Shakespeare in LA

Jill Rogosheske, Michael Manuel, and Lance Davis in the Reader’s Theater performance of The School for Scandal. Photo by Peter Zuehlke

Parson’s Nose Theater, led by Artistic Director Lance Davis, announces its 15th anniversary season of classic theater in Southern California. The company’s season consists of three Reader’s Theater Series performances and three Full Productions. The Merchant of Venice kicks off the Reader’s Theater Series in October, followed by A Christmas Carol in December and The Barber of Seville in January, 2015. The season will also feature full productions of The Pied Piper of Hamlin – A Musical, The Madwoman of Chaillot, and Our American Cousin. All Reader’s Theater and Full Productions are original adaptations by Parson’s Nose artistic director, Lance Davis.

“It’s our fifteenth season introducing classic works to the people of Los Angeles. And we are just as committed to their relevance,” says Mr. Davis. “Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice presents two warring cultures, one behind the walls of the other. The Pied Piper is from an Eastern European legend of children lost in a war. Dickens’A Christmas Carol has reminded us for 160 years what it is to be human. Beaumarchais’ The Barber of Seville sails two young lovers through the rapids of authority. Giraudoux’s Madwoman of Chaillot ends the fracking of Paris. And Tom Taylor’s 1859 comedy sends our boorish American Cousin to visit an erstwhile Downton Abbey. Come get to know the lights of our past, that shine on our present and into our future.” 

Parson’s Nose is also happy to announce that they will continue selling their entire season – both Reader’s Theater and Full Productions – as “Pay What You Will”. Says Davis, “It’s essential that all people have the opportunity to hear the works of some of the greatest writers in history. Thanks to our generous supporters, we can keep all of our shows affordable – no one is ever turned away because they couldn’t afford a ticket.”

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call (626) 403-7667 or go to www.parsonsnose.com.

Parson’s Nose Theater’s 2014-2015 Season:
Reader’s Theater Series
October 18-19, 2014
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

December 20-21, 2014
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

January 17-18, 2015
The Barber of Seville by Pierre Beaumarchais

Full Productions
November 1-23, 2014
The Pied Piper of Hamlin – A Musical from an Eastern European Folk Tale

February 7-March 1, 2015
The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux

March 28-April 19, 2015
Our American Cousin by Tom Taylor