Play’s world tour stops for two shows on one day at Lincoln Theatre Dubbed “The Year of Lear,” 2014 has seen some of the world’s greatest actors from London to New York take on the challenge of playing Shakespeare’s most tragic king, including Frank Langella, Simon Russell Beale and John Lithgow. Joining this celebrated list is Joseph Marcell. Best known to us as Geoffrey the English Butler on television’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Marcell is, in fact, an accomplished Shakespearean actor who has been starring in the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre’s touring production of King Lear—coming to Napa soon! Marking the last stop on a critically acclaimed 20-month world tour, the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater in partnership with NapaShakes will present an exclusive Bay Area engagement of the Globe’s King Lear for two performances only, on December 6. Using an Elizabethan style booth stage—inspired by paintings and etchings from Shakespeare’s time when touring was prevalent—this thrilling, fast-paced adaptation breaks the boundaries between the stage and the audience in signature Globe Theatre style. Directed by Bill Buckhurst, the Globe’s King Lear offers an inventive, lively and thoroughly accessible take on Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. Rounding out the cast of eight actors are Downton Abbey alums Daniel Pirrie and Gwendolen Chatfield, who are double, triple and quadruple-cast to play all the roles, as well as dance, sing, sword-fight and play musical instruments. How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is To have a thankless child! In the story, the aging King Lear proposes to give up his crown and divide his kingdom between his three daughters—but his rash generosity is cruelly repaid. Lear discovers too late the falsity of the values by which he has lived, and is ultimately plunged into despair and madness. With tempestuous poetry shot through with moments of humor and heart-rending simplicity, King Lear is a profound study of the human condition in all its extremes and complexity. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is one of the world’s most revered and resourceful theatre companies, with its iconic open-air London theatre rebuilt nearby the site of Shakespeare’s original playhouse. Shakespeare’s Globe has been touring productions around the world since 2007 and is currently touring Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and King Lear. This Napa Valley engagement of King Lear marks the debut of NapaShakes, a new organization dedicated to presenting year-round professional productions of Shakespeare and classical plays with a commitment to the highest level of quality, plus dynamic community outreach and educational programs. For more information about NapaShakes, visit NapaShakes.org. TICKETS for December 6 performances 2 pm: $25, $35, $45 / 7:30 pm: $35, $55, $65; *$125 *includes premium seating and ticket to artist reception and post-show cast party. There will also be a free school show on December 4, where students and educators will see a production specially created for them by the Globe Theatre, and starring the full cast. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.lincolntheater.org, or call 707-944-9900 NOV E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 49 Joseph Marcell as King Lear Cast members of King Lear a Famous in the Napa Valley
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