Mixed Magic Brings Shakespeare/Gospel To Woonsocket

Mixed Magic Theatre of Pawtucket will be coming to Woonsocket next week to perform William Shakespeare’s tragic play “King Lear” on Monday and Tuesday and hold a gospel music concert on Thursday at River Island Park.

The performances are “pay what you can.”  Attendees are encouraged to stake out a spot in the viewing area, enjoy the offerings of Main Street and or their own picnic baskets, and then take in the play, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2 and on Wednesday, August 3, or the Greatness of Gospel concert, which will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 4. 

During each performance, attendees will be asked to pay what they can to support Mixed Magic Theatre. Based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island's Hope Artiste Village, Mixed Magic Theatre is a nonprofit arts organization founded in 2000 by Ricardo and Bernadet Pitts-Wiley.  For the past decade, the Company strives to bring diverse stories and images to the stage through prose and song, tackling well-known dramatics as well as original theatrical productions.  Under the leadership of new Artistic Director Jonathan Pitts-Wiley, Mixed Magic Theatre strives to continue its mission:  Building more literate and arts-active communities.

, Nation Wide Construction and the Woonsocket Health & Rehabilitation Centre are sponsoring the three day affair, coordinated with the help of Woonsocket Mayor Leo Fontaine.

“Once again, our corporate and non-profit citizens have stepped up to improve the quality of life of Woonsocket residents by supporting cultural activities at River Island Park," said Fontaine, thanking Mixed Magic for choosing Woonsocket as a venue.  

The group will be performing “King Lear,”  William Shakespeare’s classic tragic play which begins with Lear’s decision to split his kingdom amongst his daughters, not in equal parts but according to his understanding of who loves him most.  Flattery carries the day and the King, over time, realizes his choice was flawed and does not work out well for him or the kingdom.  Intrigue upon intrigue ensues, and the play in true Shakespearean fashion ends tragically for all involved.

"Even though we are coping with a slow economy, we still have to make every attempt to bring the community together to enjoyable events," said Fontaine of week's activities. "Since the city could not directly support this production, I have to give high praise to the sponsors for bringing this unique opportunity to the city.”

Parking for the events is available at municipal lots on the Bernon Street/Truman Drive intersection, Market Square, and South Main Street.