Marin Shakespeare Company presents "Macbeth," featuring Alexandra Matthew and William Elsman, with performances presented outdoors at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre in San Rafael.
Marin Shakespeare Company presents "Macbeth," featuring Alexandra Matthew and William Elsman, with performances presented outdoors at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre in San Rafael.

This summer the Marin Shakespeare Company sets its outdoor stage for politics, power and pandemonium presenting “Macbeth,” “The Complete History of America (abridged)” and “The Tempest.” The season begins with previews on July 8 and continues with performances, presented in repertory, through Sept. 25, 2011.

The festival officially opens (under a full moon) the evening of Friday, July 15 with William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth,” directed by Lesley Schisgall Currier. Murder, remorse and madness stalk this bloody tale of ambition and fate. William Elsman and Alexandra Matthew star as the power hungry Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

The second production of season, “The Complete History of America (abridged),” by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, begins with previews on July 22. Darren Bridgett, Mick Mize and Cassidy Brown star as the irreverent, comical guides of this condensed American history lesson, directed by Robert Currier.

Marin Shakespeare Company welcomes wunderkind director Jon Tracy who brings his own brand of magic and enchantment to “The Tempest.” Recalling the turn of the 19th century, Tracy’s twist on “The Tempest” takes its inspiration from inventor Nikola Tesla, featuring Robert Parsons as Prosper. Previews begin on Aug. 19.

The Forest Meadows Amphitheatre opens one hour prior to show time for picnicking. Audiences are encouraged to brings picnics or purchase snacks at the Theatre Café. Warm clothing, jackets and blankets are recommended for evening performances. Campus parking is free.

The Marin Shakespeare Company summer long festival features a variety of special events and discounted ticket options and “Pay What You Will” preview performances. Tickets are $20 to $35.

Performances are presented 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and 4 p.m. Sundays at Dominican University of California’s Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, 1475 Grand Avenue, in San Rafael, Calif.

Marin Shakespeare Company’s 2011 Summer Festival Season

PRODUCER: Marin Shakespeare Company

WHAT: The professional, award-winning Marin Shakespeare Company features its summer festival of three plays presented under the summer stars in its outdoor venue, Dominican University of California’s Forest Meadows Amphitheatre in San Rafael, Calif. The MSC summer festival features a variety of special events and discounted ticket options including “Pay What You Will” preview performances.

Macbeth
Opening July 15 to Aug. 14, 2011 / Previews July 8, 9 & 10, 2011
By William Shakespeare / Directed by Lesley Schisgall Currier
Murder, remorse and madness stalk this bloody story of ambition and fate. Opening night performance is under a full moon. Featuring William Elsman* and Alexandra Matthew.*

The Complete History of America (abridged)
Opening July 30 to Sept. 25, 2011 / Previews July 22 & 24, 2011
By Adam Long, Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor / Directed by Robert Currier
A zany, hilarious, irreverent three-man romp through the annals of our nation’s past. History has never been this much fun. Featuring Darren Bridgett,* Cassidy Brown,* and Mick Mize.

The Tempest
Opening Aug. 27 to Sept. 25, 2011 / Previews Aug. 19 & Aug. 21, 2011
By William Shakespeare / Directed by Jon Tracy
A magical, mysterious exploration of revenge, forgiveness and the transitory nature of dreams. Marin Shakespeare Company welcomes wunderkind director Jon Tracy who brings his own brand of magic to this enchanting romance. Featuring Robert Parsons,* Michael Torres,* Scott Coopwood,* Lynne Soffer,* and George Maguire.*

WHEN: July 8 to Sept. 25, 2011
Marin Shakespeare Company kicks off the season with preview performances.
Performances at 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays; 4 p.m. Sundays.

WHERE: Forest Meadows Amphitheatre
1475 Grand Avenue, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, Calif. 94901

TICKETS: $20 to $35
Season tickets: $75 General, $65 Senior, $45 Youth
Bard Pass: Eight tickets for $200 good for any performance.
Single tickets advance or at the door: $35 General; $30 Senior; $20 Youth
Shakespeare Dinners: $35 per person. A catered dinner and intimate pre-show talk. Play ticket and beverages not included.

BOX OFFICE: 415-499-4488

Photo credit: Steven Underwood

Monica Turner
Contributor to Stark Insider for tech, the arts and All Things West Coast for over 10 years.