The cast and crew of Shakespeare in Love are set to deliver four nights of entertainment with this romantic tragicomedy play at the EA Rawlinson stage.
The Odyssey Productions show runs from Feb. 11-14. The play has two acts with 27 scenes and will be staged during the Valentine period.
Director and producer Kim Morrall said the cast and crew sought to capture true love and its challenges. Although the play is set in the 16th century, Morall said it’s still relevant for today’s audiences.
“There is appreciation of excellence in any generation,” said Morall, who is also the president of Odyssey Productions. “Excellence transcends time…. While the use of Shakespearean language is there, the play is ultimately a love story and something a lot of people can relate to. It doesn’t matter the time as love itself has no end. Its timeless, unique and anybody coming in to watch it will not be disappointed.”
Play production is an intricate business. Moral said the biggest challenge was getting the set together. Parts of it were made in Saskatoon and had to be shipped north.
“They are big parts and (they) needed to be moved to Prince Albert,” Morrall said. “Imagine a tomb that will take 2 or more people.”
There are 28 actors performing in Shakespeare in Love, and Morrall it’s wonderful to have such a large and talented cast. The performers meet three times a week to rehearse, and Morrall credited them for their commitment and work ethic.
“The cast has been wonderful—one of the best that i have worked with so far in my 30 years in the industry,” she said. “It’s a community. All hands are on deck and everyone of them wants this to be a success. It’s really beautiful and it feels special seeing the actors going beyond their roles to help make the show a success.”
Staging the play had its own challenges.
“It’s such a massive play with so many moving parts to it. We have our actual sets and pieces moved,” said Elliott Byers, an actor and team lead of the sponsorship group. “Our biggest hurdle was the logistics of putting this whole thing together, But the good part is that people are excited about the play, wanting to donate things, and getting involved. The commitment of our amazing cast made this more beautiful.”
Byers said there could have been no better place to stage this play than Prince Albert because the community is second to none inn terms of arts appreciation.
“They (audiences) are welcoming and everyone wants to work together and to make it better, we have this amazing facility (EA Rawlinson Centre) that we get to use. In fact to me the question should be ‘why not here?”
The play has a little bit of everything for everybody singing, dancing, and sword fighting.
“This has been so much fun,” said Brenner Holash, who performs the role of Christopher Marlow, a prominent playwright at the time who is a good friend of Shakespeare’s, and possibly a spy for the Queen. “Prince Albert is a community that comes together and makes things happen and the people involved in this production are second to none. They have been like family. We put in a lot of time together and I feel comfortable here.”
Acting, like any other profession, comes with its own challenges, Holash said it’s been a bit easier this time, however, because of the quality of the lead performers, and the “depth and charisma” they bring.
“It’s also a thrill to act with these people,” he said.
“Its the season of love, its February. There is no better way to spend valentine’s day than at the theatre. Come and fall in love all over again with Shakespeare in love.”
The play is presented by Little Birdie Productions and Odyssey Productions. The directors are Kim Morrall and Adreanna Gareau. It features a cast of 28 actors, all based in or have roots in Prince Albert.
The love is not just for the play but also for charity and the future. Morrall said the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation will donate $10 to the Ronald McDonald House in Prince Albert for every ticket sold.
“We are thankful to all our sponsors and also very thankful to the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation,” Morrall said.
Tickets are available through the E.A. Rawlinson Centre box office and online at earc.ca
