Covert meetings, misdirected love notes and a beautiful
princess threaten the chastity of four young scholars in the Huntington
Theatre Company's production of William Shakespeare's
"Love's Labour's Lost," directed by Huntington Artistic
Director Nicholas Martin, in his first Boston-area
Shakespeare production. The show runs from May 12-June 11 at the Boston
University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue in Boston.
The
bittersweet comedy featuring young characters in love is a logical choice
for Martin, who says he chose the play because it is "complex,
mysterious and defies categorization in the Shakespeare canon. I love
its exuberant youthful energy, and that it's very funny and a little
bittersweet. I think it's an ideal show to end the season and start
the summer."
Martin's production is set in 1910 pre-World War I Europe when, as he
says, "the world was still full of hope and promise, and there
was room for carelessness and dalliance. People still believed that
anything was possible, despite clouds of unrest looming on the horizon.
After World War I there was a loss of innocence as we entered the Modern
Age."
Martin says setting the production in 1910 allows for
a specific and stylized look for the show. "This production will
not be buried under fabric," he says, referring to the lack of
Elizabethan-style costumes and furniture. Live music will be performed
throughout, serving as a conduit for the emotional twists and turns
of the text, and as an underscore to the Bard's brilliant language.
"Love's Labour's Lost" tells the tale of the King of Navarre
who, along with his three young lords, takes a three-year oath of chastity
that precludes them from seeing or visiting women in order to focus
on their academic studies. Their oaths are tested almost immediately
by the untimely visit of the Princess of France and her three beautiful
ladies-in-waiting. Covert meetings, misdirected love notes, and battles
of wits ensue as the men try hilariously to keep their promise.
Along with casting veteran actors, Martin underscores the innocent,
youthful dynamics of the play by featuring emerging young local (and
locally-trained) talent, including several student actors and recent
graduates. Boston University graduate Noah Bean, who
just completed a starring role in David Mamet's acclaimed
new play, "Romance" in Los Angeles, will
play the lead character of Berowne.
Joining him are Huntington favorites Eric Anderson, Mia Barron,
Zabryna Guevara, Will LeBow, James McMenamin and Bill
Mootos. Rounding out the cast are Jeremy Beck, Elisa
Bocanegra, Kieran Campion, Neil A. Casey, James Fouhey, Robert Jason
Jackson, Krystal Rowley, Rachel Rusch, Tommy Schrider and
Peter Zachari.
RELATED EVENTS
May 16
SNEAK PREVIEW
Presentation by a member of the Huntington's artistic staff, featuring
behind-the-scenes and production-related information. 6:30 p.m. in the
theatre. Free with ticket purchase.
May 25 and June 7
ACTORS FORUMS
Participating cast members will appear after the 7:30 p.m. performance
on May 25 and after the 2 p.m. performance on June 7 to answer audience
questions. Free with ticket purchase.
May 31
OUT & ABOUT CLUB
For members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities
to mingle with staff, artists and each other. Pre-show reception at
6 p.m. at Top of the Hub Restaurant and a post-show backstage tour included.
Free with ticket purchase.
June 2
ASL-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE
For audience members who are deaf or hard of hearing, this 8 p.m. performance
will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Call TTY 617-424-0694
for more information.
June 3
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE
For audience members who are blind or low-vision, this 2 p.m. performance
is described live via wireless headphone technology. Equipment loaned
free with ticket purchase; log onto
www.huntingtontheatre.org or call 617 266-0800.
June 4
HUMANITIES FORUM
A lively discussion about the issues and ideas presented in the production.
After the 2 p.m. show. Free with ticket purchase.
For tickets and information, stop by the Huntington
Theatre Company box office, call 617-266-0800 or visit www.huntingtontheatre.org.
--
OnStage Boston
