Preview of “The Winter’s Tale” by Valley Shakespeare Festival

VALLEY SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 10TH PRODUCTION OF FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK IN SHELTON!

This summer Valley Shakespeare Festival is celebrating their 10th consecutive summer of providing Free Theater in the Park to the residents of the Lower-Naugatuck Valley and beyond.

For 2022 Valley Shakespeare will present William Shakespeare’s magical “The Winter’s Tale”. A play Shakespeare wrote later in his life tells the story of a lost princess raised by a shepherd and of her secret romance with a prince. As we follow Perdita's adventure, we encounter wild beasts, a magic statue, a sheep shearing party, and an unexpected family reunion.

“Since 2013, we have presented Free professional theater to the residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and beyond. Our actors and crew are made up of professionals from the area, and New York City. I cannot be more proud and excited to present this extremely funny, yet deeply thought-provoking play. While it seems like a fairy tale, as in most fairy tales, it usually has a much deeper meaning.”

“What is interesting about THE WINTER’S TALE, is that it time travels 16 years! We are setting the first part of the play in the 1950s and the second half in the 1970s. Myself and the cast have been looking at both these time periods through music, art, media, and politics and seeing how much change and growth were brought about. We all agree that the 50s is a perfect time period to start because it was a catalyst for some positive changes during the 60s and into the 70s.”

The cast is made up of Actors, some returning actors, and some new friendly new talented faces. Returning this summer are Eric Bermudez* (Cyrano, Pericles), Julia Lennon (Henry VIII), Matt Mancuso* (Henry VIII, Pericles), Stephen Saxton (Our Town), and Kendall Segovia* (Henry VIII, Pericles). Joining the cast include VSF newcomers: Siena D’Addario, Jordan Kaplan* and Christie Maturo*. The play is Stage Managed by returning VSF favorite, Kristen Kingsley*.

* - Denotes a member of Actor's Equity Association, the union for all stage actors and managers.

The Winter’s Tale will run in two parks, Veteran’s Memorial Park in Shelton, Connecticut from Thursday, July 15h through Sunday, July 18th at 7 PM and at Quarry Walk in Oxford from Thursday, July 22nd through Sunday, July 25th at 7 PM. Shows are free with a suggested donation of $10. Mask wearing, if you are not vaccinated, and social distancing are encouraged.

THE WINTER’S TALE by William Shakespeare
JULY 14-17 in Veteran’s Memorial Park 38 Canal Street E Shelton, CT
JULY 21-24 at Quarry Walk 300 Oxford Road in Oxford, CT

Performances begin at 7:30 PM
Free with a suggested $10 donation

For any questions or weather alerts, please visit www.vsfestival.org or call (203) 513-9446.