Livermore Shakespeare Festival celebrates the holidays with a classic

Livermore, California –The Gift of the Magi, O. Henry’s classic short story about the spirit of giving will be brought to life on December 14th and 21st when artists from Livermore Shakespeare Festival present a reading of the story and other holiday short stories. Associate Artist Michael Wayne Rice directs a cast of Livermore Shakespeare Festival actors including Lindsey Marie Schmeltzer and Tim Ackerman. Rice and Schmeltzer both appeared in LSF’s production of The Tempest last summer at Wente Vineyards.

The readings will take place at Swirl on the Square in downtown Livermore, to the festive accompaniment of a glass of wine or other beverage and a tapas sampler plate. There will be four performances in total, with showings at 5:30PM and 7:30PM on both December 14th and 21st.

Livermore Shakespeare Festival Producing Artistic Director, Lisa Tromovitch states, “The stories we’ll read this year celebrate giving something unusual and unexpected that ends up having great meaning. They are not religious stories though the characters give their gifts on Christmas. Their personal journeys to find meaningful gifts are journeys many people make this time of year within the context of many religions. The stories have a local feel and the characters make momentous decisions to profound effect. Each is tinged with a sweetness and a sadness that somehow feels right to me this time of year.”

Swirl on the Square is located at 21 S. Livermore Ave., in downtown Livermore, CA. The first reading will begin at 5:30 pm, the second at 7:30pm on December 14th and 21st. Tickets are $38 and include the performance, a glass of wine or other beverage and a tapas sampler plate. Pre-sale ticket purchases are required as seating is limited. Tickets are available at LivermoreShakes.org or by calling (925) 443-BARD.