Santa Cruz Shakespeare is a beacon of cultural heritage and artistic expression in the heart of California. This summer, the company is gearing up for the debut of 'Much Ado About Nothing', a play that promises to be a highlight of their 12-year journey as a nationally recognized nonprofit professional repertory theater company. The play, one of William Shakespeare's wittiest and most beloved comedies, features a stellar cast, including Allie Pratt as Hero, Jono Eiland as Benedick, Charlotte Boyce Munson as Beatrice, and Will Block as Claudio. The ensemble cast also includes Thomas Bigley, Chris Cherin, Lily Cline, Dan Donohue, Patty Gallagher, Cameron Kauffman, Renée Torchio MacDonald, Charles Pasternak, Izzy Pedego, Mike Ryan, and Paige Lindsey White.
What makes this production particularly fascinating is the company's commitment to presenting Shakespeare's works in an outdoor amphitheater, offering a unique and immersive experience for audiences. The Santa Cruz Shakespeare outdoor amphitheater in DeLaveaga Park seats more than 490 people and the season features afternoon matinees and evening performances under the stars. This year, Santa Cruz Shakespeare is celebrating 12 years as a nationally recognized nonprofit professional repertory theater company, with roots that go back more than 40 years.
In my opinion, the company's dedication to preserving Shakespeare's works and making them accessible to a wide audience is commendable. The fact that they are presenting 'Much Ado About Nothing' in an outdoor setting is particularly intriguing, as it allows for a more intimate and engaging experience for the audience. The play's wit and humor, combined with the stunning outdoor setting, promises to be a delightful experience for all.
However, what many people don't realize is that the company's commitment to Shakespeare goes beyond just presenting his works. They are also dedicated to exploring the broader implications of Shakespeare's plays and how they connect to larger trends in society. This is particularly evident in their choice to present 'Much Ado About Nothing' in repertoire with Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and 'Fences' by August Wilson, as well as 'Private Lives' by Noël Coward and 'The Last Five Years' by Jason Robert Brown.
One thing that immediately stands out is the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. By presenting plays from different genres and time periods, they are showcasing the breadth and depth of Shakespeare's works and how they continue to resonate with audiences today. This is particularly important in a world where cultural heritage and artistic expression are often threatened by societal changes and political shifts.
From my perspective, Santa Cruz Shakespeare is not just a theater company, but a cultural institution that is helping to preserve and promote the arts in a rapidly changing world. Their commitment to Shakespeare and the broader implications of his works is a testament to their dedication to the arts and their belief in the power of storytelling to connect people across time and space. As they continue to celebrate their 12th year as a nationally recognized nonprofit professional repertory theater company, I am confident that they will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
