A/E: The Utah Shakespearean Festival

Bard times

Fred C. Adams, founder and executive producer of the Utah Shakespearean Festival, invites all Clark County residents to come play around in Cedar City this summer. Hosted by Southern Utah University, the group presents several full-fledged performances of the Bard's best as well as a few contemporary productions.

The fest hits the boards once again with a classic Broadway musical. "My Fair Lady is the big carrot this year," Adams explains. "We do a musical, knowing that once they are here they may give Shakespeare a try. Sort of like an incentive-maker."

Like most arts organizations, this Tony Award-winning regional theater was hit by the economic downturn following 9/11. Based on current ticket sales, Adams says, "It's obvious that they are coming back this summer. I think people are sick and tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop."

The Shakespearean slate includes the following:

Henry IV Part One: Young Prince Hal is cooling his heels while waiting for his opportunity to lead. Civil strife surrounds his country while he is under the ever-watchful eye of his father. With the help of Shakespeare's supreme comic creation, Falstaff, Prince Hal learns the value of ordinary folks. This play is often called the best-written historical drama of all time.

The Taming of The Shrew: Petruchio comes to the city of Padua seeking a wife. There he discovers the one woman for him, Katherina, best known as Kate the Curst. Petruchio vows to tame her. One of the Bard's most comical plays, the farce results from the clash of an irresistible force with a nearly immovable object: Katherina. The show also has its tender side with many romantic moments.

The Winter's Tale: Another beautiful romance; in this story an estranged king, queen, and their daughter are finally reunited--physically and spiritually. A play that begins with betrayal and jealousy, by curtain call is transformed into a tale of love and reconciliation.

While onsite at the fest, guests can participate in a variety of activities that will educate and entertain--many at no cost--to help enhance their understanding of Shakespeare. Among these are play orientations, literary seminars, backstage tours, and Greenshows, which immerse everyone in the period song and dance. At the plays-in-progress series, visitors can listen to readings of new works by the playwrights.

The Utah Shakespearean Festival summer season runs June 23-Sept. 4. Individual tickets are $12-$44. For details, call 800-PLAYTIX or visit their website at www.bard.org.--Barbara Scherzer