There’s no short
age of drama during this year’s Artown. Some of Reno’s major playhouses offer new interpretations on old classics, and bring some lesser known plays out of obscurity.
Good Luck Macbeth
Good Luck Macbeth will perform The Tempest, one of William Shakespeare’s most unique plays featuring adventure, betrayal, magic, romance and some odd creatures.
According to producer and artistic director Chad Sweet, the Shakespearean play was chosen because of its accessibility to modern audiences.
“Last year, our company did Twelfth Night, and it seemed to work out really well,” he says. “It’s Artown and summer, and Shakespeare is a really great, classic playwright. People really seem to like it.”
Director Linda Noveroske is staying true to the original script, but the company got creative with the production design, using “very geometric and very abstract” visuals, according to Sweet. Last year’s production of Twelfth Night was performed with a steampunk aesthetic.
“Kids will definitely enjoy it,” says Sweet of the The Tempest. “Most performances of The Tempest are not performed in a funny way, but we’re focusing on the comedic aspects of it. Kids will enjoy the gags and the jokes.”
Performances are held on July 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 26 and 27 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; on July 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 3-5 p.m.; July 21 from 7:45-9:30 p.m.; and July 28 from 7:30-9 p.m. Admission is $14-$20. 119 N. Virginia St.
GLM will also present Empire Improv’s Long Form Improv Show, in which two teams perform a 30 minute long play based on the suggestion of the audience. These productions are recommended for people 17 and older and will be held at GLM’s new location, 701 S. Virginia St. July 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 9-10:45 p.m. July 6 is free, and all other dates are $5. www.goodluckmacbeth.org
Reno Little Theater
Noel Coward’s humorous plays about the difficulty—and reward—of maintaining relationships are timeless. This summer, Reno Little Theater presents Coward’s Private Lives, a comedy about divorced couple Amanda and Elyot unintentionally rekindling their romance while on honeymoons with their new partners. This production is directed by McKenzi L. Swinehart, and will run on July 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26-29 at 7:30-10 p.m. July 15, 22, and 29 from 2-4:30 p.m. $15 for general admission, $12 for students, seniors and military members. The New Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St.
Meghan Kirwin and Helena Inskeep will perform as Prince Zorn of Zorna and Princess Saralinda in RLT’s production of The Thirteen Clocks, written by Frank Lowe and adapted by James Thurber. The Thirteen Clocks, directed by Kira Temple, is part poem, part fairy tale, and part fairytale. Attend one of four performances on July 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2-3 p.m. Free. Laxalt Auditorium, 401 West Second St. For more information, call www.renolittletheater.org or call 813-8900.
Ageless Repertory Theater
The three productions of the Ageless Repertory Theater are all comedies that address bigger issues like loss, family conflict, failure and mental illness, with a lighthearted approach. Shakespeare in Hollywood, written by Royal Shakespeare Company commissioned playwright Ken Ludwig and directed by Eileen Hacker, is the first performance on the roster. The play is set in 1934 and features Oberon and Puck—the famous fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream—getting into mischief on the set of a Hollywood film. Catch a performance of this show on July 10 and 13 from 1-3 p.m. and on July 12 from 7-9 p.m.
On July 17, 19 and 20, Ageless Repertory will present Annoyance, a play by Sam Bobrick. In Annoyance, directed by Len Overholser, mental patient Ethan Steckler undergoes psychiatric treatment with the help of doctors Anita Wells and Sidney Gates. July 17 and 20, 1-3 p.m. July 19, 7-9 p.m.
Director Ron Smith will present Broadway Bound, the third in Neil Simon’s Eugene trilogy. Broadway Bound is the story of two brothers—Eugene and Stanley—aspiring to become professional comedians while their family structure begins to crumble. July 24 and 27, 1-3 p.m., and July 26 from 7-9 p.m.
All performances will be held at Circles Edge for Spiritual Living, 1117 California St. There is no admission cost, but donations are accepted. These plays are recommended for adults. For more information, contact 345-7323.