Tony Award propelled expansion of Festival

Monday, June 16, 2003 | 8:08 a.m.

After the festival won a Tony Award in 2000, it has attracted more equity actors, brought back time-tested directors and extended its programs into a fall season.

This year the summer season runs from Thursday through Aug. 30. Then the fall season opens Sept. 19 and runs through Oct. 18.

The Shakespeare plays are produced in the open-air, under-the-stars Adams Shakespearean Theatre, a replica of the Globe Theatre transported to the Southern Utah University campus in Cedar City.

"Much Ado about Nothing" plays at 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays in the Adams.

"Richard III" is produced at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays in the Adams.

"Measure for Measure" goes on at 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Adams.

For matinees the Randall L. Jones Theatre, east of the university theatre, is the place to be for:

"Born Yesterday" at 2 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

"The Servant of Two Masters" at 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays.

"1776" at 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For those who need to brush up on Shakespeare, his plays or any other play at the festival, one hour before each production begins, a free orientation is scheduled. Audiences get a quick overview and can ask questions about the plays or the festival.

Mornings at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. audiences can gather in a grove of cedar trees, bring their coffee and pastries, and participate in a discussion of the plays from the day before.

Before evening performances there are live musicians, puppeteers, dancers and readings in the courtyard next to the Adams Theatre. It's called the Greenshow, and it opens at 7 p.m. every night except Sunday. It's free.

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights before the plays, audience members can treat themselves to a Royal Feaste, eating food and using mannerisms common in Shakespeare's day. Reservations are necessary by noon of the day you plan to attend.

Since children under 6 are not admitted to the plays, child care for those up to 8 years old is available at 43 S. 200 West for $10 per child per play.