Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival's Midsummer Nights Series Returns with an Unprecendented Line-Up of Post-Season Events

Jun 11, 2007

Media Contacts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:   Catherine Atack/LTSF

                      775-832-1616

                      Betsy McDonald/RKPR, Inc.

                      775-323-6333

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. (TBD) - Back by popular demand, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival presents its 2^nd annual Midsummer Nights series, a collection of artistic performances and outdoor events held Aug. 22 - 27, 2007 at Sand Harbor State Park following the final curtain call on the Shakespeare performances.  The 2007 lineup is unprecedented, offering a well-balanced mix of dance, music and performing arts as well as an exclusive performance from Cirque de Soleil® stars, a show the likes of which the area has never before been exposed to.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring such an exciting and diverse menu of events to the Lake Tahoe area," said Catherine Atack, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. "The response from our first Midsummer Nights series was overwhelming and we knew it was something we had to bring back again this summer.  The Festival is working in collaboration with a variety of area arts organizations to present a truly exciting program for 2007 accented nicely by the phenomenal weather we're blessed with in late August and Tahoe's incomparable beauty."

Performances scheduled for the 2007 Midsummer Nights series include:

Aug. 22 - 23:  Sierra Nevada Ballet's "A Celebration of Genius II" is filled with music from greats such as Chopin, Dave Brubeck, George Gerhswin and Gian Carlo Menotti along with original works by Sierra Nevada Ballet composers in residence Susan Mazer and Dallas Smith and Andy Heglund. The first portion of the performances features original choreography designed to match each musical style with international dance stars including the artistry of Ballet Danseur Domingo Rubio, Russian born Eugene Petrov and the "fastest feet in tap," Sam Weber. The second half of the program highlights "The Unicorn," "The Gorgon" and "The Manticore," a madrigal, comical story ballet accented with spectacular original costumes commissioned by the Library of Congress.

Aug. 24 - 25: Christopher Childers of Choozi Entertainment and friends from Cirque de Soleil® present "A Midsummer Night-MARE," a momentous program unlike anything ever performed in Reno-Tahoe. This spectacular production will feature former principal performers from Mystere, "O" and Allegria in their first outdoor performance as well as stars from Broadway and the "Lido de Paris" of Paris, France. Showcasing the performers' world-wide talent, the program entertains with a wild mix of dancers, contortionists, aerialists, stilt walkers, live music and acting.  Cast in a cameo performance is InnerRhythms Dance Theatre based in Truckee, Calif. A special "On the Couch" theatrical talk show with the cast will follow the performance. According to executive producer, WISE Ventures, Inc., the net proceeds from the Aug. 24 performance will benefit the Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Foundation on behalf of the Cancer Center and the Aug. 25 program will benefit InnerRhythms Dance Theatre.

Aug. 26:  Lake Tahoe Chautauqua brings the past to life with its theatrical enactments of poignant characters of the literary world.  This year features "The Renaissance Response - Playwrights to Pirates" showcasing the life and times of William Shakespeare and the Irish Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley, a larger-than-life figure from 16th century Irish history.  Tap into Shakespeare's life including his influence and perspective through his writing.  Then listen as the Queen exhibits her take-charge attitude relating to the changing perceptions of the 16^th century. Perhaps we will finally get the answer to the all important question "Is the pen mightier than the sword?"

Aug. 27:  Bobby Caldwell and the Reno Jazz Orchestra, presented by Crystal Bay Casino Road Shows, make a first time appearance at Sand Harbor.  Caldwell, a long-time jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist, performs traditional and contemporary big band favorites.  Known as one of the most revered vocalists and songwriters in contemporary music today, his songwriting skills have earned hits not only for himself but also for well-known artists such as Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera, Amy Grant, Neil Diamond and Al Jarreau. Combined, Caldwell's songs and samples have contributed to more than $40 million in sales. His vast repertoire of rousing R&B, intimate smooth jazz and big band songs affords him with the ability to entertain at any venue, for fans of all ages.

The evening performances for the 2007 season of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival begins July 12 and run seven nights per week through August 19 featuring a brand new lineup of performances including Romeo & Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew and the contemporary comedy Greater Tuna.  Tickets start at $22 for open seating tiers and range in options up to the premier Reserved Seating section from $67.

For tickets or more information about the Midsummer Nights series at Sand Harbor State Park or the 2007 Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, visit http://www.laketahoeshakespeare.com/ or call 800-74-SHOWS (800-747-4697).

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. The annual Festival advocates the finest cultural events in the area while educating future generations on the importance of the arts, theater and music.  Presenting sponsors for the 2007 Festival include Harrah's/Harvey's at Lake Tahoe offering first class accommodations and gaming choices at Lake Tahoe's South Shore, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) representing Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place and Microsoft Licensing, GP.  

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