A Complete Summer Outdoor Experience with the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Jun 8, 2009 Media Contacts Brigid Finley/Carissa Remitz Wagstaff Worldwide, Inc. (415) 274-2510 Daphne Lange Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (800) 74-SHOWS One visit to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and the reason that more than 30,000 attendees travel from across the United States to attend each summer is crystal clear. Nestled between the pristine Sand Harbor State Park beach and the towering pines, outcrops a first class performance venue with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding basin. At Reno-Tahoe's premier summer event, Shakespeare's works come alive outdoors, just as they were meant to. The 2009 season, slated July 11 - Aug. 23, offers intrigue, romance, comedy and action.  2009 PLAYS Celebrating its 37th season, the Festival brings the comedy of Shakespeare's deliciously scandalous 'Measure for Measure," the hilariously scheming duos of 'Much Ado About Nothing" to the specially built Warren Edward Trepp Stage. 'Much Ado About Nothing" is the story of two very different romantic relationships. Returning war heroes, sweethearts in waiting, noble princes, mischievous brothers and a bumbling constable are the lovable and laughable characters inhabiting this rollicking play. Presided over by the sparring, wise-cracking, mismatched lovers Beatrice and Benedick, this sparkling comedy of wit and romance, fools and tricksters, takes a tumbling journey of laughter, love and happy endings. 'Much Ado About Nothing" is Shakespeare at his best, proving yet again that when it comes to falling in love, it's never too late.   'Measure for Measure" is one of Shakespeare's most fascinating and provocative plays bringing together political intrigue and moral responsibility. 'Measure for Measure" is equal parts bed-trick and head-trick, mystery and love story. In a society overrun by brothels, opportunists, moralists and politicians, the ruling Duke Vincentio appoints his stern deputy, Angelo, to restore the peace. But when the virtuous and beautiful Isabella comes to Angelo to plead for her brother's life, will he succumb to the vices he so abhors? Will the Duke act quickly enough to save the day and once more put his kingdom in order?   URBAN VILLAGE MUSIC SERIES Complementing the Festival is the premiere of the Urban Village Monday Night Music Series, July 13 through Aug. 17. The diverse line-up of musical performances, found typically in larger metropolitan locations such as New York and Los Angeles, covers a wide range of styles from Afro-Cuban to Broadway and provides audiences with soul-stirring rhythms and energetic beats. The concert series line-up includes: Reno Philharmonic's Broadway on the Beach with Broadway star Hugh Panero; Afro-Cuban World Music performer Ricardo Lemvo; Jazz ensemble, Babbo; Blues artist Sugaray; Latin funk musician and composer Omar Alexander; and Karen Briggs featuring her 'Soulchestra" style blending classical, contemporary, world, soul and R&B sounds.  SHAKESPEARE'S KITCHEN Shakespeare's Kitchen, the Festival's food and beverage area located inside the theatre gates, offers an assortment of fare at every price level enhancing the experience. The extensive menu includes complete dinners with natural free-range selections and vegetarian options, children's portions and tantalizing desserts plus a wide selection of fine wines, ales, lagers, select liqueurs and spirits, specialty coffee drinks and other hot beverages. Prior to each performance guests can also visit Shakespeare's Vineyard and for $25 receive a Festival wine glass and a sampling of five wines from California growers and international vineyards.    D.G. MENCHETTI YOUNG SHAKESPEARE PROGRAM Each summer the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival demonstrates the timelessness of Shakespeare's works to kids of all ages with its FREE educational outreach programs conducted in collaboration with the Nevada Shakespeare Company. The D.G. Menchetti Young Shakespeare performances are held at area amphitheatres, community centers and parks throughout Reno, Lake Tahoe, Minden, Carson City and Truckee, Calif. Youth enjoy a one-hour interpretation of Shakespeare's comedy, 'Much Ado About Nothing," set in contemporary times and created with the young audience member in mind featuring a mixed cast of professional and young actors.  A MIDSUMMER'S CAMP A Midsummer's Camp offers young thespians the opportunity to dive into the history and language of Shakespeare.  The camps focus on building a character, voice and acting techniques through actual scene work from several Shakespeare plays. Camp instructors are seasoned professionals and experienced arts educators trained to enrich the acting experience. Two one-week camps and one two-week camp is offered each summer and culminates with a performance.  TICKETS START AT $22 Purchase tickets online at www.LakeTahoeShakespeare.com or by calling 800-74-SHOWS (800-747-4697). Prices start at $22 for open seating tiers and range in options up to the Premium and  Reserved seating sections. Information about the 2009 season, membership, volunteer opportunities and sponsorships are also available online.     The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established for the cultural benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors to Lake Tahoe and Reno. Annually drawing more than 30,000 attendees from across the country to the specially built Warren Edward Trepp Stage along the north shore of Lake Tahoe, the Festival is an advocate for producing the finest cultural events in the region. The Festival's community outreach includes an annual educational program, InterACT, designed to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, theater and music and the D.G. Menchetti Young Shakespeare Program, a free series of performances produced specifically for the younger audience presented free of charge during the summer throughout Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada. ###