Library to be 'Next Stage' for Shakespeare Production

Shakespeare in the stacks? Check out the this weekend for a bit of the Bard among the books.

On Sunday at 7 p.m., the Friends of the Madison Public Library will present Love’s Labour’s Lost, performed by ’s Next Stage Ensemble summer touring program.

The all-ages performance is free and will be held in the library courtyard at 39 Keep Street. Attendees should bring along lawn chairs to enjoy a casual evening of entertainment. In the event of rain, the performance will be held inside.

Love’s Labour’s Lost "is a coming-of-age comedy, a witty and hilarious ode to youthful aspirations, infatuations and follies. The young King of Navarre, along with three of his loyal friends, decide to dedicate themselves to the “noble pursuit of knowledge” for three full years, locking themselves away from all distractions, especially women. Their ambitious “ivory tower” is soon shaken by the arrival of the lovely Princess of France and her three gamesome ladies-in-waiting.

The Next Stage Ensemble, now in its 19th year, was created by The Shakespeare Theatre to foster the work of early-career actors and directors. In the tradition of an Elizabethan traveling company, the troupe tours with only minimal sets and without lighting equipment, and the actors typically perform in multiple roles.

For more information on Sunday's performance of Love's Labor's Lost, call the library at 973-377-0722.