Huntington Theatre Company Artistic Director
Nicholas Martin has announced that the Spring production
of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"
will be replaced with a new version of Shakespeare's
comedy "Love's Labour's Lost."
This will mark the first Shakespeare play produced
by the Huntington since 1999, and the first under Nicholas Martin's
leadership. Martin will direct the new production, which runs
May 12 to June 11.
"Forum" was originally scheduled as a vehicle
for Brooks Ashmanskas. However, the actor was
offered a sizable opportunity on Broadway. Several replacements
were considered, however, in the end, it was deemed best to go with
a new title.
Martin commented, " . . . he'll be back and so will 'Forum'."
Of the new addition to the season, he said, "I thought about
the many requests we've had over the past few years to present a Shakespeare
play at the Huntington. Boston is a wonderful Shakespeare town, and
it seemed like the right time to revisit one of my favorite comedies.
'˜Love's Labour's Lost' has exuberant youthful energy, and it
is very funny and a little bittersweet. I think it's an ideal
show to end the season and start the summer."
"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 unannounced 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 to keep their
promise.
While the multi-award-winning Martin has never directed Shakespeare
in Boston, he has significant past experience with the Bard.
He helmed the 2004 production of "A Midsummer Night's
Dream" at Williamstown Theatre Festival
in western Massachusetts, as well as an acclaimed production of "Macbeth"
at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, starring Victor
Garber. "Love's Labour's Lost" reunites Martin
with Elliot Norton Award-winning scenic designer
Alexander Dodge, who also created celebrated sets
for "The Rivals" in 2005 and "Butley"
in 2003.
Casting for "Love's Labour's Lost" is underway and will
be announced soon. For tickets and information, call 617-266-0800
or visit www.huntingtontheatre.org.
Tickets already purchased for
"Forum" will be honored at the corresponding performances
of "Love's Labour's Lost."
--
OnStage Boston
