellow faculty members and design artists to create a fresh twist on the story. “Theater is a collaborative art form,” stated Tromovitch. “I was talking with Costume Designer Cathie McClellan about how important it is for me to have the words match the visual elements. I don’t want a character to refer to a sword and then have a gun come out.” This didn’t mean that the play had to be set in Shakespeare’s day, however, as McClellan pointed out. Because of Livermore’s unique heritage, setting the production in the Rancho California era challenged scenic designer Randall Enlow to blend the required elements and simplicity of the Elizabethan set with elements of the period and locale. “It’s a fiesta day when the leading characters arrive on the scene,” added McClellan. “This allows us to bring color and a festive and distinctive environment to the show. The costumes of the Rancho California period are very similar to Elizabethan, in the layered skirts for the women, the use of swords for the upper class French and Italian …” Dramaturg Peggy Riley of Livermore is
excited to collaborate with the Livermore Heritage Guild to bring a
touch of local Rancho California history to our audiences. “The
site of Robert Livermore’s home on Rancho Las Positas is only a few
miles away from Retzlaff,” she noted. The collaboration resulted in
a lobby display for audience members to peruse while picnicking at
the outdoor venue. The professional company is truly a part of the community as five local students return from previous Vineyard productions to work on the project: David Cohen, Aliya Deri, and Emma Jonas as acting interns, and Crystal Albrecht and Kelli Xu as backstage interns. These join with new interns and a cast of eleven experienced actors to create not just a show, but a professional company rooted in the community. For more information about this show and the summer education classes
please visit LivermoreShakes.org For tickets call 1-800-838-3006. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Russell Marcel, Education Director LIVERMORE - This summer, along with presenting The Comedy of Errors for the Livermore Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare’s Associates will be offering fun and educational Shakespeare courses for young people at the Bothwell Arts Center at 8th and H Streets in Livermore. Programs begin June 18th and end June 29th. For Immediate Release Fact Sheet Livermore Shakespeare Festival in association with University of the Pacific Theatre Arts presents: The Comedy of Errors Location: Overnight Stay Packages at Hawthorne Suites available: tickets, picnic, overnight stay w/ pool For Immediate Release Contact: Lisa A. Tromovitch Calendar Listing Information for Livermore Shakespeare Festival’s outdoor Shakespeare in the Vineyards production of The Comedy of Errors. (Please note title change since 2006 press release.) Shakespeare in the Vineyards and under the stars, Livermore Shakespeare Festival opens the gates an hour before show time for picnicking at Retzlaff Estate Winery. The Comedy of Errors is a robust comedy with two pairs of mix-matched twins, entwining desire with hi-jinks, and past loss with present laughter. The setting is Rancho California, especially appropriate for the outdoor Livermore venue in an area that was once the Rancho for Mission San Jose. The vineyard sets the mood for four weekends of fun, July 12th – August 4th. For information: www.LivermoreShakes.org Tickets go on sale May 15th: 800-838-3006. Preview/Family Night – Thursday, July 12th, 2007 at 7:30 PM; $20. Opening Night – Friday, July 13th, 2007 at 7:30PM; $50/$45 Regular Performances: Saturday July 14th, F/Sat July 20 and 21 at 7:30PM, F./Sat July 27 and 28, and F/Sat August 3/4 all at 7:30PM; $30/$25 Special Sunday performances/Family Nights or Groups on Sundays July 22nd and 29th at 6:30 PM; $30/$25 Calendar Listings Thursday, July 12th, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival PREVIEW & Family Night: The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; All tickets $20; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org Friday, July 13th, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival OPENING Night The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $50/$45 includes buffet dinner; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org Saturday, July 14th, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org Friday, July 20st, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org Saturday, July 21nd, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org Sunday, July 22rd, 6:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: FAMILY NIGHT at The Comedy of Errors; Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; Free kid ticket for each paid adult ticket; Friday, July 27th, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org Saturday, July 28th, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org Sunday, July 29th, 6:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: FAMILY NIGHT at The Comedy of Errors; Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; Free kid ticket for each paid adult ticket; www.LivermoreShakes.org Friday, August 3rd, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org Saturday, August 4th, 7:30 PM Livermore Shakespeare Festival: The Comedy of Errors, Retzlaff Estate Winery 1356 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore; $30/$25; 800-838-3006; www.LivermoreShakes.org |